I Dream a Dream For You ~ Review

I Dream a Dream for You
By Bob Hostetler
Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti

When it comes to books for young children, the illustrations are as important, if not more so, than the story. And when the two come together to present a lovely and charming story, it is even better.

This is a bedtime story for children about a parent's dreams and prayers for their child. It hopes that the child will live a morally upright and godly life that helps those in need and enjoys the world around them.

I love the illustrations. They are colorful and perfectly accompany the story.  And I love all the cute animals; the facial expressions really allow little ones to grasp and understand the story better.

In my opinion, this story is appropriate for those aged 6 years and younger. Older children may enjoy it, but I think this is geared towards the youngest readers/listeners.

I was provided a complimentary digital copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Really Woolly ~ Review

Really Woolly: My First Easter
Published by Tommy Nelson
Written by Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Illustrated by Julie Sawyer Phillips

Dayspring 

This cute board book is shaped like a filled-Easter basket with a cut-out at the handle so kids can carry the book as if it were a real basket.

Each facing-page pair has colorful illustrations with a rhyming text, a Bible verse, and a prayer. There is a theme or chapter for each page pairing that includes The Joy of Spring, The Joy of Rain, The Joy of New Beginnings, The Joy of Growing, The Joy of Easter, The Joy of Jesus, and The Joy in My Heart.  The Really Wooly illustrations are timeless and will attract and capture the attention of young children as they learn about the joys of the season. 

A delightful book that is the perfect gift to share with your little reader. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

⇒ Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3qggLK8 #ad 

⇒ Book Blurb

Celebrate the hope of Jesus and the true meaning of Easter with this basket-shaped board book of poems and prayers from DaySpring’s Really Woolly series. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will giggle along with this lovable sheep as they discover that the Easter story is full of joy, from baby ducklings and blooming flowers to knowing that Jesus is alive forever and ever!

This Christian Easter board book for ages 0 to 4 features

1. A die-cut Easter basket shape with a handle and glittered cover
2. An Easter egg hunt in each illustration that will keep children coming back to make new discoveries
3. The favorite Really Woolly characters
4. Bible verses, sweet rhymes, and simple prayers that reflect the delight of God’s promises
5. An age-appropriate way to teach very young children how spring blessings of new life reflect the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection

This inspirational Easter book for kids is the perfect Easter basket gift, spring family read-aloud, or Easter morning Sunday School storytime. Curl up with your own little lamb and Really Woolly My First Easter to celebrate the hope and joy of the Easter season.

The Really Woolly® line from DaySpring® Cards has been a top-selling brand for more than 15 years. Really Woolly products are best known for sharing encouragement through the relationship the Shepherd has with His sheep.

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a print copy of the book. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on April 4, 2022.)

⇒ To Enter, on Instagram FOLLOW me @dayspringcards @bonniericknerjensen @tommynelsonbooks @justreadtours, LIKE and SAVE my post, and COMMENT to let us know you did

⇒ For MORE entries, TAG a friend (up to 3x per post)
⇒ VISIT each hosted post of this tour. Schedule at @justreadtours

Night Night, Angel ~ Review

Night Night, Angel

By Amy Parker

Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

It's time to gather your little one's near and enjoy this delightful board book that celebrates the simple joys of the Christmas season. As the fox family comes together and prepares for Christmas delightful illustrations bring the story to life. Gifts and treats are made to give and share in preparation for the greatest gift of all - the gift of God's Son come that first Christmas night.

This book is for the youngest readers and listeners but older kids who enjoy animals and illustrated books should enjoy this as well. This is a lovely way to share the true joy of the season with the children in your life. Makes a perfect gift!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!

As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

• gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season
• celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities
• gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids

My God Loves Me Bible ~ Review

My God Loves Me Bible
By Cecilie Fodor
Illustrated by Gavin Scott

This board book has a handy red handle that your young reader will appreciate as they can easily take this book with them everywhere. It is a little heavy which is to be expected with a board book. There are 18 stories that are each 2 pages in length. The first page says "My God Loves Me" this is followed by a reason why. The second page has a couple of scripture references and a short passage that corresponds with the scriptures and why from the preceding page.

There are illustrations throughout that will appeal to young readers. Each passage is fairly short and so is perfect for the youngest readers (or listeners) who may have a short attention span. The main focus throughout is that "My God loves me" while tying this fact in with some of the most commonly used Bible stories and showing God's love for these well-known people (for example Moses, David, and those to whom Jesus ministered).

It is important to note that the scripture references are not the text but rather the book, chapter, and verse (such as Genesis 1:26-31). That being said you will want to have a Bible close at hand so that you can share the scripture passages too. Other than that I think this is a nice little intro to the Bible for the little ones in your life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, My God Loves Me Bible shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"

God Gave Me Grandma ~ Review

God Gave Me Grandma
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Xenia Pavlova

This is a delightful book that in combination with adorable pictures and text celebrates Grandmas. Whether they are teachings about the world around us, playing with us, or caring for daily needs we can celebrate the gift God gave us when He gave us Grandma!

The book is a padded board book that measures approximately 8-1/4" x 8-1/4" and is a tad under 3/4"wide. The book is 22 pages of colorful images that feature animals in the role of Grandma and Grandchild. The illustrations are colorful with a perfect blend of brights, pastels, and neutrals. The text has a flow that is almost lyrical. Facing pages have images that go with the action of the text (gardening, swinging, cooking, etc.) The animals used include the cover image kitties, dogs, kangaroos, bunnies, mice, raccoons and five more.

This would be an excellent gift to give Grandma and is perfect for any time of the year. It would definitely be a book to read with an adult as it is a bit heavy for little hands - so this would be a sit on the floor lap book (or placed on a table) for young readers who want to hold it themselves.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
It's no secret that children tend to have a special bond with their grandmothers. With humorous art and fun verses, this book celebrates that relationship and recognizes the many ways that grandmothers support, love, and empower their grandchildren.

Easter is Coming ~ Review

Easter is Coming
By Tama Fortner
Illustrated by Wazza Pink

This is a delightful story about Easter that is presented so that even young children can learn that it was a gift of love from God. Children are taken on a short journey through the Bible starting with Creation and the first sin and the message of the prophets. The main focus of this book though is the life of Jesus and that Easter is coming.

This is a board book that measures approximately 8.25" x 8.25" (or 21 x 21 cm). The cover is padded so easy to hold while reading. The illustrations are colorful but soft perfectly complimenting the story. At 23 pages it isn't too long for short attention spans while sharing a powerful and important message Easter is Coming and it is the proof of God's love for us today. Perfect for bedtime reading or as the start to your day. This is a good family time book whether shared with a parent and child or a grandparent and a slew of grandchildren scattered round about.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Did you know?... Easter is coming!

This special day is more than bunnies and baskets. It's about God and a love so great that He planned to send His Son to save us...right from the very start.

Designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, this book teaches little hearts to celebrate and anticipate the true joy of Easter.

All the Colors That I See ~ Review

All the Colors That I See
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Holli Conger

Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, purple, gray, white, and black. This cute little board book will teach your little ones about color in a fun interactive way. Each color has a specific activity that the reader is supposed to accomplish while identifying the color. The odd numbered pages (1-17) have the color name centered with the rest of the page showing the color. The facing even numbered pages (2-18) have a scene in which there are various examples of the color which the child then points out. The final two pages have the child using the knowledge they have gained to identify the colors in the picture and offer a Bible verse - Ecclesiastes 3:11.

The book is approximately 6-1/4" x 6-1/2" a good size for little hands to hold and sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable drop. There are 20 unnumbered pages which will hold up to sticky fingers and not tear during the page turning.  This would make a lovely gift for the new big brother or sister-to-be. I can also see this as a fun time spent with Grandma or Grandpa cuddling and reading together.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher B&H with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What favorite color did God give you?

Green and yellow, red and blue...little ones can learn their colors and learn that each came from God! Toddlers will be encouraged to touch, tap, or pat colors on each page, and a sneaky chameleon will follow them along the way.

My Merry Christmas ~ Review

My Merry Christmas
By Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Sara Gianassi

This padded board book is delightful and perfect for little readers. The story is 22 pages of illustrations with text on 14 of these pages. The story has a lovely rhythmic flow - "What is Christmas? Do you know?" and with this opening line, the tone is set.

The story has a back-and-forth presentation as cute woodland animals decorate for Christmas and enjoy the season and the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus is told.  The woodland illustrations make use of blues while the Biblical illustrations make use of browns. The illustrations go together and yet each portion has its own unique feel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this book that ends with John 3:16!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher BH Publishing with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What is Christmas?

Is it twinkling lights? Angels? Stars? This rhyming story by Sally Lloyd-Jones helps children relate favorite holiday symbols to the true story of Christmas‒the night Jesus was born.

Jesus Invites Me ~ Review

Jesus Invites Me
Knowing My God series: A Learn book
By Callie Grant
     Art by Missi Jay

Instilling an early knowledge of Jesus that will grow with your child and family is what is so lovely about these books. Jesus Invites Me focuses on the verses from Matthew 11:28-30 in which we are invited by God (Jesus) to bring the burdens in our lives and share them with Him.

This is a promise that all can take to heart from the youngest child to the oldest adult. How often do we have an offer to help us carry the stresses of the day and all we have to do is share our need with God?

Every other page shares a portion of the Scripture while expounding on what this passage means. The facing page has an illustration which conveys this passage as well.

The book includes, in the final portion, guidance for parents on how to engage their children for their age (baby, toddler, and child).

A delight that is perfect for family devotions and would make the perfect gift for new or expecting parents.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun with the understanding that a positive review would not be an expectation and that all opinions expressed would be my own.

About the Book (18 pages):
Children engage with Jesus’ words for them in Matthew 11:28-30. From the Knowing My God series, this book offers three levels of exploration: a quoted Bible passage, beautiful real-world photographs, and supportive text to relate the passage’s meaning to a child’s life. A parent guide gives tips for involving a baby, toddler, and child. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Jesus Invites Me is a Learn book, which makes personal Bible study accessible to young children who, alongside adults, build a foundation for faith and a lifelong friendship with Jesus. Find out more about our Learn, Absorb and Praise books for children at GrahamBlanchard.com.

Download free grownup tips for each book and find out more about Graham Blanchard's Learn, Absorb and Praise™ board books for children at www.grahamblanchard.com.

Jesus Helps Me ~ Review

Jesus Helps Me
By Callie Grant
Art by Missi Jay

Jesus Helps Me is part of the Knowing My God series from Graham Blanchard and is one of their Learn books.  This book focuses on John 12:44-47 helping children to learn and grow in their understanding of faith.

Focusing on different variety of birds as they live and raise their own young, children are made aware of the different aspects of what faith is and how it applies in our own lives,  This is a book that can grow with your child as you focus on the different aspects as they grow.  The Scripture references are the foundation and the lessons about faith and birds are the building block that will add to one's understanding of the world around us and personal faith.

The pictures of the birds will capture children's attention as you spend time reading the book to and/or with them.  This is a board book so it can withstand some rough book love.  At 18 pages this will hold even the shortest attention span.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK (18 pages):

Jesus Helps Me, new to the Knowing My God series, offers four levels of exploration: a quoted Bible passage, beautiful real-world photographs, supportive captions to relate the passage meaning to a child’s life, and thinking questions to personalize the experience. A parent guide gives tips for involving a baby, toddler, and child. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Jesus Helps Me is a Learn book, which makes personal Bible study accessible to young children who, alongside adults, build a foundation for faith and a lifelong friendship with Jesus. These books grow with your child! Find out more about our Learn, Absorb & Praise™ framework for children’s books at GrahamBlanchard.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com.

Knowing My God Series ~ Review

Knowing My God Series
             Starter Kit
By Callie Grant

There is nothing quite so rewarding then to experience a child's sense of joy in reading and at the same time discovering the person of Jesus on a personal level.

The Knowing My God Series Starter Set is an excellent way to introduce the child/children in your life to Jesus.

In Jesus Invites Me Matthew 11:28-30 is examined. Jesus asks us to come to Him and to give Him the burdens we carry.  He will give us rest, a rest that is internal to our soul, a rest that gives us a freedom.

In Jesus Saves Me John 10:14-16 is examined with Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  The role of the shepherd is examined in regard to us being sheep.The love and care of the shepherd to each sheep is how Jesus views us.

In Jesus Shows Me John 15:9-14 is examined. We learn about the love of God and how we can see it in the world around us. From watching animals interact with one another we can learn about friendship and abiding in God's love.

These 3 board books are sturdy and can take the rough handling little ones sometimes subject their books to.  Each book is 18 pages in length, alternating images with text throughout.  The second to last page is for the adult/parent offering reading suggestions to make the reading experience more meaningful as the child ages.

For a younger child who may not be able to fully grasp the meaning of some of words parents may want to just read the verse portion.  The broader story can be part of the growing with your child attribute that the book recommends in the reading suggestions offered to the grown-up.

The suggested age for these books is 0 - 7 years old.  The set is bound together with a paper band that includes various activities to enhance the learning experience - to help your child to think and grasp the message being taught.

I was provided a copy of this series by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


ABOUT THE SERIES (54 pages):

Even the youngest children can begin making a personal connection with Jesus and his words for them with essential Bible basics from three popular board books. The Knowing My God Series Starter Set includes Jesus Invites Me (Matthew 11:28-30), Jesus Shows Me (John 15:9-14), and Jesus Saves Me (John 10:14-16).

From the Learn category in Graham Blanchard’s collection, each book offers three levels of exploration: a quoted Bible passage, beautiful real-world photographs, and supportive text to relate the passage’s meaning to a child’s everyday life. 

A parent guide gives tips for involving a baby, toddler, and child. These books grow with a child! A keepsake book band offers thinking questions and activities to extend the lesson.

Download free grownup tips for each book and find out more about Graham Blanchard's Learn, Absorb and Praise™ board books for children at www.grahamblanchard.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com.

Your Core ~ Review

Your Core
By Callie Grant
Illustrated by Missi Jay

Everyone and everything has a core.  This delightfully illustrated board book will take young readers on a journey of discovery.  What does it mean to have a core and how does the human core differ from that of an apple or the Earth?

Recommended for ages 0 - 5, you can introduce the spiritual aspects of God at the earliest possible age.  Take this journey together with your little one today and lay a foundation on which to build.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author though TBCN/Bookfun in exchange for my honest review.


ABOUT THE BOOK: (22 pages)
Balls have a core. Apples do, too. The Earth has a core. So do you! Everyone has an inner place made by God for welcoming Him and meeting with Him. Graham Blanchard’s newest Absorb book, inspired by Ephesians 3:14-19, appeals to the youngest readers with simple text and engaging scenes to convey an often difficult concept to grasp—even for many adults. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Absorb books connect information about God with a child’s inner life. Children assimilate on a personal level who God is and how they are made to be with Him, trust Him and love Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com

To the Sea ~ Review

To the Sea
By Callie Grant
Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau

To the Sea is a fun board book that has a delightful rhythm and cadence.  This flow of words, like the sea, will capture the attention of young readers as they learn about the sea.

The joys of the sea are explored and discovered during a day spent at the beach  A sand castle, waves, seagulls, fish. What will you discover between the pages of To the Sea?

This is a fun book that can be shared with young readers who are either still into picture books or are starting to read on their own with an occasional word assist from mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa.

 I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/Bookfun in exchange for my honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK: (24 pages)
  As children imagine the sights, sounds, feelings, and tastes evoked in To The Sea, they can take part   in one boy’s adventurous day there, with its surprises and rewards. In Graham Blanchard’s Learn,     Absorb & Praise™ Collection, To The Sea is a Praise book, which wonders at the amazing       

  miracles found in everyday life and praises the God who made them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
   Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by    

   working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company    is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help    

   families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under    the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I    Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham   

   Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com.