Griffy, The Golf-Loving Gopher ~ Review

Griffy, The Golf-Loving Gopher

By Francesca Falcetta Morrell

Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti

Griffy loves golf and watches local golfers play from the sidelines hidden from sight in the bushes. Not unheard of until you hear that Griffy is a gopher!

Now Griffy is not just an observer of golf, nope his love makes him determined to play the game. This was a cute book about determination to be the best that one can be and not allowing others to keep you from achieving your goal.

The illustrations are sweet and well-done, a perfect complement to the story. This is a fun way to introduce young readers to golf while promoting early literacy with an engaging read that will have you cheering for Griffy to succeed.

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.

About the Book:

What if your biggest dream was different from everyone else's?

Griffy, The Golf-Loving Gopher follows a small gopher with an outsized dream of playing golf. He prepares in secret, practices by moonlight, and then finally steps up to the tee—only to be laughed at and told he doesn't belong. What he does next teaches young readers that a setback isn't the end of a dream and that courage often means trying again. Told in playful rhyme with warm watercolor illustrations, it's a gentle lesson in perseverance, self-belief, and looking past first impressions.

Perfect for children ages 3–7, golf families, grandparents, teachers, librarians, classrooms, and junior golf programs, Griffy, the Golf-Loving Gopher is a delightful read-aloud that children will want to hear again and again.

Available to purchase from Amazon.

If You Ever Need a Friend ~ Review

If You Ever Need a Friend
An Alebrije Story
By Nadine M. Fonseca
Art by Lourdes Villagomez

If You Ever Need a Friend is a picture book with a lot of color. The story opens with Joaquin just having a tough time of it. He finds it hard to find a place where he is comfortable in school. 

One day he is transported to a strange and fantastical world. Here he learns about alebrijes. Could an alebrjie help Joaquin overcome his obstacles and better handle the stresses of the day?

For Joaquin the answer is yes. And we are taken through the process of designing and bring an alebrije to life.

What are alebrijes you ask? Alebrije are created companion animals who help children (or people) handle their emotions.

This is like an imaginary friend/playmate to help a child overcome the stresses they are currently confronting. This made me think of that favorite toy or blanket that a child insists on taking with them everywhere. It is an interesting concept designing a friend to a specific need. 

This book provides historical references so that one can ,ore fully grasp this concept and the cultural significance it plays.

There is also a short glossary of words that are in Spanish so a fun learning opportunity as well. 

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.

About the Book:

Joaquin is having a hard day at school. He struggles to speak up in class even though he knows the answers, he doesn’t feel included when trying to play soccer with his friends, and he ends up sitting alone during recess—feeling invisible.

But when he investigates a strange shimmery light by the playground slide, he is transported to a special forest filled with fantastical creatures known as alebrijes, or magic companion animals.

His friend, Imogen, introduces Joaquin to several alebrijes, and the special creatures share the ways they help people manage their emotions. One creature roars like a lion with Imogen when she feels angry and needs to let it out. Another one helps Noemi blend into the background like a chameleon when she is feeling nervous and needs a moment to herself. A third alebrije has big ears to hear all of Tío Andres’s worries.

Joaquin learns how to identify his needs and create an alebrije specifically for him, and when he returns to school, he is no longer feeling alone or invisible. With his new, fantastical friend helping him, Joaquin’s hard day is now one of his best yet.

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.

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples ~ Review

                                      Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

Autumn has come, and Isaac's sugar maple is losing its leaves. Isaac and Izzy want the sugar maple to have a tree friend and, with the help of their animal friends, try to make it happen. But how do you grow another magical sugar maple? That's going to take a little bit of thought, but Isaac and Izzy are sure to come up with something. But they just may need a little magical assistance from the sugar maple.

This series of books is aimed at younger readers who are just starting out on their own with a little bit of assistance or for just starting out readers who will read along with mom, dad, or anyone willing to have an open lap and willingness to read out loud. Cute, colorful illustrations complement the story and add to its charm.

This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree and Isaac and Izzy's Tree House.

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.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Autumn is painting the world in vibrant colors, and Isaac and Izzy want to give back to their favorite magical maple tree. A normal present won’t do, though. They want to give him the sweetest gift of all - a friend!

But are all the efforts of the kids and the animals who live near the tree enough to create a bit of magic…or will the Sugar Maple have to lend them a helpful branch once again?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House ~ Review

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

It's now summer, and Isaac has come up with a plan to spend more time with his sugar maple tree - a tree house. There's just a little problem: what Isaac builds is nothing like a tree house, and his maple isn't magically fixing it. And Isaac's "tree house" isn't making the animals who live in it happy. 

The next day, Isaac gets something even better than a tree house - a new friend. 

This is a cute read that does eventually have a little magic thrown in, but the main focus of this picture book is friendship. The illustrations will appeal to young readers for whom this book is written. This is a fairly easy read that kids who are starting to read on their own should be able to handle with just a little assistance. This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree.

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.

About the Book:

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

With summer warming the world, Isaac decides it’s time for a new adventure with his favorite Sugar Maple. But his plans for a treehouse turn out to be a spectacular…failure. And the animals who call the tree home are in a tizzy over it, too. Isaac doesn’t understand why his tree isn’t making some of its magic…until it delivers the most magical help of all— a new friend!

This whimsical tale of delight, discovery, and unexpected friendships is as sweet as sprinkled donuts and will bring you back for another season’s adventures.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree ~ Review

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

What happens to sugar maples when they lose all their leaves for winter? Are they lonely, being all alone with bare branches? These are the questions that trouble Isaac about the beloved sugar maple in his yard. Determined to keep his maple from being lonely, Isaac promises to visit with it daily. At the end of his visit, Isaac leaves a gift, a part of his snack. The next day, a magical gift waits for Isaac.

This is a fun, imaginative story that will delight young readers. The illustrations, in my opinion, would be Isaac's illustrative journalling of the time he spends with his sugar maple, which seemingly has magical abilities. This is a story of winter, the hope of spring, and friendship. For those who like having concepts taught in their books, this book offers colors, days, and seasons.

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.

About the Book:

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can the magic last with spring on the horizon?

This magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, the water cycle, and some of our favorite fruits is sure to delight readers of all ages!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

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

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.

When I Pray for You ~ Review

When I Pray for You
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by Kimberly Barnes

When I Pray for You is a story that shares the love of a parent for their child each and every time they pray for them. Each day brings growth and new prayers and wonders. From the moment of first knowing one's child and through the years of change one prays for growth and a purpose that brings caring, love and light to the world.

This picture book is less than 40 pages with approximately 20 to 40 words per page. The book has a lyrical flow that is well suited to the illustrations (or I should perhaps say the illustrations are well suited to the textual flow). The illustrations are well developed, colored throughout with a blend of brights, pastels, and primaries. The friends of the main child that are portrayed are a well-balanced variance of skin tones which is, in my opinion, a definite plus.

This is a lovely story that you'll love sharing with all the little ones in your life and it may become a favorite bedtime go-to choice. Know someone expecting a little one? This would be the perfect gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.

About the Book:

From the moment I saw you,

I started to pray. Big prayers and

small ones I have sent God's way.

With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender feelings connected with watching a beloved child grow and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book in which children and parents see their own stories come to life. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, while sharing with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. This is a book you will read to your child again and again.

I prayed you felt safe, full of joy and content.

That when I whispered "I love you,"

you knew what I meant.

Who Sang the First Song? ~ Review

Who Sang the First Song?
By Ellie Holcomb
Illustrated by Kayla Harren

In Who Sang the First Song? the reader is taken on a journey of exploration of discovering who sang the first song. The story has a rhythmic lyrical flow to it and in combination with the illustrations should engage the attention of any young listener/reader.

Have you ever wondered where the first song came from? Well, this delightful picture book asks and answers this very question with the conclusion being God. But He didn't stop there as He gave everyone a song to sing and to hear.

There is limited wording so young readers should be able to (with a little help) make their way through this book. And the illustrations are a powerful companion in sharing the story. The scenes are varied and each has a faint scattering of musical notes throughout.

The book is approximately 9-1/4" x 9-1/2" with 28 unnumbered pages with the first having a to/from plate perfect for gift giving. There is a dust jacket but the same image is on the hardcover beneath (in case little sticky fingers tear the jacket).

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



About the Book:
In this engaging picture book with whimsical art, singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb asks a childlike question and answers with a lovely lyrical tale that shows young readers that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing.


About the Author:
Singer-songwriter—and now author—Ellie Holcomb began her musical career touring the country with her husband in the Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her honest voice and rich lyrics shined on her first solo album and deemed her the Best New Artist at the 2014 Dove Awards. In 2017, she followed with the restorative, hope-inducing Red Sea Road. Ellie, her husband, Drew, and their three children live and make music in Nashville, Tennessee.