The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

I posted on my book blog yesterday about this wonderful book I came across. While it's targeted for Middle Grade children,  it really is a wonderful book for kids of ALL ages! 

Click on this link to read my review. 

The Bible and Me ~ Stories with a message to live by Retold by Lois Rock; Illustrated by Alida Massari

Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Lion Hudson (August 1, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0745964958
ISBN-13: 978-0745964959

Synopsis

(from Amazon)

Thoughtfully retold, The Bible and Me begins with the faith stories of the Old Testament that tell of God’s unfailing love. The New Testament describes the coming of God’s son Jesus Christ, who by his life and teaching showed how all people could be reconciled to God.The stories of Jesus’ friends and followers are that of their faith, hope, and love. Each story ends with a prayer, psalm, or passage for reflection. 

 

The Bible and Me is a wonderful retelling of Biblical stories for children. The stories are well written and  engaging. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and quite captivating with their gorgeous array of colors.

This book would be a wonderful addition for read aloud bedtime stories, devotions, family time and/or self-reading time for older children!

5 Stars

Thank you to Kregel Publishing for the free gift of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

The Railway Children ~ The Book and The Movie

I had a wonderful vacation from work last weekend.  I was able to set aside some time  for relaxing and reading some contemporary books I had on my "to do list". I also was able to read one of the children's classic books that I somehow missed reading as a child ...

I watched the movie too ...

 

I was impressed at the quality of the movie (a Masterpiece Theatre production) and how closely the movie followed the book.  Both were very enjoyable and well worth the reading/watching!

While I enjoy reading contemporary books, there is something about visiting the older classics that I find refreshing. 

What books do you like to read? 

Great E Book Finds ~ Children's Books!

All e-books are $1.99 or less at the time of this posting. Please check the price though, as they change frequently.

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

  

• Recommended Age Range: 3 - 7 years
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• Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2015)
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• Language: English

• ISBN-10: 1771381078
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• ISBN-13: 978-1771381079

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Synopsis

When a young girl named Kikko realizes her father has forgotten the pie he was supposed to bring to Grandma's house, she offers to try and catch him as he makes his way through the woods. 

She hurriedly follows her father's footprints in the snow and happens upon a large house she has never seen before. Curious, Kikko peers through the window, when she is startled by a small lamb wearing a coat and carrying a purse. 

Even more surprising, the lamb speaks, asking her in a kind voice, "Are you here for the tea party?" Suddenly, Kikko realizes her trip through the woods has turned into something magical.

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi is a delightful children's book. Though it is marketed  for ages 3-7 years of age, it's story will engage and bring a smile to those reading it as well the the children listening.  

The story is engaging and the open ending of the story will spur a child's creative side with whirlwind thoughts of what really did happen in this story!

The pictures are superbly done,   mostly black and white with intermittent red and yellow color. Children will be captivated by each page as you read them this story or for the older child, as they read it to themselves. 

All in all, this is a wonderful book and one I will be gifting to my friends who have young children or expecting an addition to their family!

5 Stars

Thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

M is for Manger ~ A Wonderful Children's Book for Christmas!

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 17, 2015)
• ISBN-10: 1496401956
• ISBN-13: 978-1496401953
• Authors: Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley
• Pictures by Claire Keay

For Ages 4 and Up

Synopsis:

Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. 

Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God’s chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. 

Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season.

M is for Manger by Crystal Bowman, Teri McKinley and illustrated by Claire Keay is a delightful new Christmas book for children ages 4 and up. 

With each letter of the alphabet, the story of Christmas and Jesus' birth comes to life in  words along with beautifully drawn illustrations.  The story and pictures are enchanting! 

M is for Manger would be wonderful as a read aloud for younger children, a read along book for older ones as well as a wonderful way for the family to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.  

5 Stars!

Thank you to Tyndale Publishing for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ishtar's Odyssey: A Family Story For Advent by Arnold Ytreeide

• ISBN-10: 0825443938
• ISBN-13: 978-0825443930

Synopsis:

A new Advent family devotional from the author of Jotham’s Journey! Fourth in a set of Advent adventure books for families, Ishtar’s Odyssey follows the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. Ishtar would just as soon stay in the comfort of the palace, but slowly he learns that there’s much to see, do, and learn in this world that can’t be experienced in school. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

Arnold Ytreeide’s family advent devotionals have become a much-loved Christmas tradition, enjoyed by multiple generations. With over 100,000 in print they include Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels.

Ishtar's Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide is the fourth in his Advent book series but it can be read as a stand alone book or as part of the series.

It is a historical fiction book that is strongly based on Biblical truths, Bible verses and of course, the story of Christ's birth. Mr. Ytreeide has brought history to life through this book (and series) that the whole family will enjoy as an Advent devotional.

The story is  divided into short chapters  to be read aloud for each day of Advent. After each chapter there is a short summation by the author with end of chapter "thinking points" that can be used to discuss what was just read aloud. He also includes a Bible verse for each day as well. 

There are suggestions throughout the book that can be used to help bring the story "to life" even more. There is a list of Persian food that Isthar ate during his journey next to a "comparable meal for today" as well. At the back of the book there is a list of dates for "Advent through the years" that I think is extremely helpful. 

All in all, Ishtar's Odyssey is a wonderful story and devotional that parents, children and families can share together to experience and celebrate the wonder and joy of the Advent season! 

5 Stars!

Thank you to Kregel publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

99 Prayers for Children ~ A Wonderful Holiday Gift!

• ISBN-10: 1781281912
• ISBN-13: 978-1781281918
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• Compiled by Juliet David
• Illustrator: Elina Ellis
• Ages: 5 - 7 years
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From the Publisher:

A companion prayer book to 99 Stories from the Bible with delightful illustrations in a strong vibrant style and prayers for all occasions. The prayers are a combination of traditional and modern and provide an introduction to family prayer time with young children, bringing talking to God to life in the heart of every child.

99 Prayers for Children is a wonderful compilation of prayers for children.  It is beautifully illustrated with bright colors and scenes. The prayers are short, direct and simple yet eloquent and engaging. 

This book will provide a wonderful resource for parents and children as they read together, share how to pray and encourage a deeper relationship with God. 

99 Prayers for Children would make a fabulous gift this holiday season!

5 Stars!

Thank you to Kregel Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an  honest review. 

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

• ISBN-10: 0152047190
• ISBN-13: 978-0152047191

Over the past year I  have seen this book pop up over the blog  world and kept meaning to check it out from the library to read. Well,  a few weeks ago I did and  what a treat it was to read!  

Someone once told me that a really good children's book is one that engages not only children but adults as well. Miracles on Maple Hill  by Virginia Sorensen fits right into that category.

The story is about Marly, a young girl and her family, her Mother (Lee), her Father (Dale)  and her older brother Joe. Marly's father has just returned from war and is having a difficult time re-adjusting to city life and family. He's not the same man he was when he went off to war. 

Marly and her family are very worried for him and in an effort to help him, they all decide to spend the summer at Marly's great grandmother's home on Maple Hill.  Once there,  the family finds healing, miracles an so much more!

This book  a delight to read! Ms. Sorensen wrote a lovely story of family, friendship and miracles.  What touched me most is the emphasis  of  getting back to nature and a simpler way of living. The theme of greeting the day with an open heart and mind and finding miracles in the simplicity of productive days, friendships and nature.

This would be a wonderful read aloud book for younger children and a read alone book for older ones. I'd recommend it for ages 7-10 and to kids of all ages!

Little Women and Me by Laura Baratz-Logstead

• ISBN-10: 1619630338
• ISBN-13: 978-1619630338
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Recommended for ages 12 and up

A beloved classic retold with a uniquely captivating twist!  

From Amazon: 

Emily is sick and tired of being a middle sister. So when she gets a school assignment to describe what she'd change about a classic novel, Emily pounces on Little Women. After all, if she can't change things in her own family, maybe she can bring a little justice to the March sisters. (Kill off Beth? Have cute Laurie wind up with Jo instead of Amy? Amy and Laurie ... What was Louisa May Alcott thinking?!) 

But when Emily gets mysteriously transported into the 1860s world of the book, she discovers that righting fictional wrongs won't be easy. And after being immersed in a time and place so different from her own, it may be Emily--not the four March sisters--who undergoes the most surprising change of all.

Little Women and Me  by Laura Baratz-Logstead is a refreshing and creative story. The author realistically captured and portrayed the angst of being a middle sister and the challenges of growing up. The storyline of Emily transporting back to the 1860's and living life with the March family is a unique  and fascinating twist to a well known classic! 

 The story kept me on my toes, eager to see how Emily would "right the wrongs" she believed existed in the original classic.  I was engaged and captivated throughout the whole book. The ending was a complete surprise for me!

So yes, I have to share that I really enjoyed reading this book!  I also was relieved and grateful that this lovely classic was not morphed into a darker version of the original, which is so prevalent in today's re-telling of fairy tales and classics.  

A Visitor for Bear

A Visitor for Bear 

Author: Bonny Becker 

Illustrator: Kady Mcdonald Denton 

For Ages: 4-8 

 This delightful tale is about a bear who truly doesn't wish to have any visitors. All he wishes is to eat his breakfast in peace but a little mouse comes to call and won't go away. 

The story is enchanting and is a wonderful read aloud book for children. The illustrations are bright, crisp and full of wonderful detail. It is a delightful book full of fun, charm and even some basic manners for young children to learn.

My children loved this book and so do I! Umm...my kids are 8 and 10 and would absolutely cringe if they knew I had just written that last statement - LOL! If asked, they will deny it. :)

Books I loved as a child (and still do)...

Recently, I was able to come across some reprints of a series that I dearly loved reading when I was a child: 

The Bobbsey Twins by Laura Lee Hope 

I still enjoy these books and I am so excited about sharing this series with my boys! Mmmmm... my all time favorite book in this series? 

 The Bobbsey Twins on a Houseboat !

I can't wait to find out which ones will be Lil' Pea and Pea Jr's favorites! 

Since I am strolling down memory lane, I thought I'd share a few more series that I loved as a kid ...

After The Bobbsey Twins, I graduated to Cherry Ames, Student Nurse.

This delightful series fueled my  imagination. I dreamed of being a nurse and traveling the world! 

Click here to read more about this book series as well! 

Of course, the next big series I delved into was the Nancy Drew Mysteries. I loved and devoured these books like they were candy. Couldn't  get enough! 

  

 I also enjoyed a few Dana Girl Mysteries ...

I was lucky enough to have access to my brother's books as well, so I read (and enjoyed) the Hardy Boys  mysteries too. 

 

It's amazing how the books above have lasted over the years and how each new generation of children are enjoying them over and over again! 

Thanks for strolling down memory lane with me!