You may not recognize the name Barbara Cooney, but chances are you have been blessed by her illustrations sometime in your life. Here are some things You may not recognize the name Barbara Cooney, but chances are you have been blessed by her illustrations sometime in your life. Here are some things I learned about her from this beautiful little book:
Psalm 23 is the song of one who has traveled with God and knows--without a shadow of a doubt--that He provides, shelters, comforts, and leads His peopPsalm 23 is the song of one who has traveled with God and knows--without a shadow of a doubt--that He provides, shelters, comforts, and leads His people through every beautiful and hard place of life's journey. What more could a parent wish for a child than to sing that song? ~ Ruth Chou Simons
With her signature artistic flair, Ruth Chou Simons gives us a new look at Psalm 23. As noted in her quote (a part of the introductory letter to the book), this is a message to her six boys and reminder of what they have been taught.
If you are looking for a baby gift, graduation gift, new grandparent gift, or a book to share with your own children; look no further. This new title will be available on September 24, 2024.
For when God is with you. . . Home is right where you are.
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Thank you to Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
A family of four decides to go camping. How hard could it be?
They discover it is definitely harder than it looks. Perhaps this shiny, new park called A family of four decides to go camping. How hard could it be?
They discover it is definitely harder than it looks. Perhaps this shiny, new park called "Campingland" is the answer. Nothing is left to chance. Even the fish are waiting to be caught.
Nope that is too easy. Back to the drawing board.
Perhaps they just need a bit more planning. . .
Ame Dyckman and James Burks team up to give us an entertaining look at the art of camping. A friend of mine likes to say there is no bad weather, only inadequate clothing. I think we could apply that truth to the family camping trip. There is no bad camping trip, only inadequate planning.
If your family likes to spend time in a tent, trailer, or RV bus you should check out this colorful and engaging new picture book....more
Talk about a ray of sunshine! Betty Blob may be a monster, but she can't seem to get the knack of looking like one or sounding like one. On school picTalk about a ray of sunshine! Betty Blob may be a monster, but she can't seem to get the knack of looking like one or sounding like one. On school picture day she encounters a little pink puff and follows pinkie into the forest to "a place as bright on the outside as she felt on the inside." A rainbow of puffs dress her up in a flower style that definitely make Betty stand out from her sepia-tone peers. While her classmates scowl at the camera saying things like "Bees," "Fleas," and "Scabby Knees;" Betty proudly flashed her brightest smile with loud proclamations of "Cheese!" from Betty and the puffs who rode along on her dress. What will her mother say when she sees the picture? You will have to read this one for yourself to find out. ...more
This companion book to Are You Big?, Mo Willems tells us about things that are smaller than the average KID -- like this BOOK (5 times smaller), a HAMThis companion book to Are You Big?, Mo Willems tells us about things that are smaller than the average KID -- like this BOOK (5 times smaller), a HAMSTER (1.5 times smaller in width than this book), all the way down to one UPQUARK (5 nonillion times smaller in mass than the average kid.
As with the book about Big, I am not a huge fan of the illustration style. I do love the cool facts inside. Many a kid will get a kick out of informing others about things like how much smaller a GRAIN OF SAND is than a COOKIE CRUMB. Willems also notes that there are surely smaller things yet to discover and that will be a big deal. BTW, in case you were wondering, "the average KID is 1.5 times smaller in height than the average GROWN-UP."...more
And when we bring everything we have to God, God can turn all of it--our mess and our trouble, our joy and our pA psalm is a song that we sing to God.
And when we bring everything we have to God, God can turn all of it--our mess and our trouble, our joy and our pain--into beautiful songs that bless the whole world.
I try to spend time in the Psalms every day -- have been working on memorizing the entire book for almost ten years. Books like this are a welcome opportunity to look at Psalms with new eyes. In this case, the author and illustrator (Khoa Le) have given us a book that invites singing and engaging with the poems organized by theme:
Songs of Wonder -- 19, 66, 8, and 24 Songs of Courage -- 27, 46, 102, 121 (my mom's favorite), 20, and 95 Songs of Comfort -- 23, 51, 30, and 40 Songs of Joy -- 33, 118, 96, 147, and 34 (one of my two favorites in this book) Songs of Protection -- 91, 107, 57, and 90 (my other favorite) Songs of Love -- 36, 42, 103, 84, 136, and 139
Let your sweetness rest on us and when we create, be the firm foundation of everything our hands make ~ from the Psalm 90 poem...more
Cat-lovers and dog-lovers alike will delight in this interactive picture book. We first meet three cats: Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre. They are sure they Cat-lovers and dog-lovers alike will delight in this interactive picture book. We first meet three cats: Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre. They are sure they smell somebody else in the book -- a dog somebody! Flaps on the ensuing pages show where the cats try to hide from the dog and vice versa. Once they are all friends it is the reader's turn. Tips for petting a dog help move everyone toward the happy ending.
There are three cats and a dog in this book. They are all your friends....more
Know any kids who are very shy around strangers? Content to be at home with their family? I was that kid! In this new picture book from Lauren CastillKnow any kids who are very shy around strangers? Content to be at home with their family? I was that kid! In this new picture book from Lauren Castillo, a little girl is happy at home and nervous when out and about around strangers -- even kids her own age. Then she goes with her mom to the animal shelter and they take Millie home. Having a dog to love at home and to accompany them when out and about may be just what this little girl needs. If Millie can make friends, so can she! Perfect for dog-lovers of all ages. ...more
After reading the original 1955 version by Pearl S. Buck and illustrated by Mark Buehner, we decided to read this 2020 retelling by David Warner. On iAfter reading the original 1955 version by Pearl S. Buck and illustrated by Mark Buehner, we decided to read this 2020 retelling by David Warner. On its own it was a heartwarming story with gorgeous B&W photos to illustrate. There is a beautiful hymn (courtesy of The Tabernacle Choir) included throughout the story and ending with:
The Lamb loves you, and will bring you home above. O watch the stars. . . Go find the Child. . . Behold the Lamb, see how He loves!
A page is provided to write a letter of gratitude and love to someone as a Christmas gift. The end notes include Author info for Pearl S. Buck, Richard Thomas, and The Tabernacle Choir. The 2019 Christmas concert featured this story. You can watch it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jOnX...
The Terrific Tina and I both agreed that in comparison to the original, this comes up just a bit short. We felt the ending was a bit too open in the retelling....more
Cuteness overload alert. This book made me giggle. A little cub becomes the stand in for a teddy bear. He wants those cookies, so he plays by tea partCuteness overload alert. This book made me giggle. A little cub becomes the stand in for a teddy bear. He wants those cookies, so he plays by tea party rules: 1) You must be clean - so the cub gets a bath in the tub. 2) You must be neat - so the cub gets combed and perfumed. 3) You must be fancy - so the cub gets dressed up. Soon the cub is being carried back out to the tea party along with the family cat. You know, that one-arm hug that animals just love. Then comes the last rule: 4) You must eat daintily. That was too much for the cub. Maybe it is finally time to play BEAR! Read this at your next tea party. It is sure to be a hit!...more
When I was a kid, we drove to the Iowa farm homes of both sets of grandparents in a Galaxy 500. Yes, that was a LONG time ago -- the 1970's.
Nowadays mWhen I was a kid, we drove to the Iowa farm homes of both sets of grandparents in a Galaxy 500. Yes, that was a LONG time ago -- the 1970's.
Nowadays my grands have to take a plane from the EU to MCI in Kansas City to see their Grammy and Papa for Christmas. They will need to pack winter clothes similar to what they are wearing back home.
In this new picture book from Susan Meissner and Mette Engell, many different families show the ways they travel to see their Mimi or Oma or Granny or Grammy or your favorite grandmother name. (One of my daughter-in-laws has a grandma she calls "Gogo.") The rhyming narrative and illustrations show a wide range of locations and activities to enjoy together.
If you are travelling to celebrate with family this year, consider reading this new picture book along the way.
Thank you to Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
The Grand Design in the Nurture of Children, is to make them STRONG, HARDY, HEALTHY, VIRTUOUS, WISE, and HAPPY. ~ John Newbery, from 'A Little Pretty The Grand Design in the Nurture of Children, is to make them STRONG, HARDY, HEALTHY, VIRTUOUS, WISE, and HAPPY. ~ John Newbery, from 'A Little Pretty Pocket-Book'
I have been keeping tabs on the Newbery Medal winners for many years, but never knew how the award got its name. The American Library Association created the John Newbery award in 1922, 155 years after he passed. His influence remains to this day over 100 years later.
Some interesting facts I learned from this book: ...more
It's Tuesday. Guess what Pete the Cat and his family are having for dinner? Tacos! Oh, no. Their favorite taqueria is closed. Back home they go to makIt's Tuesday. Guess what Pete the Cat and his family are having for dinner? Tacos! Oh, no. Their favorite taqueria is closed. Back home they go to make their own. Everybody in the family has a job starting with homemade taco shells. Yum! When it is time to fill up those shells, they all make their own combos. This book helps kids learn about being more flexible and adventurous with their food. Although I don't think I'll be eating Pete's specialty anytime soon. Not a big fan of anchovies....more
City Dog didn't stop on that first day in the country; he ran as far and fast as he could . . . and all without a leash!
Since our dog Happy is a city City Dog didn't stop on that first day in the country; he ran as far and fast as he could . . . and all without a leash!
Since our dog Happy is a city dog, I was happy to see my Goodreads friend Debbie W review this book. One of Happy's favorite things about being out in the country is running free without his leash. In our story, City Dog meets Country Frog in the Spring. Mo Willems takes us through the full cycle of the year with a section devoted to each season. The watercolor illustrations by Jon J Muth perfectly complement this bittersweet story of friendship. (view spoiler)[If you are up on your biology, then you realize that come Winter, the frog will not be there to play with City Dog. There will be questions! (hide spoiler)]...more
It's Christmas in July time! There is never enough time to fit in all the books I want to read at holiday time. Moving a few to July also helps me to It's Christmas in July time! There is never enough time to fit in all the books I want to read at holiday time. Moving a few to July also helps me to get some titles that might be on the everlasting hold list at my local library.
This book is one that a family can enjoy together year after year. I know this former farm girl will be rereading in future years. Pearl S. Buck has given us a classic tale about a young man and the special Christmas gift he gives his father. Love comes down at Christmas in a most practical way. Be warned that you just might need your tissues handy.
This was a buddy read with the Terrific Tina. You can read her review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... We both loved this heartwarming read. Be sure to check out her review. It should be up later today. Now onto the 2020 reboot by David Warner. We will be discussing that one later today....more
Lou Alice decided to leave each day more beautiful than she found it.
On her daily walk through town, Lou Alice spies a section of town that could use Lou Alice decided to leave each day more beautiful than she found it.
On her daily walk through town, Lou Alice spies a section of town that could use a garden. Even though the 'man in charge' of town hall tells her not to worry about it, Lou Alice plants a garden at night.
Sow, tend, water, mend.
With this system on rinse and repeat, Lou Alice brightens the day of so many town hall workers and other residents with her beautiful flower garden. Then a day comes when Lou Alice has to move into a home. Will the little girl who has been watching Lou Alice be able to follow in her footsteps? Here's a hint: she gets some help by checking some books out from the local library.
This colorful flower-filled book is perfect for sharing in the Spring.
Love flowers like I do? Here are some famous flower quotes: The earth laughs in flowers. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson To plant a garden is to dream of tomorrow. ~ Audrey Hepburn Where flowers bloom so does hope. ~ Lady Bird Johnson...more
Join Dr. Morley and her team as they explore the Arctic Circle for a sighting of the elusive giant arctic jellyfish. The flora and fauna of that part Join Dr. Morley and her team as they explore the Arctic Circle for a sighting of the elusive giant arctic jellyfish. The flora and fauna of that part of the world are a beautiful contrast to the cheerful red of the ship and crew. Detailed cross-sections show life within the hardy ship. As Dr. Morley and company sail around on the top of the planet, we see the shy jellyfish peeking at the ship from various vantage points. Will the tired explorers finally catch a glimpse? Readers will cheer the scientist and her helpers on to their goal....more
One of my favorite things from visiting Latvia in the Spring of 2022 was seeing the storks coming back from their winter in Africa. Along the roads thOne of my favorite things from visiting Latvia in the Spring of 2022 was seeing the storks coming back from their winter in Africa. Along the roads there are nesting platforms and we could see the stork couples preparing their nests for eggs and the babies to come. This year we will visit in August and hope to see the stork families before they leave for the winter.
If you are a bird lover, you will enjoy this story of the White Stork Project (2016)in England. After centuries of being shunned by the storks, this effort on behalf of a group in West Sussex was successful. I may be biased because of my previous exposure to the storks, but I really enjoyed this story. And there are links to a live webcam at www.whitestorkproject.org and info on a man in Croatia who has adopted a female stork who could not fly named Melana. His name is Stjepan Vokic and you can find him on Youtube....more
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