Grandpa Hugs by Laura Neutzling

Book Description

Grandmas are for kisses, and grandpas are for great big hugs! Grandpas are fun! They go on adventures, tell silly jokes, say funny things, and love to eat treats. This adorable board book celebrates how wonderful spending time with Grandpa can be!

Little ones and grandpas alike will love Grandpa Hugs, the charming, rhyming storybook about how special a grandpa can be to a child. This companion to the acclaimed Grandma Kisses celebrates grandfathers and all the love and fun they bring to the special grandkids in their lives.

Whether it is a gift from a grandfather to his grandchild, a grandchild to her grandpa, or as a sweet, creative birth announcement for a first-time grandpa, Grandpa Hugs is bound to warm the hearts of everyone who reads it.

Sweet, adorable, charming are just a few words that describe this book telling of a Grandpa and grandchild relationship. It describes some of the fun and memorable things that they find to do together.  The soft pastel colors in the illustrations match the tone of love that is shared in the grand bond.  The cover is cushioned hardback  and the pages are durable cardboard to withstand the reading and rereading of this wonder treasure that I'm sure any child is going to want to put the book through.  This book will be added to the church nursery library.  

For more information click here.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “Grandpa Hugs” from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Noah, Noah, What do You See? by Bill Martin Jr & Michael Sampson

Teach them Bible stories at an early age with the help of Bill Martin Jr & Michael Sampson's Noah, Noah, What Do You See?  book. It's a chunky, cardboard book excellent for those chubby little tot hands.  Preschoolers will love to learn about Noah, Moses and Daniel as they turn the pages of this book.  Each page and story also has the Bible scripture reference so that you can turn to the story in the Bible and read it as well to your child.  The illustrations are bold and colorful.  For more information about this book visit here.

Book Description

From the bestselling authors of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka, 1, 2, 3

Noah, Noah, what do you see? I see animals in the ark with me.

Moses sees the Red Sea part. Daniel sees lions in the den. Mary sees baby Jesus smiling at her. Noah, Noah, What Do You See? introduces little ones to favorite Bible heroes from the Old and New Testaments.

With colorful art from Melissa Iwai and the signature rhyming style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, parents and children alike will love the classic storytelling of Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson.

Bill Martin Jr. didn’t learn to read until he reached college, yet he earned a doctorate in education from Northwestern University. He was one of the world’s foremost authors in literary education, as well as a million-selling author of books including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

Michael Sampson, Ph.D., is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six books for young children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. Sampson is dean of the School of Education at St. John’s University in New York City and lives with his family on Long Island.

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood by: Sarah Humphrey

40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood: Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom (Abingdon Press, August 2016)

Nourishment for a mother’s soul through 40 days of devotion and . . . doodling! 

Wouldn’t it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions—an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:

—Self-acceptance
—Self-care
—Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations
—Generosity
—Presence
—Forgiveness

In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!

Learn more and purchase a copy.

I've done some of the mandala coloring pages, but have never had my own coloring book.  This 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood is an excellent book- in that you can search your soul and calm your mind just getting away with God in prayer and coloring.  The devotions themselves aren't long; however, each devotional has a coloring page.  It would definitely take several settings to complete if you are a mom that is in great demand.  The coloring might even have to be a project for nap time or quite mommy minutes.  However, they aren't too overwhelmingly detailed.  Some have some have scripture verses others are just pictures. 

The devotionals are on the modern, new-age side and geared for mommies that is for sure.  How can you go wrong with meditating on God's Word and spending time relaxing and coloring. 

Often considered a dreamer and silly heart, Sarah Humphrey uses inspiration from her most beloved career, motherhood, to fuel her passion for writing, creative movement and teaching. She has and is authoring several books and children’s books. Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three beautiful, bouncy kids.

The Pirate and the Firefly by Tara McClary Reeeves & Amanda Jenkins

About “The Pirate and the Firefly”

Oliver loves pretending to be a pirate, but learns that blindly following others doesn't leave him with a good feeling inside.

In this Scripture adventure, kids join Oliver as he rights the wrongs done by his so-called Pirate friends. Through it all, Captain Oliver learns that following God's way is the true way to wisdom!

Based on Scripture from Psalm 1, "The Pirate and the Firefly" aims to address the felt needs of children ages 4 to 8 including courage, confidence, friendship and more with biblical truths about God.

This is a beautiful book that teaches character values in more ways than one.  I love that it uses scripture to address doing what it right vs making wrong choices.    Teaching children to stand up for what is right.  This book will definitely find it's way into my classroom library this fall.   The book even has a page for parents to connect and use as a springboard with questions. The illustrations are  colorful and eye appealing as well. 
You can take a look inside this lovely book here.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Amanda Jenkins is passionate about communicating biblical truths to kids in a way they can understand and connect with. Amanda lives just outside of Chicago with her husband, Dallas, and their four young children. She is also the daughter-in-law of Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the best- selling Left Behind series.

Tara Mcclary reeves is the author of Don’t Tell That to Beasley and one of her joys and privileges as a parent is daily pointing her two teens and toddler to Jesus. She is thrilled Amanda Jenkins agreed to join her on The Knight and the Firefly and is prayerful their collaboration will equip parents and children to focus and depend upon the Lord. Tara and her husband, Lee, live in Davidson, North Carolina with their 13-year- old twins, Caroline and Daniel, and 14-month-old Harrison. She blogs at www.rememberyourraisin.com.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by...

Little One, God Made You Special by Amy Warren Hilliker

Little One, God Made You Special is a cardboard chunky book.  Pre-School aged youngsters will love this quick read.  The message of this book is: they are perfect just they way God made them and no one is like them.  What better message could you give a 2-4 year old.  The rhyming meter is perfect for the young as well. The illustrations are bold and colorful with cute forest friends throughout the book. This is another book heading to the church nursery. 

Book Description

Little One, God Made You Special, written by Amy Warren Hilliker and inspired by the New York Times #1bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life, is a cute and cuddly board book that let’s children know God made each one of us very special.

Counting Blessings by Eileen Spinelli

 Count Blessings is a beautiful hard cardboard book just right for the little preschool hands.  They'll enjoy every minute of counting and learning what it truly is that God has given them.  It will help them learn what blessings are in their life.  It is everyday things we should be thankful for.  Grateful for the things we just take for granted.  The illustrations are big, bold and very colorful.  Just right for little tikes to adore.  This book is will be a welcome addtion in our church nursery library. 

Book Description

Children count along from 1 to 10, following the sweet rhyming text by beloved author Eileen Spinelli and the cute and cuddly illustrations by Lee Holland. Along with counting, this padded cover board book teaches children to see the blessings in life. With whimsy and joy, Counting Blessings captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.

Glimmer Girls tour with giveaway

About Glimmer Girls

Readers will join twins Mia and Maddie, and their little sister, Lulu, as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and mischief along the way.  Together with their father, famous mother, singer Gloria Glimmer, and their slightly wacky nanny, Miss Julia, the smart and sassy sisters learn lessons about being good friends, telling the truth, and a whole lot more.

 
 I'm having to do a spotlight here cause this tour was to be posted before today; however, I didn't get the books to review until this past Friday.  I'm really sorry I don't have a review posted for this tour.  The books were supposedly mailed in Feb.  I guess mine got lost in the mail or came pony express OR something.  The books were written with 9-12 year old girls in mind.  
 Both books get pretty good reviews.  Click here to get more information about the books. 
London Art Chase
A Dolphin Wish
 Any way I have a giveaway to do.  Giveaways are open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.  Please leave a comment telling me who you would share these books with.  I will draw a winner on March 26th

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Nighttime Lullabies by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Nighttime Lullabies is a durable, chunky cardboard book.  It is able to with stand the hands of little ones.  A just right fit for youngsters 3-5 years of age.  Good to teach them the value of how to treat a book but able to live up too some abuse.

The book is full of adorable poems to help your child focus on God and his love as they fall asleep.  Each poem is 1-3 verses long.  Each poem is preceded by a verse of scripture.  They also end with a short little sentence prayer to help get the poems theme across. Use them at night time, use them at nap time or any time for that matter.  Could even be used as a good night time devotional for your young ones. 

The illustrations are colorful and attractive.  What little one isn't going to fall in love with a lamb, bunny, duck and their animal friends.  These friends set the mood for Nighttime Lullabies. 

Nighttime Lullabies will be a keeper for my children.
 
Visit here for more information about this book.
See what others said about this book here.

Book Description

Sweet bedtime lullabies and prayers . . . just before you turn out the light.

A case-bound padded board book from the Really Woolly® brand gives children sweet lullabies to help them fall asleep. Little ones will love the charming Really Woolly illustrations, engaging verse, and Scripture from the International Children’s Bible® that allow them to drift off in sweet dreams, knowing they are loved and safe. Prayer starters also encourage children to end their day talking to God.

Other books in the series regularly appear on bestseller lists and have sold more than 850,000 copies.
Really Woolly products by DaySpring® include cards, videos, and gift and are Dayspring’s bestselling children’s brand.

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend by Andy Andrews

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend is a humorous rhyming book of how a boy and man's best friend get together.  It's a cute story in rhyming meter on friendship.  Henry dreams of what would make the best friend....goldfish with antlers, goat with 10 legs or maybe a short-necked giraffe.  If it can be dreamed of Henry probably thought of it.  Kids of all ages will love this book.  Pet adoption is theme of this book.
Visit here for more information about this book.  
See what others said about this book here.

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews, this hilarious rhyming story, complete with charming art, offers comfort to children who feel left out or are in need of a good friend.
At some point, almost every child struggles with feeling like they don't fit in or are left out-just like Henry Hodges. Henry is a lonely little boy on a lonely little street who longs for a friend. One day, his mother and father take him to a pet rescue shelter and his lonely world is changed! Told in a playful rhyme with adorable illustrations, this book will be a favorite among children and parents who love dogs and, ultimately, will comfort and encourage children who struggle with feeling accepted and finding friends.
Kids will want to read this whimsical and imaginative story again and again!

About the Author
Hailed by a New York Times reporter as "someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America," Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist, speaker, and consultant for the world's largest corporations and organizations. He has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents and recently addressed members of Congress and their spouses. Andy is the author of three New York Times bestsellers. He and his wife, Polly, have two sons.

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elepahnt book series by Marci & Elle Fair

 

"The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant - Ellie Makes A New Friend”

Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner! A beautiful blend of real life and make-believe, The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant series recounts the everyday life of a stuffed animal. The debut book, Ellie Makes a New Friend, follows the plush elephant as she moves to a new neighborhood and has to find a new playmate.

Written and photographed by mother Marci Fair and her ten-year-old daughter Elle Fair, the story is uniquely illustrated with delightful photos of the little elephant’s journeys through the neighborhood as she tries to settle into her new home. Children will love seeing a toy living in a real-world setting, and parents and teachers will appreciate Ellie’s positive and creative approach to finding answers to her problems.
Fun, playful, and packed with imagination, you won’t want to miss the upcoming adventures of Ellie—and her new friend!

 Ellie Makes A New Friend

"The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant - Ellie’s First Plane Ride”

Mother-daughter duo Marci Fair and Elle Fair have coauthored a series of books about eleven-year-old Elle’s two favorite stuffed animals, Ellie the Elephant and Pudgy the Penguin. Even as a working mother of four, Marci has always made time to read bedtime stories to her kids and encouraged them to read on their own, as well. A big fan of both books and stuffed animals, Elle enjoys working on this special project with her mom. They are delighted that their first book “Ellie Makes A New Friend” has already won a Gold Mom’s Choice award.

Always on the lookout for a new adventure, Ellie the Elephant can hardly believe her good fortune when she gets to go on her first plane ride and visit her faraway relatives. The only thing that could make this trip better is sharing it with a friend, so Ellie invites Pudgy the Penguin to join her.

The newest book in The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant series, Ellie’s First Plane Ride follows the two plush toys as they navigate the airport, experience flight for the first time, revel in hotel luxury, and face the daunting task of finding their way through a massive zoo in search of Ellie’s real-life elephant relatives.

Ellie's First Plane Ride

 

The Ellie books are books that come alive with pictures.  They are books that children are going to relate to because they are written by a 10 year old girl and her mother.  Easy to read in every way.  Children will fall in love with Ellie, the elephant, and her friends as they flip through these adventure books.  Most of the pictures in these books are regular photo type pictures that give the books a scrapbook effect memory of their adventure.  Ellie and her friends are stuffed animals and they are in each photo.  These books are well thought out and very nicely done.   I'm looking forward to reading more of Ellie's adventures and meeting new friends that Ellie has. 

About the author:
Marci Fair is a business owner and a mother of four who has worked in real estate for over twenty years. She and her husband own several real estate businesses, some which are ranked in the US.

In addition to her professional career, Marci is the founder of Kares 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that has served more than 18,000 children in need since 2005. She is also the author of the award-winning book TILT: 7 Solutions to Be a Guilt-Free Working Mom, liberating other women with her hard-won wisdom—“Balance is impossible; memories are better.”

 A copy of these books were provided by Bostick Communications and the author in exchange for my honest review.

Psalm 23 by Richard Jesse Watson

When I saw Richard Watson's book Psalm 23 come up for review, I jumped at the chance to review it because it was KJV text.  It is very hard to find KJV text books.  I'm not disappointed in the least.  I was very pleasantly pleased with this book.  The illustrations are absolutely awesome.  This book is geared to the preschooler.  It is a chunky cardboard book.  Very durable to those little hands.  Your little one is bound to get caught up in the illustrations as you read Psalm 23 to them.  It is a perfect fit.  This one is going in the church nursery for little ones to look at and teachers to read to them.  Would I recommend this book?  You bet ya! 

Book Description

With illustrations that bring to life Psalm 23, the popular picture book is now available in board book format.
As a follow-up to his bestselling children’s book, The Lord’s Prayer, Richard Jesse Watson created Psalm 23. The soothing and familiar words of the iconic scripture are paired with the vibrant and child-friendly illustrations of Richard Jesse Watson, resulting in a board book edition of the acclaimed picture book that is pleasing to the eyes and soul. Using KJV text, this book helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also incorporating beautiful illustrations that help make the words of David come alive for even the youngest reader.

About the Author
Richard Jesse Watson has been making books for children since 1984. He collaborated with Ruth Bell Graham on One Wintry Night, and his version of The Night Before Christmas was a New York Times bestseller. Watson won the Golden Kite Award for his picture book, Tom Thumb, and his illustrations have also been selected for the Society of Illustrator’s Annual Exhibits. Richard and his wife, Susi, live in Port Townsend, Washington. Their children are following in his footsteps as writers and illustrators of children’s books.

For more information about this book visit here.

It Will be Okay by Lysa TerKeurst

In the end, it will be okay because God is always with us.

Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don't have to be afraid?

Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances-and they don't like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them. The whimsical art by Natalia Moore will put a smile on kids' faces and put their minds at ease. Just as Little Seed and Little Fox learn to trust that the Farmer is good and kind, children will also learn to trust God.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, It Will Be Okay will help kids discover that the end, it really will be okay because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.

 

This is the most adorable children's book I've seen written on the subject of trusting God.  This book so brought the trust factor home to me as I was reading it. Friendship and sticking by the person no matter what is very prevalent throughout the book.  God is always with us, Trust God's plan are also good messages to bring out in this book. Very beautiful message and the illustrations are awesome too.  I would say 4-9 year olds this book is written for; however, any age could use the beautiful theme.  Very strong message and very appropriate.  Definitely going to recommend this book.  I'll put it in the church library to help get the word out.  I can't say how much I really loved this book.  Awesome job worth the money paid for this book.

For more information about this book visit here.

 About the Author
Lysa TerKeurst is the New York Times bestselling author of Made to Crave and Unglued. She isn't shy about admitting what a mess she can be. But she's been learning God's lessons and sharing them on her blog (www.LysaTerKeurst.com) and in her books. Lysa is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband, Art, five kids, three dogs, and mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen