Bibi Steps Out! by Roni Schotter & illustrated by Christy Hale [Review]

ISBN: 9781536238525  Candlewick Press
Hardcover $18.99 USD 

My thoughts:  Bibi is a shy young girl with artistic talent who hesitates to leave the house. She gets up the courage and goes to stroll along noticing neighbors and what they are doing. As I read the story, I noted that the names were predominantly Jewish (at least as far as I know). As the story progresses, Bibi arrives at the old rail trail. This is where I learned that abandoned train rail tracks had been cemented (or paved) over. When Bibi arrived at the local rail trail, she sees people from her neighborhood and they are placing bird houses in the area.

They, with Bibi, devise a plan to reclaim the abandoned, trashed rail trail and create a beautiful spot where people can relax, walk, play. They clean, plant native plants, place more birdhouses, and place benches that Bibi and a lady have decorated with their artistic skills.

A lovely story about how Bibi overcomes her shyness and gets out and about interacting with people. And a lovely story of community coming together to reclaim a trashed area making it a lovely spot that is safe and pleasant to be in.

And stepping back in the early pages of the story, Bibi's neighbor, Mr. Fogelman, has a sign over his garage -  TIKKUM OLAM which in the Jewish religion means people are called upon--through action and kindness--to help repair our imperfect world.[*from final page of Bibi Steps Out.

About the book: A shy, artistic girl comes out of her shell—and finds her community—as she helps transform an ignored rail trail into a place of recreation and beauty.

It’s spring at last, and the residents of Longview Lane are starting to creep out of their cocoons to enjoy the world outside. Among them is Bibi, whose shyness has her hiding under her hoodie, clutching her sketchpad, hoping she doesn’t have to talk to anyone. Bibi is making a beeline for her special place: the Old Rail Trail, where she can sit alone under a tree and draw the birds, ignoring the litter all around her. But today she has unexpected company—neighbors putting up birdhouses and inviting her to make a poster showing what the trail could look like if it were all cleaned up. What if Bibi put her art toward making that dream a reality, decorating benches while others planted flowers, patched up paths, or cleared away trash? From author Roni Schotter and illustrator Christy Hale comes an ode to the transformative effects of community on both the natural places we share and the individuals who love them. Back matter offers more on the history of the rails-to-trails movement and some ways that kids can get involved in their local scene.5 Candlewick

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

He Never Let Go: Overcoming the Trauma of Mental Illness with God's Love by Pamela A. Waggoner Good,

My thoughts:  I haven't read this book but have read portions and given it a brief scan. Mental health is often overlooked, ignored, scorned, feared, ridiculed, and just basically swept under the rug. That is until it hits a major nerve in the family or society. The author's journey through life with emotional or mental stability problems in her family is a personal journey that is shared with readers who wish to dip their toes into this murkey, often misunderstood, and ignored spiral.

The author details personal and family members actions with details of occasions and relationships, and the impact on herself and others. Often, these are not pleasant happenings. 

I suggest that readers recognize this as one individual's journey and the harsh impact it has on her life. Accept that Pamela recognizes God in her journey letting the God of all illnesses, the God of all that exists hold onto her with His unfailing love and goodness. 

NOTE: Currently, the mental illness of a young mother on trial for the criminal murder of her young children is headline news and is drawing attention to the plight of women under pressures of daily life, motherhood, hormonal issues, and possible abuse. Mental illness is a health issue that needs to be recognized and addressed. Medication is not always the answer. But God is always there waiting for our trust in and reliance on Him.

About the book: How do you dream when you've spent a lifetime in survival mode?

From the outside, Pam Good had it all together, working twice as hard, running twice as fast, and rarely showing a crack in her armor. But beneath the polished surface was a fragile heart torn by savage wounds in early life. Raised by a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, Pam experiences rejection, shame, abandonment, and isolation. She learns to cope in silence, seeking validation through perfectionism.

Yet, after a lifetime of maintaining masks and self-made walls, Pam's survival mechanisms begin to break down.

In this gripping memoir into the depths of the darkness of mental illness, journey with Pam as feelings of unworthiness hold her prisoner, shame festers in secrecy, and rejection compounds in isolation. Pam's remarkable resilience is her only shield. Then she begins to question God, rejecting herself, and desperately hiding her scars from the world. Soon, Pam can no longer outrun the truth. Her darkest night descends as she plans to "tap out" of life.

For anyone tired of hiding, weary of the struggle, and wondering if true peace can ever be yours, He Never Let Go is a testament to the relentless grip of grace and the immense power of redemption. With unflinching realism, master storytelling, and the authentic hope of a faith that wrestles down results, Pam offers a hand to those ready to step into the light. He Never Let Go is a story of pain, desperation, resilience, and surrender, where only the Truth can lead you from the darkest caverns of self-abuse to the brightest path of abundant life.

Stop surviving. Start living.

He Never Let Go will help you:

• Heal from the stigma of mental illness
• Understand the blessing of unanswered prayers
• Understand how struggles build resilience and faith
• Be truthful about yourself so you can start to heal
• Understand that you are only as sick as your secrets.

Read a sample

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book and a token sponsorship to spotlight or review this book. Winner's prize book will be provided by and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. This giveaway is hosted by www.blessedfreebies.com. #HeNeverLetGoBook #graceupongrace #traumahealing #christianbook #christianbookstagram #sponsored Paid partnership with "He Never Let Go"

Two Jewish holidays celebrated in September: New Year (Rosh Hashanah) & Festival of Sukkah; children's picture books

Non-Jewish families would do well to acquaint themselves and their children with various holidays and observances celebrated within the Jewish communities. 

This helps broach understanding and enables ability to function as caring members of society.

These children's books take a sweet look at the Jewish New Year and the Sukkah Festival of Booths both celebrated in September.

The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah [ISBN: 9781536244717]

What is Rosh Hashanah? 

The Jewish New Year festival, held on the first (also sometimes the second) day of Tishri (in September). It is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.

My thoughts:  A sweetly illustrated story about a Jewish family celebrating the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and the preparations for special sweets they put into this time. It is also a story about extended family relationships and family gathering for a special holiday. It addresses forgiveness and sharing as young Ellie learns to forgive her cousin.

A recipe for Challa bread is included with illustrated instructions. 

A light introduction to understanding Jewish holidays.

About the book: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with Ellie and her family—and try your hand at some baking and making of your own.

Shorter days and cooler air mean autumn is here. For Ellie, the best part is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Ellie loves helping Mom bake round challahs, sampling the raisins, and assisting Dad with the sweet honey cake. As the house fills with delicious smells and the sky grows dark, her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins arrive to mark the holiday with them—including bossy Lara. Can Ellie find it in her heart to forgive Lara for “borrowing” her paints last year? As part of a warm family series about festivals, The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah features two activity spreads inviting young readers to make their own challah bread and create a festive card to give to someone they love. Shana Tovah! 

🕎📜✡️

Our Spectacular Sukkah [ISBN: 9781536235104]

What is Sukkah?

The word sukkah literally means a “shaded booth.” In a rather cryptic verse, the Torah tells us to dwell in a sukkah for seven days so that coming “generations shall know that I caused the children of Israel to dwell in sukkot when I took them out of the land of Egypt.”[from https://www.chadbad.org/library]

My thoughts:  A cute story about a Jewish family getting ready to celebrate Sukkah as a reminder of the 40 years of dessert wandering the Jewish people did after escaping Egypt bondage. They are designing and building a spectacular Sukkah and then a storm arises and blows the Sukkah apart and scatters it all over the neighborhood. Kind neighbors pitch in and return it to them.

The story is lovely! The back matter material on the holiday is quite interesting and beneficial. Love the craft included of how to build your own Sukkah.

Another delightful story to educate on Jewish holiday celebrations.

About the book:  Community, connection, and a capricious turn of weather each play a role as a family sets out to create a homemade shelter in celebration of the Jewish Sukkot holiday.

For one excited family, it’s time to build a sukkah in their backyard—a glorious, sturdy sukkah just for them. They can’t wait to eat, play, and sing in it for seven days and watch the stars through it for seven nights. Everything is perfect until . . . whoosh! A sudden, powerful burst of wind crashes through and ruins everything. But wait, could all those neighbors toting stray branches and other bits and pieces help to make this the family’s—and the neighborhood’s—most special Sukkot yet? With its themes of connection, helping, and sharing food, this sweet story from the creative team behind the award-winning Rising has appeal both to Jewish families who mark this harvest holiday every year and to families just learning about it for the first time. Back matter offers more information about Sukkot and instructions on making a miniature sukkah of your own.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Beatrix and Her Friends (ISBN: 9781682637791) by Anne Lambelet

My thoughts:  I have a strong fondness of picturebook biographies as ways to introduce children to the real world and increase their desire to learn more about the people who have made things happen throughout history. In Beatrix and her Friends, children can read and visualize a woman who succeeded in creating greatly beloved children's books and getting them published; and this was done during a period of time when getting the creative work of women authors published, and even the type of book - a children's picturebook - was something just simply not done or even thought to be welcomed.

This children's picture biography shows how Beatrix had always had an affinity to animals, especially small critters - mice, rats, rabbits. Using her artistic talent and story telling abilities to tell sweet stories about her critter friends and then achieving the momentous task of getting them published is a story worth telling to young readers. It tells of overcoming obstacles, pursing what you love to do, sticking to a goal, and developing one's talents.

Beautifully illustrated using watercolors in soft and natural tones this book speaks again to the sweetness of the stories and books Beatrix created that told the tale of her beloved little critter friends.

I recommend this book.

About the book: A Beatrix Potter biography that brings to life the creatures of the natural world she loved and the many endearing animal characters she created.

Beatrix Potter remains one of the most beloved creators of children’s books, beginning with The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902 and continuing through 23 more Little Tale titles. Potter’s stories featured a world of unforgettable animal characters that have entertained youngsters for several generations. But Potter was more than a children’s author— she was also an accomplished artist, a forward-looking farmer, and a committed preservationist. In her later years, she helped save over 4,000 acres of farms and wooded areas in the Lake District region of England.

Born in 1866, Beatrix grew up in a big house in London. Her Victorian parents rarely interacted with Beatrix and hesitated to let her associate with other children fearing illness. She was taught at home by governesses. She relished family vacations in the countryside, where she could roam freely in the nearby fields and forests and observe the wonders of nature. Back home, confined mainly to the third floor of the house, Beatrix and her younger brother invented their own entertainment. Over the years, they brought all kinds of animals into their nursery, a veritable zoo. Beatrix, who loved to draw, spent hours every day sketching each creature, especially the mice and rabbits. A favorite among her many animals was the rabbit she named Peter Piper.

Perhaps because of her solitary existence Beatrix developed a rich inner life centered on the animals in their natural habitats and in her imagination. Her children’s books evolved from illustrated letters she wrote to the children of her former governess, Annie Moore.

This picture book biography recounts the life of Beatrix Potter in broad strokes with a focus on the joy and comfort she found in her animals, real and imagined. It is a charming book written and illustrated by a bright young talent and it will appear in time for the 160th anniversary of Potter’s birth. With the reissue of the Little Tales in 2002, a new generation of children have come to love Beatrix Potter and all her wonderful characters.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present Wab Kinew, Janine Gibbons (Illustrator)

My thoughts:  Firstly, I highly anticipated this children's book. I believe we (as non-indigenous to the Americas peoples) need to learn more of those who were here before Europeans came to the Americas. I believe our roots (all cultures) should be preserved historically and I believe in the ability of peoples to dwell together in peace and community. I do not believe today's people should be condemned for the acts of predecessors. Nor do I believe in repatriations. I believe that indigenous peoples have been influenceful and impactful and this book highlights several who have lived to do just that.

In this children's book there are positives but there are negatives, and I rarely say that about a children's book because I am selective in that which I review and promote. 

The illustrations are bold, colorful, and represent the peoples and culture of the (Canadian) Anishinaabe (some call them Eskimos), Lakota (peoples of the Black Hills in USA), and others. Some of the faces are bright and cheerful and some are fierce as a warriors should be.

A  two-page spread highlights a woman warrior had "wives" and wouldn't "take a man.  and it is further highlighted in the back pages where individual heroes are shown with short bios. This I believe speaks of homosexuality which is contrary what I believe is God's plan for mankind. This reference should not be in a children's book and is a primary reason I can not recommend this book. 

About the book: A companion book to the bestselling Go Show the World, this is another joyous picture book celebration of 13 Indigenous heroes from the past and present.

We are who we are. There's strength in this too. We kept this place free, so you can be you.

Author Wab Kinew expresses this essential message and continues his work from Go Show the World by celebrating the triumphs of 13 more Indigenous heroes throughout history — and how their struggles and successes have made not just their communities but the world a better place for today's youth.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy via the LibraryThing.com Early Readers contest. Reviews are appreciated but not necessary. Opinions are mine, alone.

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit by Kyle Worley ✝️[Review & Giveaway]

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit by Kyle Worley & illustrated by Kaja Kajfez 

ISBN: 9798384521952
BHKids Publishing
Hardcover $17.99

My thoughts:  Dad uses bedtime storytime to teach how Christ has slain the dragon (Satan) and we can wear the armor of God to protect us. Allegorically written, Biblical truths are presented in a story that some might view as fantasy style.  It does, however, truthly tell how Christ has defeated Satan.

Nicely done storyline with rhyming text and colorfully illustrated with attention to detail, children will enjoy hearing it read aloud to them. Christians will love having this book for their children to aid in learning more about Christ, the slayer of Satan, and how we are provided "armor" that protects us from Satan's fiery darts.

About the book: Dive into this timeless, fantastical tale of a hero defeating evil and giving His people everything they need.

Lydia loves to snuggle up and hear made-up bedtime stories from her dad. One night, Dad tells a rhyming, allegorical story about a town caught in the clutches of an evil, fiery-eyed dragon. On their own, the people were no match for the dragon; but one day, a hero comes along and changes everything.

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit not only retells the gospel story but also introduces kids to the armor of God. Like the dragon slayer defeats the dragon, Jesus defeats Satan. In the same way that the dragon slayer gave the people a suit to help fight before his return, God’s people receive His armor to join in the fight against Satan until Jesus comes back. From beautiful illustrations to memorable rhyme, this story is sure to get kids excited about Jesus, the armor of God, and the hope God’s people have for the future. As Lydia’s dad says at the end of the story . . .

“Yes, we can be brave, for our Savior is strong.

We can stand fearless. It won’t be that long

‘Till evil is dead and God’s people are home

In the place where no dragon ever will roam.”

 

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 12

Ends September 11 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit by Kyle Worley

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher or it's publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

The Bachelor Spy (Freddie & Grace Mysteries #5) by Pepper Bansham

ISBN: 9798891513893
Paperback | $15.99 USD
Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:  The author's foray into the period of World War I with the setting that of a wealthy Lord and Lady Astley's estate, Havensbrook, as a hospital for the wounded and war damaged young men of England, is interesting. Delightful characters include the staunch, loyal butler Brandon, the lovely Lady Grace (who features in other Freddie & Grace Mysteries), the charming child star of the story and sweet adopted daughter, Sahra, all blended with duplicitous spies Germany (the enemy) as well as spies for England all set the stage for an interesting story.

There were sections that I felt as through I was plodding through a wordy mire and a tangle of characters that confused and stilled my interest. But the story read on and I found much that was interesting.

I found couples in a delightful romantic adventure with each other and  engaged in some rapturous embraces and kisses. A bit more intense than usual for a Christian novel. Albeit, rapturous, it was still a very clean read and safe for your older teen or perhaps grandmother.

We all know that the German army was defeated; so hence we know, too, that the outcome of The Bachelor Spy was good as well.

About the book: Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.