Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World [Review & Giveaway] STEAM for Curious Readers Series [Review & Giveaway]

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"Come What May"

WHO HID THE STARS? How Light Pollution Changes Our World

ISBN: 9780802856517
Eerdmans Young Readers $18.99

My thoughts:  Unless a person has been in a completely deserted, unpopulated, people-empty place on this beautiful Earth of ours, they have no idea the beauty, immensity, and brilliance of the night sky populated by stars. We miss so much in our heavily populated area and even in our own small patches of ground we call our home turf. We light our porch lights, our street lamps, and of course the plethora of brilliance that lights up our cities.

We don't take into account the effect these lights have on our own lives. And we certainly don't consider or even understand the effect artificial light has on the natural world - birds, animals, insects, plants. In Who Hid the Stars? the author explains much of what is happening in the natural world when the light that man has engineered invades that darkness of night. 

Who Hid the Stars? could prove to be a wake up call to the younger generation to pursue how humans can continue lighting the dark night in a way less harmful to the entirety of the natural world, including humanity. As readers delve into these introductory pages they will begin their journey to understanding the effect of light in the darkness on ourselves as well as the rest of the world around us.

The art is stunning as can be seen from one's first glance of the beautiful cover. Throughout the book, the art and layout is educationally instructive with a precise and artful methodology. 

At the back of the book, there is a short glossary as well as tips for reducing the effects of light. I highly recommend this book, and encourage thoughtful families to include it in their libraries and for school and public libraries to include it in their collections.

About the book: A richly illustrated picture book exploring light pollution and its surprising impact on nature and wildlife.

When streetlights outshine the stars, what does that mean for plants, animals, and us? This absorbing nonfiction picture book investigates artificial light and its unexpected impact on our planet. Who Hid the Stars? explores fascinating topics including:

• How artificial light developed throughout history—from fire to LEDs
• How city lights interrupt bird migration patterns
• How streetlights gather insects—and their predators
• How turtles struggle to hatch without darkness
• How plant growth changes in artificial light
• How humans can fight light pollution and stop it from harming nature!

With lush ink, acrylic, and digital illustrations and scientifically sound, yet approachable text, Who Hid the Stars? is a memorable way to explore conservation and biodiversity. This book will ignite children’s curiosity and inspire them to take care of Earth—starting by turning out the lights.

Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Who Hid the Stars? includes a glossary of terms, a further reading list, and a link to the authors’ bibliography. The browsable book is ideal for STEAM units along with Earth Day and World Wildlife Day celebrations.

Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series. The book’s original edition was shortlisted for Italy’s Premio Piccolo Galileo (Little Galileo Award).

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 1

Ends May 15 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

WHO HID THE STARS? How Light Polution Changes Our World

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This hop is hosted by MamatheFox and Mom Does Reviews. Disclosure: MamatheFox, Mom Does Reviews, and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Chat With Vera's DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner will be contacted via the email address registered with Gleam.io, and winner will have 48 hours to provided requested information.

Blueprint for Love (Small Town Shenanigans #3) by Penny Zeller [3-Book Series Giveaway]

Small Town Shenanigans

Please note: "Small town Shenanigans" are 

faith-filled contemporary Christian books.

Blueprint for Love (Small Town Shenanigans #3)

Buy on Amazon: Click Here
Kindle version now
Paperback book later

• He’s a grumpy contractor.
• She’s a bubbly interior designer.
• Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love?

Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together?

For those of you familiar with the series, this one is Jeanette's story (Braxton's sister). 

Watch for Vera's review, sometime in near future.

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Under the Mistletoe (Small Town Shenanigans #2) 

Buy on Amazon: Click Here
Kindle & Paperback available

My thoughts:  I read this book in late Spring rather than during the cold, fire-side reading of Winter and Christmas-time. Still it is a fun read and has just enough "Christmasy" details to remind me to past times and future Christmases.  This is a gentle, sweet story centered in the small town of Cloverdale and in a delightful Inn. And, yes, there is a bit of "room in the Inn" for a stranded stranger.

Characters included a sweet substitute Innkeeper. A visiting handsome "nerdy" stranger. A complaining, frosty old lady stranded in this Christmas scene. A family featuring two sweet kids. And a dog and a chicken. Don't forget the delightfully bossy older ladies who are self-declared investigators.

As the story progresses over the days leading up to Christmas, an attic cleanout results in a story of past friends and love.

I love that these are good people. People of faith. Flawed individuals. Kind individuals.

This is a book (and series of books) that you can read, you can hand to your teen to read, or you can share with your grandmother.

About the book:  Take a trip to Cloverdale Falls in this hilarious Christian rom-com, the second in the Small Town Shenanigans Series. Under the Mistletoe can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in conjunction with Recipe for Love .

He's a nerdy tourist needing a vacation.

She's a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart.

Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas.

Written especially for those who enjoy the following tropes:

• Fun Rom-com (think Great American Family/Pureflix or Hallmark with faith)
• Friends to more
• Opposites
• He falls first
• Introvert/Extrovert
• Small town
• Christmas
• Numerous hilarious moments
• Secondary characters in every generation

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Recipe for Love (Small Town Shenanigans #1)

Buy on Amazon
Kindle & Paperback available

My thoughts (originally appeared on Chat With Vera May 2025): You can count on a Penny Zeller book to be squeaky clean and Christian in scope. This one doesn't disappoint. It's clean. It's cute. It's a sweet rom-com. And it is Christian in scope but not "preachy."

Part of the "Small Town Shenanigans" books by Zeller, this one is nearly unbelievable in that the town - founded by chicken farmers many years hence - has a chicken statue named "Henrietta" standing midtown and the town's current mascot is a pet chicken by the same name. But of course, that just makes it all cuter and more quirky.

Characters that you'll come to love and will laugh at will spring from the pages of this sweet read.

There's a problem, a mystery to solve, and a worrisome situation for the shop owners on main street. How will it be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, and will the sweet budding romance blossom into full bloom?

About the book: Rumors started flying when all of the businesses on Main Street in Cloverdale Falls sold last month. Bakery owner Maisie Carpenter finds herself appointed to uncover the mysterious new owner’s identity, and in the process hopefully allay some of the residents' fears. What happens when she solves the mystery and discovers the man connected with purchasing the businesses is the very man she has recently fallen in love with?

Take a trip Cloverdale Falls in this hilarious Christian rom-com, the second in the Small Town Shenanigans Series. Secret word: funny - Recipe for Love is a standalone with new characters or can be read in conjunction with Love in the Headlines.

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~|~ GIVEAWAY ~|~

Begins April 26

Ends May 31 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Small Town Shenanigans books #1-#3) by Penny Zeller [Series Giveaway]

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate reviews. No compensation received for postings or reviews. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided by and are mailed/shipped directly to them by author oro publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Notification to winner will be via email provided on the Gleam.io entry platform and a deadline of 48 hours after email notification for required information is allowed. Failure to respond in 48 hours disqualifies winner and a different selection will be made.

Fly: A Fable for Dreamers & the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell from BHKids Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

Fly: A Fable for Dreamers and the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell

ISBN: 9798384540014
Hardcover $14.99

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully readable story set in tongue-loving rhyme. I absolutely loved reading it aloud. The story is a make-believe tale of a pig who dreams of being able to fly; and as he dreams, he begins to work toward making that dream a reality. Of course, it all rhymes.

The beauty of this story is not just the dreaming or the rhyming or the work-ethic of making one's dreams a reality. It is the "twist" at the end when that behind the scenes flock of friends is revealed as the supporters of Pig as he dreams and tries to achieve. 

This is truly a story to simply enjoy, and yet it is a story with a valuable life lesson that we succeed, we achieve, we soar with the support of our friends and loved ones who lift us up with helping hands. Though it is not stated exactly, but I sense a reference to the truth that we are lifted on the "wings of prayer." 

The author and illustrator have delivered a charming, totally enjoyable, and friendship oriented story that I highly recommend for homes and libraries.

Listen to Granny GG Read an intro to FLY

About the book:  An inspiring fable on how friendship can fuel the biggest of dreams.

Full of dreams and gumption, Harold T. Pig knows he was made for more than his workshop. But when his wild ideas turn to the sky, he’ll need some surprising help for his dreams to take flight.

Harold’s story cheers on the dreamer in us all, but it’s also a reminder that our own stories have a supporting cast that deserves our applause and gratitude. Readers of all ages will be inspired to remember the friends who saw their God-given gifts, who helped them spread their wings and steadied their flights.

Perfect for gifting, this book can be shared as a . . .

• Thank-you to honor teachers, coaches, and mentors.
• Gift to recognize behind-the-scenes volunteers and colleagues.
• Way to celebrate graduations and triumphs.
• Story to encourage children’s dreams and their gratitude for the heroes who lift those dreams higher.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 22, 2026

Ends May 22, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

FLY: A Fable for Dreamers & the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell

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 or shipped directly to the winner by the publisher, BHKids/Lifeway, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner will be notified via the email registered with the Gleam entry platform and will have 48 hours to respond with the needed information for prize delivery.

2 New "Guess How Much I Love You" kiddie books: "Colors" & "Counting" due to release May 5, 2026

Guess How Much I Love You: Colors by Sam McBratney & Illustrated by Anita Jeram 

My thoughts:  Charming! A new slant on teaching colors to little ones renders a tender expression and gentleness throughout. Bunnies that we love are in scenes and with brief lines of text going through the day and learning colors. A joy to have for little ones. I highly recommend. Perfect for personally acquiring or gifting in a baby shower basket of goodies.

About the book: A warm and engaging introduction to colors by the author and illustrator of Guess How Much I Love You.

Little Nutbrown Hare is learning all about colors. He meets a yellow butterfly, a blue bird, a red ladybug, and a green frog and then says goodbye to brown leaves rustling away in the wind. This charming board book about curious Little Nutbrown Hare and wise Big Nutbrown Hare will captivate babies and toddlers as it reinforces primary colors.

Guess How Much I Love You: Counting by Sam McBratney & illustrated by Anita Jeram

My thoughts: I just love the brief lines of text like "Five stars to wish us goodnight!" that each number has with the beautifully gentle and caring bunny pictures. The classic children's books by Sam McBratney are a joy to have in a child's library. I highly recommend as a personal "buy" for your little one or for gifting in a shower gift basket. 

About the book: A winsome introduction to counting by the author and illustrator of Guess How Much I Love You.

Count from one to five with curious Little Nutbrown Hare as he explores the world around him with wise Big Nutbrown Hare. See and feel dandelions, frogs, butterflies, leaves, and bedtime stars in this interactive board book, which encourages the very young to count things in each illustration.

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

Deadly Secrets (Close Proximity #1) by Penny Zeller [Review]

ISBN: 9781957847573
E-book or Paperback

My review:  Every woman, no matter how "fit" she is, has a dreadful fear of being attacked. In Deadly Secrets the author takes our female protagonist through the fear and horror of a stalker, letters sent to antagonize and strike fear into her heart, a hired rough-you-up instigator, and other fear driving escapades. The male protagonist, who is the sweetheart detective on the case, is close at hand trying to find the scoundrel that is driving all this fear.

A pretty fast paced, driven story with good character development and descriptive scenes that drill the story into the mind's eye, Deadly Secrets is a strong faith based story where the lead characters are Christ loving Christians who depend on their loving God for direction and protection.

I highly recommend this book to all who are looking for a driven, Christian story where the bad guy is bad but there is no horrific language and gore. Where the good guy gets the bad guy in the end. And where the lovely lady is rescued. 

This is a story adults will enjoy. It is one you can hand your teen to read; and one you can give your Grandmother to enjoy.

Read a Sample

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

Apples for All: A Story About Grafting written & illustrated by Mary Peterson - Celebrate "Kid's Garden Month" - [Review & Giveaway]

Feeding Minds Press presents Apples for All: A Story About Grafting written and illustrated by Mary Peterson.

A family-filled picture book that teaches children about the science of grafting and apple growing.

ISBN: 9781948898201
Hardcover $18.99
Feeding Minds Press

My thoughts:  Most all of us have desired to plant an apple or orange or peach seed from a delicious piece of fruit we've eaten and grow our own delicious fruit. The same is true for young Bobbi - an active, curious, young farmer's daughter. She's enjoyed her apple and wants to grow more just like it!

She approaches her Grandpa on the family farm and asks him to help her plant her apple seed so she can grow her own apples and even make delicious applesauce. Grandpa proceeds to tell her that seeds don't usually grow into trees that bear the same type of fruit. He then shows her how to graft a branch onto another "basic" apple tree and get the type of apple she desires.

This is basic tree grafting and doesn't get into the genetics of plants and how to propagate new species, etc. It is simple grafting and growing. And it is such a sweet family story of gentle education and on-hand learning. Not everyone has the opportunity propagate their own fruit and grow it, but for those who do it surely gives a grand sense of accomplishment and a reaping of delicious benefits.

This is another of Feeding Minds Press children's books that I absolutely love. 

About the book: Bobbi’s family loves apples! The only problem? They can’t agree on which type to grow! Gala? Granny Smith? McIntosh? When Bobbi discovers the solution – grafting – her family comes together to care for one very special tree. The result? Apples for all!

This children’s picture book, written and illustrated in the fun and colorful style of Mary Peterson, introduces young readers to the fascinating world of apples, apple trees, and the science of tree grafting.

Perfect for curious kids who love nature, gardening, and learning where food comes from, this STEM-aligned story makes a great classroom resource or gift for budding gardeners, scientists, and apple lovers! Filled with engaging facts about apples, tree grafting, and the heartwarming theme of compromise, APPLES FOR ALL! is not just a delightful read that will resonate with young readers, but also a valuable educational resource. Informational backmatter includes fun apple facts, an apple variety guide, and an applesauce recipe!

Feeding Minds Press, a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, is committed to fostering awareness and understanding of agriculture through education. Our books, including APPLES FOR ALL!, aim to help young readers understand where their food comes from, its journey to their plate, and the role of agriculture in our lives. Explore our website, Feedingmindspress.com, for accompanying lessons, activities, and videos that enhance the learning experience.

🍎 GIVEAWAY 🍎

Begins April 13

Ends May 13 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Apples for All: A Story About Grafting by Mary Peterson (Open USA only)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate a review. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman from Peachtree Books

9781682637272 

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman & illustrated by Isabelle Follath 

ISBN: 9781682637272
Hardcover $19.99
Peachtree Publishing

My thoughts:  Lovely shades of blues and pinks are used throughout the book to present the story of Beatrice's delight in the garden at night and the sweet song of the Nightingale bird. Feminine and gentle illustrations speak of grace and loveliness that the spirit feels when experiencing beautiful music - that of the cello or the Nightingale. Just as hearing bird song brings a bit of beauty to the listening mind and heart, soothing and enriching, relaxing and bringing a calming spirit deep within the being, so does the beauty of blooms, gardens, and kind beings we meet. Beatrice would be one of those kind people and she would be the bringer of the beauty of music to people. And then tagging alone with Beatrice's music would be the song of the Nightingale that Beatrice found so sweet and enriching.

This story is lovely. It is encouraging to someone desirous of pursuing musical richness. It is one that children can benefit from hearing. Picture book biographies are a delight and a source of much enrichment for children.

Backmatter about Beatrice is included and sure to aid parents, and older readers, in learning more about this rare event and charming personality.

Of note: Beatrice came from a musical family and lived surrounded by music. This provides a good environment for children to develop their own interest in and talent for musical skills.

About the book: In 1924, an audience of more than one million listeners across the world listened in amazement to the first live radio broadcast of a nightingale accompanying the young cellist Beatrice Harrison.

On May 19, 1924, a duet between a young cellist and a male nightingale was broadcast across the British Commonwealth as far away as Canada, India, and Australia to over one million listeners. It was an unprecedented collective experience made possible by the invention of the radio and a new microphone that picked up sounds of nature.

Beatrice Harrison, considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century and a musical prodigy, was that cellist. This biography describes Beatrice’s singular dedication to music from a very early age.

At the age of eighteen months, Beatrice attended her first concert. Catching sight of a cello and hearing it for the first time, she was bewitched and immediately began asking to play it. She got her first cello when she was about eight years old. Later, her parents moved the family to Germany so Beatrice could study with one of the best cello teachers. There, at age seventeen, she was awarded a prestigious prize, the youngest artist and only cellist to win at that time.

Back in the UK, the family moved to Surrey, England and Beatrice’s career flourished. One evening while Beatrice was practicing her cello in the garden, she heard a creature repeating the music she was playing. It turned out to be a nightingale. She played many nights with the bird and was completely enthralled. Wanting to share the experience, she convinced the head of the newly formed BBC to take a chance on a live broadcast from her garden. The resulting duet was a smashing success and Beatrice received more than 50,000 letters in response. Overnight, she became known as the Lady of the Nightingales and for twelve years thereafter the cellist and the bird were broadcast annually to BBC listeners from her garden in Surrey.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.