The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds (Graphic Author & Illustrator)

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds, Graphic Author & Illustrator

ISBN: 9780763642686
Candlewick Press $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  "The Odyssey" is a heavy weight read. It's old. It's ancient. And typically, a "comic book reader" or lover of graphic novels isn't going to read The Odyssey. But perhaps the strength of the story and the characters, the epic living of ancient times can be captured in graphic form and whet the appetite for a serious read of the real "The Odyssey."

My review is of a paperback copy that is quite hefty. Soon to be published will be a Deluxe Hardcover edition and likely a collector's book. The story has love-story written into it and as such the graphics do tend toward the adult reader. This is not a young child's book. It is more a slip-into-reading-classics introduction.

That being said, The Odyssey is an action-packed, boy friendly read that may capture YA readers' attention. The graphic drawings done with broadly sweeping, articulate pencil swipes and muted washes of color capture the action and Grecian life of ancient times. Surreal in detail and story, this graphic retelling of The Odyssey may be accepted favorably by followers of the classics with new interpretation of the story imagery.

About the book: A New York Times bestseller!

With bold imagery and an ear tuned to the music of Homer’s epic poem, award-winning graphic artist Gareth Hinds reinterprets the ancient classic as it’s never been told before. A New York Times bestseller, now in a sumptuous collectible edition with new cover design, gold foil, and painted edges.

“Gareth Hinds brings The Odyssey to life in a masterful blend of art and storytelling. Vivid and exciting, this graphic novel is a worthy new interpretation of Homer’s epic.” —Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

Fresh from his triumphs in the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, wants nothing more than to return home to his family. Instead, he offends the sea god, Poseidon, who dooms him to years of shipwreck and wandering. Battling man-eating monsters, violent storms, and the supernatural seductions of sirens and sorceresses, Odysseus will need all his strength and cunning—and a little help from Mount Olympus—to make his way home and seize his kingdom from the schemers who seek to wed his queen and usurp his throne. Gareth Hinds masterfully reinterprets a story of heroism, adventure, and high action that has been told and retold for more than 2,500 years—though never quite like this.

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

You Always Belong by Jinger & Jeremy Vuolo & illustrated by Sara Romero [Review #sponsored @Wpublishing ]

This is a #sponsored review and post for @Wpublishing.

ISBN: 9780310178552
Zonderkidz $19.99 USA
Where to buy

My thoughts:  It is hard to hear spoken to you, "Run along now. You don't belong here." But it does happen. It's strongly akin to being told "you're ugly" or "you're stupid." And sadly it is sometimes said because your social status is not considered good enough or because of your skin color or race.

In this delightful children's book from Christian publisher, Zonderkidz, the illustrations are simply charming and capture the essence of childhood along with a bit of fantasy swirls and sprinkle of stars that lend to the charm but are not part of the story. Love the illustrations!

The story, in a "poem style" that doesn't really have good rhyme and cadence, is beautifully done and transmits the wonder of our belonging to God who created us and that we will always belong to God.

The story roams through various areas and activities of childhood where one might encounter the feeling of being inferior or not part of the group. There is really no "rough and tough stuff" in this book, but then we all know that being "put down" and feeling left out or inferior is not always in harsh circumstances. Sometimes it is sly and even overt. The teaching in this delightful, and oft repeated refrain, is to remember "You always belong!".

I love this sweet, delightful book.

About the book: Is your child striving for perfection or seeking the approval of others? You Always Belong, inspired by the bestselling nonfiction book People Pleaser, is a beautiful book that helps children understand their worth isn’t based on pleasing others or being perfect. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo, this book gently explores how God loves us unconditionally, how we always belong in his love, and how it’s OK to have boundaries and even to say no sometimes.

Perfect for children ages 4 and up, You Always Belong encourages kids to ask, “Who am I?” and find their true worth and purpose in being a beloved child of God. 

Through engaging storytelling, your child will learn:

• God’s unconditional love.
• That their worth comes from being his child, not from their performance.
• How to break the cycle of habits, mindsets, and peer pressure that self-sabotage.
• The importance of obedience, self-discipline, and character-building, while understanding these are expressions of kindness and love.

Purchase your copy - click here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed in the review are mine, alone.

Jesus Loves You More by Hunter Beless & illustrated by Amy Grimes ❤️ [Review & Giveaway]

What better way to celebrate Valentine's day than to teach children about the Love Jesus holds for them?

ISBN: 97983384503514
B&H Kids/Lifeway
Boardbook | $14.99 USA

My thoughts:  This sweet board book presents the infinite depth of the love of Jesus for the child. Instilling a sense of such depth of love early in the life the the child provides a wellspring of comfort that endures through the years.

In gentle rhyme, all sorts of scenes are presented in which this love is measured. I remember my own children expressing their love by "the whole sky full" because they sensed the vast expanse of the sky was immeasurable. Or perhaps, "to the Moon and back" because they realized it was far, far away. They were saying how much and how vast their love for us was. In this sweet little book, the lines tell the young child that Jesus loves them more than is comprehensible.

The book not only speaks of Jesus' love in relatable and measurable terms, it also has a strong message of Jesus dying on the cross because of His great love for us and redemption.

So while this is a good book for Valentine's Day celebration of love, it is invaluable in teaching the story of reddemptive love. Perhaps a good choice for Easter gifting, too.

About the book: I love you to the moon and back, but Jesus loves you more.

In this beautiful board book, children are asked to imagine the biggest and farthest and deepest parts of creation—as high as eagles soar and as loud as lions roar. That’s how much we love them! But their hearts will also hear the more important message that Christ gave His life for them because He loves them even more!

Perfect for bedtime or anytime, the book’s whimsical art and rhyme create a reading experience that children (and parents) will treasure, taking them up to the clouds, into outer space, and down into the sea, but never away from Jesus’s love. 

❤️ GIVEAWAY ❤️

Begin February 10

End March 12 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

JESUS LOVES YOU MORE by Hunter Beless & Illustrated by Amy Grimes

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 and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.View a Sample - click here 

Beloved "Guess How Much I Love You" new book release.... Out & About In 100 Words (Illustrated & Written by Anita Jeram) ❤️

ISBN: 9781536244328
Board book ~ $12.99 US
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  Nutbrown Hare's love for Little Nutbrown Hare is shown as they visit various locations - woods, oceans, winter scenes, and see the differences each have for Little Nutbrown Hare to discover. Words distinct to each scene are introduced. The illustrations are beautifully executed showing nature, whimsy, and the sweet characteristics of the fabulously loving "Guess How Much I Love You" bunnies.

The best scene of all is "home," and then closing with "home is wherever you are." A statement of endearing sweetness.

Another book to add to your collection of "Guess How Much I Love You" treasures. 

About the book: Guess how many words you can learn together with Big and Little Nutbrown Hare! The beloved pair turn to naming things in the natural world for their youngest fans.

As Little Nutbrown Hare hops across some stones in a river, he sees so many interesting things—fish and swans, an otter and beaver, a willow tree and reeds, the water itself. Meanwhile, at a farm full of animals, Little Nutbrown Hare enthuses about all the new babies—a hen with her chicks, a cow with her calf, a horse with a foal, a proud pig and her piglets. Whether it’s a pond full of ducklings and frogs and lily pads, or a meadow bursting with bees and butterflies and buttercups, the simple presentation of named objects and sweetly inviting illustrations offer an ideal setting for little ones to discover what nature holds—and to learn the words for what they see. A spinoff to the family classic Guess How Much I Love You, this is a read-aloud that will beg for many return visits.

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

Candlewick Press kiddie Valentine books: "Love ABC" & "How My Family Says I Love You" ❤️

Love ABC (Series: Jannie Ho’s ABCs) Illustrated by Jannie Ho

ISBN: 9781536246698
Board book $8.99 US
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  Adorable. Simple. Charming. This intro to learning the ABC's exudes sweetness and gentle love. In addition to familiar words associated with books about ABC's, this little book brings words of emotion, relationship, and action such as "adore," "dance," "friend," "us," "joy." So go beyond the typical "cat, dog, zebra" words and discover more with the young child.

Delightful book.

About the book: Express your love with this colorful, stylish, and sturdy ABC board book for babies and toddlers. A is for adore, B is for balloon (heart-shaped, of course), and C is for cupcake! This sturdy board book introduces Valentine’s Day through simple words to get children excited about celebrating love with friends and family. This is the perfect book to teach letter recognition and introduce first letter sounds in speech.

How My Family Says I Love You by Yvonne Sewankambo & illustrated by Aurore McLeod

ISBN: 9781536244991
Picture book $18.99 US
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  This is a story about a lovely, loving dark-skinned family who shows they love one another by deeds of love. 

This sweet stroll through family relationships with day to day acts of loving kindness tell the story of love within family bounds. Grandparents are shown to play a role in the lives of children and are loving referred to as Jajja's which is a Ugandan term of endearment for grandparents. 

This is a delightful book and a joy to see love and kindness beautifully expressed, and it will surely teach our children to think of ways to say "I love you" in their day-to-day activities.

The author's "thank you" at the beginning of the book gives appreciation for his family showing him what family means, and the illustrator for "her big-hearted Guadeloupean family." The author's flypage information indicates she is a Ugandan Canadian writer. Regardless of their land-of-beginnings, this is a beautiful tribute to loving family relationships.

About the book: How do you say “I love you” without saying “I love you”? For one big family, it’s woven into the fabric of every day in this tender, resonant picture book.

My sister Nalu braids my hair every week.

It’s how she says “I love you.”

Tendo always races his sister to the finish line as they leave the house. Kira the dog greets her at the door with a wagging tail and a spin. Sometimes it’s Auntie Linda pulling her into her wheelchair for a hug, or Uncle Alex bringing his funny parrot for a visit. One jajja teaches her granddaughter how to make the chicken dish she learned as a child; another tells stories from far away, before she was born. Whether it’s Mom asking if she’s hungry a hundred times a day, or older siblings scaring away the monster that keeps her awake, the refrain “I love you” comes through loud and clear—and reminds us that there are countless ways to express affection to those that we hold dear.

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

A winning read! "AMBUSH OF THE HEART (Rocky Mountain Marshals #1)" book giveaway

 

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

Mary Connealy presents a riveting historical Frontier series starter of adventure, love, and high jinks in the rugged wilderness of 1870s Colorado. This Western romance features a determined Marshal, a courageous woman, forced proximity romance, and a risky journey of survival.

Read an excerpt - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 18

Ends February 18 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

AMBUSH OF THE HEART (Rocky Mountain Marshalls#1) by Mary Connealy

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. #MaryConnealy #BethanyHouse Order a copy at: BakerBookHouse.com

A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer & illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III

ISBN: 9780823455706
Hardcover $18.99
Neal Porter Books
Holiday House Publishing

My thoughts:  Imagine an elementary age child fully aware of the world around him down to the most minute detail mapping out that world so someone can learn about it. A map of the house that details that bathroom faucet that trickles and the pipe that sounds like a ghost. Details of the street and the houses and who lives in them. A set of details about the neighbor whose yard is called "The Farm" and sketched out are the details of that neighbors "farm yard."

And then imagine the reason behind this treasure of detail. The artist or author of these maps is leaving this world so fully detailed in maps and left the guide for you to see and discover his beloved world because his family is moving away.

A sweet book and lots of details for the interested reader to discover.

About the book: Before moving away, a young cartographer leaves some guidance behind about his old home for the child about to make it their new one.

What if you moved to a new place and found a hand-drawn local guidebook, left there just for you? In A Book of Maps for You, an artistic young person gives just such a gift. He’s crafted and annotated maps of his neighborhood, school, and house; no slide, orange tree, or chicken coop left uncharted.

He points out the best Halloween decorations, school lunches, and local stops for baked goods, books, or art supplies. He shows the best place to put your bed upstairs, right under the skylight. Just as his family’s moving truck pulls away, another pulls up, and sure enough, his book finds its way into the next child’s hands.   

During a big move, a child can feel a lot of pressure to open their heart to the place they’re headed. But what about the roads they’ve been down hundreds of times? The faces they’ve grown up seeing? The house where they know every bang of the pipes and drip of the faucet? That history deserves care, too.
A Book of Maps for You honors the homes we leave behind and the ones we haven’t met yet, reminding us that they may just be two sides of the same coin. Lourdes Heuer’s achingly subtle text speaks volumes in all it pays attention to, and all it doesn’t have to say. Maxwell Eaton III’s signature detail-rich illustrations perfectly suggest the work of a talented child, and promise plenty of surprises to drink in and explore on each page.

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