The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey by Hannah E. Harrison & published by ZonderKidz

ISBN: 9780310163992 ~ Hardcover $19.99 USD ~ ZonderKidz ~ Ages 4+

My thoughts:  I thought The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep was good, but The  Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is exceptionally good. A sweet story about a kind farmer who rescues a little donkey from a harsh taskmaster is beautifully illustrated in gentle story-telling art that is a comfort to view. The story is sweet and the Biblical application is superb!

Parents can gently teach their young children about the perils of a life of sin (a wicked taskmaster) and the redemptive deeds of a loving God (pictured as the Good Farmer). They can see the care and love that the farmer pours into this little donkey. They can see how the patience, care, understanding, and unburdening actions of the loving farmer are a nice picture of our loving God.

I highly recommend this sweet book. Perhaps you'll enjoy both of these books for your child's library. Also, if you loved The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, you'll love this new one about the Worried Donkey, too!

Purchase Your Copy ➡️CLICK HERE

About the book: The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is an honest and heartwarming picture book that reminds us that we are not alone and God is our strength. This story beautifully captures the essence of Matthew 11 (“his yoke is easy and his burden is light”) and the parable of the sower.

Charlie is a small donkey who works for the miller, but he’s not the strongest and he sometimes makes the miller mad. When a farmer comes and takes Charlie to a beautiful farm, Charlie worries that if he disappoints the farmer, the farmer will no longer want him. But Charlie is in for a surprise, because his farmer is a Good Farmer who is patient, wise, understanding, and strong. Through both touching and humorous moments, Charlie learns about his special place on the farm and why he can trust the Good Farmer with his worries.

The Bible is full of references to seeds, wheat, and farming, but what do those stories tell us about the attributes of God? Or how can we learn to rely on God? In a time when anxiety rates among children are on the rise, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey uses a relatable character and a riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate how we can cast our cares on God.

From Hannah Harrison, the author and illustrator of the Christlit Book Award-winning and ECPA best-selling The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is perfect for:

• children ages 4 and up
• family devotions and bedtime reading
• discussions about what it means to have a burden and a yoke, the meaning of the parable of the sower, and the importance of casting your cares on God
• Sunday school lessons and church libraries
• fall and harvest celebrations and gift-giving occasions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hannah E. Harrison is the author and illustrator of seven picture books, including The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, a 2025 Christlit Book Award-winner, The Gospel Coalition Children’s Book Award-winner, and Christianity Today’s picture book of the year; Extraordinary Jane, named a Kirkus Best Animal Book of the year; Bear Is Awake!, an Amazon Editors’ Pick; My Friend Maggie, winner of the Bill Martin Jr. Award; and Poopsie Gets Lost, which earned the Redbud Read-Aloud Award. Her books have also received numerous starred reviews and have been selected for book clubs. Hannah is originally from New Hampshire, but now lives in Oklahoma with her big-hearted husband and two delightful daughters.

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

Deadly Schemes (Close Proximity #2) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

What happens when Kennedy is caught in the crosshairs of a madman's schemes?

Kennedy Olohan loves her new job at the local senior center, where she not only plans activities but also does her best to advocate and protect the participants she sees each week. When someone begins targeting her for her concern over murmurings of shady real estate dealings aimed at seniors, Kennedy finds herself the victim of carefully planned deceit.

Detective Trace Ridgely is finally healing from a snowmobile accident sustained while volunteering with the local mountain rescue team. He never anticipated that one of the first cases upon his return is a suspicious death at the local park…and that the case might be connected to two seemingly random occurrences. As he delves deeper into each case, he begins to suspect that Kennedy is the common denominator.

Danger mounts against Kennedy as more deception is uncovered. Can Trace determine who is behind the schemes and protect Kennedy before it’s too late?

Where to purchase a copy: Click Here

>An elaborate plan.

>A get-rich scheme.

>A deadly outcome.

>GIVEAWAY<

Reader's choice: E-book or Paperback

Deadly Schemes (Close Proximity #2)

Begins September 7

Ends October 9 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

DEADLY SCHEME (Close Proximity #2) by Penny Zeller

DISCLOSURE: Giveaway uniquely hosted on Chat With Vera. Winner's prize book is provided by and sent to winner by author or author's representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is randomly selected using the entry platform. Winner must respond with required information for sending prize to winner within 48 hours of email sending notification time/date. Failure to provide required information within the time allotted will result in a different winner being selected. #christianromanticsuspense #cleanreads #newrelease 

WHEN I THANK GOD by Matthew Paul Turner [Review & Giveaway]

 

ISBN: 9780525654162 Hardcover
48 pages | Ages 3-7
Convergent Children's
Random House Children's Books

My thoughts:  A whimsically illustrated children's book that has a surreal evocativeness to the overall impact it presents. Adorable children sometimes appear in distorted visuages and the progression is one of imaginative flight throughout.

Beautiful colors and artistically delightful paintings, though a bit fantasy-land-ish for a book teaching about thanking God - the God Almighty of Creation and Salvation, will be found a delight by children.

The lesson of being thankful and expressing one's thankfulness in various ways is given through lovely rhyme.

We always need to be reminded to be thankful and to thank God in and for all things.

About the book: “The rhyming text creates a sing-songy lilt that makes it more accessible to children….the hand-drawn and colored illustrations are beautiful and inviting.” —School Library Journal 

 

A vibrant, adventurous exploration of how thanking God and others brings wonderful gifts to our own lives, from the bestselling author and illustrator of When God Made You.

 

I’ll ask God to help me see

What being thankful really means.

To help me know how gratitude grows

And in my life is seen.

 

Written in Matthew Paul Turner’s signature rhyming style, When I Thank God helps kids understand the benefits of showing gratitude to God and others. Not only does it recognize everything God gives us and show love to the people God sends to bless us, but it does beautiful and amazing things in our own lives and hearts.

 

’Cause when I thank God

A change happens in me,

And I might get a glimpse of all I can be.

 

 

About the Author: Matthew Paul Turner is a photographer, speaker, and author of numerous books, including the bestselling When God Made You, When I Pray for You, and What Is God Like?. 

 

About the Illustrator: David Catrow is the illustrator of many picture books, including Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon and its sequel, Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, written by Patty Lovell; I Wanna Iguana and its two companion books, I Wanna New Room and I Wanna Go Home, written by Karen Kaufman Orloff; Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel; The Middle Child Blues by Kristyn Crow; and We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Deborah.  

GIVEAWAY

September 6

October 6 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

WHEN I THANK GOD by M.P.Turner illustrated by David Catrow

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

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

Another sweet book in beloved "Guess How Much I Love You" series:

ISBN: 9781536252224
Candlewick Press $8.99

My thoughts:  A brand new adorable book for your wee ones. As big nutbrown (mother) hare loves on sweet little nutbrown hare, she gently teaches shapes and their names. She draws from nature as it's her domain; but shouldn't we, too, draw associations and illustrations in our teaching moments and point to lessons in nature?

I love how the "circle" is round like our Sun. And who'd have thought to use a tree to illustrate a "triangle." 

Be sure to add this one to your collection!

About the book: Inspired by the timeless storytelling of Sam McBratney, this winsome exploration of shapes set in the world of Guess How Much I Love You will delight the youngest of readers.

The round sun shines bright, but what shape does it make? How about that pointy pine tree, prickly and green? As Big Nutbrown Hare guides Little Nutbrown Hare in discovering the world around him, they hold up a daisy chain to make a square, examine a smooth stone that forms an oval, and cuddle together while gazing at a twinkly star in the sky. Make a wish!

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

Bizzy Bear's Big Book of Words: (Interactive First Words & Vocabulary Adventure) by Benji Davies

Bizzy Bear's Big Book of Words: (An Interactive Lift-the-Flap First Words and Vocabulary Adventure with 500+ Everyday Things to Discover for Babies and Toddlers) Part of: Bizzy Bear (31 books)

ISBN: 9781536254938
Candlewick Press $14.99 USD
24 Pages - 11" x 12" Boardbook

My thoughts:  I just love the Bizzy Bear interactive books for small ones. Children love to lift the flaps and discover hidden pictures. In this newest book, Bizzy Bear's Big Book of Words: (An Interactive Lift-the-Flap First Words and Vocabulary Adventure with 500+ Everyday Things to Discover for Babies and Toddlers), children will use the book to learn words for new things and actions. Then later later as they grow and develop, they can learn to recognize words (text) associated with pictures.

The scope of this Big Book of Words is really nice. Pages have a "thumb tab" to aid in page turning. Each two-page spread is a colorfully vibrant and cute scene.... town, home, zoo, construction, hospital workers, and other wonderful adventures. Lots of flaps to lift and discover.

This is a large board book so it is a "lap book" or a "floor/table book." It will provide delight, learning, and entertainment for many days and years. 

I highly recommend.

About the book: Make learning fun with Bizzy Bear! This interactive board book is perfect for teaching basic words, items, concepts, and more.
With thirty flaps to lift and over five hundred words featured in this large-format board book, Bizzy Bear fans will love to pore over the many new words and pictures they’ll encounter inside. Color-coded thumb tabs make page turns easy for little hands as readers flip between spreads of numbers and colors, daily routines, a construction site, and even a firefighting scene! With more than twenty-two million copies sold worldwide, Bizzy Bear has become the best companion for any adventure.

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

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

Purchase your own copy - click here

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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"