Charts for Babies (A Charts for Babies Book) by Michelle Rial. STEM picture book [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover $18.99 USD
ISBN: 9781419785184
Abrams Appleseed Publishing

My thoughts:  If you thought from the title that this would be a book to educate parents or children using a variety of charts like bar charts, pie charts, graphs, line charts, you'd be mostly wrong. Sure it opens with a pie-chart but that is just a nifty way of giving you a sort-of Table of Contents. You see, Charts for Babies simply, and eloquently, and uniquely directs little one's thinking to relationships of size and content, to concepts and colors, to relationships of items and relationships with feelings.

You see, it's kind of a chart of the stuff of life. And it's a winner. Start your little ones thinking along these concepts, and you'll be giving them a head start on critical thinking, geometrics, mathematics, art in color, and simple feelings. And it is amazing that Ms. Rial has written the text in simple rhyme. Rhyme is always a plus, I think!

Parents will say, "Oh yea!" as they flip through these simple and point on pages. And, yes, the actual charts are shown at the back of the book. (Be sure you enter the giveaway below!)

About the book: From Michelle Rial, the writer of viral favorite Am I Overthinking This?, comes a quirky and delightful picture book exploring multiple early-learning concepts through simple graphic charts and graphs.

Little charts for big hearts! Through boldly illustrated timelines, pie charts, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams, young readers will learn about colors, opposites, shapes, feelings, and much more in this unconventional STEM picture book with the sweetest ending ever. 

Michelle Rial’s colorful, graphic style and infectious rhyming text make this a real off-the-charts read-aloud.

Advanced Review: “Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (and, daresay, a few adults) will demand a repeat read of Rial’s charming, playful picture-book treatise on charts and graphs geared toward early learners…This versatile title is a first purchase for children's collections and could be easily used in story times and in classrooms.” ―Booklist

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/CREATOR: Michelle Rial is a graphic designer who makes charts. Named by Vulture as one of “9 of the Funniest Cartoonists and Illustrators on Instagram,” she is the author and illustrator of the books Am I Overthinking This? and Maybe This Will Help, and her work has been featured by The New Yorker, Oprah Daily, USA Today, Wired, and more. She lives in the redwoods of California with Lenny, Jude, and Einstein.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 19

Ends August 19 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

CHARTS FOR BABIES by Michelle Rial

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 directly to the winner by the publisher, author, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

After the Rain by Eleanor Spicer Rice & illustrated by Fiona Lee from MIT Kids Press

After the Rain by Eleanor Spicer Rice & illustrated by Fiona Lee 

ISBN: 9781536236385
MIT Kids Press
Hardcover $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  Children relish the idea of rain and playing out in the rain or the puddles after it has rained. Their getting out gives opportunity for learning about earthworms that appear after it rains, what's floating in the puddles, sense the freshness of the air, and the scent of the rain. Just the same, they can dip into the wealth of imagery that is tucked into the illustrations of After the Rain. They can see critters, worms, plants, fungi and discover what happens all around them in the world that exists "After the Rain."

Back pages give definitions and/or explanations of terms and ideas from the story and about the effect of rain on this world.

A nice book to add to one's STEM collection. MIT Kids Press is a strong printer for STEM products. 

About the book: Gorgeously illustrated and brimming with accessible science, this joyful picture book explores the wonders of the natural world after it rains. Puddle-hopping optional!

What happens once the rain stops? To a young child out exploring with her grandmother and dog, the world smells of summer green and turtles and warm bricks. That after-rain smell, known as petrichor, signals to seeds, You can come up now! Bees buzz out of their hives and sip from puddles. Butterflies desert their leafy umbrellas. The rain itself becomes water vapor, which forms clouds. And not everyone ventures up and out. With the sun’s return, worms wriggle deep down in search of shelter while fungi converse with the tangled roots of trees. Illustrated with the sparkling glow of a busy landscape after rain, spreads include relevant “words to say after the rain,” such as evaporation and humidity, in a form that provides context for the meaning. This deceptively simple and imminently shareable picture book by a leading scientist introduces key concepts with energy, gentle humor, and age-appropriate language, inspiring curious readers of all ages to pull on rain boots and beeline for the door.

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

Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3) by Penny Zeller [Review]

Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3) by Penny Zeller

My thoughts:  As the author, Penny Zeller, closes out the "Mountain Justice Series" she takes her readers on a small town roller coaster read with danger lurking virtually everywhere. And especially for the story's leading lady, Oaklee.

A simple living, Christian young lady that works two jobs is targeted. But no one knows who is targeting her nor why she is being targeted. Stuff just continues to happen that endangers Oaklee. Encountering mean-spirited people, being chased, being stalked, and more. Why and when will it end?

The strong man in the series is Grayson and he's a gem at doing his law enforcing and as a potential suitor for Oaklee. 

Without being preachy, the story is unapologetically Christian in delivery and content. I highly recommend Ms. Zeller's books and especially Unexpected Target.

About the book: Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…

What if a random break-in isn’t as random as initially believed? That’s what Oaklee Newbold thinks when a series of forced entries shakes her quiet neighborhood. With seemingly nothing stolen and no obvious motive, the police are stumped. When her own home is broken into a second time, Oaklee is determined to help solve the case...whether handsome detective Grayson Brenneman likes it or not.

No one is prepared when the perpetrators strike again. Only, this time they aren’t targeting houses—they’re targeting Oaklee. When a series of sinister events finds Oaklee held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.

Subgenre: Christian romantic suspense

Series: Mountain Justice (Book 3, but can be enjoyed as a standalone).

**Please note: Unexpected Target is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.

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

Orris and Timble: Star Stories (Orris & Timble #3) by Kate DiCamillo & illustrated by Carmen Mok

Orris and Timble: Star Stories (Orris & Timble #3) 

ISBN: 9781536227581
Hardcover $16.99
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  A simply delightful easy reader mini-chapter book for young readers. This is the third in the Orris and Timble series and has two friends who are content with their lives as they are living them, Timble the white barn owl, and Orris the mouse that lives in the barn. However, Timble the owl is encouraging Orris the mouse to go beyond his trusted area of living and fly with the owl to see the world. Mouse is content and actually afraid of going out in the world and of flying.

A good choice for young readers.

About the book: Tender and authentic—a worthy conclusion to a wondrous series." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In a soaring conclusion to a moving trilogy, national treasure Kate DiCamillo shows how friendship, trust, and stories—lived and shared—transform us.

Orris and Timble are friends. Orris is a rat, Timble is an owl, and they meet each night in an old barn to share stories. One night, Timble asks a fateful question: “Why don’t you ever leave the barn, Orris?” Strong and brave, the owl offers to carry the rat on his back. Orris will be able to see it all for himself—the rivers and fish, roads and farms, mountains and coyotes. But why would Orris leave the barn when all he needs is there: his books, the moon and stars above, and Timble’s nightly tales of high-flying adventure? What would you do if you had the chance to fly? In the final installment of an exquisitely illustrated and deeply felt early-reader trilogy, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo reveals how trust and friendship can lift us into our best lives.

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

That’s What Heroes Do by Adam Kinzinger - A Tommy Nelson Publications children's book [Review & Giveaway]

That’s What Heroes Do by Adam Kinzinger

ISBN: 9781400252725
Hardcover $19.99 SRV

My thoughts:  I love when books (and parents) tell the stories of real live heroes rather than fiction super heroes that zip and zap through the air and shoot bolts of lightning from their fists performing superhuman feats. Real people are much greater and inspiring. They are much greater for children to aspire to emulate themselves.

In Mr. Adam Kinzinger's first children's book, he looks at heroes in different walks of life. The boy living this story has a father that is a pilot - super stuff in a boy's eyes. The father gives his son a tour of the United States via his own plane to learn about the many heroes that live all around us.

Focusing on acts of kindness as well as heroic acts, this story guides the reader's thoughts toward the whole of society as it engages in deeds done to help others. It ends with the thought that "Heroes put others first!" Indeed, an apt definition of a hero.

Brightly illustrated in strong colors and cheerful people from every day walks of life.

About the book: Who is a hero? From first responders and soldiers to teachers and friends, discover what makes a real-life hero in this story from Adam Kinzinger, veteran and former congressman. Take to the skies with a boy and his pilot dad as they visit sites across the United States in search of heroes. As they look down on community helpers working hard to lift up others, and even witness those who gave everything at Arlington Cemetery, children will discover that America is built on the service and sacrifices of heroes.

In this imaginative, heartfelt adventure, boys and girls 4 to 8 will

• discover that heroes are all around us,
• learn about notable sites across the United States where heroes work and serve,
• learn that a hero protects and lifts up others,
• understand that anyone can choose kindness and generosity, and
• be inspired to honor the sacrifices made for them.

Inspired by the author's experiences as an Air Force pilot, this story of adventure, curiosity, and patriotism will give children a deeper understanding of the many people who put others first every day to make America a nation of safety and opportunity. Perfect for classroom and homeschool studies about Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day, this hopeful book will encourage children to be tomorrow's heroes—and to start today.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 8

Ends August 9 at 11:39 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

That’s What Heroes Do

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

Summer time fun activity books from Candlewick

Easy going, relaxing, fun-loving summer time! A time to play, get out 'n about, and be a kid!

Make it also a time to tickle the brain a bit with creative fun!

Unicornia Coloring Book ($9.99 USD, ISBN: 9781536256215) by Ana Punset (Author), Diana Vicedo (Illustrator) 

My thoughts: This is a fun, cheerful, creative coloring book. Filled with joyful, happy pictures of the imaginary, mythical unicorn and a charming girl.

Hours of fun to color with crayons or paints. Quality paper.

About the book: This easy and fun coloring book makes a great gift for any unicorn lover!

Seth and the Very Scary Storm by Courtney Reissig & illustrated by Catharine Collingridge [Review & Giveaway]

Helping children understand the storms of life....

ISBN: 9798384529781
Hardcover - $14.99 USD
BHKids / Lifeway

My thoughts: The author seamlessly uses the Biblical account of Jesus healing the man who was blind from birth to help a modern child understand the loss and sadness that comes from the destruction of a tornado that ripped through the neighborhood where he lived.

The book gently begins with the wrenching tale of fear of the roaring storm and then having to face the destruction left in its aftermath. The child (and yes, adults, too) is bewildered and lacking in understanding of these dire happenings, and his mother gently teaches that God loves him and is with him in the storm. This lesson can be used to help one understand storms of life and not just tornados, hurricanes, etc. 

Lots of good information in this sweet book.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

About the book:  Will a storm come again?

Children are often keenly aware of natural disasters and other scary news, near or far. And they might ask the age-old questions . . . Is God mad at us? Why did God let this bad thing happen?

In this poignant yet hopeful picture book, young Seth tries to understand why a tornado hit his neighborhood, and he worries the dark sky will return. His mom helps him work through his fears by sharing the biblical story of the man born blind, showing Seth (and young readers) that Christ is always working and is our comfort and courage even on the hardest days.

Parents and caregivers can use Seth and the Very Scary Storm—and the discussion questions at the end—to have gentle conversations with their children about fear and suffering, showing them the God who loves us through it all.

This book is a comforting read for children   fear storms and bad weather,  are troubled after hearing scary news,  or who feel worried after facing a natural disaster or other difficulties.

"Do not fear, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:5

GIVEAWAY 

Begins June 26

Ends July 27 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Seth and the Very Scary Storm by Courtney Reissig

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy 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. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.