Tove Under the Tree by Larissa Theule & illustrated by Julie Benbassat (9781536232813)

About the book: A child’s courage and creativity save a fallen tree in this gentle young chapter book about empathy, resilience, community, and our indelible bond with nature.

There was a tickle at the top of her head. . . .

Tove’s brain vibrated like a phone. The little branch was asking for permission to grow.

Tove straightened. “Yes, please grow,” she said.

Just like that, her head accepted and welcomed the branch’s polite, exploring baby roots.

For as long as Tove can remember, the giant ficus tree has stood in front of her house, shading her bedroom during the day, holding up the stars at night. Now it lies on the ground, chopped down. “It was dead,” says the arborist. “Trees die. People think they live forever, but they don’t.” Or don’t they? Tove picks up a little branch that escaped the chipper, a branch still green and supple, still holding life. With that, she makes a bold and valiant resolution—and when the weight of her decision grows larger than a small child can handle by herself, the entire neighborhood comes together to support her and the tree they all love. With Larissa Theule’s graceful prose and Julie Benbassat’s inviting illustrations, a realistic familiarity merges with magical realism in an elegant, moving story with shades of a classic.

My thoughts:  This is a well written story with text and story line that is interesting, fun, and structurally appropriate for the intended age. A bit quirky in hypothesis and has neighborly characters that are engaging with one another and in quirk-appeal to the story and for the reader's entertainment.

Now, of course, it is absurd to think of a tree cutting taking root atop a little girl's head, but Tove's tree cutting from a beloved tree does just that. It grows amazingly fast which soon presents difficulties for which Tove and friends find suitable solutions. 

While not a "fairy tale," I surmise that it is a close reading cousin of the genre. It is certainly entertaining and has thought provoking ideas that a exploring mind can tool around with a bit. A fun read.

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

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Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive - 

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THE STORY OF EVERYTHING: The Science that Reveals a Mind Behind the Universe (Documentary Movie Review) [giveaway]

“People from all backgrounds are asking bigger questions about where we came from and why we're here. Our hope is that The Story of Everything inspires curiosity, thoughtful conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable universe we inhabit.”

 

Praised for its cinematic scope and accessible storytelling, The Story of Everything has resonated with audiences seeking a fresh perspective on questions often confined to academic circles. During its theatrical release, the film generated national media attention and contributed to a growing public conversation surrounding science, faith, and the search for meaning.

The documentary explores groundbreaking discoveries in cosmology, physics, and molecular biology that have reignited debate surrounding the origins of life and the universe.

Featuring interviews with Meyer, Jay Richards, John Lennox, Douglas Axe, Timothy McGrew, and other leading voices in science and philosophy, the film presents evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about whether material processes alone can fully explain reality.

About Discovery Institute: Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Seattle, Discovery Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on research, education, action, and cultural renewal. It brings together a growing global network of scholars, scientists, and policy experts. The Institute investigates the life-changing possibilities of a universe brimming with information and intelligent design. It has a special interest in exploring how science and technology can advance free markets, propel new discoveries, illuminate public policy, and support human dignity and the metaphysical foundations of a free society. The Institute sponsors research in the sciences, humanities, and public policy. It organizes conferences, seminars, and educational programs for both young people and adults. It produces and disseminates books, articles, reports, and a wide array of multimedia content designed to inform the public. Its largest program is the Center for Science and Culture, whose mission is to advance the understanding that human beings and nature are the result of intelligent design rather than a blind and undirected process. 

"THE STORY OF EVERYTHING" 
Now available on Prime Video!

My thoughts: My minds simply isn't compliant or frankly doesn't function in the areas of maths, physics, molecular biology, anthropological discoveries or simply understanding much of anything in the scientific or mathematical world. So my ability to comprehend or understand the discussions and conversations filmed in "The Story of Everything" is mostly well over my head. However, I have a vantage point that brings relevance to the discussion of this presentation of past and current thought processes on the discoveries in these highly intelligent fields of study. That is I'm very old and have (albeit from afar) observed through news media, magazines (primarily National Geographic), and Biblical messages that often are contrary with the scientific world view. I've followed the news as an adult since the mid-1950's - so approximately 70+ years. 

I found fascinating the film's records of discussions of great minds through these years of the last century and then those high thinkers countered with today's newest discoveries that debunk theories of the past or build on the shoulders of past discoveries. I don't think the average person has to have a great academic, scientific, or mathematical mind to understand. They just have to listen, consider, and appreciate.

I watched a "screener" version of "The Story of Everything" on my laptop and no, the experience was not optimal. The screen too small and the sound poor. I think viewing this on a large TV screen would be a vast improvement. I watched this in two sittings as the information is heavy and not entertaining. I find it encouraging that minds of people who routinely scoff at the Biblical concept of a Supreme Creative God of the Universe are beginning to gravitate toward the beginning of the universe being a creative act of God - the God who exists infinitely and eternally.

Church & Homeschool Resources - Link

I found the section "Cracking the Code" of particular interest - not because I understood it, but because I remember reading in National Geographic and hearing on the news broadcasts the discovery of the double helix in understanding the structure of the DNA code of the human cell. This was discovered by a molecular biologist and further revelations of a theoretical physicist/mathematician used that DNA code to further understand his field of study.

Watching this interesting film has not impacted my personal view of The Creation. That view remains solidified by faith that all was Created by God as stated in the Bible. As a Christian, I accept the "out-of-nothing, God created" version. I find it encouraging that astute minds such as shown in this film are now finding evidential ideas and equations and are seeing images from deep space that direct their minds and hearts toward the God of Creation!

"Behind everything there is an author."

I do encourage my readers to sit down and watch "The Story of Everything" on Prime Video now! Click Here to view. 

The Universe bears everywhere the fingerprints of its Creator.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon gift card

Begins June 13

Ends June 24 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only. 

$10 Amazon Gift Card "THE STORY OF EVERYTHING"-USA addresses only!

We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidates to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win and only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera. (Example: Winner #1 selected but it is determined that #1 has already been chosen on another blogger's campaign, so winner #2 then valid to qualify.) This is handled by publicist. Their decision is final. Notification is via the EMAIL that is REGISTERED in the GLEAM entry system.

DISCLOSURE: I received free access to screener film to view The Story of Everything to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone. Giveaway prize is provided and distributed by publicist a promo for The Story of Everything. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or for prize distribution. #TheStoryOfEverythingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @StoryOfEverythingFilm #StoryOfEverythingFilm 

God's Great Big Global Church Visit 10 Kids and Their Churches All Around the World by Tim Challies [Review & Giveaway]

Christianity is the faith for all people of all races in all places. God's Great Big Global Church is open to all.

ISBN: 9781802544077
Hardcover $17.99 USA
Buy: Click Here

About the book: Take kids on an exciting adventure exploring the global church!

Kids will gain enthusiasm for going to church on Sundays as they discover that they and their local fellowship are part of something much bigger: a family of people worshiping God all around the world!

Join Tim Challies as he guides you on this illustrated journey through 10 countries. Your children will be delighted to meet fictionalized kids just like themselves as they discover…

• Fascinating facts about life in each location
• Fun stories about how life, worship and church community are different all around the world
• A connected Bible passage about worship
• Each positive, eye-opening visit to another country is based on Challies’ own travel experience and conversations with local church leaders.

Use the included prompts to start conversations about the global church as a family or Sunday-school class. Click here for special resources to use with this book - map and a passport to download, etc.

Look inside a little - click here.

My thoughts:    This truly is an amazing book. You don't want to miss out on this one if you (yourself, your family, your children) have any interest in the Church, the Christians in these churches, and the countries in which they are located. This fact filled, missions encouraging, informative book about peoples, places, and how the church fares in these 10 locations is a treasure to read, peruse, have available on the coffee table, and definitely in the Church library of any mission minded Christ loving church.

There are 10 countries represented with about three pages of pictures and factoids about them. The main focus is on a particular church represented by our child-host and the village or city and country in which he or she is located. It was stunning to me to see the religions represented in the country and the percentage of each. I was surprised at the percentage of Christians recorded in each country.

Tidbits about the ways each church worships is especially interesting. Whether or not the church is a secretive, house church or a large vocal advocate for Christ in the community and the methods they each use to worship, sing, share their faith is inspiring.

The bright, colorful illustrations are inviting as are the happy faces of the Christian, the believers, the worshipers in each of the countries.

I highly encourage families, church groups, church libraries, and Christian schools to get copies of this really good book.

⛪GIVEAWAY🏚️

Begins June 12

Ends July 14 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

God's Great Big Global Church Visit 10 Kids and Their Churches All Around the World By Tim Challies

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher, The Good Book Company. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is notified via the email provided by winner in the Gleam entry platform. Winner will have 48 hours to provide needed shipping information. Failure to do so will disqualify them and a new winner will be selected. 

The Sacred Thread (TV Docuseries from Angel Studios) - You Can Stream NOW! [Review & Giveaway]

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture.

Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text.

The Sacred Thread is now available to stream on Angel.

My thoughts:  As I watch each episode, I've been enthralled at the revelation that is brought to us as we listen to this outstanding narrator, traverse the land where these Biblical events occurred, listen to noted academics and scientists as they, too, reveal how the sacred thread is woven throughout The Lord's Prayer and the depth of insight that can be seen of God and His creation, of Jesus and His love for us, and of the Father's great love for us.

In the second episode I was particularly moved to hear how scientists expound on God's greatness in the infinitely small and the infinitely immense and that now science can see how atoms can jump from the most infinitely small to the infinitely large. This is a revelation that shows man how immense God is - just as Scripture says He is. (Note: My explanation of this leaves much to be desired in clarity. The episode was truly wonderful.)

I love how the narrator brings rich historical events, descriptions, and reasoning into this study of The Lord's Prayer as well. This along with the current academic studies and modern scientific correlation to Scriptural passages is truly revelational. This helps us grasp the context that this beautiful prayer was written in and helps us better understand the depth of the prayer.

Many of us have heard sermons breaking down the phrases of The Lord's Prayer, but I dare say that this docuseries, The Sacred Thread, will implant the beauty, the theological depth, the connectivity of you to God in a new and very special way.

I encourage my readers to WATCH this series. I believe it will be a real blessing to you to do so. Stream it on Angel now. Join the Guild to watch.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon giftcard

         *Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only*

$10 Amazon Gift Card "THE SACRED THREAD"-USA addresses only!

We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidate to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win and only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera. (Example: Winner #1 selected but it is determined that #1 has already been chosen on another blogger's campaign, so winner #2 then valid to qualify.) This is handled by publicist. Their decision is final. Notification is via the EMAIL that is REGISTERED in the GLEAM entry system.

DISCLOSURE: I received free access to Angel to view the episodes of The Sacred Thread to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone. Giveaway prize is provided and distributed by publicist on behalf of Angel Studios as a promo for The Sacred Thread. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or for prize distribution. #TheSacredThreadMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @StreamingOnAngel #StreamingOnAngel 

"America, I'm So Glad You Were Born" by Ainsley Earhardt - Celebrating America's 250th Birthday - Children's book

Let’s Celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave—together!

  

America, I'm So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating the Country We Love by Ainsley Earhardt & Illustrated by Kim Barnes - #1 Best Seller in Children's Books on the U.S.

ISBN: 9780310184225
Hardcover $21.99 USD
ZonderKidz Publishing | Buy

My thoughts:  This bright and colorful children's book captures the joy and excitement that children can experience as they celebrate the birthday of America. This year 2026 America celebrates its 250th birthday or anniversary of it's becoming an independent sovereign nation after declaring and fighting to gain it's independence from Great Britain.

This is a happy book! This is a bright, exuberant celebration of our American freedom and presented beautifully simple and joyfully so that children can comprehend. They will learn about freedoms. About achievements. About equality. The illustrations show a delightful mixed group of children that is indicative of the melting pot nature that is America's population. Handicapped children are engaging in activities right along with those without handicaps. Skin color and hair or faces don't matter. The joy is evident. 

A lovely, happy book.

About the book: Celebrate the heart and soul of America with #1 New York Times bestselling author Ainsley Earhardt’s all-new picture book! Just in time for America's 250th anniversary!

Join the parade, wave the flags, and light up the sky with fireworks as you and your little ones shout, “I’m so glad you were born, America!” This joyful and patriotic picture book celebrates the people, places, history, and values that make our country extraordinary.

Perfect for children and families, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates America’s rich heritage and traditions. From the founding principles of democracy and equality to the freedoms we cherish—like freedom of speech, religion, and opportunity—this book is a heartfelt reminder of why we’re so thankful for the U.S.A.

With fun rhymes, colorful scenes, and a spirit of celebration, America, I’m So Glad You Were Born is ideal for:

• Teaching kids about America’s history, values, and diversity
• Inspiring gratitude and pride in our country
• Celebrating Independence Day, patriotic holidays, or any day you want to honor America

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift, a classroom read-aloud, or a way to share your love for America with the next generation, this book is a must-have for every family’s library.

Let’s celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave—together!

Where you can purchase a copy... https://amzn.to/3PzL6Dq 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.  #america250 #americabornbook #ainsleyamericabook #ainsleyearhardt #zonderkidz @aearhardt @zonderkidz @FrontGateMedia

Exploring the tiny world around us: Children's books bring discovery to small ones (ages 3-7). [Candlewick Press]

Tiny Worlds: A Story About Appreciating the Small Things (A Gentle Picture Book That Celebrates Imagination and Grandparent Bonds) by Brittany Cicchese 

Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9781536236521

My thoughts:  This is a  simply lovely book. A book that gently tells the loving story of a small boy's relationship with his caring grandmother. It is obvious that he frequents his grandmother's home as he has his own treasures placed prominently and easily available for him. The story explores his love of the small world - almost a fairy world - that in reality is a world that exists under, at the bottom of, and within our larger world. He sees the tiny world, and his eyes and mind are alight with the story that can be told of that particular tiny world.

Grandmother gently urges him out into the big, main world that is where he really lives. He eases himself off to the edges of the main, larger world. After awhile in the larger world, he desires to again begin discovering the tiny world that sits amongst his present location.

Whilst this is truly in essence a story of a boy who has a mind and eye to discover the hidden that is small and hard to know but that sits right among us in our larger world. It can be but a small step to envision that this little boy has such an introvert personality that his preference is his own world or a world of his own creation from the small hidden things that sit at our feet. His grandmother in her wisdom, gently eases him out into the big world this is his to discover, yet recognizes the need to still allow his settling back into his small world for play.

The author is the illustrator and she has created a beautiful rendering of these small worlds and the world around them and of the little inquisitive boy with his loving and wise grandmother. Beautiful.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book: Grandma’s house isn’t that big, but there’s always enough room for a tiny world. . . .

An introverted child finds grandness in the small things around him in this heartfelt intergenerational story.

When a young boy visits his grandmother’s house, he doesn’t just see scraps of ribbon lying around, mushrooms clustered under a log in the forest, or shells hiding along the beach. He sees tiny worlds where pie tins become playgrounds, ants become farmers, and tide pools teem with life waiting to be explored. Tiny worlds are full of whimsy and imagination, but they have one problem: He seems to be the only one who sees them. While at first Grandma keeps trying to draw him out, to a busy park or the beach or the zoo, eventually she realizes that her grandson’s tiny worlds are big enough for her to meet him there. In her authorial debut, Brittany Cicchese offers a touching story and warm illustrations that celebrate the connection between a child and grandparent and encourage readers to appreciate the little things in life—and the sensitive souls who lead us to them.

Jayden Noticed by Carolyn Crimi & illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9781536227307

My thoughts:  This is a sweet story of a family who moves from one home to another in a location that appears different in many ways to a young boy. As Jayden packs his beloved rock collection to take along on the move, he wonders.

When he arrives he finds a new rock that has a lovely shiny streak in it. Soon after he finds a new friend.

A lovely story of adjusting to changes in locations and discovering new friends.⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book: With the help of a rock he’s collected, a child moving to a new house learns to embrace change and make a like-minded friend in this story celebrating our most thoughtful little observers.

Jayden notices everything. He notices the way the moon looks different every night as it peeks through the oak tree. He notices spiderweb wheels and egg freckles, mouse paws and rose petals. But most of all, Jayden notices rocks. Jayden collects a rock to go with everything: a homework rock, a Saturday rock, even enough wishing rocks to fill up a jar. But now that he and his family have moved to a different house, where the trees are too short, the color is off, and the mailbox is in the wrong place, will he find a rock to grant him courage—and help him make a new friend, maybe even a noticer like him? In a tender story for curious and observant little readers, Carolyn Crimi’s text joins with Shamar Knight-Justice’s expressive illustrations in a tale that offers comfort in the face of life’s many changes.

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