One Big Story: Bible Stories in 5 Minutes: Connecting Christ Throughout God's Story by B&H Kids Editorial Staff & illustrated by Heath McPherson [Review & Giveaway]

 

B&H Kids / Lifeway
ISBN: 9781535947961
Buy Here

My thoughts:  Originally published several years ago, this Bible storybook has proven to be at the top of the list of dependable, Biblically sound, attractive books that children, parents as well as Bible authorities have selected for their families or to gift to children they care about.

Finding the theme of Christ the Redeemer throughout the Bible from The Creation to the Resurrection can be brought to light for young children as they learn these familiar retellings of events and people in the Scriptures.

Divided into stories and the reading of which takes only about 5 minutes, the truth of Scripture is clearly stated and is backed with attractive, eye catching illustrations that children will love. I found the clearly stated, true to Scripture text well written and easy to understand. There is just enough text on each page to capture interest without losing the child's mental attention and engagement. The illustrations on each page fit well with the text and are such that children will be drawn to. 

I highly recommend.

About the book:   Secret word: Bible - Give kids the big picture of God’s story with One Big Story Bible Stories in 5 Minutes comprised of 12 different 5-minute stories, perfect for before bed reading. Help shape your child’s spiritual growth in an engaging One Big Storybook that features four-color illustrations, as well as pop-up imaging and story narration with a free augmented reality app.

One Big Story is a series designed to grow with families and strengthen relationships in Christ through Bible-centered, multi-platform products that engage readers of all ages.

This B&H Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book's message with their child. We're all about connecting parents and kids to each other and to God's Word. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 30

Ends August 29 @ Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Kids/Lifeway Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner's prize will be sent to name and address provided in required Rafflecopter entry.

Home by Isabelle Simler, Translated by Vineet Lal - Series: Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR) [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780802856203
Eerdmans Young Readers Books
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Purchase Here

My thoughts:  Beautifully detailed illustrations delight the senses and educate the mind to the highly varied dwellings of creatures all over our vast world. From birds to moths, from sea dwellers to tiny ants, the homes of creatures fascinates in this unique book. The presentation is complete with beautifully descriptive language detailing the uniqueness of each home or dwelling.

The strength and beauty, intricacies and uniqueness, use and charm of these homes goes beyond what humans think of as homes - walls, windows, and doorways for protection and defense, but places of beauty creatively and intricately designed and built.

Back pages of additional information about the featured creatures and a glossary are provided as well as resources for those interested.

NOTE: Other books by Isabelle Simler that I've reviewed on Chat With Vera.... click here

About the book:  A spectacular tour through the dwellings of twenty-seven different animals, from a hermit crab’s secondhand shell to a beaver’s lakeside dam to a comet moth’s silk cocoon.

Acclaimed creator Isabelle Simler presents a poetic journey through amazing animal homes across the world. In Europe, alpine marmots stay safe in underground refuges. In southeast Asia, Sumatran orangutans doze off in treetop bedrooms. In Mexico and the southwestern US, elf owls nest in holes in saguaro cacti. On every continent but Antarctica, honeybees mold wax into palaces for their queens. No matter where you travel, some creature is making an extraordinary place to call home. 

With connections to life cycles, camouflage, and other biological concepts, Home is a spellbinding showcase of the wonders of the natural world. Enchanting poetry, fascinating back matter, and intricately detailed art invite young readers to be amazed by the creativity and diversity of our animal neighbors. Secret word: dwell

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 24

Ends August 18 @ 12:00 Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

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

Night Light (An "I like to read comics") by Michael Emberley [Review]

Hardcover $14.99
Holiday House Books
ISBN: 9780823458165

My thoughts:  Comic books are a niche in the reading world from which serious readers and academics typically shy away. As a child I looked forward to the Sunday Comic section of the newspaper and also enjoyed the frequent reading of comic books. In adult life I found the world of "real" books. There can be a place in the reading world for comic books such as Night Light. Personally, I steer clear of comic book style books, but something about Night Light beckoned to me; and now I can see that they can be quite beneficial and good for young readers and possibly reluctant readers.

This is a cute story of father and son (or older brother and younger brother) reading together a bedtime story and then the lights go out. With few words and lots of boxes of illustrations, the solution these two have to bring light back into the bedroom is innovative and charming.  Sparse text and abundant drawings take the two on a search for light. The story and illustrations gently overcome fear of the dark, stoke the imagination for a solution to gaining more light to bring brightness back, and a compassionate solution to restoring another's stolen light.

Cute. Sweet. Charming.

About the Book:  Perfect for new readers in the first grade: a comic about a child, a parent, and the magic of a starry night. By Geisel Award-Winner Michael Emberley!

A blackout! Right in the middle of “the last” bedtime story. The child cries. It’s too dark! The parent gathers stars from the sky light up the child’s room. Now someone else is crying! It’s the moon! The parent returns the stars to they sky, and parent and child pack up their blankets and pillows to sleep outside.

New readers can practice phonics reading with the silent letters "g" and "o" in words such as too, night, light, right, and tight. Children can also read about these characters in I Did It! a Theodor Geisel Award Winner and Let’s Go!, which is on the ALA Best Graphic Novels reading list.

I Like to Read Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. We hope that all new readers will say, “I like to read comics!”

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Holiday House Books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

Night Walk by Jason Cockeroft [Review]

ISBN: 9781536239614
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Candlewick Press

My thoughts: This is a lovely book in several aspects. While the grandfather is drawn or painted with a somewhat angular style, he is still pictured as a gentle, endearing character. He and the child go on a walk at night and this walk is special. They walk remembering all the things that the grandmother loved about her own walks - especially at night.

As they walk, they talk and wonder if each spot is grandmother's favorite. Only at the end do they find that very special spot.

The book doesn't really talk of death, but it is sensed in the sweet and sober memories of grandmother.

The illustrations of each two-page spread beautifully capture the richness of the country-side at night with lots of foliage, critters, and beautiful expanses of sky.

About the book:  This tender intergenerational story about loss and remembrance is set against the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.

In the darkness just before sunrise, a sleepy boy and his grandfather set off on Grandma’s favorite walk to find her favorite place. Is it the woods where multicolored moths flutter? Or the stream with its leaping frogs and flashing trout? The hidden hollow where a mother deer lives with her fawn? As grandfather and grandchild stand gazing over the water to the horizon, and the sun begins to rise, it becomes clear to the boy that they’ve finally reached Grandma’s favorite place—and it’s the perfect spot to remember her. With stunning illustrations evoking the wonder of wild creatures, the chill of the air at dawn, and the golden light of the sun as it rises, author-illustrator Jason Cockcroft captures a quiet moment in one child’s life that will long reverberate.

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

Forgotten Identity: A Christian Romantic Suspense Novel by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Buy on Amazon
ISBN:9781957847375
Paperback $16.99
Kindle E-book $3.99

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Secret word: danger. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

More Romantic Suspense from Penny Zeller:

• Unexpected Witness (Mountain Justice #1)
• Unexpected Danger (Mountain Justice #2)
• Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3)

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!

GIVEAWAY

Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller

Begins July 11

Ends August 11 @ 12:00 Midnight

Open to USA only.

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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/shipped directly to the winner by author, publisher, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Rules/Disclosure: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner(s) may be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Notification email used will be that which is registered to the Rafflecopter system.  Prize must be CLAIMED by winner within 48 hours or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Author, publicist, or publisher is responsible for providing and shipping the prize to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Alternate method of prize notification and sending: If an entry is provided in the Rafflecopter giveaway widget to provide entrant's name and address to which prize is to be sent, then information provided by entrant will be to whom and where prize is sent. Winner may or may not be notified by email that they have won. Chat With Vera and owner of Chat With Vera are not responsible for distribution and provision of prizes.

Lily the Pond Mermaid by Lucy Fleming (Author, Illustrator) - Review

 

My thoughts:  This is a sweet, charming, lovely read for young children; and it is beautifully illustrated. Stories about mermaids fall into the category of myths and legends and are slightly akin to fairy tales. In short, they are totally make-believe.

Lily the Pond Mermaid takes the "fish" out of the sea but keeps her in the water. Though landlocked in a little pond, "Lily" has a personality that is loving, kind, gentle, and giving. She loves to watch out for all the critters in the pond. She cares for them. She worries about them. She solves problems for them. And one dark day there is a major storm when the rain falls and the wind blows. Lily and the critters take shelter in the little niches under the pond to stay safe from the storm.

Afterward, Lily sees the havoc the storm brought and is over-wrought. This is when her critter friends step in and help Lily.

A lovely book and a really sweet story about caring for others and bringing joy into the lives of others. I am concerned about the level of despair and worry Lily experiences and how this will impact the young minds and hearts for which this story is written. Is it too much? Is it right to talk outright about worry to children who know nothing about it or are experiencing it? Well, that's an issue each parent must address within their own homes. Again, I repeat, this is a sweet and lovely book.

About the book: Friendship, worries, and newfound courage all play a part in this underwater tale of a tiny mermaid heroine.

“I’ll always be here;

there’s no need to fear.

All will be well when

a pond mermaid’s near.”

Lily the pond mermaid loves taking care of her pond and all the creatures that call it home. But it’s also a big responsibility. Lily often worries about not being able to keep the pond—and everyone in it—safe. As her worries grow, a big storm hits the pond, and everything becomes covered in a tangle of debris. Luckily, Lily is able to share her feelings with her friends and ask for help. Together, Lily and the animals that live in the pond not only restore their home but also learn how to take care of one another.

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

K9 Mattis on the Job: A Day in the Life of a Police Dog by Mark Tappan [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781400246588
Hardcover $18.99 US
Tommy Nelson (Thomas Nelson Pub.)

My thoughts:  Mattis is a real dog and Mark Tappan is a real person, a policeman, and the handler of Mattis. They are real and they provide a fantastic service to the people in the area in which they live.

In this informative and delightful children's picture book, K9 Mattis On the Job: A Day in the Life of a Police Dog, we see how a trained German Shepherd dog is incorporated into the activities and services of the police. We see his exuberance, antics, skills, and abilities to engage. The story-line doesn't show real on-the-job rescues or criminal-nabbing, but it does show how a trained dog can mesh seamlessly into the day-to-day office and field work of a police department that uses K9 "officers" as well a real men. The book shows community service of education in the school demonstrating to students the fun of a K9 Police Dog as well as the dog's tracking and finding abilities.

Cheerfully and exuberantly illustrated, K9 Mattis and his human, Sergeant Mark Tappan, go through the day either in service of rescue or nabbing criminals, education in the community, or simply training and practicing. I think kids will thoroughly enjoy this educational book.

About the book: Meet Mattis, a K9 police dog who loves helping people and fighting crime alongside his partner, Sergeant Mark. Learn what Mattis's favorite part of the day is as he follows scent trails, tracks down missing items, and performs his official police work. K9 Mattis on the Job from author and police sergeant Mark Tappan will captivate kids as they discover what a day in the life of a German shepherd police dog is all about. Real-life hero Mattis the K9 officer first captured America's hearts on A&E's America's Top Dog and at school visits across the country. Now, through this fun story based on Mattis's official police work, kids will find out what this pup loves to do each day, from driving to the police station in the morning (okay, Sergeant Mark does most of the driving) to training with the other officers to using his super sniffer to find missing items! But can you guess what Mattis's favorite part of the day is? This picture book Find out why so many have already fallen in love with one of America's fluffiest heroes!

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Begins July 1

Ends July 30 @ Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

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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/shipped directly to the winner by publisher, Tommy Nelson, or publicist. Secret word: rescue Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Rules/Disclosure: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner(s) may be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. Notification email used will be that which is registered to the Rafflecopter system.  Prize must be CLAIMED by winner within 48 hours or prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Author, publicist, or publisher is responsible for providing and shipping the prize to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Alternate method of prize notification and sending: If an entry is provided in the Rafflecopter giveaway widget to provide entrant's name and address to which prize is to be sent, then that will be to whom and where prize is sent. Winner may or may not be notified by email that they have won. Chat With Vera and owner of Chat With Vera are not responsible for distribution and provision of prizes.

Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective by Guilherme Karsten (An introduction to the mystery genre, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers) [Giveaway & Review]

Definition: The mystery genre is a genre of fiction that follows a crime (like a murder or a disappearance) from the moment it is committed to the moment it is solved. 

ISBN: 9780802856364
$18.99 Hardcover
Eerdmans Young Readers Books

My thoughts:  A really cute book that introduces young children to the art of solving a mystery - in short who-dun-it! As with most if not all young children, our young boy main character (aside from the self-inserted detective) is quite trusting of what he is told by others. So when disaster strikes and his beloved gold fish crashes down the stairs and a feline appearing detective knocks at his door announcing he is there to solve the mystery, the search for the culprit begins. The night visitor identifies himself as the "Dog Detective."

Young boy can see with his own eyes that this is a CAT but is told the visitor, a detective, is a dog in disguise as a cat. So the deception begins.

This wily cat identifies himself as a dog and proceeds to solve the mystery.

I really liked the book and see it as entertainment; and, yes, also an introduction to the mystery genre for children. I do, though, also see it as a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach discernment to young children. Children need to trust but they also need to learn discernment.

About the book: A hilarious introduction to the mystery genre, starring a boy, his fish, and a whiskered detective in disguise.

A little boy’s aquarium has been attacked, and his poor fish is terrified! Secret word: Meow - Who could be behind this horrible crime? Never fear: Ramon Fellini is on the case! This brave dog has donned his cleverest cat costume in order to track down the culprit. How does Fellini know a cat is to blame? Why does he say strange things like “Does this house have any other fish?” No time for such questions—Fellini is about to reveal the truth! Unless the ace detective has a different agenda in mind…

With dramatic colors, ironic humor, and plenty of clues to discover in the art, this whodunit is a laugh-out-loud read for pet lovers. Children will love using their own sleuthing skills to solve the mystery and predict what Detective Ramon Fellini does next.

I am "borrowing" this delightful video from The Poet and Dragon Society's YouTube page. It is theirs and I have no ownership or rights to it. I simply thought it too delightful for my readers not to have the opportunity to see. Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 24

Ends July 23 @ Midnight EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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, Eerdmans or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Toto by Hyewon Yum (ages 4-8)

My thoughts:  Written and illustrated with superb gentleness and grace, Toto breaks into the heart of a child's concern and need to be accepted for just what she is and not what she appears to be.

Graced with a red, facial birthmark from infancy this sweet little girl wonders if she is pretty, if people like her, and other worries. She has named her red birthmark "Toto." When she begins school her mother cuts bangs to help hide "Toto" not because it is offensive, but to allow the grace of time for acceptance of her difference.

In school she makes a friend and is so happy until one day "Toto" is discovered. The outcome is that it doesn't matter to her friend at all and is declared an asset.

A lovely book and I highly recommend it. You'll enjoy the sweet black and white illustrations for they simplistic style with bits of red mingled in.

About the book: A little girl is self-conscious about the birthmark on her forehead— until a new friend helps her see it in a whole new light.

This little girl doesn’t mind her birthmark, most of the time. She calls it Toto, and her mom calls it a kiss from an angel. But sometimes, it feels like people look so hard at Toto they forget to see her. So when it’s time to start school, her mom cuts her bangs to cover Toto up, at least for a little while.

At school, she makes a new best friend right away! But then Toto accidentally comes out of hiding. Will her new friend see her differently with Toto in the picture? And does different have to be bad?

Award-winning creator Hyewon Yum’s knack for the adorable is at full power in Toto. This warm and vulnerable story grapples with the pressure we feel to blend in, and celebrates the moments—and the friends—that remind us how much better it is to be our full and singular selves.

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

Legends of Gold (Golden State Treasure) by Mary [Review & Giveaway]

Paperback $18.99
Preorder: Baker Books
40% Discount + Free Shipping

On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?

My thoughts:  As with other books by this author, the story is a light-hearted read with a sprinkling of heart-warming wit. The characters are fleshed out and fill their roles complimenting both the story line and the other characters. An assortment of strong, defending, and willing men on the ranch as well as gifted and strong women blend beautifully; and these strong characters keep the trouble makers at bay.

The troublesome issue of orphaned children prevalent during that period of history continues to flow through this series. Many of these orphans have found a home and shelter on the Hart Ranch. And as begun in the first book in the series, Whispers of Fortune, the search for treasure continues.

In Legends of Gold a bit of real California history going back to the exploration by Spanish Conquistadors is woven into the story line. I found that interesting.

Books by Mary Connealy always satisfy and are enjoyable. Part of this is the trust factor - they are squeaky clean, faith-based (but not preachy), and sometimes elicit a chuckle.

Don't miss this one.

About the book: After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her.

When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. Secret word: gold - As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

Watch for Chat With Vera's review, soon!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 10

Ends July 9 @ Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 #LegendsOfGold #BethanyHouse 

His Fairytale Life (A Book About Hans Christian Andersen) by Jane Yolen & illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes [Review]

My thoughts:  The author, Jane Yolen and illustrator, Brooke Boynton-Hughes, magically opens the story of the sad life of the master storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen, with a simple statement and explosive and dream-like spray of beautiful illustrations. Simply put, his mother couldn't read but was a grand teller of stories and his life was stressed with poverty and disappointment. 

Neal Porter Books
Holiday House Publishing
ISBN: 9780823451036
Hardcover $18.99 US

He finally began his schooling with the little ones but he was a gangly teen. His life was sad, so sad. The illustrations are extraordinarily appealing and beautiful capturing the pure essence of Andersen's life in a mind filled with stories just waiting to come out.

His stories became legendary as did the man himself long after he died. Such is often the plight of an artist. Andersen's life was so very sad but his mind and his stories brought such joy to the world. This retelling for young children is excellent.

About the book: The storyteller becomes the story in this illuminating biographical picture book of Hans Christian Andersen, father of the modern fairy tale.

A century and a half have passed since Hans Christan Andersen’s death, but his stories are more alive than ever. Across languages, borders, and disciplines, his timeless creations have left a footprint beyond measuring. Now, come along back to the beginning and meet the human that came before the legend.

He was a boy

who lived with a mother

who could not read,

but remembered every fairy tale

she’d been told…

Appropriately penned by Jane Yolen, who Newsweek has called “the Hans Christian Andersen of America,” His Fairytale Life is as immersive and transporting as all good fairy tales should be. Each page sings with Brooke Boynton-Hughes’s dazzlingly intricate illustrations. Classics lovers and Disney fanatics alike will cherish this dreamy tome.

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

THE BIG MESS: A Deliciously Funny Story of Siblings Learning to Get Along by Justin Whitmel Earley & illustrated by Janna Mattia

Hardcover $18.99
ISBN: 9780310166375
ZonderKidz

My thoughts: This is an absolutely adorable children's picture book filled with soft, lively illustrations full of joy, mess, action, and splendiferous fun. A bizarre family with Mouse as big brother and Moose as little brother. Mouse cooks and creates dessert goodies and Moosie is flamboyantly active and destructive. 

Frustrated Mouse yells and screams at Moosie when his beautiful desert creations are ruined. There is so much mess!

And then a bright idea on how they can work together to create wonderful deserts is born and everyone benefits.

A really cute story told in rhyme that teaches a wonderful lesson of sibling cooperation and how to just simply get alone with each other and work together.

Here are a couple pages from the book.... read by Vera....

 

About the book: Welcome to the world of The Big Mess! This adventure-filled picture book from bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley is packed with humor, chaos, and of course, a big mess! This heartwarming and relatable story about two siblings who must learn to get along reminds readers that, no matter how messy, life is better when shared with the ones you love. Follow along as big brother Mouse tries to bake the perfect dessert, only to be interrupted by his energetic yet clumsy, baby brother Moose. No matter how Mouse tries to avoid it, catastrophe strikes whenever Moose comes near, and every “perfect” dessert gets destroyed! Can Mouse learn how to navigate his relationship with his baby brother and come to appreciate Moose’s uniqueness and spirit?

About the book: Welcome to the world of The Big Mess! This adventure-filled picture book from bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley is packed with humor, chaos, and of course, a big mess! This heartwarming and relatable story about two siblings who must learn to get along reminds readers that, no matter how messy, life is better when shared with the ones you love. Follow along as big brother Mouse tries to bake the perfect dessert, only to be interrupted by his energetic yet clumsy, baby brother Moose. No matter how Mouse tries to avoid it, catastrophe strikes whenever Moose comes near, and every “perfect” dessert gets destroyed! Can Mouse learn how to navigate his relationship with his baby brother and come to appreciate Moose’s uniqueness and spirit?

Where to purchase your copy

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #bigmess #siblingsbook #justinwhitmelearley #kidsbook #summerreading  @zonderkidz @justinwhitmelearley @jannamattia

When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson & illustrated by London Ladd [Review]

When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson & illustrated by London Ladd

Holiday House Publications
ISBN: 9780823453801
Hardcover $18.99

My thoughts:  Having been raised as a Southern white girl, I remember many of these songs. Spirituals. Soulful songs. I remember learning a little of the history behind some of them. Perhaps some will say it is wrong for a southern white child to learn to sing these spirituals so steeped with African American history. But we did sing them in school. No one made fun of them. No one talked ill about them. They were sung in music class as a means of teaching us a form of music whose epic history belonged to the South and a part of history with which we should be acquainted.

As I grew older, I learned more of the history and the people connected to this music and sorrow filled my own being to think of their sadness and pain and suffering. I was glad, though, that they had a spiritual connection to the God who could deliver them from their sorrows.

This book is a treasure to teach children of all races about the music that encouraged and brought a whisper of hope to those who sang it. There is a darkness in the book through the visual art and that is good because that was a dark period in history and there was darkness hovering over the African Americans. But in this darkness they sang of the undergirding strength they found in their faith as their spirits connected to God.

Libraries need this book. 

About the book: Your spirit will soar! A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals

Sometimes

A big, full feeling

Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book Bright Eyes, Brown Skin, Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

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

Training Young Hearts series: "Your Amazing Hands" & "Your Magnificent Mouth" [Review & Giveaway]

Your Magnificent Mouth: A Training Young Hearts rhyming book by Abbey Wedgeworth & illustrated by Emma Randall

My thoughts:  The author begins by teaching young children to appreciate all the things they can do with their mouth  - blow bubbles, chew, speak, laugh, sing -  things that most of them already do and they'll delight to talk about these things as the book is read to them. Then the author teaches that God actually spoke the world into existence with His mouth. What a correlation to consider that the God of all created all things by speaking a word with His mouth.

The good things we can do with our mouth are pointed out and also attention is taken to the bad things our mouths can do. But we don't despair because God who created out mouth can forgive us and help us to use our mouth for good things.

Sweetly illustrated in bright primary colors with an all-peoples cast of children participating in the discoveries of information about their mouth and about the God of creation. A delightfully educational book to direct young children to God.

About the book: Empower kids ages 3+ to connect the gospel to their own actions and attitudes! From creation and fall to redemption and sanctification, this colorful rhyming storybook captures the beauty of the gospel message through simple, practical, rhyming language and illustrations that children will love to engage with. 

Focusing on the way we use our mouths, Abbey Wedgeworth helps children to see that God gave their words real power, and that this power can be used to heal or to harm. Secret word: Creator - But we're not left on our own to do the right thing—we can look to Jesus as our example, ask God for forgiveness when we mess up, and receive the help of the Holy Spirit as we use our mouths for God's glory!

With bright illustrations and fun rhymes, this storybook will inspire and equip your children to follow Jesus in word and deed.

Your Magnificent Mouth is part of the Training Young Hearts series, which encourages children to gospel-centered, grace-fueled obedience. The lift-the-flap board books for toddlers focus on specific behaviors while the rhyming storybooks help kids ages 3+ to understand the gospel and apply it to their lives in a way that suits their age and stage.

Your Amazing Hands: A Training Young Hearts rhyming book by Abbey Wedgeworth & illustrated by Emma Randall

My thoughts:  An amazing book teaching children about how their hands are wonderfully useful and also terribly hurtful. But also the author teaches that Jesus used His hands for healing and many wonderful things. Also, taught is that Jesus can forgive and help us use our hands for Him.

Delightfully written in a loose rhyming style that is a pleasure to read, and the cadence will draw the ear and mind of the child to the lessons to be learned.

The adorably cute illustrations are all-peoples inclusive, brightly colorful, joyful and such fun to look at.

About the book: Empower kids ages 3+ to connect the gospel to their own actions and attitudes! From creation and fall to redemption and sanctification, this colorful rhyming storybook captures the beauty of the gospel message through simple, practical, rhyming language and illustrations that children will love to engage with. 

Focusing on the way we use our hands, Abbey Wedgeworth helps children to see that God gave their hands for helping, sharing, creating, and other amazing things. When we struggle with using our hands the way God intends, we're not left on our own to do the right thing—we can look to Jesus as our example, ask God for forgiveness when we mess up, and receive the help of the Holy Spirit as we use our hands for God's glory!

With bright illustrations and fun rhymes, this storybook will inspire and equip your children to follow Jesus in word and deed.

Your Amazing Hands is part of the Training Young Hearts series, which encourages children to gospel-centered, grace-fueled obedience. The lift-the-flap board books for toddlers focus on specific behaviors while the rhyming storybooks help kids ages 3+ to understand the gospel and apply it to their lives in a way that suits their age and stage.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 2

Ends July 1 @ 12:00 Midnight

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

The Crane and the Keeper: How an Endangered Crane Chose a Human as Her Mate by Meeg Pincus & illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara [review]

The Crane and the Keeper (ages 4 - 8)

  

ISBN: 9781536232363
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Smithsonian Kids
Candlewick Entertainment

My thoughts:  An interesting true story about an endangered species female crane whose name is "Walnut" that is isolated from her peers and fails to manage to imprint adequately on the cranes to enable her to mate and reproduce. This is sad because her being able to reproduce will provide more varied dna in the remaining cranes to enable healthy reproduction.

She sadly imprints on a young man who is a crane keeper. He is innovative in his care and develops a way to help her. She ultimately begins to raise her own young and so enables the cranes to survive.

A well written text that is gently illustrated  will provide entertaining education demonstrating the need for humans to intercede when necessary but to avoid imprinting on young animals (or birds). 

I found it interesting that this particular crane lived to be 42 years old and Chris Crow, her "crane keeper," was her care taker the entire time.

Note: A Junior Library Guild Selection.

About the book: The true story, widely reported on social and in print media, of a white-naped crane who saw her human keeper as her mate—forging a remarkable connection that might just save a species 

What was wrong with Walnut? The white-naped crane was friendly and curious—except when it came to other cranes. Raised by humans, Walnut didn’t see herself as a bird and could not live peacefully—or breed—with others of her species. Rejected by several zoos, she arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute. Would this be her last chance? Meanwhile, Chris Crowe had also just arrived at the zoo, as crane keeper. It was his job to care for and help breed the birds at the institute. It was clear that breeding Walnut wasn’t going to be easy, but with skill and patience, Chris slowly earned the crane’s trust, and an extraordinary partnership evolved. In a Smithsonian Kids picture book sure to appeal to wildlife fans—and anyone who appreciates a unique unlikely friendship tale—award-winning author Meeg Pincus shares the story of the incredible bond between a crane and her keeper.

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

A STEM board book series from Candlewick Press: Maisy Loves Butterflies: A Maisy's Planet Book by Lucy Cousins

Maisy Loves Butterflies: A Maisy's Planet Book by Lucy Cousins (ages 1-3) 

Available May 2025
Board book $9.99

My thoughts: The extensive Maisy series of children's books are beloved by parents and children alike and they cover a wide range of interests. The "Maisy Planet" series of books provides little ones with exploration of the planet on which we live and the critters that abound here, too. In this cute board book, Maisy discovers butterflies.

A delightfully entertaining introduction to butterflies, moths, and caterpillars. Young children will learn what butterflies (and moths) need and a bit about the life cycle. The amount of information is pretty extensive for ages 1 to 3 but certainly within the scope of understanding and comprehension. The board book is not tiny yet not overlarge for young hands. The typical "Masiy" illustration style is attention grabbing for intended age group.

The "Maisy Planet" series is worth the investment for young families.

About the book: Who doesn’t love a butterfly? Set a little one’s heart aflutter with this exploration of the beautiful creatures, led by everyone’s favorite mouse.

Join Maisy as she learns all about gorgeous butterflies! This fifth book in the Maisy’s Planet series introduces children to both butterflies and moths, as it investigates everything from caterpillars to cocoons to the insects in flight. Find out about patterns, color, and camouflage, and open out the final scene to marvel at Maisy’s butterfly- and moth-friendly garden! Secret word: nature 

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

The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen [Review & Giveaway]

The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods

My thoughts:  This is such a delightfully fun book and so very educational. The text-bites provide information about when types of food originated and how they traveled or traversed the world with different peoples making minute changes. It's an on-going process of originating, merging, changing, adapting that has happened for Millenia taking the simplest of foods and tweaking them to appeal to one's own family.

Foods included are: Jerk Chicken, Ceviche, Churros, French Fries, Al Pastor Taco, Fish and Chips, Cheescake, Pizza, Pasta, Rice Pudding, Ice Cream, and Pavlova. Each food item's page opens with a short rhyme and then the food history text-bites. So very interesting! It makes you understand and appreciate what you're eating.

I really enjoyed this informative and well designed book.

About the book: An exploration of the history of kids’ favorite foods from around the world

From pizza to pasta and ice cream to French fries, some of our favorite foods have a surprising history, and many of them have traveled far from where they originated! Did you know many well-known dishes are food immigrants? The Al Pastor Taco traveled from Lebanon to Puebla, Mexico! French fries originated in Belgium! And pasta arrived in Italy long before Marco Polo visited China. Secret word: eat - This fascinating nonfiction book featuring rhyming text takes the reader on travels around the world to celebrate foods, their history, and surprising origins. Join Mia Wenjen for a fact-packed journey of discovery that will make your mouth water as you travel the unexpected road of some of our favorite foods.

GIVEAWAY

1 Hardcover copy of Traveling Taco

Begins May 24

Ends June 25 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

"Recipe for Love" (Small Town Shenanigans #2) A Christian Small Town Rom-Com by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

Welcome to Cloverdale Falls, home to the famous chicken statue, new romance...and an unexpected mystery.

Buy on Amazon
Paperback or Kindle

My thoughts: 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?

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

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.

**Please note that Recipe for Love is a faith-based Christian contemporary romance.**

GIVEAWAY

Winner's choice: paperback or kindle ebook

Begins May 21

Ends June 20 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Series: Small Town Shenanigans
Vera's review - Book #1

DISCLOSURE: Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.