Fun, silly, joyful picture books for children are delightful [Review]

Children's picture books should be fun, silly, entertaining, captivating, engaging. They should bring out the smiles and joy of being a child. In these three books the child can enjoy being a child and read about the silly, the fun and the joy that the bit of a pun, a joke, and some silliness can bring.

Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing by Matthew Diffee 

ISBN 9780823458714
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Neal Porter Books
Holiday House Publishing

My thoughts:  When goat and sheep get a bit contentious over their both "saying" baa, they and the other animals suggest they choose a different "say." So they go through all the animal's ways of speaking or sounding off. Of course, no one wants to relinquish his way to "say."

Then the book goes beyond the traditional kiddie animal book and inserts a flying saucer alien into the mix. Game on! A bit of alien  advice and the action starts.

Simple illustrations capture the drool fun and personalities of the animals with bold lines and soft watercolor washes.  I really like the simplicity of the illustrations. A fun read and kids will love.

About the book: New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee makes his children’s book debut with this laugh-out-loud twist on the classic animal sound book.

The cow says “moo.” The horse says “neigh.” Everyone can agree on these.

But when the sheep says “baa,” the goat cuts in. The goat also says “baa.” Now what? No one wants to share their sound!

The sheep has an idea—he’ll just say something no one’s ever said before: “zip zap wickety wack bing bang walla balla flip flap yackety yack.” But an otherworldly visitor shows up to lay claim to this sound, too—and the alien doesn't want to share his identity either.

When the alien proposes a radical new way forward, the sheep and the goat find a compromise—and it may sound familiar to adult readers . . .

New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee’s hilarious wit will be an immediate hit with young readers in his first picture book. Sure to inspire boisterous read-alouds and threaded with a sneaky message about sharing, Zip Zap Wickety Wack will inspire new nonsense and new values in homes, classrooms, and farmyards around the world.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 

ISBN: 9781536235685
Hardcover $17.99 USA
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  Repetitive stanzas with a bit of rhyme take the youngster on a shopping trip. Every time he searches for an item, he is given something different. And he does NOT want that! Alas, he seems stuck with critters he doesn't want until.....

He gets a good item and all seems fine. 

I love the illustrations, simple text, and bit of brown paper wrapping of parcels. A delightful book. The teaming of author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury is perfect.

About the book: The incomparable creative team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt reunite for a read-aloud comedy of misunderstandings that has all the hallmarks of a classic.

I went to the shop to get me a carrot.

Oh dear! They gave me . . .

. . . a parrot.

Oh dear! Look what I got.

Do I want that? No, I do NOT!

As a hapless boy goes from shop to shop, requesting a series of perfectly reasonable items—a hat, a coat, a cake, a chair—he finds himself thwarted at every turn, amassing instead a growing menagerie of animals who happily follow him on his errands. It’s not until he finally asks for a cup that he’s proffered a wriggly creature that solves his dilemma . . . or does it? Adding delicious momentum to Michael Rosen’s rhymes (and mastery of the page turn) are an expressive crew of animal characters rendered as only Helen Oxenbury can, making for a timeless story guaranteed to beg many repeat readings. Oh dear! 

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?: A Hard-boiled Mystery by Brianna Caplan Sayres & illustrated by Mark Fearing 

ISBN: 9780823458271
Hardcover $18.99 USA
Holiday House Books

My thoughts:  A new take on the traditional question of "Why did the chicken cross the road?".  This is really one adults will enjoy maybe more than the little ones. That's because it is simply riddled with catch-phrases and puns. The story and "mystery" is cute and children will enjoy it.

The bright, colorful illustrations capture the barnyard and chicken community perfectly for this fun, silly book. 

I think it's delightful and a lot of fun.

About the book: A barnyard mystery takes on a noir-esque spin in this hilarious picture book chock full of puns, perfect for fans of 7 Ate 9 and Interrupting Chicken.

Inspector H. Poulet has a new case on her wings. The Chicken has apparently crossed the road, and no one knows why.

Can the Inspector get to the bottom of this tangled nest of questions? Squawking from one udderly unhelpful clue to the next, H. Poulet follows The Chicken’s path across the farm. But the case seems totally scrambled! If the Inspector can’t solve it soon, she’ll have egg on her face.

In the end, the mystery resolves itself with a sunny-side-up twist: a surprise birthday party awaits H. Poulet on the other side of the road. The animals flock together for a barnyard bash, and the Inspector retains her eggcellent reputation—despite having missed all evidence of the party.

From the bestselling author of Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?, this laugh-out-loud farm adventure has wacky, kid friendly illustrations by animator Mark Fearing. Readers young and old will love spotting the clues that H. Poulet overlooks and relish every cleverly crafted pun.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies by the publisher or its representative to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro: A Southern Novel by Heather Norman Smith [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825455643
Paperback $17.99 US
Buy at Kregel Publishing

My thoughts: From the opening sentence I was entranced at the skill and beautiful word weaving of this "new-to-me" author as she pened this story. I was interested initially in the book because it is set in a small North Carolina town. A town that is surely fictional, but none-the-less should capture the essence of life in the South and specifically life in a small North Carolina town. The author, Heather Norman Smith, is a life time dweller in our fair state. And, yes, I am a life time dweller in North Carolina. So I thought this should be an interesting read.

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro speaks well to what I have, at times, seen lived out in North Carolina. And that is small things done inconspicuously bringing a bit of joy, comfort, or kindness to a neighbor or passer-by. Just a kindness that speaks well to humanity and speaks well to what it is like to be a North Carolinian. But I digress from the book's actual story.

The main character, Andy Clark, was born, unfortunately, with a major tumor growing on the side of his face and it got worse as he grew. His loving mother had a way of instilling love and acceptance in Andy, and she "gentled" him through the roughness of a life of being different from his peers. In school there were difficulties and few friends; but one of Andy's friends was our other main character, Della Rose. And at some point in their school years, even Della Rose turned against Andy. That's the background and the story actually begins when they are in mid-life.

Andy has a way of doing unseen kindnesses and Della Rose (and her sweet little girl) have just left a marriage of 17 years because of a cheating husband and some abuse. Sadly, Della Rose's story is not limited to just Della Rose and North Carolina. It is an often occurring situation where shattered marriages, with wives and children in situations desperate for housing and support, can be seen throughout the world. But again, I digress from the story of Flatsboro.

As Della Rose works through the tense, sometimes frightful life she now experiences as a divorcee and single mother, she encounters kindness - A simple kindness - from a generator of kindness in Flatsboro. And the act of kindness is even more amazing in that it comes from a source so bereft of kindness itself.

I like and appreciated the skill of the author and the story of kindness and overcoming difficulties. I don't particularly care to read about broken families since they leave me with such sadness. But this is a well-done story and one I can recommend.

About the book: A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn't just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it's his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she's no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what's right.

About the Author: Heather Norman Smith is the award-winning author of Songs for a Sunday and other inspirational fiction set in her home state of North Carolina. She lives just outside Winston-Salem with her husband, their four children, and several pets. Find out more at heathernormansmith.com. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 25

Ends October 16 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro: A Southern Novel by Heather Norman Smith

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

"The Beginners Bible Bilingual Little Ones" (just released) & The Beginners Bible (Bilingual) / La Biblia para principiantes (Bilingüe) - Biblical nurturing in 2 languages

My thoughts: I know only one language. English. I wish I had learned another. Today's world presents the need for becoming bilingual or even proficient in more than two languages. Schools and parents are endeavoring to introduce the bilingual concept and experience early for children's grasp of language that is not their original tongue. In The Beginner's Bible for Little Ones parents have English and Spanish Bible story text appearing together on the same page. Utilization of this concept of reading it aloud in two languages helps the child to achieve an "ear" for both languages. Eventually, the child can repeat the words in both languages and show his grasp of the story by pointing to the pictures. Later when the child learns to read, he can read aloud himself in both languages directly from the book.

The "little ones' new edition is a great "scaled down" version for younger children and captures the winning essence of the original The Beginners Bible (Bilingual). 

Pictures are engaging and capture the children's attention. Text is well written to capture the intent of Scripture yet in words a child can understand. Essentially, this is a Bible storybook (with references to location in full Bibles).

I am excited about the prospects these books offer to parents - and even Christian schools - to teach the Bible in two languages.

I suggest..... If you know a Spanish speaking family you wish to help as they develop their English (as a second language) skills, or if you know an English speaking family with young children and they are trying to teach bilingually, perhaps you'd like to purchase these books to share with them. What a blessing that would be.

Where to purchase.....  
https://amzn.to/3HLAUUq ➕ Available at Target!

The Beginners Bible Bilingual 
 The Beginners Bible Bilingual Little Ones 
2 Bilingual Bibles for 2 different age groups!

Two different languages! Simple English and Spanish text, this bilingual edition of The Beginner's Bible for Little Ones is a durable board book that presents eight beloved Bible stories in age-appropriate language, perfect for even the youngest readers to understand. The perfect starting point for the youngest children to learn about God’s Word. This storybook introduces toddlers to the Bible while strengthening their vocabulary in both English and Spanish and is part of The Beginner’s Bible® brand, the bestselling Bible storybook brand of our time, with more than 28 million products sold.

The bilingual edition of The Beginner’s Bible for Little Ones features:

• Easy-to-read text presented in both English and Spanish, perfect for ages 0-4
• A sturdy board book format that fits into little hands and can be easily carried around
• Vibrant and engaging 3-D artwork
• Eight cherished Bible stories including The Beginning, Noah’s Ark, The Mean Giant, Daniel and the Lions, An Angel Visits Mary, Baby Jesus Is Born, Jesus Feeds Thousands, Jesus Is Alive

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of these Beginners Bibles to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.  #bilingualbible #kidsbilingualbible #beginnersbible #thebeginnersbible #sponsored by @zonderkidz  @thebeginnersbible 

My First 100 Bible Words by Jacob Vium-Olesen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825453502
Board book $12.99 US
Purchase: Kregel

My thoughts:  This is a delightfully engaging board book and it's use will extend into lower elementary grades for reading skills or word identification. However, it is first a book to help little ones identify objects, persons, as well as critters. Emotions are also pictured so words to express feelings and facial expressions come into play. Counting. Colors. Shapes.

All this is within the construct of a Bible story. Each two-page spread presents a Bible story - Creation, David & Goliath, Noah's Ark, etc. Each has the appropriate scriptural reference and a simple one or two sentence "story." Then the activity with words begins.

These are simple, every day words. The wording is not particularly "Bible" words but the words connect to every day life and the story presented.

I love this board book and highly recommend it. Kregel Children's books have never disappointed me and I encourage you to check them out.

About the book: A way for toddlers to learn their first words through beloved Bible stories

My First 100 Bible Words introduces children to Bible stories and language at the same time. Little ones will learn words for colors, animals, objects, shapes, numbers, emotions, and more!

Toddlers will discover language and faith through memorable Bible scenes like Noah's ark, Moses and the burning bush, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, and more, all the way to Jesus's birth.

The bright colors and simple stories will capture a toddler's attention and guide them from creation to Jesus.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

Other Kregel Children's Books I have reviewed - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 21

Ends October 20 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

My First 100 Bible Words (board book) - Kregel Children's Books

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

How the Forest Feels: Sensory Play Nature's Way by Wendi Silvano & illustrated by Mirka Hokkanen from Holiday House Publishing

 

My thoughts:  It is healthy and invigorating to get outside and experience nature and one of the best settings to do this is "the forest." Trees, leaves, shade, light, wind, chill, warmth. Textures of rough tree bark or soft grasses. Slithering critters. Leaping frogs. Leaves colorful in Fall or green in summer. 

In How the Forest Feels: Sensory Play Nature's Way parents and children have a "guided tour" of how to find and experience  many of the sensory stimulating natural bits of our environment. Stepping outside of the city, the home, the backyard, the apartment and finding a "forest," however large or small you can find, can enrich the child and parent alike. A forest experience can give stimulus to natural instincts within our being and that which makes us human.

A delightful book and one I think will benefit us all. 

About the book: Forest school meets sensory play in this cozy picture book about a grandparent and grandchild on an exploratory walk through the woods.

Smooth and wet is a stone in a creek. Slippery and cold is the splash on your cheek.

A boy and his grandfather travel through a scenic forest on a sensory adventure written in soothing rhyme. Everywhere they look, there are fascinating things to see and feel. The boy is naturally curious… and in the woods, it’s okay to touch!

Some things are sticky. Some things are firm. Some are oozy or crumbly or coarse. The boy delights in using his sense of touch to explore the natural world—made even sweeter by grandpa as his companion.

With soft, velvety illustrations, this sumptuous story is just right for kids who learn by doing, and makes an ideal read-aloud for preschools with sensory awareness on the curriculum. Back matter features an author’s note about the five senses, as well as an interactive sensory treasure hunt for curious young readers (with adult supervision).

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

GROW Official Trailer | Only In Theatres Starting October 3 | Buy Ticket...

This looks like so much fun. It is silly. I'm looking forward to it. Fun. Family.....

Fall plans just got bigger. #GrowTheFilm is in theaters October 3! Tickets are on sale now. https://growthefilm.com/

Unexpected Danger (Mountain Justice #2) by Penny Zeller [GIVEAWAY]

One man's unhealthy obsession could destroy everything.

Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from--and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection.

Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker's attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives...and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it's too late?

An unexpected stalker.

An unexpected second chance at love.

An unexpected danger.

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

Read an excerpt - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 16

Ends October 19 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

 UNEXPECTED DANGER (Mountain Justice #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.

Alexander Maclaren Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers [Review]

It is imperative that believers possess a Christian Bible that provides a clear, easy-to-read printing of God's Word with enough study aids for cementing an understanding in and application to the reader's life. Presentation of study aids added to the Bible should never be viewed as the Word of God but rather as tools of understanding and enrichment. In the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible, much emphasis in the included notes and aids and drives toward the "Christ Centered Life."

The obvious respect for God's Word demonstrated in the printing of the "Alexander Maclaren Study Bible" enables the reader to glean for themselves the remarkable Biblical insights of scholar and expositor, Maclaren, a man highly respected and appreciated from the late 1800's.

As I opened this new hard-cover study Bible, I see that it lays flat which enables ease of use. I see that the type font is highly readable and clear. I see that the Psalms are laid out in an almost line-poetry style with tends to impart a sense of poetic beauty.

I see that the non-scriptural notes and add-ins are highlighted in blue ink which aids in differentiating between the Word of God and added text. This is a key element in this printing because we are to never add to God's Word.

The copy I have is the New King James Version. My preferred version is either KJV or NKJV. So I am quite comfortable reading this Bible.

The extensive concordance is more expansive than I have ever seen printed within the cover of a Bible. This is quite a plus feature. Adequate and beautifully drawn maps are also included that aid in study.

About Alexander Maclaren Study Bible: Explore the Scriptures with insights from the “Prince of Expositors.”

Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ, and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references
• Line-matched, double-column typesetting
• Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print®

✨Learn more HERE✨
ORDER the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible today!

Who was Alexander Maclaren?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible from publicist for Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

An Advent treasure - "The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families" [Review & Giveaway]

As you begin thinking about Christmas 2025, you may want to plan a special emphasis for your family for the entire month of December focusing your family's devotional time around the Coming of Christ. Or perhaps you want to "gift" a young family the means to focus on Christ's Advent with a meaningful and beautiful book of devotionals.

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

Create meaningful Advent memories with the whole family using this gorgeous illustrated 25-day devotional.

My thoughts:  First of all, this book of short devotionals for the young family is not just a compilation of  "Christmas" stories about the birth of Christ.  The stories point to "the One we're waiting for." They start at the beginning with Adam and Eve and move through the Old Testament with the call of Abraham, Joseph's coat of many colors, the giving of the Law, etc. And it all points to Christ.

Short discussion questions to guide family discussion are at the end of each story and a suggested song to sing. 

At the back of the book are pages with illustrations printed in circles that may be cut out and glued on wooden or acrylic discs to make ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree. (Note: Care will need to be taken to remove pages with these on them.) 

This is a beautifully bound book with illustrations that are modern yet classic. The book will last for years and be a blessing to pass down through the family.

About the book: The whole Bible whispers about a coming King. Every book before His arrival gives hints about what He might be like, and during Advent, families around the world gather to wait and prepare for the celebration of His birth. The One We're Waiting For is a 25-day family experience that will help kids from one to ninety-two anticipate and celebrate Christmas. This book includes

• Daily Bible stories, taking families through the arc of the Old Testament
• Gorgeous illustrations by Aedan and Natalie Peterson
• Suggested songs for family worship
• Reflection questions to start meaningful conversations
• And cut-out ornaments to decorate your tree every day leading up to Christmas

​Each day, families can read a story, discuss how they see Jesus in Old Testament narratives, sing songs together, and place an illustrated ornament on the tree so that every day of December leading up to Christmas is filled with eager anticipation for the King––the one we waited for.

Read a Sample - Click Here 

Order Now @ Lifeway - Click Here

✨GIVEAWAY✨

Begins September 12

Ends October 13 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only. 

The One We're Waiting For: Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families

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 to winner by B&H Publishing or their representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Forest School: Moonlit Campout & Big Fort ... books for little ones to learn & enjoy

Forest School: The Big Fort by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 97/1536238709
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of digitally created art, but the Forest School illustrations are cute and definitely get the story or text's point across. I think children will enjoy them.

In The Big Fort forest creatures are gathered for an educational session taught by Owl on construction of a fort. This qualifies as a beginner's survival instruction that a parent might give to his children.

Kids love to build forts. Forts in the living room made out of blankets. Forts in the backyard for camping out or establishing their territory (all fun 'n games stuff). Owl's instructions are good and to the point. This is a fun book that has the overtone of educating children on safe camping or beginning survival in the woods.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Owl’s Forest School!

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a forest school adventure. Today, the group is learning how to build a fort! Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, and get creative with a few problem-solving challenges. This book will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration—and written in consultation with a Forest School expert—this series will appeal to readers whether or not they’ve been to Forest School before.

Forest School: The Moonlit Campout by Ruth Symons

ISBN: 9781536241235
Templar Books/Candlewick Press
Hardcover $14.99 US

My thoughts:  This Forest School book, The Moonlit Campout is really good; and while it typifies a "school" outing, I can see a family interpretation with Dad at the reins taking the kids overnight camping in the forest or simply a great backyard campout.

The book teaches with an entertaining story how to build a fire, heat up cocoa and treats over the fire, and see the stars. Lots of information and lots of fun.

About the book: Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It's time for Forest School.

Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a little Forest School adventure. Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, get creative, and—of course—make friends! Today they are learning all about camping. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration, and written with an expert consultant, this series will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own.

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

Mistletoe and Mayhem (Red Truck Mysteries #3) by Janice Thompson [Barbour Publishing]

My thoughts: Written in a casual, conversational tone with lots of interpersonal action, the story is primarily about Rae Lyn, a young woman about to get married and all the excitement as she approaches the big day which is scheduled for a couple days after Christmas. There is a lot of extended family and friends day-to-day and moment-by-moment involvement.

To make matters more complicated and to increase premarital anxiousness, the setting for the wedding is the family's farm; and it is to be held outside - in a field. Then to pile on the troubles.....  calamity strikes with a sweeping fire and a and a wind and rain storm that floods the area.  

A fun book about some really  nice people with lots of family love, friend love, Christmas joys and memories, and lots of good feels throughout.

Other books I've read by Janice Thompson have had a bit of humor to tickle your hearts. I didn't sense as much in mistletoe and Mayhem, though there was much cheer and joy. A nice, pleasant, very clean read.

About the Book: A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch
 
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book three of a new cozy mystery series.
 
It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from Rae Lyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage. Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and Rae Lyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire.

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

Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing are fabulous gifts [Review & Giveaway]

Looking for quality entertainment that teaches little kids about the Bible in a fun, interactive way (even "sparkly") for colder weather "inside time" or for Christmas gifting? Kregel Publishing has an assortment of "Sparkly Sticker Books" perfect for this.

I have never seen a child that doesn't love stickers and glitter. Combine this with learning about the Bible and combining hands on play/education parents have a win-win fun activity for their youngster.

Pros:

• These "sparkly" sticker books don't "shed" the glittery stuff the way most glitter sheds. Just love this aspect, too.
• The illustrations are charming, fun, attention garnering. The text of the story is simply stated and not overly long for youngsters.
• Bible stories come to life at their fingertips.
• Talk about the story and what it means to be children of God. 
• The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

I absolutely love these sticker books and encourage you to purchase one, two, or more for children you love.

Bible Friends: Sparkly Sticker Book

Bible Wonders: Sparkly Sticker Book

About the Sparkly Sticker Books: Make Bible stories come to life in a sparkly new way! Now girls and boys ages four and up can finish their favorite Bible scenes by finding stickers and matching them with the missing spots. They will feel like they've made their very own book and will enjoy reading it over and over again!

As kids develop their stickering and reading skills, parents can join in the fun by talking about the story and what it means to be children of God. The book also includes references for all eight story spreads, and words for each of the seventy-five stickers.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

GIVEAWAY

2 Sparkly Sticker Books

Begins September 6

Ends September 30 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

2 Children's Sparkly Sticker Books from Kregel Publishing, SRV $15.98 Total

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

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