God Made the Sun & God Made the Moon by Mary Manz Simon & illustrated by Lizzie Walkley [Review & Giveaway]

GOD MADE THE SUN  

ISBN: 978-0824919801
Board Book - Ages 2-5

My thoughts: This sweet little book is simply charming. The lyrical verses take the young child through the day's activities from rising to setting of Sun.

The child is joy-filled in the illustrations and this carries over into the verses that tell his little story. First the Sun is said to "smile on Earth." I think this is a great idea to present to a young child. The child splashes in the puddles left by an overnight rain because he realizes the Sun will soon dry them up. His shadow is caused by the sun and the sun plays hide and seek behind the clouds.

A simple introduction to the Sun's purpose and how God designed it to be a blessing to us.

Then, when the sun starts sliding down and carries off the light,

I'm sure that God, who made the sun, will stay with me tonight.

About the book: God Made the Sun: God Made the Sun is a celebration of God’s gift of daytime to the world. Beginning with the first rays of sunlight and moving through the day, this book reminds little ones that God’s love shines on us just as the sun shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty diecut feature, the book will serve as a welcome reminder of God’s presence in our lives.

GOD MADE THE MOON

ISBN: 978-0824919818
Board book Ages 2-5

My thoughts: After the Sun sets for the day the Moon rises bringing with it the comfort that God is watching over him with the light of the Moon that God set in the sky.

God made the moon to smile on Earth and fill the dark with light.

The moon reminds us of the love God sends to us each night.

The joys of the night are brought out as the child enjoys the stars, light bugs, and chirping crickets. Bath time and preparation for bed starts and "The shining moon reminds me that God watches from above."

This is a charming book and goes wonderfully with God Made the Sun.

About the book: God Made the Moon: God Made the Moon is a celebration of God’s gift of nighttime to the world. Beginning with the first hints of dusk and ending with a bedtime prayer, this book reminds little ones that God’s love shines on us just as the moon shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty diecut feature, the book will be a welcome addition to any child’s bedtime rituals.

I highly recommend parents (aunties, uncles, and grandparents) to get this set for the wee little ones in your family. They are treasures.

GIVEAWAY

2 books for 1 winner: God Made the Sun & God Made the Moon

Begins September 8

ENDS September 26

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided copies by Worthy Publications First Look Blogger Review Program to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated. Winner's prize will be shipped directly to the winner by the publisher.

Happy Birthday to You! (music button board book) by Michelle Medlock Adams & illustrated by Sandra Rodriguez [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780824919825
Board book $12.99

My thoughts: This little book is sized just right for little hands and it is one of those treasured "Press the button and sing along" books that the kiddies love. Worthy Kids/Ideals has several of these and they are always a hit with the kiddies. Played repeatedly and carried about through the day they won't be a big irritant because the music is soft but loud enough for most little ears.

As the child has a celebration whether large or small on his or her birthday, this book will bring added joy with it's musical component and also because it can be personalized. It can be used in a family of several small children by bringing it out for the celebration day and using the "birthday child's" picture. Fun! And doing this will teach sharing.

Auntie or Grandmommie will love to get this as a little birthday treasure. This book is about a child's birthday and there is a party with friends over, games, presents, and cake. If a child is only having a quiet birthday at home with family, this book might not be appropriate. It is charming and fun and ends with "And when your birthday's almost through, I'll say a prayer of thanks for you. You are a special birthday star, and I'm so proud of who you are!' This is a small token to Christianity with it's being published by a Christian publishing house.

Cute illustrations with bright colors enhance and help to engage the child. A fun book that I can recommend.

About the book: Though all children may not struggle with who they are, every child has a birthday. Happy Birthday to You! celebrates the excitement children feel on their special day. The book has a sound button that plays the birthday song, and a photo pocket so it can be personalized for a birthday boy or girl.

GIVEAWAY - 1 Winner

1 copy of God Made You Just Right & 

1 copy of Happy Birthday To You

Begins August 9

Ends August 29 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Giveaway provided by Worthy Kids / Ideals Publishing

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See my review of God Made You Just Right on Chat With Vera.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Worth Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

GOD MADE YOU JUST RIGHT by Jill Roman Lord [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN13: 9780824919764
Board Book - $7.99

My thoughts: Very young children need books and those books should be sturdy and they should have a decidedly artistic appeal and valuable message or story. In Jill Roman Lord's charming rhyme extolling the message to the young boy or girl that there is a purpose in how God has designed them (or made them) and that the design is just right, the criteria for a child's book is met.

Sized just right for youngster's little hands and with enough pages to give more opportunity for enjoyment than some typical board books.

The sweet, colorful, and charmingly playful illustrations by Amy Wummer will engage the child and encourage repeated readings. Probably so many readings that the child will end up memorizing the poem. And at the end of the book......

a verse.....

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

In a nutshell, the book tells ....little ones that God created each of us in just the right way."  A charming book that I recommend you acquire and place in the hands of some sweet young child.

About the book: Here is a message that every parent will want to share with his or her child: "You're brilliantly created and there's no one else like you!" With easy-to-understand descriptions and simple, rhyming text, Jill Roman Lord shares the message that God created each of us in just the right way in a manner that even the youngest child will understand. Bright and engaging illustrations from Amy Wummer pair perfectly with the text and enhance the appeal of the book.

GIVEAWAY - 1 Winner

1 copy of God Made You Just Right & 

1 copy of Happy Birthday To You

Begins August 9

Ends August 29 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Giveaway provided by Worthy Kids / Ideals Publishing

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watch for Chat With Vera's review of Happy Birthday To You very soon!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Worth Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

WOULD A WORM GO ON A WALK? by Hannah C. Hall & illustrated by Bill Bolton [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover - Ages 4-7
ISBN13: 9780824956776

About the book: A comical picture book about the unique qualities of various creatures and how they were planned to be just that way by a loving, wise Creator. So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God gave all the animals--and each of us--wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

My thoughts: It is always a joy and delight to be able to help young children come to a knowledge that all of Creation was made by God and that each creature does what it does simply because it was designed that way by God the Creator. When it can be taught in an entertaining and educational way that is within the levels that will capture the imagination of the young child, it is a true prize indeed.

Would A Worm Go On A Walk? is just such a prize. Written by Hannah C. Hall in good rhyme that flows beautifully and illustrated in such a joyful and delightful way by Bill Bolton, the book will entertain with quirky critters and questions about them - kind of nonsense stuff.  We all know worms don't have feet to walk, but to ask the question "Would a worm go on a walk?" tickles that nonsensical funny bone we all have.

Ending with a strong finish that declares that "God's masterpiece Is YOU!" ("God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." --Genesis 1:31a)

They look just as he wanted,

and they act just as they should.

He made them and he loves them,

and he calls them very good.

But God's designs weren't finished.

His special plans weren't through.

The ANIMALS were just a start.

God's masterpiece is YOU!

GIVEAWAY
Begins April 7

ENDS April 28  @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and I was not compensated.

Giveaway: $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate

I am hosting a $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate giveaway in conjunction with my review of All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Check it out.....

GIVEAWAY - 2 Winners
(1st) "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
(2nd) $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate

Begins February 2
ENDS February 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit your local Family Christian store or shop online at FamilyChristian.com for this and other amazing products to encourage and uplift your heart.
Disclosure: A copy of All Things Bright and Beautiful was provided by Worthy-Ideals Publishing to facilitate a review. Giveaway copy of book is provided by Ideals directly to the winner. A $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate is provided by and sent to winner directly by Family Christian. Only 1 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate per month is allowed to be won - discretion of Family Christian.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL by Cecil Frances Alexander [Review & Giveaway]

Worthy Kids/Ideals
Ages 4-7 ~ Hardcover $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-0824956769

About the book: A joyful, artistic rendering of a favorite childhood hymn. God's touch can be seen everywhere: in the rivers and streams, in the forest and its creatures, and in each of us. And nowhere is this more lyrically celebrated than in the words of "All Things Bright and Beautiful," first published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848. Here, artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to this mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes with her fresh and engaging watercolors. Readers will be swept along as they follow three young children who delight in a day filled with the discovery of "all things bright and beautiful.” This striking book is a beautiful reminder that every good thing we see is from God. Ages 4 to 7.


My thoughts: The lyrics of the 165 year old poem sung as a hymn through the years teaches that God makes all things beautiful. The years have not dimmed the beauty and tradition of this great song because it reaches young and old, educated and uneducated, strong and weak. It is a treasure to be taught and learned.

All things bright and beautiful, 

All creatures great and small, 

All things wise and wonderful, 

The Lord God made them all.

Cecil Frances Alexander's beautiful poem is aptly illustrated in colorful, bright pictures sure to appeal to the younger audience. Adults will enjoy this whimsical artistry as each page defly illustrates the lines of the poem on the page. Two sisters and a brother frolic about the flowers, in the breeze, and amongst the various critters. Joyful! Lively! Serene!

A lovely hymn or poem to learn. A sweet, lovely book. A strong Christian message about the God who made everything beautiful.

GIVEAWAY
(1st) All Things Bright & Beautiful
 (2nd) $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate

Begins February 2
ENDS February 16  @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit your local Family Christian store or shop online at FamilyChristian.com for this and other amazing products to encourage and uplift your heart.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review. Giveaway copy is provided by Worthy-Ideals directly to the winner. Family Christian sponsored the Appreciation Certificate giveaway & will provide the winner's certificate prize.

B Is For Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet by Isabel Wilner & illustrated by Elisa Kleven [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780824956745
Hardcover $16.99

About the book: B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner, follows the letters of the alphabet to tell the story of the Nativity to young readers. The rich illustrations will depict the events, people, and places associated with the birth of Jesus.

My thoughts: Originally published in 1995, this is a 25-year anniversary edition. This is an absolutely beautiful book. The detail and rich colors are just a joy to see. The art is whimsical and yet reminiscent of Russian or Ukrainian folk art.

The classification of this book is Children's Poetry, Christmas Poetry, Christmas, Nativity and that it truly is. This is a reverent poetic portrayal of events and personages surrounding the birth of the Savior. The little couplets tell the sweet and rich story as no other alphabet book I've seen to-date.

I am delighted that they have published this 25-year Anniversary edition. Don't miss this one!

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 12 ENDS December 1 @ 12:00 a.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated. The publisher is providing a copy as a giveaway for one of my readers.

Silent Night (A VeggieTales Musical Board Book) [Review & Giveaway]

• ISBN-13: 978-0824919344

About the book: The Veggies are putting on a Christmas play based on the carol 'Silent Night' in this new musical board book.

Bob, Larry, and all the Veggie friends put on their costumes for a Christmas play about Jesus' birth told through the verses of 'Silent Night.' Laura Carrot lovingly presides over the scene as Mary while she watches the baby sleep. Out in the fields, the shepherds quake at the sight of the angels who appear. The entire cast gathers around the manger to celebrate, 'Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.'

The lyrics of this traditional carol were written in 1816 by a young priest named Joseph Mohr. His friend and musician, Franz Gruber, added the melody in 1818, and on that Christmas Eve, a song was born that captivated the hearts of people throughout the world.

Push the sound button to hear Larry sing the refrain of the song. This fun, yet reverent, Nativity book is a great way to keep toddlers talking -- and singing -- about the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 2-5.


My thoughts: Ideals and Candy Cane Press have given us another delightful children’s board book with the music push-the-button. Children just simply love these little books and the beloved Christmas Carol “Silent Night” makes it even more special.

The Veggie Tales characters are in a Christmas Nativity play and the lyrics of “Silent Night” are the story lines. Push the button and simply sing along. It will help a young child learn the turn and lyrics of this beloved Christmas Carol. Sized just right for little hands to hold and carry about the house throughout the day. Parents may eventually tire of hearing the tune but they can calmly bear it because they know this is a building block for a Child’s relationship with the Christ of the nativity. A plus is that you can replace the batteries when needed.

Another sweet book highly recommended by Chat With Vera.

GIVEAWAY 

Begins October 18
ENDS November 8 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Ideals Publications to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for the review. Giveaway copy is provided by the publisher.

This Little Light of Mine written by Kathleen Long Bostrom

ISBN: 9780824919580 - $12.99
Ideals Children's Books an Imprint of
Worthy Publishing Group

The Veggies are camping in the park by the lighthouse. It's a beautiful night, but Junior admits that he is a little afraid of the dark. Surrounded by his friends, he soon learns about the different types of light around us, including the ways God lights our path and shines through us. Children can push the sound button to hear the Veggies singing the refrain from This Little Light of Mine. This charming tale with the popular VeggieTales characters will comfort little ones and inspire them to let their light shine.

My thoughts: I just love these little board books with the music button. The kiddies love them, too. Throw in VeggieTales characters and you have a win-win treasure.

This time the book has more than the words to the song. The characters learn how to not be afraid of the dark and that there are many types of light. But best of all is God lighting our path.

So get ready for those little feet to tread throughout your life with those little hands grasping this little board book and their little fingers repeatedly pushing the "Little Light of Mine" button. An additionally good idea, too, is the fact that you can replace the battery when it dies. And you will, of course, because you want that kiddie's light to shine.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated.