David's Diary series chapter books provides good faith-forward reading for kids [Giveaway]

USA Today bestselling author Bunmi Laditan writes David's Diary #1: The Summer Camp Disaster, David's Diary #2: The Science Fair Sabotage, and David's Diary #3: The Big Bully. 

Don't miss these for kids ages 6 to 10!

David's Diary #1: The Summer Camp Disaster

We meet David Jesse King, a precocious nine-year-old whose first time at church camp is turning out to be not-so-fun. David is absolutely thrilled to be at a real, honest-to-goodness, actual sleepaway camp! He can’t wait to jump into the lake, climb an oak tree, see a brown bear, fly down the mountain on the zipline—it’s going to be the best week of David’s life! 

But when another kid dumps a huge bowl of chocolate pudding on him, David’s first time at church camp is ruined. Can he fix things by getting revenge? Or is there another way for David to still have a fun week?

 

David's Diary #2: The Science Fair Sabotage

Incorrigible and precocious David Jesse King has high hopes of winning the Faith & Fun Science Fair—until someone sabotages his chances! 

David loves school - especially since he just won third place in in his school's science fair AND his class has entered the regional Faith & Fun Science Fair! It’ll cost $500 for their class to go to regionals, and David is ready to be the top fundraiser and make it happen. 

The only thing standing in his way is Abby, the new girl who seems to be good at everything and keeps stealing David's thunder. Can David stop Abby from sabotaging his chances of being discovered as a scientific genius? And when someone steals their fundraising money, can he figure out who's sabotaging his entire class?
 

David's Diary #3: The Big Bully

David Jesse King confronts a new kid in school who turns out to be a bully. David can't wait to show everyone at school what he got for Christmas! But things take a turn when the new kid, Greg Putnam, sets his eyes on David’s cherished gift. 

Will David find a way to deal with Greg's bullying on his own? Or will being Greg's number-one target keep David trembling in fear? 

With its engaging narrative, The Big Bully explores ways young readers can stand up against bullying with courage while leaving room for forgiveness.

My thoughts on the series: I think this is a delightful series. It includes the bad side of growing kids' characters and helps them overcome their faults. It isn't real "preachy" but it is definitely Christian. The kids are in a Christian Academy and face their school-day challenges. They attend a Christian sleepover camp with their church group. They learn faith based ways of changing their behavior and learning to forgive. A good series written as a boy's diary in his own quirky "kid-voice." 

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Enter to win 2 books

Begins September 21

Ends October 22 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

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DAVID'S DIARY #1 Summer Camp Disaster + DAVID'S DIARY #2 Science Fair Sabotage

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is books #1 and #2. Prize will be provided by and sent directly to the winner by publicist or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Autumn's Abundance: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature by Kaitlin B. Curtice & illustrated by Eduardo Marticorena

Autumn's Abundance: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature  

About the book: In this joyous celebration of autumn, a young Indigenous boy learns how to receive love from Creator and Mother Earth—and how to share that love with others.

Bo, a proud Potawatomi boy, loves the coming of autumn—the turning of the leaves, the cooling weather, the last harvests from his garden. All around him he can see the love and abundance that Creator and  Mother Earth give to all living creatures. But Bo knows that not everyone feels abundance in their lives. What can Bo and his friends do to share love and abundance with those around them?

My thoughts:  This is a really cute book and story about children learning to appreciate the beauty of Autumn and to be thankful for the abundance of the Autumn harvest of good things to eat. It is illustrated joyfully and with really cute scenes and activities. Pictured, too, is a  mix of ethnic backgrounds. So from this standpoint, this is a lovely book.

However, when I agreed to review this title, I missed seeing that the story involved teachings about the Earth's abundance and beauty coming from "Creator" and "Mother Earth." Even the Sun and Moon have names - Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon. I do think that at some point in our children's lives we need to introduce them to varied belief systems and help them see the differences in those and our own. In our home, that belief system is Christian; and we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In Christianity that is the Trinity and it is a monotheistic belief. Therefore, this really cute, sweet, idea-positive picture book basically is about a belief system contrary to that which I promote.

The publisher is Random House Publishing and their Convergent imprint which is an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group headquartered in New York, Convergent publishes in the categories of spiritual practice, personal growth, self-help, relationships, memoir, etc. 

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

WHEN I THANK GOD by Matthew Paul Turner [Review & Giveaway]

 

ISBN: 9780525654162 Hardcover
48 pages | Ages 3-7
Convergent Children's
Random House Children's Books

My thoughts:  A whimsically illustrated children's book that has a surreal evocativeness to the overall impact it presents. Adorable children sometimes appear in distorted visuages and the progression is one of imaginative flight throughout.

Beautiful colors and artistically delightful paintings, though a bit fantasy-land-ish for a book teaching about thanking God - the God Almighty of Creation and Salvation, will be found a delight by children.

The lesson of being thankful and expressing one's thankfulness in various ways is given through lovely rhyme.

We always need to be reminded to be thankful and to thank God in and for all things.

About the book: “The rhyming text creates a sing-songy lilt that makes it more accessible to children….the hand-drawn and colored illustrations are beautiful and inviting.” —School Library Journal 

 

A vibrant, adventurous exploration of how thanking God and others brings wonderful gifts to our own lives, from the bestselling author and illustrator of When God Made You.

 

I’ll ask God to help me see

What being thankful really means.

To help me know how gratitude grows

And in my life is seen.

 

Written in Matthew Paul Turner’s signature rhyming style, When I Thank God helps kids understand the benefits of showing gratitude to God and others. Not only does it recognize everything God gives us and show love to the people God sends to bless us, but it does beautiful and amazing things in our own lives and hearts.

 

’Cause when I thank God

A change happens in me,

And I might get a glimpse of all I can be.

 

 

About the Author: Matthew Paul Turner is a photographer, speaker, and author of numerous books, including the bestselling When God Made You, When I Pray for You, and What Is God Like?. 

 

About the Illustrator: David Catrow is the illustrator of many picture books, including Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon and its sequel, Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, written by Patty Lovell; I Wanna Iguana and its two companion books, I Wanna New Room and I Wanna Go Home, written by Karen Kaufman Orloff; Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel; The Middle Child Blues by Kristyn Crow; and We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Deborah.  

GIVEAWAY

September 6

October 6 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

WHEN I THANK GOD by M.P.Turner illustrated by David Catrow

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game from Convergent Children's Books [Review & Giveaway] ✝️

Convergent Children's Books
ISBN: 9780593580660
Hardcover - Ages 3-7

My thoughts:  As school nears closure for another academic year and children's attention turns to summer activities including participating in softball and baseball team sports in their area, excitement builds. Boys and girls alike love the fun and the challenge of this; and they desire praise and support from their parents and family as they, hopefully, hit a home run or baseline hit.

Young Isaiah Johnson is no different. He was excited about this big game with his team's rivals and his part in the game for his team. He was excited, too, because his family was there to see him play. But his father has not yet arrived.

The story goes on with Isaiah's dad showing up a bit late, but he did show. He asks his son's forgiveness for being at work "when he should have been at the game." Personally, I don't think the son needs to forgive the father for being at work instead of the child's ball game. That is, unless the father promised to be there or unless the father deliberately stayed at work when he had free time to be at the game. Not all fathers can get off work to attend a child's ball game, etc. However, it is wonderful when fathers can be available to watch their child in their growing up activities - ball games, recitals, school or church plays.

The lesson taught and learned that day on the ball field is well explained in the story, and it is a lesson well learned. We forgive and we are forgiven. The author explains forgiveness and explains God's forgiveness of us as well as our forgiveness of others. I think, too, that parents need to realize that they, as adults, need to seek their children's forgiveness when the parent's actions need to be acknowledged and forgiven. A good lesson for children and parents is taught in the story.

The illustrations are bright, cheerful, and show family participation. The illustrations are digitally created by Emmanuel Boateng (*see more about artist below). 

About the book:  Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game is a thoughtful picture book for ages 3-7 about how we all need forgiveness—even parents—with illustrations by Emmanuel Boateng. Isaiah's baseball team has made it to the championships, and he's up to bat! When his dad shows up late, he apologizes for his absence and asks for Isaiah's forgiveness. But Isaiah is still hurt and isn't sure if he can forgive.

Readers who loved McCaulley's previous titles featuring the Johnsons—Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit (a finalist for the Jerry Pinkney Children's Book Award) and Andy Johnson and the March for Justice—will delight in this latest installment about the loving and close-knit family who tackle answering big questions with care, intention, and faith. As a dad who's made plenty of mistakes himself, Esau McCaulley has crafted a biblically-informed story that offers plenty of avenues for discussion on the power of forgiveness.

 

About the Author: Esau McCaulley is the Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College and the pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Naperville, Illinois. He hosts the Esau McCaulley Podcast for Holy Post Media, and is the author of numerous books, including How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South, Reading While Black, and the children’s books Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit and Andy Johnson and the March for Justice. A contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, McCaulley has also been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today.

 

About the Illustrator: Emmanuel Boateng, popularly known as Mind of El, is a Ghanaian self-taught digital artist. He was born and raised in the city of Kumasi in the Ashanti region. Emmanuel has created artwork for a variety of British and African celebrities, but now focuses all his attention on doing illustrations for children's books.

⚾GIVEAWAY⚾

Begins May 8

Ends June 5 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game by Esau McCaulley

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review.  Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize book is provided by and sent to directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is randomly selected from the Gleam entry platform and winner notified via the email registered with Gleam. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email notification with required information. Failure to respond by the deadline will result in a different winner being selected.

Apples for All: A Story About Grafting written & illustrated by Mary Peterson - Celebrate "Kid's Garden Month" - [Review & Giveaway]

Feeding Minds Press presents Apples for All: A Story About Grafting written and illustrated by Mary Peterson.

A family-filled picture book that teaches children about the science of grafting and apple growing.

ISBN: 9781948898201
Hardcover $18.99
Feeding Minds Press

My thoughts:  Most all of us have desired to plant an apple or orange or peach seed from a delicious piece of fruit we've eaten and grow our own delicious fruit. The same is true for young Bobbi - an active, curious, young farmer's daughter. She's enjoyed her apple and wants to grow more just like it!

She approaches her Grandpa on the family farm and asks him to help her plant her apple seed so she can grow her own apples and even make delicious applesauce. Grandpa proceeds to tell her that seeds don't usually grow into trees that bear the same type of fruit. He then shows her how to graft a branch onto another "basic" apple tree and get the type of apple she desires.

This is basic tree grafting and doesn't get into the genetics of plants and how to propagate new species, etc. It is simple grafting and growing. And it is such a sweet family story of gentle education and on-hand learning. Not everyone has the opportunity propagate their own fruit and grow it, but for those who do it surely gives a grand sense of accomplishment and a reaping of delicious benefits.

This is another of Feeding Minds Press children's books that I absolutely love. 

About the book: Bobbi’s family loves apples! The only problem? They can’t agree on which type to grow! Gala? Granny Smith? McIntosh? When Bobbi discovers the solution – grafting – her family comes together to care for one very special tree. The result? Apples for all!

This children’s picture book, written and illustrated in the fun and colorful style of Mary Peterson, introduces young readers to the fascinating world of apples, apple trees, and the science of tree grafting.

Perfect for curious kids who love nature, gardening, and learning where food comes from, this STEM-aligned story makes a great classroom resource or gift for budding gardeners, scientists, and apple lovers! Filled with engaging facts about apples, tree grafting, and the heartwarming theme of compromise, APPLES FOR ALL! is not just a delightful read that will resonate with young readers, but also a valuable educational resource. Informational backmatter includes fun apple facts, an apple variety guide, and an applesauce recipe!

Feeding Minds Press, a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, is committed to fostering awareness and understanding of agriculture through education. Our books, including APPLES FOR ALL!, aim to help young readers understand where their food comes from, its journey to their plate, and the role of agriculture in our lives. Explore our website, Feedingmindspress.com, for accompanying lessons, activities, and videos that enhance the learning experience.

🍎 GIVEAWAY 🍎

Begins April 13

Ends May 13 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Apples for All: A Story About Grafting by Mary Peterson (Open USA only)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate a review. Winner's prize copy is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Our Christmas Tree Farm by Lisa J. Amstutz & Christina Forshay, Illustrator (Feeding Minds Press0 [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  This is truly a delightful story and so much educational information, too. I love how this family planted a seedling of a evergreen tree (i.e. Christmas tree type tree) when the little girl who is now seven was just a baby. She has watched and tended the little tree through the years. This year the plan is for her to cut it down and decorate it as her own tree.

Activity on the tree farm goes on all year long as they plant, tend, harvest, and then sell the trees. When it's time to open the farm for customers to select their own trees, it all comes alive with joy and treats.

Back information is truly informative. I found it especially interesting that rootings can be made from cuttings from trees and then planted to grow to full size.

A terrific book for libraries everywhere. A treat book for families that engage in the thrill that comes from going to a tree farm, selecting your own tree, helping cut it down, and having treats while there.

About the book: Customers have arrived at the Christmas tree farm, and Kate's whole family comes together to help―even Daisy the dog! Popping corn, setting up sleds, and baling trees keep the family busy while they maintain a watchful eye on one truly special tree.

Throughout the years, Papa has trimmed the trees, Mom has mowed the paths, and one extra special tree was planted for Kate. She and her tree are both seven years old and―finally!― the tree has grown tall enough to be brought inside and decorated for Christmas. Little brother Henry loves the tree so much that the family decides to graft a piece of it so they can grow Henry his very own Christmas tree, too.

With its vibrant illustrations, lyrical writing, and fun facts about a tree farm, OUR CHRISTMAS TREE FARM promises to become a new holiday tradition to enjoy for years to come.

This holiday picture book features information on how trees are grown and cared for on a farm. Extensive backmatter includes facts about Christmas trees and tree farms, how to graft a new tree from a twig, and the eco-friendly way to recycle a Christmas tree.

Author: Lisa Amstutz is the author of more than 150 books for kids. As a child, she enjoyed helping with her family's Christmas tree patch and other small farming ventures. Today she writes about nature, sustainability, and agriculture from a small farm of her own. To learn more, see www.LisaAmstutz.com.

Illustrator: Christina Forshay was born and raised in sunny Southern California. During the holidays, she loves sipping on hot cocoa, snuggling with her kids and kitties, watching classic movies, and, of course, decorating her Christmas tree! When she’s not illustrating, you can find Christina having adventures on a golf course, on a soccer field, at the beach, at a museum, or at a concert! Find more of her work at www.christinaforshay.com.

🎄GIVEAWAY🎄

Begins October 24

Ends November 21 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

Our Christmas Tree Farm by Lisa J. Amstutz (Open USA only)

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

Let's Celebrate Korean New Year! by Michelle W. Park & illustrated by Hyewon Yum [Review & Giveaway]

새해 복 많이 받으세요 Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!

Hardcover $14.95 | Ages 4-8
ISBN: 978-0593567302
Random House Books

My thoughts:  Often we are so wrapped up in our own lives, holidays, and cultural activities that we don't think about those that folks in other lands experience. As Americans we celebrate Christmas and New Year's, but so do the peoples in other lands. However, many do celebrate New Year's differently and often at a slightly different time than that which I am accustomed to celebrating. This delightful story shows us a bit about how Korea celebrates New Year's as seen from the view point of a couple of young girls in a  Korean family.

As with families world wide, these two sisters go about their day with sisterly companionship, smiles, frowns, and shared duties. Beautifully told, we can feel the vibe of this sweet family relationship. The girls awaken on the special day, dress in traditional attire, and go about helping mother prepare foods, table settings, etc. for the occasion. They eat and play games.

I absolutely love this sweet story and so much is shared about this Korean observance on the back pages. There is even a recipe for Korean dumplings.

About the book: Madeleine and Eloise are getting ready for their family's Lunar New Year party, and there's so much to do before the guests arrive! From putting on colorful outfits called hanboks and making Korean dumplings called mandoo, to setting up yutnori, a traditional board game, Madeleine shows her younger sister how to prepare for the holiday. But when Madeleine forgets to write a poem to share with the family, Eloise offers to help—and the girls realize that although each tradition is special, what matters most is spending the day together.

While there are many books about the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, there are very few stories spotlighting the Korean traditions celebrated by millions of Korean American families. Secret word: Lunar - Hailed as "a cozy celebration brimming with traditions and sisterly love" by Kirkus, Let's Celebrate Korean New Year! fills the gap in the market with its beautifully-illustrated, necessary story of Madeleine and Eloise as they celebrate important Korean New Year traditions with their family. The book also features back matter that includes a glossary of Korean terms, the author's own mandoo recipe, and a fun, educational craft activity to create your very own charae-sang tablescape!

Korean Lunar New Year celebrations begin on January 29, 2025

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 14

Ends February 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

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 directly to the winner by Publicity Prose on behalf of author and publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards (on sale: September 10, 2024) [Book Spotlight & Giveaway]

Meet Hannah Edwards, determined school girl, friend, mystery solver, & who has ADHD.

About the book: This authentic neurodiverse reimagining of Hamlet is a fresh and unconventional take on a classic–that’s also a mystery! It’s Nancy Drew and Sammy Keyes mixed with Turtles All the Way Down and Honestly Elliott.

Cheer on Hannah Edwards in this relatable coming-of-age story about neurodiversity, friendship, school, and family. Great mystery for kids 9-12.

Hannah has a lot on her mind. Her father—the Canola King—is missing, and no one in her small town seems to care. With the support of her best friend Sam Castillo, and their sidekick Tim the Hall Monitor, Hannah embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.

Along the way, she uncovers secrets that she records in her journal, confronts challenges in school due to her ADHD, talks to a ghost, and learns the true meaning of determination and friendship.

The novel’s blend of prose and inventive journal entries make it a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with heart.

~~ OF SPECIAL NOTE ~~ 

October is ADHD Awareness Month and over 9.8% of kids in the US have ADHD, with girls both under-diagnosed and under-portrayed in the media. Debut author Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22, and the world she creates in HANNAH EDWARDS is deeply rooted in her own experiences. While Hards masterfully and authentically represents ADHD (and showcases neurodiversity as a positive asset), Hannah’s ADHD is not the focus of the story, but rather another element of her characterization. Reminiscent of Henry Winkler’s Hank Zipzer series, in which Hank’s dyslexia was secondary to his school escapades, neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike will delight in Hannah’s adventures as she investigates her father’s mysterious disappearance, and relate to her need for agency and her unstoppable drive. Secret word: adventure

Told through Hannah's secret journal, the book features a mix of listicles, transcripts of recordings, an Epic poem, and some straight narratives that will get kids excited about reading, and uses a font that increases legibility and readability for readers of all abilities. Blending mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, HANNAH EDWARDS SECRETS OF THE RIVERWAY is a compelling read for anyone looking for an engaging story with plenty of heart.

HELPS: Fabled Films Press has numerous classroom resources written and developed under the supervision of educators and professionals to support the book, including a Neurodiversity Discussion Guide by Dr. Dawn Jacobs Martin, PhD; a Common Core Language Arts Guide by Pat Scales; and a print-at-home Tween Activity Kit with word games, crafts, and writing activities. All of these resources and more are available at www.Hannah-Edwards.com.

About the Author - Ashley Hards was declared to be “gifted” at age 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 22. When forced to sit still in class, she found books and writing to be the most engaging subjects, especially Shakespeare. She received both her BA and MA in English Literature from McGill University, where she now teaches writing and continues her research on Shakespeare and ritual.

Always the adrenaline lover, Ashley enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and opera. (Hey, it’s exciting.) She spent many weekends driving across Alberta and hanging out at a ski hill near Pincher Creek, and the vision for Riverway developed over many dark, stormy nights. Like Hannah, she enjoys journaling. Unlike Hannah, she has not solved any mysteries (yet). This is her first book. Find her on Instagram @ashleyrhards.

About Fabled Films Press - Fabled Films Press creates original content for young readers and middle-grade audiences that combines strong literary properties with high-quality production values to connect books with generations of parents and their children. Each property is supported by websites, educator guides, and activities for bookstores, educators, and librarians, as well as videos and social media content. Fabled Films Press has published two critically acclaimed children’s book series: Pippa Park by Erin Yun and The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht. Find them online at fabledfilms.com, on Facebook at @Fabled.Films.Press, and on Instagram at @fabled.films.

GIVEAWAY

Signed Copy Hannah Edwards Secret of Riverway & bookmark

Begins August 17

Ends September 17 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this post. Book information provided by publicist. I have not read this book so I can not endorse all content. I encourage parents to determine for themselves if the book's content is appropriate for their child or family. That is not to say I disapprove of the book's content because I can not say either way without reading. I agreed to post information because I felt the book's contents worthy. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by the publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.