Fly: A Fable for Dreamers & the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell from BHKids Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

Fly: A Fable for Dreamers and the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell

ISBN: 9798384540014
Hardcover $14.99

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully readable story set in tongue-loving rhyme. I absolutely loved reading it aloud. The story is a make-believe tale of a pig who dreams of being able to fly; and as he dreams, he begins to work toward making that dream a reality. Of course, it all rhymes.

The beauty of this story is not just the dreaming or the rhyming or the work-ethic of making one's dreams a reality. It is the "twist" at the end when that behind the scenes flock of friends is revealed as the supporters of Pig as he dreams and tries to achieve. 

This is truly a story to simply enjoy, and yet it is a story with a valuable life lesson that we succeed, we achieve, we soar with the support of our friends and loved ones who lift us up with helping hands. Though it is not stated exactly, but I sense a reference to the truth that we are lifted on the "wings of prayer." 

The author and illustrator have delivered a charming, totally enjoyable, and friendship oriented story that I highly recommend for homes and libraries.

Listen to Granny GG Read an intro to FLY

About the book:  An inspiring fable on how friendship can fuel the biggest of dreams.

Full of dreams and gumption, Harold T. Pig knows he was made for more than his workshop. But when his wild ideas turn to the sky, he’ll need some surprising help for his dreams to take flight.

Harold’s story cheers on the dreamer in us all, but it’s also a reminder that our own stories have a supporting cast that deserves our applause and gratitude. Readers of all ages will be inspired to remember the friends who saw their God-given gifts, who helped them spread their wings and steadied their flights.

Perfect for gifting, this book can be shared as a . . .

• Thank-you to honor teachers, coaches, and mentors.
• Gift to recognize behind-the-scenes volunteers and colleagues.
• Way to celebrate graduations and triumphs.
• Story to encourage children’s dreams and their gratitude for the heroes who lift those dreams higher.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 22, 2026

Ends May 22, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

FLY: A Fable for Dreamers & the Friends Who Help Them Soar by Ben Mandrell

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 or shipped directly to the winner by the publisher, BHKids/Lifeway, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner will be notified via the email registered with the Gleam entry platform and will have 48 hours to respond with the needed information for prize delivery.

Noah’s Gloomy /Joyful Ark by Jill Roman Lord & illustrated by Kelly Breemer [Review & Giveaway]

24 pages Board book
ISBN: 9781430085287
$12.99 | Buy Here

My thoughts:  Children's picture book author, Jill Roman Lord, never disappoints with her whimsical, truthful, Biblical children's books. Her rhyming story telling has a sweet rhythm and rhyme that will engage little ones as they listen to you read and re-read the books.

In Noah's Gloomy Joyful Ark what could be a gloomy, rainy day read becomes one of rejoicing as the child can see the joy of the boarding animals. It will be a reminder to adults that this was indeed a gloomy and joyful time. Gloomy for those lost and joyful for those saved. But the deeper subject is not broached for young readers. The joy is simply evident throughout the book.

I love that this book has 24 pages - way more than one normally has in a kiddie  board book.  I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Join the animals, make some noise, and find some joy!

This new look at Noah’s ark imagines how the animals might have felt on that one-of-a-kind journey. Maybe they felt a bit gloomy to see the rain clouds, but they must’ve been joyful to be safe and sound on the ark! Secret word: Joy

This rollicking story encourages readers to roar, bark, and hee-haw along with the animals. And when the rainbow appears, children will be reminded that even in their own gloomy days, they can look for God’s love!

Don't miss the other books in the series: The Silent Noisy Night and The Quiet Crazy Easter Day. (These links go to my reviews.)

Click here for 3 fun activities that children in your life will enjoy

GIVEAWAY

Noah's Gloomy Joyful Ark

Signed by the author

Begins October 20

Ends at November 16

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Gracie's Garden by Lara Casey & illustrated by Jon Davis (from B&H Kids/Lifeway)

My thoughts:  This book teaches youngsters about how little things (seeds) grow to become bigger things (garden goodies). It is a charming story of an older sister teaching her younger siblings how to plant seeds and then to wait for them to grow into something they can enjoy.

The illustrations are bright, cheerful, energetic, and charming. They picture happiness and familiar sharing and joy. The illustrations really capture the joyful heart of the story and young Gracie who is an adorable older sister.

A lovely book to have in your home.

About the book: Little by little, good things grow! 

Come play in the garden with Gracie! Join the garden tea party with her sister Sarah, taste tomatoes right off the vine with her crunchy munchy brother Joshua, and plant seeds! Some seeds, though, don't grow fast enough for Joshua. He wants to munch on tomatoes NOW. What will he do while he waits on those tiny tomato seeds to grow? Step into the garden to find out!

Author and business owner Lara Casey has learned many rich lessons from the garden, including how to celebrate that God grows good things little by little. In her first children's book, she heads back to the tomato vines to share her joy and wisdom with little gardeners. 

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

WHERE IS WISDOM? by Scott James

ISBN: 9781535965965
B&H Publishing

My thoughts:  It is surprising how much "theology" one can glean from a children's book. The author, Scott James, delves into Job 28 (click to read) to pull a nugget of wisdom for young readers or listeners.

The book of Job in Scriptures is difficult to comprehend. All that pain and suffering. All that advice. All that seeking. In Where Is Wisdom? the search (of Job 28 for wisdom) begins with an understanding that men are smart and searchers. Man searches for food from the Earth. For minerals that glisten and gleam from the depths of the Earth. And still he won't find Wisdom.

Beautifully illustrated the book begins with man seeking for hidden things. The text tells the story of man searching and working hard to find. And then the story, as does the Bible, brings home the truth that man can search but what he finds is a generous gift from God. And man needs to seek after God. The God of all. The one who will help man find wisdom.

A lovely book and one that can take parents and children deeper in understanding with each reading.

About the book: Where can we find wisdom? Down in the deep caverns? At the bottom of the ocean floor? This visual tour through the poetry of Job 28 parallels Scripture and leads readers on a treasure hunt through the wonders of God’s creation.

Among all the dazzling treasures this world has to offer, we learn of an even greater treasure—wisdom—and of the mighty God who alone can lead us to it. Beautifully illustrated, Where Is Wisdom? is a unique celebration of the words and imagery of Job, one that guides young readers high and low to marvel ultimately at the true end of wisdom, Jesus Christ.



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

Big and Little Activity Devotional from Rachel Swanson and Jacy Corral

B&H Publishing

My thoughts: I know that during this trying time when families are having to remain at home and work from home (or be furloughed from work) and also teach their kiddies at home as much as is possible since the shelter-in-place or stay-at-home requirement is in place. So a break in the routine of required work is certainly in order.

This Big and Little Activity Devotional is quite unusual. Take at look at this really short video. It'll give you an idea of how it works and how it is different from any "activity book" you've ever seen.

I think the concept of the reversed pages where an adult or older child can work the activity while a younger child can access the other page. The book is flip style opening from bottom to top. The puzzles are pretty standard puzzles such as mazes, connect the dot or numbers, crosswords, color by number, etc. There is a devotional thought on each set of pages.

I found that for me personally the text is just too tiny on most every page. I don't know if slightly enlarging the dimensions of the book would make larger print workable.

Some activities are words, verses, and pictures simply for thinking about and coloring.  The choices of activities are quite varied and I think this would be a grand activity book for families.

About the book: Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Activity Devotional engages minds of all ages with biblical devotions, while providing a creative outlet through coloring and activities to diffuse stress.

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

THE QUIET/CRAZY EASTER DAY by Jill Roman Lord

My thoughts:  This is a board book with padded cover, lively illustrations, rhyming text. It is all about praise to God. Scripture tells us in Luke 19:40 when Jesus was being praised the pharisees wanted Jesus to hush them. Our Lord said.... "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The author of this young children's board book is giving an "I imagine" take on what might have happened on the morning of our Lord's resurrection. Suppose everything rejoiced - animals, fish, people, at this joyful occasion. Surely in creation's own individual ways, they praised God their creator. So this is supposition, but it takes the reader to a place where realization that all of creation rejoices.

Scripture at the end of the book..... I Peter 1:3 

New International Version (used in book)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

New King James Version (my preference) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

A cute book that directs the heart and mind of young children to the real reason of Christ's resurrection and our celebration of it.

About the book: You might think of the first Easter as a quiet, peaceful morning. But with all creation celebrating the risen Lord of Lords, it may not have been so quiet! The Quiet Crazy Easter Day imagines the crazy celebration that might have occurred when Jesus arose . . . a festive day filled with chirps and croaks, shouts and coos and loop-de-doos. Join the rejoicing as we follow along with the Easter story and learn how we too can shout and sing and spread the news that Jesus is alive.

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

THE PROMISES OF GOD STORYBOOK BIBLE (The Story of God's Unstoppable Love) Jennifer Lyell

ISBN: 9781535928328
B&HKids Publishing

My thoughts:  Typically, young children's books are quite limited in the scope of the promises found in the Bible with which children are made familiar. The rainbow promise. The never leave you nor forsake you promise. The promise of a Saviour Redeemer. Just a few.

But in The Promises of God Storybook Bible the child has the opportunity to see how God has loved his people and his creation throughout time. How He has made promises and kept them throughout the ages in many ways to many people.

I think the content, layout, and method of story telling suitable for ages 5 to 10.  The basic stories will be recognized by many children, but the application of how each is related to a promise of God may require some extra parental interaction.

The story telling tone is conversational and relaxed yet holds steady with the teachings of God's Word. The book takes the reader from the Genesis or beginning, through the fall of man, and on through the Old Testament and New Testament ending with our Returning Redeemer in the Revelation.

This is a storybook and it is not a Bible though it does take one through much of the Bible with each story section showing the general area of the Bible from which it is taken. There are a few discussion questions at the end of each story to enhance understanding.

I think this is a very good storybook of Bible stories and the emphasis on the Promises of God sets it apart from the usual Bible storybook.

About the book: God’s love is unstoppable. And that’s a promise.

Noah’s ark. Joseph’s dreams. Jesus’s miracles. The Bible is rich with stories for our children to hear and enjoy, but when those stories uncover the thread of God’s promises, our children learn much more than individual Bible stories. They discover how God has demonstrated His love for us, from the first promise in the garden to the promise of the new heavens and earth.

A conversational, whimsical, biblically faithful retelling of more than fifty key Bible stories, The Promises of God Storybook Bible lets your child hear favorite stories with new ears, repeatedly assuring them that each word is proof of God’s unstoppable love and unbreakable promises to His people.

This title is available to request for review through January 3, 2019 while supplies last. Check out digital tools for your review for cover image and author biographies.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the B&H/Lifeway Blogger program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

GREAT AND SMALL PRAYERS FOR BABIES B&H Kids Editorial Staff

ISBN: 9781535948210

My thoughts:  This is one of those simple, beautiful board books that are a joy to place in a baby gift and especially to hand to that little toddler or baby.

Beautifully executed in sturdy board with just a few pages. Each page spread is half of the rhyme with the second half on the following page spread. Each two-page spread has a pull down flap hiding a delightful critter and additional text (but not part of the rhyme).

The conclusion is special in that it directs the wee one's thoughts and thankfulness to God for His love of the child.

I highly recommend this book from the editorial staff of B&H Kids.

About the book: Thank You, God, for great and small animal friends!

Join these adorable animal pairs in a board book that’s meant for little hands to hold and explore. Each spread features a large animal and his little friend, who is hiding under the flap. A short thank-You prayer on each spread models simple thankfulness, and the text includes animal sounds to make the reading even more fun.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Kids to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

Why God? by Dan DeWitt

My thoughts:  This children's picture book from Christian publishing house B&H Publishing Group offers Christian parents and children's group leaders a simple way to approach the heavy theological concept of God and the big questions little kids have that require simple but astute answers.

Young Thomas is our main character with a strong "wing-man" in the character of his dog, Dorothy. Thomas is a typical boy that loves the out-of-doors as is depicted in the opening illustration and his first silly-question.... "Are bats really just mice with wings?" You see, Thomas is a curious boy and one that ponders.

In the opening pages we meet Thomas' sister, Hope, and his mother.

His questions go beyond the bats and mice with wings type. He asks, "Why God?" because his friend at school doesn't believe in God, so why do we?

As Mom begins to respond to this question, she gets into the story of origins of the Earth, seeds, flowers, and just everything. She explains that, "Everything had to come from somewhere," the good and the bad. Then the story progresses to the fall of man with the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

The essence is, "He [God] made this world just right so we could know His power. And He made our hearts just right so we could know His goodness." This is a lot of scope for a single picture book.

The end page "Parent Connection" shares a Scripture to remember: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

The illustrations are cute and charming and present happy children in a lovely environment.

About the book: It’s often hard to keep up with all the questions that come from children’s inquisitive minds and active mouths, and the challenge is never bigger than when they ask the biggest questions of all―Who is God? Where did He come from? Why should I believe in Him?

As this picture book introduces two fun child characters who are full of questions about God, readers go along for the discovery, learning richly about the glory and wonder of their Father. Written by an apologetics professor with a love for both stories and children, Why God? takes apologetics and makes it accessible for young readers, not only answering their questions but also opening their hearts to the wonders of God.

Be sure you visit the author's website for some caffeinated insights - Theolatte.com

About the author: Dan Dewitt (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of applied theology and apologetics and the director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics and Public Christianity at Cedarville University. He is the author of Life in the Wild (The Good Book Company, 2018) and Jesus or Nothing (Crossway, 2014). He posts regularly on his blog Theolatte.com.

Who Sang the First Song? by Ellie Holcomb and illustrated by Kayla Harren

ISBN: 9781535940627  $14.99
Find it here on sale $8.99
Hardcover ~ B&H Kids

My thoughts:  Do you ever ask yourself off-the-wall questions like "Was there sound when God created the universe?" or "How big is God?"? Well, the author, Ellie Holcomb seems to be one who contemplates such questions and she brings that thought concept to the very young child - a picture-book-age child.

In Who Sang the First Song? the author drifts through parts of the creation asking if someone or something sang.

"...was the first song when the thumder went BOOM?"

"Did the sun sing a song as it colored the sky?"

But at the end the reader learns that all guesses are incorrect because.... "It was God, our Maker who sang the first song!   ... every heart and every thing was born with a song it was made to sing."

Beautifully illustrated by Kayla Harren with art that will delight the young and adults who enjoy the book. The detail is absolutely fabulous. Designed for the preschool age child, the concept of such theoretical thinking goes beyond that age group.

But just imagine if you will..... God singing at the creation of His Universe.

About the book: In this engaging board book with whimsical art, singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb asks a childlike question and answers with a lovely lyrical tale that shows young readers that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy hardcover copy from B&H Blogger program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Book is also available in "board book" and "eBook" formats.

Seek-and-Circle Bible Battles by B&H Kids

My thoughts:  Kids love a good "find the hidden object" book and they are available on a variety of age levels and subject material. In Seek and Circle Bible Battles the folks at Christian publishing house, B&H Publishing/B&H Kids, have brought in elements of Bible study and understanding. The armor of God needed to fight battles and the famous battles of the Bible are the subject of this interesting book.

I see this for the elementary age child and not the preschooler. Though, of course, they can with the assistance of the "grown ups" find the hidden objects. Understanding of the elements of the Armor of God and the "Christ Connection" are geared for the school age child's understanding.

A fun book! A re-use book because you can use a wipe-off marker and seek and circle over and over again. A "game book" I can heartily recommend. This is a great idea for a gift.


About the book: Seek, circle, and learn!

Maybe you've heard about the battle of Jericho and David's battle against Goliath, but what about the day the sun stood still? Inside this book, explore six of the major battles from the Bible, filled with dozens of items for you to seek and circle! Every battle scene also has something to tell us about God's plan for His people through His Son, Jesus.

For an added challenge, look for the six pieces of the armor of God as you explore each battle.

Use a wipe-on, wipe-off marker to seek-and-circle over and over again!

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.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Kids Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

THOUGHTFULL by Dorena Williamson (B&H / Lifeway Publishing)

ISBN: 9781462794744

My thoughts:  This is a sweet story with societal implications. It carries the weight of children who are "different" from the norm being accepted for the value they bring to society rather than looked upon as not able to do what the normal person does.

Students in a classroom see the down syndrome boy as a participant on the playground and in art class. Some accept him for his abilities which are good and worthy of notice, and some make fun of him not having capabilities that they themselves have rendering him different.

A good book to use within a classroom setting to help young children understand and appreciate the value of the disabled individual. Also, and perhaps primarily, a good book to use in a family situation when the child is in a setting where he interacts with the handicapped.

About the book: This encouraging story shows how life changes when we learn to value those who are differently abled and to champion the power of thoughtfulness.

Author Dorena Williamson explores the need to be “thoughtFULL”—full of thoughtfulness and awareness, particularly with those who have special needs. In this delightful story, it’s awards day at school, and Ahanu (a boy with Down Syndrome) earns the award for being thoughtful. Later, when his friend Joshua sees others making fun of Ahanu, it’s Joshua’s turn to be thoughtful by supporting his differently abled friend. While doing so, Joshua learns important lessons about friendship, disabilities, and the value we each have as God’s children.

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

Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth by Brian Dembowczyk

Age 6 - 12
Hardcover 160 pages
BH Kids Publishing
ISBN: 

My thoughts:  Some churches teach catechism which is a system of questions and answers about God, sin, the church, etc. These churches require or encourage learning the catechism prior to attaining membership into the church. While Baptist and other churches don't require or encourage the learning of catechism for membership it is not wholly a bad idea to learn these basic doctrinal  facts and ave them fixed in one's mind.

My thinking is that the introduction of the content of the children's book Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth has the potential to utilize the concept of "catechism" without the formality. It is somewhat akin to a devotional guidebook. It provides an opportunity for children and parents to take time to address, one at a time, the truths each question/answer brings forth. They have supporting scripture.

The book's "chapters" are topical and include: God (30), Creation (20), Sin (20), Jesus (20), Salvation (20), The Bible (30), Discipleship (40), The Church and Last Things (20). The colors are basic background colors for each "chapter." (numerals refer to questions in each topical chapter) Example of material:

"In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

1. 
Q.What is God?
A.God is creator and ruler of everything.

2.
Q.Can we now that God exists?
A. Yes, we can know that God exists from evidence in nature and in the Bible from an inner sense that tells us He does.

3.
Q. How many Gods are there?
A. There is one true God, and only He deserves worship.

The illustrations are done in beautiful "tiles" and also have a look of stained glass. The Middle East where the Bible originated is known for it's beautiful mosaic art and I think it is quite fitting to illustrate this children's book in this style. The colors are strong and yet softly hued. There is a soft intensity to the illustrations. This is a beautiful book.

Cornerstones is a wonderful introduction for children to understand theology in a simple yet with a good deal of depth.  I highly recommend this as a treasure to use in the home of Christians.

About the book:  How can parents teach kids to know God's truth? By asking and answering the right questions.

For centuries, parents have used the ancient method of learning and reciting questions and answers to teach the core doctrines of the faith. This beautifully designed book uses this regular rhythm of asking and answering to introduce children to spiritual truths and spark a hunger within them to know God even more.

Through 200 questions and answers, Cornerstones covers such principles as God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, sin, redemption, the church, restoration, and more. The whole family can use the book together, or children can use it on their own since each question and answer is written to make these foundational doctrines accessible.

Ask these right questions, and give your children the right answers on how to truly live their lives for God.

DISCLOSURE:I was provided a complimentary copy by BH/Lifeway Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own are are freely given.