Nora T and the Champion Tree by Mona Martin Batchelor, illustrated by Maggie Latimer

Nora T and the Champion Tree by Mona Martin Batchelor

About the book: An empowering story about an eleven-year-old's love for trees and the stories they tell us.“Gran, how did that enormous tree get here?!”“It grew, child.”Nora T knew her grandmother was crazy about the trees here on the farm that had turned out to be state champions, the biggest trees of their kind in Tennessee. It really is exciting, if you think about it! Would Gran nominate the tulip poplar that stood before them?“No, I won’t,” said Gran.Nora T’s face fell. “Oh, Gran! You must! It’s huge and it’s beautiful, and it’s soooo very big! If you don’t nominate it, who will?!”“You will, my precious girl. You will.” And she smiled.Nora T Singleton is eleven years old and curious (in a good way) about everything under the sun. Luckily, her family (mostly) encourages her. So, that summer, when Nora T gets curious about the trees on her grandparents’ property, her Gran helps her to nominate a tree for the Tennessee Champion Tree program. During the process, Nora T learns a lot about trees, the environment, activism―and patience!

Read an excerpt - click here

My thoughts: I have not read this book. It appears to be a gentle, easy read for middle grade readers. It is obvious that this story focuses on environmental issues and the preservation of trees. I concur that this is a much needed focus in today's world. The enormous tree is clearly shown in perspective to the tiny (and I mean tiny) girl shown at the foot of the tree on the book's cover. I see this as a double entree in that we as people are so small in contrast to the forest about us and we as individuals can do so little in the massive fight to preserve the forest. 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review/spotlight. Any opinions are my own and are freely given.

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. 

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.

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

I LOVE Blueberries! by Shannon Anderson & illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett [Review & Giveaway]

Famers and folks who love gardening - food or flower gardens - quite often take the cold, shut-in months of December, January, and February to peruse seed catalogues and plan planting and harvesting for the soon-to-come warm days.

Now envision BLUEBERRIES!!!!

Feeding Minds Press
ISBN: 9789848898195
Ages 5-9 Years

My thoughts:  In I Love Blueberries! the reader is introduced to the concept of hydroponic gardening and the possibility of growing blueberries indoors using the hydroponic method. The girl's teacher is already growing strawberries using this method; and it imbues the girls with a desire to investigate the method for blueberries, formulate a plan, gather supplies, and implement the activity.

In the background of the story, young Jolie has already begun her journey into blueberry cultivation by learning to germinate the plants from seeds in dirt-filled cups, watch them grown, and transplant them into the garden. A new girl is introduced in this story. Margot is a transplant from the northern state of Maine where blueberries are a major crop. Margot becomes a co-planner in the endeavor to grown blueberries.

This book deserves a place on the STEM bookshelf for readers ages 5 to 12.

About the book: Berry-loving Jolie is back, and this time she has a new friend! Margot has just moved to town and misses Maine — especially the blueberries. Determined to help, Jolie turns to their teacher to learn how hydroponics helps the strawberries in their classroom grow. Unfortunately, it’s a costly system and there’s no money left from the grant that helped the class start their indoor strawberry patch. Undeterred, Jolie, Margot, and their diverse group of classmates brainstorm ways to get the equipment they need, and they come up with just the thing: a Blueberry Bash!

The students invite the local community to a show-and-tell — featuring homemade decorations (blue, of course), blueberry muffins, and even a blueberry-themed poem! — where they explain their gardening goals, and inspire the community to come together and help the class achieve their berry-growing dreams.

Sinquett’s illustrations of Jolie’s exuberant, scrapbook-style journal and Margot’s sketchbook bring Anderson’s delightful tale to life, and will keep kids engaged as they learn all about the wonders of hydroponics and indoor gardening, and the many health benefits of blueberries.

Just in time for Kids Garden Month in April and National Blueberry Pie Day on April 28th, this heartwarming story encourages curiosity, problem solving, and a thirst for knowledge in young readers and shows them that, with the power of friendship and community, they can grow to new heights.

GIVEAWAY

1 Copy: I LOVE BLUEBERRIES!

Begins February 15

Ends March 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Limited to USA address entries only.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent to winner by publisher or publicist. 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

The Soil in Jackie’s Garden by award-winning author Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett [Review & Giveaway]

This spring, celebrate "National Learn About Composting Day" with The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas & illustrated by Neely Daggett.

 

ISBN: 9781948898164
Hardcover $18.99 Ages 6-8
Feeding Minds Press

My thoughts:  Out-of-doors season has arrived and one of the joys of the warm weather days is planting a garden - vegetables, fruits, or flowers. And they all require soil. And they all require digging.

It's what is in the soil plus sun and rain that makes the garden and all it's loveliness grow. In the delightfully entertaining and educational book, The Soil in Jackie's Garden, young Jackie learns all about how she can enrich the soil and what it takes to get the soil to be productive - including critters that wiggle and squirm down deep in the dark moist dirt.

This charming book displays vertically (a bit different from regular printings) and that just seems to help visualize how it takes going deep down for soil to be enriched and effective. Young readers will be enticed to get a shovel, make a compost pile, dig a garden, find an earth worm, and be in absolute awe when they see their seeds sprout and seedlings grow to fruition.

Feeding Minds Press accurately presents factual knowledge in a format that children can understand. Children learn that there is more than a visit to the grocery store to putting a meal on the table. It takes soil. It takes digging. It takes attention to our environment.

I highly recommend this book for families and libraries. 

About the book: Join Jackie and her garden friends in this charming picture book as they discover the wonders of gardening, soil secrets, and the magic of composting Jackie and her garden friends embrace the joys of planting a garden, nurturing and harvesting their own food, and recycling scraps to compost, ensuring that the magical cycle of growth and sustainability continues anew. Science facts about soil, plants, pollinators, decomposers, and more are included on every spread. Secret word: garden

A fantastic book to engage young readers in becoming environmental stewards, learning how to care for a garden, understanding a plant life cycle, discovering the power of pollinators and the importance of composting. Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this playful celebration of how things grow, return to the earth, and grow again will inspire young readers to try their hands at gardening and composting. Back matter includes information on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 6

Ends May 15 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Picture book by Tate's Bake Shop founder tells true story of how young girl's dream became an enormous cookie empire [Giveaway USA]

 

Random House Books for Young Readers | July 18th, 2023 | 4-8 years | Hardcover $18.99

Buy | Goodreads

Perfect for dessert lovers and budding bakers, this is the true story of a girl who followed her dream to make the perfect chocolate-chip cookie–and, one day, founded world-renowned TATE’S BAKE SHOP®. Original cookie recipe included!

Eleven-year-old Kathleen King was positively obsessed with baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie. She experimented over and over and over with different recipes–less flour, more butter, longer baking time–until she got it just right.

Cookie Queen: How One Girl Started Tate's Bake Shop® by Tate's founder Kathleen King & Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki [Review & Giveaway]

Did you know that August 4th happens to be National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day? That 's a super fun day to celebrate. There is nothing quite so delicious as a top grade chocolate chip cookie. I recently found the Tate's Chocolate Chip cookie bag in my local grocery store and indulged in far too many bags of the delicious cookies.

Feeding Minds Press presents Potatoes for Pirate Pearl by Jennifer Concepcion and illustrated by Chloe Burgett

ISBN: 978-1-948-89815-7
Hardcover $18.99
Ages 4-8 | 40 pages

My thoughts: This is a delightful book that children will like. I have grown quite fond of the books from Feeding Minds Press and love how they entertain and educate children with quality text and really cute illustrations.

Learning about the process of growing potatoes is presented in an entertaining mode in Potatoes for Pirate Pearl (notice the alliteration!). Truly a fun "pirate" story with lots of pirate-ty vocabulary and an adorable parrot, with more cute alliteration, a very hungry pirate who discovers Farmer Fay's potato farm, and back pages that have information and recipes for potato delights.