I Am Awesome! by Ryan K. Maule & Illustrated by L.M. Phang from WESTBOW Press

ISBN: 97819733681052
Softcover | $16.95

My thoughts: The author of children's book, I Am Awesome!, is a motivational speaker and as such has directed his talent and enthusiasm toward helping his own children and other children to build Biblical based confidence in who they are and how wonderfully they have been created.

Ryan Maule has central to his children's book a man who is the inventor or creator. This story is parabolic in that it utilizes an Earth bound man (the inventor) and his creations (the robots). They live in the land of Good and the robots think of themselves as good.

They soon meet a robot that says he is "Awesome." What? He's awesome and we're good? So off they go to check with their inventor/creator. He explains the concept of awesome and good to them.

A cute story that teaches how awesome we as individuals are as creations of the mighty, awesome God. And our goodness or awesomeness relies totally in our Creator's being awesome.

About the Book: Do your children know how awesome they are? Follow along as two robots named Grace and Zeal learn that self-confidence is not only a good thing, it’s what God intended! God made you awesome because he loves you! So, no matter how old you are, you have everything you need to believe in yourself and live with a God powered confidence! At the end of this incredible story, you will be shouting - I am awesome!

About the Author: Ryan is a nationally recognized and highly sought-after motivational speaker, host of the popular Expect Awesome Podcast, and the president of Integrity Doctors, the world's largest chiropractic business organization. Over the last 15 years Ryan has traveled the world spreading the message of expecting awesome and building a stronger self-image in order to gain a God powered confidence. Ryan is happily married to his awesome wife Amber and they live in Florida with their two awesome kids, Summer Grace and Nolan Zeal. For more information visit ryankmaule.com

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 3

Ends March 24 at 12:01 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 copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

Little Tree by Chrystyna Edwards & illustrated by Megan Edwards [Review & Giveaway]

Westbow Press 

ISBN-13: 978-1490856537

Little Tree is a children's book written by Chrystyna Edwards & illustrated by Meagan Edwards. It is about finding joy in all seasons and circumstances.

I recently met with Chrystyna Edwards and her grown daughter, Megan Edwards, at the local library in my small town. Chrystyna lives in a nearby town and has been visiting local libraries and local schools sharing her book, Little Tree,  I found Chrystyna and Megan to be delightful ladies and a joy to share their sweet spirit and their book.

It is especially a delight to me to be able to encourage a local author and artist and to, hopefully, promote their book so that others can share in its loveliness and sweet message.

As you can see on the cover of the book, there is a little tree, a young tree, with small branches and few leaves. But it is there. It is growing. And it has a great big heart right at its core. The message of this little book is that little tree has a joyful heart and that the tree enjoys whatever each and every season change.

The illustrations by Megan are colorful and well drawn. The robot characters have hearts, too, and they wear them on their chests or on their heads. I love that there are little tiny bits on pages for your little ones to search for and find - a tiny spider, a little bird, a little kite, the music notes. The drawings have the appearance of crayons and that can be an encouragement to children to take their pencils, markers, and crayons and draw.

The story is very well written in lyrical prose and just flows beautifully. I love it when an author gets it so "right." This is  a lovely little story and one you'll be glad you bought for your special little one.

"Then one cool morning Little Tree couldn't contain its joy. While the older trees were looking the other way, joy burst out in a beautiful array of colors, gold, orange and yellow. Little Tree raised its limbs and was thankful for the cooler weather."

"..... Winter is a time for Joy. Joy lived in Little Tree, resting, waiting. Sleep came and Little Tree dreamed of Spring and its dreams were filled with Joy."

GIVEAWAY

Prize: A copy of Little Tree & a Little Tree Tote Bag
Begins April 21
ENDS May 12  @ 12:01 a.m. ET.  
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was given a complimentary copy of Little Tree to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.