In Search of the Little Prince (children's picture biography of an author) by Bimba Landmann

About the book: For the last seventy years, The Little Prince has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. This lyrical picture book biography tells the story of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

As a child, Antoine dreamed of flying. His dream was realized when he became a pilot, first serving France during World War I, then working as an international mail courier. As he wrote letters to his family describing the foreign countries he visited, he soon discovered that writing contained its own sense of adventure. His stories showed a childlike fascination with the world, culminating with The Little Prince, one of the best-selling books ever published.

Bimba Landmann’s biography is paired with whimsical yet profound illustrations, wonderfully capturing Saint-Exupery’s personality. This book will give fresh insight into the life of a cherished author.

My thoughts: I'll admit that I never (to my recollection) have read The Little Prince. This picture book biography of its author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, was an interesting introduction to his life and how his thoughts, goals, emotions, and actions played into his ultimate famous work of The Little Prince.

Reputedly, he did not seek to become an author as his love was in flying and what he experienced sensorial and emotionally while flying. To be able to live his dream of flying he worked with, and yes was a vital part of the airmail postal system. He kept a journal and from these writings eventually composed the story of The Little Prince.

This is a very interesting biography and the art is captivating. The illustrations seem to capture the complexity of Saint-Exupery's life by rendering him in somewhat a surreal form - identifiable yet a bit abstract.

I love this page on Goodreads.com of quotes by Saint-Exupery from The Little Prince. Perhaps if you visit there you will see why this children's book has so enamored readers - young and old - for so many years.

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”  

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”  

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” 

This is a very nice adventure for children into the world of biographies.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher, Eerdmans Young Readers, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

Mothers' Day and Beauty Go Hand-In-Hand at NeoCell with Liposomes Collagen products [Review & Special Mothers' Day Giveaway]

CLICK HERE

NeoCell is a company that provides products from natural sources to help the skin, nails, hair, and joints be healthier, look better, and "perform" better. Collagen is the major player in these products created by NeoCell.

I previously reviewed several of their lovely products including my most favorite of them all - Neocell Biotin Bursts! Today we're going to look at two more of NeoCell's topical application products containing collagen - Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque and Collagen Lipsomes Replenishing Gelle. The plan is to cleanse the face first and then apply the masque, wait about 40 minutes and remove. Afterwhich I apply the Replenishing Gelle. The plan is to do this about three times a week. Other days I will use my regular skin care products.

Pictured: The creamy white (on left) is the Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque. On the right is the pink (isn't it lovely?) Collagen Liposomes Replenishing Beauty Gelle.)

Neocell, Collagen, Moisturizing Treatment Masque

I am not, personally, a big fan of masque treatments. I thought I'd try the Neocell Collagen since I do thoroughly enjoy their other products. This is a thick treatment that goes on smoothly and does not dry and crack while you have it on. It does not peel off. You rinse it off (thoroughly, please) with warm water.

I do like this much better than other masque treatments and this would be my product of choice in the masque line. Again, Neocell has a nice product and one I can recommend.

Directions: Smooth liberally over clean, dry skin. Wait 20-40 minutes. Masque will not dry. Remove with warm water. Follow with Collagen Liposomes Gelle. Use 2-3 times weekly, or any time quick moisture is needed.

Product ingredients - click here

Neocell, Liposomes Collagen

I have fallen in love this Neocell Liposomes Collagen Replenishing Beauty Gelle. It in pretty to look at as a pink, gel in the jar. Makes me feel pretty just to look at this product. But of course, the proof is actually in the use - does it make me pretty or feel pretty? No product can make you pretty but they can enhance the beauty you have already. This anti-aging product with the Liposomes Collagen works to help my skin look and feel younger.

I simply love the way this feels on my skin. Light. Pleasant. Gently fragrant. Soothing and smoothing.

I applied this after using the Neocell Collagen Masque. I have also used it by itself and also under makeup. Works lovely. Feels great.

Directions: Gently smooth a small amount of gel on clean dry skin around eyes and over facial and throat areas. May be used during the day alone, or under makeup and at night.

Product information - click here

Now the good folks at NeoCell are providing my Chat With Vera readers the opportunity to have this wonderful set of four NeoCell beauty products for that Beautiful Mother In Your Life (your mother, your husband's mother, yourself, or that friend who has been like a mother to you or yours). Included will be:

• Neocell Alpha Cell Exfoliator (to use to tone the facial skin)
• Neocell Moisturing Treament Masque (to treat and pamper the face)
• Neocell Biotin Bursts for a tasty treat of beauty within
• Neocell Refreshing Herbal Mist

Special NeoCell Mothers' Day Package Giveaway
Neocell Alpha Cell Exfoliator & Neocell Refreshing Herbal Mist 
Neocell Biotin Bursts & 
Neocell Collagen Moisturizing Treatment Masque

Find these & other NeoCell Products - Click here

GIVEAWAY

4 NeoCell Skin Care Products
Begins April 1 & ENDS April 21  @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE:  I was provided complimentary products to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review. Product information is provide by the company. Giveaway is provided by NeoCell and shipped directly to the winner.

Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum & illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: When a giant hand scoops up her mama and puts her in a pail, a terrified tiny toad named Teeny hops faster than she ever did in her life. "Mama’s stuck inside a bucket! Help me get her out!” she begs her big, clumsy brothers. “Don’t you worry, kid. We’ll save her!” they promise, bumbling and stumbling and jumbling out the door. But as the boys rush headlong to the rescue, pushing their little sister aside, it becomes clear: brawn isn't always better than brains—and the smallest of the family may just be the smartest one of all.  Written in lilting verse.

My thoughts: When I conjure up mental pictures of frogs and toads, I envision ponds, lakes, tall weeds, cat-tails, algae covered water, lily pads, water skimming insects, and the croaking of toads and frogs. So when I saw the green cover of teeny tiny toady and the dense grasses and plants with a wee little teeny tiny toady in the center, I immediately feel in love with this picture book gem.

Now personally, I'm not a lover of anything frog-y, toady, or reptile-y (I'm quite certain that is simply not a word. But.... whatever). But I do love this little toady. You see, she is the wee little sister of all the brother toads. And of course wee little sister toads don't have ideas and opinions that matter. It is all about what the brothers say do. So we get a bit of a boost when teeny tiny toady (sister to the brothers) actually saves the day.

The author's use of lilting rhyme causes the reader to run and pause and leap and flutter across the words just as the illustrator has sprinkled the text appropriately to show actions and emotions.

The toads get all hands and thoughts on board as they devise scheme after scheme to execute the rescue. This shows to the young reader that we can all work together for solutions to problems. And then when the brothers fail and fall into the bucket themselves, the young reader can also see that sometimes the smallest can have the best idea on how to accomplish the task at hand.

Lots of great illustrations..... Emotions. Excitement. Anxiety. Action. Keika Yamaguchi has used watercolors to deftly bring the story to life. I especially love the scene where teeny tiny runs home with the despairing news. I also love the page where the leaves are skittering and fluttering in the wind across the page right along with the text. And then as teeny tiny feels the weight of having to decide how to rescue ALL OF THEM, there is a huge dark tornado cloud spinning above.

I snapped a couple of pictures of the inside spreads just so you can get an idea how delightful they are.

Teeny Tiny has discovered the boy with the bucket that is holding mama toad and he runs home for help

The wind blowing across the pond and lily pad and leaves fluttering is captured in this picture

Families will have lots of fun reading teeny tiny toady and it will be a gem for librarians to read at story-hour.

GIVEAWAY
Begins March 30

ENDS April 20 @ 12:00 a.m. EDT 
Open to USA  addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy from Sterling Children's Books to facilitate this review and giveaway. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review. Purchase it here

Back In the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne [Giveaway]

About the book: The prodigal is coming home.

It's been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray's Glen, Washington. He's broke, but not broken, and it's time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn't expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest---a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there's more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he's determined to find out what she's hiding . . . and why.

Colt's return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam's right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn't thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch's contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray's Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district's wealth and power---or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 29
ENDS April 13 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
If you have won a contest from Litfuse Publicity Group or this publisher in the past 30 days prior to contest closing, you are ineligible to win.

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Author info: Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. Back in the Saddle is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Litfuse Publicity Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Shout it out! He is Risen!

Today marked the day that Christians around the World celebrated the resurrection of Jesus the Christ of God. In the sacrificial death of Jesus on the Cross of Golgotha, his burial in a borrowed tomb, His glorious resurrection from a sealed grave and burial wrappings, and His ascension to Heaven, He has provided every man an opportunity for forgiveness from his sins. He has given each person the option of living eternally with God in Heaven or being forsaken by God in an eternal death - hell.

How thankful I am to have a risen Lord and Saviour. How thankful I am that He lives! 

Shout it out! Christ is risen! Yes! Christ is risen indeed!
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Faith (Book 3 Quaker Bride Series) by Lyn Cote

About the book: The Civil War battlefield is the last place Quakeress Faith Cathwell thought she’d find herself. But with a gift for nursing, Faith seizes this opportunity to join the fight for abolition—and to search for Shiloh, a freeborn childhood friend who was kidnapped and sold south by unscrupulous slave catchers.

Knowing it’s much too dangerous for her to search enemy territory alone, Faith enlists the help of Colonel Devlin Knight, who is indebted to her for saving his cousin’s life. A career soldier, Dev is committed to the preservation of the Union but conflicted about freeing his own slave and confidant, who plans to enlist as soon as Dev gives him manumission papers.

Blazing a trail east with the rest of Grant’s army, Dev and Faith fight their personal battles—and a growing attraction to each other. When beliefs clash and passions flare, they quickly find that the only thing more dangerous than the war surrounding them is the battle within their hearts.

My thoughts: Centered around the battlefields of the American Civil War (War Between the States), this is a moving story that encompasses the inner struggles of individuals conflicted by the societal issues of the time. "Faith" is actually a young woman given the name Faith by her parents and raised and following the beliefs of the Quakers. Being a Quaker, she is peaceful and anti-war. She is, however, a compassionate lady given to the talent and wisdom of healing. She is immersed in the medical tents of the Union Army. Her faith and her skills recognized and respected by many.

It is evident that the issue of slavery and the freeing of slaves is not regulated to the Confederate States or Army. Colonel Knight, Dev, has a faithful slave, Armstrong, who serves him well. Armstrong recognizes he is in reality a freeman because of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation but he desires that Dev actually grant him his papers of freedom.

This is a good story and well done touching many of the issues and areas of conflict that existed during the War. I can easily recommend this for high school teens and adults to read.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

The Under the Sea Holy Bible (NIrV for children ages 6 to 10) [Review & Giveaway]

About the book: Themes of underwater fun and sparkling fish grace the interior of this wonderful children’s Bible. The outside is covered in foil and sparkle. The interior has color inserts featuring whimsical underwater scenes with themes of God’s care and love for each of us and all of creation.

My thoughts: I prefer the King James Version of God's Word but realize that the NIV is a very much read version and one that younger families are using. So I agreed to receive and review a copy of this NIrV "Under the Sea Holy Bible." (NIrV = New International Readers Version)

Today's children seem to have a plethora of Bible covers and incentives to delve into God's Word. The premise of an "Under the Sea" Bible seems to be that God created all creatures including those under the sea.The theme, while interesting and cute, lends no devotional aspect.

Now about the Bible and extra pages inside. I found the print very small and the pages thin where the shadow-bleed from the reverse of the page interferes with reading. Children mostly can read very small print, but this is small.

There are eight colorful pages with under the sea images ...

• What prayer is
• Title page
• Books of the Bible
• The Lord's Prayer (KJV)
• Ten Commandments for Kids (re-done for kids)
• Love passages for kids (based on I Corinthians 13)
• Famous children of the Bible
• ABCs of Becoming a Christian

The following helps are included:

• Great Bible Stories (list)
• Dictionary (very limited)

What is good about it....

• A very sturdy, hard cover edition
• It is bright and cheerful and enticing to a child or tween. 
• It is a version many are familiar with. 
• It encourages the child to use his or her Bible.

What I don't care for....

• Prefer the same option in different versions not just NIrV
• Thin paper
• Tiny print
• $24.99 is a hefty price for a child's Bible.

Places where you can purchase it: Barnes & Noble  Walmart  Family Christian Stores 

Inside pages: "Presentation Page" and first page and chapter of Genesis

GIVEAWAY
Begins March 23

ENDS April 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.
Eligibility is verified by FlyBy and if you have won this prize or any other from a promotion by FlyBy Promotions in the past 30 days you are ineligible to win.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from FlyBy Promotion on behalf of Zondervan to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated. FlyBy and/or Zondervan will provide the winner's copy directly to them.