Kid's great summer books from Candlewick Press [Reviews & 1-book Giveaway]

☀️ 🏖️ 🌊

Celebrate the JOY of summer with some great new picture books to tuck in your beach bag and enjoy together for some fun in the sun!

Animal Albums from A to Z by Cece Bell 

ISBN: 9781536226249 
Walker Books US | $19.99 USD

My thoughts:  This is a fun book of song lyrics and you can literally (pun??) get lost in the lyrics and even more so when you upload the songs digitally (Listen on Youtube) and catch yourself enchanted as your ears are tickled by the various genres. Delicious cuteness, charm, fun, craziness, absurdity, and did I say "fun??!"

Enjoy the crazy and absurd art that is evocative of old 33 LP albums. Colorful. Rich with animal craziness. Humor. 

Of the songs I've listened to thus far I believe "Sometimes the Soup is Salty" is my favorite with "Nancy Is In the Neighborhood" a close second. Obviously, I've got a few more to imbibe in. I encourage you to have fun with this one!

About the book:  From the inimitable creator of El Deafo, this all-ages alphabet book is also a hand-wrought, high-fidelity, hilariously tongue-in-cheek homage to the golden days of album cover art.

Cece Bell loves music and collecting old record albums, her introduction explains, especially albums featuring animal artists. The bouncing harmonies of the Barbershop Beagles, the elegant crooning of the elephant Ella Fontaine, the hilarious rhymes of the Hip-Hop Hedgehogs—all are represented in this quirky ABC book that draws on the creator’s personal collection of albums, memorabilia, and lyrics dating between 1944 and 1984, the heyday of album design. With wry, witty text, silly and sumptuous sound play, and biographical end matter on all twenty-six musical acts, the book commands and stands up to repeated readings. Bright, zany art—all painted and lettered by hand—a stellar design, and an album-size trim make it a collector’s item in its own right, sure to grace the coffee tables of vinyl- and design-loving adults even as it tickles young funny bones. A hootenanny hosted by the creator of the Newbery Honor Book and Eisner Award winner El Deafo, Alphabet Albums also quietly reminds us just how much music can mean to everyone.

Bros by Carole Boston Weatherford & illustrated by Reggie Brown 

ISBN: 9781536220414
Candlewick Press | $17.99 USD

My thoughts:  This is a highly impactful book featuring only black boys who are in a neighborhood enjoying doing just about everything - walking, riding, playing, singing, praying -  from the beginning of the day until the end of day. There isn't a lot of text. Short two word sentences or phrases and the illustrations speak volumes.

And while the book is produced by a highly secular press, it even mentions "We pray." as part of their day showing their unity of purpose and brotherhood.

Although the book has only young black boys, the same friendship and joy is true of any race or people group. They should bond together to enjoy and go through each day in unity of purpose with peace and joy.

I really like this book and encourage school and other libraries everywhere to add this title to their collection.

About the book: A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day-in-the-life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement.

From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best lives freely in their community. ­With confidence and a touch of swag, these friends do everything with one build a time machine, tend to the community garden, roleplay in the park, read, take a group selfie, and play basketball. With simple, spare text from celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and colorful, playful art from Reggie Brown capturing the pleasures of boyhood and friendship, Bros affirms the truth that Black boys deserve and are worthy of a childhood full of joy and free of risk, just as much as anyone. Timely and buoyant, it’s a story sure to be enjoyed by anyone who knows what it is to be surrounded by friends with a day of adventure ahead of you. 

Found by Sam Usher

ISBN: 9781536234947
Templar Books | $17.99 USD

My thoughts:  Another straightforward book by the renown Sam Usher. I have previously reviewed some of his titles and always found them a delight.

In Found we have a generational connectivity story about a boy and his granddad. I personally believe it is highly important that sons and fathers, grandsons and granddads (as well as daughters and mothers, granddaughters and grandmothers) have quality time together. There is such a wealth of living and relationships to be gained.

Usher's illustrations are happy, simple, and awash in bright as well as soft watercolors. Be sure you thoroughly peruse the pages for full enjoyment. The day begins with the boy waking in high anticipation of a day at the beach with granddad. This particular beach has a rock/cliff type beachfront - not broad sandy shore and sand dunes. Granddad is in full dress - long pants, shirt, tie, sweater but he does roll up his trousers.

 Sandcastles, ice cream, and a baby seal tangled in netting. (A bit of a lesson in care of sea critters) and then a bold sea journey to take the seal home. The illustrations explode in joyful imaginative fun.

I think Sam Usher has another hit! Other Usher titles in this series: Free, Wild, and Lost.

About the book: The fourth title in a quartet of imaginative picture books in which a boy and his beloved granddad discover the wonder of the natural world

A boy and his grandad pack up their provisions and head out for the beach. But their day takes a different turn when they go for a swim and find a baby seal caught in a net. The rescue leads them out to sea on a thrilling underwater adventure!

Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones by Sophie Dahl & illustrated by Lauren O'Hara  

ISBN: 9781536220414
Walker Books US | $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  A pure delight in a frou-frou imaginative story. Told in "parts" that lend to read-aloud "chapter type" book for young listeners. Lots of delightful pictures to entertain and capture the imagination and lend themselves to minute inspection for bits of frou-frou and fun.

The little girl and Madame Badobedah are both residents of the Mermaid Hotel and they have a sweet relationship based on a beautiful friendship. And they have wonderful imaginative adventures. A super story of generational relationships.

A superb book for read aloud time with young children and even older children that will sit long enough to be read to. Break the reading sessions up into the "chapters" so the anticipation can grow.

NOTE: I personally object to the use of the word "darn" in a child's book.

About the book: The fabulously eccentric (and secretly kind) Madame Badobedah returns for another escapade in this call to adventure—and ode to female explorers and pioneers—from Sophie Dahl and Lauren O’Hara. Secret word: hotel

Mabel lives with her parents in the Mermaid Hotel, where she keeps an eye on all the guests, particularly her friend, the endlessly fascinating Madame Badobedah. Madame Badobedah, who considers herself part of a long tradition of daring women such as Amelia Earhart and Zora Neale Hurston, has pirouetted through pyramids, swum with mermaids, and helped a triceratops with a toothache. Just opening one of the drawers in her dressing table full of mementos elicits tales of banshees and curses and an exciting new a reverse jewel heist! On a mission to return a priceless “borrowed” emerald, Mabel and her adopted godmother don their best spy costumes and head to the Natural History Museum, where they might just meet an old—very old—friend. But as Mabel discovers, no one is too young or old for adventure, because it’s adventuring that makes life worthwhile. In concert with Lauren O’Hara’s fantastical illustrations, Sophie Dahl spins a tale of intergenerational friendship that shines like Madame Badobedah’s found sea a colorful treasure.

Previously reviewed by "Vera".... Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl & illustrated by Lauren O’Hara

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of: "Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones"

Begins July 31

Ends August 30 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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

Review: Dreams on the Horizon (Horizon Series #2) by Penny Zeller - Christian fiction

ISBN: 9781957847290
Buy: Amazon
Buy: Walmart

Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school? Secret word: dream

When a nefarious character with vengeful intent threatens Mae, will Landon intervene before it’s too late and save the woman who has claimed his heart?
Return to late 1800s Horizon, Idaho, for this heartwarming and tender romance by the author of the Wyoming Sunrise Series, Hollow Creek Series, Montana Skies Series, and Love Letters from Ellis Creek Series.

My thoughts:  In this second book in the "Horizons series," the author captures the essence of America in the period when the railroads were forging ahead across the nation connecting the developed, bustling East coast with the mid-West and beyond. The story is centered on a very small township in Idaho, and the folks in this town have very mixed feelings about the railroad coming to town.

Situated in this little town is a home and school for deaf children. This is definitely a forward thinking enterprise as the language for the deaf was a fairly new development. The staff includes a grown lady that was an orphan train child and from a badly abusive situation prior to landing in the town of Horizon. (sign language)

As the story progresses we meet irresistible children, a sweet older lady, an older gentleman that survived the war who is sweet on said older lady, cranky rich folks, and a winsome heroine and captivating hero. There is a touch of danger and a whole heap of goodness.

Penny Zeller has produced another squeaky clean story which she has dedicated to..... "all of those whom the Lord has rescued and given a fresh start."

I highly recommend. 

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

Organic "Raw Baby" Powder - Soothes & Softens [Review & Giveaway]

Organic Baby Powder
$19.00 (special sale currently available $15.00)

About the product: Baby Powder - Raw Baby comes in 2 "scents," Coconut or Unscented.  The Raw Baby product line was created by the Co-Founder of Nature's Paradise.

Baby Powder - Raw Baby - Coconut or Unscented - From the Co-Founder of Nature's Paradise

Talc Free & Perfect For All Over Body Use!

Monica has recreated the Nature's Paradise Formula for a new brand - Raw Baby! If you loved Nature's Paradise you will love this new brand! You will find it to feel just like the old version! 

Keep your baby's delicate skin soft, fresh and dry with this all natural, talc free baby powder. This powder gently absorbs moisture making it ideal for everyday use for the whole family.

Product is: 

• 100% Talc Free, 
• GMO & Paraben Free. 
• Soothes & soften, gently absorbs moisture. 
• 8 oz
• Made by Raw Baby

Ingredients: Raw arrow root powder and chamomile powder.  Coconut formula also has coconut cream powder added!

2 Versions: "Coconut" & "Natural, Unscented"

Your baby is tiny, near perfect with beauty and tenderness on a grand scale. Now protect baby's skin with natural organic products

My thoughts: This organic baby powder is fine, soft, lightly scented and provides gentle protection for baby's skin in hot weather and diapering. There is no traditional "baby powder scent" but a gentle, hint of coconut in the one I have sampled. The feel of this product on my own skin is lovely, and I would have been happy to use it for my own babies (back when they were tiny). I am delighted to share my product with another baby in my family. 

As with any; baby powder, it is perfect for adults and children to use for all over body use to ease, protect, and soothe.

Find safe baby products at GoodEarthBeauty.com 

Remember: Use discount code GEB10 for 10% off 

~|~|~ GIVEAWAY ~|~|~

"Raw Baby" Organic Baby Powder $19 SRV

Begins July 25

Ends August 23 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Secret word: soft - I received a lovely product to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products.

I'm Afraid Said the Leaf by Danielle Daniel & illustrated by Matt James

My thoughts:  As I read through this delightful book, I realized that there are offered a number of teaching opportunities. Written and illustrated as a lesson in the interdependency of all aspects of life on this planet with the environment, the lessons in the idea that there is help and comfort, there is alleviation of our fears in the fact that there is help in our distress, that there is support in our weaknesses are strong messages.

And while the leaves, the animals, the small critters are helped by larger entities like the sun and the wind, the young child watches each and every of these interdependent solutions transpire. He sees, and he can envision how even in his own fear, there is help. Even in his own cold, there is warmth. Even in his own distress, there is an opportunity to overcome. He can envision help for himself. No, the text doesn't say this, but it is inferred.

So the book with is sometimes dark illustrations captures the essence of dependence. A good book.

About the book: A touching, playful exploration of empathy and interdependency from an acclaimed author and illustrator.

I'm afraid, Said the leaf. You're not alone, Said the tree. But who will comfort a nervous bird, a lonely crab, a lost wolf? How can a horse find warmth, a snail some cheer, a child some rest?

Through a series of amusing and soothing exchanges, this deceptively simple and profound picture book depicts different pairings to celebrate interconnectedness and underlines the importance of caring for every living organism to ensure a strong and healthy natural world.

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf invites young readers to understand that we all need each other for support and survival - and that we're all stronger together.

DISCLOSURE: I won a copy of this book from the Librarything.com Early Reviewers program. The book is provided by Tundra Books. A review is not necessary nor required but is appreciated. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.

Jesus Moments: Moses: Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses by Alison Mitchell & illustrated by Noah Warnes [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781784989828
Hardcover $14.99
(Discounts Available)

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully written (a great read-aloud book) storybook about Moses and the Israelites. It begins after they have crossed the Red Sea and the army of Pharaoh has been destroyed. The book covers with some emphasis and detail (though not gory) the 40-year period of wandering. Most young children's storybooks don't give this much information. Also, as a "Jesus Moments....Finding Jesus In the Story...." book, the deeper theological  connections between Old Testament and New Testament (Moses and Jesus) are made in a very understandable methodology for young readers and listeners.

Given the increased detail in the story, very young listeners in the four to six year range may lose interest or miss the connections.

I absolutely love this book as well as the other Jesus Moments book, "David," that I previously reviewed. The concept of presenting where Jesus or the promises of Jesus are found in the Old Testament is fairly new for the age bracket audience of picture books. 

In "Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses" we see several incidents that occurred during the 40-year wilderness journey. In each of these there is the opportunity to look for "bulrushes" which indicate that there is a "Jesus Moment" to look for on that page. This engages the child and produces involvement and opportunity to teach further details.

I love the illustrations and the readability of the story itself. The grumbling of the Israelites is really captured and God's disapproval and His patience shown.

I highly recommend this series for your age 5 to 10 year olds.

About the book: Help 4-7s learn how Moses points to Jesus with this beautifully illustrated Old Testament storybook from Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle.

Moments in Moses’ story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus. Secret word: Provider. Great for parents or grandparents to give children aged 4-7. Can also be used as a homeschool resource, or for children’s ministry in church.

This is the second book in a series called Jesus Moments, which looks at how Old Testament characters point to Jesus.

Take a look inside

The Good Book USA has a couple of FREE cute printables: bookmark & matching game

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 15

Ends August 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Entries WILL BE verified. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Purchase tickets to see "The Firing Squad" | Faith-based movie | in theaters August 2nd

Based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who faced execution by firing squad in Indonesia just a few years ago (2015). Their joy in Christ stuns the entire prison camp.   “They faced death. And chose life.”

Details - Videos - Theaters -
Purchase Tickets 
Click Here

In Theaters August 2

My thoughts on the movie: The story that is the foundation for this film actually took place in the Kerobakan Prison in Indonesia in 2015. Kerobakan is a prison holding violent (as most prisons do) prisoners. In that aspect, the film seemed to be a much less violent place. 

Toward the Dawn (Western Light #2) by Mary Connealy - My Review

Buy @ BakerBookHouse
30% Discount
Plus Free Shipping

My thoughts: The author's trademark light hearted, down-home humor is scarce in Toward the Dawn. In places the story is warm and light hearted but the remaining plot lines address deep seated wrongs against women and the drive and need to correct these wrongs. The pit of human meanness is shown without the graphic descriptions and language so often present in today's reading, audio, and visual content. 

This is a story of strengths, weaknesses. A story of overcoming and perseverance. A story of dire distress and delicate devotion. A story that embraces the harsh period of settlement and wagon trains and the rushing advancement of rail travel across wagon trails.

The issues of mental illness and the need for care of the truly mentally ill and also the abuse of  mental illness diagnosis as a means of control during this period in America's history are brought to light.

In short, Mary Connealy has brought us a rich story of life in the early days of American life.

About the book: Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience. Secret word: historical

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love. 

My review of Book 1 in the Western Light series: Chasing the Horizon 

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