Princess Prayers by Crystal Bowman (inspired by the illustrated parable stories from Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson) from Zondervan Publishing

My thoughts:  This is a charming little board book suitable for upwards to eight year old girls. The little rhymes cloaked in prayerfulness cover a nice variety of concepts and activities that young girls will encounter.

Part of the Princess Parables line of books from ZonderKidz there are a 15 prayers that will take young girls from morning to bedtime and all types of activities and situations in between. The sweet prayers are Scripture based and each has a special insert at the bottom of the page with a Bible verse supporting the thought. I am not sure of the version used in this case, but the Biblical reference is provided so parents can use the version with which they are most familiar.

A lovely little book that girls will surely love and that will guide their hearts and thoughts in loving, Christ based thoughts.

About the book: 

Good morning, Lord, it’s time to rise.

The sun is shining bright.

I’ve got my day ahead of me,

so help me do what’s right.

Help me to be kind and good

and do my very best

to show my love for you today

so others will be blessed.

Princess Prayers includes fifteen sweet prayers for little girls who want to live like princesses for God their King. Prayers are included for girls to be able to pray and learn alongside princess Grace, Hope, Faith, Charity, and Joy. Every little girl is a princess, and this padded cover board book will help them engage with Scripture and discover how to open their hearts to God.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by the BookLook Reviewers program on behalf of ZondereKidz to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist by Philip Dray & illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

My thoughts:  A well-done picture book biography for young children that is especially good for teaching the period of history associated with the emancipation proclamation. It will encourage African-Americans to discover their heritage and it will enlighten all children in America's history and those who shaped it.

The author generously provides a narrative that is somewhat extensive for a picture book and yet the illustrations are abundant so that young readers and reluctant older readers can learn of Ida B. Wells. The topic is a bit heavy for typical picture book readers and perhaps might be best read to or by older middle elementary age students because the subject of lynching is articulated as well as social injustices.

Illustrated using a style somewhat cubist, the colors and actions depicted in the art work tell the story well and fit well with the text.

As a freed slaved and crusading journalist she was, as a woman and as an African-American woman, a real pioneer in the field of social injustices and employment of a woman as a teacher and also as a journalist.

This is a good book for elementary libraries and would be quite informative for studies on the Emancipation Proclamation.

About the book: In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. For her family and others like them, it was a time of renewed faith in America's promise of freedom and justice for all. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in this promise, young Ida never turned away from the challenges she faced.

She insisted on holding her family together after the death of her parents. She defied convention and went to court when a railroad company infringed on her rights. And she used her position as a journalist to speak out about injustice.

But Ida's greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the shadow of lawlessness that loomed over the country?

Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells, from her birth into a slave family in Mississippi and her early encounters with racism to her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn's remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation a century ago while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Peachtree Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

Leo Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart & illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover ~ $12.95

ISBN: 978-1-56145-964-3

Age Range: 7 – 10

My thoughts: Young readers need to learn about the history of this world and its peoples. It helps that this learning is facilitated by cleverly composed fictional tales that include historical information that can be relied upon for accuracy. In the "Dog Chronicles" published by Peachtree this opportunity for educational entertainment is carried to another level - that of engaging the heroics of dogs in the tales and telling the story from a dog's perspective.

Well, of course, we don't know what a dog's perspective is, but just for the fun of the story, let's pretend we do as we learn about a sea-going adventure set in the exploration period of 1519-1521. The reason Leo was on board was to keep vermin, particularly rats, at bay. Dogs are hunters by nature and so to eat they will pursue and eat small creatures. Leo was not a pet in the sense that he was loved and petted. He was simply a tool and a laborer on board.

Since the story is told from his perspective, he experiences the journey completely - hunger, hardships, and storms at sea. He is wary of people but does engage in friendly encounters and friendship.

I love the writing style of Alison Hart as she vividly weaves words that completely enthrall the reader. This is a style and vividness that will appeal to the young reader and grab their attention to the point that they won't want to lay the book aside. Exciting!

The illustrations are well done black on white line drawings that engage the interest of the young reader. Typically the early chapter books for ages 7 to 10 include illustrations that are helpful. That is the case in Leo Dog of the Sea and the illustrations are simply enjoyable no matter the age of the person who picks up this book. 

Peachtree Publishing is a great source for Teacher's Guides to accompany books. The Teacher's Guide for Leo Dog of the Sea (click here for link) includes quotes and discussion questions, a vocabulary match, and a list of research and writing assignment ideas. The informational pages at the end of the book tell of the history behind the story and other valuable points. 

This is a sure winner for classroom libraries as well as school and public libraries everywhere. I highly recommend.

Read an Excerpt

About the book: An action-packed and heartwarming story of a hardened old sea dog on Magellan's journey to Spice Island Leo is a hardened old sea dog. After four ocean voyages, he knows not to trust anyone but himself. But when he sets sail with Magellan on a journey to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, he develops new friendships with Magellan's scribe, Pigafetta, and Marco, his page. Together, the three of them experience hunger and thirst, storms and doldrums, and mutinies and hostile, violent encounters. Will they ever find safe passage? In the fourth book of their Dog Chronicles series, Alison Hart and Michael Montgomery bring readers an exciting tale of friendship and loyalty.

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Ends June 22 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Peachtree Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson (Bethany House Christian Fiction)

My thoughts:  I have been a long-time fan of Dee Henderson's books eagerly anticipating each new release in a series beautifully connected. Her writing skills and story telling expertise render a reader's experience that is full blow enjoyment.

Usually entailing her writings with matters of suspense and criminal investigation, the reader's ride through the pages is hard to stop until the very last page of text has been consumed.

In her new series featuring Evie Blackwell and her cast of cohorts in crime solving, book one titled Traces of Guilt begins Evie's adventures as a member of a special task force charged with examining Cold Cases. The task force continues to look into several cold cases in Threads of Suspicion where she works closely with David as they pursue connections for each of their assigned cases and find that often one clue leads to an entirely different case.

I found the first half of this Henderson book less enjoyable than her previous publications. Usually, the story and action grab your attention right from the beginning and the reader finds it difficult to put it aside. With Threads of Suspicion I found myself struggling to "break ground" with the process of the story. I don't know if this is the fault of too little editing or the fault of this reader's own lack of attention at the time of reading. Whatever, I did continue because I felt that Henderson would have a real story and a real twist worthy of pursuing.

I was not disappointed as the ending action and case solved led to a satisfactory conclusion to all the threads pursued during the investigation of these varied cold cases.

About the book: With the public eye fixed on the governor’s new Missing Persons Task Force, Detective Evie Blackwell and her new partner, David, are under pressure to produce results. While they investigate two missing-persons cases in Chicago, Evie and David’s conviction that justice is truly possible for all will be tested to the limit.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

WINDOWS by Julia Denos & illustrated by E.B. Goodale from Candlewick Press

ISBN: 9780763690359

My thoughts: At first glance, one would think this is simply a book about seeing into the windows of one's neighborhood as the day ends and the lights inside come on revealing activities at the close of day. However, as you ponder the pictures and text it leads one to contemplate just what is really going on inside the rooms alight and revealing the lives of those around us.

We see that they, just as we, putter about their homes doing the mundane chores and being involved in the act of daily living. Just as you and just as I. So we see the varied homes with varied shaped windows with varied individuals each unique and each somewhat the same as you and I. We are all going about the act of living out the day and are backlite in the windows of our homes.

Is this snooping? Is this an invasion of privacy? Is this none of our personal business and encroaching into the lives of those into whose windows we are peering? That just depends on your outlook. I choose to think that it is that little bit of life our neighbors are willing to share with us. They are allowing us to peer into their windows and see them a little.

What if we allowed our associates, our families, our neighbors to peer into the windows of our souls at least a little just as we are peering into the windows of the houses along the street at close of day when the lights come on and the curtains are not yet pulled shutting us out?

A lovely book provoking thoughtful insight into that which is around us. Illustrations by E.B.Goodale are done in dark shades of blues, browns, and greys indicative of the setting sun and darkening evening. Golden rosy hues light the backdrop of the pages as the sun sets and as the lights flick on in the windows of the homes along the street inviting the reader to peer into the windows and find objects and activities to talk about.

About the book: Walking his dog at dusk, one boy catches glimpses of the lives around him in this lovely ode to autumn evenings, exploring your neighborhood, and coming home.

Before your city goes to sleep, you might head out for a walk, your dog at your side as you go out the door and into the almost-night. Anything can happen on such a walk: you might pass a cat, or a friend, or even an early raccoon. And as you go down your street and around the corner, the windows around you light up one by one until you are walking through a maze of paper lanterns, each one granting you a brief, glowing snapshot of your neighbors as families come together and folks settle in for the night. With a setting that feels both specific and universal and a story full of homages to The Snowy Day, Julia Denos and E. B. Goodale have created a singular book — at once about the idea of home and the magic of curiosity, but also about how a sense of safety and belonging is something to which every child is entitled.

Watch for Chat With Vera's giveaway of a final copy of WINDOWS.

DISCLOSURE: I received an Advanced Reader Copy (uncorrected proof) from Candlewick to facilitate my review which is freely given.

If You Were Me and Lived in...the Ancient Mali Empire: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time (Volume 5) by Carole P. Roman & illustrated by Mateya Arkova [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  It was refreshing to see a book on ancient civilization in Africa and specifically the country of Mali. In the 1300s life in Mali was different from that of today. There was a successful  and wealthy ruler benefiting the country.

As with most cultures during the 1300s, children age 11 or 12 took on cares of the adult world. They were apprenticed, girls were given in marriage, and their childhood was ended. Sadly, this is something that remains unchanged in some cultures even today.

The girl in the book is instructed in what life would be like for her if she had lived in the Ancient Empire of Mali in Africa. Illustrated in the same hues as the landscape of the region, the pictures take on a rosy, sandstone coloration indicative of the area and touched with the vivid colors that the people of Mali like to incorporate into their clothes.

This book is instructive and interesting in that so little is know of this region and period of history in the annuls of Western Civilization. I think it quite enlightening and educational to read and would encourage the use of this small book as a starting point for further research. The end pages of the book, as with other "If You Were Me and Lived in...." books, include important personages and a wonderful glossary.

I encourage the incorporation of this volume into library collections for children and I highly encourage families of African-American heritage to get a copy for their own children's libraries.

About the book: Join Carole P. Roman as she travels back in time to visit the exciting Ancient Empire of Mali in Africa during the 1300s. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to the past to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the land and its rich history through the eyes of a youngster like you. Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair time traveler.

Congratulations to Carole P. Roman! IF YOU WERE ME & LIVED IN THE ANCIENT MALI EMPIRE is a WINNER in the 2017 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS. Check it out - click here. Other Carole P. Roman books either won or were finalists including: Can A Princess Be A Firefighter, One to Ten: Squirrel's Bad Day, If You Were Me &  Lived in Germany (Winner), If You Were Me & Lived On Mars, & If You Were Me & Lived in Israel.

GIVEAWAY

3 winners chosen to receive 1 copy each

Begins May 26

Ends June 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated. Winner's copy is provided directly to the winner by the author.

True to You by Becky Wade Contemporary Romance from Bethany House Publishers A Bradford Sisters Romance #1 [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: I do look forward to reading Becky Wade's delightful books. Usually they are very light hearted, chock-full of sweet romance, clean reads, Christian, and contemporary. Seeing the cover of True to You really caught my attention because the young lady whose image adorns the book is so lovely and has a sweetness about her gentle look. And on top of that, the dress in the picture is very, very much like one I wore in the late 1950s to one of my bridal showers.

When I began reading I realized that the lovely lady on the cover as the book's heroine, Nora Bradford, is from a "monied" family who owns a historic village and who loves books, words, times of long ago, genteel living, and multisyllabic word conversations. She is also a lady with a quirky sense of humour oft times being the brunt of the funny stuff herself.

But there is a depth to this story that takes wading into its many pages to realize. Not only is it one of discovered romance and getting-to-know you occasions, it is one of finding out that there are life situations that are not all roses and bright sunny days, happy occasions, and sweetness. It is finding your depth of understanding and digging deep into yourself to see if you're the stuff of which a quality and lasting relationship can be made.

As usual, I found Becky Wade's book enjoyable and light hearted but I also discovered that she can write about depths of humanity and pen the story with skill and expertise. I thoroughly enjoyed True to You. (Caution: if "Christian fiction" readers don't want to have hugs, kisses, and longing in their stories even though they are handled with grace and beauty, you shouldn't pursue reading the book.)

About the book: After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora's help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

From the book.......

...the past might be challenging and the future might be sure. And that's okay. The present is all we're given, anyway. When we get to the future, God will be there. He'll supply whatever we need for each day."

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 11

ENDS May 30 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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About the Author: Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publiciuty group on behalf of Bethany House Publishing and the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Winner's copy will be sent directly to the winner from Litfuse or the publisher.