It's A Great, Big Colorful World & The Seedling That Didn't Want to Grow from Prestel Publishing

It's a Great, Big Colorful World by Tom Schamp 

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ISBN: 9783791374246
Hardcover | Ages 2-5

My thoughts:  This is a different type of kiddie book. Obviously, it is a children's book and yet the adults guiding the reading and education of children will see much more tucked away within its pages.

True, there is a diversity of colors in the world in which we live. The sun is yellow, a rose is red, the sky is blue - except when it is grey. Lots of colors in this world.

The story, if one can actually call it a story, is that of a cat who awakes to a day that is so very grey. And a chameleon joins him as they traipse through the colorful world discovering just what is grey, what is black, what is pink, red, green, brown, etc.

But tucked away within the pages of jumbled images sketched randomly about the pages and colored with the color-of-the-day are statements that polarize into a very different world from that of a child.....

The cat pondering a grey world..... is told by the chameleon that the sky is always blue above the clouds.

"The truth is never black or white."

Respect for age..... "With time comes wisdom," "Respect my gray hair!"

"Religions tend to see the world in black and white." "We mustn't see things too black and white."

 "Ebony and Ivory live together in harmony." (i.e. a piano)

Just a lot of images, a lot of statements, some satire, some wisdom, some silliness. And then at the end after all these colors have paraded through the book they all come together to show how it all blended beautifully to become our beautiful, colorful world.

There are hours of pondering and laughter packed on these pages. And all in all a nice book. Not a highly educational book, not a story book in the true sense of the word, and truly a lot of nonsensical stuff. A good choice to bring home from the library to ponder and chuckle through.

Personally, I think this book while cute is quite over-the-heads of ages 2-5 as intended.

About the book: One winter morning, Otto the cat looks out the window and sighs, "Why is everything so gray today?" Luckily his friend Leon the chameleon is around to show him just how many colors there are in the world. In these exciting and funny spreads filled to the brim with brilliantly illustrated objects, Leon and Otto identify people, places, and things of every hue. On pages dedicated to infinite shades of a single color, Tom Schamp's brilliant drawings play with perspective and unexpected pairings. An enormous Bengal tiger lords over an orange-tinted world, while a giant blue whale dwarfs elephants, pairs of jeans, and police officers. Throughout, cleverly inserted puns and allusions will elicit plenty of laughs from parents and children alike. Parents will enjoy the numerous ways color is depicted and kids will spend hours looking for their friends Otto and Leon as they traverse the busy pages. Best of all, this delightful adventure comes to a perfect end when all the colors come together in one beautiful, joyful rainbow of fun.

The Seedling That Didn’t Want to Grow by Britta Teckentrup

ISBN: 9783791374291
Hardcover | Ages 3-7

My thoughts:  Love this book for the gentle way it "reads" to the soft watercolors of the illustrations. Love the potential of the seedling's growth process being likened to that of each developing at his or her own rate - some are early bloomers and some late comers.

The presentation of a seed's life cycle is gentle yet final in its beginning and its end. Yet the potential of being worth living is gently portrayed in the abundance of seeds the lone seedling produced. The stark reality of the life-cycle's winter and finality is beautifully portrayed in a whiteness, yet the air is filled with white "flakes" and you can ponder if that is snow in the air or is that future life compacted in the airborne seeds.

A story about a reluctant seedling packs a powerful message about the benefits of being different and having worth. Lovely.

About the book: It's early spring and below the earth's surface seeds are just starting to sprout. One by one they stretch through the dirt and towards the sun, extending their shoots and leaves and growing tall. All except for one seedling, who isn't quite ready.

Each page of this gentle but powerfully evocative book demonstrates how some of us are different. As most of the seeds transform into strong flowers, they block out the sun from the one left behind. But the little seedling persists, twisting and turning until, with the help of bird and insect friends, it finds its own place to grow and blossom. In the end, this little seed turns into a flower that's just as beautiful and healthy as all the others. Hailed by Publishers Weekly as "delicate, complex, extravagant, beautiful and strong," Teckentrup's inviting and softly colored illustrations provide the perfect backdrop for this moving tale about being unique while subtly teaching kids about the life cycle of plants.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.

LILY ORGANICS SEAWEED BALANCING FACIAL CLEANSER [Review & Giveaway]

Celebrating 10 Years of providing an assortment of natural, organic, and often vegan skin care and beauty products, GOOD EARTH BEAUTY is focusing on some of the brands they carry as well as their own "Exclusives."

We are presenting the Lily Organics Skincare line in this post and specifically their "Seaweed Balancing Facial Cleanser." (Lily Organics) Be sure you check out my previous review of the Lily Organics Rejuvenating Enzyme Mask carried by Good Earth Beauty. Click here

LILY ORGANICS SEAWEED BALANCING FACIAL CLEANSER

The Lily Organics Seaweed Balancing Facial Cleanser is a lovely product. It has a nice herbal type scent, though it is not a "fragrance." The scent is naturally derived from the plants and essential oils. Lovely!

This is light, refreshing liquid is slightly opaque. You simply pump a little into the palm of your hand and gently massage all over your face and neck. (A little goes a long way!) Then you rinse it off and pat your skin dry. My face felt so clean and refreshed and did not have that tight, dried-out feel to it that soaps and some other cleansers cause. This seaweed cleanser left my skin feeling clean and soft. Very pleasant! Do avoid getting it in your eyes just as you would any other product not intended for eyes. 

As I said..... lovely! I can highly recommend this. My skin is "old" but it is pretty normal. This facial cleanser product is designed to be good for all types of skin, and the ingredients should be helpful if you are plagued with acne or other issues. 

Product information: (find it at GoodEarthBeauty.com/LilyOrganics)  
A balancing, nourishing, cleanser comprised of Seaweed and Essential Oils. This formula produces extraordinary results on oily, combination, or normal skin. Dry skin types also love the hydrating effect of Seaweed. The antibacterial properties of Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary also make it ideal for acne and infected skin. Made by Lily Organics Skin Care Price: $24.00,  3.4 oz *USDA certified organic


Ingredients: Purified water, Lily’s homemade almond oil soap, natural grain alcohol, vegetable glycerin, symphytum officinale (comfrey*), chondrus crispus (irish moss), hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel*), citrus limon (lemon juice*), xanthomonas campestris (xanthan gum), hectorite mineral, citrus grandis (citrus seed extract), essential oils of lavandula angustifolia (lavender), salvia officinalis (sage), melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), cinnamomum camphora (camphor), and tocopherol (vitamin E oil)

You can order your own product at  GoodEarthBeauty.com 

Use DISCOUNT  CODE - VERA10 for 10% discount. 

And as always, FREE SHIPPING in USA.

Find it here
$24.00 & Free Shipping USA

GIVEAWAY
1 Full Size Lily Organics Seaweed Balancing Facial Cleanser

Begins February 24

Ends March 20 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product to use, evaluate, and review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

She Believed: 12 Stories of Courageous Women of Faith Who Changed the World by Shiloh Kidz an imprint of Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 9781643522739
Hardcover $9.99 ~ Ages 5+
Shiloh Kidz-Imprint of Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:  This is a very nice collection of short biographies of courageous women. Written with the young child or young reader to understand, it of necessity focuses on the barest of details of the women.

The collection of women is "Hall of Fame" quality and readers should be encouraged as they grow older to read more about these women.

Included are missionaries, nurses, abolitionists,  musicians, and holocaust survivor.  Knowing that they lived during a time when historically women were relegated to the background and a mundane life, their accomplishments should empower today's young girls and women to believe as did these women that they, too, can do important work for society and for God.

I highly recommend this book for home libraries a well as school and public libraries.

About the Book: Girls are world-changers! . . . And this delightful storybook proves it!

Just for the girls in your life, ages 5 and up, this collection of twelve extraordinary stories of women of faith will empower girls to know and understand how women have made a difference in the world and how much smaller our faith would be without them. Colorful illustrations complement the true stories of these twelve amazing women:

• Gladys Aylward, missionary to China
• ​Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross
• Catherine Booth, cofounder of The Salvation Army
• Amy Carmichael, missionary to India
• Fanny Crosby, blind hymn-writer
• Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing
• Edith Schaeffer, cofounder of L’Abri ministry in Switzerland
• Mary Slessor, missionary to Africa
• Corrie ten Boom, Dutch watchmaker who helped many escape the Nazi Holocaust of WWII
• Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and missionary
• Sojourner Truth, Civil Rights leader
• Harriet Tubman, leader of the Underground Railroad

The stories of these courageous women will encourage and inspire young girls to become the world-changers God created them to be!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Turn it Up!: A Pitch-Perfect History of Music that Rocked the World - National Geographic [Review & Giveaway]

Click here to find it
Hardcover $19.99

My thoughts: Historians tell us that man has created "music" since earlier times. We have no written history to facilitate this. However, we do have archaeological indicators of some earlier music instruments and we know that cultures each present music in various ways and means.

The National Geographic Kids Turn It Up!: A Pitch-Perfect History of Music that Rocked the World takes young readers, and "their adults," back in history and up to modern day. We see an evolution of man's creation of sounds and instruments on which to produce those sounds. And as we continue through this evolutionary history, we see that to some degree man remains in his historic past with explosive sounds that rock their world.

My personal choice of music leans toward orchestral or symphonic renderings of glorious melodies and lovely chamber ensembles of violins and their cousins. I enjoy a good mellow sound of "easy listening" with strings, mellow brass horns of various types, and reed instruments.

My choice doesn't include the raucous rap, or bams, or booms and off beat cadences of modern music. But music was evolved or perhaps de-volved to such.

This book simply presents the musical evolution and those creators of each genre. I like that listings of performers and songs that enable readers to access each of the types.  I do think that there is too much focus given in this book to the loud, strident sounds that comprise today's musical choices and the performers. 
  

This is an interesting book and would be a good choice for libraries and personal libraries. I strongly encourage homeschoolers to avail themselves of books of this type even if I can't endorse or say I enjoy every tidbit of information. 


About the book: From classical to country, blues to rock, hip-hop to pop, crank up the volume and get ready to rock out with a comprehensive record of music through the ages.

The high notes and biggest moments in music history are covered in this fun compendium. You'll learn about the world's most famous musicians through the eras, from Bach to the Beatles to Beyonce -- and beyond. Many major music genres are playfully explained, from tribal, classical, jazz, folk, rock ... all the way to today's modern forms, such as k-pop, hip-hop, and rap. Instruments and sounds are explored, along with places and events in history that inspired the evolution of music. Kids will also get a sense of music theory, instrumentation, and the artistry of distinctive musical styles. Song recommendations help readers open their ears to what they've learned. Add to that amazing images, a rockin' glossary of musical terms, and a timeline that plots each genre on its path from ancient history to today, and this book is bound to top the charts!

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 20

Ends March 17 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

OFF THE HOOK: How Forgiving You Frees Me by Dana Tibbeits & Patti Goldbergand

ISBN-13: 978-0985097837

Whitestone Publishing

SO YOU THINK YOU'VE FORGIVEN? THINK AGAIN.

Is there something you’ve inadvertently picked up along the way that’s sucking the life out of you? Stealing your peace? Has you stuck? Stuck happens. Much as we think we’ve moved on, hard things have a way of taking root in the heartscape of our lives. Off the Hook shares real life stories of real people who had no idea they were still captive to past hurts—until they walked through deep forgiveness! This way of forgiveness offers healing and freedom you never thought possible. It’s about the power of truly letting go—taking old pain patterns and people off your hook, for your sake, not theirs. No longer hemmed in by the burden of deep hurt, loss and offense, you are free at last to soar above it. Discover what no one has told you about the forgiveness power tool—what it is, what it is not, and how to do it. Rewrite the ending to your true story by retrieving the well being and destiny God has for you.

SPECIAL OFF THE HOOK DEALS

The Off The Hook Kindle Countdown has begun! Just $0.99 today! Get it today, February 20, on Amazon! 

Deals all week on this title (February 20-27), starting at $0.99 1st day. (Regular price $5.99) CLICK HERE TO ORDER 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER https://www.blessedfreebies.com/off-the-hook.html

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy. I was not compensated to share this information.

Fabulous Tenth & Pine baby and toddler organic tee shirts - Made in USA (#sensitiveskin #eczema #organiccotton)

Today folks are thinking seriously about the environment and that includes manufacturers. So when I received my package containing the exceptionally fine Tenth & Pine toddler T-shirt,  I was quite impressed. The package did include some plastic, but not over-much. The shirt was encased in a simple, brown kraft paper bag imprinted with the logo. It looked great and I could see they value the environment just from their packaging.

Then when I removed the gem of an organic cotton T-shirt, I was simply amazed at the softness, quality weave, and structure. Believe me, as a grandmother of 13 and mother of 5, I've handled quite a few T-shirts and other items of clothing. This Tenth & Pine product is top quality.

And some of my Chat With Vera readers have already met my great-grandson who has appeared in several posts and reviews. He is one cute little fella and so lively and so very smart. Yes! I'm a proud Great Grandma.

I passed this shirt along to his mommy and was thrilled to do so. You see, Baby Caleb has had eczema that pops up on his beautiful skin. So sensitive. This organic cotton T-shirt is naturally hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. Well worth the money!

And it is an USA product. Sourced and produced in America.

What Baby Caleb's mommy is saying about the Tenth & Pine T-shirt.....

I've been blessed with a healthy, thriving son that is always on the go! However, we've been dealing with his sensitive skin and a range of eczema conditions from the day he came home, so we're very careful about his clothes, detergent and anything he touches. I could tell from the moment I picked up this shirt that it was going to be perfect for him, the fabric was so soft, supple and made with good quality materials. This little cutie had free range of motion and was very comfortable while he was wearing it, not to mention the timely message for Valentine's Day. The quality and thickness is of the type that I know it will hold up well over time and whatever he gets into next.

(--Photos by Rebecca Roddenberry-Smith, Baby Caleb's Mommy) 

Find this Tenth & Pine LOVE BUG T-shirt and other superb products - click here. AND they offer an opportunity for a 10% first order discount when you sign up for emails.

Product information - buy here
Tenth & Pine's timeless, gender neutral designs are made to celebrate your special moments and create lasting memories during these special times. Featuring buttery soft and breathable premium organic fabrics. A natural organic cotton t-shirt is the perfect top for every boy or girl and comfortable for every day wear!

The organic fibers used in Tenth & Pine products are certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standards). GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Benefits to Organic Cotton:

• Perfect for sensitive skin, all natural fibers.
• No chemicals, no harsh toxins.
• Conservation of natural resources, minimize pollution.
• GOTS Certified workplace, employees are treated fairly.
• Durability, strong resilient material.

DISCLOSURE: I receive a complimentary product to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine and Baby Caleb's and are freely given.

Premium Natural Pacha Bar Soap lets you bathe in luxury and aid people around the World [Review & Giveaway]

It is such a pleasure to sink into one's bath, pick up a lovely scented bar of soap, and lather up. Enveloping oneself in tantalizing aromas and a rich lather that softens one's skin with natural ingredients.

Relax! Enjoy a simply "delicious" bath with natural oils and scents!

You know when you use Pacha soaps that you are getting a product that is effective, made with natural ingredients, cruelty free, and contains no SLS, parabens, and sulfates. There is no synthetic fragrance in these soaps. Just lovely products merged together here in the USA to bring you wholesome, conscious consumer, products that are good for you and the environment.

I have used several of the Pacha products and loved them. I am using the Pachafetti Bar right now and it has a little bit of everything in it. Previously I've tried the French Lavender, Dirty Hippi (love the patchouli and spicy nutmeg scent), and others.

Since it’s Good Earth Beauty's 10th anniversary this year, we are celebrating with the brands we carry. Pacha is one of their leading brands. So we are offering a discount and a giveaway.

Product information: The Pacha no waste blend! This bar is crafted with scraps from each of our soaps for a colorful and conscious creation. Brightly scented with lemongrass and peppermint essential oils. Made with sustainably produced palm oil, wild harvested unrefined Shea butter and hydrating castor seed oil.

Pacha products spread goodness by supporting radically transparent and ethical sourcing, clean water initiatives, hygiene education and small business opportunities worldwide.

Enter to win one bar (selection is Good Earth Beauty's choice). But don't wait! Shop now! Remember - your USA order SHIPS FREE.
And to sweeten the shopping trip, take 10% off using VERA10 discount code.
Shop - Click Here

GIVEAWAY

1 Full Size Bar of Pacha Soap

Begins February 13

Ends March 12  at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary bar of Pacha soap from GoodEarthBeauty.com to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by GoodEarthBeauty or publicist.