Children's book review: Kid the Goat Won't Wear His Christmas Coat

About the book:

This romping Christmas tale is a kid-approved reminder to wear your winter coat! Lana Stenner of the Grace-Filled Homestead (which is also filled with goats, chickens, and sheep) shares this hilarious story about a young goat who would rather stay in his pajamas than wear his coat at Christmastime.

Kid the Goat runs to the Christmas tree to open his presents and saves the biggest for last. What could be inside such a big box? After ripping off—and snacking on—the wrapping paper, Kid opens the box and finds . . . a winter coat. Clothes for Christmas? What a bu-u-ummer! When Kid refuses to wear his coat, Maa-a-a makes Kid stay inside while the rest of the family enjoys Christmas Day outside. How can Kid make ice skating, building snowmen, sledding, and caroling just as fun while inside the house by himself?

Filled with cute and cuddly artwork, this relatable and laugh-out-loud rhyming story

• is for ages 0 to 4,
• shows kids the consequences of not dressing for the weather, and
• is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent.

Grab a copy for your coat-averse children today. They will Totes McGotes love this book!

My thoughts:

The goat on the front and in the title caught my eye on this one.  How cute is the little goat in his pajamas!

The illustrations are fun in this board book that will be enjoyed by toddlers and preschoolers.  It has rhyming text.  

I feel like there could be several different lessons to create conversation with this book.  It is unclear which lesson the author is aiming to get across though in my opinion.  As a parent I would definitely want to talk about how Kid the goat was sassy and disobeyed.  I feel like the book would be better if it wasn't a board book and had a few more pages to draw out the story.  It felt rushed and in a hurry to end.  While the illustrations are cute and it could be a fun story with great Christmas time lesson, it feels like something is missing for me. 

It would be a cute stocking stuffer for a little one that likes goats.

I received a copy of this from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

2 Children's board books!

About the book:
Featuring fun, cute, and oh-so-fluffy Listener Kids stars Jack and Scarlett, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, an interactive board book for littles, is the perfect way to get kids thinking critically and engaged in this simple story about God's love and protection.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands is an interactive board book for kids featuring YouTube's Listener Kids stars Jack and Scarlett. Through interactive prompts, scripture, and a classic church song, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to join Jack the squirrel and Scarlett the bunny as they face their fears during a thunderstorm and learn to trust in the Lord.

My thoughts:

What a cute board book!  

I liked the colorful cover and cute animal characters.  

I was not familiar with Listener Kids or Jack & Scarlett.  I did a search and found the videos on YouTube.  

This board book is interactive in that it asks the reader to do something on each page, like "follow the sidewalk" with your finger or say a prayer with Jack & Scarlett.  

The illustrations are colorful and fun and there are many opportunities for the reader and child to engage together as they are reading.  The full lyrics to the familiar song "He's Got the Whole World" are included at the end.

This board book is appropriate for toddlers up to preschool aged children.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Now for the second board book! 

It is called I've Got the Joy.

About the book:

Featuring fun, cute, and oh-so-fluffy Listener Kids stars Jack and Scarlett, I've Got the Joy, an interactive board book for littles is the perfect way to get kids thinking critically and engaged in this simple story about joy. Using fun interactive prompts, joyful scripture, and a classic kid's church song, little readers are invited to tag along as Jack and Scarlett have the time of their lives while camping and experience true joy.

My thoughts:

Once again I thought what a cute cover.  In this book Jack & Scarlett are on a camping trip in which they are several times of feeling joy.  This one also has interactive activities for the reader to do with the child.  For example, one is for the reader to find the floaty and "tap it 3 times." 

This board book is appropriate for toddlers up to preschool aged children.  It will provide opportunities for the parents and child to talk about joy and when they feel joy in their hearts.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Christmas Board Books

If you have little ones you are shopping for this Christmas, I have two Christmas board books to share with you today.

About the book:
Share the Nativity story one inspiring word at a time with this simple and engaging board book for babies and toddlers.

Perfect for curious little ones, this book tells the story of Christmas in bite-sized pieces to encourage word learning. Short sentences and colorful illustrations guide children through that beloved night—from Mary and Joseph's journey all the way to the arrival of the wise men—while each page highlights a new word found in the biblical account—such as star, manger, and angel. Whether you use this book to encourage language development or to introduce the story of Christmas to a special little one, it's sure to make a great gift. 

About the book:

Experience the events of Jesus’s birth on that first Christmas night with this stunning board book written in the beloved style of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." 

"'Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town, not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound."

This beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus celebrates that fateful night in Bethlehem so long ago. The story begins with Mary and Joseph's arrival in Bethlehem and continues through Christ's birth, the angels' appearance to the shepherds, and the wise men's visit. Simple, elegant verses are brought to life with lush oil paintings, creating an enchanting reading experience for little ones and their families.

My thoughts:
Both of these are very simple basic Christmas books.  The First Words of Christmas book has a labeled image on one page with a sentence about that image on the opposite page.  

The other book The First Christmas Night has a little more text.  It is done in a rhyming format of Twas the Night Before Christmas which young children will enjoy.  The illustrations are very calming and beautifully done.  I love this image of the shepherds.

Both of these would make great gifts or stocking stuffers for babies or toddlers.

Learn  more here about First Words of Christmas and here about The First Christmas Night.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board Book: SomeBunny Loves You!

About the book:

Explore the unconditional love between parent and child with this adorable picture book.

This playful love letter to a child follows a little bunny who is told "somebunny loves you" as it goes about its day. Rhyming text and sweet illustrations will charm little ones as they realize that the “somebunny” who loves them is the person reading to them. Timeless and heartfelt, this reassuring message of unconditional love would make a great addition to any child’s first library.

My thoughts:

This book shows the special, unconditional love between a child and parent as portrayed through these bunnies shown on the cover.  It has rhyming text without much text per page so it will hold the attention of little readers.  The book reminds the reader how much they are loved all through the day and whatever happens or comes their way.

I find this book to be appropriate for babies or toddlers.

This would make a nice addition to a baby or toddler's Easter basket. It has a space in the front for you to write To/From and a message.  

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Christmas Board Books

If you are shopping for a little one, I have some Christmas board books to share with you today.  

First I have a Veggie Tales board book called Joy to the World by Pamela Kennedy.

About the book:

Discover the true meaning of Christmas with beloved VeggieTales characters and a holiday story little ones will love.

Welcome to the Veggie Christmas Show! Little ones will be captivated by a Christmas extravaganza that starts with a guitar solo by Larry and ends with a Veggie reenactment of the first Christmas night. With cheerful hearts and spirits, the Veggies remind others of the simple joy of Christmas. This lighthearted book is perfect for reading together during the festive holiday season.

My thoughts:  
The Veggies are putting on a talent show.  Little children (toddler aged) will enjoy the fun smiling vegetables and their talent show acts.  

The book ends with the Nativity scene to remind readers of the reason of the season and the joy we have because of Jesus.

Get this book if you or your child are fans of VeggieTales! 

You can find out more about this book at this link.

Next up I have The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry.  This is a board book as well.

About the book:
Discover the story of the first Christmas in this newly illustrated classic, perfect for little ones curious about the story behind their holiday celebrations.

Expertly crafted for the attention span of toddlers, this simple book tells the biblical story of Christmas—from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the wise men. The story also helps little listeners understand the connection between the first Christmas and today's celebrations and traditions. With bright illustrations and a toddler-friendly length of about 200 words, this book is an age-appropriate way to introduce the story of the Nativity. A perfect addition for Christmas stockings!

My thoughts:

This is a board book so it is appropriate for toddler age children.  The author connects the gifts we exchange to the gifts brought to Jesus.  I am not in 100% agreement on the accuracy of this telling of the Christmas story compared to the Bible.  But it is appropriate for toddlers.  It is short enough that it will hold their attention and it can lead to discussions with parents about baby Jesus.  I must emphasize this is a very basic telling of the Nativity Story.  

Find out more here.

I received these books from Hachette Group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Board Book: Wreck The Halls

I have some new children's books to share with you over the next several days.  These would be fun to read with your children as we approach December.  

First I have a board book called Wreck the Halls.

About the Book:

Decking the halls turns into a chaotic disaster in this humorous board book about an overeager tow truck who desperately wants to help its friends decorate.
​
Tow truck can’t wait to help its friends get into the Christmas spirit. But as tow truck excitedly decorates, wraps, and decks the halls, things turn into a bit of a wreck. Packed with puns and festive cheer, this silly tale will delight little readers. Likewise, parents will appreciate the book’s message that Christmas spirit doesn’t come from pretty decorations or shiny presents, but from the heart.  

My thoughts:

If you have a little one that loves trucks, they will enjoy this book and probably want to read it over and over.  The character truck illustrations are very cute, and the bright colors make it festive and fun.  I felt like this book has a lot of good vocabulary ....both holiday related and truck/transportation related.   

This board book is appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.  

I've read others by this author and this is another cute one!  

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Board Book: Love You S'more

About the book:

Embrace the puns in this charmingly campy board book about two raccoons who insist they are the one who loves the other "s'more."

Love, puns, and s’mores are three of life’s greatest pleasures. In this little board book, two competitive raccoons declare themselves to love the other "s'more." The fireside banter crackles with puns, and the silly competition heats up until they finally realize that with all that love, everyone wins. Outdoorsy and camping-loving families will love this book, as will anyone looking for a new way to express “s’more” love to someone in their life.

My thoughts:
Isn't summertime for camping?  And camping means s'mores! 

This is a cute board book with two cute raccoons as seen on the cover.  I like the fun illustrations and rhyming text.  Little kids will enjoy the back-and-forth banter between the raccoons.  I'm not sure that kids would notice this, but I noticed that they are wearing different colored handkerchiefs which helps tell them apart.  Also, you can figure out which raccoon is talking by the color of the text.  

This book is appropriate for toddlers and early elementary aged children.

I received a copy of this book from FaithWords for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

President Board Books!

About the book:

Introduce little learners to Abraham Lincoln's childhood and presidency with this 200-word board book.

This little book introduces Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. Simple, toddler-friendly text tells the story of his childhood, his rise to the presidency, and the part he played in the U.S. Civil War. Accompanied by vivid and engaging illustrations, The Story of Abraham Lincoln will help even the smallest children understand who Abraham Lincoln is, and why he is so important.

Go here to learn more.

Explore George Washington's childhood and presidency with this 200-word board book perfect for little learners!

This little book introduces George Washington, one of the forefathers of the United States, and its first president. Simple, toddler-friendly text tells the infamous story of the cherry tree from his childhood, his part in the Revolutionary War, and his presidency. Accompanied by vivid and engaging illustrations, The Story of George Washington will help even the smallest children understand who George Washington is, and why he is so important.

Go here to learn more.

My thoughts:

I was surprised to see board books about Presidents!  These books are a very brief overview of two of the forefathers of the United States.  They provide a little glimpse into their lives from birth and on to their adulthood and how they served the United States.  The illustrations are appealing with cute kids in the scenes.  One thing I like is that the books end with a quote related to the President.  

This set would be a good way to introduce children to a little bit of history and would go well with class lessons in the early elementary classroom for President's Day.  

I found out there is a series of books including Rosa Parks, The Mayflower, The Star Spangled Banner, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

I received copies of these books from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board book: God's Love is Like Sunshine

About the book:
Explore the infectiously cheerful nature of God's love with this heartwarming board book!

A joyful celebration of God's deep love for little ones, God's Love Is Like Sunshine takes a subject that could be confusing—God's love—and makes it accessible to kiddos. How? By comparing that love to objects and ideas children know and love, such as warm sunshine, overflowing orange juice, and soft clouds. These comparisons paint a beautiful picture of a love that is kind, gentle, and generous. But most importantly, God's Love Is Like Sunshine celebrates how God's love fills up our hearts so they overflow with kindness, gentleness, and generosity for other people. With illustrations that radiate childlike joy and a message that encourages little ones to love God and the people around them, this sweet board book is sure to make you smile. 

My thoughts:

This board book is a wonderful way to describe God's love for us.  These comparisons help children maybe get a little hint of God's love using comparisons they can understand.  Children will be able to relate to these comparisons and illustrations.

My favorite comparison.....

" Love is like orange juice,

and you're like a cup.

God pours out his love

and fills you right up."

This book is appropriate to read to toddlers and preschoolers.  They will enjoy the colorful illustrations full of happy children involved in a variety of activities.  

Click here for more information about this book.

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Board Book: The Snuggle Is Real

About the book:

Struggles, meet snuggles. This little animal-filled board book celebrates the power of snuggles and empathy to smooth out a rough day.

Some days, things just don’t go your way–you spill your milk, you break your favorite toy, your little brother looks at you cross-eyed. One of the best ways to cope is to remember that you’re loved, no matter what. The relatable struggles of the adorably pitiful animals in The Snuggle Is Real are no match for a hug or snuggle from someone they trust. Share this irresistibly sweet board book with a special kid in your life, and show them that while the struggles in our days are very real, so is the power of love and affection to make those troubles fade.

My thoughts:
We all have rough days. I think this book will show little kids it is okay to have a hard day and that we all face struggles.  Sometimes we just need to know that someone cares and get a hug.  This book is a good way for parents to connect with their child and talk about feelings in a safe way.

This book is a board book so I think toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the pictures.  Toddlers probably won't understand all the words but can relate to the ideas of the troubles illustrated for the various animals.

Click here for more information.

I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board Book: Alphabet Love

About the book:

Tell little ones just how much you love them with Alphabet Love—a heart-shaped board book that introduces children to the alphabet and celebrates everyday moments of love.
 

"C is for cuddle, wrapped up so tight. D is for dancing, twirling all night."

 

If you are looking for an alphabet book to give you the warm fuzzies, look no further. This sturdy board book highlights all the little moments that toddlers share with their loved ones throughout the day, from blowing bubbles, to exploring outside, to reading a book before bed. With cheerful, rhyming text and bright, playful illustrations, Alphabet Love makes it easy and fun to learn the ABCs.

 

My thoughts:

I always love finding new ABC books.  This is a cute one appropriate for Valentine's Day (or anytime!).  I like that each letter is printed in big font on each page, perfect for little ones learning their letters. I also like that the book is in the shape of a heart making it fun for children to hold.

I read this with my little boy who is 6.  It was below his interest level but still a cute book to read.  It is appropriate for toddlers/preschool aged.  They will enjoy the variety of animals, there is a different animal on each page.  

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review.  Thank you!

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board Book: Where's My Christmas Tree?

About the book:
Unwrap a smile with this board book about a little penguin who discovers that the joy of Christmas and the love of friends are all they’re stacked up to be.

In Where’s My Christmas Tree? a little penguin wants nothing more than to see a Christmas tree, but where will he find one in his Antarctic home? After his exhaustive search, his friends take action to help. Bringing together the pure joy of Christmas anticipation, a simple quest, and friends who will do whatever they can to make you smile, this board book is the ticket to a bit of holiday happiness.

My thoughts: 
This is a cute little board book for babies/toddlers.  The pages are bright and colorful with minimal words on each page written in speech bubbles.  The penguin character is cute.  There are several Christmasy touches...the trees, lights, snow

Even though this is a short book, I like the message of the animals helping their friend find a Christmas tree.  Parents could start a conversation with their little ones about how to help others.  Also, you could discuss creative ways to make a Christmas tree if there is not one to be found nearby.  

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board Book + GIVEAWAY!

About the book:
All around the world, it’s bedtime, and Mommies are tucking little ones into bed.  From the elephants on the grasslands to the camels in the desert to the polar bears in the Arctic, it’s time for snuggles, prayers, and bedtime kisses.

This adorable board book features a Mommy and baby animal in eight different habitats getting ready for bed. The final spread features Mommy tucking a child into bed.

My thoughts:
Board books are fun to read with your little ones and they can learn so much from this reading time.  This is a cute little board book with a wide variety of animals.  They are preparing for bedtime.  

What I like about this book is the many animals used from various habitat like the ocean, dessert, and grasslands.  Some of them children may not be really familiar with so it will expose them to new animals and vocabulary.  The illustrations are colorful and realistic of the animals.  

Click here to purchase the board book for just $8.99

Go here to enter the GIVEAWAY for this book! 

I received a copy of this book from Frontgate Media for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Board book: Trick or Treat, You're So Sweet!

About the book:

Celebrate Halloween and the little ones who love it with this sweet lift-the-flap board book about Halloween's true hero—its candy.

Children love Halloween costumes and candy, and we love seeing them all dressed up, enjoying the spoils of their trick-or-treating. This book's simple lighthearted text celebrates children and their favorite candies, with a mix of humor and sincerity that will appeal to little ones with a sweet tooth—and parents looking for a cute, cozy tale.

Vivid illustrations feature a varied cast of trick-or-treaters, each with his or her candy of choice. As the text expresses affection in a clever-yet-"sweet" way, readers can lift flaps to reveal more Halloween fun. Heartfelt and funny, Trick or Treat, You're So Sweet! will soon be a Halloween favorite.

My thoughts:

I don't read a whole lot of Halloween themed books, but this was a board book so I wanted to check it out.  

I like that as you read children can guess who is hiding behind the door.  Then they can lift the flap to open the door and see if they guessed correctly.  This book has kids dressed up as a black cat, cowgirl, vampire, and more.  

Click here for more information.

I received this book for my honest review from Hachette Book Group.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Children's book: Dozers Don't Doze

About the book:

A little bulldozer resists sleep in this humorous board book perfect for fans of Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site.

Fans of cars, trains, and construction vehicles will love this bedtime board book about a little bulldozer who won't go to sleep.

All kinds of vehicles take breaks, naps, and snoozes--but not bulldozers! Dozers don't need to go to bed, at least that's what the bulldozer who narrates this humorous book thinks. The self-assured dozer brags that it doesn't need sleep, but gets sleepier and sleepier as it lists all the other vehicles that do need rest: race cars make pit stops, trains stop in their tracks, tractors hit the hay, and more.

The conclusion to Dozers Don't Doze, in which the dozer ultimately dozes, will entertain little ones and please parents; the illustrations of sleepy machines may even lull children to sleep despite their own efforts to resist dozing.

My thoughts:
This is a cute little board book for any child that loves vehicles.  It is centered around a little dozer but lots of other vehicles are included like trains, planes, and race cars.  All of the others need to sleep or nap but not dozer!  

It is a board book and appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.  The illustrations are delightful for each of the little vehicles.

Click here for more information.

I received a copy of this book from Hachette book group for my honest review. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Children's book: Hello from Here

About the book: 

Show the little ones in your life that distance and separation can't stop us from sharing a special hello with those we love.

 

It's difficult to be separated from those we love, and sometimes it's hard to feel connected when we can't be together in person.

 

This board book helps fill that need to connect, with a simple message: I'm still here, even though I'm not right there beside you. A series of scenarios depicts a narrator employing various forms of communication—from video calls and letters to dolphin-messengers and skywriting—to say a simple "hello" to someone far away.

 

Exploring the idea of connecting over distance, whether it's through a pane of glass or across a continent, this book delivers its earnest message in a lighthearted way, engaging children's imaginations in thinking of delightful new ways to say "hello." The book will remind them that they are loved by those they can't always see. Instead of emphasizing what we can't do when we're apart, this book takes a positive view and makes a game out of finding new ways we can communicate.

 

Reassuring and imaginative, this board book fills a growing need to reach out and connect with one another.

My thoughts: 
I enjoyed reading this book with my son.  Even though it is a board book and he's past that stage, we still enjoyed reading it together.  

The pictures are appealing and have children demonstrating the various ways they can say "hello" to someone far away.   This book is appropriate for toddlers but could be enjoyed by preschoolers as well.  

If you have a loved one who is far away for whatever reason, this book will provide ideas on ways you can keep in touch.  After you read it with you child you can also add your own ideas of fun ways of sending love. If you are the one far away it would be a nice gift for a little one in your life.

Click here for more information on this new book.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review from Hachette Book Group.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany