Children's Book: Strawberry Shortcake and the Berry Besties Festival

About the book:

Join Strawberry Shortcake and her berry besties as they put on a festival to raise money for their local animal center! Packed with all of the nostalgia and whimsy you know and love, this picture book includes two sticker sheets and celebrates the positive impact friends working together can have on their community.

It's the day of the Berry Besties Festival and Strawberry Shortcake can't wait to see what her friends bring. Everyone has baked, grown, crafted, or sewn something special to sell so they can raise money for their furry friends at the animal center. Strawberry Shortcake brings strawberry-filled treats, Raspberry Tart brings colorful pet bandanas and fruit tarts, and Huckleberry Pie brings handmade birdhouses. But one friend isn't excited for the event. When Orange Blossom shares her worries about her runny marmalade, her friends rally around her to make her booth a success. By combining all of their special talents, the berry besties create one truly sweet event that helps animals in need.

This joyful picture book

• is for ages 4 to 8;
• has 2 sticker sheets of Strawberry Shortcake and her berry besties, their furry friends, and delicious fruits and baked goodies;
• is a great gift for a child or for fans of the Strawberry Shortcake aesthetic; and
• is a perfect purchase for Valentine's Day, birthdays, holiday gift-giving, or simply brightening someone's day.

Make your own sweet memory when you share this charming book with a little one in your life!

My thoughts:

Do you remember the smell of Strawberry Shortcake toys from childhood?  This book brings that smell to mind!  

This is a cute story about Strawberry Shortcake and her friends.  Each friends brings something to the festival.  We see the friends help Orange Blossom when her marmalade doesn't turn out right.  This is a nice story about friendship.  

Little girls will enjoy this book.  It also includes cute stickers! I also noticed the font used... most of it is green in color but other colors and sizes are used. 

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Children's book: That's What Heroes Do

About the book:
Who is a hero? From first responders and soldiers to teachers and friends, discover what makes a real-life hero in this story from Adam Kinzinger, veteran and former congressman. Take to the skies with a boy and his pilot dad as they visit sites across the United States in search of heroes. As they look down on community helpers working hard to lift up others, and even witness those who gave everything at Arlington Cemetery, children will discover that America is built on the service and sacrifices of heroes.

In this imaginative, heartfelt adventure, boys and girls 4 to 8 will

• discover that heroes are all around us,
• learn about notable sites across the United States where heroes work and serve,
• learn that a hero protects and lifts up others,
• understand that anyone can choose kindness and generosity, and
• be inspired to honor the sacrifices made for them.

Inspired by the author's experiences as an Air Force pilot, this story of adventure, curiosity, and patriotism will give children a deeper understanding of the many people who put others first every day to make America a nation of safety and opportunity. Perfect for classroom and homeschool studies about Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day, this hopeful book will encourage children to be tomorrow's heroes—and to start today.

My thoughts:

We may not think about it often, but there are heroes all around us.  So many people help others as their profession.  This is a great book to talk about heroes and the important work they do.  

Both boys and girls will like this book I think with its conversational story and the rhyming text as a boy and his Dad (who is his hero) go on a little trip.  They talk about what the heroes do and the many ways they help.

It is a nice addition to your personal or classroom library.  The illustrations are just perfect for this book as well in depicting the various heroes.  

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Children's book: We Are Home When We're Together

About the book:

We Are Home When We're Together is a warm invitation to cherish memories, embrace change, and remember that whenever you're with family—you're home.

Acclaimed designers and mother-daughter team Jean Stoffer and Grace Start of The Established Home from the Magnolia Network show that the location of a family's most sacred space may change, but the foundation—love for one another—remains. This meaningful picture book helps children savor good memories and reassures them that new spaces can lead to beautiful new experiences as they trust God to help them navigate and settle into a new house with their family.

Moving to new houses, new schools, new neighborhoods, and other life changes can be unsettling, and We Are Home When We're Together is a reminder to look to God as your family adjusts together. This beautiful book

• is for ages 4 to 8,
• includes stunning illustrations that feature interesting and diverse homes,
• helps parents and caretakers who are navigating moves or other life changes with their children,
• features ways to involve children in setting up home together,
• provides intentional ideas to savor memories and create wonderful new ones, and
• reminds families to rely on God, who is preparing our forever home, and rest in Him as they navigate change.

This celebration of home and family is a lovely addition to your bookshelf, a wonderful story to cozy up to with your children, and a meaningful gift for children and families who are navigating new seasons of life.

My thoughts:

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Don't you just love this sweet cover!  In life we all face changes and transitions.  This is a sweet book with a lesson that even though change can be difficult, it doesn't matter where we live when we are together.  Changes are part of life.  This book can help families have conversations and share concerns about upcoming moves or changes they are facing.  God will help us as we faces these challenges and new things.

The illustrations really add to the beauty of this book.

I received a copy of this from Tommy Nelson Book Worms and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Have a day of blessings! Bethany

Book review: Navigate Life Like a Pro

About the book:

Level up and handle life like a pro with 100 devotions to encourage faith, build resilience against tough challenges, and learn practical tips for daily life. Navigate Life Like A Pro provides faith-based guidance for issues like anxiety, self confidence, bullying, faith conversations, and more all packed into 100 daily devotionals that tween and middle grade boy will connect with.

Imagine your life armed with confidence and clarity, ready to take on life's challenges. Growing up is like navigating through a maze full of surprises, challenges, and decisions that can be difficult, thankfully God’s right there alongside you. Filled with captivating stories, meaningful reflections, and practical advice, in this 100-day devotional you’ll find:

• Themes of empowerment that become your go-to guide for transforming challenges into opportunities and making confident moves.
• Real-life wisdom for issues such as dealing with bullying to self-esteem to making tough decisions in life, including sex, drugs and other social anxieties
• Faith-based guidance providing insight and advice rooted in solid biblical wisdom to help you grow stronger in your walk with God
• Ways to surround yourself with friends who share your values and support your goals. Whether it's through church youth groups, school clubs, or sports teams, find places where you can meet like-minded people.

Build confidence, strengthen your faith, and develop personal growth with action-oriented devotionals that feature practical steps you can take to apply in your everyday life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ed Strauss lives in British Columbia, Canada, with his wife and three tween-aged children. Ed is a freelance writer with a passion for Biblical apologetics and fantasy fiction. Apart from writing, Ed enjoys biking and exploring nature.

My thoughts:

I have an 11 year old boy so I thought this would be a good devotional book to try!  He has read some of the devotionals.  He said he thought it was good. He said "it was good it was for all ranges of kids like those that are shy or those that feel like they are good at everything.  It helps them see how to be a better person."

What I like is the format.  These are not overly long readings.  They are concise and will hold the attention of a young boy.  Each day has a verse as well as a question at the end with a little space to write an answer.  I like that it takes a truth or character from the Bible and relates it to a young boy's life. There is such a variety of topics in these devotionals....attitude, how to treat the elderly, prayer, our speech.  

I think it would be a good book for him to use daily during the summer.  

The book may be purchased here.

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

#boys #middlegradebooks #middlegradereads #boymom #ChristianMom #homeschoolmomlife #homeschooling #homeschoollife #zonderkidz

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

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

Children's Book: Jesus Listens for Christmas

About the book:

Prepare your spirit for the Savior's coming and magnify your joy this holiday season as you spend the days of Advent and Christmas with your heart and mind intentionally fixed on Jesus.

Enjoy more peaceful moments this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas. This devotional collection of prayers and reflections from Sarah Young's bestselling Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling includes Scripture verses, and words of hope from God's heart to yours.

This inspirational holiday devotional is ideal for:

• Anyone longing to draw closer to Jesus during the Advent and Christmas season.
• Those who are looking for comfort, calm, and peace in place of the holiday bustle.
• Families who want to cultivate a tradition of Advent prayers and devotions together.

This full-color prayer book includes:

• Prayers, reflections, and Bible verses based on the Christmas story and prophecies of Jesus' birth.
• Stunning seasonal illustrations, making this holiday treasure a beautiful gift or keepsake.

As you pray Scripture throughout this holiday season with Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas, you'll experience not only God's answers, but also how prayer connects you to God, changes your heart, and brings peace and joy to one of the greatest celebrations of the year.

My thoughts:

I am familiar with Sarah Young and the Jesus Calling devotional books.  This is similiar to that format and is designed for families to read with their children through the advent season.  Each day has a prayer, Bible reading, and activity to do together.  

The illustrations have a peaceful sense about them and add to the beauty of this book.  This is a beautiful book to add to your personal library to help focus your heart on the true meaning of the season.  

I am looking forward to using this devotional with my family.  

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

Children's book review: What God Says About You

About the book:

When a child feels left out, makes a mistake, or is called a name that hurts their heart, how can they know their true identity? Bestselling author, spoken-word artist, and thought leader on identity Hosanna Wong reveals that you aren’t defined by what you’ve done or what others think—you’re defined by what God says about you.

Hosanna’s powerful message uncovers an important truth for kids today: no one has the power to define you but the One who created you. And God says you are His friend. You are a work of art. You are His child. And you are greatly loved.

A perfect read before bedtime, and during tough times, this picture book

• is for ages 4 to 8,
• highlights scriptures that unpack the life-giving names that God gives us,
• includes whimsical illustrations from Liz Brizzi,
• is inspired by Hosanna Wong’s “I Have a New Name” viral spoken word poem, and
• is the perfect gift for back-to-school celebrations, baptisms, holidays, or seasons of transition.

As kids search for the right words and labels to understand their worth, What God Says About You will strengthen them with affirmations to discover who they really are.

My thoughts:

What a beautiful book... both the words and the illustrations!  This is a message our children need to hear and have repeated throughout the different stages of life.  The world will try to give you labels and make you feel inferior.  Our children need to know the truth of what God says about them.  

This book is one way to give positive messages to your children about their value and worth.  I like that each page has a different name given to God's children.  This is an example:

We all forget truth at times, and this is a great reminder for all of us, not just children, of our value and worth in the eyes of our Creator. 

This is a powerful line of the book to me:  

"But no one has the power to give you your true name except for God, who created you."

This is a wonderful book to add to your personal library and read periodically.  It would make a great one to read at bedtime for your child to have truth in their minds as they are going to sleep.

(I love the cover too and how the words look like they are made with stars.)

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

Children's book: The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep

Are you looking for items for Easter baskets?  I'm excited to share this wonderful book with you today.  It's called The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep and the author is Hannah E. Harrison.

About the book:

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.

Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.

The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:

• Children ages 4 and up

• Family devotions and bedtime reading

• Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us

• Sunday school lessons and church libraries

• Easter baskets, baptism or First Communion gifts, birthday gifts, and other gift-giving opportunities

About the author:

Hannah E. Harrison is the author and illustrator of six award-winning picture books, including Extraordinary Jane, My Friend Maggie, and Poopsie Gets Lost. Her books have received numerous starred reviews, been chosen as Kirkus Books of the Year and Editors’ Picks on Amazon, and have been selected for book clubs. Hannah is originally from New Hampshire, but now lives in Oklahoma with her big-hearted husband, two delightful daughters, a crabby cat, and a playful pup.

My thoughts:

Oh I just love this book!  I was excited to share it with you.  

Psalm 23 is so familiar and yet I can always learn something new from it.  A book like this is perfect to share this Psalm with a child and have a discussion about sheep and shepherds and then discuss how we are all like sheep and Who we have as our Shepherd.  You could also tie it into the parable of the lost sheep in the Bible.  You can talk about what characteristics we've had like George the sheep.  

I love the beautiful illustrations and the cute sheep. 

We read a lot of children's books and this is definitely a new favorite for me.  The text and illustrations are fabulous!  I hope you will check it out for your family library or for a gift for a little one in your life.  Sometimes I give away my books away but this is one I will be keepig for my library shelf! It definitely gets 5 stars from me! (That doesn't happen too often.)

Watch this little preview about this sweet book.

This book can be purchased at this link.

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

#goodshepherd #zonderkidz #christianbookreview #ad

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Children's book: The World Needs the Wonder You See

About the book:

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Gaines welcomes you on an imaginative adventure through nature’s small surprises and invites you and your children to be curious, slow down, and take in everyday wonders. With vibrant art by Julianna Swaney that is full of dreamy details, this whimsical picture book will inspire your family to pause busy schedules and explore together.

In The World Needs the Wonder You See, you and your kids will slow your pace, look closely, and find joy as you make discoveries together;join a diverse cast of children on a journey below leaves, amidst treetops, under ocean waves, through rabbits’ tunnels, and into the clouds;imagine hidden worlds in which ladybugs live in tiny cabins, snails journey through mushroom fields, and stars paint stories across the sky; andlearn to notice the amazing beauty that children naturally see.T his companion book to The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is perfect for children ages 4–8.

Celebrate the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes in this imaginative book about all the beauty, hope, and surprise hiding in plain sight. Look up. Lean in. Bend low. Reach for new heights. Every day, from every place, there’s more to see in this great big world of possibility.

My thoughts:

This book has a good message for children and adults alike.  Often as adults we are no longer curious as we once were.  This book reminds the reader the value of paying attention to the world and nature around you.  How much more will you see if you just take time to notice?  Children are better at this than adults I think!  

This is a beautifully illustrated book to read with your chid.  It would be a good conversation starter for elementary aged children about what they noticed in their world.  For younger children the illustrations will provide opportunities to talk and use new vocabulary words.  

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

Book: Where's Gobi? Seek and Find

About the book:

Can you find Gobi? Travel the world with this little dog who has big adventures. Kids will have hours of fun with this seek-and-find activity book as they search for Gobi and her family, discover over 250 objects, and learn about some of the world’s most interesting places.

After joining Dion, an ultramarathoner, on a race through China, Gobi joined Dion’s family and global adventures. Can you find Gobi in Buckingham Palace in England, the Eiffel Tower in France, the cathedral in Mexico City, and Hollywood in the United States?

This educational and engaging book is designed for children 4 and up and features

• locations and stories from Gobi’s real-life global adventures;
• facts about each landmark and country;
• hidden objects, including Gobi’s cat sister, Lara; national flags; local food; national symbols; famous people; buildings; and animals;
• busy and fun illustrations that will keep kids’ attention at home or on the go; and
• a world map highlighting Gobi’s adventures.

Fans of Gobi’s amazing story as told in Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart and Finding Gobi Young Reader's Edition: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey, as well as any child who loves dogs, adventure, and puzzles, will have a blast with this global seek-and-find journey. Encourage curiosity, learn about the world, and strengthen observation and concentration skills with Where’s Gobi? Seek and Find.

My thoughts:

I've seen quite a few "seek and find" type books through the years.  There are a lot of them out there!

What I like about this one is that the child can learn about different places as they search the pictures.   The text tells a little about the places where Gobi is. There are also little bubbles of text with highlights about each place. There is a world map at the beginning with the stops of the adventure marked.  

The illustrations are cute and fun to look at.  

I recommend this book for the child in your life.  It would be a fun addition to their Christmas stocking or travel bag when your family is going on an adventure.

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

Children's book: To Mimi's House We Go

About the book:

Join bestselling author Susan Meissner and other "Mimis" in this Christmas-season poem inspired by the traditional holiday traveling song "Over the River and Through the Woods." Modern families find their way to grandmother's house using a variety of vehicles to celebrate with Mimis, Omas, Gigis, and Nanas.

This sweet Christmas story

• is for boys and girls 4 to 8 years old and grandmothers of all names and types;
• explores the different modern modes of transport used to take Christmas journeys;
• features rhyming text resembling traditional carols and folksongs; and
• celebrates the unique ways families celebrate Christmas while showing the common threads of food, family, and love in them all.

To Mimi's House We Go combines the magic of Christmastime with sweet memories of time with Grandma in an adventurous romp through country and city, from coast to coast.

My thoughts:

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I do like Christmas books during the holidays. I think this is a great book to read with your child or grandchild and add to your holiday library.

This is a rhyming book sharing many different places that Mimi's live and the various ways we can get to Mimi's house.  Some of these include "down dusty roads," "down the steps and to the subway,"or "step aboard the motorboat" to her deck.  

I'd also like to point out there is a list of other grandmother names as part of the book.  

The illustrations are beautiful and children will enjoy looking at the various scenes.  

The teacher in me saw many opportunities for learning with this book....transportation, family, homes, and travel to name a few.  

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

Book: Indescribable Atlas Adventures

About the book:

With more than 50 infographic maps, this illustrated world atlas for kids from bestselling author Louie Giglio will stretch your children's understanding of the world as they discover more about God, science, and His amazing world!

Indescribable Atlas Adventures offers a self-guided tour for your favorite explorer throughout the seven continents and over 50 countries. Easy-to-read maps, more than 1,500 facts, and a world map that helps kids identify each continent and country will help your child to think globally and discover new insights into God's incredible creation. Each map includes

• an overview of each country's population, languages, and prominent features;
• key facts about the country's capital cities; neighboring countries; and the national bird, tree, and dish;
• notable people and their amazing achievements;
• the country's terrain, climate, wildlife, contributions to space exploration, cultural hallmarks, and Christian faith traditions; and
• biblical and inspirational pieces, like devotional thoughts, prayers, and Bible verses that highlight how amazing God and His world are.
• 
  

Indescribable Atlas Adventures is for ages 6 to 10 and spotlights several fascinating ecosystems, like the Sahara, Amazon, and Great Barrier Reef. This book has a large trim size to help kids explore fun details on each page and is a perfect "my first atlas of the world" gift for curious kids.

My thoughts:
We've enjoyed several books by Louie Giglio like the devotional set I previously reviewed here.

This atlas is such a fun book full of beautiful illustrations and facts that will interest kids and parents alike.  Children will enjoy exploring this book on their own or sharing it with an adult.  

There is a lot of information in this book but it is presented in such a way as not to be overwhelming.  You can read little snippets of facts about the country.  The flags are also included plus a map of the continent so you can see where that particular country is located.  The maps are not detailed in his atlas but more of an overview of the country.  

I appreciate that it isn't just huge long paragraphs of texts.  You can learn about the language, animals, food, and people to name a few things included in the pages of this book.  

There are also little boxes throughout the book like this one:  

This would make a great addition to your home or homeschool library.  

You can buy the book here.

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

#atlasadventures #indescribablekids

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Children's book: Home Is Right Where You Are

Author information:

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

My thoughts:

Today I am sharig a new book called Home Is Right Where You Are. I zoomed in on part of the cover.  I love these illustrations and the soft colors of the flowers on the cover. 

This book is a reminder of the truth of Psalm 23 that God is with us wherever we go in life.  Sometimes we all need that reminder.  It felt like this book was thoughtfully and intentionally put together.  Parents need to share this kind of encouragement with their children as they go through life and remind them even on the hard days or difficult parts of the journey, God is there.

This is probably my favorite page spread.  I love the simpleness of the raindrops yet the powerful words along with it. 

This is a book that will be enjoyed by adults as well as children I believe.  It is calming and comforting so would be good to read at bedtime or anytime through the day.  It would also make a nice gift.  Visit the author's website here. Purchase here.

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

#ruthchousimons #homeisrightwhereyouare #psalm23

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany