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: 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

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

Book: A Quilt for Christmas

I saw the title and cover of this book and knew I wanted to read it!  

About the book:

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance. 

My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable book to read and a quick read for me.  I appreciated the variety of characters, learning a little about each of them, and seeing how they all come together to make a little girl's wish for her Mama come true. I will admit I was annoyed with one character named Eleanor at first and how she treated the other ladies.  It was interesting to find out her story and the hurt she had experienced in life.  Themes in the book include friendship, forgiveness, and caring for those in need.

Since I am a quilter now I enjoyed that aspect of the book as well.  Check out this book to put you in the Christmas spirit.  

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

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

Review: The Giving Manger

Experience the true meaning of Christmas this year with The Giving Manger — a faith-based interactive family tradition that encourages acts of kindness, focuses on the joy of giving, and honors the real reason for Christmas: Jesus’ birth.

Each Giving Manger Box Set contains a hardcover picture book, a wooden manger, a bundle of straw, and a sturdy Baby Jesus figure — everything your family needs to start the tradition in your own home.

How It Works

The included picture book, The Giving Manger, will help your family understand the tradition and get children excited about participating. Once you have read the story, place the empty manger in a prominent spot in your home. In the days leading up to Christmas, family members can place a piece of straw in the manger each time they perform a kind deed or act of service. Filling the manger will become a fun, interactive project for your family, prompting even young children to look for ways to love and serve others.

As your family works together to fill the manger with straw, your hearts and home will fill with the joy and contentment that comes not from wish lists and getting, but from giving and loving others. On Christmas Day, your family can place the Baby Jesus in the manger — now full of the straw that represents the acts of love and service done in honor of Jesus’ birth.

Each Box Set Includes:

• The Giving Manger Picture Book: a heartwarming story with beautiful cut-paper illustrations that presents the tradition and will get kids excited about participating
• Wooden Manger: to be placed in a visible spot in the home, waiting to be filled
• Bundle of Straw: pieces of straw to be placed in the manger after each act of service
• Baby Jesus: to be placed in the manger on Christmas day

Each item in the box is built to last so your family can keep the tradition going year after year.

Note: The Giving Manger is intended for display use.

My thoughts:

I am a fan of Christmas traditions.  The Giving Manger would be a beautiful tradition to start with your family.  I read the book with my son (age 6).  He asked if we are going to do this.  I think it would be a great reminder to intentionally look for creative ways to serve others in the month of December.  After reading the book I caught myself thinking of what I could do for different members of my family.

The book is enjoyable as well and does a good job explaining the point of the manger and what the kids do to fill it.

This would make a great gift for your loved one or for your own chidren.  Order it now to start next week as December begins. 

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing me with this set and book for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Book: The Crooked Christmas Tree

I thought the description of this book sounded good and was so glad I read it. 

About the book:

In this real-life Christmas fable, when a Dad decides to let his kids select the family Christmas tree, he gets an unexpected lesson about God’s love.

In this thoroughly contemporary holiday story, a father lets his children choose the family Christmas tree. To his surprise, the kids pick one that is crooked. As he tries one thing after another to make the tree look right, he rediscovers the power of God’s love. He begins to understand Christmas in a new way, particularly when his family decorates their tree and crown it with a star, never even noticing the crookedness he spent hours in the garage struggling to hide. The tender and laugh-out-loud narrative of real-life relationships propels the reader through the most un-generic Christmas story. This upbeat and comedic treasure refreshes the Christmas message of love and faith.

My thoughts:
This book has such a wonderful message. It was a great reminder of God's love for each one of us. The author does a good job in expressing his feelings with the tree chosen by his kids and how his feelings about the tree changed.  I think after reading this book you will look at people who are different from yourself in a new light.

I had my husband and son read it too.

It is a quick read, and I believe you will enjoy it this holiday season!  

Visit this site to learn more about Hachette Book Group and books they offer.

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


Have a day of blessings! 
  Bethany

Book: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

About the book:

In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah guides readers through the four weeks of Advent, with a devotional reflection for each day focused on a different name of Jesus, family activities, challenges, discussion questions, and additional Scripture to go deeper. Each week also includes an outline for a family or group celebration of Advent for that week, including lighting the Advent candle(s), discussion questions, reading Scripture, and singing a carol together. This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season.

About Asheritah Ciuciu

Asheritah is a writer, speaker, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries–an online community of women who find joy in Jesus through creative spiritual disciplines. She's also the author of Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction (Moody, January 2017). Asheritah, who grew up in Romania, her husband, and two young daughters live in Ohio.

My thoughts:
This is a great little book to center your mind and heart on Jesus.  I have read it over the past month and enjoyed these thoughtful devotions on the names of Jesus.  As you read you will be reminded of who Christ is and why He came to earth. 

The book is centered around the four weeks of Advent....Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love.  I did not grow up with Advent and found it helpful that there is an explanation about Advent at the beginning of the book.  What I liked was that after each devotional reading it has some challenges and questions for you to do with your family.

If you are looking for a way to put more Christ in your Christmas this year, please consider checking out this little book.  Advent begins December 2 so pick up a copy today.

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

Have a day of blessings!  
Bethany

Book: One Christmas Bear

I was excited to get this adorable board book in the mail for my review!  And just in time for the Christmas season! 

About the book/author:

Count the joys of Christmas with Christmas Bear and his arctic friends in One Christmas Bear, the new holiday-shaped board book for toddlers and preschoolers by Anne Vittur Kennedy. Little ones will love to count seasonal elements, such as crunchy candy canes, colorful ornaments, and frosty snowflakes.

With beautiful illustrations and simple, rhyming text, One Christmas Bear is perfect to help little ones learn to count, and wonderful for families to enjoy together. Count the Blessings of Christmas! Follow the merry adventures of a polar bear and the artic animals as they enjoy winter fun! From crunchy candy canes and frosty snowballs to friends to play with and a family to love, your little one will enjoy counting God’s wonderful gifts. 

Anne Vittur Kennedy has been delighting young children with her humorous and playful books for thirty years. Her awards include American Library Association’s Notable Books List, Teacher’s Choice, The Green Earth Book Award, and The Green Prize for Sustainable Literature.

My thoughts:

This really is a cute counting book.  The animals scenes are fun, and we liked the rhyming text.  My little guy liked seeing the numbers on the pages and then we would count the items mentioned for that page.  He liked the sparkle on the front cover too.  This is a board book and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy this holiday season. 

Do you want a chance to win a copy of this cute book for a child in your life?  Go to this link to enter the giveaway!!  This would make a great stocking stuffer for a little one!

I received a copy of this book for my honest review from FrontGate Reviewer program.

Have a day of blessings! 
 Bethany

Book: Angel on Assignment

About the book:
If your family loves the Elf on the Shelf and you want to keep the fun going, check out Angel on Assignment. It's a children's activity book that offers a Christian alternative to the elf, teaching children about the angels who watch over them, not just at Christmas but all year long.

My thoughts:

"Angels were there from the star to the stone,

When the greatest gift to the world was made known."

The title of this book intrigued me so I requested it for review.  We have never participated in "Elf on the Shelf" (that's another post for another day!), but I wanted to see what this "alternative" would be.  

I liked the rhyming text of the book, and the above line is my favorite.  I feel this book would be helpful to teach children about angels, their importance in the Bible, and their job in our lives today.  They aren't just cute figurines or decorations, but that they are real and have significance.   

In reading this book, I wasn't exactly clear how this is an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf.  It gives instructions at the end of the book on how to make your own angel at the back.  I believe it will cause families and children to think about ways that they can help others in their daily lives.  It is a nice book to read as a family.

I received a copy of this book through the BookCrash reviewer program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
  Bethany