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 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

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

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.
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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

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

Children's book: You'll Always Have a Friend

About the book:

Imagine a world where you always have a place at the table, where you always have a friend. This reassuring and empowering book from Emily Ley helps kids realize that they can always have a place, and offers them practical tools to give them confidence and help them overcome lonely times.

We all know what it's like to feel left out, overlooked, and unseen. And this problem can be so much harder to face when you're a child on the playground, a kid sitting alone in the school cafeteria, and the new kid on the team.

Reassure your children that they are seen. And they are awesome! Help them know that they are not the only ones--everyone has felt lonely or left out at some time or another--and there are lots of ways to always have a friend. You'll Always Have a Friend features vibrant illustrations of a diverse cast of characters and will encourage children to have confidence to make friends and to be a friend to others.

This picture book is great for children ages 0 through 8;will help your children know they are not alone in feeling left out and will equip them with practical things they can do when confronted with these situations;will encourage children to intentionally and proactively reach out to other children, to be kind and inclusive, and to help build a world where everyone has a friend;would make a great gift for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, or holiday gift-giving; andis a perfect back-to-school read to help combat anxiety, have conversations about making friends, and deal with these issues together in a healthy, positive way.

My thoughts:

This is a sweet children's book about the topic of loneliness.  It offers some gentle advice for what to do when those "lonelies" come.  We all feel alone at different times and different situations.  I like that it presented multiple ideas of ways to help you make friends and not feel alone.  

Another aspect I liked about this book was the diversity of characters that are shown.  This can lead to great conversations with your children or in your classroom.

The illustrations are nicely done as well by Romina Galotta.

This book would make a nice addition to your home or school library.

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: All the Little Animals

About the book:

From aardvarks to zebras and everything in between, you and your littles are invited to follow along as the animals of the world go to bed. Learn about their silly routines and their super-sweet snuggles as you tuck in and kiss your own little baby bears good night.

Author Joy Jordan-Lake has brought to life her great-grandmother's tradition of putting the children to bed with this gentle litany. And illustrations by bestselling illustrator Jane Chapman make this bedtime book come to life.

All the Little A Bedtime Book from A-Z is perfect for boys and girls ages 4 to 8 years old and families looking for a sweet and lyrical bedtime read,children interested in exploring the different types of animals around the world,bringing the zoo to you on rainy days, andteaching littles the alphabet. Start a new family tradition with All the Little Animals.

My thoughts:

I'd like to tell you about a brand new ABC children's book that's perfect for bedtime.  ABC books are one of my favorites.  I was impressed with the use of animals in this book that don't seem to be well known.  

The illustrations are beautiful.  They have a calming effect for me which is perfect for a book to read before bed.  I love the spread with the sea otters and turtles.

I could see so many conversations happening between parent/child because of this book....learning about new animals, discussing new vocabulary words, finding out about animal habitats, talking about the illustrations.  It is appropriate for pre school-early elementary.  Even older kids could learn about other animals in this book though too.

I hope you will check out this new bedtime story book.

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

God Loves Daddy and Me Book + GIVEAWAY

About the book:

God loves Daddy and me, He listens when we pray, When we tell Him “Thank You,” it’s the best part of our day!

Cuddle up cozy-close with an adorable reminder of God’s love for daddies and their little ones. Celebrating loving fathers, precious children, and the God who loves them all, God Loves Daddy and Me will remind parents and little ones of how much they are loved.

My thoughts:
This book reminds us that God loves us whatever we are doing in our days.  The illustrations are very sweet and feature the Daddy and child raccoon doing things together.  

I found it hard to read it out loud the first time because it didn't flow correctly for me. But after rereading it, it was easier to get the feel.

The information says it is for 2-5 years which is pretty accurate. It may not hold the attention of a 2  year old the entire time, depending on your child.

Now for the giveaway.  You can win 1 of 5 copies.  Go here to this link for the giveaway!

I received this book to review as part of the FrontGate blogger review program.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories

About the book:
With more than 30 lift the flaps that move the story along and charming artwork, My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories will delight little ones as they learn favorite Bible stories. Young families looking for a way to engage their little ones with the Bible will love My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories. Unique from other lift-the-flap books, each flap reveals the next part of the Bible story to keep the story moving. Search for Jonah falling into the belly of the whale, watch Jesus perform miracles, and welcome an angel waiting in the tomb by lifting the flaps to see the story revealed. Sweet art and easy-to-understand retellings of favorite Bible stories will delight parents and little ones alike. Teach your little ones about the stories of the Bible in fun, delightful ways through the My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories!

My thoughts:
The illustrations of this board book are cute, and my little guy liked the book itself.  I did not understand the way the flaps were done. Some were teeny tiny, smaller than flaps I've seen in other books of this type and some were huge, taking up a big portion of  the picture. It just seemed odd to me, and I felt the little flaps would be harder for little hands to open.  Another thing I did not like where the illustrations for the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den.  One of the lions is jumping on Daniel and then when you open the flap the lion is licking him.  This just didn't appeal to me to go with this story.

The age range for this says 4-8, and the text is appropriate for that age. The story has a little blurb from the Bible about the story with the passage listed as well.

This is not my favorite "lift the flap" book I've seen for Bible stories because of the above reasons.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

It Will Be Okay

Today I have a children's book to share with you.  It is called It Will Be Okay-- Trusting God through fear and change by Lysa TerKeurst.

About the book:

In the end, it will be okay because God is always with us.

Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don't have to be afraid?

Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances-and they don't like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them. The whimsical art by Natalia Moore will put a smile on kids' faces and put their minds at ease. Just as Little Seed and Little Fox learn to trust that the Farmer is good and kind, children will also learn to trust God.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, It Will Be Okay will help kids discover that the end, it really will be okay because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.

About the Author:Lysa TerKeurst is the New York Times bestselling author of Made to Crave and Unglued. She isn't shy about admitting what a mess she can be. But she's been learning God's lessons and sharing them on her blog (www.LysaTerKeurst.com) and in her books. Lysa is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband, Art, five kids, three dogs, and mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen.

My thoughts:  
I thought this was a cute book with a great message that is relevant for children today.  Children face many fears, changes, and challenges as they grow up.  These changes can be scary.  In this book the child will see how they don't have to be afraid as they follow along the story of Little Seed, Little Fox and the Farmer.

The illustrations are enjoyable as well and add to the beauty of the story.  Also, I liked that at the beginning is a list of verses to memorize about trusting and not being afraid.  This is a good book to read to your child.  

If you have a young child in your life, this book would be a nice one to add to their library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!