Quiet – Susan Cain

Quiet is an outstanding book that explores the culture of extroversion that defines our country and the hidden power within introverts.  This book was fascinating and provided a tremendous degree of insight regarding introverts and extroverts. One cannot help but recognize situations which Cain describes from his/her own life experience and no doubt will see them a bit differently after gaining greater understanding from her work.  Introvert or extrovert…This one is worth reading!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Random House, Inc., no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Almost to Freedom – Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Almost to Freedom shares the story of Lindy and her family’s escape from slavery through the Underground Railroad.  The illustrations are haunting, but what truly makes this book unique is that the story is told from the point of view of the little girl’s doll.  Our daughter was intently interested by this narration technique and quickly became engrossed in the story.

 

Just Like Jesus Devotional – Max Lucado

As I have shared in the past, I am a big Max Lucado fan.  This devotional book is another winner.  It is based on his book Just Like Jesus and includes thirty days of study.  Each daily devotion highlights steps in thinking, hearing, reflecting, and speaking with a focus on knowing Jesus better.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Snowy Valentine – David Peterson

Snowy Valentine is a very sweet Valentine Day’s tale.  Jasper the Rabbit goes out to search for a perfect Valentine’s Day surprise for his wife Lilly.  He visits many of his friends, but none of the things that they are giving seem quite right to give to Lilly.  Ultimately, the effort he has made searching for a gift is the true gift.  His path through the forest has created the shape of a heart in the snow which Lilly discovers when she goes outside to find him.

Valentine’s Day – Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is a prolific writer of non-fiction children’s books.  Valentine’s Day provides historical details as well as an exploration of the traditions commonly associated with Valentine’s Day.  There is even a section in the back that provides instructions for making your own valentines and valentine box.

All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep – Crescent Dragonwagon

On a recent visit to the library to pick up a few books we had on hold, All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep caught my eye.  I threw it in my pile of books to be checked out from the library.  When our daughter got home from school, she quickly selected it for the first story to read that afternoon.  Although wonderful any time of the day, All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep is a marvelous bedtime story.  A little boy whose mother is trying to tuck him in for the night is meeting some resistance.  Her solution is to share with him how all the awake animals are growing tired and getting ready to sleep.  The animals are introduced in alphabetical order so this book is in fact an ABC book, but it is far more sophisticated than most introducing the reader to new vocabulary and excellent examples of alliteration.  In addition, the illustrations are stunning and bring the text to life for the reader.