Library Mouse introduces the reader to an adorable little mouse named Sam who lives behind the children’s reference book section at the library.  Sam loves his life living at the library and reads and reads and reads.  After enjoying a wide variety of books, he decides to write a book himself.  He shares his completed book with the library patrons by placing it on a book shelf at night.  After a few of Sam’s masterpieces appear at the library, a request is made for Sam to appear at a “Meet the Author” event.   Sam answers the request with some creative problem solving which ultimately allows everyone the opportunity to find their respective voice as a writer.

As a former English teacher, I absolutely love this book!  It reinforces the power of reading in developing imaginative thought as well as clearly sharing that each and every one of us has a story to tell.  It is a marvelous celebration of the power of reading and writing.   The amazing illustrations and powerful message make it a perfect read aloud.  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

God’s Promises for Girls is a lovely little book that is perfect for gift giving.  The book is divided up into sections which allows the reader to use the book as a reference in seeking support/reassurance about a specific situation (feeling lonely, angry, guilty,etc.), or it could be used as a devotional guide that is read from beginning to end.

Each section includes a darling, colorful picture, a short poem,  and  Biblical truths.  The International Children’s Bible was selected for the scripture used.  All verses are easy to read and understand.  This book is an outstanding tool to help share God’s love with a special little girl in your life.

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.

Dave Ramsey is a common sense money expert.  It is kind of ironic that he has created an empire from simply giving us the advice our parents and grandparents gave us about money.  His newest book is a quick reference book for every day financial questions.    It is broken down into categories ranging from budgeting to insurance with specific questions addressed within each section.

For readers who “have their ducks in a row” financially, there is not much here for you.  That being said, for someone who is trying to learn the basics of living within one’s means, this is a great little reference guide.  I particularly like the bevy of quotations included.  Each subsection ends with a well chosen quotation that really reinforces the lesson being taught.  Additionally, Ramsey’s signature supportive but directive manner that you hear as he provides advice on his radio show comes through as you read the words on the page.

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.

I was looking forward to reading this book.  The subtitle grabbed me…What do you do when God doesn’t show up the way you thought he would?  Who has not felt that way at one point or another during their life?!

Wilson uses Bible stories as well as personal stories to illustrate God’s desire for us to surrender our plans so that His will may be actualized within us.  He explores fear and doubt and ultimately helps the reader see the connection between shattered dreams and true spiritual transformation.  Trying to make sense of broken dreams is a topic that is explored in Christian books a great deal.  Although his conversational tone, which is peppered with pop culture references, makes for a highly accessible text, I feel like there are other books that address the same material more skillfully.  This was a good book that I was hoping would be great.

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.

Bible Jumble for Kids is a cute little game book.  It is filled with jumble puzzles that reinforce the names and key concepts of  Old and New Testament Bible stories.   Most of the jumble puzzles within the book are five or six words that are scrambled and need to be placed in proper order.  The slot for each unscrambled word includes one circled spot.  The letters that fall into the circles ultimately spell out another word that is linked to the Bible story.

This book would make a great little gift for a child between the ages of 8 to 12.

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

After so enjoying The Clever Stick, I was eager to read another book by John Lechner.  A Froggy Fable is a delight.  Froggy is happy and content living a simple life.  Soon things began to change, from otters moving into the pond and splashing to noisy blue jays in the trees overhead, and Froggy is very dismayed.  Things go from bad to worse for Froggy when he is captured by a little boy and placed in a jar.  Ultimately he escapes from the jar and after weeks of searching finds his pond home again.  After his adventures his outlook about change has been altered.

Although written in a simple manner with cartoonish illustrations, do not be deceived into thinking this is a simple book.  It contains a big message which has been presented in a highly appealing and engaging manner.  It would make a superb read aloud for a wide variety of age groups.

Peter H. Reynolds is one of my all time favorite authors.  His books always appear simple but supply BIG messages.  Rose’s Garden takes the reader on a fantastical journey around the world with Rose and her vehicle of choice – a magical teapot.  While on her travels, Rose gathers seed from each locale.  She finally finds a special patch of land that needs a bit of color, but before she can begin the transformation process with the help of her seed collection, some hungry birds eat all but a few of her seeds.  Determined to see her plan through, she plants her remaining seeds.  Ultimately her seeds coupled with some extra special flowers presented to Rose by the neighborhood children turn the barren patch of land into a beautiful garden.  Rose’s Garden is a very sweet story that highlights the powers of faith and determination.