Countdown to Kindergarten – Alison McGhee

Countdown to Kindergarten tackles a young girl’s fear of not knowing how to tie her own shoes before she heads off to kindergarten.  In her mind, she has created a reality where she is the only one who isn’t fully able to take care of this task on her own.  This sweet tale shares the truth of the matter.  She is not alone in her need for a little help in tying her shoes, and her teacher is happy to help her.

Countdown to Kindergarten Book Cover Countdown to Kindergarten
Alison McGhee
Juvenile Fiction
Sandpiper
2006-01
32

Way Back Wednesday ~ Love Monster and the Last Chocolate – Rachel Bright

Although not specifically a Valentine’s book, this story is a sweet one!

Love Monster is such a cute character.  I was excited to see that he is now featured in a number of books.  Love Monster and the Last Chocolate is a very sweet story that focuses on the importance of being a good friend and the rewards of showing kindness to others.  We loved this one!

This post was originally published on February 10, 2016.

Love Monster and the Last Chocolate Book Cover Love Monster and the Last Chocolate
Rachel Bright
Children's stories
2014
32

The Valentine Bears – Eve Bunting

The Valentine’s Bears is an exceedingly sweet book about the unlikely celebration of Valentine’s Day for two bears who would traditionally miss the special day due to hibernation.  This engaging tale provides an important lesson in how to love others well.  It would make a great read-aloud for Valentine’s Day.

The Valentine Bears Book Cover The Valentine Bears
Eve Bunting
Juvenile Fiction
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
1985
32

Love from Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae

Gerald the Giraffe is back!  This time Gerald and his friends joyfully celebrate love, music, and dance.  Love from Giraffes Can’t Dance would make a wonderful read-aloud to share the fun of Valentine’s Day with young learners.

Love from Giraffes Can't Dance Book Cover Love from Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae
Juvenile Fiction
Orchard Books
2020-12
32

Way Back Wednesday ~ A Magical Christmas – Claire Freedman

This review was originally posted on December 19, 2011.

A Magical Christmas is a lovely story written in rhyme.  Little Mouse wants to know what exactly is the magic of Christmas.  In order to find the answer he goes and asks each member of his family, but each family member has a different answer.  Finally on Christmas Day Mommy Mouse shares with Little Mouse that all the answers were correct because…”The magic is love, Little Mouse.”

The illustrations in this book are particularly noteworthy.  They are simply beautiful.  Each page includes sections that are gently enhanced with glitter which truly bring the illustration to life.

A Magical Christmas Book Cover A Magical Christmas
Claire Freedman
Juvenile Fiction
2008
18

Jesus Came for Me – Jared Kennedy

Jesus Came for Me is a wonderful board book that shares the true reason for Christmas.  Colorful illustrations enhance the text.  This is a perfect early Christmas gift for a pre-school aged child.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.

Jesus Came for Me Book Cover Jesus Came for Me
Jared Kennedy
October 5, 2020
20

Way Back Wednesday ~ Star Bright: A Christmas Story ~ Alison McGhee

This review was originally published on December 17, 2018.

A Christmas Story is a lovely book that tells the story of an angel who is uncertain what to bring to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.  Ultimately, she realizes a star that shines brightly is the perfect gift for a king.  The text and illustrations in this book work together beautifully to create a wonderful holiday read.  This book is not to be missed!

Star Bright Book Cover
Star Bright
Alison McGhee
Juvenile Fiction
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
September 30, 2014
40

Way Back Wednesday ~ Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Family Devotional – Marty Machowski

 

This review was originally posted on December 5, 2018.

Prepare Him Room is a delightful guide to implementing gospel focused traditions for your family during Advent.  This lovely book includes weekly scripture readings as well as Christmas activities and songs.  It would be a wonderful early Christmas gift for a family with young children.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Prepare Him Room Book Cover
Prepare Him Room
Marty Machowski
Religion
September 30, 2014
82

Room on the Broom – Julia Donaldson

Room on the Broom shares the evening adventure of a friendly witch who is more than happy to share her broom with her cat as well as a number of other animals she encounters during her outing.  An unexpected encounter with a dragon appears to potentially put the witch in harm’s way, but her animal friends save the day.  Filled with engaging, colorful illustrations, this is a book sure to capture the attention and interest of young readers.  A great Halloween selection that focuses on the whimsy rather than on the scary of Halloween.

 

Room on the Broom Book Cover Room on the Broom
Julia Donaldson
Juvenile Fiction
Dial
2001
32

Remarkably You – Pat Zietlow Miller

Remarkably You is a wonderful picture book that provides encouragement to embrace your unique you-ness.  Uplifting text is coupled with delightful illustrations.  This book would be a phenomenal resource to use at the beginning of the school year no matter what age learners you might be working with this year.

Remarkably You Book Cover Remarkably You
Pat Zietlow Miller
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
February 5, 2019
32