The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend – Dan Santat

This review was originally posted on November 30, 2015.

I love Beekle!  This story features an imaginary friend who has not yet met the real child who will be his friend.  After a great deal of waiting, Beekle takes matter into his own hands.  The subsequent discovery of the perfect friend provides a tale that can be appreciated by young children as well as adults.  Colorful, engaging illustrations enhance the text.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend Book Cover The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Dan Santat
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
April 8, 2014
40

The Very Cranky Bear – Nick Bland

The Very Cranky Bear is a silly story about four animal friends who attempt to take shelter in a cave during a storm.  They quickly discover a bear who wants a quiet place to sleep is already in the cave.  The antics of the friends to help the bear are loving as well as funny.  Between giggles there is a wonderful lesson shared in this beautifully illustrated story.

The Very Cranky Bear Book Cover The Very Cranky Bear
Nick Bland
Juvenile Fiction
Orchard Books
2014
32

My Mouth is Volcano! – Julia Cook

My Mouth is a Volcano is an entertaining tale that helps teach an important lesson.  Louis is the protagonist of the story, and any time an idea pops into his head, he can’t wait to share it.  He erupts with his insights and interrupts just about everyone.  Ultimately, Louis learns how it feels to be the one interrupted and how he can control the volcano that is his mouth.

My Mouth Is a Volcano! Book Cover My Mouth Is a Volcano!
Julia Cook
Juvenile Fiction
August 25, 2008
32

The Good Egg – Jory John

Although The Good Egg can be enjoyed by young learners as a fun picture book, it is a clever book with a deeper message that would be great to use with older learners.  Exhausted by trying to be good and influence the behavior of others, the protagonist (a good egg) learns life altering lessons in this engaging and funny tale that includes fantastic illustrations.

The Good Egg Book Cover The Good Egg
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
February 12, 2019
40

Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near the Heart of God – Ann Graham Lotz

Light of His Presence: Prayers to Draw You Near the Heart of God provides a beautiful collection of prayers.  It also details Lotz’s challenges with prayer and how she has grown in this spiritual discipline through writing out her prayers.  This encouraging volume would make a lovely gift for yourself or for someone special.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing, no other compensation was given.   All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

The Light of His Presence Book Cover The Light of His Presence
Anne Graham Lotz
Religion
Multnomah
2020
224