Only One You – Linda Kranz

Only One You Book Cover Only One You
Linda Kranz
Conduct of life
Cooper Square Pub
2006

This little gem of a book would make a lovely graduation gift.  Only One You highlights the parental advice given to Adri the fish who is about to venture out on his own.  Beautiful illustrations and deceptively simply text provide the reader with a profound message of self acceptance, encouragement, and the charge to make the world a better place.  This is a new favorite!

This review was originally posted on May 27, 2015.

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: 100+ Recipes that You’ll Love to Cook and Eat – America’s Test Kitchen Kids

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs is an outstanding cookbook.  The recipes are presented in a clear, easy to understand format with companion photographs and preparation notes.  Everything we have tried has been delicious!  This book is especially good for tween and young teens who are continuing to develop their culinary skills.  This one is a winner!

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs Book Cover The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
America's Test Kitchen Kids (COR), America's Test Kitchen,
JUVENILE NONFICTION
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
September 15, 2018
208

Our Favorite Easter Book

This review was originally posted on April 1, 2015.

Reading this book has become a special Easter tradition for our family.

The Flowering Cross was a very quick favorite for our daughter.  It is a touching Easter story which focuses on the transformational power of God’s love.

Katie is a six year old little girl who truly loves God.  She displays her unconditional love and kindness to her neighbor Jack who is known throughout the neighborhood for being “mean”.  Soon her kindness not only brings out kindness and gentleness in Jack but also a willingness to accept God’s love.

The illustrations in this book are amazing.  They bring the story to life with the use of vivid color and detail.  They truly enhance the story for the reader.

Bible verses as well as faith imprints which include discussion starters are found throughout the book and provide a terrific addition to the story.  Additionally, directions on how to create a flowering cross are also included at the end of the story.  This was particularly appreciated by this reader since our daughter has become keenly interested in the idea of our family making a flowering cross!

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.

The Flowering Cross Book Cover

The Lantern House – Erin Napier

The Lantern House features a beautiful house becoming a family home not just once but twice.  Watercolor like illustrations make the text come alive in this quiet, gentle book which can be thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike.  This one is a winner!

The Lantern House Book Cover The Lantern House
Erin Napier
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
May 24, 2022
40

A Bethlehem Christmas: Celebrating the Joyful Season – Chuck Swindoll

A Bethlehem Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the true wonder of Christmas.  The book presents the Christmas story from three separate points of view. Mary, Joseph, and the Angel Gabrielle each share their unique insights in this volume which includes beautiful artwork.  A new Christmas favorite for our family.

A Bethlehem Christmas Book Cover A Bethlehem Christmas
Charles Swindoll
August 31, 2010
100

Who is Jesus?: Forty Pictures to Share with Your Family – Kate Hox

Who is Jesus? is a beautifully illustrated family devotional book that would be perfect for the the Season of Lent.  The promise of salvation that is woven throughout scripture is highlighted in each daily reading.  Additionally, each reading is followed by a robust number of questions that are outstanding for family discussion as well as key scriptures from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  This one is a winner!

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.

Who Is Jesus? Book Cover Who Is Jesus?
Joe Hox, Kate Hox,
January 31, 2022

Flashlight Night: An Adventure in Trusting God – Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Flashlight Night is a gentle book that tackles concerns and fears related to God hearing our prayers.  It is a wonderful, reassuring examination of prayer that is perfect for young and old alike.  The beautiful, engaging illustrations enhance the text of this terrific book which is perfect for a read-aloud bedtime story.

Flashlight Night Book Cover Flashlight Night
Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Juvenile Fiction
WaterBrook
2021
40

Turkey Trouble – Wendi Silvano

In an attempt to make sure he is not the main course for Thanksgiving, turkey undertakes a hilarious series of disguise attempts.  He ultimately finds the perfect disguise and has the best Thanksgiving ever.  This fun picture book is a delight and would be a terrific read-aloud option.

Turkey Trouble Book Cover Turkey Trouble
Wendi J. Silvano
Juvenile Fiction
Two Lions
2009
32

Way Back Wednesday ~ Can I Tell You a Secret – Anna Kang

With summer vacation quickly approaching, I wanted to revisit this favorite.  This review was originally posted on August 19, 2016.

Can I Tell You a Secret is a precious book that features a little frog with a big secret – He is scared of the water and cannot swim!  This would be a problem for anyone to be sure, but it is a huge problem for a frog.  Ultimately, Monty the frog learns that conquering your fears is a lot easier when you have the help of a friend.  Can I Tell You a Secret is a darling book that would make a terrific read-aloud.

Can I Tell You a Secret? Book Cover Can I Tell You a Secret?
Anna Kang
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
May 31, 2016
40

Way Back Wednesday ~ Damn Delicious: 100 Super Easy, Super Fast Recipes – Chungah Rhee

This post was originally published on February 10, 2020.

I originally found Chungah Rhee’s blog (Damn Delicious) and was delighted with the results whenever I tried one of her recipes.  Then I found her cookbook which includes some favorites from the blog as well as many other outstanding recipes.  Although all of the recipes are fairly straightforward, each one has a complexity of the flavor not traditionally found in “easy” recipes.  This one is a winner!

Damn Delicious Book Cover Damn Delicious
Chungah Rhee
Cooking
Oxmoor House
September 6, 2016
240