Jesus Rose for Me – Jared Kennedy

Jesus Rose for Me is a terrific resource for sharing why we celebrate Easter with preschool and early elementary aged children.  Clear, easy to understand text is coupled with engaging illustrations.  The questions for further discussion found throughout the book are great for pause points to check for understanding and discussion.  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.

Jesus Rose for Me Book Cover Jesus Rose for Me
Jared Kennedy
March 2, 2020
26

The Bear and the Piano – David Litchfield

The Bear and the Piano is a  beautiful picture book that includes themes of depth.  Young readers as well as those with more life experience will delight in reading about a very special bear that finds a piano in the woods and teaches himself how to skillfully play.  He ultimately leaves the forest in order to pursue his musical career, but he soon feels the call of those he holds most dear.

 

Because – Mo Willems

Because is a beautiful tale that shares the impact of music, the power of hard work, and the importance of having a dream.  This book is truly magical and could be used in so many different ways within the classroom to further instruction or simply be enjoyed as a fantastic read aloud story.  Because is a real winner and new favorite at our house!

Because Book Cover Because
Mo Willems
Juvenile Fiction
Hyperion Books for Children
March 5, 2019
40

Way Back Wednesday ~ Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay – Susan Hood

This review was originally posted on June 21, 2017.

I first became aware of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay from an episode of 60 Minutes.  This uplifting and inspirational children’s book shares the story of that very special orchestra which is composed of instruments made from recycled trash.  Ada’s Violin is beautifully written and illustrated.  After reading it, I highly recommend watching one of the videos of the orchestra online.

Ada's Violin Book Cover Ada's Violin
Susan Hood
Juvenile Nonfiction
Simon and Schuster
May 3, 2016
40

The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor – Gina Homolka and Heather K. Jones

Today’s post features another blogger turned cookbook author.  Skinnytaste is a blog that I have enjoyed for many years.  It features yummy, healthier recipe options.  Now Skinnytaste has a number of best selling cookbooks.  The first one remains my favorite and is filled with delicious options.

The Skinnytaste Cookbook Book Cover The Skinnytaste Cookbook
Gina Homolka, Heather K. Jones,
Cooking
Clarkson Potter
2014
320

Way Back Wednesday ~ Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results at Home – The Editors at America’s Test Kitchen (Editor)

This review was originally posted November 27, 2017.

If you are interested in learning how to make delicious home-made bread, this is the book for you.  I have loved going thru and trying the recipes in this book.  Everything I have made has been wonderful.  I particularly liked the explanations included with each recipe that explain why the recipe works to give you the result you want.  I also really appreciated the detailed information about ingredients and supplies.  This would make a great gift for your favorite baker!

Bread Illustrated Book Cover Bread Illustrated
America's Test Kitchen (Firm)
Bread
America's Test Kitchen
2016
432

Damn Delicious: 100 Super Easy, Super Fast Recipes – Chungah Rhee

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

You Are Home with Me – Sarah Asper-Smith

You Are Home with Me is beautifully written in a lyric format.  The reader is introduced to a variety of animal habitats as well as interesting facts about each animal featured.  The amazing pictures reinforce the text.  There are many animal books available for young learners, but this it truly a stand out and can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages.

You Are Home with Me Book Cover You Are Home with Me
Sarah Asper-Smith
Juvenile Fiction
Little Bigfoot
2019
32

Why Do We Say Good Night? – Champ Thornton

Why Do We Say Good Night? is a terrific bedtime story that takes the worry out of the darkness of the night for young children.  This reassuring tale provides clear biblically best reasons why little ones have nothing to fear when they go to bed at night.  The immersive illustrations bring the text alive.  There are lots of interesting details to discover in every two page spread.  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.

Why Do We Say Good Night?
Champ Thornton
October 21, 2019
32

Be Loved – Emma Mae Jenkins

This colorful, engaging book is designed specifically for pre-teen and teen girls.  Emma Mae Jenkins shares her high school years through the lens of her spiritual growth.  Of particular note is the inclusion of a scripture to remember section at the end of each chapter.  These well selected verses truly reaffirm the truths shared within the text.  Our middle school aged daughter was immediately interested in this book and continues to re-read it.

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.