Category Archives: 5 and Up

Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister (Teaching Kids to Use Their Words Wisely Series) – Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland

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Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister is the latest title in the Teaching Kids to Use Their Words Wisely Series.  The illustrations in this book are powerful and reinforce the story in which teasing not only hurts feeling but actually ends up reducing self worth making the character feel smaller.  One of the benefits of this series in the inclusion of the parent guide in the back of the book which helps aid discussion of the text and ultimately connecting the lesson to everyday life.

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.

Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister Book Cover Shawn and His Amazing Shrinking Sister
Ginger Hubbard, Al Roland,
Juvenile Fiction
January 23, 2023

The Sour Grape – Jory John

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The Sour Grape is an entertaining story with a big lesson.  This humorous tale is delightfully illustrated and would make a wonderful read aloud for all instructional levels.  This book is the perfect example of the power of picture books for learners of all ages.  A gem to be read and enjoyed!

The Sour Grape Book Cover The Sour Grape
Jory John
HarperCollins
2022-11
40

Little Hoot – Amy Krouse Rosenthal

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With a similar slant to the previous best seller Little Pea, Little Hoot is a fun bedtime story.  Rather than stay up late as his parents desire, Little Hoot wants nothing more than to go to bed early like all of his friends.  A truly charming story.

Little Hoot Book Cover Little Hoot
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Juvenile Fiction
Chronicle Books
2008
36

The Lantern House – Erin Napier

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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

God Made Babies: Helping Parents Answer the Baby Question – Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb

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God Made Babies is a wonderful introductory book from a Christian world viewpoint that is age appropriate for preschool and early elementary-age children.  This is the latest addition to the God Made Me Series, and it is another winner.  It uses easy to understand text, engaging illustrations, and scriptural truths.  Of particular note is the “Things to Consider” section in the back of the book.  It provides additional insights and support for parents to engage in meaningful conversations about where babies come from with their 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.

God Made Babies Book Cover God Made Babies
Justin Holcomb, Lindsey Holcomb,
March 14, 2022
32

The Light Before Christmas: A Family Advent Devotional – Marty Machowski

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The Light Before Christmas is an outstanding advent devotional for the whole family.  The devotionals focus on light and the role it has in the Christmas story and ultimately our salvation.  Thirteen devotionals are included in the book which allows for three devotionals each week of advent plus a final devotional for Christmas day.  Each devotional follows the same format and includes an activity, music, and prayer.  Whether your family has participated in family devotionals during advent in the past or this is the first time doing so, The Light Before Christmas is an outstanding resource.

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.

The Light Before Christmas Book Cover The Light Before Christmas
Marty Machowski
October 10, 2022
96

The Stories of God (and Kiki) – Dave Connis

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This is the second book in the Made in His Image series, and it is another winner.  Connis provides an engaging story with a powerful message.  The colorful illustrations truly bring the story to life.

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

The Stories of God (and Kiki) Book Cover The Stories of God (and Kiki)
Dave Connis
Religion
WaterBrook
2022
40

The Acrostic Salvation: A Rhyming Soteriology for Kids – Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle

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The Acrostic Salvation is organized as an alphabet book and features words related to salvation.  Each letter features a word or words coupled with scriptural references that support the text and a simple illustration.  The book concludes with a basic truths section that include the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed.

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.

The Acrostic of Salvation Book Cover The Acrostic of Salvation
Jonathan Gibson, Timothy Brindle,
September 12, 2022
64

That’s Me Loving You – Amy Krouse Rosenthal

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That’s Me Loving You is a wonderful book that features the unconditional love of a parent.  It would be a terrific story to share to support a child who was a bit nervous/cautious about being apart from a parent while at pre-school or other activities.  A lovely read-aloud picture book option.

That's Me Loving You Book Cover That's Me Loving You
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2016
40

Blast from the Past ~ The Dot – Peter H. Reynolds

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Couldn’t help but revisit my very favorite Peter H. Reynolds book this month…

The Dot is perhaps my favorite picture book of all time.  The Dot introduces us to Vashti a little girl who is not very eager about art class.  Her art teacher encourages her to “make her mark”.  With gentle guidance from her teacher, Vashti’s natural abilities as an artist as well as a teacher develop.  Ultimately, the simple text and accessible pictures pull the reader into Vashti’s story. The profound impact of the words and actions of a teacher are highlighted and the power of enthusiasm and encouragement are reinforced.

The Dot Book Cover The Dot
Peter Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Candlewick Press
2003
32