A Chair for My Mother is a quiet book that packs a powerful punch. After a house fire, Rosa, her mother and grandmother work together saving their coins in order to purchase a new chair for Rosa’s hard working Mom. This book celebrates working hard for something, family, and community.
This post was originally published on February 9, 2010.
Ish is another gem written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Deceivingly simple text and pictures provide a powerful message in this follow up to The Dot. Ramon loves to draw more than anything else in the world until his brother makes a mean spirited comment about his efforts. A comment that Ramon takes to heart to such a degree that he no longer wants to draw at all.
Little does Ramon know that his artistic efforts have found a place of honor in his sister’s room. Marisol sees the potential in each picture. A stunned Ramon questions his sister as to why she would want the pictures especially since they do not look exactly as he would have hoped. She quickly points out that the vase of flowers looks vase-ish. Ramon is so soon able to see the art work in a whole new way – approaching it “ish-fully” rather than focusing on making it just “right”.
A great book for children as well as adults. I love it!
God Made Me in His Image is another title in the God Made Me Series. This book presents God as our creator, and shares insight into God’s loving design in the creation of each of our bodies. Each book in this series includes a section filled with biblical guidance for parents and offers additional information and resources which aid in discussion with your child in relationship to the topic addressed in the text.
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.
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 God Made Me Series is filled with impactful books for families to enjoy together. God Made Me for Heaven is no exception. Creatively shared through the frame of a grandmother discussing her hope of Heaven, this book shares the gospel message in an easy to understand manner.
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.
This post was originally published on April 19, 2010.
Peter H. Reynolds is one of my all time favorite authors. His books always appear simple but supply BIG messages. Rose’s Garden takes the reader on a fantastical journey around the world with Rose and her vehicle of choice – a magical teapot. While on her travels, Rose gathers seed from each locale. She finally finds a special patch of land that needs a bit of color, but before she can begin the transformation process with the help of her seed collection, some hungry birds eat all but a few of her seeds. Determined to see her plan through, she plants her remaining seeds. Ultimately, her seeds coupled with some extra special flowers presented to Rose by the neighborhood children turn the barren patch of land into a beautiful garden. Rose’s Garden is a very sweet story that highlights the powers of faith and determination.
God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick is another winner from the God Made Me book series for children. All of the books in this series are terrific and provide great support for parents as they endeavor to discuss a wide variety of issues with their children. This book is particularly timely as we are currently living during a global pandemic.
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.
In honor or our daughter’s birthday which is right around the corner, I wanted to re-share this favorite. This post was originally published on February 16, 2010.
Someday is an extremely touching book. The reader is allowed to share the journey of “growing up” with mother and daughter. With each page you are introduced to another stage of the child’s life and the interaction of mother and child. One of my favorite parts of the book depicts the mother watching her sleeping daughter. The reader is reminded that when the daughter dreams, mom dreams too.
The illustrations truly make the words on the page come to life. They are almost magical in the way they are able to capture the love between mother and child. Peter H. Reynolds illustration work is truly delightful.
This little book is a gem!
A mother reflects on the all the milestones, from walking in a deep wood to holding someone else's hand, that her child will achieve during life.
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.
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.