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

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

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

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

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

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

Little Happy Dreamer – Peter H. Reynolds

The power and the promise found in dreaming is celebrated in Little Happy Dreamer.  This book would be wonderful to share with little ones, but it could also be easily used as a read aloud with older students.  Beautiful illustrations and an encouraging message for all readers make this one a winner.

Little Happy Dreamer Book Cover Little Happy Dreamer
Peter H. Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Cartwheel Books
2020-10
20

Our Table – Peter H. Reynolds

This month I will be featuring books from one of my favorite authors – Peter H. Reynolds.  I have shared many of his books in previous posts and have some new ones to share.  The first is Our Table.  The reader is given a glimpse of what results when one is tethered to a screen.  It also shares the connection that is possible when a family shares meal together.  This important message is beautifully presented.

Our Table (PB) Book Cover Our Table (PB)
Peter H. Reynolds
Juvenile Fiction
Orchard Books
May 5, 2022
48

Little Oink – Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Little Oink is another silly tale from Amy Krouse Roshenthal.  It features Little Oink who is a very neat and tidy pig.  His parents work hard to help Little Oink be a respectable pig who can make a really good mess.

Little Oink Book Cover Little Oink
Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace,
Juvenile Fiction
Chronicle Books (CA)
August 1, 2009
24

Bedtime for Mommy – Amy Krouse Rosenthal

What child wouldn’t delight at the thought of reversing roles and being in charge of bedtime for Mommy?  This is a silly book that would make a great bedtime story.  It is a delight.

Bedtime for Mommy Book Cover Bedtime for Mommy
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Juvenile Fiction
Bloomsbury Publishing USA
April 1, 2010
32