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

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

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

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

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

Good News for Little Hearts Series – 2 New Additions

Two new titles from the Good News for Little Hearts Series have been released.

Zoe’s Time to Shine: When You Want to Hide explores how we can deal with situations where we just want to hide and may have feelings of shame.  Approached from a Christian worldview, Welch provides a picture book with an important message that includes delightful illustrations and an engaging story.  As is the tradition for the series, there are parent pages that provide further insights and scripture support for the text.

Another new release is Henry’s Big Mistake: When You Feel Guilty.  In this tale, Henry feels guilty after teasing his sister and learns more about why we feel guilt and what we can do about it.  Gently presented with a Christian worldview, this story is relatable to children and beautifully illustrated.  Additional support for parents who desire to discuss the text more fully with their children is provided.

While these complimentary books were provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

 

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

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 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

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