Once Upon a Storyville

Where one Mom and educator shares her opinions on books, and maybe more…

Once Upon a Storyville

Our Favorite Easter Book

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 Flowering Cross Book Cover

The Smart Cookie – Jory John

The Smart Cookie is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that is best enjoyed as a read aloud.  It filled with fun puns and clever word play and shares an encouraging message.  A great addition to any primary classroom library.

The Smart Cookie Book Cover The Smart Cookie
Jory John
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
November 2, 2021
40

Mortimer’s First Garden – Karma Wilson

Sweet Mortimer Mouse discovers the joy of spring and the delight of watching a seed transform into a plant in this beautifully illustrated book.  Mortimer’s First Garden would be a fantastic book to use for a read aloud option.  This one is a winner!

Mortimer's First Garden Book Cover Mortimer's First Garden
Karma Wilson
Juvenile Fiction
Margaret K. McElderry Books
February 24, 2009
32

The Really Radical Book for Kids – Champ Thornton

The Really Radical Book for Kids is a terrific sequel to The Radical Book for Kids.  Both volumes provide church history, closer analysis of specific books of the Bible and biblical characters as well as apologetic insights.  Written in a highly approachable and enjoyable manner, this book is an outstanding resource for learners of all ages.

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 Really Radical Book for Kids Book Cover The Really Radical Book for Kids
Champ Thornton
Religion
2023
 

The Good Egg – Jory John

The Good Egg is a fun read that is filled with colorful, engaging illustration.  Many lessons can be gleaned from this text that would benefit older learners well as young children.  This is a super book to use for a read aloud!






The Good Egg Book Cover




The Good Egg





Jory John





Juvenile Fiction




HarperCollins




February 12, 2019




40

Little Mouse’s Big Valentine – Thacher Hurd

This is my favorite Valentine’s Day book in our collection. Little Mouse has a very big valentine that he wants to share, but none of his friends are interested because it is just too big.  As he ponders how to solve his dilemma, Little Mouse makes a new friend and together they come up with a solution that allows everyone to enjoy a Valentine’s Day treat.






Little Mouse's Big Valentine Book Cover




Little Mouse's Big Valentine





Thacher Hurd





Juvenile Fiction




Harper Collins




December 20, 1991




36

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