Pax – Sara Pennypacker

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I had seen this book on a number of “best books of the year” lists and decided to pick it up at the library for our daughter.  I am so glad I did!  Pax is a wilderness adventure story and so much more.  Told from alternating points of view, seven year old Peter and Pax the Fox share their friendship and their quest to find each other again after a heartbreaking separation.  This is a gripping book that will make you cry as well as think whether you are the target audience (8-12 years old) or an adult.  If you are looking for a book to read and discuss with your upper elementary/middle school age child, this is a great pick!

Way Back Wednesday ~ Our Favorite Easter Book

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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.

Chasing Famous: Living the Life You’ve Always Auditioned For – Lisa Lloyd

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Chasing Famous: Living the Life You’ve Always Auditioned For focuses on exploring the roles we play in our own lives.  Biblical insights and thought questions help make this book a great text for study and reflection.  Although an easy read, I found this book to be challenging as well as inspirational.

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

Stickley Makes a Mistake: A Frog Guide to Trying – Brenda S. Miles

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Stickley Makes a Mistake! is a cute book that explores constructive ways to deal with mistakes and when things simply don’t go the way you had hoped they might.  The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful.  This is a terrific book with important messages.  Preschool and early elementary learners will love Stickley the Frog.

Abandoned Faith: Why Millennials Are Walking Away and How You Can Lead Them Home – Alex McFarland and Jason Jimenez

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Abandoned Faith is targeted to parents of children 18-34 and pastoral leaders.  The book explores better understanding of the younger generation and strengthening relationships with them.  Although interesting at points, there seemed to be quite a bit of repetition within the book.  After reading it, I felt like the material could have been shared more effectively in an article rather than in book format. 

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

Way Back Wednesday ~ Can I Tell You a Secret – Anna Kang

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We recently went to a book signing and met Anna Kang.  At the event, we learned that Monty will be featured in another book which will debut next fall.  Our family is eager to read it!  This review was originally posted on August 29, 2016.

Can I Tell You a Secret is a precious book that features a little frog with a big secret – He is scared of the water and cannot swim!  This would be a problem for anyone to be sure, but it is a huge problem for a frog.  Ultimately, Monty the frog learns that conquering your fears is a lot easier when you have the help of a friend.
Can I Tell You a Secret is a darling book that would make a terrific read-aloud.

The Most Magnificent Thing – Ashley Spires

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The Most Magnificent Thing is a new favorite!  This darling picture book has big messages to share.  A young girl decides that she is going to make “the most magnificent thing”, and she is sure it is going to be easy.  As time goes by, she comes to realize that magnificent things are rarely created with ease.  After many frustrating attempts, her dog, who is her best friend and assistant, encourages her to take a break from her work and go for a walk.  Refreshed and renewed when she returns, she is able to finally create “the most magnificent thing” she has been dreaming of making.  The Most Magnificent Thing is a fantastic read aloud for little kids and big kids.