GG and Mamela by Belinda Brock

 

About the Book

Title: GG and Mamela
Author: Belinda Brock
Illustrator: Avi Katz 
Publication Date: April 15, 2014 
Publisher: Lamb Press 
Pages: 32 
Recommended Ages: 4 to 10  

Summary: This picture book celebrates the loving relationship between Lily and her great-grandmother (GG) as her life starts to slow and wind down in hospice. GG and Mamela illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition. This book offers a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. The talented, award-winning artist, Avi Katz, provides beautifully-rendered illustrations that perfectly complement this heartwarming story. The book concludes with GG's recipe for chicken soup and an afterword by clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Brock.  

Purchase

Amazon | Author Website

 

* INSERT YOUR REVIEW HERE *

GG and Manela is a wonderful book.  I loved the fact that it showed so much love between the Great-Grandma and Grand daughter.  It is an excellent book to use as a teaching tool in many areas.  Family relationships, growing old, and death.   I loved the phrase that was used thought out the book that is the way it will always be.  Fond memories after loved ones are gone can stay close to our hearts forever.  Loved the afterwords page, the before author's note at the beginning and the recipe with GG's secret ingredient.  Beautiful book thanks. 

The Early Buzz

"...simple but emotionally resonant illustrations...a nice, true-to-life touch...The book pairs an ethereal illustration with lyrical text, which truly captures the healing, transporting power of music in this setting. A welcome addition to children's literature about death and dying." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The author takes a difficult subject and weaves a story full of life lessons. The universal themes of life, death, family, loss,and chicken soup are shared through a child's eyes and remind us that even after one dies, love remains." ~ Jamie O'Malley, President and CEO, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter

"GG and Mamela is a large helping of Chicken Soup for the heart and soul. It helps children cope with the death of a loved one in gentle and understanding terms. Belinda Brock has done a great service for children and parents alike." ~ Rabbi Evan Moffic, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Solel and Author

"This is a WONDERFUL story for families who are grappling with loss, death and dying. This is a wonderful story about a special relationship between a girl and her great grandmother at the end of her beautiful life. Very moving story, perfect for children!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Laura, Goodreads

 

About the Author: Belinda Brock

Currently a writing coach and free-lance editor, Belinda Brock's background is in teaching and educational publishing. She loves the intersection of literature and art found in picture books and believes their appeal and benefit extend beyond childhood. She also enjoys farmers' markets, dreaming up soup recipes and Meatless Mondays. Although she didn't become a librarian as she once considered, she is the sponsor and steward of the Little Free Library in her city. She has been known to stay up past her bedtime reading. Belinda writes about literacy, children and books on her blog--grandbooking--at http://belindabrock.com and also at Highland Park Sun-Times where you can check out this great interview with Belinda.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

GG and Mamela Blog Tour Schedule (2014)

May 8

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch and Review)

Mami Tales (Review)

May 9

Cherry Mischievous (Review)

Lakshmi Gosyne (Review)

Best4Future Blog: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual (Review)

May 10

Bookworm for Kids (Review)

Bookroom Reviews (Review)

May 11

When I Grow Up I Wanna Write a Kids Book (Review)

Book Reviews & Giveaways (Review)

May 12

WS Momma Readers Nook (Review)

Victoria Simcox's Blog (Review)

May 13

4 The Love of Books (Review)

Sweet Little Pretties (Review)

Alwaysjoart (Review)

May 14

Generation iKid (Review)

Heart of a Philanthropist (Review)

May 15

Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock (Review)

Brooke Blogs (Review)

May 16

Books Direct (Review)

Unschooling Momma (Review)

May 17

Nanna Three and Counting (Review)

BeachBoundBooks (Review)

May 18

Amanda's Books and More (Review)

Spark and Pook (Review)

May 19

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys (Review)

Mixed Bag Mama (Review)

May 20

Tracey M. Cox, Author & Reviewer (Review)

Sunshine, Bubbles and Books (Review)

May 21

Oh My Bookness (Review)

Reading Authors (Review)

 

* Blog Tour Giveaway *

 

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: June 6, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Belinda Brock and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

an ecopy of this book was provided in exchange for this honest review post by...
 

Building Families One Meal at a Time

Giveaway included with this post

Do you want a book you will probably grab for every thing then this is the book for you?  In their book Six Sisters' Stuff you'll find recipes, fun crafts and more ssssooooo much more.  Six sisters, no brothers, have come together to compile a wealth of knowledge and fun right at your finger tips.  I must say this is a book that when I opened it I didn't see a recipe that I didn't want to run and make.  Plus the added features sprinkled thought out the book are just a plus bonus.  I just love the Easy Monster Sock puppet.  have to show you a picture of it

I don't have clearance to provide the recipe that I made; however, I'll show a picture.  

Cheesy Enchilada Casserole p. 16

all the recipes in this book have nice clear photos to accompany them as do the craft projects.  to make it easy on myself I took a picture of the table of contents page so I wouldn't have to type out all the recipes and crafts and extras that you'll find in this book.

(click on the image to make it bigger to read)

Some of the tips and ideas that are shared may not be found in the book, but they give you a web link to gain the information that is needed such as a link for making paper dolls, or homemade gak, etc.  quite the resource right at your finger tips.  Now for the fun part- I get to give a copy of this book away to one of my readers.  What the sisters have asked to be required to enter is that you do one of two things.  

1) Like the Six Sister’s STUFF facebook page and comment that you are joining the 4x4 Dinner Challenge  Learn more about the challenge by clicking on above challenge icon
https://www.facebook.com/SixSistersStuff

OR

2)   Click the 4x4 Family dinner banner on the website www.SixSistersStuff.com (on the right sidebar) and leave a comment that you are joining the challenge.

To be entered for free cookbook giveaway - Be sure to Leave a comment on this post telling me you have entered the challenge and which place # 1 or 2 you left your message at and the name.  Also please leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner.  Since the challenge is open for the whole month of March we'll leave the giveaway open through March.  Please US residents only.

Building Families One Meal at a Time: Six Sisters Release New Cook-Craft-Create Book

With busy schedules, after-school activities, late workdays and long commutes, is sitting down to a family dinner still possible? 

The authors of Six Sisters’ Stuff (Shadow Mountain, ISBN: 978-1-60907-324-4, $21.99, March 2013) say YES! 

In their debut cookbook, the sisters (yes, six biological sisters— Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra) show families just how simple putting dinner on the table can be.  From Baked Chicken Fajitas to Slow Cooker Pot Roast Sliders to Mini Oreo Cheesecakes, Six Sisters’ Stuff has nearly 100 easy-to-follow recipes that use ingredients commonly found in your pantry.  Each recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions and photographs that eliminate any guess work.

Six Sisters’ Stuff evolved from the sisters’ blog SixSistersStuff.com, that began in February 2011 out of their love to cook, craft, and create. After years of living close to one another, they suddenly found themselves living in different parts of the country and used the blog to stay in touch and share ideas. In just two short years, SixSistersStuff.com has quickly become one of the most popular food and craft blogs, receiving on average 5 million page views per month, with over 130,000 Facebook fans and more than 190,000 Pinterest followers (as of 2/7/13).

Six Sisters’ Stuff also includes a collection of simple and inexpensive craft ideas – how to make hand puppets, felt bows, decorative wreaths, and more – plus lists of fun family activities for road trips, entertaining rainy-day ideas, healthy snack suggestions, and even some recommendations for cheap date nights. This family-focused cookbook is really more of an idea book to help families create fun, lasting memories together.
Watch a video here

A copy of this book was provided by Deseret Books in exchange for this post along with my honest review.

When your Parent becomes your Child by Ken Abraham

 Mr. Abraham takes his reader on a very touching and moving journey as they travel the road of dementia with his mother.  He covers many characteristics that are associated with dementia patients.  This was a very enlightening book and one that I'm passing on to family members as we start are journey on this road with my father.  I just wish I could say that our journey is as sweet as Mr. Abraham's, but unfortunately it hasn't  been.  I've learned from him and trust that passing this book on to siblings will help them to gain a beginning understanding of our dad's condition.  This book was very informative and many ideas were passed along-Lord willing we'll be able to implement them as the need arises.  He does refer to some medical terms and steps involved with dementia; however, for the most part the book is a how they handled the conditions and what could possible work in situations.   Humor is sprinkled in as he tells his story.  At the close he gives survival tips and suggestions for making the best of situation if you find yourself in it. 

Book Description

Hope and inspiration for helping parents through the aging process and the decline that comes with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Dementia is one of the world's fastest growing illnesses. Without a major medical breakthrough, the estimated 24 million people living with some form of the disease could easily jump as high as 84 million by the year 2040. It is rapidly becoming everyone's problem.

When Your Parent Becomes Your Child tells the story of one family who reluctantly began to recognize and then deal with the common issues found in caring for their elderly loved one:

• memory loss
• physical decline
• personal hygiene
• dangers of driving and living alone
• aberrant behavior
• uncharacteristic attitudes

As he chronicles his own mom's degenerative condition, New York Times bestselling writer Ken Abraham not only educates but offers inspiration to help readers cope with and manage their family circumstances.

With humor and spiritual reminders of God's command to honor our parents, Abraham encourages readers, helping them shoulder the additional, often difficult responsibilities. And though patients will not recover this side of heaven, he suggests many practical things that families can do to make the experience safer, kinder, and more endurable for everyone involved.

Helping our loved ones live out their remaining years in dignity paves the way for a rewarding and enriching experience for our families, and for the people whose lives they have affected for all eternity.

For more information about this book visit here. 

a copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review

When Grandparents Divorce by Katie Saint

This is a very well written book to help children get through the process of  their Grandparents' divorce.  When they were use to the way things were and then changes happen.  The author has provided parents a guide to help say and do things to ease the tension and confusion children may have.   The book will help your child share his/her feelings and understand that no matter what happens they are still loved by both parents and grandparents. 

Katie Saint is a therapist, but this book came around because she is a mother of a two little boys whose grandparents (her parents) were getting divorced. She realized with all of their questions, other families must have the same concerns.

Professionally, she works with clients at many stages in life: relational problems; transitioning through divorce; working through ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and depression; grieving a loved one; and other life stressors. Katie focuses on helping clients recognize and build on their own strengths to meet their personal goals.

Katie Saint graduated from Lakeland College with a Master's Degree in Counseling, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She specializes in extreme behavioral problems. She provides individual, couple, pre-marital, and family counseling to children, adolescents and adults. Katie has over 4000 hours working with adults, children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. She also offers an emotional control program for adolescents and adults struggling with impulsive behavior or emotional regulation. Katie utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques including the combination of behavioral, cognitive and psychoanalytic tools.

You may visit Katie's site here for more information. 

A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

Here's to Sisters

My sisters last time we were all together 5 years ago

Though you may argue, fight, and tell on each other, you’ll always have a special relationship with your sister. That's why it’s time to celebrate Sisters Day!

Today is a day to appreciate your sister—she is someone you can always count on. Forget about any arguments and thank your sister for all of those good times. After all, sisterhood is an everlasting bond!

Spend some time with your sister today. Grab lunch, hit the beach, or watch some home videos. Happy Sisters Day!

my lovely daughters "SISTERS"

Help Wanted: Moms raising daughters by Darlene Brock

With honesty, creativity and sprinkled in humor Darlene shares her thoughts on what a job description of a mother would  look like from her experience.  She shares that which needs to be accomplished in the role and challenges found in the job.  Brock concludes with the job may be difficult but seeks for those women that are willing to take up the task of raising daughters.  No experience necessary;  all on the job training.  It isn't always easy but it will definitely make your life richer in the process.  There is nothing more important or fulfilling than being a mother.  I must say this was a very wonderful read and if you have little girls it is time you get started.  However, if you have boys the same concepts could apply.  Just a plain good motherhood book. 
 
 For more information about this book visit here.

learn more about the author here

 In her debut book, Darlene, who balanced a career in the recording industry alongside motherhood, relates 13 coaching metaphors for how to raise children. In talking about her new project she stated: “This book is about what I learned - about the jobs you need to master, the advice from other women that helped me, as well as some realities about the life and culture we live in that informed my perspective. You can take on the most difficult job in theworld – raising daughters – and not only live to tell about it, but smile along the way.”

Visit the Grit and Grace project site here.
Visit Darlene's blog here.

Now for the fun part.  I have a copy of this book I'd love to giveaway.  Think outside the box and give me a job title you think may be in this book.  She's creative in her titles.  If you guess one that is in the book I'll give you a bonus entry.  I must however, limit this to US residents only because of mail cost.  I'll draw a winner on June 16th for this book from everyone that comments.  Please be sure to leave a way of contact.  Thanks. 


a copy of this was provided by the author and media collective for this review

Married Mom, Solo Parent by Carla Anne Coroy

For married women who feel like single parents.

Bookstore shelves are full of parenting resources for moms who are newly divorced or widowed. But where do moms turn if they feel like a single parent--but they’re not? Whether he is away on business, deployed in the military, or obsessing over a computer game, dad may not be available for a variety of reasons. Moms who parent in this situation still need help and don’t necessarily relate to the advice given in divorce recovery or single parenting resources.

Married Mom, Solo Parent is a common-sense, down-to-earth look at the struggles wives and mothers face when their husband is not actively involved in family life. Writing from her own experience as a married single mom, Carla Anne Coroy will help wives and mothers sort through their questions, such as: Can I do this alone? How do I raise kids to honor their father? How do I give my children a healthy perspective of marriage if they never see one in action? With practical suggestions, anecdotes, and biblical teaching, this book will encourage moms to see their position as a high calling, to find healing for their worries and frustrations, and to tap into God’s strength for help in facing the daily challenge of being a married mom, solo parent.

Link to buy the book

Carla Anne Coroy runs the Married Single Mom blog at www.carlaannecoroy.blogspot.com. She speaks regularly and serves as a staff writer for an online Christian women’s magazine Mentoring Moments for Christian Women. Carla Anne lives in Canada with her husband and four homeschooled children. For more information, visit www.carlaanne.com.

 

When this book came out for review I thought it would be a book for single moms, but that isn't the case.  Don't let it fool you.  This book is for the married mom, but the husband is busy or always away for whatever reason, school, job, etc.  Therefore, that leaves the mom to parent the children solo.  I am neither a single mom or a solo mom, but I enjoyed reading this book.  The author speaks from experience.  She shares her heart and thoughts and ideas for solo moms to glean from.  You'll come to realize that there is no formula for preparing yourself for the solo parenting journey that you might one day find yourself in.  Women are often given little warning solo parenting just becomes your lifestyle. This book is a book of resource suggestions, tools, tips and ideas. Yes, I would recommend this book to the solo mom, it is the first I've read on the subject.   

Come to an encouraging MomChat party on Facebook…you could win a KindleTouch!

Don't miss Carla Coroy's MomChat Facebook Party on 10/25!

To celebrate the release of her new book Carla has partnered with her publisher, Kregel, to host a live MomChat party on Facebook!

The party will wrap up the blog tour and Carla will be hosting an encouraging MomChat about all things mom and wife related. There will also be a fun contest and she’s giving away a KindleTouch and a ton of other fun stuff (books, gift certificates and more!).

So RSVP today and then come back on 10/25 at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern for the party.

Don't miss the fun ... and tell your friends.

Blog tour schedule

A copy of this book was provided for this tour by...

Thank You, God, for Mommy by Amy Parker; Illustrated by Frank Endersby

This is a very cute picture book.  Panda is thanking God for his mommy and all she does for him/her.  I think any child ages 2-7 would love this rhyming book reminding him/her of the perfect pair that they are along with mom and also reminding them of the good things that mommies do for them.  The pictures are bright and colorful on this hard cardboard type book.  Very durable for little ones to use.  Just in time for Mother's Day.  The message is very clear and presented right on the child's level.  Panda thanks God for Mommy can't get much clearer and spiritual than that.  I love this book and yes, I will tell others about it.  This copy will go in the church nursery.       

Book Description

Mommies do so much for us! It’s time to thank God for the blessing they are.

In this adorable board book, a little panda thanks God for his wonderful mommy—a mommy who gives hugs and cuddles, who takes great care of him, and most importantly, who offers love and guidance for her precious panda cub.

Thank You, God, for Mommy, And lullabies so sweet— The beating of her great, big heart Sings me right to sleep.

The love and sacrifices of mothers everywhere will be celebrated by mother and child as they snuggle up together and say Thank You, God, for Mommy.

For more information about this book click here.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by Thomas Nelson

The Way Home

This was the best family movie I've seen in a long time.  We need more movies like this one.  Based on a true story.  The movie centers around a family in a crisis.  A man that finds his way back to what it really and truly important.  How faith is tested and prevails.  A community that comes together and a church that meets needs when called upon.  You couldn't ask for a better setting.  People helping people.  Be warned it is a tear-jerker so have the box of Kleenex on hand.  Well, I thought it was a tear-jerker.  It is a first rate movie.  Five stars to bout.  You don't find many like this these days.  We need to come back and get more family based movies that aren't cursing and bedroom scenes.  You won't find that in this movie. 

View a Video trailer of this movie here.

Get more information about this DVD here.

A copy of this book was provided for this review by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Head to Scraps of Life for this book tour.
Click here.

Indiana Cousins series by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I just have to blab and tell you about one of my favorite authors. Wanda E. Brunstetter. She has written many Amish books, but not all of her books are Amish. You may visit Wanda's site here. My friend hooked me on her about 5 years ago. I'd never heard of her. I'm so glad someone told me about Wanda's books. I have read many of them and haven't been disappointed yet. I have just finished the third book and have loved it. It is best to read these three books in order so you don't miss out on anything. In book one the cousins are introduced and they just move along together in book two and book three wraps it up with their challenges. It is so fun to see how things unfold. I wish I had the talent to unfold the stories that Wanda brings to life. She makes you feel as though you are right there in Amish country living with them. I'm hooked on Wanda. I don't have enough thumbs to raise.

A Cousin’s Promise

Book 1
March 2009

When a horrible accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will Wayne sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life? Having already been jilted once, Loraine’s terrified of another rejection. When Loraine’s old boyfriend, Jake Beechy returns to Indiana, he hopes Loraine will give him a second chance. How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart?

of A Cousin's Promise here.

A Cousin's Prayer - Book 2 - September 2009

After Katie Miller’s boyfriend is killed in a van accident, in which she was also a passenger, Katie finds herself suffering from depression and panic attacks. What or who will deliver Katie from the bondage of her fears? When Katie finds a mysterious package on her doorstop, hope looms, until the gift must be returned to its rightful owner. Will Katie find the courage to really live and love again?

A Cousin's Challenge -- March 2010 Jolene Yoder returns to Indiana to teach two deaf children. When she falls for a deaf man, Lonnie Hershberger, she wonders if he’ll ever see her as someone he could love. Lonnie fights his attraction for Jolene, especially since she seems smitten with Jake Beechy. Jolene’s cousin, Ella, is worried that Jake will end up hurting Jolene, never realizing that Jake has his sights on her--Ella. Who will end up with whom as these cousins face challenges in love and life?