Though posted as a
children's book, young and old alike will love this beautiful book of
friendship. It's a whimsy, nostalgic collection of sayings, poems and
Bible verses centered around of all things friendship. It is a
beautiful book Engelbreit is staying true to her unique style. It is a
must for all ages and even more so if you are an Engelbreit fan. It is
truly a book you could leave setting on the coffee table for guest to
pick up and read a leisure. People of all ages need reminded about the
value of true friends. The illustrations are bright, colorful and cheery
and right in line with Mary Engelbreit style. This is definitely a
book I'll keep on hand and in the open for all to read.
Book Description
The Blessings of Friendship, created by New York Times
bestselling author and artist Mary Engelbreit, is a playful and
poignant treasury of poetry, Bible verses, and quotes that celebrate the
joy of friendship. Children will learn from timeless sayings and poems
what it means to be a friend - helping, encouraging, listening, sharing
with, and loving one another. Colorful and whimsical illustrations bring
these words to life, as children learn the value of friendship. Verses
from the Bible give us instruction on putting others above ourselves,
loving each other, and being kind to one another. This book will make
you smile with each turn of the page, remembering old friends and new
friends alike.
About the Book:
Title: Seasons of Poetry
A book of verse so plain and clear To ease the mind and please the ear. So easy to read, no burdensome lines. No lingering stories of trouble times.
This poetry is written in a style different from any I have seen before. Each poem is distinctly different from others within the book. Collectively they are entirely different from any book of poetry it has been my pleasure to read. I believe the poems contained in this book will be of interest to anyone regardless of their station or status in life. This is beautiful poetry that is sad at times, passionate and inspiring at others. The reader can expect to be transported away to different times and places.
Genre: Poetry
Author: Ken Ollis
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 108
Language: English
ISBN – 978-0-59527-906-7
About the Author:
My roots are here in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. After
leaving for many years I returned to live again among natures beauty and
lovely people. My wife and I live in a log cabin on a mountain named
Gingercake. We raised two sons and have three grandchildren.
This book has lovely bedtime prayers that will delight young and old alike. The rhyming prayers is just what is needed to send your little one off to la-la land thinking sweet thoughts. Just the prescription for wonderful dreams. What a better way to send your child off to sleep than thinking on God and his goodness. Just the right words to Bless the night with. The illustrations are soft water color but full of color and very delightful.
Learn more about this book here
Visit author Mackall here
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I copy of this book was provided in exchange for this review by...
In rhyming prose and with funny looking pictures your child will have loads of fun learning his/her ABCs with Buddy Mays' book E is for Eggplant. The excitement mounts with each turn of the page as to what fruit or vegetable will depict the next letter of the alphabet. Never knew learning the ABCs could be so much fun. You'll also introduce your child to new fruits and vegetables that may not be quite as common or well known. Each fruit and vegetable is illustrated in a very unique way to make the page just as interesting to look at. You might find that it is a very scrumptious way to learn.
What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child than with this beautiful Nativity Script book with Music and pageant CD. You can preform your own nativity with this beautiful packet, it doesn't matter how big or small your group is. I totally enjoy just listening to the CD and enjoying the birth of Jesus preformed in song and reading selections. It is a nice addition to anyone's Christmas collection.
Celebrate the Miracle, restores the tender joys of the season! Discover how sharing the gift of Jesus’ love blesses relationships, as you enjoy the magic of children’s narration, original music and song. Mary and Joseph’s devotion to God and sublime caring for each other will bring you to experience the story of Baby Jesus’ birth as never before.
Holy Stable is more than just a Christmas “play”! It has everything an actual pageant has and is a perfect highlight to our Christmas season!
Holy Stable brings about inspired memories, the play adapts for a few participants or a larger group and for use with or without your own vocal talent. Harp, wooden flute and violin instrumentals come with and without vocals and narration and are coordinated with the innovative script, including tips, which are offered to you as a downloadable bonus gift at www.holystable.com.
Heidi is a mother of eight and first time author. Her long held interests in studying scripture, benefiting relationships, drama, music, artistic expression and nurturing love came together in this multi-media experience. She’s an avid reader and writer and has conducted children’s music and participated in choirs for many years.
With the desire to create more cherished Christmas memories and promote a deeper connection to the Savior, Heidi produced Holy Stable: Celebrate the Miracle…Story, Music, Nativity Play.
A copy of this book was provided for this review by...
I am really sorry to Andrea and Tribute books for being late on this book review posting. I guess the holiday season has just gotten the better of me this week. I thank Tribute books for the opportunity to have reviewed this cute rhyming book with the theme of interracial adoption. The pictures are bright and cheery. It is a short quick sing song book with a very wonderful message. This is a charming message using the poppy seed as the illustration throughout the book. Nepa's book will help a child better understand what adoption truly means.
Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: "For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places." In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Find Andrea Nepa on Facebook here
Want a book that will really make you think about why we celebrate Christmas? Author Jim Chapman has tried to help us truly re-focus on the real meaning of Christmas in his book The Night After Christmas. Chapman helps us to see how commercialized the season has become in his book. This is a cute book that brings home the way the world has really de-emphasized what truly Christmas is all about with a play on words Chapman brings it all down to too much emphasis on the wrong thing. It will make you stop and think where you put your priorities. The Night After Christmas is Chapman's counterbalance of the Night Before Christmas. I found this book to be very delightful and charming. You may check out Jim Chapman web site here.
What is the primary audience for your book?
The primary audience is anyone who has been stressed by the American cultural trappings of Christmas -- especially the frenzied and obligatory shopping/gift-giving ritual. It's also for those who might feel there's something more (or should be something more) to the holiday than parties, concerts, dinners, shopping and exchanging gifts. In that sense, the age range could be anywhere from 18 to 80, and it would go across gender, educational, or professional lines. My suspicion is that evangelical Christians would be most likely to gravitate to the book, but I would also like to reach those marginalized 'Christians' who haven't given Christ a prominent place in their lives.
What are the main themes of your book?
*Christmas can be much more meaningful if we personally receive the ultimate gift from God -- Christ in the human heart.
* We've gotten so involved in other activities at Christmas that Christ almost seems like an intrusion.
*While there is something beautiful about the giving and receiving of gifts, our Christmas gift exchanges can sometimes border on the obligatory. Our unspoken code of conduct almost forces us into doing this -- even though we might not like to shop, we might not be able to afford it, or we don't really know (or don't feel right in asking) what an appropriate gift might be for someone. We're not even sure who should be on our gift list! So we buy a gift out of obligation or societal pressure, only to have the recipient of the gift take it back or exchange it for something else. That seems to further degrade the sanctity of the holiday.
*Christmas should be a celebration of the biggest event in the history of the world --God's coming to earth in human flesh as the Christ child. Instead, we have allowed our shopping, our gift exchanges, and all our other holiday activities to crowd Him out of the picture.
How did this story begin to take shape and what motivated you to publish it?
It started out as a poem; 12 years later it finally became a book. I had long felt that Christmas was too secular -- that the mindless, empty, almost perfunctory ritual of shopping and exchanging gifts was taking away from the sacredness of the holiday. Then I read something the late Jim Elliot had written, and it sounded like I had some of the same feelings about Christmas that he did. He thought we'd all have a better attitude toward the whole thing if someone were to write a realistic poem on the Night After Christmas to counter the magical effects of the famous Night Before.After much encouragement to publish from audiences who had heard me recite the poem, I finally decided to take that step. The time in my life seemed right to do that very thing.
What makes your book different from other books written on this subject?
For one thing, it's a poem. And it invites comparison [actually a contrast] to the famous Night Before rhyme. It's light-hearted—even amusing—at times, but it also has a serious message. It reads easily and smoothly, and the story line is enhanced by illustrations on every page. The Night After Christmas isn’t intrinsically negative—nor is it meant to bash anything – but it does poke a little fun at the folly of our shopping and gift-exchange routines. I wanted it to highlight the fact that we've let other things crowd out the real essence of the holiday.
Are you just trying to make a philosophical statement about the holidays or is there an actual story?
It's a story. It does make a statement, yes, but it does it in the form of a gripping story.
After another harried, frenetic Christmas, an exhausted man is about to retire for the night when he discovers an unexpected guest in his garage, who makes him re-evaluate his take on Christmas. It wasn't written for children particularly, but the message is equally for them as well as for adults. Since the book’s release I have been pleasantly surprised to hear of children as young as 8 years old being interested (even captivated) by the story, once it's been read with - and explained - by an adult (most likely a parent or grandparent).
What is the overall message?
Christmas was named after [Jesus] Christ, and he is foundational to the whole thing. Unfortunately, we have let the busyness and festivities of the holiday push him off center stage. He's an intrusion to our holiday. It's almost as if he doesn't matter anymore. Although the traditional names for the Christian deity are notably absent in the book, the references to them are unmistakably there. For those who might otherwise tend to push back a little because a given name carries a negative religious connotation,the absence of such terminology might help certain readers interact with the characters and be more open to the message.
How does the main character of the story move to acceptance and faith?
The light came on. He already knew the theology, but it hadn't registered with him until his encounter with the unexpected guest in his garage. He GOT IT then.
So what’s the best way to celebrate Christmas, and any other holiday as a Christian?
Enjoy all the good things about the holiday season - but give Christ his rightful place.
What do you hope will happen for readers after they finish your book?
Simply put, I'd like people to have a more meaningful Christmas. I'd like people to detach from all the shopping and busyness and to realize that they may have pushed Christ out of their Christmas experience, either intentionally or inadvertently. Rather than for people to think of Jesus as an intrusion on the holidays, I'd like to see them embrace him as the One for whom Christmas was named and who can make the whole thing a lot more satisfying.
How has writing this book changed your life and your Christmas traditions?
Writing this book has helped me re-evaluate my own observation of Christmas. Rather than stressing over how much to spend – and what to buy for whom – I am putting more emphasis on getting together with people and taking in more sacred concerts and Christmas pageants. That seems to be a more appropriate way to honor Jesus Christ and celebrate his birthday. In another vein, my family has taken to reducing its gift exchanges (for each other) and going on a trip around the holidays, where we can spend relaxed time with each other away from home. We’re also re-directing some of what would have been Christmas spending to additional charitable giving throughout the year.
I have always loved Emilie's books. The pictures are just breath taking. This one is just the same, breath taking and inviting. In this book Emilie has supplied the reader with all kinds of goodies to help put on a tea. Tea for just yourself or for a two or three. Host it the proper way all dressed up and ready to go. There are ideas from invitations, to the menu, to inspirational sayings about tea time. It is just a neat little book to lay out on your table or share with a friend. Emilie shares stories and party ideas, poems and some history. If you're planning a tea or need help and ideas for planning a tea then this is the book for you. I know you'll love this book.
about the book:
The bestselling An Invitation to Tea (more than 80,000 copies sold) by beloved author Emilie Barnes and celebrated artist Sandy Clough has a fresh look and a new hardcover format sure to please longtime tea lovers and those new to the pleasures and benefits of gathering over the warmth and aroma of tea.
Alongside new paintings from Sandy are the treasures that made this a favorite from the start:
delicious recipes for desserts, meals, and tea brews to delight all palates
inspirational quotes and verses honoring good friends, conversations, and traditions
hospitality ideas for special holidays or simple get–togethers
Classy and classic, this is a refreshing gift for girlfriends, moms, grandmothers, teachers, or the hostess of a party.
This is a small collection of poems by Frank L. Johnson. The poems range from real life situations, fantasies and inspirations. The poems are about the little things in life that we often overlook. The topics discuss freedom, confrontation, dreaming relationships and encouragement. The readers can see situations in a new light through Johnson's poems. There are 38 poems in all in this short book. Dare to dream pick up a copy and you may even see reality in your dreams while reading.
Enter the life of an amazing Savannah cat. Through her eyes see exactly what a cat's life might be. If your child is a cat lover this book would be an excellent choice for him/her to read OR better yet you to read together. Songha is a one-of-a kind cat. An African Queen and becomes the sovereign ruler of the "neighborhood cat kingdom" because she becomes a skilled escape artist in many ways. At the start of the book Songha is a lonely prisoner longing to run free. Africa is in her heart and blood. However, through a chain of events and other cats she finds that maybe being a prisoner isn't so bad after all.
I have never seen a book quite like this one. It was a joy to read. Each chapter is not only written in story form, but for those that like poetry you may just read the poem at the end of the chapter and you have the chapter wrapped up in prose. I was rather intrigued with this. So read it by chapter or in prose either way your choice you will learn about the Amazing life of Songha. It was a very lovely book to read. Short just 66 pages.
About the author: Linda R. Caterine and her husband, Tony, live in the Las Vegas area. A few years ago they became fascinated with Savannah cats and now breed these rare creatures. She acquired Songha and realized that this amazing cat and her experiences would make a wonderful children's story. The Adventures of Songha: The Amazing Savannah Cat is Caterine's first book and, according to Caterine, is the first-ever children's book about Savannah cats to be published. For more information, visit www.vegassavannahs.com.
When I saw this book up for bloggers to review I jumped at the chance. My daughters loved Good-Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. We wore that book out along with Dr. Seuss's books. Kids love rhythm and rhyme in the early years. My girls are older so I thought what a good book to have for them to read to kids they babysit for and future Grandkids (far future). This book was a lost transcripts of Margaret Wise Brown as the inside of the book alludes to, but you won't be disappointed.
Brown takes the reader down the path and around the world in the night with God and the moon shining down. In this book the reader is given the chance to visit many cultures and get a glimpse of what they might find if they visited that country with the moon shining down on them. They will visit a little Dutch boy and the the cows in the fields of Switzerland, moving on into the Far East. They will visit Mexico and the wonderful land of Australia, France and even go to the jungles of Africa where the moon shines down. There's even a look at the magical night of Christmas. The book even takes you into the far depths of the sea as we visit where the moon shines on all God's creatures living there. Your child will meet fireflies, crickets and sheep in the fields. What a way to end the day for your child to see God and the moon shining down on them. If my girls were still little I'm sure it would quickly become a night favorite just as Good-Night Moon did.
What I liked the best is that this book does bring God into it all. It doesn't leave Him out. Where doesn't the moon shine? You'd be hard press to find a place on this wide earth. You could also use this as a seek and find book having your child find certain creatures or things in the pictures. The illustrator did a wonderful job at bringing the night scenes to life on each and every page. What a gift to give at Christmas the gift of a book will last for years to come.
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." -C.S. Lewis
