Title: Night Night, Farm
Author: Amy Parker
Illustrator: Virginia Allyn
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Pages: 20
ISBN: 978-0-7180-8831-6
Publication Date: July 12th, 2016

Synopsis:

Moo moo, cows!

Baa baa, sheep!

When the sun sinks low down on the farm, the animals are all tuckered out from the day’s adventures. Join these adorable farm animals in pajamas as they say night night to the farm, to their mommies and daddies, and to God.

Your little ones will sleep until the rooster crows knowing that the God who made them loves them too.

Night night, farm!

Amy Parker’s children’s books have sold more than 800,000 copies including two Christian Retailing’s Best award-winning books and the bestselling A Night Night Prayer. She lives outside Nashville with her husband and two children.

Review:
Night Night, Farm is a sweet board book for young children. Amy Parker writes a sweet and engaging bed time story for young children. In addition to the writing, Virginia Allyn completes this book with some wonderfully bright and sweet animal pictures. They are eye catching and cute.

Night Night, Farm is a nice length for a board book, but not overly crowded with words. It has a nice rhyming rhythm to keep the pace and attention of children.

The story and illustration of Night Night, Farm was just nice and fun. I would definitely recommend this book to parents with young children.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Amy Parker has written more than twenty books for children, teens, and adults, including the best-selling A Night Night Prayer , Thank You, God, for Mommy, and Thank You, God, for Daddy. She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Most importantly, she is a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.






Thank you to Booklook Bloggers, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Only God Can Make a Kitten
Author: Rhonda Gowler Greene
Illustrated by: Laura J. Bryant
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-310-73170-2
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2015

Synopsis:

Only God Can Make A Kitten, written by award-winning author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by bestselling artist Laura J. Bryant, follows a conversation between a mother and child as the child repeatedly asks "Mama, who made . . . ?"

 In the end, children learn that God is responsible for everything in creation—including kittens!

Review:
Illustrated children's books...how can you not love them! They are the first books you are introduced to and memory makers with your own little ones. I'm always on the lookout for new ones for my kiddo, because they are cherished.

Only God Can Make a Kitten is such a sweet and affirming story of how God loves us and and provides not only for us, but for everything He created in the world. We see this all through a little boy as he and his mom take their walk outside.

The pictures were bright and eye catching and very sweet. My little's couldn't wait for the kitten to make her appearance. The drawings and the story work so well together and make it very easy for littles to understand all that is going on. This book as already been requested to be added to the nightly rotation of stories.

If you have a little ones asking questions about God's creation, or one who just loves picture books in general, this one is one I would suggest.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty picture books. Her books have received honors such as School Library Journal Best Book, Children’s Book Council Showcase Book, Bank Street College Best Book, and starred reviews. A former elementary school teacher, with a master’s in educational media, Rhonda is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and conferences. She lives with her husband, Gary, in a house overflowing with books in West Bloomfield, Michigan. They have four grown children.

For more information, visit her on the web at—www.rhondagowlergreene.com




Thank you to Zonderkidz, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book
Author: Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Ideals Publication
Pages: 20
ISBN: 978-0-8249-1945-0
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2015

Synopsis:

In The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book, little readers are introduced to the importance of manners, through gentle reminders given to Brother, Sister, and Honey as they await their milk and cookies. The shorter story length and well-loved characters provide toddlers a perfect introduction to valuable life lessons and routines. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Review:
The Berenstain Bears played a big part in my life. They were a constant on my bookshelves and in school growing. I have such a found memory of Mamma, Papa, Brother, and Sister Bear. It is wonderful to see this bear family continue on through Mike Berenstain, Stan and Jan Berenstain's son.

The Berenstain Bears' Please & Thank You Book is a cute and short board book for young children. A good reminder to the importance of manners. Goodness, from experience, kids can't be exposed enough to manners, and this book was a nice way to remind kiddo's the importance of them, and not just for kids, but for adults too.

The Please & Thank You Book is full of the Bears we all know and love, and it is wonderful to see them around after all of these years helping with important lessons for kids as they have in the past. The message is clear and to the point and on a level that kids can easily understand.

This book would be great for any young one in your life.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thank you to FlyBy Promotions, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: God Gave Us Angels
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrated by: Laura J. Bryant
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Pages: 40
ISBN: 978-1-60142-661-1
Publication Date: September 16th, 2014

Synopsis:

"What do angels do all day, Papa?"

When Papa finds Little Cub looking for angels, it gives him a chance to tell his beloved child about those that may be in their midst, even when they can’t be seen.  Exploring their exhilarating Arctic world as they talk, Papa lovingly answers all of Little Cub’s questions about angels—and as usual, she has a lot. She wants to know what they do, how they look, how they guard God’s loved ones, and best of all, how they serve the Creator of the world. 

"God really created angels to serve him more than us, Little Cub.
They love him and would do anything for him."

This uplifting tale will encourage young hearts by exploring the glory and design of God’s messengers, while turning toward him with praise.   

Review:
This was such a wonderfully sweet and informative book! I have been curious about this illustrated series, God Gave Us, for kids for a little while. I have to say, this first adventure into this beautifully illustrated book makes me excited to read the rest of them.

Kids are always full of questions and sometimes it's hard to answer them. They can bounce around from subject to subject so quickly, you can loose track and get confused...that's from personal experience. I loved how Little Cub asked her Papa all of these questions and they were answered easily and smoothly, and on a level that is perfect for littles to understand.

This book takes what is known from the Bible about angels, they are servants of God who are ready to do anything He asks. They fight for us, they are messengers, they are warriors, and they can also watch over us. I loved how it was all presented.

The illustrations also enhance what Papa Bear is trying to say to Little Cub. The colors just pop! The drawings are beautiful and they flow from page to page. It is a story that can be a fantastic bedtime book!

Too Read
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Lisa T. Bergren is the author of nearly forty titles, including God Gave Us You, the bestselling beginning of the beloved God Gave Us… series. Her works span many genres, from adult fiction to devotionals. She makes her home in Colorado with her husband, Tim, and their children, Olivia, Emma, and Jack.







Laura J. Bryant has illustrated numerous award-winning children’s books, including God Gave Us You, Smudge Bunny, and If You Were My Baby. She studied painting, printmaking, and sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore and lives in Asheville, North Carolina.


Thank you to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The First Christmas Ever
Illustrated by: Dennis Jones
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-310-74083-4
Publication Date: October 7th, 2014

Synopsis:

A simple retelling of the Christmas story, from the angel’s visit to Mary to the shepherds’ joyful praise of the new born Baby, this small format paperback, The First Christmas Ever is sure to be popular with young readers. Using the vibrant and popular artwork of Dennis Jones, families can share this timeless story of God’s love each holiday season.

Review:
I love Christmas books...I use the excuse that they are for my kiddo, but in all honesty, I love them for me as well. I'm always on the hunt for new books that tell the Christmas story.

The First Christmas Ever was a wonderful telling of the Christmas story. It was also very Biblically   accurate. It drives me nuts when I see the wise men visiting baby Jesus at the stable, that isn't what is mentioned in the Bible, so I was thrilled to see this book portray Jesus at the right age.I know it's easier for kids to see all the things happening together, but I enjoyed how the story flowed and showed Jesus as a toddler when they arrived to his home. I also enjoyed how the story didn't end there but it made sure to let the kids know, that this story is only the beginning. Jesus was here for more and His birth and Christmas mean so much more.

The illustrations for this story were great. It had a bold appearance and the characters really popped and it enhanced the the imagery of the story. The colors were fantastic as well. They were bright and eye catching. My littles loved all the animals featured. She also enjoyed spying the little details that were drawn into the background.

This book would be a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Illustrator:
Dennis Jones loves to draw.  His artwork can be seen in books, magazines, games, toys and Sunday school curriculum. He’s illustrated several children’s products including the Read with Me Bible and the NIrV Super Heroes Bible. Dennis lives in Indiana with his wife Karen and has two grown sons.


Thank you to Zonderkidz, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Blessings of Friendship Treasury
Author/Illustrator: Mary Engelbreit
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pages: 40
ISBN: 978-0-310-74509-9
Publication Date: August 5th, 2014

Synopsis:

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.

Review:
The Blessing of Friendship Treasury is another wonderful collection by Mary Engelbreit. Her drawings are wonderful and whimsical and capture the fun and sweetness of childhood. The colors are bold and lively and help make the illustrations pop!

I read this book to my littles the other night. For her age, she really like it, even though there were a couple poems that were a little over her head, but even though she didn't full connect to that poem or two, she really connected to the illustration. She loved the details. The friends on each page, two legged or four legged, they caught her up and she kept wanting to point out each little thing that caught her attention.

I loved the collection of poems, verses, and sayings. They each represented the the fun and importance of friendship. This is one to hang on to and is a good book for kids and adults alike, because, hey, sometimes we adults need that little reminder of the specialness of friends.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more. Mary’s dearest wish has always been to illustrate for children. Her New York Times bestselling The Night Before Christmas is already part of the holiday tradition for families across the country.





Thank you to Zonderkidz, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Goodnight, Ark
Author: Laura Sassi
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-310-73784-1
Publication Date: August 4th, 2014

Synopsis: 

Beds are ready. Food is stored. Noah hollers, All aboard! It s bedtime on Noah s ark, but the animals can t sleep because of the storm. Two by two, they crowd into Noah s bed, creating a sticky situation. Will Noah ever get them back to their own beds? Climb aboard the ark for this rollicking, yet ultimately restful bedtime story as Noah finds a way to make things calm and cozy, even in the midst of a storm.

Review:
There is just something about Noah Ark stories that are just special. I think it is because of all of the animals...and hey, who doesn't love animals?!

I read this book to my littles the other night and it was a hit! With the storytelling told in rhyme it was a fun flowing little tale of the animals, scared of the storm running to join Noah in his bed, while he snoozes the night away. Two by two the creep, slither, and jump aboard without his knowledge.

The pictures are vibrant and fun and enhance the story with cuteness of the animals. The littles loved how the tigers would sleep just like her cats and also that her favorite animal right now was featured, the skunk! (Inside joke about those little critters.) She loved that a skunk would hang on Noah shoulder. Many giggles over that were had.

The books is the perfect length for a bedtime story. It offered laughs, but also a reminder of needing to settle down and get some rest, and that a snuggle during a storm is OK.

This book, by request of the littles, is going on the bedtime bookshelf.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Laura Sassi has a passion for telling humorous stories in rhyme. She writes daily from her century-old home in New Jersey where she lives with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. Her poems, stories, articles, and crafts have appeared in Highlights for Children, Cricket, Ladybug, Spider and Focus on the Family's Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. GOODNIGHT, ARK is her first picture book.


Thank you to Zonderkidz, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Cassie & Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design
Author: Susan Hunt & Richie Hunt
Publisher: Moody
Pages: 96
ISBN: 978-0-8024-0669-9
Publication Date: April 12th, 2013

Synopsis: 

May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace." Psalm 144:12

Boys and girls, from 5 to 8 years of age, will love the fun world of Cassie and Caleb, two energetic and inquisitive children discovering the beauty of God's wonderful design. Through twenty beautifully illustrated short stories, followed by an interactive time between parent and child, your children will learn:

• The creational principle that "God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27) is extraordinary!
• That Jesus is in all of Scripture. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories; it is the one big story of the Triune God redeeming His people.
• God's Word is our authority and His Glory is our purpose.
• That when we belong to Jesus we belong to His covenant family, the Church. 
• A Biblical framework for living and thinking.
• The authors do not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of a child. This book intentionally uses the rich language of faith, and then builds meaning around the words and concepts as the stories proceed, providing children the words of life.

Review:
Cassie & Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design was a very well thought out book for kids. It has short chapters, which is perfect, because even the most serious of kids can have a mind that wanders at times. One of my favorite aspects about this book is that it is presented to Cassie and Caleb from either their mom or dad, or from both parents with a message that is tailored to for kids to understand. The relaxed family setting made it easy to connect with. It was right to the point for each subject and the talking points were a wonderful jumping point to get conversation started.

This book is designed for homeschool, but I thought it would also work well for non-homeschooling families as well. Kids have questions or parents don't know how to discuss certain topics with kids, and this book eased into the topics. One that can be especially tricky to talk about with young kids is how boys and girls are different on the outside and how they think and what they favor. I liked how there were a couple of chapters that focused on this, and not in the sex-ed kind of way. God made boys and girls different for a reason and because of this thought processes are different, things that we enjoy can be different and this book put it in a way that was easy to present and discuss. It also touched on how even though boys and girls are made differently, they are equally loved by God.

The different topics I enjoyed and was glad to see such a wide variety there to discuss. They ranged from attitudes, sin, purposes, and God's family.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Authors:
SUSAN HUNT is the wife of retired PCA pastor Gene Hunt, mother of 3, and grandmother of 12. Susan is the former Director of Women's Ministry for the Presbyterian Church in America and is author of several books for women and children. She teaches a weekly Bible study for women in her church and has spoken for women's conferences throughout the country and in several other countries.






Thank you to MP Newsroom, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.



Thank you to MP Newsroom, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.