Snuggle Time Fall Blessings by Glenys Nellist | Children's Board Book Review

Snuggle Time Fall Blessings

Glenys Nellist

illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Children's Book

Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy all the best parts of autumn together—pumpkin picking, colored leaves, hayrides, and more—with this adorable padded-cover board book. Get ready for repeated readings and lots of hugs!

Carving pumpkins. Fresh baked apple pie. Leaf piles. Jack-o’-lanterns. Featuring Glenys Nellist’s whimsical read-aloud rhymes and Cee Biscoe’s cuddly illustrations, the Snuggle Time Fall Blessings board book will become part of your new autumn reading tradition.

Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, Sunday School teacher or older brother or sister, the little ones in your life will be ready for all the joys fall can bring when they hear …

Let’s go apple picking,
Shake them from the tree.
Round and fat and juicy,
The big red one’s for me!

My Thoughts

One of my favorite children's authors is Glenys Nellist. She has such a lovely way with words. This new addition to her Snuggle Time books is a wonderful read for the fall and Thanksgiving season. 

We have several of her Snuggle Time books and love them. This new book is no exception. Glenys tells a story through rhyme that rolls easily off the tongue. That's a bonus when you wind up reading this darling book over and over again. 

I also like that it is a board book edition. Board books are so much easier with little ones. You don't have to worry about pages getting rumpled and torn. That leaves you and your little one able to just enjoy reading and talking about all the fun activities that come with the fall season.

Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

Love Is Kind by Laura Sassi | Children's Book Review

Love Is Kind

Laura Sassi

illustrated by Lison Caperon

Children's Book

Love Is Kind is a heartwarming story about Little Owl who hopes to buy his grammy a heart-shaped box of chocolates for her birthday. On his quest for the chocolates, he’s thwarted at every turn, but ends up discovering the real meaning of love.

Told in simple prose by bestselling author Laura Sassi, this heartfelt and humorous picture book is a sweet reminder that real love isn’t found in a box–even one filled with chocolates. Love Is Kind takes a charming and gentle approach to teaching kids the true meaning of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13, while celebrating the bonds that kids have with their grandparents, and the many forms that love and happiness can take.

My Thoughts

It just doesn't get more adorable than this book! Little Owl is so determined to buy a box of chocolates for his Grammy's birthday. But every time he has the opportunity in his grasp it slips away. Through it all Little Owl keeps a sweet spirit and winds up giving the best gift instead.

I love, love, love how this story walks the reader through 1 Corinthians 13. It was such a wonderful way to put that chapter in terms of everyday use. We all have circumstances that turn out differently than we anticipated but if we remember what this chapter says we'll be able to handle life's ups and downs with grace.

This book is definitely going in this Grammy's library. I look forward to reading and discussing it with my little people.

Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli | Children's Board Book Review

Thankful

Eileen Spinelli

illustrated by Archie Preston

Children's Board Book

Celebrate everyday blessings, practice thankfulness, and observe the wonderful acts of service that keep us going each and every day. Eileen Spinelli, bestselling and award-winning children's author, charms with rhymes and whimsy in Thankful, perfect for any young reader and their family.

My Thoughts

We first read Thankful by Eileen Spinelli several years ago when it first came out. It is a lovely book that talks about the simple everyday things that we each should be thankful for. I was so happy to see it released as a board book this year. We have enjoyed it all over again with our little grand babies. I love the message and the whimsical illustrations and now those sweet little hands can hold it without worrying about tearing pages.

Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

The Wonder That Is You by Glenys Nellist | Children's Book Review

The Wonder That Is You

Glenys Nellist

Children's Book

"It felt as if the world stood still

The day my dream came true,

And all creation paused to see

The wonder that is you."

Every parent dreams of celebrating the arrival of their new child. This heartwarming picture book captures the moment that dream comes true.

Filled with tender emotion and joy, The Wonder That Is You is the perfect way to tell your little one how much they are loved.

My Thoughts

Some children's books are written especially for children. The words and illustrations are designed to capture the attention of the child as the parent reads to them. Other children's books are written with the momma in mind. The Wonder That Is You was written for the mommas. The precious message goes right to the heart of the new mother expressing all those beautiful hopes and dreams that we have as we cuddle our new little one.

If you purchase books for new baby gifts, this one needs to be on your list. It is beautifully illustrated and the verses are tender and touching. It will be a lovely gift to the new momma over and over again as she reads the book to her sweet new baby. 

Other Reviews For This Author

Christmas Love Letters from God

Love Letters From God Little Love Letters From God Snuggle Time Prayers Snuggle Time Psalms NIrV Love Letters From God Holy Bible Connect With The Author

www.GlenysNellist.com
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Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Little Sweet Pea, God Loves You by Kit Chase | Childrens Book Review

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Crack Yourself Up Jokes For Kids by Sandy Silverthorne | Children's Book Review

Crack Yourself Up Jokes For Kids

Sandy Silverthorne

Children's Book

Why are dogs such bad dancers? They have two left feet.

Knock, knock. Who's there? Alex. Alex who? Alex the questions around here.
What's red and goes up and down? A tomato in an elevator.

Any kid can be a comedian with a little help from Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids. This zany collection of one-liners, knock-knock jokes, riddles, puns, funny lists, and hilarious illustrations promises hours of fun. Just be careful. These are the kinds of laughs that make milk come out your nose--so don't drink and read!

Perfect for kids ages 6-12.

Read an excerpt.

My Thoughts

This cute little book will either delight you or drive you crazy as a parent or perhaps even a little of both. In our family it has been used as a secret weapon. We have a couple of reluctant readers that usually reject all efforts to get them to read. But something about a good joke book draws them in.

Mr. Silverthorne has put together a good mix of jokes, knock-knock jokes, riddles, and silly stories. They are guaranteed to make you laugh, groan, roll your eyes, and shake your head. But it also makes me so happy to have my little one following me around reading out of it to me.

Whether you have a reluctant reader or an avid bibliophile this book is a good choice for your children. The jokes are clean and clever so you don't have to worry about what they are going to come across and repeat.

Connect With The Author

www.SandySilverthorne.com

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Disclosure statement:

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Bedtime Book by Mary Engelbreit | Children's Book Review

The Bedtime Book

Mary Engelbreit

Children's Storybook

Mama comes to tuck you in,

Pulls the covers to your chin,

Squeezes fingers, squeezes toes,

Lays a kiss upon your nose.

New York Times bestselling author Mary Engelbreit presents The Bedtime Book, a beautifully-illustrated picture book that pairs sleepy time text with Mary’s beloved, timeless art. From endearing poems and snuggly stories to sweet blessings and precious prayers, each page of The Bedtime Book features ways for you to read your little one to sleep. The Bedtime Book has a beautiful cover decorated with embossing and spot gloss.

My Thoughts

I've long been a fan on Mary Engelbreit's whimsical art style. Her color palette and darling characters draw the viewer in. The Bedtime Book combines Mary's artistic talent with beautiful verses to make a charming book for children.

The theme is bedtime and that's when we tried it out. Honestly, I'm not sure who enjoyed it more . . . granny or grands! It was nice to snuggle in and read through the book. The little rhyming verses were easy to say and the pictures provide so much discovery. I feel like I see something new in the details each time we read it.

The Bedtime Book is a hardback so it would make a lovely gift for a new baby or a special little one. It's one of those beautiful books that you won't tire of reading over and over.

The Beginner's Bible My First Book of Prayers | Children's Book Review

The Beginner's Bible My First Book of Prayers

Zonderkidz

Nonfiction

The Beginner’s Bible® has been a favorite with young children and their parents since its release in 1989 with over 25 million products sold.
The Beginner's Bible My First Book of Prayers helps young children discover that they can talk to God about anything from the beauty of creation to their friendships and emotions. Thankfulness, praise, and requests for God's help are all included.

Sixteen sweet prayers, written with the child's daily experiences in mind, focus on important character traits such as caring and forgiveness. For each prayer, charming illustrations from The Beginner's Biblehighlight a different Bible character or scene that illustrates the truth found in the prayer. Ideal gift for a new parent or young child, and a great addition to church or daycare library.

My Thoughts

If your family enjoys The Beginner's Bible then you need to add this companion piece to your library. The characters and verses will be familiar to your children and will help them connect with what is being taught. The focus of My First Book of Prayers is of course prayer. There are sixteen different selections that will highlight different events in the Bible and the corresponding prayer that the people would have likely prayed.

For example the first selection is from Genesis and involves Adam and Eve in the garden. The prayer focuses on gratitude. That's an easy thing to imagine if you think about the beauty and provision that they were surrounded by. It's also a great way to begin to teach your children to look around and see the beauty and provision that God has provided for them right here.

The rest of the sections contain similar examples like a prayer for courage such as one David would have prayed when he was up against Goliath. Or a prayer of kindness like the good Samaritan must have prayed over the poor wounded man he rescued.

Each example points to the many different ways that we can have a conversation with God all day long in every situation we find ourselves in. 

The book itself is a padded board book that makes it easy for little hands to use over and over again. It would make a wonderful addition to your morning or evening storytime routine.

Found: Psalm 23 by Sally Lloyd-Jones | Children's Book Review

Found: Psalm 23

Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrations by Jago

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 4-8)

God is my Shepherd.

And I am his little lamb.

With lyrical text from The Jesus Storybook Bible and new, engaging illustrations, Psalm 23 comes alive for young children like never before. Snuggle up with your little one as you both discover God's Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreakable, Always and Forever Love.

My Thoughts
We are big fans of both Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago. Sally's words and Jago's illustrations have combined to produce some of our favorite books. Our all time favorite is of course The Jesus Storybook Bible. We've used that resource for several events in our house including our Advent readings. In fact right now we're preparing to us it for our Lent and Easter readings.
Found: Psalm 23 is taken from that wonderful book. While the words are the same the illustrations are new. And in my opinion the new pictures are even more beautiful than the originals. 
I really like the idea of a separate book that focuses in on this chapter of Scripture. Most of us have it memorized but Sally's paraphrase allows the reader to take a fresh look at it and grasp the concepts it contains. What a beautiful thing to teach your little one that God's love is "never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, and it is always and forever."
If you have a preschooler this book would be a perfect fit for your family library. I also think it would make a great birthday present, Easter basket filler, or baby shower gift. It's a padded board book so it will stand up to lots of reading and turning of pages by little hands.
Connect With The Author

www.SallyLloyd-Jones.com

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Christmas Love Letters from God: Bible Stories by Glenys Nellist | Children's Christmas Book Review

Christmas Love Letters from God: Bible Stories

Glenys Nellist

Illustrated by Rachel Clowes

Children's Christmas Book

Written for children ages four to eight, Christmas Love Letters from God cleverly combines both prose and poetry as the story of Jesus’ birth unfolds. The book includes seven stories, beginning with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the wise men. Following each story, the child will find his or her own letter from God, folded into a small envelope attached to the page. Each letter begins with a space in which to write the child’s name, so each one can be specially addressed to the child.

Written as if God is speaking, each personalized message gives the young reader a sense of wonder as they discover anew the Christmas holiday and the birth of Jesus. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Perfect Promise, also accompanies each story and letter as God’s personal words of love, promise, and hope.

My Thoughts
Christmas Love Letters from God is another new edition to our family's 25 days of Christmas books collection. I am especially excited about this one because I love Glenys Nellist's writing and particularly her other Love Letters from God books. The sparkle in my grands eyes when they read a personalized letter from God is absolutely priceless.
The story of Christ's birth is told through seven different sections and they begin with the prophesy in Isaiah. After we hear from Isaiah we switch to Mary and her visit from the angel. Glenys' version of the Magnificat is beautiful. Next is Joseph and his dream. And then the couple are off on their trip to Bethlehem. The story of Christ's birth is told in a way that will stick with you for a long time. Then we get the account of the shepherds and finally the wise men.
While this book isn't probably for the littlest ones on their own. (There are flaps for each of the letters that little hands may tear.) It is sure to be a delight for the whole family year after year. We're in the process of replacing some of our oldest Christmas board books and I am absolutely thrilled with this one. Rachel Clowes' art work and Glenys Nellist's words combine to tell the Christmas story accurately yet uniquely. I'm sure that your family will come to love it as much as ours has.
Other Reviews For This Author
Love Letters From God Little Love Letters From God Snuggle Time Prayers Snuggle Time Psalms NIrV Love Letters From God Holy Bible
Connect With The Author

www.GlenysNellist.com
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A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit | Children's Christmas Book Review

A Night of Great Joy

Mary Engelbreit

Juvenile Fiction / Christmas

"All those gathered under that bright

star were filled with joy, and knelt down

to worship the child.

At last, the Savior of the world

had come."

A Night of Great Joy celebrates the joyful season of Christmas and the story of the nativity, told through the performance of a children's Christmas pageant. Mary Engelbreit paints a wonderful picture of the night that Jesus was born--a night of wonder and awe. From the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem to the gathering of many before the baby Jesus, this holiday treasure leads children through the tale of the birth of Jesus, guiding them with the star of Bethlehem.

My Thoughts
One of my very favorite activities during the Christmas season is to attend the children's Christmas program at our church. What could be more darling than little shepherds dressed in their daddy's old bathrobe? Or how about the shy little angel that suddenly bursts into tears? All of it is just precious.
Mary Engelbreit has captured the beautiful simplicity of this traditional event in her very own whimsical way. She happens to be one of my favorite artists and this book showcases the very best of her talents. It will definitely become a treasured part of our yearly Christmas book reading.
If you are like we are and do a nightly Christmas book reading leading up to Christmas then I can't recommend this book enough. It is sure to delight the little ones because they can envision themselves in the same roles but it will also bring a smile to the adults' faces as they recall Christmas programs of the past. I personally look forward to sharing this book with each of my grands.
Connect With The Author

www.MaryEngelbreit.com

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God's Little Lambs Bible Stories by Julie Stiegemeyer | Children's Book Review

God's Little Lambs Bible Stories

Julie Stiegemeyer

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 4-8)

God's Little Lambs Bible Stories is a storybook Bible written just for little ones. Children will learn about God's love through 35 beloved Bible stories such as "Noah's Are", "Jonah and the Big Fish", and "Jesus Welcomes the Children." Readers will love to cuddle up with this book at bedtime or any time of the day.

My Thoughts

God's Little Lambs Bible Stories is a delightful new storybook Bible designed for the preschool set. We do a daily Bible story with the little ones in our family so we are always on the look out for a new addition to our reading library. 

There are 35 different stories that are spread equally over the Old and New Testaments. All the stories focus on God's love and provision for His people. I enjoy Julie Stiegemeyer's words as she simplifies the story for a young audience but still remains true to the original Scripture passage. Qin Leng's illustrations are just beautiful. She uses vibrant colors and simple illustrations that pair well with Julie's words.

One of the things that I like most about this particular book is that each story also includes the Scripture reference for where the story is located. This is especially helpful for our new approach to Family Bible Study. We read the book portion to the little ones but the older ones can look up and read the passages in their own Bibles. 

If you're looking for a new storybook Bible for your little one I would recommend checking this one out. I think your family will enjoy it again and again.

Connect With The Author

www.JulieStiegemeyer.net

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Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist | Children's Book Review

Snuggle Time Psalms

Glenys Nellist

Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Children's Book (ages 2-4)

When I snuggle in my bed

And hold my teddy bear, 

I feel you smiling down on me,

I know, God, you are there.

Beginning with "Bedtime Peace" and ending with "Wonderful Me!" this collection of fifteen bedtime poems introduces little ones to the Psalms and brings them closer to God as they snuggle up and drift off to sleep.

My Thoughts
Children's books written by Glenys Nellist are always special but this darling book that focuses on the Psalms is a true delight. The book features fifteen different passages in Psalms and takes the concept of the particular Scripture and uses a poem to bring understanding. 
After reading it to one of my sweet grands I can imagine enjoying this book over and over again. It is a nice addition to the bedtime routine. The portions are short and sweet so your toddler can pay attention and then hopefully be tucked nicely into bed. 
I would be totally remiss if I didn't mention just how lovely the illustrations by Cee Biscoe are. Lots of soft and cuddly animals in beautiful pastel colors. The pictures truly do compliment the story. I look forward to many nights of reading this book and I think you will too.
Other Reviews For This Author
Snuggle Time Prayers Little Love Letters From God Love Letters From God
Connect With The Author

www.GlenysNellist.com

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The Beginner's Bible Kid-Sized Devotions from Zonderkidz | Children's Book Review

The Beginner's Bible Kid-Sized Devotions

Zonderkidz

Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 4-8)

Snuggle up for

time together with God

and your little one.

Each of the 365 simple daily devotions are filled with Scripture and prayer perfect for young children. Kid-Sized Devotions is based on The Beginner's Bible, the most popular and beloved storybook Bible for preschoolers.

My Thoughts

I'm of the mindset that it is never too early to begin reading Scripture to our little ones. And one of my favorite go-to resources for the preschool set is The Beginner's Bible. It is short and sweet with abundant colorful illustrations that keep that short attention span engaged. 

In that same format Zonderkidz has put together The Beginner's Bible Kid-Sized Devotions. Again short and sweet but very impactful for our little ones. It allows you and your child to journey through the Bible together and get a great foundational overview of what Scripture contains.

The first 60 days are set in the book of Genesis. Days 61 through 203 hit the highlights of the Old Testament. Then from Day 204 through 340 you get the story of Jesus and his ministry through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The life and ministry of Jesus is told in order so it flips from one book to the next. The book of Acts is featured in days 341-362 and finally the last three days are from the book of Revelation. 

The set-up is designed to be short so it would make a wonderful read at either bedtime or breakfast (or maybe even naptime). The days are numbered but not dated so it is easy to start anytime, and if you happen to miss a day you can just pick up where you left off. 

This would make a lovely gift from a grandparent or friend. It would be such a nice encouragement to the parent wanting to introduce their little one to the discipline of daily devotions. I recommend it highly.

For more wonderful resources from The Beginner's Bible from coloring and activity pages to snack ideas check out their website and Facebook page. (Just a hint . . . I print some of these resources off and mail them to my grands. It's a great way for this granny to share Jesus with my beloved grandbabies that live away from me.)