Equality

The Story of Rosa Parks

Patricia A. Pingry

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.

Johnny Ray Moore

Black history month starts in a couple of days. As a parent, I want to share history with my young children and introduce the concept and stories, but they are a bit too young to share some of the harsher details that went with the time period. These two books have mastered this beautifully.

The two books cover the stories of two prominent leaders in the equality movement. They begin with a tiny bit of their past and then talk about why they were so important. Both authors brought the importance of their work or their issues to the front so that the young child can understand how amazing these people were without the negative things that accompanied the fight for freedom. The illustrations were adorable and are very relatable to the target age of toddlers and preschoolers. While these books don't begin to cover what we will eventually tell our children about racism and equality, they are a great starting of point for young toddlers and can open the door to those conversations. I will be gifting the books to my local school after my children are finished with them.

I received a copy of these books from First Look. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Restoring Christmas

Restoring Christmas

Cynthia Ruchti

Alexis finally has a shot at making her design company a working business. All she has to do is meet the videographer and set a time to go see the home belonging to a woman named Elsie. Once Alexis turns in the completed video with the finished home she has a chance to win a spot on a tv program and get her business name out to potential clients. But the day doesn't begin well when the videographer sends his son instead. And it certainly isn't a good thing that the homeowner was tricked into having her home on the show and isn't happy about any of the changes Alexis wants to make. Alexis must learn to adapt, listen, and love in the spirit of Christmas if she stands a chance at the tv show and also a shot at love.

This was a wonderful book. The story line is original, the descriptions pull you into the book, the characters are well defined and are authentic. I loved all of the characters. The author did such a great job of making them likable while still having flaws. The characters took a journey of the heart and each one of them became different people because of the experience. The author was able to pull me into their story and have me feel their emotions and experience their journey with them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys feel good stories with some heartfelt issues thrown in. I'm glad I had the chance to read this book.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

A Veggie Tales Book

Melinda Rumbaugh

A bright, colorful board book explains the real meaning for Christmas while showing the Veggie Tale characters as they participate in all sorts of Christmas activities. As they wrap presents, sing songs, and exchange gifts, the story points to the end where they learn who was the best gift that was ever given.

The entire page is filled with bright color and fun Christmas scenes. The young child will be able to relate to the many activities that the book talks about. The vocabulary is perfect for the intended age. Children will enjoy being able to hold the book and turn the pages themselves. The illustrations fit well with the text and will keep them engaged while being read to. The beautiful message that it leaves with the child is one that we all want to impart to our children. This would be an excellent gift for any toddler or would make a great addition to a nursery or preschool.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Berenstain Bears

The Berenstain Bears Love One Another

Mike Berenstain

 Brother and Sister bear learn what their memory verse means when they help Mama make muffins for a neighbor. They decide to find other ways to help other people and act out the Bible verse they learned in church. Helping others is one way that we can show our love to the people or bears around us.

This is a board book that is designed for toddlers to hold and enjoy. The illustrations fill the entire page with the words fitting around the drawings. The vocabulary fits well with the intended age, but older children who have enjoyed the Berenstain books will also enjoy this one and will be able to read it themselves. The short story does a great job of explaining the concept behind the Bible verse and offers ways to act out what the child has learned. This would make an excellent gift for a young child.

I received a copy of this book from First Look. All opinions expressed are my own.

While My Child Is Away

While My Child Is Away

My Prayers for When We Are Apart

Edie Melson

One of the hardest things a parent can do is let their child go in to the world, knowing there isn't anything they can do to help or guide them. The author of this book has written some prayers that parents can pray for various situations when the parents are parted from their children and the only option is to pray. Prayers, scripture, and some wisdom in the form of devotions all mix together to create a comforting and hopeful book for parents.

First, I loved the cover of this book, so calming and beautiful. The book is compact, so easy to take with you. Each prayer is specific, not very long, and accompanied by a Bible verse. The book is divided into nine different sections that cover a lot of the different scenarios that a parent might encounter with their child. This would be a wonderful gift for a parent, especially one that has a child leaving the home for college, marriage, camp, etc.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Book of Prayers

The Berenstain Bears' Book of Prayers

Mike Berenstain

 The Berenstain Bears are a favorite with children. Come along as the little bears learn more than fifty different prayers for different occasions. Bright colorful illustrations will delight both children and parents. The book is smaller to fit toddler hands. The puffy cover and board book pages will make turning the pages easy. Each prayer is short enough to keep the attention span of the child, but is heartfelt and meaningful. The accompanying pictures will help the little ones understand what the prayer is for.

My children are a little old for this particular book, but love the Berenstain bears so wanted to keep the book and look through it. We will be gifting this to a friend, but had to check it out first. I would have loved having this when my little ones were toddlers. The author did an excellent job of matching the illustrations with the prayers and capturing the thought that we can talk to God about anything and pray anywhere. This lovely book would make an excellent addition to any home, preschool, or church nursery.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

God Made the Sun and Moon

God Made the Sun/God Made the Moon

Mary Manz Simon

God Made the Sun and God Made the Moon are sweet board books that talk about how God made the sun and moon and all of the blessings that we get from these gifts. The books are small and designed to fit little hands. The font is large, making it easy to read. The vocabulary is perfect for the toddlers the books are designed for. The little sun and moon cut outs are a textural addition to the book that children will enjoy. The bright, colorful illustrations fit perfectly with the text and have lots of details to help tell the story and keep the young child captivated.

I really enjoyed sharing these books with a small friend. He loved turning the pages for me and feeling the sun and moon as we got to each one. We talked about the pictures and this opened up a conversation about all of the other wonderful things that God has made for us. The author kept the attention on God and the books end in such a way that they make the perfect bedtime story. I would definitely recommend these books for your small child or for a gift.

I received these books free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

How to Graduate Debt Free

How to Graduate Debt Free

The Best Strategies to Pay for College

Kristina Ellis

 

College is expensive. Any parent or college student will tell you that the thought of ending college with a mountain of debt is not a good one. But how is a parent with little to no savings or a student with only a part-time job able to handle college without paying for it years after graduation? This books takes the best strategies and ways to pay for college, thus saving the parents and students a world of headaches and stress.

As a parent, the idea of paying for two college tuitions is daunting. So I was excited to read this book and see what the author had to say. She takes her own personal experiences and her degree in business to write a well thought out and understandable plan that can be tweaked for anyone. I was expecting a lot of information. But I was not expecting how entertaining and interesting the author was able to make it. I was able to read through the book quickly and didn't get bored or bogged down in the details, but I also gleaned quite a bit of useful information that I can use to start planning for my children's education. The author has an easy, smooth writing style that feels personable and well informed. I would recommend this book to anyone with children or any student getting ready for college.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

God Made You Just Right

God Made You Just Right

Jill Roman Lord

 God created each of us just right. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Using a verse from the Bible, the author and illustrator have taken a beautiful concept and brought it down to a child's understanding. As the child flips the pages the lyrical, rhyming words fit perfectly with the gorgeous illustrations and help to show the child all of the wonderful things about them that God has designed. The board book design makes this perfect for small children to hold and turn the pages. 

Parents will love the inspirational message and the Bible verse. Children will love the whimsical artwork that includes animals, flowers, and small children. They will also appreciate the flow of words and larger print. I know that my children would have really enjoyed this book when they were toddlers. This book would make an excellent addition to any family library or church nursery.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Busy, Busy!

Busy, Busy!

Eileen Spinelli

Everyone is very busy doing what God created them to do. Even mommy is busy working. But she always has time to spend with her little on cuddling and giving love. Each page is filled with bright, colorful illustrations that will capture the attention of the young child. Rhyming words tell the story and stand out against the illustrated background. The board book is the perfect size for small hands and fits perfectly with the intended age group.

The story has a sweet message and is great for showing affection to young children and opening up the conversation about how even though we are all busy, we still love our children. The flow of words and  whimsical illustrations will keep the child engaged. I think this would also make a great gift.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Would a Worm Go on a Walk?

Would a Worm Go on a Walk?

Hannah C. Hall

Bright, colorful illustrations fill the entire page, while lyrical rhyming words ask silly questions. Children will enjoy the funny questions and parents will enjoy the concepts of God, nature, and His purpose for everything. The book asks if certain animals will do things that are not normal for them such as a worm walking. But it ends with the thought that God has a specific plan for every animal, but more importantly He has a design and plan for us because we are His masterpiece.

My daughter loved the book. The illustrations fit well with the text and helped to "tell the story". The cover is enticing and children will enjoy the artwork. The book would work well for younger children who are learning about God and how He fits in their life. It takes something comical, which children love, and subtly imparts the message that we are important to little children. I could also see this book being a hit in a nursery or children's pre-school.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

My Mother's Quilts

My Mother's Quilts

Devotions of Love, Legacy, Family and Faith

Ramona Richards

The author's mother was a quilter. In fact, most of the woman in Ms. Richards life were quilters. Presented in a devotional style, the author shares her memories of her mother and the quilts they discussed. Thirty quilts, thirty plus pictures, thirty different lessons learned. Each one has a beautiful photograph to showcase the quilt being discussed. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and ends with a Prayer Starter.

My mother and mother-in-law both quilt. So this was like getting a glimpse into what they enjoy. Each devotional was well written, had an important message, and made me think. I enjoyed each of the stories and the gorgeous pictures. This book would make an excellent gift for that quilter in your life. But I think it can be enjoyed by anyone, since it showcases family and faith so well.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Bedtime Snuggles

Bedtime Snuggles

Patricia Reeder Eubandk

The book tells the story of farm and woods animals as they all head to bed to go to sleep. It mentions each animal and how its mother gets them ready for sleep by holding them close in some way. The sweet story ends with how a mommy will snuggle her child close before putting them to bed.

The illustrations fill the entire page with the words over top. Each picture is adorable and will delight even the smallest children. Mine would have loved this when they were younger. The hard pages and smaller size make this the perfect book for a toddler that enjoys looking at the pictures along with whoever is reading to them. 

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

The Berenstain Bears

The Berenstain Bears Easter Blessings

Mike Berenstain

 The Berenstain Bears learn all about blessings as they head to church. Mama and Papa Bear point out all of the things that God has given them.

Now toddlers can have their own Berenstain Bear books. This is a small board book is perfect for little toddler hands. The bright colors and illustrations will appeal to them as the parent reads all about Easter. Parents will appreciate the simple way that Easter is explained. This book would be great for families, preschools, or churches. 

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

All Things Bright

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrated by Katy Hudson

The well know hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Alexander was written in the 1800s and is used in a book for young children that will also visually delight young readers. The words of the hymn are used as text and the illustrations are drawn to match the words. The illustrator used the words to pair the pictures so the readers can see the hymn as it's being read to them.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. There isn't a story since the words are only the words to the song. So it might be difficult for parents to read and the children to stay engaged. I think the target age should be 2-5. My daughter is in 1st grade and looked through the book once, but wasn't really interested in reading it again. The pictures are very detailed and will entertain small children with all of the tiny aspects. The three siblings are adorable and the family aspect is a nice theme.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Love and Care

Love and Care For The One and Only You

Michelle Medlock Adams

Everyone who has ever flown on a plane has heard the instructions to take care of your own oxygen in case of an emergency before helping the person next to you. This book is devoted to learning how to take care of the body that God has given you. There are 52 devotional type chapters. The book can be read all at once or spaced out, with one a week, over the entire year. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and the author's comments and thoughts. It ends with a Power Prayer, a section called Work Your Words, and a Healthy Hint. The Work Your Words is a sentence or two that is to be repeated by the reader to change the mindset of how you think about yourself, to place positive thoughts into your mind. The Healthy Hint is taking something from the chapter and making it applicable and gearing you towards better health and care of your body.

I loved the lay out of the book. It wasn't daunting to think about applying everything all at once. Each chapter was simple and yet could have a profound impact if each concept was applied. Instead of being discouraged at how badly out of shape and unhealthy I was, I felt empowered and energized to get back to where I needed to be. The author was very motivating. This would be a wonderful book for anyone who wants to take better care of themselves. But it would also make an excellent gift.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

The Sparkle Box

The Sparkle Box

Jill Hardie

One day while listening to his mom read a Christmas story, Sam notices a sparkly box on the mantle. His parents kept telling to wait whenever he asked what was in the box. As the days go by he and his family find ways to bless others during the season. And Sam waits impatiently to find out what is in the box. Each time he asks, his mother tells him that she still has a few more things to put in it. When he opens the box he finds out who the gift is for and how he contributed.

This is a book to keep on our shelf with the treasured Christmas collection. The illustrations are incredible and really help tell the story. The message that the story tells is one of giving, unselfishness, and the real reason for the Christmas season. The book includes a sparkle box so the tradition can be carried on. I loved the concept and my children really loved the idea as well. Since we already do a lot of these types of things it was easy to implement this new tradition. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with children who wants to inspire them to have a giving heart.  

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

The Adventures of Pajama Girl

The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen

Sandra Hagee Parker

 

Something special and wonderful happens to Ellie every night when she goes to sleep. When she puts on her pajamas she finds that her dreams match the print on her pajamas. So Ellie, otherwise known as Pajama Girl, helps rescue the princess parade in Cupcake Kingdom when she puts on her cupcake pajamas.

Bright, colorful illustrations fill each page as the author weaves a magical story about two little sisters and the amazing dreams they have when pajamas are put on each night. Life lessons about stealing, jealousy, and friendship are woven into a sweet story about sisters who help each other and other people. My daughter loved the story and the illustrations.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

Heartfelt

Heartfelt

A Woman's Guide to Creating Meaningful Friendships

Joneal Kirby

Women crave personal and deep relationships. But in today's world of social media it is getting harder and harder to find those deep connections that we crave so much. The young women of today are often living far from their families, the very ones who should be teaching them about marriage, mothering, dinner parties, and relationships. Titus 2 instructs the older women to take the younger women and mentor them. The author has taken this much needed concept and created a ministry structured around the Titus verse. Readers will learn the benefits of mentors and mentoring and will learn how to create this group.

The stories were taken from women who experienced this group and have been blessed in multiple ways. I enjoyed each of the stories and could definitely see why the author saw the need for this type of ministry. The instructions in the last few chapters were insightful and would be very helpful to anyone wanting to set up this type of ministry in their own home. I would recommend this to anyone who feels the need for deeper connections with other women or who feels the need for a mentor.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

The Covered Deep

The Covered Deep

Brandy Vallance

Bianca grew up in small town Ohio. But her dreams and aspirations take her mind far from home. Her father realizes that she'll never be content, so he encourages her to enter a contest for a trip to the Holy Land. Bianca hopes to meet her soul mate on this magical trip, should she win. But is her mother right? Are her dreams of a soul mate unrealistic? Should she be content with her small town and one of the men from there?

This book wasn't like anything I've ever read before. I read it quickly in one evening and it was definitely spell binding and gripping. The plot and most of the characters were so completely different from what is typically found in christian fiction, but this gave it an appealing quality. The details got a bit boggy at times, but the plot moved along quickly and I was able to skim over most of them. The ending of their trip in Israel was a bit over the top and didn't end in parts. But overall, when I finished the story I was left with a more positive than negative feeling. 

I would definitely read more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.