Review: The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado

The Tallest of Smalls
Much to my surprise, I received a beautiful children's book for review from Thomas Nelson Publishers that almost looked like a Leonardo De Vinci book! Stunning illustrations by Maria Monescillo are so alive with color plus many details for a child's eye to discover. Max Lucado, the author sets the writing tone with Dr.Seuss-inspired rhyme. The TALLEST of smalls is an inspirational, encouraging book for children as well as a parable for adults.

The story begins with a description of the community of Too Smalls that live in Stiltsville, a village where all of the important people got stilts and wore them around and looked down at the people without them. Later on, we discover that the main character Ollie, who was the very smallest of smalls, had always desired to be with the classy folk and had hopes of being picked one day to walk tall with the others!

This scenario made me curious to find out what would ensue. Will Ollie enjoy his new perspective of being lifted up above those down in the rut? Once again Max Lucado reminds the reader of a gentle yet powerful life changing lesson for us all, "refuse to be stilted; choose low over high"... walk in God's love. It is my pleasure to recommend this book to you. It makes a wonderful gift, teaching us to accept one another's differences, loving one another and knowing that we are loved, too! 5+ stars.

Max Lucado's The Tallest of Smalls



Product Details

* Reading level: Ages 4-8
* Hardcover: 32 pages
* Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 140031514X
* ISBN-13: 978-1400315147

The Tallest of Smalls


About the Author

Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week, he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course. He usually settles for the first two!

Product Description

An encouraging message for children: When you feel like you're the smallest of smalls, Jesus' love can make you feel like the tallest of talls.

A delightful rhyming story about the Too-Smalls who live in the Stiltsville. Every evening a six, the Too-Smalls meet in the square where they hope they'll be picked to receive stilts to strut about above the stilt-less masses below. They come to see if they matter if they're awesome, if they're pretty if they're clever, or funny. Ollie, the smallest of too-smalls, pleas to be picked. He wants to be like the high-ups of Stiltsville who are proud of their stilts, the ultimate status. But once he gets stilts, oh how it hurts when he stumbles and tumbles and loses his stilts. That is . . . until he meets Jesus who chose low over high telling him, "Keep your feet on the ground. You matter already."


Warmest Regards,
~ LadyD


Bookmark and Share

Enhanced by Zemanta

Book Tour: Charlie And Mama Kyna by Diana Rumjahn

Charlie and Mama Kyna

Thank you Diana Rumjahn for the opportunity to read your new children's book... I loved it! I understand that Charlie And Mama Kyna is based on the original motion picture "Going Home". The film, which features the same characters, has appeared in numerous film festivals worldwide, including The Times British Film Institute London Film Festival, and was the recipient of the Honorable Mention Award at the Marin County Film Festival in Marin County, Calif. and The Memorable Film Award at the International Panorama of Independent Film and Video Makers in Patras City, Greece.

Diana says, "After all of the positive experience that came with my film, Rumjahn says, I decided to bring the story to life in words and pictures as well. Hopefully, the book will allow many more children to enjoy Charlie and his friends."


Charlie and Mama Kyna Official Book Trailer



* What the Book is About:

The story is about a little stuffed animal frog, named Charlie who runs away in fear after accidentally breaking his mother’s favorite vase. Charlie makes his way to the city and meets a stuffed animal Lion, named Leo and a stuffed animal giraffe named Joe outside Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery. The three become best friends and live inside a little orange tent outside the bakery.

After awhile, Charlie becomes homesick, misses his mother, Kyna, decides to go home and invites Leo and Joe to live with them. On the next sunny day, Charlie, Leo, and Joe, journey to find Mama Kyna’s home.


My Review:

Charlie And Mama Kyna is the best picture book for easy reading alone or together. This lively tale of adventure with the most adorable friends is colorfully illustrated and woven with a valuable educational lesson that the author, Diana Rumjahn so beautifully shares with her warm style of writing. From a children's and adult perspective, this exciting page-turner has a successful plot unfolding with Charlie, the main character, resolving his dilemma and learning an eye-opening, heart-changing message... there's no place like home!

The children's book begins with "Once upon a time"... and we find runaway Charlie, the cutest green frog, now mind you not just any green frog but one adorned with a smashing red tie, sitting by his two friends, Leo Lion and Giraffe Joe. Their bright orange tent is happily set up in front of Mrs. Cupcakes Bakery. I can almost smell the aroma of delightful goodies displayed in her store!

Well, it seems Charlie accidentally broke his Mom's favorite vase and because he was so afraid and embarrassed, he ran away from home. Have you ever felt like that before? It doesn't take long and soon Charlie really misses his mommy and Charlie sets forth on a journey back home and invites his friends to come, too. After hiking for sometime, Charlie gets so tired that Leo decides to carry him on his back as they continue along together. It is here that I am reminded of the song, "He's not heavy, he's my brother".

Similar to the story of the prodigal son, our hearts leap with joy upon reading of Charlie's safe return and hearing Kyna, Charlie's mother's warm response and the moral of the story I might add, that people matter more than things. Kyna decides to throw a party for Charlie's best friends and family. Afterwards, we find all the characters of the book having a part to do in this wonderful safe family... ah, to be loved, there is nothing finer.

I rate this book 5+ stars and highly recommend it to you. I look forward to reading more from this author. I have been reading Charlie and Mama Kyna over and over to my Grandson and I trust that you will, too!


* Product Details

* Reading level: Ages 4-8
* Paperback: 38 pages
* Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (January 30, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1419656872
* ISBN-13: 978-1419656873

* About the Author

Diana Rumjahn earned a bachelor's degree in social science from San Francisco State University where she currently works at the Collage of Creative Arts. She wrote and directed the film "Going Home" which has been screened at venues worldwide. Rumjahn resides in San Francisco and is currently at work on film and book projects.

* Small World

Not only do I share the same first name with Diana but I also have a daughter living in San Francisco. She has worked on Bottle Shock, Harvey Milk and Sideways filmed on location all around beautiful San Francisco. Presently she is doing the props on the TV series Trauma and I was privileged to meet the director at one of the mornings shootings on the set at Treasure Island. A thrilling experience for me for sure and I am a very proud mama indeed!

* What Others say

"Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle, drop, drop, and drop - reading CHARLIE AND MAMA KYNA to your children will be as much fun for you as it will be for them listening to it. The adorable stuffed animals in this book learn a lesson about forgiveness, true friendship and the importance of a home sweet home. The perfect bedtime story." --Tigerpress Verlag GmbH of Hamburg, Germany April 2009

"This children's picture book--about a lion and giraffe accompanying their newfound friend, a frog, on his journey back home--is based on an award-winning short film."

"...laudable messages of friendship, love and fortitude... vivid, evocative word choice..."

---Kirkus Discoveries -- Kirkus Discoveries March 2009

Review copy provided by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Tours and the author.

These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books


Bookmark and Share

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Demo Begins




If you haven't been downtown in the last couple of days you missed it! Demolition on the old library began Monday, Oct 26 and most of the building is now gone...just a bit of the foundation and debris remains today. To see the bulldozer in action, go to:

http://fallbrookfriends.tripod.com




Friends of the Fallbrook Library is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Fallbrook Branch of the San Diego County Library. The group is spearheading the campaign to raise funds for a new and expanded library and cultural center complex to be built on grounds of the existing facility.



Today - the reality:


existing library, built in 1987, is 8,100 square feet

circulation averages 240,000 items per year

there are 26,000+ cardholders in Fallbrook, Bonsall, DeLuz and Rainbow area

too few computers (wait time may be one hour)

space cannot accommodate the summer reading program special events (must be held off-site)

Friends of the Fallbrook Library
111-B S. Main
Fallbrook, CA 92028
(760) 451-9606
e-mail: fallbrookfriends@aol.com

The new library is COMING!



Tomorrow - the dream:


expand the facility to approximately 17,500 square feet

provide a state-of-the-art library and community facility

increase the number of computers

enhance the children’s library

include a “teen” space

incorporate a community room

provide space and seating for reading and study

expand the bookstore area



Now, here is where you'll find me most of the time especially after a day at the Farmer's Market! I love the charm of this small town and how I love a good book!

Bottom Shelf Bookstore
Now Open
111-B S. Main
(next to the Art Center of Fallbrook)

MONDAY - SATURDAY: 10AM - 4PM

(760) 451-9606 (NEW number)

Gently used books, Videos, CDs, tapes, audio books, magazines, greeting cards, sheet music, puzzles...

Fiction: (Hard cover and paperback) Mystery/Suspense, Action/Thriller,
Romance, Westerns, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Children's books
Non-Fiction: Biography, History, Home & Garden, Cooking, Arts, Crafts, Inspiration/religion, Education, Classics, Collectibles, and more...





Warmest Regards,
~ LadyD




Bookmark and Share




Enhanced by Zemanta

Action Blog Tour: Wisdom Hunter and Shadow Government

Wisdom Hunter

Wisdom Hunter: A Novel (Paperback)



Product Description


This rerelease of Randall Arthur's bestselling novel presents the hypocrisy of Christian legalism and a man's search for the only surviving member of his family. The story's hero, Pastor Jason Faircloth, embarks on a journey that lasts eighteen years and takes him through four countries of a quest to find the granddaughter who is being hidden from him. In a process that mirrors our own spiritual journey, he discovers a rich relationship with God and the peace that finally comes with true faith.

Wisdom Hunter Summary:

Propelled into a quest for the granddaughter no one wants him to find, Jason Faircloth discovers that knowing it all could cost him everything he has. A fast-paced suspense novel, Wisdom Hunter explores what it means to break free of Christian legalism—and why grace can mean the difference between life and death.


My Review:

Wisdom Hunter is truly a great book that I can honestly say it forever impacted my life. This adventurous novel brilliantly written by Randall Arthur is action packed and immediately draws you in from the beginning, as a good book should and then you find that you've arrived at the last page within a day or two. Wisdom Hunter will reach your mind and your heart! It truly is a powerful experience to read and your heart will be changed.

I thought about how I could add to others description of this book since the reviews I've read are top notch in my book regarding Randall's amazing novel. I decided that through the emotional events of family crisis' that transpired with the main character of the book, Pastor Jason Faircloth, it is here that I felt my heart burst forth with cries out loud. Page after page Randall Arthur paints lives of people who have been hurt by their afflictions.

It is here that the author sounds the warning of uniformity in the church that destroys one's need of individual thinking and of truly accepting our differences. Randall's thoughts on this subject are very profound. Then we discover grace is ushered in and the work of change begins when one admits sincerely before others and their creator the need for a heart change.

If you are on the journey of searching for what is true and want to know why you believe then this book is for you. Having arrived at a place in one's life where you are reviewing your life versus regretting your life, then I most respectfully recommend this book to you. A heart that has been rebuilt seeks wisdom and understanding and I especially love how Randall so appropriately named his book, Wisdom Hunter. Funny thing is that when you come alongside the characters in this book and you've been touched by genuine humility and compassion for them, you just might find yourself being drawn to be more sensitive to the hurts of others.

I am so appreciative that this was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. Wisdom Hunter, a must read... 5+ stars

Author Bio:

Randall Arthur is the bestselling author of Jordan’s Crossing and Brotherhood of Betrayal. He and his wife have served as missionaries to Europe for over thirty years. From 1976 till 1998, he lived in Norway and Germany as a church planter. Since 2000, he has taken numerous missions teams from the United States on trips all over Europe . Arthur is also the founder of the AOK (Acts of Kindness) Bikers’ Fellowship, a group of men who enjoy the sport of motorcycling. He and his family live in Atlanta,Georgia .

I might add here that I am a member of Biker's For Christ and play the keyboard on the worship team. Pastor Fred Z is the founder of BFC and currently has established over 5,000 churches... small world yet the unity of Christian bikers is profound.

About the Author


Randall Arthur is the author of Wisdom Hunter, a controversial novel about the effects of legalistic Christianity. Arthur and his family are part of a missions agency that assists Eastern European churches reach their areas with the gospel. They are currently involved in planting a church in Berlin.

Product Details

* Paperback: 336 pages
* Publisher: Multnomah Books (September 20, 2003)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1590522591

Wisdom Hunter: A Novel


********

Shadow Government

Shadow Government Summary:

Grant Jeffrey reveals biblical prophecies that describe Satan’s work at the end of the age, as the evil one installs the Antichrist as the world’s unrivaled leader. The Antichrist will use technology to record the beliefs and loyalties of every person alive, in order to force their allegiance upon penalty of death.

Author Bio:

Grant R. Jeffrey is the internationally known prophecy researcher, Mideast expert, and author of Countdown to the Apocalypse, The New Temple and the Second Coming, The Next World War, and twenty other best-selling books. He is also the editor of the Prophecy Study Bible. His popular television program, Bible Prophecy Revealed, airs weekly on TBN. Jeffrey earned his master’s and PhD degrees from Louisiana Baptist University . He and his wife, Kaye, live in Toronto .


More of Grant R. Jeffrey:

Grant R. Jeffrey is a Canadian Bible teacher of Bible prophecy/eschatology and biblical archaeology and a leading proponent of dispensational, evangelical Christianity. As chairman of Frontier Research Publications for more than 20 years, Jeffrey’s 25 books have sold into the millions of copies and have been translated into 24 languages. He also appears on television and radio shows, particularly on Christian programs, and also attends speaking engagements around the globe.

In 1982, Jeffrey earned a Chartered Life Underwriter Certification from the University of Toronto's Extension Program. He later received his Master's Degree and Ph.D., in Biblical Studies, from Louisiana Baptist University. The university holds no secular academic accreditations, though the school has a number of accreditations from groups which accredit Christian schools. He has also done post-doctoral research in Apologetics and Theology, at Oxford University.

In 1999, Jeffrey's book, The Millennium Meltdown, reached #2 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list for religious paperbacks.[7] In 2000, his novel, The Spear of Tyranny, which he co-wrote with Angela Hunt, won the Christy Award for futuristic, Christian fiction.

In 2005, Trinity Broadcasting Network began broadcasting a 30-minute, weekly program entitled, Bible Prophecy Revealed, hosted by Jeffrey.

He currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with his wife, Kaye.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Jeffrey


For more information, visit his website at:

http://grantjeffrey.com


My Thoughts

Shadow Government explains how governments and corporations are using technology to invade your privacy and even setting up a precursor to the Anti-Christ's one-world government. Truths revealed in this book will bring the reader cautious concern and an unveiling of inevitable events that will cause one to make a decision for their future and their loved ones as well. This book's main point with research data and Biblical scripture simply say, do not take the mark of the beast! Frightening, shocking and revealing... get the book! 5/5 stars!


Shadow Government: How the Secret Global Elite Is Using Surveillance Against You

These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books


Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Bookmark and Share

Enhanced by Zemanta

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Where The Wild Things Are Image via Wikipedia
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Have you read the book? Is it one of your favorites? And then, please tell me... I've just got to know... did you like the movie?

You can read about Elizabeth Kennedy's post at:
Books for Children

I loved her article so much so that I posted it's entirety here:

"Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak has become a classic. Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal as the "Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year," it was first published by HarperCollins in 1963. When the book was written, the theme of dealing with dark emotions was rare in children's literature, especially in picture book format for young children.

* The Story

However, after more the 40 years, what keeps Where the Wild Things Are popular is not the impact of the book on the field of children's literature, it is the impact of the story and the illustrations on young readers. The plot of the book is based on the fantasy (and real) consequences of a little boy's mischief. One night Max dresses up in his wolf suit and does all kinds of things he shouldn't, like chasing the dog with a fork. His mother scolds him and calls him a "WILD THING!" Max is so mad he shouts back, "I'LL EAT YOU UP!" As a result, his mother sends him to his bedroom without any supper.

Max's imagination transforms his bedroom into an extraordinary setting, with a forest and an ocean and a little boat that Max sails in until he comes to a land full of "wild things." Although they look and sound very fierce, Max is able to tame them with a single glance. They all realize Max is "... the most wild thing of all" and make him their king. Max and the wild things have a fine time creating a rumpus until Max begins to want to be "…where someone loved him best of all." Max's fantasy ends when he smells his dinner. Despite the wild things' protests, Max sails back to his own room where he finds his supper waiting for him.

* The Book's Appeal

This is a particularly appealing story because Max is in conflict with both his mother and his own anger. Despite the fact that he is still angry when he is sent to his room, Max does not continue his mischief. Instead, he gives free rein to his angry emotions through his fantasy, and then, comes to a decision that he will no longer let his anger separate him from those whom he loves and who love him.

Max is an engaging character. His actions, from chasing the dog to talking back to his mother are realistic. His emotions are also realistic. It's quite common for children to get angry and fantasize about what they could do if they ruled the world and then calm down and consider the consequences. Max is a child with whom most 3-6-year-olds readily identify.

* To Sum Up

To sum up, Where the Wild Things Are is an excellent book. What makes it such an extraordinary book is the creative imagination of both Maurice Sendak the writer and Maurice Sendak the artist. The text and the artwork complement one another, moving the story along seamlessly. The transformation of Max's bedroom into a forest is a visual delight. Sendak's colored pen and ink illustrations in muted colors are both humorous and sometimes a little scary, reflecting both Max's imagination and his anger. The theme, conflict, and characters are ones with which readers of all ages can identify. I also know from personal experience that it is a book that children enjoy hearing again and again." (Publisher: HarperCollins, ISBN: 0060254920)


* Related Topic:

The Artistry and Influence of Maurice Sendak
The Artistry of Maurice Sendak

These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books


Enhanced by Zemanta

Blog Tour Book Review: Emily the Chickadee by Carol Zelaya

A big thank you goes to Pump Up Your Book Promo for the invitation to host this beautiful book tour: Emily the Chickadee by Carol Zelaya! Meet Emily! She’s a Black-capped Chickadee and the star of Carol Zelaya’s three-book series, Emily the Chickadee.
Told in gentle, rhyming verse, we follow a young girl, as she meets and becomes friends with Emily, and their lives intertwine. Carol Zelaya has penned three books about Emily the Chickadee. They show both how precious animals are and how nature touches all of us. Carol Zelaya shows children how to love and appreciate nature without interfering with it.

Product Details

* Reading level: Ages 4-8
* Hardcover: 36 pages
* Publisher: Richlee Publishing (November 1, 2008)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0979626528

* Book #1 Emily Waits for Her Family.

Emily Waits For Her Family

In the first book, Emily Waits For Her Family, the girl meets Emily and watches as she raises her nest of chicks.

A true story of the special bond between a tiny bird and a little girl, from first meeting to leaving, from new life to old friends. This timeless, three-part series in easy-reading rhyme is certain to delight and touch your heart. This is the first book in the series.

# Book #2 Caring for Emily's family

Caring For Emily's Family

In the second, Caring For Emily’s Family, the girl helps Emily to care for her family, providing food and shelter.


* Book #3 Emily's New Home: Emily the Chickadee

Emily's New Home

In the last book, Emily’s New Home, the girl must move and wonders if she will ever see Emily again. The next Spring brings a wonderful surprise; has Emily followed her?

* My Review

It's a good thing for me, being the peaceful person that I am, to receive these delightful series of children's books from Pump Up Your Book Promo and The Cadence Group. I loved these stories immensely! I have always been a bird watcher myself, have placed bird feeders around my bird sanctuary near fountains of running water only to patiently await a finch's arrival. For those of you not familiar with Chickadees, author of Emily the Chickadee Carol Zelaya introduces the reader to a mommy bird and her nest of chicks. Originally the book describes this beautiful relationship with a little girl caring for her new friend Emily with bird seed and fresh water. The illustrations provided by Kristen Metcalf are gorgeous and heart warming to see the beauty of nature all around.

But it's not until the little girl receives such sad news of her family moving away that saying good by to her familiar nature visits from Emily changes everything. It is upon reading the third book of the series that one sees how the author so tenderly conveys the feelings of changes through the eyes of a child and her joy of embracing the reunion of her friend with Emily's return. I loved Carol's writings because this book is educational and inspirational in its simplicity! I especially love that Carol's book is a true story of discovering a small bird in nature that brings her abundant joy to observe and care for. How lovely this beautiful series is and I highly recommend it to you! 5/5 stars.

Synopsis

Readers will find the delightful conclusion to this true story of Emily and "her" little girl. This third book in a timeless, three-part series, in easy-reading rhyme, is certain to delight and touch the heart.

About the Author

Carol Zelaya discovered her love for nature while living amidst the streams and forests of Oregon. A poet and writer, Carol met Emily, a tiny creature who came to live near her. Carol wrote this book to share Emily's story in hopes of educating others about the precious gifts around us if we just take the time to notice.

Biography

Carol Zelaya was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. However, it wasn't until moving to Oregon that she discovered her true love for nature. Deer and birds were daily visitors, but it was one special little chickadee that inspired her to write. She named the bird Emily. Carol has written Emily's story in hopes of educating children about nature's precious gifts.

Donna McDine had the pleasure of interviewing Carol Zelaya, author of Emily the Chickadee. Carol says,


This is a true story that actually happened to me about seven years ago when a little chickadee bird repeatedly made her nest in the most unusual places like my flower box, flower pots and even the wreath on my front door. I realized in speaking to others that this was not normal chickadee behavior. I knew there was something special about her and that she must have felt safe with me. I named the bird Emily and wanted to share her story with others, especially children. I knew that if I learned so much from watching her, hopefully children would as well. Nature is a wonderful teacher!


Read more of the interview at:

http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-author-carol-zelaya.html



Carol says in regards to her website, "It is full of educational information for children and they can also see a nest of real chickadee eggs hatching into real baby birds. There is also a contest for children to enter to win a toy chickadee in a monthly drawing."
For more information, readers can visit Carol's site at:
http://www.emilythechickadee.com





These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books




Enhanced by Zemanta

Children's Book Review: Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse

Review: Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse

Product Description


"Shadow: The Curious Morgan Horse," introduces the characters of the award-winning Morgan Horse series to younger readers. In this adventure, the young horse Shadow decides to explore the woods beyond her pasture. She searches for a magic pond and along the way meets many different forest animals. But when Shadow realizes she has become lost, how will she find her way home?

Product Details

* Reading level: Ages 4-8
* Hardcover: 32 pages
* Publisher: Willow Bend Publishing; 1 edition (December 1, 2006)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0970900260

About The Author

Award-winning author Ellen Feld began her career in a field far removed from horses. Receiving a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts with a double major of Russian and Soviet and Eastern European Studies, Ms. Feld continued her studies with graduate work at Georgetown University where she focused on Russian Studies. After a brief stint working in the foreign policy office for a US Senator in Washington, DC, Ms. Feld realized she missed her childhood home and returned to rural Massachusetts.

Back home, Ms. Feld resumed her first passion: horses. It was at the stable that she learned the importance of discipline and being dedicated to one's sport. In addition to the hard work, Ms. Feld also learned to appreciate the various personalities and quirks of individual horses. While working with horses was not new to her (she had been competing at Morgan Horse shows since she was a child), her skills matured and her love of Morgans grew. As an adult, Ms. Feld's repertoire included saddle seat, reining, hunter pleasure, driving, barrel racing, and western pleasure. With her gelding Rusty, Ms. Feld won the New England Morgan Horse Association High-Point Trail Award for five consecutive years. Ms. Feld has owned numerous equines of other breeds including Morabs, Appaloosas, Quarter Horses, and Miniature Horses.

Ms. Feld began writing about horses more than twenty-five years ago. At first, she wrote for small, regional publications, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. Her articles have appeared in publications such as The Morgan Horse, Stable Management, Equestrian, Young Rider, Just About Horses, Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, Tri-State Horse, and The Appaloosa Journal.

Ms. Feld's stories are noted for their realistic portrayal of horses, their behaviors, and the experiences of young riders. To attain this believability, Ms. Feld uses her horses as the basis for the animal characters within her books. For example, Ms. Feld's horse Blackjack, a showy English pleasure horse, stumbles over the smallest of jumps. In the book Rusty, the main character Heather tries to teach her beloved Blackjack to jump, but like the real Blackjack, he is unable to get his feet over the tiny ground poles. Many of the experiences that Heather has with her horses evolve from adventures that either Ms. Feld or one of her friends has had with their horses. The plots in her books reflect the reality of working with horses, and it is this down to earth quality, combined with fast-moving, fun horse action, that keeps the stories authentic and attracts so many readers.

Ms. Feld lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, ten horses, and assorted pets.

My Review:

I remember the days when my daughter at a very early age would pretend that a Eucalyptus tree branch was her horse that she called "lightning". So many country girls seem to be horse crazy where I live, a small town where the pace is slower and you just want to stop and drink in the sounds.

It is a privilege to introduce you to a delightful children's picture book called "Shadow" by Ellen F.Feld. This book was provided for review from Willow Bend Publishing. Ellen's books are very authentic for the portrayal of horses and their riders.I found Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse to be one of the best horse books I've read. Along with Jeanne Mellin's realistic illustrations, this hardcover book is a winner for sure. I rate it 5+ stars.

The book begins by a beautiful red barn with an introduction of Shadow and her mother named Frosty. Jeanne perfectly illustrates many animals of the woods that children will adore. I learned a lot about Morgan horses as Ellen brilliantly unfolds the story plot and the words are easily read by children and adults, whether alone or together.

"A Morgan Horse is a specific breed of horse, the same as a Basset Hound is a type of dog. Morgans are known for their stamina, sweet personalities, and stylish good looks."
http://www.readerviewkids.com/InterviewfeldRimfire.html

There's even a moral to this wonderful children's story while Shadow is on a quest to discover the Magic Pond in greener pastures. The "don't leave home to go exploring without your mother" ring out loud and clear. Shadow is an all around blue ribbon picture book!

For more information and to see Ellen's Horse Games, visit her website:
http://www.willowbendpublishing.com


Editorial Reviews

A delightful story - A great choice as a gift for any horsey boy or girl. -- Kelly Bowers, Editor, The Rider

Lavishly illustrated with 21 full-color pictures, this hardcover edition is designed to excite and charm young horse-loving readers. -- All Creature's Exchange

This is a delightful book, charming from beginning to end. Illustrations perfectly reflect the light-hearted and imaginative tone. -- Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar - Jan., 2007

This is not only a very appealing book visually, but it has a smoothly written story. -- TCM Reviews - Dec., 2006

You are guaranteed to delight in this story. Feld is a talented, creative, artistic writer. Absolutely delightful! -- Crystal Reviews - Dec., 2006

Young horse lovers will enjoy reading about the adventures of Shadow, an inquisitive foal, as she investigates the exciting and strange world outside her field. Ellen F. Feld knows how to write for young riders, and her latest book, Shadow: The Curious Morgan Horse is sure to please! --Lesley Ward, Editor, Young Rider Magazine

I was as captivated by this little book as any youngster could possibly be! The story line and drawings created a smooth, gossamer, and whimsical tale that any budding animal or horse lover would appreciate and treasure. This is the type of book that builds confidence and enjoyment in a child's reading skills and creates an ideal stepping stone from 'learning to read' to 'reading to learn.' It is a magical little story worth adding to one's collection or to give as a gift to a child or grandchild (while you're at it I'd suggest acquiring copies of the other books in this series). Marguerite Henry look out...here comes Ellen F. Feld! --RoundTable Reviews


Popular children's author Ellen Feld has given kids another reason to turn off the TV and pick up a book. The story of Shadow is a heart-warming tale of an inquisitive foal who wanders into the woods beyond her pasture. Along the way, Shadow meets new friends and her curiosity even gets her into a bit of trouble as she searches for a magic pond in the woods. This is a delightful book for youngsters. The story is charming from beginning to end, and the 21 colorful illustrations by Jeanne Mellin perfectly reflect the light-hearted and imaginative tone of the story. Horse-crazy kids will love having mom or dad read this story to them over and over. Bottom line: Beyond a "Shadow" of a doubt, this is a great book. --Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar



These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner




Bookmark and Share




Enhanced by Zemanta

Book Review- The Power of Respect: Benefit from the Most forgotten Element of Success by Deborah Norville

The Power of Respect: Deborah Norville l LadyD Books
Editorial Reviews
Product Description


Want respect from others? Scientific research says, try giving it.
There is power in respect. And it comes with multiple benefits.

In business:

* Higher sales
* Lower employee turnover
* Less exposure to lawsuits

At home:

* A stronger marriage
* Healthier family dynamics
* More polite children

In your personal life:

* More self-respect and confidence
* Closer friendships
* Higher standing in the community

Respect, a lost value in our world today, is the latest subject of research for Inside Edition anchor and best-selling author Deborah Norville. Citing scientific studies and using stories based on personal interviews, Norville makes a compelling case for the Power of Respect the simple act of treating people as though they really matter.
In The Power of Respect Norville details the specific dollar savings in business and dramatic improvements in student test scores that are directly attributable to respect. She says, "Now that I've seen the research done by some of the greatest minds in the field, I am stunned to see the impact of being respected and giving respect. I am also mystified. Why wouldn't someone want to put it to work?"
Respect tips sprinkled throughout the text, and Respect Reminders, at the end of each chapter, add to the clarity of the message and help reinforce the personal benefits. Start practicing this most overlooked ingredient of success and find out what it means for you!

My Review:

I remember the days of watching Deborah Norville on television so eloquently reporting the latest news happenings. Now it is my privilege to tell you a little about Deborah's new book, The Power of Respect: Benefit from the Most Forgotten Element of Success that I just finished reading. The book starts with Deborah and the Dictionary's definition of respect, "How you look back at yourself and others." And so the journey of self-respect begins at home with Deborah sharing many insightful stories, resourceful quotes, facts and scriptures that bring us back to the necessary foundation in relationships with our families, businesses, and schools. If you desire to be more creative, happier and more helpful, learn about this most valuable tool called respect that Deborah shares so beautifully with us in her writings. I loved this book and especially this quote - "Respect is music the deaf can hear and the blind can see." We all have value and importance. I give this book 5+ stars!

The Power of Respect

Product Details
* Hardcover: 224 pages
* Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0785227601

About The Author

Bio


Veteran journalist Deborah Norville has been an anchor of Inside Edition since March 1995. Ratings jumped 15% the week the two-time Emmy© joined the series, which is now the nation’s top-rated syndicated newsmagazine.
A best-selling author, Norville’s latest book is The Power of Respect: Benefit From the Most Forgotten Element of Success (Oct. 2009, Thomas Nelson) provides a timely explanation of the measurable increases in productivity, creativity, and other benefits that result from respectful behavior. The book follows her New York Times Best Seller, Thank You! Power: Making the SCIENCE of Gratitude Work For YOU (Oct. 2007, Thomas Nelson). Thank You! Power brought together for the first time the growing body of academic research proving the benefits of gratitude.
In 2009, Norville capitalized on her lifelong love of fiber arts with The Deborah Norville Collection, a line of fine yarns for hand knitting and crocheting, found in major craft stores around the country. Her companion book, Knit With Deborah Norville features a variety of classic patterns using yarns from her collection.
It is her work in television that’s made Deborah a household name. As an anchor of Inside Edition, she has covered a wide variety of stories and events. She broadcast from Washington DC hours after the terror attacks of September 11th, was in Rome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, anchored Inside Edition’s coverage of the funeral of President Ronald Reagan and the inauguration of President Barack Obama, and is regularly on the red carpet for Hollywood’s star-studded events including the Oscars and the Emmy Awards.
Norville made headlines for her week of groundbreaking reports – as an inmate — from a North Carolina penal institution known as the “toughest jail in America.” The story won Norville two national awards for reporting excellence. She snagged the first national interview with Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii. She was on the scene of the American Airlines jet crash in Cali, Colombia, and interviewed Paula Jones for the first wide-ranging talk about the lawsuit against then-President Bill Clinton. On a lighter note, she wrote and recorded a dance song and music video, with Inside Edition’s cameras documenting the process.
Norville’s reporting career began while still a student at the University of Georgia. As a reporter for WAGA-TV in Atlanta, she conducted a live interview with then-President Jimmy Carter. After graduating summa cum laude (4.0) First Honor Graduate from UGA, she was named weekend anchor at WAGA-TV. In 1982, she joined WMAQ-TV in Chicago as a reporter and then later anchor. In 1987, she joined NBC News as anchor of NBC News at Sunrise. Ratings jumped 40% her first three months in that position. Norville was later named news anchor and then co-host of NBC’s Today program, a position she held until the birth of her first child in 1991. Norville resumed her broadcasting career with the “Deborah Norville Show,” heard on more than 200 ABC Radio Network stations. She joined CBS News in 1993 as a correspondent and later anchor for such programs as “Street Stories, “48 Hours,” and the “CBS Evening News.” She was also hosted of “Deborah Norville Tonight” on MSNBC.
Norville is active in a number of charities. She has been National Celebrity Spokesperson for the Mother’s March of Dimes, a director for Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, Broadcasters Foundation, the Women’s Committee of the Central Park and on the Steering Committee for the Rita Hayworth (Alzheimer’s) Gala.
A sought-after lecturer, Norville speaks with candor and humor about dealing with life’s curves and juggling a career and motherhood. She is married and the mother of three. She can be reached via her

Website:
http://www.dnorville.com

The book was provided for review by various ThomasNelson.
The Power of Respect

All the best,
~ LadyD Books

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Bookmark and Share

Reading Books Aloud

While surfing the net, I discovered this great article helping people to read from Literacy News. It was so informative that I wanted to share it with you. I am passionate about getting kids to read books because children's books should make reading fun!

Why Reading Aloud To Your Child Is Important

Okay, so your child loves to watch television, play video games, surf on the Internet, and listen to music. And there’s nothing wrong with those activities, as long as they’re used in moderation. Most parents would also love to see their kids participate in more constructive activities—like reading children’s books—but the trick is to get your little ones to actually sit down and crack open a book a few times per week.

One way to start is by sitting down and reading aloud to your children. By reading aloud to your kids, you’re showing them how to enjoy children’s books, the English language, the wonders of a good story, and hopefully, you’re instilling a love of reading and learning. Many kids associate books with the drudgeries of school and homework, but you want to show them how a well-written children’s book can be an exciting adventure, a real pleasure, as their imagination takes them to places they’ve never been to visit with people and characters they’ve never met.

According to a recent US government study, there’s a direct relationship with reading aloud to your children and childhood literacy rates. Reading children’s books and other materials to your children is not only a great educational head start for pre-school, but also a wonderful social activity, and a chance to spend quality time with your kids.

Reading to children is shown to have a positive effect on children’s literacy outcomes, the government report concludes. Through experience with books, children gain important exposure to written language. They begin making connections between the spoken word and the printed word. Policymakers contend that it is important to read to your child.

Regrettably, few children today seem to read for pleasure. In one study, only 7 out of 10 9-year-olds said that they enjoy reading as a pastime, compared with 78% five years ago, while for 11-year-olds, the proportion has declined from 77% to 65%. Children said they preferred watching television to going to the library or reading. But the biggest changes in attitudes were among boys. In Year 6, only 55% of boys said they enjoyed stories compared with 70% in 1998.

So getting your children—especially males—to read, and enjoy reading, is a real challenge these days. And again, one way to tackle that challenge is to read to your children aloud. One technique is to make reading a children’s book a game, an interactive adventure that you can both enjoy. After all, this is another way to spend some quality time with your kids, which is what they want anyway.

Another way to use children’s books and literature to teach is through the so-called “Charlotte Mason” method. In this method of teaching, the child “tells back,” in his or her own words, a short book or poem, or a chapter of a longer book. The child is forced to focus on the story and understand its meaning. This type of verbal narration is especially effective in younger children who may not have the writing skills necessary to put their thoughts down on paper."

I wanted to add here that forcing someone to focus is pretty strong wording in my opinion. Perhaps a gentle nudge to really listen to the story line is quite fun in that you get to repeat back what you think the author said. Besides, it's truly a good thing to be together for story time!

The article goes on to say,



"The goal is to get your child to open a book for fun, on their own, without prodding from you or their teachers in school. I can remember my own excitement and fascination when I discovered the Lord Of The Rings trilogy as young teenager, and how many hours of entertainment and enjoyment I culled from the pages of that classic fantasy series."
http://www.literacynews.com/2009/10/why-reading-aloud-to-your-child-is-important

For further reading on encouraging young ones to read, visit:

http://ladyd-books.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-raise-reader.html




These books are provided for review by various Publishing Groups.

All the best,
~ LadyD Books

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner




Bookmark and Share




Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Don't Miss Your Life! An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter, and Grace

Don't Miss Your Life l Charlene Ann Baumbich

Don't Miss Your Life!


*Charlene's most requested and praised presentation and also THE BOOK.

Keynote
Retreat (2-3 sessions)

We are so busy running our lives that far too often we are not enjoying them. Listeners affirm that they are not only entertained and rejuvenated by my unique humor and storytelling, but that they are beckoned to listen to, and learn from, their own stories--which is the point. I render thought-provoking instruction on the importance of building your own memory portfolio while at the same time challenging listeners to find and hold close the goodness in life that surrounds them. I help free them to laugh at themselves way more often, and to not take themselves so seriously. Throughout this lively presentation, I prescribe liberal doses of play and the enchantment of perspective. This topic slam-dunks you into the NOW of your life, and the acute awareness of how quickly it is moving. PAY ATTENTION! DON'T MISS IT!

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly

Baumbich, an award-winning journalist and author of the Dearest Dorothy fiction series, has set out to accomplish what few Christian humorists have succeeded in achieving: making her readers laugh deep from the belly while simultaneously trouncing on their faulty religious beliefs. Baumbich's writing style is such that readers will feel as though she's conversing with herself and they are her most fortunate eavesdropping audience. The author's comic rehashing of life's more ironic and bizarre happenings will be valued by readers of both genders. Baumbich encourages her fans to create their own memory portfolios of treasured moments to see God's bounty at every turn (or detour). Readers are also treated to poignant essays on the power of imagination, the importance of questioning assumptions, awakening every sense, living in a balanced way or falling with a splat. Baumbich's text is just what the doctor ordered for a time such as this; laughter is good medicine indeed and there are plenty of guffaws to be found on every page. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Charlene has the charm of putting a sparkle in even the most trivial of experiences... making them bright spots... I felt like a window was opening from a narrow tunnel -- and ahead were shiny spots of joy... making even what could be dull and drab take on an appearance of brightness."-- Barbara Johnson, author of Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life
"Charlene's outrageous humor will tickle you with life-giving laughter!"-- Patsy Clairmont, author of God Uses Cracked Pots and Under His Wings

Product Details
* Paperback: 272 pages
* Publisher: Howard Books (June 2, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1416562990
* ISBN-13: 978-1416562993

My Review:

I didn't know what to expect upon reading Charlene's paperback book titled, Don't Miss Your Life! I requested this particular book from Divine Inspiration because I liked the cover art mostly. To be honest with you, I wasn't familiar with Charlene's writing nor the Dearest Dorothy Series. The very first thing that caught my eye on the book cover were these three young ladies who were jumping in mid-air with colorful skirts on and oh yes, did I mention their bare feet?! If you are looking for a vision of what freedom within looks like or you might be longing to read a book filled with guidance to how one's life might feel to be free, then I encourage you to get a copy of Charlene's book because "walking barefoot in the grass makes your understanding tingle."

The book begins with a charming and playful approach on how to discover your own rich and sustaining memories called "Remember When?" I found that this is not your typical self-help book but rather a cleverly woven art of storytelling that this author shares so professionally with us from her own heartfelt unique experiences of life. Charlene has so many cool quotations and scriptures added throughout her book.

Throughout the book's chapters, Charlene's sense of humor shines brilliantly while one in particular, "Humor Hogties" will have your sides ripping! Being a piano teacher, my favorite part of this book is about a passage asking the reader some soul searching questions of reflection and contemplation, 


"What is the song in your heart right now?"

Charlene Baumbich will encourage you to take ownership of your life, show you how to be liberated from despair and celebrate life to the fullest with passion and joy overflowing. I highly recommend this book to you and rate it 5+ stars!


For more information on Charlene's books, calendar and what others say about this wonderful, charming book author, please visit her site:

http://charleneannbaumbich.com


You might also want to visit:

http://www.don'tmissyourlifebook.com

To order book, visit:

Don't Miss Your Life

All the best,
~ LadyD Books

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Bookmark and Share