© copyright 2008-2023– All rights reserved
LadyD Books
Children's Book Reviews and Food for Thought
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Book Review: Don't Follow Your Heart
Paul was concerned that we not allow ourselves to be taken "captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy," and so is Thaddeus! The author brilliantly dismantles false hopes, false promises, and false guides. He exposes hollow and deceptive philosophical solutions that present themselves as superior to Christ. Many people offer many alternative theories of change, as Thaddeus points out, that lead us away from Christ and His grace. Change is possible! What needs to change? Read the book! It's excellent! 5 Stars!
Lady D
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me."
C. S. Lewis
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Thank you.
Book Review: What Are You Doing Benny?
I am thankful for receiving this delightful children's book from LibraryThing!
About the Book
From New York, Times-bestselling illustrator Kady MacDonald Denton and award-winning author Cary Fagan come to a charming sibling story that has the makings of a contemporary classic.
Benny's little brother is really good at a lot of things -- making potions and paper airplanes, building forts, putting on puppet shows, even petting the neighbor's cat (he has a special way of scratching her just behind the ears). But whenever he tries to join in Benny's activities, all Benny ever says is "No." Maybe his little brother can watch him do cool stuff if he's lucky. What is a little fox to do, except give Benny a taste of his own medicine? Totally familiar yet fresh and original, tenderly told and consistently funny, this story perfectly captures the joys (and annoyances!) of sibling relationships.
My Thoughts
At times getting along with your younger brother can seem so annoying. Often a younger brother has difficulty connecting with his older brother and waiting for him to play with you can be so difficult. This funny story cleverly was written to show families how to resolve conflicts with siblings. The warm illustrations of the younger and older fox richly enhance the storyline. After many unsuccessful attempts to connect with his older brother Benny, the little fox finds a way to reach and involve his brother in a fun activity. This is a beautiful book for home and school library.
4/5 stars.
You may be interested in reading another book about a little girl finding her north star,
Happy reading!
Lady D
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2008-2019– All rights reserved
LadyD Books
Little One, God Loves You: Review
This charming board book expresses the five purposes of the bestselling The Purpose-Driven Life for little ones ages 4 and under. Includes a note to parents from Rick Warren!
Book Review
I am a fan of repetitive learning. Each page from this delightful board book begins with, "Little one, little one." The story line focuses on the baby bunny's purpose in feeling so loved and belonging to a family. For one to grow and belong in the security of knowing that others love you is a strong foundation for a child's healthy self esteem. Then to know your purpose in caring for others and sharing God's love is a beautiful thing, too. Thanking God for His loving care is a sweet, tender way to finish reading this adorable bedtime story for young ages. Amy has done a wonderful job in writing a simple heart felt story. I especially love the warm peaceful illustrations with soft pastel colors by Polona Lovsin. Children will engage with the animals and this is good for visual learners as well. One thing that I didn't like is that the board book pages are a bit flimsy for toddler endurance but overall, this perfect for home and church libraries. Excellent for gift-giving, too. Maybe even a delightful addition for young children's Easter baskets this Spring.
5/5 stars. Recommend!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. Affiliate links in post.
Happy reading!
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books
Book Review: Sun Moon Daughter
I want to thank David D. Fix and co-author, Dr. Steven G. Hamming for giving LadyD Books a fabulous opportunity to review their beautiful children's book (for adults, too) with a very sensitive, timely message.
Sun Moon Daughter
About The Book
Sun Moon Daughter offers parents a way to talk with their children about
divorce. When the Sun and Moon meet in the sky and fall in love, they
produce a heavenly daughter, Grace. Throughout the story, Grace
witnesses and comes to terms with her parent's separation. As children
react to Grace's experience, they are given a chance to reveal their
feelings about what might be going on in their own lives.
Sun Moon Daughter assists both parents and children in working through
what is typically a difficult and complex episode in their lives.
Therapeutic questions and statements written by Steven G. Hamming, PsyD
align with each of the page's themes. Sun Moon Daughter was written to
provide hope to both parents and children as they move forward in
building loving relationships.
My Review
Woven throughout the well-written story is a powerful message of comfort and hope for Grace, and for kids everywhere. The creative characters, plus many warm illustrations will help children who may be hurting and confused, trying to understand why one day their parents are together and then they're not. Feelings are important and divorce is a huge adjustment for Grace feeling like a burden, especially when her Dad (Sun) and Mom (Moon) won't stop fighting. Do they still love her? Can she love them both?The authors provide excellent, engaging questions in the back of the book to help parents and their children deal with issues of respect so that no one gets lost and all feel safe. You'll find a new, meaningful perspective that will empower families with love and support in their relationships with one another. I love the book!
5/5 stars. Highly Recommend for home, school and church library.
Author Interview
Thank you David Fix for this wonderful interview, letting our readers get to know you better.
Tell us a bit about your
book and where it’s available.
Sun Moon Daughter offers
parents a way to talk with their children about divorce. It is available at www.SunMoonDaughter.com and also on
Amazon.com. An iBook version is also available for the iPad.
What was the inspiration
for your book?
Growing up I would hear my
uncle, who is a Catholic priest and who does a lot of counseling, talk about
how kids often feel like they caused the divorce of their parents and also feel
like they have the power to stop it. I just thought about how unfortunate their
false beliefs were and the impact they could have on the children.
What was your aim for this
book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?
Sun Moon Daughter was written
with the idea of inspiring hope. In the story, Grace finds her power in a
seemingly powerless situation. She realizes her ability to create a
relationship with each of her parents. It is my hope that children will regain
a sense of power in their lives.
Do you have any other
books currently available?
No.
What will you be working
on next?
My next book is Jet and
Ruby’s Castle and is in some ways a counterpart to Sun Moon Daughter in the
fact that the two characters fall in love.
How did you originally get
into writing?
My grandfather was a story
teller and inspired me. I’ve always been creative, but writing children’s books
has become my favorite outlet. And all the lessons I’ve learned from playing
music and from creating movies translates to this medium.
What do you enjoy most
about being a writer?
Several people have cried
after reading Sun Moon Daughter because it moved them. This is the greatest
reward.
What do you find hardest
about being a writer?
The writing is fun.
Illustrating takes a lot more work for me. And the business end of the
operation is also labor intensive. When writing, being able to stay in the
zone, weeding out tangents and staying focused, but still maintaining the magic
is the most important thing for me.
Who or what would you
count as your main influence?
My major influences are
Maurice Sendak and Christopher Van Allsburg. Both authors illustrate their own
work and they both tell magical stories that empower the child.
What do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy reading Science
Fiction, Fantasy and metaphysical material.
Who is your favorite
author?
My favorite authors include
John Steinbeck, Leonard Cohen,
George R. R. Martin, Maurice Sendak and Christopher Van Allsburg.
What would be your ideal
writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin
somewhere or an iPad on the beach?
I love to be in nature when
creating. Ideas often come to me when I’m riding my bike. But the bulk of the
work happens in my office in front of my computer.
. To the authors, best wishes and much continued success! I LOVE the book!
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Review: Grandparenting with a Purpose
I just finished reading a wonderful book by Lillian Ann Penner, Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren. (Crossbooks Publishing) I loved it!
About The Book
Maybe your grandchildren are living with you. Maybe they're thousands of miles away. Their parents may be spiritually rebellious or simply neglectful of the family's spiritual life, failing to make prayer and church attendance a regular part of their routine. But even if your grandchildren's parents have established a strong Christian home, busy schedules, jobs, parenting, and all the distractions of today's world conspire to distract or even destroy the family. How can you, as a grandparent, help? God gives grandparents a sacred trust-an opportunity to imprint another generation with the message of his faithfulness. You can stand in the gap by being a godly example for your grandchildren and by praying for them. Even grandparents who already pray regularly for their grandchildren will discover creative suggestions for making the practice even more meaningful. From cell phones to photo prayer journals, you'll find tools that work for you-and for your grandchildren. Author Lillian Ann Penner provides specific examples of prayers to help you get started, such as alphabet prayers, prayers based on special scriptures, and prayers for certain holidays. You may even widen the circle, praying for other children in your life, for children who have parents in the military, and for the adults who influence your grandchildren. Regardless of how far away your grandchildren are, praying for them can bridge the distance between you and leave them with an inheritance more precious than gold.
My Review
To hear a grandmother praying will deeply touch your heart. The more you read, each prayer will echo your desires, hope, and dreams for your grandchildren. This book is meant to be personal because you are lifting your loved ones up in prayer by name to the Lord. You will be encouraged as a generation to be available in nurturing and caring for your grandchildren by letting them know you are praying for them. What a legacy to be known as a praying grandparent, with the timeless gift of prayer.
The author shares alphabet prayers, scriptural praying, and prayers for certain holidays. The book focuses upon standing in the gap with intercessory prayer, with specific points for our grandchildren regarding back to school, making wise choices and choosing friends wisely. You'll find testimonials, profile sheet templates, and suggestions on making a photo prayer journal. I learned some specific ways to not only pray for your own grandchildren but also their friends, as well as those in your neighborhood.
5/5 stars. Highly recommend.
I was not compensated in any way, in exchange for my honest review, from www.ChristianReviewofBooks.com
I was not compensated in any way, in exchange for my honest review, from www.ChristianReviewofBooks.com
About The Author
Lillian Ann Penner is an author, speaker, and grandmother residing with her husband, John, in Portland, Oregon. They have been married for more than fifty years and have three married sons and nine grandchildren.
Penner is the national prayer coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN), and she writes about her passion of intentional praying grandparents for CGN's website. She is involved in leadership in the women's Bible study, the fifty-five plus group in her church, and leads a Grandparents@Prayer group.
She has been active in church ministry for over fifty years, led an outreach ministry for young mothers, a mentoring ministry for women, and various other church ministries. She has participated in short term missions in Ukraine and volunteered with several Christian ministries.
She and her husband enjoy traveling, but most of all, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Penner is the national prayer coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN), and she writes about her passion of intentional praying grandparents for CGN's website. She is involved in leadership in the women's Bible study, the fifty-five plus group in her church, and leads a Grandparents@Prayer group.
She has been active in church ministry for over fifty years, led an outreach ministry for young mothers, a mentoring ministry for women, and various other church ministries. She has participated in short term missions in Ukraine and volunteered with several Christian ministries.
She and her husband enjoy traveling, but most of all, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
I am blessed to have 5 wonderful grandchildren to pray for daily. I love them so!
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Mama Was the Queen of Christmas
 |
| Christmas 2007 (Photo credit: paparutzi) |
“Mama Was the Queen of Christmas combines the art of storytelling, enthusiastic instruction, and family fun to inspire you and equip you for a meaningful, Jesus-filled holiday.”
(November, 2012 – Spartanburg, SC) Do you love Christmas but feel the real meaning of the season is lost in the busyness? Do you breathe a sigh of relief when the last holiday guest is out the door, the last gift unwrapped, and the last ornament put away? Do you struggle with balancing the preparation and celebration with honoring Jesus? After all, it is His birthday!
Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is a collection of stories highlighting “Mama's” role in the season as well as quotes, scripture, and practical suggestions for keeping the holidays focused on Christ. Mama presents creative ideas to plan a meaningful holiday season. SPECIAL FEATURES:
|
|
A Game for All
Adapted from the recently released book, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas
by Linda Gilden
How will all the little holiday extras ever get done? I ask myself that question every year. And as much as I enjoy the holidays, there seems to be so little time.
One year I decided to let go of expectations and concentrate on celebrating Jesus. I came up with a plan to accomplish a lot of the extras in a very short time. I created a game!
“Come on, everyone,” I said. “We are going to play a game.”
There was minor grumbling but in the end everyone agreed a family game would be fun. And I was so excited about the end result!
“Just give me an hour of your time,” I said. “Then you can get back to your homework.”
I found a cute Christmas container and deposited little slips of paper, each describing a job.
“I am going to set a timer for twenty minutes,” I said. “When you draw a slip of paper, you have twenty minutes to work at your job. When the bell rings, you will choose another job and change what you are doing. In an hour, you will have helped me with three pre-Christmas chores.”
The papers in the container had jobs like:
Christmas music playing in the background created a festive and jovial mood.
As it turned out, everybody was a winner in this game. The family gathered in the kitchen for a sample of “rocks,” pointing out that we had become happy little elves, proudly creating an atmosphere of merriment for the holidays.
Are there things you can do to make this holiday season less stressed for you and your family?
RECIPE: Rocks – Favorite Holiday Treat!
2 cups chocolate chips
1 ½ cups dry roasted peanuts
½ cup peanut butter
(1) 12.3 oz. box Crispix cereal
Confectioners Sugar
|
|
About the Author:
Linda Gilden’s favorite season is Christmas. But, truthfully, she and her family like to celebrate all year long, so can it really be called a season? Growing up in a home where the spirit of Christmas prevailed throughout the year, she knows she is blessed to have married a man who shares the same philosophy—Jesus is not just for a season but for a lifetime! Linda is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and several other books, such as Love Notes in Lunchboxes, Love Notes on His Pillow, and Mommy Pick-Me-Ups (all by New Hope Publishers), but Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is one she has wanted to write for a long time. Her heart’s desire is to see families enjoy each other and make memories no matter what the season. Linda lives in South Carolina with her husband, three grown children and children-in-law, four grandchildren, and a granddog, all of whom love Christmas as much as she does!
Thanks to Kathy Carlton Willis for supplying this guest article. I've got to try the recipe. I'll be making my cranberries and pecan snack, too. |
Blessings,
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Book Review: One Little Christmas Tree
One Little Christmas Tree, a children's picture book, is written by the Curto Family & Rusty Fischer. Best for ages 4-8 (preschool to early elementary).
I had the opportunity to take my 3 children to tree farms every year because we lived in the country and the hills were covered with Christmas tree farms. Every December our home smelled of Douglas Fir, the real deal. Now that I am older and soon to be a grandma of 5, I have an artificial tree and miss the earthly tree fragrance but the grand littles now have the experience of choosing their own tree. This special book reminds me of our experience as a family. I think this little paperback book would be a great addition to your library or reader.
Book Description
Alfred is a young tree at Carl's Christmas Tree Farm in beautiful Spruce Creek, North Carolina. As all trees do, Alfred starts out with big hopes about being picked each Christmas to be a wonderfully decorated tree for the family he 'inherits.' Time passes and Alfred becomes disappointed that he has not been picked yet. To comfort him, his friend, Mr. Phipps, urges him to be patient and that one day he will be welcomed into a warm, inviting home for the perfect family. Does Alfred get his wish? Will he become a welcome addition to a loving family?
Book Review
A charming story about big tree (Mr. Phipps) and little tree (Alfred) discussing their life purpose on Carl's Christmas Tree Farm. Since Christmas time is about being with family, Alfred learns slowly through time that as he continues to grow into his fullest potential and height, someone will want to bring him inside to be the center of holiday celebration and bring joy to everyone. You'll want to find out if one boy, named Elmer chooses Alfred or if it's the other way around. An easy reader with warm messages on patience, belonging, family and friendship; with very cute illustrations.
5/5 stars, recommend
One Little Christmas Tree: A Children's Christmas Picture Book (Volume 1)
Thanks for the opportunity Vincent C. Curto to review One Little Christmas Tree, A Children's Christmas Picture Book. For more information, visit http://www.OneLittleChristmasTree.com
Photos for Blue Monday
Little Flora and I walked back up the old grove trail along a slight incline, and then once back inside the ranch, we decided to make some Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments. Have you made these before? I got the idea and instructions on how to make them from 5 Orange Potatoes
I knew I had the applesauce and cinnamon in my kitchen. All set to go but first, we took a little time-out to enjoy a peanut butter sandwich with homemade peach jam.
Orange Lantana at the bottom of our grove and peach jam for Mandarin Orange Monday
I know I have been sharing a lot with you on my only granddaughter's visit with me. The memories are still fresh and endearing. As many of you know, I'm a piano teacher. So I thought I would take a moment to share some talent that runs in our family (not bad for 2 years old!)... enjoy!
What do you think? Does she have the makings of a "little star?!"
You may be interested in other Christmas stories I've reviewed:
The Little Shepherd
The King's Christmas List
Christ's Cake
God Gave Us Christmas
Blessings,
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Car Show and Garden Party
One of my adorable grandsons went to a car show. I think this one was his favorite. Maybe he was drawn to the color blue but smart to rest in the shade, don't you think? No, he is not for sale but this cool truck is! There's talk of us going to a casual garden party later on. What will you be wearing?
Whatever you choose to wear darling, you'll be smashing! Just bring along that gorgeous smile of yours because you light up the room when you walk in, sweet granddaughter!
Photos for Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday
Do you remember the song Garden Party by Rick Nelson? Of course not, you're much too young but I sure liked this one. It has an easy feel with it.
Here are the lyrics:
Garden Party
- Artist: Rick Nelson
- peak Billboard position # 6 in 1972
- inspired by Rick's experience at a Madison Square Garden concert
- Words and Music by Rick Nelson
I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
No one recognized me, I didn't look the same
CHORUS
But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
People came from miles around, everyone was there
Yoko brought her walrus, there was magic in the air
'n' over in the corner, much to my surprise
Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan's shoes wearing his disguise
CHORUS
lott-in-dah-dah-dah, lot-in-dah-dah-dah
Played them all the old songs, thought that's why they came
No one heard the music, we didn't look the same
I said hello to "Mary Lou", she belongs to me
When I sang a song about a honky-tonk, it was time to leave
CHORUS
lot-dah-dah-dah (lot-dah-dah-dah)
lot-in-dah-dah-dah
Someone opened up a closet door and out stepped Johnny B. Goode
Playing guitar like a-ringin' a bell and lookin' like he should
If you gotta play at garden parties, I wish you a lotta luck
But if memories were all I sang, I rather drive a truck
CHORUS
lot-dah-dah-dah (lot-dah-dah-dah)
lot-in-dah-dah-dah
'n' it's all right now, learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself
For those musicians out there, whether the guitar or piano playing, here is the easy music structure (chord progressions) to play.
Chord Chart
C F C F I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends. C G Am F G7 C A chance to share old memories and play our old songs again. F C F When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name, C F Dm7 G7 C But no one recognized me..., I didn't look the same. CHORUS: F G C F G C But it's..., all right now. I learned my lesson well. F C Dm7 G7 C You see you.., can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself.
Book Sharing Monday
Garden Party!: Flower Designs to Color (Dover Nature Coloring Book)
I love Dover Publications. This book is for ages 8 and up. Set in a dreamy landscape of stylized patterns, this garden party buzzes with life. Whimsical and wild images of birds, frogs, bugs, and other creatures populate flowery fields that pulse with psychedelic energy. Colorists of all ages will be enchanted with these 30 full-page illustrations and their creative coloring possibilities.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Wordless Wednesday: Wheels on the Bus
 |
| Bus in Mexico |
My contribution to Rednesday is a photo that my daughter took while on vacation in Barre de Navidad, Mexico while enjoying their Christmas break from work and school. I'm new to Rednesday but I understand they are celebrating their third anniversary here.
One of my favorite songs that is a hit with the Kindergarten Music Class and my Grandkids, is "The Wheels on the Bus." The piano chords can be found on my other blog here.
If you're looking for books and activities centered around the bus, (I know these are mostly for September), visit my Barefoot Books site here.
LadyD Books will be visiting these wonderful blogs today!
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)