I LOVE Blueberries! by Shannon Anderson & illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett [Review & Giveaway]

Famers and folks who love gardening - food or flower gardens - quite often take the cold, shut-in months of December, January, and February to peruse seed catalogues and plan planting and harvesting for the soon-to-come warm days.

Now envision BLUEBERRIES!!!!

Feeding Minds Press
ISBN: 9789848898195
Ages 5-9 Years

My thoughts:  In I Love Blueberries! the reader is introduced to the concept of hydroponic gardening and the possibility of growing blueberries indoors using the hydroponic method. The girl's teacher is already growing strawberries using this method; and it imbues the girls with a desire to investigate the method for blueberries, formulate a plan, gather supplies, and implement the activity.

In the background of the story, young Jolie has already begun her journey into blueberry cultivation by learning to germinate the plants from seeds in dirt-filled cups, watch them grown, and transplant them into the garden. A new girl is introduced in this story. Margot is a transplant from the northern state of Maine where blueberries are a major crop. Margot becomes a co-planner in the endeavor to grown blueberries.

This book deserves a place on the STEM bookshelf for readers ages 5 to 12.

About the book: Berry-loving Jolie is back, and this time she has a new friend! Margot has just moved to town and misses Maine — especially the blueberries. Determined to help, Jolie turns to their teacher to learn how hydroponics helps the strawberries in their classroom grow. Unfortunately, it’s a costly system and there’s no money left from the grant that helped the class start their indoor strawberry patch. Undeterred, Jolie, Margot, and their diverse group of classmates brainstorm ways to get the equipment they need, and they come up with just the thing: a Blueberry Bash!

The students invite the local community to a show-and-tell — featuring homemade decorations (blue, of course), blueberry muffins, and even a blueberry-themed poem! — where they explain their gardening goals, and inspire the community to come together and help the class achieve their berry-growing dreams.

Sinquett’s illustrations of Jolie’s exuberant, scrapbook-style journal and Margot’s sketchbook bring Anderson’s delightful tale to life, and will keep kids engaged as they learn all about the wonders of hydroponics and indoor gardening, and the many health benefits of blueberries.

Just in time for Kids Garden Month in April and National Blueberry Pie Day on April 28th, this heartwarming story encourages curiosity, problem solving, and a thirst for knowledge in young readers and shows them that, with the power of friendship and community, they can grow to new heights.

GIVEAWAY

1 Copy: I LOVE BLUEBERRIES!

Begins February 15

Ends March 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Limited to USA address entries only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent to winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals by Sharon J. Mondragón (Kregel Books)

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Something is brewing in Raeburne's Ferry, Georgia—and it's not sweet tea.

ISBN: 9780825448683
Paperback $16.99
Kregel Publications

My thoughts: If you've not read a Sharon J. Mondragon book, you've missed a light-hearted, joyful read. In Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals we journey into the heart of a vibrant Georgia community replete with gregarious, "news" sharing (think gossipers) ladies. Death has visited the community and granddaughter Sarah is the designated funeral-goer for bedridden Grandma (that's so she can bring back all the tidbits of who, what, when, how, and how much of all the goings on).

Throw into this delightful mishmash, a terse death bed statement and the investigation of a bygone scandal is set in motion.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters and the author captures their personalities beautifully. I can just "feel" the tensions as folks encounter one another in this did-she did-he story. And she even gives the readers a glimpse into the world of Georgia during an ice storm. (Only a Southerner can truly appreciate the fear and tension of a deep-South ice storm!)

I say this is a delightful read and will surely bring joy and chuckles to one's heart.

About the book: In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie."

But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible—even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

"Mondragón masterfully weaves a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of truth." —Kate Angelo, best-selling romantic suspense author

Author: Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Find her at sharonjmondragon.com.

Excerpt.... It’s not that she gets squeamish or weak-kneed at the sight of a friend or relative laid out. She takes an avid interest in every detail of the deceased, from the tie they put on third cousin twice removed Billy Ray to how Harriet Tilson’s hair turned out. Nor is it that she lacks respect for those who have gone on to glory before her. Grandma Ruth is the kind of person to whom you do not criticize your mother. And it’s not that she prefers to stay at home and watch Jeopardy! Instead. Grandma Ruth is bedridden—has been for the past three years. Much as she would like to, Grandma Ruth isn’t going anywhere. 

I am Sarah Elizabeth, Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter. Being her favorite is a dubious honor. It means I’m her favorite to go to the store and buy birthday cards, visit her shut-in friends, and, you guessed it, attend funerals in her place.

Looking back, I realize I’ve been training for funeral duty for quite a while. When I was ten, she taught me how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch to take by the home of the bereaved for the reception. By the time I was eleven, I had learned to write a tasteful and heartfelt condolence note. I attended my first funeral at twelve. (Grandma Ruth wanted to take me sooner, but Mama put her foot down and prevailed for once.) Now that I’m twenty-four, Grandma Ruth considers me not only fully qualified but socially obligated to take her place since she can’t get out anymore. I don’t think I’ve missed a single funeral in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia, since she took to her bed.

Connect with Sharon by visiting sharonjmondragon.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!

• Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 
• Full tour schedule linked below. 
• Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 & lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. 
• Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway & given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
• Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

NIV Adventure BIBLE© & the NIV Adventure Bible GUIDE - Tools for the 8 to 12 year-old-child

Let me introduce you to a kid-loving Bible Study Duo you don't want to miss out on!

Adventure Bible Guide: Explore the Stories, People and Places of Every Book in the Bible – an ideal companion to the NIV Adventure Bible

ISBN: 9780310156048
Softcover | $16.99
Buy at Amazon 

My thoughts:  What an enticing and attractive (and tastefully done) book for kids 8 to 12 to use in Bible study. Written to accompany the NIV Adventure Bible this GUIDE visually and textually works right in alignment with the NIV Adventure BIBLE.

This is not a disposable workbook where you write or draw on the pages and it soon is used up and thrown away. This is an insightful guide through the books of the Bible. Each two-page spread covers one of the Books of the Bible. Short but detailed information bites are given along with attractive illustrations. 

Charts such as the 7 Days of Creation, the 7 Feasts (Leviticus), and the opening pages Time Line of Events aid in comprehension of major events. Who and what of the books and main ideas are given. All in easy to comprehend conversational text. And the charts showing lineage aid in understanding the layering of people throughout such a long period of history. Maps specific to that book and events help in placing a historic event on the globe of today's world. 

I am the mother of 5 and grandmother of 13. I taught Sunday School, Saturday Bible Club, and Vacation Bible School. I was involved in Christian schools for many years. I have seen many materials and can say that this presents information in an easily accepted, wonderfully attractive, and definitively informative method to the growing child.

I highly recommend. (Whilst this was developed for use with the NIV Adventure Bible for Kids, I can see it useable with other versions of Scripture as well.)

About the book: Explore the Bible like never before! This companion to the bestselling Adventure Bible gives young readers the key details of every book of the Bible at their fingertips. With kid-friendly overviews of Genesis through Revelation and full-color infographics, maps, and images, children will strengthen their faith and gain a deeper understanding of the most important story ever told.

The Adventure Bible Guide takes readers 8–12 on a fun-filled, informative journey toward truly understanding God’s Word. This immersive reference guide gives clear, crisp insights into the Bible book by book, including:

• key details and events that are clearly laid out, in words kids can easily understand
• colorful infographics that include historical information, significant events and details, and important biblical characters
• callouts with fun facts and key takeaways
• maps that help readers understand where each part of the Bible occurred
• images of artifacts and important places that help bring the Bible to life

This book is made to be used alongside the Bible to help readers better comprehend the context and background of God’s Word, condensing the most important information in a highly visual, easy-to-understand format, which in turn helps kids connect with the Bible text in new and deeper ways.

The Adventure Bible Guide is:

• perfect for kids 8–12 learning to explore the Bible on their own
• a great resource for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers to use to engage students in the Bible and biblical history
• part of the wider Adventure Bible line, which includes NIV Adventure Bible, Adventure Bible Book of Devotions, and The Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations

Click to read a sample of the Guide

Buy at Amazon 

The NIV Adventure Bible for Kids (full text, full color interior)

 

My thoughts:  One of my grandsons is pastor of a church and his daughter has this very same Bible! That's an endorsement. "Pastor provides his own child a copy of NIV Adventure Bible for kids." This is a delightfully colorful, bright, engaging edition of the Bible geared for kids; but for kids who are old enough to begin to actually study God's Word more in-depth and detailed. Kids who are not yet ready for concordances, Biblical dictionaries, etc. That comes later as they mature. This Bible gives them something that captures their attention and helps learn facts and have insights take root in their pliable minds.

In today's world where technology and rapid-fire TV grabs their attention and numbs their brain function present more of a challenge for personal and detailed reading and study, this engaging Biblical publication will help glue them to God's Word. The accompanying Study Guide further helps pull the details out of the Word cementing it into their being and into relativeness for them personally. 

An excellent step forward in Biblical studies for growing children.

ISBN: 9780310727477
Hardcover | $34.99
(Discount prices available)

About the Bible: The bestselling NIV Adventure Bible®  will get kids excited about reading the Scriptures! Your kids will be captivated with the full-color features that make it fun and engaging to read the Bible and memorize their favorite verses. Along the way they will meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Most importantly, they will grow closer in their relationship with God.

The Adventure Bible is recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids, and the Adventure Bible brand has impacted more than 10 million individuals and families to date!

• Complete text of the accurate, readable, clear New International Version
• Full-color design throughout – makes learning about the people, places, and culture of the Bible even more engaging
• Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days
• Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize
• Did You Know?—Interesting facts help you understand God’s Word and the life of faith
• People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of the Bible
• Live It!—Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
• Twenty special pages—Focus on topics such as famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, how to pray, and the love passage for kids, all with a jungle safari theme
• Book introductions with useful facts about each book of the Bible
• Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words to help locate places in the Bible
• 8.7-point type size

Click to read a sample

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. NOTE: My preferred version of the Bible is the King James Version. The NIV is widely accepted and trusted and appeals greatly to the younger generation.

For the love of reading Valentine Blog Hop Feb. 1-28 - Giveaway Hop

Have fun entering the giveaways listed below and hop along through the "For Love of Reading Valentine Blog Hop."

Disclosure: Other participants in the "For Love of Reading Giveaway Hop" are solely responsible for content of their posts and fulfillment of their giveaways. Chat With Vera is not responsible for other blogs' content or prizes. #February #Reading #Love 

Cute Candlewick Press board books with wipe off drawing pen are fun & interactive [Review & Giveaway]

This Pirate Needs Your Help! (A Draw & Erase Adventure) Board book by David LaRochelle

ISBN: 9781536238433
$10.99 Board book | Ages 4-7

My thoughts: Loveable cute story about a pirate and his trusty companion (of course, it's a parrot). He needs help navigating through the waters and getting past dangerous sea creatures. 

This little book provides a great opportunity for kids to do what kids love to do..... draw and mark on things. This gives an opportunity for them to interact with a story (following directions to some extent), correct mistakes, do again and again and again. 

You don't want to miss this one. So far there are two books in the "A Draw and Erase Adventure" series. I recommend both.

About this book: Do you have what it takes to be a pirate? Just grab the included marker and start drawing—there’s buried treasure waiting to be found!

Yo-ho-HELP! Are you brave enough to fend off hungry sharks, navigate through treacherous waters, and outsmart a sinister sea serpent? Quick—pick up the dry-erase marker that comes with this book and put your drawing skills to work. This pirate and his parrot need help deciphering their map, digging up treasure, and opening a mysterious chest. It’s up to YOU to complete the book. Once you’re done, just wipe off the pages and test your drawing prowess again. From the swashbuckling David LaRochelle, Geisel Award–winning author of See the Cat and its sequels, comes a clever, interactive adventure tailor-made for creative kids, enthusiastic doodlers, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a pirate.

This Sheep Needs Your Help! (A Draw & Erase Adventure) Board book by David LaRochelle 

ISBN: 9781536238426
$10.99 Board book | Ages 4-7

My thoughts: A cute book about a sheep and his troubles with the wolf and a kid-interactive-rescue. Such a sweet book and guaranteed kid-love treasure. 

This little book provides a great opportunity for kids to do what kids love to do..... draw and mark on things. This gives an opportunity for them to interact with a story (following directions to some extent), correct mistakes, do again and again and again. 

Don't miss this one.

About this book: Can you help this wayward sheep find her way back home? Just grab the included marker and start drawing—but watch out for unexpected obstacles along the way!

BAAA! Are you ready to rescue this woolly wanderer from a preposterous pack of predicaments? Quick—pick up the dry-erase marker that comes with this book and put your drawing skills to work. This sassy sheep will tell you everything she needs, including a skateboard, a wolf-proof disguise, and enough party hats for all the sheep in her flock. It’s up to YOU to complete the book. Secret word: draw - Once you’re done, just wipe off the pages and test your drawing prowess again. From the whimsical David LaRochelle, Geisel Award–winning author of See the Cat and its sequels, comes a clever, interactive adventure tailor-made for creative kids, enthusiastic doodlers, and anyone who’s not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf.

GIVEAWAY

1 Winner 1 Copy of:

"This Pirate Needs Your Help"

Begins February 4

Ends March 2 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Limited to USA addresses

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and mailed to the winner by Candlewick Press or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Candlewick Valentine's and love children's books [FEBRUARY GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP FEB 1-28]

Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love Hardcover by Joseph Coelho (Author) & Various Illustrators

 

ISBN: 9781536241297
Hardcover | Ages 7-10

My thoughts:  The story concept in Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love is a wonderous "take" on a school assignment wherein the teacher challenges the children with the task of taking a picture and imagining the story behind it. Then to describe (or write) that story in a complete sentence using only ten words. That, my friend, takes structure and impactful word usage.

Or possibly an artistic challenge of the same concept would be to present the student with the ten-word-story and have them illustrate the story using whatever artistic medium they wish. That, too, would involve an abundance of imagination and skill.

Evocatively illustrated by a variety of artists, each "story" stands alone and the words and art intersperse beautifully. Several are particularly appealing, but I think my "most favorite" would be..... 

The rescued cats kept watch as the lost child slept." The artist, Jim Field, portrays the scene as a scary woodland at night. A sleeping child is nestled beside and "under" the shelter of a large rock. There is a darkness about the scene that invokes the fear of dark, fear of being lost, fear of nighttime. And then the cats are there sitting, surrounding, near, protecting, alert and in the distance you see additional protection by the cats. And the child blissfully sleeps.

About the book: From former UK Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho comes an extraordinary collection of tales—each one illustrated by a different artist, and each just ten words long.

Is it possible to tell a tale of love using just ten words? The answer is an enthusiastic yes. Secret word: love - And when those words are joined by illustrations from twenty top creators, the results can be stunning. In this unique compendium designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us cherished moments between siblings, worlds where nature blooms and heals, touching tales of beloved pets, and more. Each ten-word tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today, among them Jon Klassen, Jarvis, Bob Graham, Myo Yim, Victoria Turnbull, and Ken Wilson-Max. Together the words and pictures set up a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel—and are inspired to pen a ten-word tiny tale of their own. Prefaced by a note from the author, and with two creative writing challenges at the back, this is the perfect gift for all those ready to unleash their imaginations.

As it poured, he taught him to tie his laces.

With artwork from: Katherine Child * Fruzsina Czech * Diane Ewen * Jim Field * Bob Graham * Katie May Green * Mini Grey * Mark Janssen * Jarvis * Baljinder Kaur * Heather Kilgour *Jon Klassen * Fiona Lumbers * Steve McCarthy * Rikin Parekh * Natalia Shaloshvili * Sydney Smith * Beth Suzanna * Victoria Turnbull * Ken Wilson-Max * Myo Yim

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I See Me: A Guess How Much I Love You Mirror Book by Sam McBratney & illustrated by Anita Jeram 

ISBN: 9781536203882
Board book/Picture book

My thoughts:  I have never seen an "Guess How Much I Love You" book that hasn't been a joy. They have a sweet, delicate, gentle beauty and appeal that will delight children (and parents). In this board book, little ones will venture about the woods with the Nutbrown Hares discovering a variety of objects and critters. At the end, well, "I See Me!" is the goal to be able to observe around us and to also see ourselves. Little Nutbrown sees himself and the reader will see himself. A sweet treasure of a book.

About the book: For the youngest fans, Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare hop into a Guess How Much I Love You board book with a mirror surprise at the end.

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare love to go out exploring together. What will they see today? “I spy a butterfly,” says Little Nutbrown Hare. And look, Big Nutbrown Hare has found a bird in a nest! There’s even a tadpole, wriggling around in the pond. But who is that peeking out from the water? Join an iconic pair of beloved characters in a sweet and comforting story for the littlest of readers, who will happily shout out at the end: “I see me!”

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 1

Ends February 28 @ 12:00 Midnight ET

Limited to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now have some fun entering the giveaways listed below and hop along through the "For Love of Reading Valentine Blog Hop."

DISCLOSURE-Chat With Vera: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Winner's prize is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Disclosure: Other participants in the "For Love of Reading Giveaway Hop" are solely responsible for content of their posts and fulfillment of their giveaways. Chat With Vera is not responsible for other blogs' content or prizes. #February #Reading #Love 

The World Needs The Wonder You See from Tommy Nelson Children's Books [Review & Giveaway]

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Gaines welcomes you on an imaginative adventure through nature’s small surprises and invites you and your children to be curious, slow down, and take in everyday wonders. With vibrant art by Julianna Swaney that is full of dreamy details, this whimsical picture book will inspire your family to pause busy schedules and explore together.

Inspired by Joanna’s young son’s insistence to “look up!” and the shift to a slower perspective she enjoyed after having her last child, this book shares the delight of taking a friend by the hand, getting your boots muddy, and discovering the secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

My thoughts:  The idea behind this book is two-fold (in my opinion). First, it is the truism that as adults we cease to behold the wonder of discovery of that which is all around us. Secondly, the future is in the awesome curious mind and eye of a child. Yes, the world needs the wonder that the curious mind of a young child beholds.

As the gentle, lightly rhyming text takes the reader through a day, the illustrations use a beautiful backdrop on each page and place a group of children discovering bits and pieces of what is about them. A bunch of ants marching in parade and bees gathering honey. The amazing plethora of discoveries to be made on a walk through the forest. And an imaginative look at the ground beneath their feet and the world it holds.

This is a lovely, gentle book with an impactful message to nurture the child's curious nature and share that which you see and discover with those about you.

While Tommy Nelson Children's Books is traditionally a Christian publishing house, there is no mention of God or Scripture in this book.

About the book: In The World Needs the Wonder You See, you and your kids will

• slow your pace, look closely, and find joy as you make discoveries together;
• join a diverse cast of children on a journey below leaves, amidst treetops, under ocean waves, through rabbits’ tunnels, and into the clouds;
• imagine hidden worlds in which ladybugs live in tiny cabins, snails journey through mushroom fields, and stars paint stories across the sky; and
• learn to notice the amazing beauty that children naturally see.

This companion book to The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is perfect for children ages 4–8;

• grandparents, parents, teachers, and librarians;
• classroom story times and discussions about valuing others’ ideas and perspectives;
• All kinds of gift-giving celebrations.

Celebrate the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes in this imaginative book about all the beauty, hope, and surprise hiding in plain sight. Look up. Lean in. Bend low. Reach for new heights. Every day, from every place, there’s more to see in this great big world of possibility.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 30

Ends February 28 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Limited to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed or shipped directly to the winner by Tommy Nelson Books or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.