Into the Fire (Undaunted Courage #1) by Irene Hannon

ISBN: 9780800741884
Paperback | $18.99 US

My thoughts: Such an interesting book to read as it lets the reader peek into the intense and challenging world of fire investigators who look deeply into the bits and pieces left behind consuming fires and then decide if the fire is intentionally set by an arsonist or not. Then once it is determined that perhaps an arsonist is responsible, they find the criminal and see that the laws of the justice system take care of the misdeeds.

As Bri begins her new job, she inherits the left overs of a retiree who was captivated by a series of cold cases in the hot world of arson crimes. Nagging thoughts of connection between a series of fires unproven as arson but that might be arson by the same arsonist snag Bri's attention as well.

A series of events, mishaps, and relationships have Bri going deeper and deeper and unknowingly into the world of an arsonist and murderer with deep relationship mental issues.

Remembering, Honoring, Teaching via Wreaths Across America

Remembering and honoring those who served America's military - Wreaths Across America teaches the value of freedom

More than 2,000 people volunteered & helped lay wreaths at the Salisbury National Cemetery on Saturday morning, December 16, 2023 to participate in Wreaths Across America. It was a privilege for two of my daughters and I to attend and be a small part of this memorable day. My heart was deeply moved to see the rows of white headstones as they stood at precise attention to receive the salute of appreciative Americans. We lovingly touched the final resting place of my dear one. A day well spent and a memory to treasure.

Remembering..... Christmas through the eyes of a child - a long time ago

This is going to be a "republish" of mine from 2014. It still warms my heart when I ponder these memories of a time long gone. A time worth remembering. A time of good and joy and love.

 

Christmas through the eyes of a child on South 4th Street - a long time ago

I was born post-depression era and pre-World War II. I was the apple of my father's eye. His little "Shirley Temple" complete with smile and curls and the talent to dance a bit.

Dad was a pre-depression era Southern boy who fell in love with my mother and they married at the height of the depression. Children came along and the "child" in Dad bloomed. Dad was a man who loved hobbies. One of his was electric trains. These were not the narrow gage trains with small engines. They were the old Lionel trains. Dad created a city beneath the Christmas tree each year, and his trains rounded the tree regularly. Whistles tooting! Smoke from the engine's smoke stack. Village houses lite up powered by the same electricity that powered his trains. They were his pride and joy. Of course, not as much a  pride to him as his sons and daughter.

✶✦ Orion and the Dark ✦✶by Emma Yarlett [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

✶✦ Orion and the Dark ✦✶ By Emma Yarlett | Ages 3 to 7 Orion is scared of a lot of things, but most of all he’s scared of the dark. So one night the Dark decides to take Orion on an adventure. Emma Yarlett’s second picture book combines her incredible storytelling and artwork with die-cut pages that bring the Dark to life. My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about giving children books about fears that they are not experiencing. It could perhaps trigger an imagination that gives birth to the fear.... of the dark, of monsters, of whatever. However, much good can also come from light hearted stories that confront the fear. I believe that Orion and the Dark can be a helpful book. That being said, let's look at this delightfully engaging book.

Let It Snow - Giveaway Hop Dec. 7-28, 2023

 

Be sure you enter all the blogger's giveaways. Scroll down to access all opportunities.

Enter ❄️Let It Snow❄️Giveaways
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The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky from Bethany House PUblishing

My thoughts:  Author Carrie Turansky writes beautifully. Gentle. Real. Sweet. Charming. Stirring. 

I approached this story looking for a pretty straightforward historical fiction set in England's charming Lake District. I am not overly fond of split timeline stories, but I thought I'd pursue Ms. Turansky's new venture.

I found it difficult to focus my attention being split between the story set in 1912 and the one 2012. A hundred years apart. Shouldn't be too hard, after all its not centuries apart (note plural). It is only 100 years. And it encompasses basically a timeline I should be able to comprehend - my grandparents and upward to my generation. But I found it difficult to keep it straight.

Candlewick 20-year anniversary editions - spotlight & Giveaways [USA/CANADA]

Celebrate three delightful books that have stood the test-of-time as endearing and charming reads for children.

The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition

By Kate DiCamillo | Ages 7-10

*Celebrating 20 years!*

Celebrate twenty years of Despereaux with a splendid anniversary edition—including a bonus original short story from Kate DiCamillo and a new piece of art by Timothy Basil Ering. Check out giveaway HERE - Ends Jan. 8, 2024)

Yummy Yucky

By Leslie Patricelli | Ages 3-7

*Celebrating 20 years!*

Learning about opposites has never been more fun — or funny — than with this winning board book. Yummy! Check out giveaway HERE - Ends Dec. 26, 2023)

Ten in the Bed

By Penny Dale | Ages 2-5

*Celebrating 35 years!*

My thoughts: This delightful retake on the much loved nursery song "Ten in the Bed" is absolutely charming. And it has stood the test of time. The illustrations are sweet, utterly delightful, and captivating. Lots of motion in the pictures. Lots of critters to delight. Lots of fun.

And the idea of ten in the bed goes back many years to a time when families were large, beds few and crowded, and space extremely limited. A bit of a jolly song not to make fun of the situation but to lend a light-heartedness to one of the facts of life as it existed at the time for many. 

So the little one said, "Roll over, roll over..... and...." 

About the book: Penny Dale’s cozy take on a classic nursery rhyme, in a charming paperback edition. Secret word: anniversary

There were ten in the bed and the little one said, “Roll over, roll over!” So they all rolled over and Hedgehog fell out . . .

One by one, nine friends roll over and fall out of a child’s bed with a bang, a thump, or a plop until . . . “I’m cold! I miss you!” the child says, and back in the bed they all go—Sheep, Rabbit, Elephant, and more. Thirty-five years after it was first published, Penny Dale’s endearing picture book continues to be a favorite—an essential rendition of a childhood song that is as warm and toasty as a feather bed.

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Win 1 Paperback Copy of Ten In the Bed

Begins December 8 

Ends January 4, 2024 @ 12:00 a.m. ET

Open to USA/CANADA

NO P.O. Boxes. Canadians must provide phone number.

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

Shivery cold winter days, snow to romp in, cozy warm beds, toddlers enjoying picture books that delight - Let It Snow Giveaway Hop❄️☃️❄️ [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Be sure you enter all the blogger's giveaways. Scroll down to access all opportunities.

We're letting it ❄️snow❄️lots of giveaways!

250 cash giveaway to "Sleigh Those Bills"

Here's your opportunity to enter to win $250 Cash in the "Sleigh Those Bills"  giveaway hop. Hosted by "The Review Wire" and a slew of bloggers who are participants.

Visit all the entry options and learn lots about lots of good things. Plus..... maybe you will be a winner!

Featuring author Kate DiCamillo books that will delight young readers from Candlewick press & just in time for Christmas gifting [Giveaway USA/CANADA]

3 Book Giveaway

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

My thoughts:  As I sat alone in my grandmotherly chair with no children (and no adults) within hearing distance, I read aloud the first few pages of The Puppets of Spelhorst. I was immediately entranced by the beautiful writing that simply ebbed and flowed with the action and emotion of the story. Beautiful descriptive language evoked Mr. Spelhorst perfectly.

Kate DiCamillo has written a tale sure to capture your young readers' attention; and if you dare - and I do dare you - read it aloud to your children or whatever audience you can capture to listen.

Trillium Herbal Facial Care products - Deluxe Sample Giveaway

TRILLIUM HERBAL COMPANY 

FACIAL SOLUTIONS

RESTORING RADIANT RESILIENCE

The good folks at Good Earth Beauty sent me some delightful all natural Trillium facial care product samples. Many of my readers are already familiar with the Trillium Herbal Company line of products sourced from natural ingredients of natural botanicals and potent essential oils.

Today we're showcasing three of their facial care items......

1. Facial Polish
2. Facial Finishing Oil
3. Facial Cleansing Oil

When Love Comes (Wyoming Sunrise Series #3) by Penny Zeller [Review & Giveaway USA]

Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.

Candlewick Board Books: "Will You Be My Friend" & "Yummy Yucky" [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli 

 

ISBN: 9780763619503
Boardbook | $8.99 USA

My thoughts:  Absolutely delightful! Babies typically have likes and dislikes of foods. In this cute book little ones will see the foods as Yummy and non-foods as Yucky. So while they are learning that food is good and no food is yucky, they are also learning that some things are just not good to put in one's mouth.

I love it!

About the book: Learning about opposites has never been more fun — or funny — than with this winning board book. Yummy!

Spaghetti is yummy, but worms — and blue crayons, and sand, and other things too gross to mention — are definitely yucky when tasted. Amiably illustrated in a bright, graphic style, Leslie Patricelli’s spirited board book,  Yummy Yucky  stars an obliging, bald, and very expressive toddler who acts out each pair of opposites with comically dramatic effect.

Help Spread the Gospel Message This Holiday Season - Give the Gift of the Gospel - Advancing Native Missions - Gifting with a purpose

Find Catalogue at: https://bit.ly/ANMCatalogBlg
Give the Gift of the Gospel this Christmas

"Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God." – Acts 10:4

This Christmas, give the gift of the Gospel

Every gift in the ANM Gift Catalog delivers the love of Jesus in practical ways. You can give a new Christian their very first Bible, provide a child with the first pair of shoes that truly fit, supply livestock and years of reliable food for a family, or purchase a bicycle for a pastor who walks miles daily. Are you ready to give the gift of the Gospel?

In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop

  

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
hosted by Mama The Fox. A blog hop is 
a grand opportunity for you to see several
fun giveaways in one spot and enter many.

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder from Barbour Publishing

My thoughts: A thoroughly enjoyable read! From the onset of the story, you step into a world of class discrimination and status between the wealthy and poor. The author has a beautiful style of writing and scripts scenes and characters with impeccable skill. The story moves rapidly and covers a lot of action and emotions.

William Kensley proves to be a morally strong man as well as physically strong. In the face of unendurable hardship and belittling, he remains staunchly strong. An admirable man of character.

Once Upon the Very First Christmas by Rory Feek & illustrated by Christine Cuddihy

ISBN: 9781400247028
US $18.99 | CANADA $23.99
Hardcover | Tommy Nelson Books

My thoughts:  This book reminds me of the many church Christmas pageants in which my own five children were involved. It also reminds me of several when I was the adult in charge of lively children who were wise men, shepherds, angels, and of course the main characters, Mary and Joseph. Their lively spirits were daunting to adults in charge; and then on performance night, their antics brought bemused smiles and smirks from adults who watched with delighted pride.

In the book, we have the simple light rhyming prose that tells the story of the birth of the Christ child and His placement in a lowly manger for a bed. The chapel or church in which the children are acting out the Biblical story is simple with no grandiose architecture or glittering gold. Simple. Just as our Lord's birth was in a simple place.

David Atherton's Baking Book for Kids for great kid-baking-fun on cold winter days [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

 

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
hosted by Mama The Fox. A blog hop is a
grand opportunity for you to see several fun
giveaways in one spot and enter many.

David Atherton’s Baking Book for Kids | ISBN: 9781536231304 | Ages 5-9 | $17.99 ($23.99 CAN)

My thoughts:  I vividly remember my very first cookbook. As a young girl I attended a children's cooking class hosted by the local gas company (they also sold cooking ranges). They gave each of us a cookbook. It had lots of good recipes that were simple enough, but also challenging and you could really learn to cook using it. This was different from the few cookbooks my mother had.

New movie "Surprised by Oxford" is a moving experience [Review & Giveaway]

 

"Surpised by Oxford" is a biographic film about academician and theological writer, Dr. Carolyn Weber, during her student days at the esteemed University of Oxford.

Synopsis: Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

Yummy and delicious Z. Cioccolato treats for the holidays! Enter to win $90 value selection [Giveaway USA age 18+ entrants]

 

Thanks to our friends at Z. Cioccolato's for this giveaway! 

Z. Cioccolato is a small-batch, creative, multi-layered gourmet fudge company based in San Francisco, California. They are world-famous for their innovative and seasonal flavors, such as Peanut Butter Pie, Cookies and Cream, and Salted Caramel. Z. Cioccolato's fudge is made with the finest ingredients, including premium chocolate, butter, and cream. It is cooked in small batches and layered to perfection, resulting in a rich, creamy, and delicious fudge that is unlike anything else.

My friend at "Trendy Cyndie Reviewz" says, "The Peanut Butter Pie fudge is the BEST I have ever put in my mouth!" The winner will receive Tthe Deluxe Artisan Sampler Box, a value of $90!  This is included in our Unwrap Joy Holiday Guide! Check it out.

Thanks A Latte Giveaway Blog Hop - Ends Nov. 15 @ 11:59

 

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
hosted by Mama The Fox. A blog hop is 
a grand opportunity for you to see several
fun giveaways in one spot and enter many.

Click for my reviews of these books

GIVEAWAY

4 Books to 1 Winner

Begins Nov. 1

Ends Nov. 15 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA/CANADA  addresses only

NO P.O. BOXES - Canadian phone # required

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY HOP BLOGS TO VISIT BELOW

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 🦊~ MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations. Click the blogs/links below to open other giveaway opportunities you can enter.

Christmas books at Candlewick Press delight and bring joy & a "Thanks a Latte" Giveaway Blog Hop [Review & Giveaway]

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
hosted by Mama The Fox. A blog hop is 
a grand opportunity for you to see several
fun giveaways in one spot and enter many.

The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story by Amy Sparkes, ISBN: 9781536231366 | Ages 4-9

My thoughts: This is such a special and lovely book. Bright, cheerful. The style is reminiscent of vintage children's books in its story telling and illustrations.

A heartwarming story of a little girl in London who was sent, as were thousands of English children, to the countryside as far from the threat of war as possible during WWII. She had such sadness in leaving her parents behind coupled with the uncertainty and fear at perhaps being unwanted and uncared for. Then she began to enjoy her country life and the kindness of her new family. And at Christmas time they gave her a lovely little doll.

We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection by: Chrystal Caudill, Cara Putman & Angela Ruth Strong from Kregel Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN-13: 9780825447914
Paperback $17.99
Christianbook.com $13.49

About the book: Journey with three Weise men in these three Christmas novellas from best-selling authors! 

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.

Read a Sample - Click here

"Star of Wonder" by Crystal Caudill

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family's grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise's chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

Kregel Children's Christmas Books to treasure and bring joy [Review & Giveaway]

I have found through the years that Kregel Publishing has an excellent selection of children's books. Be sure you visit their website to look through their selection. You can also search my blog for Kregel books I've reviewed. 

Kregel's Christmas Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories by Matt Lockhart

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This small book is a true treasure and keepsake that can be brought out yearly for use and display at Christmas. It is a book that will be handed down to the next generation as well. It is a book that will introduce children (and adults) to more classical art and book illustrations of Biblical texts. 

Each two-page spread has a Bible story from the  prophesized coming of Christ to His birth, and other events surrounding His birth.

This is not a "cutesied" or toned down retelling of these accounts. An assortment of Bible versions is used to recount the stories. This is a book to draw you and your family closer to the Christ as you remember His birth. 

Art work is by Cleveland Woodward (1900-1985) and Otto Stemler (1872-1953).

I personally would prefer the KJV for the Scripture portions. This is a lovely book and will serve families well for many years. I hope it is a blessing to families and  I recommend this book.

About the book: Scripture with classic artwork for a keepsake families will read every Christmas...

Like Kregel's Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories, this new volume combines actual Scripture with stunning, high-quality traditional artwork, here bringing the timeless Christmas story to life in a presentation that will delight young and old.

Matt Lockhart gathers classic illustrations to illuminate eighteen passages surrounding the advent of the birth of Christ, including the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the revelation to the shepherds, Simeon in the temple, and much more.

A beautifully illustrated book, this treasury also includes an Advent Bible reading plan, ideas for celebrating the season, and an invitation for children to receive God's gift of Jesus.

This beautiful keepsake is the perfect present for Christmas and for generations to come.

Author: Matt Lockhart has been a part of bringing wonderful Bible-based books and resources to life throughout nearly three decades in ministry and Christian publishing. He has a heart for engaging children and adults with the life-giving message of God's Word. Matt and his wife live in Colorado in a nearly empty nest.

I Spy Christmas by Deborah Lock & illustrated by Samantha Meredith

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This is such a cute book for little ones during the Christmas season. It shares the story of the birth of the Christ child and gives the little ones an opportunity to engage in some seek and find searching on the pages. This gets the little ones focusing on the details of the illustrations to find little items.

It gives the opportunity for adults to share the story of how Christ was born with their little ones, too.

I recommend this book for families.

About the book: Interactive Christmas fun for children ages 3 to 5 - Secret word: Christmas

Can you spot the doves? What about the angel's trumpet? Point to the girl holding a rug!

Children and parents alike will have hours of fun experiencing the Christmas story in these colorful and bustling illustrations. Samantha Meredith has created eleven bright and beautiful scenes kids will love. Each page not only follows the holy family on their journey, it also includes special pictures for kids to point out.

It's an interactive book children will want to come back to again and again--all while learning the story of Jesus's birth!

Author: Deborah Lock is the author of many children's books over her twenty-year career. She is dedicated to developing products that engage and inspire children, instill a life-long love of reading, and share the Christian faith.

Contributor: Samantha Meredith is the illustrator of I Spy Christmas.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 27

Ends November 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Miracle in East Texas [movie review]

 

Inspired by one of the most improbable true stories ever, this is the entertaining tale of two aging con men at the dawn of the Great Depression and the biggest oil strike in the history of the world.

Irving Tanner, Jr. (Lou Gossett, Jr.) recounts the 1930 legend. Times are hard when the unluckiest wildcatter in the world, Dad Everett (John Ratzenberger), teams up with Doc Boyd (Kevin Sorbo), a charming snake oil salesman. Together they convince several new widows (Sam Sorbo, Paula Boudreau, and others) to invest in their worthless oil wells.

Then, the unthinkable happens!

My thoughts:  In Miracle in East Texas a story of two con-men who travel the country deceiving widows and drilling for oil that they know won't produce. They milk these unsuspecting folks out of life savings and then vanish to another locale. The movie has them first in Oklahoma and then moving on to new opportunities in Texas.

They use their personalities to charm and deceive as well as quoting Scripture, praying, and claiming to be led by the Lord for these endeavors.

And then they actually do find oil. A big find! And all of it catches up with them. They are caught since they actually can't follow through.

The story is not only about the miraculous find of a huge oil field, but it is a story of changed lives. Redemption. Forgiveness. 

The story has a heaping measure of good humor, quirky folks, and just simply goodness. I loved the movie and highly recommend it.

The movie produced by Sorbo studios, MIRACLE IN EAST TEXAS tells the story of the biggest oil strike in US history. It's a story about hope and redemption and is inspired by a true story of American entrepreneurship. It is a story of two aging con-men at the dawn of the Great Depression and life in the 1930s. It has a good message on forgiveness and its blessings. Staring Kevin Sorbo (also director), John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett Jr., Tyler Mane.

✅ Purchase tickets & more information - click here:  https://bit.ly/3Q3IWt4 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

DISCLOSURE: I received a "screener's link" in order to review the movie, Miracle in East Texas. For screening, reviewing, and sharing information about the film on social media I will receive a small gift. My opinions are honest and given only after viewing the movie and are not influenced by any gift given. I only endorse books, movies, products that I can honestly recommend to my own family and friends.

Candlewick presents "A Spider Named Itsy" by Steve Light & "Lonely Bird" by Ruth Whiting [Review & Giveaway]

Picture book A Spider Named Itsy is a clever twist on the classic nursery rhyme that will satisfy curious toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy singing about the spider that went up the water spout. Publishing next week from beloved author-illustrator Steve Light, this one is sure to be an instant hit with little ones.

My thoughts:  Starting with the very end statement (or dedication)......

For those who have been "washed out" and have the courage to climb again.

This retelling of the traditional children's song, "Itsy Bitsy Spider climbed up the water spout.....," shows a courageous, overcoming spider who is a real team player. He is a helper. He looks out for the other guy. It is a story to encourage those who have failed (or think they have) to try again. It is a story of underlying strength.

It is a delightfully illustrated story of a well lived life. I highly encourage and recommend.

About the book: 

Itsy Bitsy sits at home,

drinking tea, all alone . . .

Everyone knows the rhyme “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” We know about the climb up the waterspout, the washout, the return of the sun, and the determined climb back up the spout—again. Generations of children have sung this beloved verse and mastered its accompanying twisty finger play. But what sent the tiny spider on his upward trek to begin with? What happened along the way—and where is Itsy now? Steve Light—with his meticulously rendered, highly detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations and an endearing cast of insect characters—riffs on a classic as he offers some surprising answers, ushering us into a charming tale of perseverance, kindness, and community. And it all starts when a branch falls from a tree . . .

Why did Itsy Bitsy make his famous journey? With a dose of warmth and whimsy, Steve Light’s remarkable, intricate artwork spins a backstory of unexpected friendship.   

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Lonely Bird features the smallest slip of a protagonist with a vast imagination and an insatiable appetite for exploring beauty and making things—traits any child can relate to. This one is a wonderful read for early elementary aged kiddos.

This a video that shows the debut author-illustrator’s creation process.  And here is a video of the author-illustrator giving a tour of her studio.

My thoughts:  The story is a bit sad and unusual. It's the story of a wee slip of paper on which a bird is drawn and then cut out. This is "Lonely Bird." Then we see the habitat or home of this little paper lonely bird. It is the abode of an artist and a child. There is a lot of odd bits of stuff laying about; and during the night hours lonely bird roams about, discovers a wad of paper, and creates a friend out of it. They begin to roam about and then the monster vacuum cleaner devours his friend. And the story goes on with a rescue and more creation with bits and pieces.

The book is interesting on another level in that it explores the creativity that one can experience using odd bits and pieces. This cute story will encourage parents to encourage their little ones to use what is available to create and realize that using little "throw away" pieces of stuff can be highly satisfying and fun. 

This is a "must have" for homes and schools where the creative spirit is encouraged and/or present.

Be sure to watch the creativity of the artist that illustrates this book and her artistic methodology in the video.

About the book: A tiny paper bird shares a home with humans in this wondrously illustrated debut, introducing a sensitive, creative soul who ventures into the belly of the beast to rescue a new friend. Secret word: determination 

She’s just a tiny slip of paper, a doodle cut in the shape of a bird. She isn’t sure who made her or how she came to be, or if the family she lives with even knows she is there. She turns found objects into things of beauty—sometimes leaving them for the child of the house to discover—and invents riveting tales to tell to the wall outlet. And now, in her grandest adventure yet, the dauntless artist makes something thoroughly a friend. With spare prose and luminous paintings, Ruth Whiting introduces a delicate 2D character navigating an oversize world—a reality just on the edges of our own.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 25

Ends November 13 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Noah’s Gloomy /Joyful Ark by Jill Roman Lord & illustrated by Kelly Breemer [Review & Giveaway]

24 pages Board book
ISBN: 9781430085287
$12.99 | Buy Here

My thoughts:  Children's picture book author, Jill Roman Lord, never disappoints with her whimsical, truthful, Biblical children's books. Her rhyming story telling has a sweet rhythm and rhyme that will engage little ones as they listen to you read and re-read the books.

In Noah's Gloomy Joyful Ark what could be a gloomy, rainy day read becomes one of rejoicing as the child can see the joy of the boarding animals. It will be a reminder to adults that this was indeed a gloomy and joyful time. Gloomy for those lost and joyful for those saved. But the deeper subject is not broached for young readers. The joy is simply evident throughout the book.

I love that this book has 24 pages - way more than one normally has in a kiddie  board book.  I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Join the animals, make some noise, and find some joy!

This new look at Noah’s ark imagines how the animals might have felt on that one-of-a-kind journey. Maybe they felt a bit gloomy to see the rain clouds, but they must’ve been joyful to be safe and sound on the ark! Secret word: Joy

This rollicking story encourages readers to roar, bark, and hee-haw along with the animals. And when the rainbow appears, children will be reminded that even in their own gloomy days, they can look for God’s love!

Don't miss the other books in the series: The Silent Noisy Night and The Quiet Crazy Easter Day. (These links go to my reviews.)

Click here for 3 fun activities that children in your life will enjoy

GIVEAWAY

Noah's Gloomy Joyful Ark

Signed by the author

Begins October 20

Ends at November 16

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy by the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.