Shapes that Go by Rebecca Bondor

Shapes That Go
Concept by Rebecca Bondor

Photographs by Scholastic   

This simple board book teaches shapes and colors through photographs of vehicles.  Each page shows a shape on the left hand side and on the right hand side a vehicle.  The first page has a red circle on the left hand side of the page.  On the right hand side of the page there is a photograph of a backhoe.  The tire of the backhoe is highlighted in red to make the red circle on the corresponding page.  The book continues in this manner with shapes square, rectangle, triangle and octagon.  The colors that are introduced are:  red, green, blue, yellow green and purple.  The vehicles are backhoe, garbage truck, bicycle, school bus and semi-truck.  On each page the child is asked to see each shape.  The last page has all the shapes and the child is asked to point to each one.  A note to parents and teachers says that the child can be asked to trace each shape and name the color of each vehicle.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

God bless my Boo Boo by Hannah C. Hall

God Bless by Boo Boo by Hannah C. Hall and Illustrated by Steve Whitlow is a charming, soothing baby book.  The thick cover makes it durable and the cardboard pages make for easy turning for chubby, baby hands.  The comforting, lyrical prose on each page assures the child that any hurt can be soothed by a loving mommy, daddy or grandparent.  At the same time the words point to a loving Heavenly Father who heals our wounds.  The illustrations are endearing with various baby animals and an adult relative who helps in their time of need.  These animals include:  zebra, walrus, monkey, rabbit, elephant, alligator, flamingo, bear, porcupine and sloth.  The baby animals are depicted in scenes of things a human child would do.  These include playing on a jungle gym, getting an immunization at the doctor's office, having a splinter pulled out, falling and scraping a knee, etc.  The illustrations add warmth to the story.  The activities that the baby animals are involved with mirror things a child would experience and relate to and help keep the child engaged in the story to the end of the book. This is a satisfying book!

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Where’s My Fnurgle? by Jim Benton

Where’s My Fnurgle?

Jim Benton
Illustrated by Jim Benton

            This board book is an imaginative hide and seek game with Fnurgle.  Fnurgle is creature of whimsy and fantasy that loves to hide.  The book goes through different rooms in the house and the child is invited to try and find the hidden Fnurgle.  The book has rhyming words throughout the text for an enjoyable lyrical experience.  The simple text and bold, color rich illustrations will capture a young child’s attention.  The interactive manner of the book will make this a book a child will want to read over and over with a beloved care giver.  Benton has created a book that is sure to delight.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Dinosaur Parade by Shari Halpern

Dinosaur Parade

Shari Halpern

Illustrated by Shari Halpern

            An endearing book of lovable dinosaurs begins with a little boy strategically placing his toy dinosaurs on the carpet of his bedroom. The author Shari Halpern uses the factual, scientific names for the dinosaurs but they are drawn in a child-friendly manner.   On each page Halpern has created intriguing dinosaurs in bright, beautiful colors.  The inside cover and back cover of the book give detailed facts on various dinosaurs.  The inside pages give basic facts.  Several pages deal with the size and shapes of dinosaurs including those that had armor, bills and wings.  Other pages discuss how the dinosaurs moved and whether they lived on the land, in the water or flew in the air.  Description is given to the difference between plant eaters and meat eaters.  There is even a page dedicated to the scary, mean dinosaurs and the cute, sweet looking dinosaurs.  This book educates while it delights young children.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Dropped Off Dog (A Mostly-True “Tail”) by Catherine Lagorio

Dropped Off Dog (A Mostly-True “Tail”)

Catherine Lagorio

Illustrated by Robert Kelly

  This story is based on the true-life events surrounding the author adopting a stray dog.  Ms Lagorio has created a story from the abandoned dog’s view point.  The story begins with the dog being well cared for and loved in a nurturing environment.  Sudden illness takes his caregiver away.  The dog is left forgotten until a relative of his caregiver drops him off at the side of the road.  The stark contrast between his safe, loving home and being left to fend for himself in a desolate wooded area make his plight felt by the reader.  Mr. Kelley’s soft toned illustrations are a perfect complement for this poignant story with a tender ending.  This picture book is a lovely way to introduce responsibility and loyalty in pet care.  It is also a great way to begin a discussion with a child about animal shelters, rescue organizations and the local pound. 

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The Barefoot Queen by Ildefonso Falcones

This is a tale of Caridad a former slave girl and Milagros a gypsy girl.  The story details differences in their coming of age years as well as their cultures.   But most of all it is a tale of an enduring friendship through misunderstandings, sufferings, separation, and strife.

Caridad arrives in Spain after her master dies onboard ship.  With no way to support herself she is mislead by “benefactor” who quickly uses her as means to gain money through prostituting her.  Caridad is eventually rescued from this ordeal by an elderly gypsy who is Milagros grandfather.

Milagros has been taught the art of seductive dance while keeping herself chaste.  This is as strict rule among the gypsies and she steps over the bounds when she dances too close to a rival gypsy’s young man.  This one misstep leads to many years of sorrow and hardache for Milagros and her family. 

Amidst this family turmoil comes the persecution of gypsies from the Catholic Church and Spanish government.  Milagros parents are thrown in prison for not adhering to church mandates.  Gypsies are rounded up because of the unsubstantiated view that their practice of telling fortunes is unholy and that they are thieves.  Much prejudice abounds for those who do not understand the culture of the gypsies.

A surprising hero arises in young Fray Joaquin who tries to protect the gypsies in his parish.  He heals rifts among the gypsies, accepts their ways and beliefs of the gypsies and tries to prevent their persecution.

The beauty of the friendship between Caridad and Milagros is ruined by the multiple graphic scenes of sexual abuse and sexual violence throughout the book. 

I acquired this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Squirrel Monkeys by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Squirrel Monkeys

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a baby squirrel monkey.  There is a physical description of the squirrel monkey that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult squirrel monkey is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the trees they inhabit.  The variety of sounds the squirrel monkeys make are described and explained. The author gives details on the squirrel monkeys development from birth to adulthood.  The babies are raised in family groups called troops.  She explains who their predators are, and how the mother protects and feeds her baby.  The mother gives special training to her babies to teach them how to find fruit and peel it.  At 18 months old the squirrel monkey is considered an adult.  Squirrel monkeys live in the same troop their entire lives.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.   

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

This story centers around the San Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines during World War II. The main characters are two Americans who find themselves imprisoned by the Japanese. Irene is a missionary whose sole purpose is to witness of God's love to the people of the Philippines. Rand is a wealthy womanizer who comes under torture for trying to escape his confines. As they face starvation, illness, torture, blackmail a bond forms between them just as past choices threaten to pull them apart.

The story had a lot of suspense, mystery and intrigue. There was a lot of unknown elements to keep the reader's attention. There is time given to the description of the physical state of the internment camp, the deprivations, the unsanitary conditions as well as the emotional atmosphere of bleakness and hopelessness There are several different plots occuring simultaneously in the book. Irene and her aunt's mission, Irene and Rand's friendship, the nuns service to internees, a woman's relationship with a Japanese soldier and the mystery letter writer. The book has some inspirational focus on forgiveness. And Irene's aunt was a beautiful role model of faith when all looks bleak. Her words and favorite scripture were uplifting and serve as a faith builder even to modern day women.

I received this book from publisher through booklook Bloggers and I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I expressed are my own.

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Jaguars by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Jaguars

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a jaguar cub.  There is a physical description of the jaguar that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult jaguar is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the rainforest.  The jaguar’s habitat is described and explanation given why they need to live near rivers.  The unique physical features of the jaguar are outlined with arrows pointing to parts of the anatomy of the jaguar.  The author gives details on the jaguar cub’s development from birth to independence.  She explains who their predators are, and how the mother protects and feeds her baby.  The mother gives special training to her cubs to teach them how to stalk and hunt their prey.   At 2 years old the jaguar has learned skills to survive as an adult in the Amazon River.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review. 

Clean Slate by the editors of Martha Stewart Living

This is much more than a recipe book.  It can revitalize your life!  Clean Slate is about resetting your health and starting out on a new path to health.  The first section of the book is titled "reset".  In this section the reader is presented with 10 golden rules for eating and how we can achieve each one:  
1) choose whole foods over processed 
2) embrace a plant-based diet
3) practice mindful eating
4) engage in an active lifestyle
5) make sure to get enough fiber
6) boost energy with lean protein
7) pay attention to how you feel
8) remember to stay hydrated
9) establish smart meal planning habits
10) know what you are buying

The book goes on to detail specific nutrients our body needs, how we use them, what foods to find them in and how best to prepare them so we get the maximum nutritional value.  Suggestions are given on how to restock our pantries to contain only foods that are beneficial for our bodies.  

There is a section on detoxing your mind and body.  A discussion on how mind and body work together for total health is included as well as a 3-day or 21-day detox plan with step-by-step instructions that include recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

The largest section of the book of course is the recipe section.  It is divided into recipes that replenish, reboot, recharge, reenergize, restore and relax your body.  The recipes are divided into four main categories.  These categories are:  vegan, dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free.  In the back of the book is a recipe index that is color coded to match each category for easy access to the type or recipe you wish to use.  

Beautiful photographs of each recipe enhance the appeal of this recipe book.  Easy-to-follow instructions are given for each recipe.  Each recipe also includes the calories, saturated fat, fiber, and carbohydrate gram amount.  

If you are looking for a way to start on a healthier pathway this book will give you a great jump start.  I really enjoyed the fact that the meal plans and practical advice are not complicated.  The way the ideas were presented were clear, concise and easy to understand and follow.  It is a positive book with a lot of encouragement for those who want to eat better and live a more energized life. 

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Kinkajous by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Kinkajous

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a baby Kinkajou.  There is a physical description of the Kinkajou that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult Kinkajou is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the types of trees they live in.  The unique physical features of the Kinkajou are outlined with arrows pointing to parts of the anatomy of the Kinkajou.  The author gives details on the baby kinkajou’s development from birth to independence.  She explains who their predators are, how the mother protects and feeds her baby, and what types of food the kinkajous eat once they are weaned.  At four months old the kinkajou has learned skills to survive as an adult in the Amazon River.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.          

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review. 

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest: Pink River Dolphins by Rachel Lynette

Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rain Forest:  Pink River Dolphins

Rachel Lynette
Photographs by Shutterstock Images
            The book begins with an introduction to a baby Pink River dolphin.  There is a physical description of the Pink River dolphin that includes a little box at the bottom of the page with a shadow illustration of how large the adult Pink River dolphin is compared to a human child.  An explanation is given of where they live with a map imposed onto the photos of the Amazon River.  The special skills of the Pink River dolphin are outlined with arrows pointing to parts of the anatomy of the dolphin.  The author gives details on the baby dolphins first year of life.  She explains who their predators are, how the mother protects and feeds her baby, and how playtime helps prepare the baby for adult life in the Amazon River.  The book concludes with an illustrated glossary. The closing page gives a list of books and an online website a child can explore for more information.   

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers By Max and Denalyn Lucado

Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers

By Max and Denalyn Lucado

Illustrator Lisa Alderson has rendered breathtakingly beautiful and tender artwork to enhance the bedtime prayers found in this book.  This book would be worth its weight in gold simply for the outstanding illustrations.  When I saw the pictures and started to read the poetry I literally said, “Oh,” because I was in awe.  This is a gorgeous, gorgeous book that would make the perfect baby shower gift or a gift for a beloved child or grandchild. You truly won’t want to miss out on this book!

Max and Denalyn Lucado have selected the perfect combination of scripture, well-beloved children’s poetry and their own original poems for soothing and comforting bedtime prayer time.  This book could be used as part of the daily bedtime ritual with a young child.

The book begins with a letter to parents explaining the importance of teaching children to pray.  There are paragraphs on forgiveness, hope, God’s care and the power of prayer.  Then the book is divided into sections.  The sections include:  Good Morning, God; God, You are Great; My Family and Friends; In My Play and Through the Day; My Mealtime Payers, God Takes Care of Me, Teach Me, God; Prayers for Special Days; Thank You, God; and Good Night God.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Owl Diaries – Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott

Owl Diaries – Eva’s Treetop Festival
Rebecca Elliott
Illustrated by Rebecca Elliott
            Eva the owl longs to have an achievement of her own.  When she begins to plan the Treetop Festival her imagination goes wild.  She soon learns that organizing and planning such an event takes a united effort.  As she chooses which friends to include in the process she is surprised to discover that many of her friends have hidden talents.  But the biggest surprise is the reaction of her long-time nemesis Sue Clawson.  The story is written as Eva’s diary.  It begins with an introduction of Eva herself.  She includes her likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite foods, and a description of her family and friends.  Eva’s diary then launches into the routine of her school day routine.  Eva has personality plus and she entertains us with her present day dilemma of pulling off the Treetop Festival in style.  The bubble notes above the owls’ heads and illustrations to highlight Eva’s diary add a realistic childlike quality to this book.

I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Peter Loves Penguin by David McPhail

Peter Loves Penguin

David McPhail
Illustrated by David McPhail

David McPhail has a true talent for creating books that are endearing.  This story of Peter and his pet penguin is no exception.  The first page of this book shows Peter and Penguin asleep side by side in the bed.  As the reader turns the page Peter and Penguin wake up to begin there day.  Each page is a part of their day together as best friends.  The story shows how Peter and Penguin are alike and how they are different.  For example when they go outside to play in the snow Peter needs books but Penguin does not.  The story also demonstrates sharing, cooperation, unselfishness, shared enjoyments and love between best friends.

McPhail’s illustrations are a perfect fit for his own prose.  Soft, muted water colors give a feeling of tenderness and warmth.  McPhail chooses words that pack a lot of meaning in them so he doesn’t have to use many on each page.  The simple text carries the story brilliantly.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.