“The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story” by Rory Feek

This book is hilarious! Three and four-year-olds will surely be laughing out loud as they neigh with the cow, quack with the horse, and oink with the sheep.  

“The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story” by Rory Feek and illustrated by Bruno Robert is a nonsensical story about seven farm animals who wish they were a different animal. I read a review commenting on the lack of a moral resolution to the story—such as the animals learning to be okay with their own strengths/identity. I concur with that to an extent, which is why I’m giving the book four instead of five stars. The resolution to the animals’ identity crises is the farmer joining in with a loud moooo! Which is funny. I laughed aloud myself. So, if you’re looking for a laugh-aloud, laugh-along book with no moral besides “join in on the chaos,” then you can find delight in this story, as I did. After all, doesn’t every child just need an adult to be silly with them every now and then—as the farmer is with the animals?

All stories start with words and are completed by the illustrations, and this book has brilliant pictures. On the back of the dust jacket, Robert writes: “While I am picturing a story, I please myself thinking up a funny and colored world with a hint of tenderness.” He’s done exactly that with this book! My favorite is the duck belting out a baa—I can hear it in the illustration. This story is funny and tender.

There is no mention of God in this story and no spiritual undertones, which surprised me since this is published by Tommy Nelson, but I’d rather there be no mention of God than a seemingly haphazard reference slapped onto the last page.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young

Sarah Young + Thomas Nelson = masterpiece.

This serene white hardcover book with red glistening, festive berries adorning its cover is a gift for whomever opens it. In typical Sarah Young fashion, Jesus Calling for Christmas is a collection of devotions written from the perspective of Jesus to His children. In each devotion, Jesus calls His readers. Calls them to seek Him and find Him.

These devotions are meant to be read slowly. Meditatively. Linger on each page. Each sentence. Each breath from God. And bask in the peace that He offers. Through these one-page devotions, Jesus draws readers to His Word. He iterates that He is enough. That Immanuel has come.

The truths and lessons are that Jesus understands us. In Jesus we find rest. We need to seek His face throughout the day. He is our rock. He illuminates our path. Furthermore, while these devotions are decorated with wintry mountain scenes, frosty meadows, and Christmas foliage, they can be enjoyed all year long—particularly through the winter season. Bible verses accompany the devotions, and they come from all parts of the Bible, not just the Gospel stories. Reminders such as our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we must give thanks in all circumstances, we need to live in collaboration with Jesus, and waiting on God is an act of faith are among those gleaned from these pages of majestic winter wonderland exuding solitude and God’s glory.

The book’s message is repetitive but not redundant. The message of hope. Of Jesus coming again. Marveling at the incarnation.

I highly recommend this book.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

My Christmas ABCs illustrated by Jordan Wray

A delightful board book to snuggle up with and read next to a Christmas tree or to wrap up and give to a little friend.

Three aspects that will make me return to this book and recommend it to others:

1.      Glitter! There is glitter on every page. Often only the cover pages have glitter, but this book decides to make readers smile on each page—and the sparkly pieces turn the book into a touch-and-feel.

2.      Santa is absent. The first page: “A is for the angel who brought joyful news to everyone.” What a brilliant way to begin the book. Parents have the opportunity, on page 1, to answer the question what news? The alphabet includes bells, cookies, ice, mittens, lights, the nativity, stockings, and more—with absolutely no mention of Santa or his cronies.

3.      Colors. Of people! There are people of all shades. Love it!

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review. 

Cozy, Snowy Cuddles by Tommy Nelson

What a treat! Tommy Nelson’s “Cozy, Snuggly Cuddles” is a cuddle itself. This touch-and-feel book with a glittery cover shows children winter by describing the ice, the snowflakes, the frost, and the stars, and by showing winter animals to touch and feel: seals, huskies, whales, moose, and polar bears.

The rhyme on each page is sure to delight children as they cuddl up with Mommy or Daddy and hunker down for a winter experience. The last page of the five-page-spread book mentions God: “Thank God for cozy kisses!”

Some words on each page are in a different color font—prompting children to read those words themselves.

A simple, happy, rhyming wintry delight. I recommend this book.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.