“Little Critter Little Blessings Collection” by Mercer Mayer

I’ve been reading a lot of simple children’s stories lately, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that this collection of four stories by Mercer Mayer: “You Go First,” “Being Thankful,” It’s True,” and “We All Need Forgiveness” is anything but simple.

In this “Little Critter Little Blessings Collection,” Mercer Mayer teaches lessons in a way that kids will grasp, and he teaches the lessons thoroughly. Many books reach the point of the lesson and then stop. Mayer doesn’t stop. He keeps the story going–these read as actual stories rather than lessons disguised as stories. They are thorough and complete.

Mayer uses expressions that kids would use such as “It’s not Fair!” (the theme of the first story), “That’s not true!” (the theme of the second story), and “I wish I had ________!” (the theme of the third story. The words that Little Critter uses are the exact words I can imagine a 5-7 year old saying. Therefore, readers are sure to get the lesson. Of course the pictures are great (vibrant, engaging, assisting in telling the story), and the spiritual message is just the right amount. Mention is made to what God says in the Bible, with such a flair that a child reader is bound to agree and maybe feel a bit guilty about his selfish actions.

I highly recommend this collection!

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

God Bless my Family by Hannah C. Hall

This is a perfectly sized board book with a cushy cover. Some are too big, some are too small—this one is just right.

“God Bless My Family” written by Hannah C. Hall and illustrated by Steve Whitlow is a simple account of dogs appreciating their family. It doesn’t follow one dog family throughout—instead a different type of dog (and dog family) is featured on each spread. The message of the story is that family comes from God and we should be thankful for it. Mention is given to moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, uncles, and aunts, and on the last spread the entire dog family (consisting of many breeds of dogs) joins for a picnic. The clear message is that family is a gift from God.

I would suggest this book for ages 0-2. After that, kids would likely get bored with the simplicity of the story, but they will likely still appreciate the happy, colorful, serene illustrations.

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

Lizzy the Lioness by Lisa Bevere

This book, “Lizzy the Lioness” is endearing right from the introduction because the author, Lisa Bevere, dedicates it to her granddaughter whose name is Lizzy. The dedication is followed by this verse: “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). What a great verse to inspire kids.

Usually I find that the illustrations make or break a children’s book. This book boasts delightful and detailed illustrations by Kirsteen Harris-Jones, but the words are just as engaging. These two ladies are a dynamic duo!

 The landscapes take readers to the African desert and allow them to immerse themselves in the countryside and the lions’ playfields. My favorite part of the illustrations—as with many kids’ books—is repetition. A little green frog appears on every page, experiencing the adventure with Lizzy and the readers. Kids will have fun spotting the frog on each page.

Lizzy the Lioness wants to be big and strong and brave like the other lions, and like all kids she feels confined by the adults’ insistence of “stay close by and be careful.” One day Lizzy finds an adventure of her own, and through it she learns that sometimes the bravest thing she can do is ask for help.

The spiritual message is tastefully done. The most obvious place it exists is when Lizzy prays to God for help when she finds herself in a dangerous situation.

At the back of the book the author includes some conversation starters for adults to use with children after reading the book, followed by a prayer. I think this book would be most enjoyed by kids ages 3-6.  

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

Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Wow. This is the third Mesu Andrews book that I’ve read, and as always, I couldn’t put it down. Of course I had to, reluctantly, but I did finish as soon as I could! Andrews’ research is admirable makes her stories believable. After reading Isaiah’s Daughter, I read the account of Hezekiah in 2 Kings and was blown away by Andrews’ gift of weaving a narrative and giving historical context to a few Bible verses. I have yet to read the verses she took from Isaiah, but I plan to do that soon.

This book follows the story of Isaiah’s daughter Hephzibah and her marriage to Hezekiah—king of Judah. It is a love story (so tastefully and tantalizingly written!), a story of family hardship, and a story of a king following God’s command.

Mesu, please write more! The amount of work, research, and care Andrews puts into her books is apparent and much appreciated. Even though much of what she writes is fiction, it is believable and makes the Bible stories come alive.

I highly recommend this page-turner!

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The Beautiful Word for Christmas by Zondervan

What an absolutely beautiful book. Zondervan has produced an enchanting, spirit-filled devotion with their book The Beautiful Word for Christmas to bring the joy of advent to your heart.

The book has a cushy hard cover with embossed snowflakes, taunting the reader to turn the page. The first 50 pages consist of an elaborate but calm, sacred, peaceful illustration of the Christmas story as found in the gospels. An illustration of the verses. To me, this is the best part of the book. As I read these pages I find the power of the gospel story seeping through my veins.

Following this are 31 Christmas devotions. Each devotion is, of course, beautifully illustrated and begins with a Bible verse and ends with a prayer and an activity idea. The devotions are intentional and relevant. One aspect I wasn’t expecting is that this book is geared toward women. Many of the devotions specifically address women, so keep that in mind if you plan to gift this book.

I’m so excited to have this beautiful book, and I hope many other people get to enjoy it as well!

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

Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker by Stephen Galloway

Before seeing this book on BloggingforBooks’ list, I’d never heard of Sherry Lansing, and I’d never been fascinated with the Hollywood lifestyle. I chose to read this book because it’s a biography—which usually prove to be interesting—and a biography about a person who defeated odds and achieved extreme success in her field.

Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker by Stephen Galloway did not disappoint. Galloway’s writing style is crisp, propulsive, and engaging. From this book about a lady whom I’d heard nothing about, I was intrigued to read every detail: her childhood, her lovers, her dreams, her dreams crushed, her accomplishments, and her accolades.

Galloway conducted an impressive amount of research. Included are quotes and anecdotes from Hollywood’s top stars: Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Jane Fonda, and more.

This book is a thorough account of Sherry Lansing breaking ground and rising to the top of the totem pole in Hollywood—to be the lead behind movies from Forrest Gump to Mean Girls.

Anyone who wants a seemingly accurate portrayal of Hollywood life and cares to discourse with Hollywood’s finest would enjoy this book.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The Christmas Code by O.S. Hawkins

“In the midst of all the busyness of this season, the celebrations, the shopping, the lights, the decorations, the parties, and all the other tinsel, trappings, and trimmings, Advent offers a time of spiritual preparation” (4).

This pamphlet devotional, The Christmas Code: Daily Devotions Celebrating the Advent Season by O.S. Hawkins, takes readers day-by-day through December 1-25.

I picked up this book because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed two of Hawkins’ other books: The Daniel Code and The James Code. Hawkins writes with clarity and insight.

This book would make a great gift: stick it in a stocking, pass it out to a person you encounter while Christmas shopping, or slip it in an envelope and send it in the mail.

Each daily devotional includes a title, a verse, a devotion, a code word, and a prayer.

The code word is my favorite part. The code word for December 17 is Access. Throughout the day, as I remember the word Access, I’ll be reminded of the access we have to Jesus because he was born in a manger—not a palace.

I recommend this book to others.

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