Review: Diwali by Hannah Eliot

DIWALI

Celebrate the World

by Hannah Eliot

Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

Little Simon

Board Book / Diverse Books

24 pages

ages 2 to 4

Learn all about the traditions of Diwali with this third book in the delightful board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.

Each autumn we gather with our friends and family and light our brightest lanterns. It’s time for Diwali, the festival of lights! In this lovely board book with illustrations from Archana Sreenivasan, readers learn that the five days of Diwali are a time to pray for a bountiful season, celebrate the special bonds between siblings, and rejoice in the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

 MY TIDBITS

This is one book in an entire series of board books with the goal of opening up the youngest listeners to the variety of cultures and some of their celebrations. I've read two of these already, but this one is my favorite.

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated around this time of year (end of October/early November). In these pages, the background behind Diwali is very quickly hit upon (the goddess and how the light invites her in), allowing the main focus to remain on the preparation and practices during the five day celebration. For a board book, there is enough text, but it never comes across as too much. Rather, it's perfect to read-aloud and flows with enough of a 'story time' flare to keep it interesting. It probably won't hold the interest of the youngest listeners, but children ages four and up will pick up on the information and have no trouble understanding what is going on.

The illustrations are bright, detailed and bring the scenes to life without growing confusing or over-packed. The people's expressions bring across the joy and make it difficult not to want to dive into the pages and celebrate with the characters.

While Dewali is a celebration many readers may not have heard about before, this book does a great job of making the basic background and rituals understandable. While younger listeners will enjoy gazing at the illustrations, slight older listeners (ages four and up) will be more able to grasp the holiday and the celebration.


And here they are...

The Author...
Hannah Eliot is a children's book editor who lives in Manhattan, New York. Her faorite activities include editing (of course), writing, painting, and doodling all over every piece of notebook paper she uses.

The Illustrator...

Archana Sreenivasan is an illustrator based in Bangalore, India. Her illustrations have been published in numerous magazines, children's books, book covers, and comics. She studied animation film design at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and Participated in a summer residency at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she studied illustration. She finds the nautral world and people-watching most inspiring and is endlessly fascinated by cats.

Review: Night Night, Sleepytown by Amy Parker, Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

NIGHT NIGHT, SLEEPYTOWN

by Amy Parker

Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

Thomas Nelson

Board Book

20 pages

Join bestselling author Amy Parker and award-winning illustrator Virginia Allyn in the latest Night Night adventure through Sleepytown, where community helpers work hard so everyone can rest! Say thank you and good night to farmers, doctors, teachers, firefighters, and God, who takes care of us all. Your little ones will sleep soundly, feeling safe and loved.

Night night, helpers—Sleepytown too!

Thank you all for what you do.

Amy Parker’s children’s books have sold more than a million copies, including two Christian Retailing’s Best award-winning books and the bestselling A Night Night Prayer; Night Night, Farm; and Night Night, Train.

 MY TIDBITS

There are many people working in a town to keep life running smoothly. This book takes a look at several professions and the influence they have on people around them, and then offers a quick thanks before a good night's sleep.

The cover already invites smiles with it's bright colors and busy portrayal of a small town. It's a sturdy book with a puffy cover and an easy to wash off surface. The pages are as sturdy as a board book should be. Each page offer two verses of rhyme. The first gives a quick, fun glimpse at a profession often found in towns (police, doctor, postman, etc) while the second verse is much more repetitive, starting with the words 'night night' and ends with a thank you.  Some of the rhymes run more smoothly than others but all are informative while also being fun.

The illustrations are bright and super sweet with animals as the main characters. There are fun little details sprinkled in such as a carrot car or mice helping themselves to cookies in the background. These little bits give young listeners something to explore and giggly moments.

It's a cute book which takes a glimpse at the important things people do and how these jobs are needed for everyday life. It reminds young listeners to be thankful and see those around them in a more grateful light. Even bubble makers and diggers before saying night night.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booklookbloggers.com.

Review: Día de los Muertos by Hannah Eliot, Illustrated by Jorge Gutierrez

Día de los Muertos

by Hannah Eliot

Illustrated by Jorge Gutierrez

Little Simon

Board Book / Holiday

24 pages

ages 2 to 5

Learn all about the traditions of Dia de los Muertos with this second book in the brand-new board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.

At the end of October each year, it’s time to celebrate an ancient tradition: Dia de los Muertos! With vibrant illustrations by Golden Globe–winning Mexican illustrator Jorge Gutierrez, this festive board book teaches that Dia de los Muertos honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed. From sugar skulls to papel picado, this is a holiday that truly commemorates the cycle of life.

MY TIDBITS

This is a great way to introduce children to a holiday they may not have heard of before and discover more about the world around them.

With 24 pages, this is a sturdy little board book, perfect for small hands. The cover and pages will hold up to small accidents and a bit of roughness. The traditions and reasons for celebrating Dia de los Muertos are explained clearly, while still allowing the excitement the holiday brings to still filter in. The text uses simple enough vocabulary for kids to understand, while still allowing some lesser known, cultural words to filter in.

The illustrations are as expected from Jorge Gutierrez—a real treat. He has brought the holiday across in a vibrant, exciting way while still keeping the foundations of the celebration clear. There are many small details in the drawings to make sure children come back and investigate them on their own.

While there are many great things to this book, I'm not sure it's fitting for the board book age group. The text is fairly long for the youngest listeners and the illustrations, while beautiful, don't always depict the situations clear enough for board book audiences to understand. Slightly older listeners/readers would slide into these pages without a problem, but unfortunately, the older age group (who would enjoy this book the most) will most likely not be willing to pick up a board book.

Still, it's a wonderful story which does a terrific job in introducing Dia de los Muertos to kids.

And here they are...

The Author...
Hannah Eliot is a children's book editor who lives in Manhattan, New York. Her faovite activities include editing (of course), writing, painting, and doodling all over every piece of notebook paper she uses.

The Illustrator...

Jorge R. Gutierrez  is a Mexican animator, painter, writer, and director who, along with his wife, Sandra Equihua, created the multiple Aniie and Emmy Award-winning animated television series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera for Nickelodeon. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Guierrez has completed various films, cartoons, illustrations and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. He won two Annie Awards (Best TV Animated show & Best TV Character Design) and on Emmy Award (Best TV Character Design) for El Tigre. He was also nominated for an Annie for Disney's The Buzz on Mattie. Most recently, he cowrote and directed the animated feature The Book of Life, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

Review: Precious Moments - Little Book of Thanks by Jean Fischer

LITTLE BOOK OF THANKS

Precious Moments

by Jean Fischer

Thomas Nelson

Board Book / Religious

ages 1 and up

32 pages

It happens every autumn. As soon as the leaves begin to turn bright, beautiful colors, the year sprints ahead on fast-forward! Take a few moments out of the hustle and bustle of the season to sink into a cozy chair with your little one and thank God for everything He’s given us with Precious Moments® Little Book of Thanks.

In the sweet, enduring art style of Precious Moments, this timeless book will help your children recognize all the wonderful things God has given them! Read along, and you will remember to enjoy the simple things, like singing silly songs, jumping in a pile of leaves, and watching the seasons change. The short, rhyming verses in this classic Precious Moments book don’t take much time to read at all, and they will create memories that last forever.

Precious Moments Little Book of Thanks offers you the chance to be thankful for all that you have and for the ones with whom you get to share every precious moment. 

MY TIDBITS

Thanks and good feelings abound in these reflections about the blessings received during our daily lives.

This is a sturdy, thick board book, perfectly made for small hands. The cover is slick and easy to wipe off from small accidents, and will hold up to a little more rough treatment. Each two-page spread holds a short poem (sometimes two), which reflect a couple things to be thankful for, according to each two-page theme. There is also a short Bible verse to reflect on.

Thanks for silly songs...thanks for playtime...thanks for clouds and all sorts of, even sometimes, silly sounds. This small book hits a broad span of all the things kids, especially younger ones, can be thankful for. The themes are usually very broad and appropriate for children in many situations, making it easy for almost any little one to relate too. The poems change in length, tempo, rhyme and attitude, giving the pages as much variety as the things being thanked for. Each one is short and sweet, keeping it to a short attention span while still making the point loud and clear.

The illustrations, as is with Precious Moments, are cute and radiate warmth and love. The kids are depicted in various activities, each one clearly holding emotions which even young listeners can pick up on. It's simply a sweet collection, which reminds how much God's given us and how even the smallest things in life make the biggest smiles.

I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.

Review: Candy Apple Blessings by Maddie Frost

CANDY APPLE BLESSINGS

Illustrated by Maddie Frost

Thomas Nelson

Board Book/Religious

20 pages 

ages 0 to 4

Candy Apple Blessings is a cheery seasonal board book that explores the many reasons we love fall! Including a charming embellished cover and whimsical art, this book follows some animal friends as they celebrate the best parts of autumn. 

Whether it’s choosing a pumpkin from the patch, jumping in a colorful pile of leaves, or going on a hayride with friends, Candy Apple Blessings is a fun way to thank God for the beautiful parts of the season that you get to enjoy together!

With charming art and a gleaming foil, Candy Apple Blessings is the perfect way to celebrate all the wonderful things about fall.

MY TIDBITS

Autumn is almost here and this book holds a bountiful supply of fun activities and moments the season brings.

The cover already inspires smiles with it's shining reds and golds accompanying three friends, who are having obvious fun. Sturdy pages make this a read for smaller hands and promises to withstand a little rougher treatment. Each two-page spread depicts a Fall activity from eating candy apples to pumpkin patches to decorating the house in fitting colors. There's an accompany 5-line rhyme which carries a lot of bounce, especially due to the fun fitting noise repeat on every 4th line. My kids got a kick out of this part.

The text is simple enough for even younger listeners. The rhymes come across a little chaotic but that's part of the fun. All of this snuggles in with colorful illustrations, which demonstrate the activity. It's hard not to wish it were possible to join in with the characters as they romp through Autumn.

All of these activities hit a more rural setting and encourage kids to get outside and enjoy things such as festivals and picking pumpkins. According to the blurb on the back of the book, these ideas are also tiny inspiration points for activities parents can do with their kids to give Autumn that special touch.


I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers and enjoyed the crisp, happy feelings so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.

Review: It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! by Jody Jensen Shaffer

IT'S YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, BUSY BUS!

by Jody Jensen Shaffer

Illustrated by Claire Messer

Beach Lane Books

July 3rd, 2018

Board Book

32 pages

 ages 3 and up

It’s the first day of school! But is Busy Bus ready? Find out in this darling picture book that showcases the excitement and worries little ones experience as they prepare for their first day.

Today is the very first day of school! Busy Bus is excited, but he also has some first-day jitters. Will the children like him? Will he be homesick? What if he gets lost?! Luckily, bus driver Ben knows just what to do to make sure that the school year gets off to a great start.

MY TIDBITS

This takes a fun twist at the first day of school, while very gently giving those who might be afraid to ride the bus, a little encouragement.

Busy Bus is nervous and excited. Soon, it will be his first day to drive kids to school. Ben, the driver,
makes sure everything is ready, but when the moment arrives to leave, suddenly Busy Bus is more anxious than anything else.

Cute, short and easy to read, this book takes the first day of school from a 'young' bus' perspective. The first part of the book covers everything there is to know about a bus, while the driver, Ben, checks through things thoroughly. Young readers learn about all the things needed for a bus' safety—air pressure, fire extinguisher, emergency door, etc. About halfway through, the gears change, and Busy Bus becomes apprehensive about meeting the kids and actually driving to school the first time. First time school goers will sympathize immediately and watch as Busy Bus works his way through this fear.

The illustrations are simple, bright and done with a playful, splatter effect. The details are kept light but just enough to draw in younger listeners. The text is great for preschoolers and plays along with the illustrations to create a fun read aloud.

Those who love school buses and cars or are about to embark on their first day of preschool or kindergarten will enjoy this read.


And here they are...

The author...
Jody Jensen Shaffer is the author of more than twenty-seven books of fiction and nonfiction for children. She's written about everything from ninja warriors to hyenas to Frederick Douglass. Her picture books include It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus; Prudence, the Part-Time Cow; and A Chip Off the Old Block. Jody lives in Liberty, Missouri, with her husband and children.

The Illustrator...

Claire Messer is a graduate of the Cambridge School of Art. She works by hand, using traditional printmaking processes to create her picture books, which include the acclaimed Grumpy Pants. She lives in the UK.

Review: Mon Petit Busy Day by Annette Tamarkin

MON PETIT 

BUSY DAY

by Annette Tamarkin

Little Simon

Board Book / Activity Book

ages 2 to 5

12 pages

Introducing Mon Petit Busy Day, an oversized busy book with eye-catching art that lets little ones discover, learn, and play with first concept surprises.

Mon Petit Busy Day features brilliant hands-on lessons that are perfect for curious readers who are preparing for Pre-K! Trace lines with your fingers to learn hand-eye coordination. Play a memory game with simple shapes hidden under lift-the-flaps. Learn left from right or up from down with moving tabs. Mon Petit Busy Day even introduces colors, counting, clocks, search-and-finds, and more! This busy book is filled with simple and engaging first concepts presented in a striking art style that will delight parents and children alike.

MY TIDBITS

Bright and happy, this book holds fun activities for little hands and makes practicing hand-eye coordination fun.

With a robust size, this is a great book for small hands to explore. The pages are thick, sturdy and easy for very young readers to grab and flip through. Every page is bright and bold with simple and recognizable items such as flowers, a paint brush and a hand. Warmth, smiles and joy radiate from the illustrations and invite to play. The activities range from basic counting, simple directions to color recognition and more. Some activities are simple, while others will fit the upper range of 5 years nicely.

What makes this book fun is the variety of activities. There's something new on each page. Each one is easy to decipher and provides a wonderful practice at hand-eye coordination along the way. The only draw back is the shorter length (which, however, only shows how fun this book is since I would like it longer), and that the flaps on the activities must be handled with a little care by the youngest readers. Although after being tested by the tugging and pulling of my kids a few times, are sturdier and tougher than they appear.

This book is a real treat and sure to put smiles on kids faces as they hit each of the activities and even learn something too.

Review: A Very Happy Easter Prayer by Bonnie Rickner Jensen Illustrated by Natalia Moore

A VERY HAPPY EASTER PRAYER

by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Thomas Nelson

Board Book

24 pages 

ages 2 and up

Snuggle up close with your little ones to see why the Easter season is such a very happy time.

The weather is warming, flowers are blooming, and cuddly critters are leaving their nests. Join the adorable woodland animals as they thank God for all the blessings of Easter.

 MY TIDBITS

With Easter and the Spring season, there are many things to give God thanks for, and this cute little picture book brings these to light it a bright and cheery way.

The cover shines with a glittery effect over a happy, Spring scene and sets the mood for the pages which follow. The pages are fairly sturdy, making it easy for smaller hands to flip through. Each page depicts a different Spring scene from playing in rain puddles to birds building nests to frogs hopping in a pond. Each two-page spread is accompanied by a four line poem, which starts out with 'Thank You, God,. . .' and continues with a smooth rhyme in a prayer of joyful thanks. The various situations are ones young listeners will recognize and smile at.

The illustrations are bright, have an artistic flair and radiate warm, sunny feelings. The characters are inviting and always smiling as they actively enjoy the moment. The illustrations fit the rhymed verses, making it simple for young listeners to usually realize what is happening. . .even if they flip through the pages on their own. It inspires joy and play the whole way through.

This is a religious book and that stands at the forefront. Each page is a thank you prayer. The message of Easter is mentioned but mixes in with the more familiar moments of modern day life, making this, in many ways, more of a thank-you prayer for Spring. It's cute, sweet and carries tons of warmth young listeners are sure to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers.

Giveaway! Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle

I reviewed a lovely board book over here on Bookworm for Kids a couple of weeks ago, and after seeing it, the author, Deb Gruelle, was nice enough to offer a signed copy to me to give away! *squeal*

And the winner is. . .

HAROLD!!!

If you'd like to take a peek at my review, head on over here.
If you'd like to throw in your hat for a chance to win this beautiful book (and it is pretty with shining stars and everything), just say so below and leave you email address or Twitter name so I can get a hold of you.

The winner will be drawn at midnight on March 17th, and announced on Kidbits as well as over on Bookworm for Kids on March 18th. The winner will also be contacted over email or Twitter (depending on what they leave in the comments) and has 48 hours to claim their prize. The author is sponsoring this giveaway. The winner must be a resident of the U.S. and there is no possibility of a monetary or substitute prize. And who would want that anyway? The book is really a treat as it is.

Review: Ten Little Night Stars by Deb Gruelle Illustrated by Gabi Murphy

TEN LITTLE NIGHT STARS

by Deb Gruelle 

Illustrated by Gabi Murphy

Zonderkidz

Board Book/ Religious

20 pages

One!

One little night star,

Twinkling in deep blue.

I run inside to take my bath,

Then there are…

Two!

Ten Little Night Stars is a sweet bedtime counting book perfect for the youngest readers. One by one the stars come out in the night sky as cute and cuddly animals go through their bedtime routines. This board book will encourage children to turn the page with interactive and engaging rhyme, and will take them through bath time, story time, and sleep. Written by Deb Gruelle, great-great-grand-niece of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Ten Little Night Stars is the perfect bedtime story for parents and children alike.

MY TIDBITS

This book screams cute, while offering a lovely read to help those sleepy eyes close and drift into dreamland.

Through simple counting and flowing rhyme, young animals head to bed and cuddle in for a good night's sleep. The board book is sturdy with a slightly fluffy cover to make it perfect for small hands. The book will withstand some abuse and is easy to wipe off from minor messes. But it's the cover which catches attention. The glistening, golden stars catch the eye, while the big elephant supporting the smaller one sets the perfect, warm mood.

With a loud one, the first page starts off the counting. Each spread has the number and a cute four-line poem, which lead various, young animals from a bath all the way to falling asleep. The style is calming and repetitive, perfect for little eyes to start drooping. Following familiar activities, it's a gentle read which suggests caring, support and love the whole way through. This is a religious read but it's kept subtle and flows into an everyday setting.

The illustrations are bright and carry enough detail to allow young listeners room to make discoveries of their own and point them out. The text is simple enough for even little ears and packs enough emotion to make it fun to read-aloud. While the rhyming glides along smoothly, there a couple spots which caught off guard and broke pace.

This is a wonderful book for a last read before heading off to bed and is sure to become a favorite.


I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.

Review: Precious Moments Little Book of Easter Blessings by Jean Fischer

LITTLE BOOK OF EASTER BLESSINGS

Precious Moments

by Jean Fischer

Thomas Nelson

Board Book/Children's Religious

ages 3 and up

32 pages

The Easter season is bursting with fun—baskets full of goodies, hunts for colored eggs, and bright spring flowers. Take time to show your little one that the very best part of Easter is Jesus!

Through the classic Precious Moments® artwork, fun poems, and sweet prayers and Bible verses, Precious Moments Little Book of Easter Blessings will help your children understand that Jesus is alive and that He loves them so much! 

MY TIDBITS

Every page overflows with joy, love and warmth, making this a sure favorite for the upcoming Easter season.

This is one of those books, which screams quality the second its picked up. Little hands will enjoy the softer but very solid cover and pages, which sill take some abuse. Parents, on the other hand, will appreciate the easy to clean surfaces and stability of the pages. And it's so cute! As always with Precious Moments, every illustration warms the heart and brings across a feeling of comfort and happiness. It's a treat simply to flip through the pages time and again. Youngest listeners will also have no trouble recognizing the various Easter scenes and will easily relate to the situations.

Each two-page spread holds a two verse, four line poem. These are written with love and are easy for even younger listeners to understand. The poems hit upon well-known Easter moments, while threading the message directly into situation kids will recognize and reminding of God's love. The poems are followed by a short Bible verse, which relates directly to the poems' topics, and there's a very short, easy to understand prayer. Everything is written with children in mind and bringing across the message of God's love for them in a gentle way, which they'll understand.

The poems and illustrations are a lovely way to ring in the Easter season and remind young listeners what Easter is all about, while threading it into traditions and moments they already treasure and understand. It's simply a calming, warming treat.

I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.

Review: God Bless My Family by Hannah C. Hall, Illustrated by Steve Whitlow

GOD BLESS MY FAMILY

by Hannah C. Hall

Illustrated by Steve Whitlow

Thomas Nelson

Board Book

ages 2 and up

20 pages

Family time makes each day more fun!

These furry families are enjoying each moment together. Whether splashing in puddles with cousins after a rainy day, going on a walk with Grandma, or having a fun summer picnic, everyone has a special place in the family!

MY TIDBITS

Through cute puppies and dogs, this board book brings the warmth and security that only families can offer to life.

This is a sturdy book, perfect for small fingers and a little wear-and-tear. Especially dog fans will love flipping through the pages. Each spread not only presents a new type of dog, but shows the puppies frolicking and simply having fun. These puppies are surrounded by warmth, security and everything they need to simply enjoy life, thanks to the family surrounding them. This family, however, doesn't only consist of father, mother and siblings, but reaches into aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and so on.

The illustrations are bright, carefree and invite to flipping through over and over again. Each one is sure to put a smile on little readers' faces. The text is simple and concise, keeping to the theme of families and how wonderful it is to have one. A stumble did come on one rhyme—either a sudden and only attempt at a more colloquial speech pattern or a grammar error—which bothered, but the rest of the text sits firm. The four lined rhymes are full of life and easy to read aloud.

Summed up, it's a sweet board book young listeners and especially those dog fans are sure to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.

Review: Christmas Blessings (Really Woolly) by Bonnie Rickner Jensen Illustrated by Donna Chapman

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

Really Wolly

by Bonnie Ricker Jensen
and DaySpring

Illustrated by Donna Chapman

Thomas Nelson

Board Book / Holiday

40 pages

ages 3 and up

Enjoy the blessings of Christmas!

Christmastime is full of blessings, and the Really Woolly characters celebrate every part of the season—from time with family and friends, to sledding and decorating, to the joy of giving to others.

Cuddle up close with your little one, and enjoy the precious rhymes, meaningful Bible verses, simple prayers, and endearing illustrations that teach about the greatest Christmas gift of all—the birth of Jesus.

MY TIDBITS

The warmth behind Christmas comes across through lovely, sweet rhymes.

The stability and care given into the making of this book is clear the minute it hits the hands. It's stable for tiny fingers, just the right size for toddlers to carry around and flip through, and even has a softness to the cover to give a gentle, cuddly feeling. This board book was made for kids and will hold up to them.

The first page contains a short, full of Christmas senses, note for parents, which explains the intent of these pages: to cuddle, have happy hearts and read versus and prayers together. That's exactly what this book offers, too. Every two-page spread contains a short title and then a short summary of a Bible verse. Then follows two versus of a simple poem, which brings over the sense behind the verse in a very basic and easy way for young listeners to understand and relate to. At the end is a one line prayer which relates to the reading.

The illustrations are simple, colorful and bring across exactly what is being talked about. Of course, Woolly and his/her friends are always present.

It's a sweet book, which is great for parents and grandparents to use before the holidays. The first few pages concentrate on the story of Jesus' birth. After this the tone changes, and the rest of the book hits various activities surrounding Christmas and how they relate to our Christian lives and happy hearts. I was a little disappointed by some of the verse summaries, however. While some are well done, others don't match up well with the actual meaning of the verse in the Bible. There are highlighted words in every other line of the poems, which could have been really clever if they had a purpose other than being colorful and bold.

In general, this is a cute collection of poems and prayers, which ring in Christmas nicely with very young listeners and brings over the heart of the holiday.

I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Bloggers.

Happy Book Bday, A Very Thankful Prayer by Bonnie Rickner Jensen Illustrated by Natalia Moore!

A VERY THANKFUL PRAYER

by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Thomas Nelson

Board Book

ages 2+

24 pages

Every day I wake up with a happy, thankful heart. 

From watching the leaves fall to picking pumpkins from the patch, from sharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones to learning how to give—there’s so much to be thankful for! Join these adorable animals as they say a prayer of thanks to God, who gives us every good thing.

 MY TIDBITS

Colorful images and lovely rhymes make this a book of thanks, which brings the best side of Autumn to life.

There are many things to be thankful for, more than we could ever list, and often times, not even think of. Autumn brings apples, pie, bright colored leaves, warm caps and so much more. While addressing Thanksgiving, this book doesn't stop with the holiday, but envelopes many other aspects of the cooler season and all the joy it brings.

Already the cover captures the eye with its shiny bronze, metallic leaves sprinkled between the Fall trees and sets the mood. This is a celebration of Autumn and the wonderful things the season offers as well as Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for, but many are over looked. Through a four lined rhyme on each 2-page spread, little details of the season, which kids are sure to recognize and have experienced themselves, are pointed out. Woolly scarves, pumpkin patches, and playing outside are only a few of the things mentioned.

The illustrations are adorable! They are colorful and filled with sweet, friendly animals on every page. The characters and scene change on every spread, making it a true glance at all the variety to be thankful for. And every illustration is bounding with the excitement of life, begging kids to join in with all of the fun activities and games. The board book is great for smaller hands and is sure to hold up to some beating, as kids return to glance at the pictures time and again.

Summed up, this is a great book for the Thanksgiving season and Fall in general. Not only are the rhymes centered on things kids will relate too, but the pictures are so cheerful and vibrant that it's hard not to smile.



I was provided a copy of this book through Booklook Bloggers.