Review: God Bless You & Good Night by Hannah C. Hall, Illustrated by Steve Whitlow

GOD BLESS YOU & GOOD NIGHT

by Hannah C. Hall

Illustrated by Steve Whitlow

Thomas Nelson

Picture Book / Religious

20 pages

This sweet book will make sure your little one falls to sleep feeling secure and loved.

Bedtime Bibles and storybooks are evergreen classics that sell through year after year. Seasoned brands and new names alike are seeing surging sales in this felt-need genre as parents are looking for comforting books with Bible stories, verses, and prayers to settle kids down to sleep.

In "God Bless You and Good Night," sleepy little ones are reminded of God's blessings and how much they are loved. The delightful rhyming story takes readers through several scenes of snuggly animals who are getting ready for bed. These sweet, sometimes silly rhymes and adorable art are sure to make "God Bless You and Good Night" a favorite part of the bedtime ritual for parents and children. 

MY TIDBITS

With a snuggly parade of adorable animals and flowing rhymes, this book helps drift into the land of dreams.

Big, bold illustrations on every two-page spread background a lovely, four-lined poem, which hits upon familiar, bedtime rituals.

The illustrations in this book make it a treat for young listeners. They are colorful while maintaining a calming color scheme for tired, little eyes. Each four-line poem is highlighted by a different baby animal and its guardian, making sure that the feeling of love and care radiates off the page. There are familiar animals as well as a bit more unfamiliar ones, guaranteeing that kids will find a favorite. From the Artic to Australia to urban homes, a large variety of habitats is shown. The animals are given a little bit of a human touch (a pair of pants, a teddy bear), but always just a slight hint, while the main part of the illustrations keep a more natural air about them. It's a lovely mixture, which gives young listeners something to smile about while letting them view their favorite creatures in settings they'll recognize.

The poem flows smoothly, while adding a tad bit of the unexpected without becoming jaunting. The moments portrayed mirror familiar bedtime rituals and some sillier times like when the stomach suddenly rumbles for food. The wording is easy to understand and holds some cuter phrases like 'snuggle bug'. Of course, the religious thoughts are present but never over power the rest of the poem. Rather, they naturally flow in.

It's a sweet read for young animal lovers, and great for a last read before those eyes close for a good night's sleep.

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.