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.

Review: It's Not About You, Mrs. Turkey by Soraya Diase Coffelt

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU,

MRS. TURKEY

A Love Letter About the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

 by Soraya Diase Coffelt

Morgan James Publishing

32 pages

For ages 5 to 10

“It’s Not About You, Mrs. Turkey” is a unique tool for parents, grandparents and teachers to share both the historical and religious background of the holiday with young readers. The fun and colorful illustrations give children the opportunity to see clothing styles of the past as they learn the importance of courage, sharing, friendship and giving thanks.

MY TIDBITS

Turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn--Thanksgiving is a holiday hungry tummies look forward to, and this book gives kids (and parents) a chance to stop and learn what this food-filled holiday is all about.

Like all books in this series, it starts with a little boy writing a letter to Mrs. Turkey. It's a cute letter, which will make readers smile. From here, the book slides into the history of Thanksgiving, starting all the way across the ocean in Europe. My son was happy to find several names and places mentioned that he'd already heard about in school, and fell into a conversation concerning the holiday and all it's aspects. In other words, not only were my kids intrigued by the history but were ready to learn more.

The illustrations in this are colorful and well done. They help bring the story of the pilgrims to life and let even the youngest listeners follow along.

I especially appreciate the writing in these, just right for the intended age group. It's never dry despite the names, places and dates, and has moments with a bit of humor, which made me smile. The Christian aspect on Thanksgiving falls nicely into place, especially since the pilgrims made their journey due to religious reasons. The entire journey and move isn't presented with exaggerated happiness, but rather states the troubles and dangers clearly without ever becoming graphic.

Summed up, this is a delightful book, perfect for this time of year and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. And I really recommend it for families who'd like their kids to get better acquainted with the story behind this important holiday.

And here she is. . .

SORAYA DIASE COFFELT!!!

Author Soraya Diase Coffelt is a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a widow, mother of two sons, lawyer, lay minister, and former judge. She loves ministering to children. Active in her church, she served as a parent volunteer in the children’s ministry and then as a volunteer lay children’s minister and leader for over 15 years. She has also participated in missionary trips to Honduras and the Amazon Region of Peru. Her late husband, Gordon, supported her wholeheartedly.

All proceeds from book sales will be used to help children in need in the U.S. and around the world. As the Stars of the Sky is a philanthropic project; a new nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping children by changing their lives. We greatly appreciate your help.


www.asthestarsofthesky.org



Join us today over on Kidbits for an Interview with Soraya Diase Coffelt!!!