Children's Book Review: Teensy Weensy Virus

 

Teensy Weensy Virus

About the Book:

COVID-19 is a big deal—but with all that adults have to worry about, it’s easy to overlook the pandemic’s impact on children. This book provides a great way for parents and caregivers to introduce and reinforce the importance of safety measures to children, while giving kids the opportunity to ask questions and share their feelings. Embracing the latest science, The Teensy Weensy Virus pairs simple, kid-friendly explanations with bright, colorful illustrations, while offering additional resources for adults and an informative song to help lighten the mood as families engage with this serious topic.

My Comments:

If this book was new a year ago, or even as the kids went back to school in the fall, I'd say it would fill a real need to simply explain what "the virus" was and what we need to do to keep each other safe--yep, masks, handwashing and social distance.  It has a nice cadence for reading aloud and the illustrations feature people of various ages, ethnicities and even someone on crutches, making it a very inclusive book.  The only problem I have with the book is that it just repeats (but in a very engaging way) the same message that has been sent out in so many ways for so many months.  On the other hand, repetition is a key item in teachers' toolboxes, so this may be great for some.  

Thanks to the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade: B

Review: Encyclopedia of Peg Saints

Encyclopedia of Peg Saints

About the Book:

Discover all the fascinating facts that make the saints so lovable and inspirational. Get to know 36 saints in an engaging and easy to “absorb” format, centered around colorful hand-painted peg dolls collected and cherished by Catholic kids everywhere. “I highly recommend this book to parents and educators, as it will help children come to know and love the saints, which will in turn lead them into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. I have always been very partial to the lives of the saints, so I believe this book will go a long way in the New Evangelization. The saints are great, graphics are beautiful and the information on the saints’ lives is excellent.” ~The Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup.

My Comments:

It is hard to find a book about the saints that is on the right level to teach kids quickly about these heros of our faith.  Encyclopedia of Peg Saints does a great job.  Each page features a different saint and is illustrated by a peg doll of that saint,  Those dolls can be found at Saintlyheart.com.  The text isn't a story about the saint, but rather a collection of fact boxes so that you can use those for which you have time, or which suit your purpose, and skip the rest.  The book has sixteen female stories (two are the Blessed Mother) and eighteen male stories.  It also includes two angels.   If you are looking for a book to use in a religion class or with homeschoolers to teach about a variety of saints, I think you'll find this one to be very useful.  Grade:  B+

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Christmas Time It's All About Jesus: My Review

Christmas Time: It's All About Jesus!

About the Book:

Since Christmas is such a captivating time of year, it's the perfect setting for telling children about the miracle of the Lord Jesus Christ's birth. Using selected passages from the first chapters of the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Christmas Time – It's All About Jesus tells the story of Jesus' birth in a delightfully poetic and child-like way. The sensational illustrations create an unforgettable image, so a child can always remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

As an added bonus, Pastor Russ and Sue have developed devotionals to be used by families to enrich their Christmas celebrations. These are complete with attributes and names of Jesus, questions for discussion, and activities to do as a family to share Christ with those around them. Coupled together, this story and devotionals will enhance your celebration of Christmas during the season and all year long! 

My Comments:

One of the things I miss about having a young child in the house is reading stories to my kids.  In my opinion, the most fun stories to read are those with rhythm and rhyme that also tell a good story.  Christmas Time: It's All About Jesus! is a perfect example.  The story is familiar to most of us and the way Sue Barksdale tells it is the way a read-aloud book should sound.  "Let's start with the angel who came to bring Good news that Mary would soon have the KING".  The illustrations by Alicia T. Young are colorful and charming.

As a Catholic mother, when I look at children's books put out by non-Catholic sources I check to see if there is anything in the book which disagrees with Catholic teachings.  I also check to see if they leave out things I consider important.  I'm pleased to say I have no complaints about this book.  Unlike many non-Catholic children's books about the Christmas story, this one does include the Visitation and it talks about Mary pondering things in her heart.

After the story has been told, the book includes family devotions based on the word GLORY.  Jesus came as Gift, Light, Only door, so we can Rejoice and as Yes to God's promises.

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.  I was not obligated to write a positive review.  This book will be donated to my daughter's Catholic school.  Grade:  A.

Children's Book Review: Light for the World

Light for the World

About the Book:

Written and illustrated for your entire family, this softcover book explains Catholic traditions and feast days that we celebrate throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

My Comments:

As Catholics, we celebrate the liturgical year, which has its own seasons and celebrations.  Light for the World takes us through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, touching on feast days, prayers and traditions.  Feasts discussed include the Annunciation, St. Francis Xavier, St. Nicholas (of course!), the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. John of the Cross, Christmas, St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, The Holy Innocents, The Holy Family, Mary the Mother of God, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann,  Epiphany and the Baptism of Our Lord.  Traditions that are explained include the Advent Wreath, the Advent Calendar, the Nativity Scene, the Jesse Tree, the "O" Antiphons, filling stockings, presents and King Cake.  

The pages about the feast days give short stories about the feast or the celebrated saint and they often include prayers.  The Feast of the Holy Innocents page includes the following prayer;

Prayer for the Dignity of Human Life

Lord and giver of all life, 

help us to value each person

created in love by you.

In your mercy, guide and assist our efforts

to promote the dignity and value of all human life,

born and unborn.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

The book has an Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat from the Bishop of Green  Bay, Wisconsin.  Scripture quotes are from the NRSV.

While marketed as a children's book, I see it as a book for family use.  I think there is too much text and that some of the words are too advanced for young children, such that giving them the book would not be using it to its full potential.  Grade:  B.  

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Mommy, Mommy, When You Pray

Mommy, Mommy, When You Pray

About the Book:

Celebrate the simple joys of family life! A mother shares with her children the joy and thanksgiving she offers through prayer, teaching them that they are blessings, just in being who God made them to be.

My Comments:

The story starts with a son asking his mother what is in her heart when she prays.  She replies that she thanks God for "little hearts, and hands and faces. Whispers that tickle, and horseback races. For every curious cabinet searcher, and overflowing imagination to nurture.".  There are pictures of the family sledding and kids in a holiday performance.  Kids joining the parents in bed in early morning are also shown. The book concludes with "My heart says thank you.  Thank you God".  

Teaching kids to pray is an important part of motherhood and this book show that we should start with thanking God for the most precious part of our lives, our family.  Grade:  B-

I'd like to thank Catholic Word for sending me a review copy of the book.  Catholic Word describes itself as " a one-stop resource for leading programs and religious titles from over 35 top Catholic publishers. For over 15 years, Catholic Word has built a reputation based on quality, personal relationships and a devotion to excellence in service."  The mission they espouse is "to build up the Church one soul at a time through top quality Catholic materials and resources. Wherever a person is on their faith journey, we offer real help to taking the next step closer to God. Our motto is to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason."  They claim to be "100% faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium".  

Children's Book Review: The Midwife of Bethlehem

The Midwife of Bethlehem

About the Book:

A beautifully illustrated telling of the Christmas nativity through the eyes of the women who may have come to help Mary give birth.

My Comments:

We always see the Nativity Scene with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels and the kings, but realistically speaking, there was probably a midwife or perhaps a female family member around to help Mary during labor and delivery.  As noted above, this is the nativity story through the eyes of a first century Jewish woman.  She quotes Old Testament scripture,wondering when the Messiah will be here, and talking about what He will be like.  It is a wonderful way to tie together the Old and New Testament, but the dialogue comes across as a little unnatural.

The pictures in the book are beautiful and the story, of course,  timeless.  

I'd like to thank Rebecca Brown at Cadence Marketing Group for providing a complimentary review copy.  Grade:  B.

Title Showcase: If You Were Me and Lived In China

If You Were Me and Lived in...China: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

I've reviewed and showcased other books in this series.  Recently this one showed up in my mailbox.  I've been donating them to my daughter's school and I hope they are useful for things like Global Awareness Day.  As I said in the other reviews, the books are all the same except that the country changes, and therefore the words used, places visited and so forth change.  I think the series is a great way to show kids that we are all different, but all the same in so many ways.  

Captain No Beard Strikes Again

I recently received the latest two books in this charming series about a group of kids who pretend to be  pirates and the life lessons they learn. Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles: Captain No Beard  features Fribbet telling the other crew members about the new tadpoles at his house and how they develop.  He also admits that he isn't sure he likes them because they take up all of Mom and Dad's time.  Captain No Beard admits that his baby sister can be a bit of a bother, but he loves her and is glad he has her.

In A Flag for the Flying Dragon: A Captain No Beard Story the kids are again playing pirate ship.  This time, there is a new younger child playing with them and as often happens when the little kids want to play with the big kids, conflict ensues because the little ones can't do what the big ones can and seem to be in the way.  Captain No Beard comes to the rescue again with a job the little one can do, showing once  again what a good leader he is.

I'd like to thank Carole P. Roman for providing complimentary review copies of these books.  They will be donated to my daughter's school library.  Grade:  B.  

Children's Book Review: Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis

Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis

About the Book:

Captain No Beard and his crew of loyal pirates heave anchor for another adventure, this time in the icy waters of the Arctic. 

Captain No Beard's steering a course due north, sailing by the light of the North Star. Everyone on the crew wonders what the captain's up to, especially as he gets embarrassed when they ask. 

When the captain finally admits his plan, the crew discovers he plans to steal the aurora borealis, the beautiful northern lights that brighten the arctic sky. They're all shocked. They may be pirates, but even they know stealing is bad. Besides, how can anyone steal the lights from the sky? 

A charming, engaging tale about doing what's right, Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis is the latest installment in Carole P. Roman's award-winning pirate series. The first book, Captain No Beard—an Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life, received the Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012 award and the Star of Remarkable Achievement. The series presents real-life problems in an imaginary setting and encourages discussion with both parents and educators.

My Comments:

Every child has been tempted to take something that did not belong to him or her, and every child has justified the choice.  Of course, we know that isn't something we want to encourage and in this delightful story, Captain No Beard learns from his crew why he can't steal, and what he can do instead.  

I'd like to thank the author, Carole P. Roman for sending me this book.  I hope the kids at my daughter's school enjoy it.  Grade:  B.  

Children's Book: Miraculous Me

Miraculous Me

About the Book:

What thoughts crossed your mother's mind the first time she saw you? What dreams did your father hold in his heart? Told from the perspective of a baby in utero whose parents are seeing the ultrasound picture for the first time.

A colorful and inspiring way to instill the message that we are each wonderfully made and treasured from the moment of conception. Great pro-life gift for baby showers, new parents, and teaching children!

Fun Fact: In early spring 2013, while putting socks on her newest daughter's feet, Ruth spoke out loud, "Look at those toes, where will they go?" In a moment of sheer inspiration, she grabbed her eldest daughter's Tinkerbell notebook, and between folding laundry and scrambling eggs, wrote the manuscript for this book.

My Comments:

Written in a poetic style, this book is a fun read-aloud showing parents at their first ultrasound dreaming of what their baby will become.  One thing is sure; this baby is cherished whether a he or a she; whether a ballerina or an astronaut.  The parents are ready to play with this child and care for him or her.  That a baby is a gift from God is clear.  

I'll be donating this book, which was given to me for review by Catholic World, to my daughter's Catholic school.  I hope the kids enjoy it.  Grade:  B+.

Catholic Word is the leading Catholic publisher group in the United States, with over 35 publisher members producing books, study programs, audio and videos which provide answers to the burning needs and questions relevant to today's Catholic.

Book Tour: Whiny Whiny Rhino

Whiny Whiny Rhino

About the Book:

Can Tiny Tiny Rhino have a fun day?

Or will all of his whining get in the way?

If you've ever been worried to try something new,

then Whiny Whiny Rhino is the book for you!

From creative team McBoop, comes the story of a whiny rhino with a big head and an even bigger imagination.

My Comments:

I loved this!  It is going in my Girl Scout bag to read to the girls when we earn our "Courageous and Strong" petal.  Written in iambic pentameter, Whiny Whiny Rhino follows the youngest Rhino in a family who listens to his older brothers tease him as he leaves the house, but who then  refuses to do all the things his friends invite him to because of fear.  Finally he realizes that the one keeping him from having fun is himself and he goes out to play with the other kids.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via iRead Book Tours.  Grade:  A. 

If You Were Me and Lived In....Children's Book Review

My Comments:  I've enjoyed flipping through this charming set of children's books.  The storyline is pretty much the same in all of them.  They begin with a boy and a girl pointing out the country on a map.  The capital city is identified (India's is New Delhi) and there is a picture of a major feature in the capital (in South Korea it is the Han River).  Next, some common boys' and girls' names are given (in Norway Gunnar, Magnus, Bjorn or Birgitte, Anne or Hellena), and the words for Mommy and Daddy are identified (Mzazi and Baba in Kenya)..  The local currency is named (peso in Mexico) and a local tourist attraction is named and shown (Eiffel Tower in France).  Popular foods are described (tamale in Mexico) as is the favorite local sport (almost always soccer).  We are told about the children's toys as well (skies in Norway).  Finally, we learn a little about a favorite holiday (Mombasa Carnival in Kenya)and then learn what school is called in that country (ecole in France).  The pictures (drawings, not photographs) show the landscape, the insides of homes, the clothing the kids wear and more. Each book ends with a pronunciation guide to help with the country-specific words. In short, there is a lot of information in these short books.  

The author states these books for for kids in pre-k through age 8 and I'd say that's about right.  The limited text and large pictures make it seem too babyish for older kids, though the vocabulary could be a bit much for a younger independent reader.  Honestly, I don't know how most kids would take the repetitive nature of the books--each is basically the same story, only the locations and details have changed.  They aren't really stories, they are child-friendly descriptions of the countries.  

I'd like to thank the author for providing complimentary review copies of these books as well as some goodies for my youngest (a blow-up globe and a pencil).  Grade:  B+.

Candle Bedtime Bible: My Review

Candle Bedtime Bible

About the Book:

There’s always time for a story with the Candle Bedtime Bible! Coded for easy reference, forty favorite Bible stories are each timed to be told in three, five, or ten minutes. With plain language and gentle illustrations, this Bible is perfect for a peaceful story time.

My Comments:

This book has been in my nine year old's backpack since it arrived.  She has to have a book with her at school and she has chosen this one.  That says something.  

As noted on the cover, this book is designed with the idea of reading the Bible stories as bedtime stories.  The table of contents shows whether each story is a three minute story, a five minute story or a ten minute story,which would be very convenient if I was in the habit of reading bedtime stories.  (Don't fuss at me; by the time she's finished with her homework it's almost bedtime and she wants to play on the computer for the few minutes she has.)

Rather than simply re-telling Bible stories, this book tries to make them more story-like.  For example, in the story of the Good Samaritan (titled "The Stranger Who Helped") we learn that the robbers took everything, even his coat, and that all he could hear was the chirruping grasshoppers.  Then he heard flip-flop, the sound of the priest and then clomp, clomp, the sound of the Levite and then the clip clip of the Samaritan's donkey.  He thought to himself that he has always heard that Samaritans are mean and selfish and that he probably wouldn't even stop--and since we know the rest of the story I won't go into it here.  While the stories are embellished to make them more story-like, they do not include interpretations telling us what we are supposed to learn from them.  There are twenty-two Old Testament stories and Twenty New Testament stories.

I've said before that when I review children's Bible stories look for certain stories.  I want to know if the book has the Annunciation (this did not), the Wedding at Cana (no), Peter's profession of faith and being given the keys to the kingdom (no) and the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist (yes, but badly told).  I also want to know how gory the crucifixion is--and in this case it is not, the crosses are in the background, the foreground is looks like Mary, John and another woman crying.  However, nothing is said about Jesus giving John and Mary to each other.  

The Last Supper story is a little problematic.  "Jesus took some bread.  He thanked God for it, broke it and gave a piece to each of his friends.  After this Jesus said, 'Take this bread and eat it!  I am the bread.  I am giving myself for you all.'  ...."Drink some of this wine!  The wine is my life.  I offer my life for all.'"  I just don't consider that an accurate paraphrase of "This is my body" and I just checked four different non-Catholic Bibles; they all said "This is my Body".  While I consider this an important story and find this interpretation to be completely wrong, it isn't enough to make me make this book disappear.  However, it would probably be enough to keep me from buying it if I saw it in the store.  Otherwise, I did not see anything objectionable in the book, though I'll admit I haven't read the whole thing.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available.  Minus the Last Supper story, I'd give this book at B+; however that's a big one for me so I'm marking it down to a B- with a warning about the story, particularly for Catholic parents.  

Review: The Big Book of Laugh Out Loud Jokes for Kids

Big Book of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids, The: A 3-in-1 Collection

About the Book:

Now everyone's favorite joke books from Rob Elliott can be found in one economical volume! Combining his bestselling Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids, Zoolarious Animal Jokes for Kids, and Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids, Elliott will have kids of all ages laughing with the gut-bustingest, knee-slappingest, guffaw-inducingest, funniest collection of clean jokes you can find.

Great on car rides, at the dinner table, on the playground, and anywhere in between, this collection of hilarity will make you and those around you smile every day.

My Comments:

What can I say?  I think the jokes are corny, but my nine  year old loves it, and since she's the intended audience, trust  her opinion, not mine.  

My daughter would like to thank the publisher for the complimentary review copy.  She's not the tough grader that her mom is so she gives the book an A.

Review and Giveaway: The First Christmas Night

The First Christmas Night

About the Book:

Here is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem through Christ's birth, the angels' appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich oil illustrations of Christine Kornacki. Ages 4-8.

My Comments:

It is books like this that make me wish my kids were still little.  As noted above, this tells the story of the first Christmas and does it with the meter of The Night Before Christmas.  Here is a sample:

Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town not a creature was stirring--there was not a sound.  The moon, shining bright in the heavens so high, gave the luster of midday to the Bethlehem sky. The animals were nestled in warm cozy places, with looks of contentment of each of their faces.  And Mary and Joseph, so tired from the road had just settled in to a humble abode. 

 Well, you know the rest of the story.

The book is beautifully illustrated and the cover shows the style of the pictures.  In short, this is the perfect book to read to young children to tell them the Christmas story. 

I'd like to thank the publisher and Flyby Promotions for providing me with a complimentary review copy.  My copy will be donated to my daughter's Catholic school and when I was describing the book to the librarian/early childhood religion teacher, she said it sounded like the perfect book to read to the Pre-K and Kindergarten religion classes.  I agree.  Grade:  A.

Giveaway:

Not only does my daughter's school get a copy of the book, so does one of my readers.  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me who you want the book for (my son, my daughter, my school...no names necessary).  Also leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win.  For an extra entry, share this on your blog or on facebook and leave me a link.   Good luck.

About the Author

Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith served on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

About the Illustrator 

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal's Children's Books. Christine's recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. 

 

Blog Tour and Review: The Candle Classic Bible

The Candle Classic Bible

About the Book:

A Bible story for every day—365 of the best-loved Bible stories fully illustrated in a classic style will become favorites for children and parents alike, with each story divided into easy-to-read sections with the day, heading, and Scripture reference. Children are encouraged to spend family time together reading a new story each day.

Old Testament: From the Story of Creation to Isaac, from Joseph to Ruth, from Job to David, from Elisha to the Prophets.

New Testament: From John the Baptist to the story of Jesus, to the story of the Apostles, to John’s Vision of Heaven.

Unique Selling Points

• Strong traditional art style

• Ideal gift for the older child

• Encourages Bible reading every day

My Comments:

As a Catholic, when I look at a non-Catholic children's Bible story book I want to know two things: 1) does it teach anything I consider false and 2) does it contain what I consider to be the important stories.  The Candle Classic Bible basically just retells the stories; there is no "and the lesson we should learn from this is..." thus I did not find anything I considered to be false.  Regarding the stories told, I usually look for the wedding at Cana, to see if Mary is mentioned, and she was; Peter's affirmation of faith and being given the keys to the kingdom-- the story is told but the keys to the kingdom was skipped and the last supper/institution of the Eucharist, which was there.  

As noted in the description, there are 365 stories from both the Old and New Testaments.  A Scripture citation is given for each one.  The stories themselves are just a few paragraphs long--shorter than the average bedtime story.  This isn't a particular translation of the Bible, it is a retelling of the stories.  

It is a pretty book on nice glossy paper with color illustrations on each two-page spread.  It comes with a ribbon bookmark in the binding.  I think it is a good Bible for the "tween" years, about 9-12 when they are too old for many children's Bibles but overwhelmed by the size and small print in real Bibles.  

I'd like the thank the publisher for providing a review copy.  Grade:  B+

Children's Book Review: The Lady of Guadalupe

The Lady of Guadalupe

About the Book:

Recounts the appearance of the Lady of Guadalupe to a poor Indian farmer in Mexico in 1531.

My Comments:

That's got to be one of the shortest book descriptions I've ever used--but then, it is very descriptive.  Tomie de Paola, with illustrations in the style shown on the cover,  tells us the story of the poor man from Mexico to whom the Blessed Mother appeared.  The writing level appears appropriate for a third or fourth grader.  It is on the long side to be read aloud in one sitting, and does not (at least in the galley I have) appear to have logical chapter divisions.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B.

St. Francis of Assisi: My Review

Saint Francis of Assisi

About the Book:

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved and inspirational figures in the history of Christianity. The stunning illustrations of award-winning author, Demi, bring to life the story of this son of a rich merchant, who abandoned all his worldly goods in order to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the remarkable example of his holiness, Saint Francis is venerated by millions of Christians around the world, no matter their denomination.

My Comments:

This is a beautiful book and I'm going to put in on my nine year old daughter's Kindle Fire and see what she thinks of it.  However, from my perspective it spends a lot of time focusing on the miraculous in St. Francis' life and little focusing on his actual deeds and teaching.  Still, most of what I just read on Wikipedia about St. Francis made it into the book.  

There are large drawings on each page, which are done in such a way as to appear to be framed artwork.  While there is not a tremendous amount of writing on any page, the vocabulary is above that generally used in books for young children.  At 60 pages I believe it is too long to be read aloud at a single sitting, however there are no chapter breaks or other logical stopping points.  Therefore I would recommend it for kids in the 9-12 age group--old enough to read for themselves and to have the necessary vocabulary.  

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley.  Grade:  B

Review: My Very First Easter Story

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book (My Very First Sticker Books)

About the Book:

Alex Ayliffe's bright, colourful characters feature as stickers in this story and activity book. The book contains a retelling of the Easter story, with spaces left for children to fill with the appropriate sticker to complete the story. Accompanying the retelling are extra activities about what can be found on the page - counting, naming, identifying - for which extra stickers are supplied. The stickers come on a double page spread in the centre of the book, and are grouped and numbered according to activity to make it easy to select the right sticker to complete the task.

My Comments:

As I explained in an earlier post, my daughter has outgrown books like these.  Her latest read is a vampire story (reading level 2.5) but she did grab this for "Sharing" (show and tell), which her religion class does on Friday.  They have to bring religious things to share.

If you have a  young reader or a reluctant reader, or even a non-reader, this is a good introduction to the Biblical story of Easter.  The stickers give the kids a concrete way to interact with the story, which is bright, colorful and easy to read.  Grade:  B.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available.  I was not obligated to write a positive review.

David Sticker Book: My Review

David Sticker Book (Sticker Books)

About the Book:

David Sticker Book is a fun, interactive retelling of the story of David and Goliath, complete with four pages of stickers, so children can help illustrate the story and fill in the gaps. Kids will love the fun, reusable stickers and bright illustrations as they engage with this well-loved Bible story.

My Comments:
Sometimes things happen that remind you that your kids really are growing up.  When this book was offered for review, my thought was "How cute; my youngest will love getting a package in the mail".  Well, she was excited when the package came but then her face fell "I'm not a little kid any more".  Well, she did go back later and play with the stickers, so it wasn't a total loss.

However, to be fair to the book, the problem was with the owner, not the book, which was cute,colorful and  easy to read.

I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available and I'd like to apologize for missing the posting dates.  Grade:  B