Bravo and Elphie by Hagit and Or Oron is Another GREAT Children's Book with a Positive Message for Kids

Elphie is a cute little elephant who gets a new pet rat named Bravo. At first, Elphie is worried. Bravo is so tiny and Elphie is so big. He doesn’t want to accidentally step on Bravo. So Mommy suggests they go to the park to play. While at the park, Bravo is fearless and does all the things Elphie has always wanted to do, but had been afraid to try - things like climbing the monkey bars and going down the big red slide. Through it all Mommy is close by, encouraging Elphie to conquer his fears.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing books by Hagit and her daughter, Or, in the past and I was again impressed with this new book. I love books that have positive messages for children, and Bravo and Elphie certainly fits this category. Children will enjoy hearing how these two unlikely friends bond and instill confidence in one another. Many children are afraid of some of the same things that Elphie is afraid of, so it’s easy for them to relate to this story.

The illustrations are beautiful, expressive and wonderful accompaniments to the story. I would highly recommend this short, sweet book to children, parents, grandparents and caregivers. It’s worth downloading and keeping on hand, as I’m sure it’ll soon become a favorite read!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Three New Action-Packed Oliver and Jumpy Adventures In One Beautfiul Book from Author Werner Stejskal

In this Oliver and Jumpy collection readers are treated to three separate stories:

1. Saving Fairyland
2. Cat King
3. The Bee Gnomes

As with previous Oliver and Jumpy books, the author gives readers a brief intro into the lives of his two major characters. Readers learn that Oliver and Jumpy are a tomcat and a kangaroo who are best friends. Oliver is a very famous cat who lives in a tree house in a mighty oak tree. The friends get into all sorts of exciting adventures together. The stories are told from Oliver’s point of view.

The stories in this book are somewhat involved and lengthy. Since this book is recommended for children ages 5 – 7, parents should be aware that they’ll probably need to explain several of the words within these stories. Words like “immobilize”, “ruse”, “implement” and “demise” just aren’t in a young child’s vocabulary. However, as I said in a previous review of another of Mr. Stejskal’s books, this certainly opens the door to discussions between parents and children. It’s also a good opportunity for vocabulary building. Additionally, young children should have no problem staying involved with the action-packed plots and accompanying illustrations.

I also feel this book makes an excellent graphic novel for older children. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and vibrantly colorful. Graphic novels are extremely popular among elementary age (and even older) children and the author could easily market this book toward this age level as well.

I’d recommend the Oliver and Jumpy series to readers. They’re full of adventure, action and attention-getting illustrations!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

10 Reasons Why Reading to Children is Important - The Benefits of Reading to Kids

There's no denying that reading to children is an important and rewarding activity that can make a significant impact in the life of a child. It's recommended that parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers try setting aside even just fifteen minutes a day to read to small children or listen to older children read.

Starting when our children our infants and continuing into their tweens, reading together is extremely beneficial for everyone. The reasons are many and I’ve compiled ten of what I consider the more important ones here: 

1.  Children who are read to at a young age are more likely to remain avid readers later in life.
2.  Reading to children helps build their vocabulary skills.
3.  Adults who read to children are modeling their own enthusiasm for books and reading.
4.  Reading to children introduces proper grammar and language skills.
5.  Reading to children encourages imagination.
6.  Reading introduces kids to different cultures, people, places and situations they might not otherwise be exposed to.
7.  Adults who read to children are opening up those all-important lines of communication and discussion.
8.  Reading to children can easily become a valued family tradition.
9.  Reading to kids improves their concentration skills and focus.
10.  Reading to children can be a useful tool when determining a child’s developmental level.

What are your thoughts about reading to kids? How often do you and your children read together? What are some of your children’s favorite books? Has reading together become a favorite family tradition? I’d love to know, so leave your comments below!  

Molly Mouse and the Bear Cub by Melinda Kinsman is Filled With Entertaining, Educational and Interactive Activities for Kids!

“Molly Mouse and the Bear Cub” is part of the “Top of the Wardrobe Gang” children’s book series by Melinda Kinsman. It’s the first that I’ve read in this series.

This book begins by introducing readers to the Top of the Wardrobe Gang and explaining that they’re a “team of cuddly toys who love writing for kids.” Right away, Ms. Kinsman is adding a wonderful kid-friendly element into her story. What child doesn’t love stuffed animals? She also lets children know this book includes a puzzle they’ll have to solve throughout – a special key has been hidden within the book’s pages and kids have to find it as they read along. This is a clever way to add a fun activity that will engage kids right from the start of the book.

© 2016 Melinda Kinsman

As the title suggests, Molly is a mouse who meets a sad, scared bear cub who shows up at her door late one night. The little bear cub explains to Molly why he’s so sad and scared, and the reasons touch upon many of the same things that most children worry about.

Of course, Molly is nervous about helping the cub at first, but when she hears the cub’s sad story she knows she must do something. She rallies her friends and together they find several solutions to help the little cub solve his problems.

© 2016 Melinda Kinsman

The author has added so many interesting and interactive components to this book. Ms. Kinsman has written a clever, engaging and educational book for children. Children should have no trouble relating to the story. Aside from solving the “find the key” puzzle on each page, there are several puzzles for kids to solve at the end of the book. On an educational level, Ms. Kinsman talks about bears and hibernation. I love the colorful illustrations! Each depicts a cute and cuddly animal that might resemble something in most any child’s stuffed animal collection.

I’m looking forward to reading Ms. Kinsman’s other books. I highly recommend “Molly Mouse and the Bear Cub” for parents, grandparents and caregivers to share with the children in their lives. 

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON.COM

All the Ways to Express My Love by Christina Johnson Shares a Lovely and Positive Message for Children

I adore children’s books, especially books that have a positive and encouraging message to share with the children in my life. That’s why, when I spotted a free promo for one of Christina Johnson’s books, I knew I had to grab it. I wasn’t sorry that I did!

All the Ways to Express My Love is a sweet book about expressing love to the most important people we know – our children. A colorful and eye-catching illustration is included on each page, along with an uplifting sentiment. The author portrays just about every mood children (and adults) can go through, yet our love remains constant. What a lovely and reassuring thing for children to know!

Christina Johnson has written many children’s books. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that, prior to taking advantage of this free promo, I hadn’t heard of her. Well, now that I have I’m certainly going to seek out all of her books. I’ve even signed up for her awesome newsletter.

Parents should know that Ms. Johnson includes some great additional info to find on her website at the conclusion of All the Ways to Express My Love – including a free book download and free printables. I just found another children’s book author to follow! Highly recommended!

*Grab this book while you can, since it's still FREE!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook by Judah and Chelsea Smith Is A Wonderful Book for Children

There are plenty of children’s Bible storybooks available, but I’ve found that many of them have a tendency to speak down to children. Oversimplifying the Bible and the story of Jesus in particular, can easily be chosen when teaching children. The “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook” doesn’t do this.

Even when discussing the true reason Jesus was born – to die for our sins – the authors don’t sugarcoat it. Yes, dying is a difficult subject to broach with any child, but the authors do not attempt to skirt around the issue and I found it an important and honest approach.

Clearly many of the passages call for further discussion between parents and children. But this is what’s so wonderful about well-written children’s books – they should provide the opportunity for an open dialogue with our children. And this book certainly does that.

There are scripture verses and prayers scattered throughout the book as well. These make a lovely accompaniment to the stories of Jesus’ life. The illustrations are simple, yet beautifully colorful and eye-catching. The book is sturdy and should last for many years to come even when used daily.

This book would make an excellent gift for even the smallest child. I would certainly be happy to give this to my grandchildren. I highly recommend “I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook”!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *this book is scheduled for release Feb. 9, 2016.

Book Review of The Ant Thief by Gita V. Reddy

Noira is a lazy ant who refuses to do any work, unlike all the other ants. Instead, she steals whatever she desires and has no regard for anyone but herself. She even has the nerve to steal a diamond ring and claim it was given to her by the king as a reward for her bravery. Noira continues to steal, until one day she makes an enemy of a queen bee. Will Noira change her thieving ways?

 

I love Gita Reddy’s children’s stories. They always have a valuable, yet subtle moral message to them. I also love that she mentions that the idea for The Ant Thief came about as a suggestion from her nephew. Children have the best story ideas! Who better to let an author know what stories to tell than a child?

Once again, Ms. Reddy has written a book that can be used as a conversation starter, to open a dialogue with children about hard work and honesty. The illustrations are adorable and colorful, which will surely hold the attention of even the youngest children. Highly recommended!

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review of Precious Moments 5-Minute Bedtime Treasury

The Precious Moments series was started by devout Christian, Sam Butcher, over three decades ago. What began as hand drawn artwork to give away as gifts to friends and family has become a full line of iconic works, with a large and faithful following. The artwork is beautiful and highly recognizable – artwork with positive, inspiring and uplifting messages. This newest book is no exception.

 

The 5 Minute Bedtime Treasury contains lovely paraphrased and shortened Bible stories, that are sure to capture the attention of children of almost any age. The illustrations are as gorgeous as any of the Precious Moments artwork. Although the stories may contain words, phrases and scripture that may be difficult for small children to comprehend, they can most definitely be used as conversation starters for parents and grandparents to discuss at bedtime or anytime. I love books that can be used as steppingstones for open dialogue with children and this book certainly fits that category.

This book is of high quality. It’s well-made and sturdy and with a price of just slightly over 10.00 that’s almost unheard of nowadays. I would highly recommend Precious Moments 5 Minute Bedtime Treasury to parents, grandparents or anyone who wishes to share God’s word with the special children in their lives.

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review of The Blue Wooden Horse by Orly Assa

I absolutely love children’s books that tell a story that can be used as jumping off points for discussions with children. The Blue Wooden Horse accomplishes this and goes a few steps further. One, it’s poetry and two, it contains several stories in one colorful, engaging book.

This book is filled with imaginative and charming free-form poetry that is sure to delight readers of any age. The poems can all be read in one sitting or one at a time, to be used as topics of conversation with even the smallest children. As examples, the “carousel” and “swing” poems are excellent opportunities to talk with children about feeling safe and comforted whenever they’re out of their comfort zone. The “big, orangey fish” poem would be a good way to broach the sensitive subject of the death of a pet.

The illustrations are superbly colorful and eye-catching, and each one complements each story nicely. As a mother, a grandmother and former early childhood educator, I am very impressed with The Blue Wooden Horse. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for unique books to share with the children in their life.

~ 5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton

Book Review of The Bees by DC Swain

I chose this book because of the lovely cover art and because I adore children's books. This is a cute little story of the busy lives of bees. This can definitely be used as a stepping-stone to teach children how important bees are to our ecosystem. The book is rated for small children up to age 5 and as a parent, grandparent and former preschool teacher I'm certain it will entertain and hold the attention of little ones.

The illustrations are gorgeous, colorful and whimsical. The book is written in rhyme and in my experience with small children this is always a hit. I would recommend this sweet book for anyone who wants to share a quick and adorable story of the life of bees with children. 

5 of 5 Stars, Review by Susan Barton