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My thoughts:  At first glance upon picking up  Also An Octopus  one thinks, "Oh! Another adorable kiddie picture book." But then upon delving into this first-time author's debut (redundant, huh!) book, there is a bit more meat to the story than cutsie octopuses and kiddies and fantastic folks in unreal places. Now we don't want to overthink a kid's book because that might just take away from the fun of reading. But what is the harm in discovering that the "rest of the story" is the beginning of the story or the making of the story. We start with a character - like a kid. We add in others - also an Octopus and that makes for fun - and as they say, "...a little bit of nothing." And then if you struggle through the making of the story and it flops, then you can take that and a little bit of nothing and go again for another try. So it is cute story line that encourages and gives a basic story structure beginning with "..a little bit of nothing...

My thoughts: Children love picture puzzle books because they are fun, intriguing, and provide more to do than just read a story. In The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible  the author Peter Martin tells short stories beginning in the Old Testament with Noah and ending in the New Testament after the Cross with telling the good news. To these short re-tells, Len Epstein brings his delightfully humorous drawings that show a two--page spread image jammed full of people and activities that tell the story. Factor into this the opportunity to find specific images that are hiding in the maze that is the whole illustration, and you have fun combined with learning a little more about those wonderful events and people that are in our Bible. Some might say that these types of books make too much jest of such serious topics and happenings. I can agree with that but I also see it as an opportunity that lets the kids know that Christians do have a sense of humor and can see a bit of fun in much of life. So...

ISBN: 9780718088699 Hardcover $12.99 My thoughts: Bible storybooks have a distinct place in helping young children embrace the stories, concepts, and faith that is contained in a real Bible. A Bible storybook does not attempt to give the entirety of the Biblical text, it seeks to engage the young mind and heart to a basic understanding of the who, what, when, and where of that which is in the Bible. In Gwen Ellis' retelling of these stories, the text flows well so that it can easily be read to two, three, and four year olds with their enjoying their interaction by pointing out the three words shown as images (featured at the top of the story page) throughout the story replacing the actual word or name. Kids love to take part in the telling of the story. This also provides a tool for keeping them focused during the reading. I see that this little book has value to families with young children who will be read to and then for those a bit older to read aloud with Mom and Dad. I love t...

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ISBN: 9781781282915 | $9.99 Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus The Story of Jesus Retold in 40 Days By Juliet David & Jane Heyes About the book: beautiful gift book makes a wonderful addition to the award-winning Candle Day by Day collection. The story of Jesus' life is told over forty days, and presented in the elegant day-by-day styling with page borders and richly colored pictures. Includes an introductory note to suggest how the book could be used. My thoughts: Such a treasure of a little book. Comprised of 40 stories about Jesus from His conception to his ascension. Each page is designated for a day - Day 1, Day 2..... Day 40. Each day has a side bar with a verse.. "All who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Then there is a "thought" question... "What did Jesus' answer to Mary mean?" On the page there is a picture illustrating the simply told story....  Nobody seemed to have seen Jesus since they had left Jerusal...

Grade Level: 2 - 4 Hardcover: 48 pages Publisher: Lion Hudson ISBN: 978-0745965208 My thoughts: This is a beautiful book by Margaret McAllister who seems to have a true story-teller gift as she verbally draws word pictures of the events of the often neglected people in the Bible. Having been a long time attendee to worship services with good, indepth preaching, I learned about many often overlooked Biblical people. But as time progresses, we do tend to forget. So this book is a treat because it is a reminder to those older (well, mature) readers as well as for youngsters who have not yet heard about Balaam, Mephibosheth, Naaman's Servant, and many more (even new to me). Illustrated by Alida Massari whose books I have previously reviwed, Forgotten Bible Stories  comes alive in gentle hues rich with reds and blues and designs particular to ancient times and the lands in which these stories took place. I love the story of the "The Widow" whose cruse of oil kept filling the m...

Hardcover: 176 pages Grade level: 3 - 7 ISBN-13: 978-1426325571 The Book of Heroines: Tales of History's Gutsiest Gals by Stephanie Warren Drimmer About the book:  Everybody needs a role model! Discover true stories of superstars, war heroes, world leaders, gusty gals, and everyday women who changed the world. From Sacagawea to Mother Teresa, Annie Oakley to Malala Yousafzai, these famous women hiked up their pants and petticoats and charged full-speed ahead to prove girls are just as tough as boys...maybe even tougher. Complete with amazing images and a fun design, this is the book that every kid with a goal, hope, or dream will want to own. My thoughts: The concept of an explosively interesting, eye-catching, mind-engaging book of women who have achieved much in spite of societal difficulties is fabulous and National Geographic Kids books has done a great job of compiling  this collection of short biographic sketches replete with photographs and grapics. I personally think t...

My thoughts:  Occasionally one is given the opportunity to delve into the pages of a story that grips the heart, angers, encourages, blesses, and leaves you in awe. I felt as though I was reading a true, biographical novel of a father and daughter. Based on truth? I don't know, but it rings true with the depth of love, frustration, anger that is revealed in the persons of the father and daughter. I admit that I'm simply not someone who knows a whit about fishing - especially fly fishing. There is a lot about the art and skill and actions involved in fly fishing. The writer uses this quite aptly and ingeniously as a descriptive tool that digs deep into the emotion, spiritual, and physical angst of the time and place. Well written and worth sharing with friends. Caution though..... there is a lot of anger on the part of the teen daughter as she lashes out at her mother and father, against life in general, and especially against all things religious. This is a clean read and one I...

The butter was softened,  the eggs beat just right. The sugar, the cloves,  and the cinnamon bite. The pumpkin was scraped from the can with much care, in hopes that a treat would soon appear there. The house – it’s quite cozy and full of fall charm, awaiting the kids with their honey On their arm. Betty Crocker is tired – she worked nursing all day. She’d rather write poems and go hit the hay! --By my first-born daughter who is a a nurse.......

As the family ages, different members take over preparation of various dishes for traditional Thanksgiving dinners. Here are the lovely thoughts expressed by my middle daughter today after a session in the kitchen - knowing that her sibilings were also in their kitchens preparing for our Thanksgiving gathering....... The meat is carefully picked from the Turkey neck bones. “The heart, liver, gizzard, and the like, of a fowl, often cooked separately.”  According to Dictionary.com, this is the official definition for “giblet.”  When you type in “giblet,” the first drop-down option given by Google is “giblet gravy.”  Who knew this was such common terminology? Giblet gravy conjures humorous debates over the proper pronunciation of “giblet,” what a gizzard is, how slimy neck bones feel, and how unhealthy organ meat is.  Mostly, it reminds us of Thanksgiving dinners prepared by Mom and Grandmama. The rich broth from cooking giblets is base for delicious giblet gravy. Tradi...

My thoughts: To begin with I'll share my "take away" thoughts from this book. It seems to focus mainly on trust and lies. Relationships are built on truth and trust and when lies are present the foundational trust is lost. I was excited to have the opportunity to review a book set in my beloved state of North Carolina. Tucked away in the mountainous area of Western North Carolina, the areas surrounding and in Murphy conjur up beautiful sites that travelers and native North Carolinians totally love. Mountains, streams, rivers with white water rafting, picnics, beautiful trees and wonderful fresh air and great folks to get to know. Trust My Heart  involves a young successful though "burned out" attorney visiting his deceased grandparents' home and estate which he has inherited. True, he could handle the disposition of this property without going there; but he wanted to see the place his father grew up. The father he never knew. The father who was estranged fro...

Christmas is just an eye-blink away. A short month filled with activities, color, sounds, joy, anxiety, busyness, cold, music, laughter, good food, sweets, and family. It is a time of gifting and a time of looking at the bank balance to see if there is enough for all those gifts you wish to give to those you care about. Sugar  and Spice Gifts and Treats has beautifully appointed bath items and here at Christmas time they have pulled out all the stops and created baubles to sparkle and glisten your gifting. Decide how many and "who" you want to give some little treats to and place an order for a grand assortment of spa treats for the little ladies and the moms and grandmas on your list. Then find some cute gift bags, ribbons, and bows and spread the joy ! Looking a little closer, I see a little rubber duckie perched atop a cake of soap and isn't that a sweet little squirrel encased in glycerin gel soap? Bath salts, bath bombs, scrubs.... such fun and pleasantness . I spy ...

ISBN13: 9780763681258 My thoughts: Loved by generations of theater goers and dancers alike, The Nutcracker is a beautiful and endearing story of enhantment and holiday excitement. The music of Tchaikovsky takes one on mind blowing journeys into fantasy land. This edition of The Nutcracker  is a stunning black silloutte version told in a few pages. The finale is a beautifully intricate scene that you will look at in awe over the intricies displayed in the lavish scene. A superb picture book to charm that lover of ballet and of The Nutcracker. I recommend it for homes and lovers of "The Nutcracker." About the book:  An exquisite gift edition of The Nutcracker captures the spirit of the Christmas ballet in elegant illustrations—and delivers a glorious pop-up finale. The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most popular ballets, telling the captivating story of Clara and the Nutcracker prince as they journey into a land of fantasy. Inspired by Marius Petipa’s sets for the origina...

ISBN-13: 978-1406369557 My thoughts: Exquisite! Stunning! Beautiful! This is a treasure book that makes a memorable gift to a child that caring parents, aunts, and uncles will choose. Parents will love it as will the children. Care will be taken to preserve it for future generations to handle and love with awe. I highly recommend my readers to gift a copy to some child and family during this holiday season. Check out the beautiful video below and be sure you have the sound turned on! Then check out the giveaway which Candlewick Press has so graciously provided so that one of Chat With Vera's  readers can also enjoy! About the book:  The Nativity is brought to life by master pop-up artist Robert Sabuda in six gorgeously imagined 3-D scenes, making this a Christmas gift book to treasure. Long ago, in a stable in Bethlehem, a baby was born on a bright and starry night. This child was the Son of God and he would be the saviour of all mankind. The wondrous story of the birth of Jes...