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Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Book Review: Dear Daughters by Susie Davis - On tour with Read with Audra
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Book Reviews and Giveaway: Isaac's Ice Cream Tree by Angela Henderson and When God Made Color by Sheri Carmon --- On Tour with Celebrate LIt
About the Books
WhiteSpark Publishing is thrilled to bring readers young and old two delightful stories all about color!
Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree
Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!
But how long can this magic last with spring on the horizon? A magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits that is sure to delight.
When God Made Color
The wonders of creation spread out before us in all the glories of the rainbow…the deep purples and blues of night, the bright yellows of day, the pinks and oranges of flowers. And of course, the colors of all the creatures…including us! These sumptuous fine art illustrations will thrill parent and child alike!
Click here to purchase Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree.
Click here to purchase When God Made Color
About the Authors
Angela Henderson resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. After creating her blog and Facebook page, Kidsbook Friends, and her Instagram, Instabooks, she’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives.
Sheri Carmon seeks to incorporate the beauty of the Lord’s heart, His ways and His love in her writing for children. As an author, her goal is to shine His light through stories. In the past she has published poetry and inspirational compositions with both Blue Mountain Arts and The GroupPublishing. Sheri has always cared for the individual needs of families and spent fifteen marvelous, fast-paced years in real estate, specializing in family friendly homes. She and her husband have helped facilitate whole church Bible-reading programs in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. They make their home in Colorado, on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, where they’re surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation every day.
More from Angela
Why children’s books? After all, I teach young teens. Well, my reasons:
- I love art, and reading children’s books is like looking at an artist’s showcase of creativity!
* Shout out to my amazing illustrator, Rachael Koppendrayer! - I love to dream up the impossible, and you can make anything happen in a children’s book!
- I love togetherness and nothing brings a family together like a good book.
As I read picture books with my kiddos, the teacher in me wanted to instruct too. I created a blog (www.kidsbookfriends.com) so teachers, librarians and parents could have little lessons to help them “make friends” with the characters in the stories I featured. Surrounded by such inspiration from these books and my kiddos, I started writing my own manuscripts when my kids were all under age five, mainly sketches of thoughts until I had segments of time where I could construct stories.
After several years of attending SCBWI conferences; connecting with writers; creating manuscripts & editing and revising, editing and revising (you see a pattern?!); and submitting them to publishers, Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree was accepted for publication and was released January 15, 2019, by Whitefire Publishing! (It’s a process!!!)
The message embedded in this colorful, magical story expresses a very real part of my heart as it’s our family motto: “Always remember to look for the rainbow.” My kids and I both literally and figuratively practice this principle, rushing out after every rain to see if the sky is painted with a bow as well as trying to find the good that comes through the storms of life.
Through my journey, I’ve experienced much loss through moving many times, caring for my mother during her dying days, and losing my husband through divorce. Yet in it all, God redeems and uses each pain and joy like brush strokes on a canvass, reminding us of His unfailing promises while creating a masterpiece.
Creativity, imagination, inspiration . . . make magical moments.
Gather together. Dream the impossible. Embrace the colors. . . as I introduce you to a new friend, Isaac! Excited to share this story with you. . . and my next one . . . and the one after that. . . until we have many new kindred spirits . . .together.
Click here for a fee printable coloring page.
Click here to learn the story behind the story.
More from Sheri
A child asks, “Who am I?”
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NIV. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NIV. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?
Click here to view a special video
My Thoughts
Isaac's Ice Cream Tree
I chose to read this book with my 5 year old son. He loved it so much! The pictures are breath-taking, the story was so adorable! My 5 year old has wanted to read this book over and over again. He is in kindergarten and has had some struggles with reading, and identifying colors and days of the week. This book was a perfect edition to our library to help him on his journey. Plus, he is a ice cream monster so he loved when all the ice cream melted at the end. I love books that teach. This will be a family favorite.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
When God Made Color
This is an amazing book. I love how it tells the story of creation, and when we get to day 6 when God made man - it shows how God made the different colors. Especially in today's age where others are hated for the color of their skin, this is a great way to show children diversity. I love how the author reminds us that while we are different, we are made in God's image. This book is beautifully illustrated, has a beautiful message. Both of my boys (5 and 7) enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
Blog Stops
A Baker’s Perspective, May 2
By The Book, May 2
Among the Reads, May 3
cultivating us, May 3
Mary Hake, May 5
For Him and My Family, May 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7
Blogging With Carol, May 7
Lighthouse Academy, May 8
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, May 8
Pause for Tales, May 9
Inspiration Clothesline, May 10
Reading Themes, May 10
Texas Book-aholic, May 11
Have A Wonderful Day, May 12
janicesbookreviews, May 12
A Reader’s Brain, May 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13
Older & Smarter?, May 14
Creating Romance, May 14
Inklings and notions, May 14
Aryn, the Libraryan, May 15
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 15
The Becca Files, May 15
Giveaway
To celebrate their tour, Angela and Sheri is giving away a grand prize of The Great Color Giveaway Package that includes a$25 gift card from Amazon, Rainbow ice-cream cups with colored spoons, a paperback copy of Issacs’s Ice Cream Tree, a $25 gift card from Barnes and Noble,
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2a9/the-great-color-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Book Review and Giveaway: RES-Q Tyler Stop by June McCrary Jacobs on tour with JustRead
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Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for RES-Q Tyler Stop by June McCrary Jacobs with JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: RES-Q Tyler Stop Series: Tyler Stop, Book 1
Author: June McCrary Jacobs
Publisher: JMJ Story Stitcher Books
Release Date: April 22, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
It's the summer of 1968 in Sonoma County, California, and eleven-year-old Weston Gregg and his nine-year-old sister, Wendy, are looking for fun things to do during their summer break from school. When they discover some abandoned rabbits, they hatch an idea to make a positive difference for animals and people in their small town of Tyler Stop.
They decide to form 'Rescue Each Species-Quickly', or RES-Q Tyler Stop.
There are challenges to face as they move forward into their new venture, including standing up to someone who is targeting Weston's friends for being different and a painfully bad decision.
Will Weston have to handle these issues on his own or will he learn to accept the advice and wisdom shared by some important people in his life? Join Weston and his family and friends as they share some adventures and learn and grow together in RES-Q Tyler Stop.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
"Adventure has no end in this tale, where a heart for animals inspires and surprises await around every bend. . . . The characters and the situations they face come across realistic, and the scenes develop naturally. Not only does the author keep a nice paced plot rolling along but adds interesting and practical information about animals and ways to handle certain situations along the way. It makes for a fun mix of fiction and fact.
This appears to be the first book in the series, and I’m eager to see where the RES-Q Tyler Stop adventures will head to next." ~ Tonja Drecker, Author of Music Boxes
EXCERPT
CHAPTER ONE
The Discovery
The Discovery
July, 1968
Sonoma County, California
"DAAA-AAD! Come quick!" Weston's voice, loud even for an eleven-year-old, boomed across the empty hall. He and his little sister, Wendy, were sweeping up the section where the rabbits were kept at the Fur and Feathers Hall at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The family was volunteering for after-hours clean-up duties.
Their father, Glen Gregg, dropped the broom handle and rushed toward Weston's voice. He found them in the far corner of the hall peering into several wire cages.
"Look what we found," Wendy said, voiced rimmed with worry. She turned toward her father with wide eyes. "Dad, these rabbits look really scared. They're shaking. Are they going to be okay?"
"I think they look sick, don't you? They're not healthy and happy-looking like our Ruby," Weston said.
"Let's have a look," Dad replied.
Dad had loved animals since he was young boy which was one reason why he was a high school biology teacher. After looking in each cage, he decided the six rabbits were overheated. The animals were heading toward heatstroke. His family had learned the hard way about heatstroke in rabbits one summer when he was a young teen in 4-H. His hometown experienced a 'once-in-a-century' heat wave that took its toll on many of his family's pets and livestock.
Weston knew Dad was being quiet because it was bad news. Once his dad put his hands on his hips, Weston knew for sure Dad was angry. His father didn't want to upset Wendy and Weston about these rabbits, so he didn't answer right away. Dad was trying to be calm in front of them.
"Dad?" Wendy tugged on her dad's hand.
"What's wrong with them?" Weston asked.
Glen Gregg observed the rabbits closely. All were panting and salivating heavily. The bunnies looked tired and confused. Worst of all, their ears had reddened. All were symptoms of overheating.
"I'm a little bit angry someone left their rabbits at the fair too long. The deadline for animal pick-up was four o'clock yesterday."
"I know," said Weston. "That means they probably haven't had food or water for almost twenty-four hours."
"It's got to be over a hundred degrees in here right now. Tyler Stop has been hotter than normal for fair week, and yesterday afternoon it was ninety degrees in the shade."
"Yeah, plus the fans in here were unplugged when they closed the fair yesterday."
"When they close the doors at night, no air moves in here at all," Wendy said.
"You're both right. I need you to go find Mrs. Fletcher. She'll know how to reach the owners."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
'RES-Q Tyler Stop' is June McCrary Jacobs's first middle-grade book. June is a retired elementary school teacher and literacy mentor who is fond of California history and children's literature. She especially loves to write, read, and blog about middle-grade fiction and non-fiction on her 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' blog.
In addition to writing inspirational romance books and stories for adults {A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom, 2013; Robin's Reward, 2015; Handmade Hearts, 2019}, June's original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and on sewing industry blogs in the past decade.
When she's not writing, reading, blogging, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, visiting art and history museums, and touring historic homes and gardens.
One of her most memorable and thrilling childhood adventures was her ride in the Goodyear blimp as it floated over Long Beach, California. She can still remember the people on the beach waving to her as she zoomed past them.
In addition to writing inspirational romance books and stories for adults {A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom, 2013; Robin's Reward, 2015; Handmade Hearts, 2019}, June's original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and on sewing industry blogs in the past decade.
When she's not writing, reading, blogging, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, visiting art and history museums, and touring historic homes and gardens.
One of her most memorable and thrilling childhood adventures was her ride in the Goodyear blimp as it floated over Long Beach, California. She can still remember the people on the beach waving to her as she zoomed past them.
LOOK FOR MORE TYLER STOP BOOKS COMING SOON!
MY THOUGHTS
I chose to read this book with my almost 8 year old son who loves to read and has a huge heart for animals. I had not heard of this author prior to reading this book. I love the way the author has created well written characters, a story line that kept both mine and my son's attention. The story will appeal to boys and girls and is set in Sonoma County in Northern California in the summer of 1968. This book is geared toward 8-12 year olds. I loved the characters! The love for animals and helping them out is all through out this book. I also learned a lot about the Pomo Indians. The author did some amazing research to craft this book. My son and I both enjoyed it - and look forward to book 2.
I received a copy of this book through the Just Read Blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will win
- $20 Amazon gift card (US/International)
- Signed Paperback Copy of RES-Q Tyler Stop (US only) or Digital Copy (International)
ENTER: HERE
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Book Review: Homecomings by Laura Bogan
Homecomings
by Laura Bogan
About The Book
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron—better known as the Blue Angels—is one of the most iconic and respected aerobatics teams in the world. For years, photographer Laura Bogan has been chronicling the Blues as they return to Pensacola, the team’s beautiful seaside home on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through moments both triumphant and poignant, Bogan has captured stunning scenes that, until now, have only been enjoyed by those lucky enough to be there. This is Homecomings.
Officially licensed by the Department of the Navy
My Thoughts
We love watching videos of the Blue Angels. We visited Pensacola last summer and enjoyed seeing Naval Aviation Museum. If you are ever in the Pensacola area, it is a wonderful, family friendly experience. (Find out information here: https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/)
Here are a few pics from our visit
Now, onto the book. The book features breathtaking pictures of the Blue Angels. I had no idea that the Naval Air Facility in El Centro California was their winter home. This book showcases the talents of this crew. It has beautiful pics in various formations, air shows, and homecomings.
Here are some of my favorites
My boys, Colton (7) and Wyatt (5) really enjoyed looking at all the pictures and reading the facts. This is a great edition to our coffee table book collection.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher, Mascot Books. All thoughts are my own.
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