Book Review: Goodnight Angels

This children’s book, Goodnight Angels, by Melody Carlson, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp is designed as a board book and it tells a bedtime story.  The illustrations are colorful and have some fun details that help tell the story of a little boy’s bedtime routine.  It follows a little boy around his house while he says goodnight to people and things that surround him.

The story is a prayer to God, thanking Him for the blessings of the day. It is very similar to the book Goodnight Moon. This book is comparable in its size, feel, and cadence to that beloved book.   

The illustrations are very pleasing. They capture a day in the life of a little boy.  It includes images of his family, a playground, a dog, toys, bath time, and being tucked into bed.  It gently steps the reader and listener through a predictable bedtime routine.  It ends with the little boy getting sleepy as he thanks God for his blessings, and says goodnight to the angels who are watching over him.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Pirates on the Farm

I love reading and reviewing children’s books.  As a mother of two, I’ve spent countless hours reading to my children.  My latest read is Pirates on the Farm written by Denette Fretz and illustrated by Gene Barretta.  I love the idea of using a good story book with the goal of imparting Christian virtues to children.  This book addresses the second greatest commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself.  But what if your neighbors are pirates?  Can you really love someone who lives their life in such a different way?

It’s a fun story that is full of lively characters.  Who doesn’t like a good pirate adventure?  Depending on the age of the child, the vocabulary might be more of a stumbling block than a teachable moment.  The author does include the Seadog Definitions at the back of the book, but words like doubloons, hardtack, landlubber, and salmagundi might actually just confuse the reader and take away from the message.  It makes this book better for the older child, I think the message will be lost on the youngest of readers and read out loud listeners.

The illustrations are whimsical.  They show movement, action, and capture the character’s personalities.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: 20 and Something

20 And Something: Have the Time of Your Life (And Figure It All Out Too) is a book written by David H. Kim with Re/Frame by Phylls Tickle.   It’s a pocket sized book that the Barna Group, a trusted analyst of religion and culture, has produced.  The series is called FRAMES.  The topics of each FRAME is varied, but I selected this title for selfish reasons; I am a parent to two 20 somethings, better known as Millennials.  I have to be honest; there are times that I just don’t get where they are coming from.  I need help figuring out how they tick and why they approach life the way they do and why so many are living in their parent’s basements?  This quick read did shed some light and provide some hope for a bright future.

Every generation struggles with the differences between generations. That is nothing new. It doesn't have to be a stumbling block.  It doesn't have to be negative or cause discouragement.  All we really need is a chance to get to know what our differences are so we can begin to relate on a positive level. 

Sure, we know this generation has had access to the world through technology, has been impacted by the reality of terrorism at home and abroad. But what we are just beginning to unravel is the mystery of how these things really shape how they view adulthood, marriage, career, and organized religion.  When my 22-year-old says to me “YOLO … you only live once” when I am stressing over something, it makes me pause and think how much her generation really does want to make the most of this life that they have.

This FRAME gave me a clear lense to look through; one without judgment but filled with facts.  Having read it I can say I better understand by own 20 somethings.  I celebrate our differences and see a bright future.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Let There Be Light By: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

God is good and all that He has made is good.  Let me tell you that this book, Let There Be Light, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman is certainly good.  The Creation story has been told many times in many ways, but never with such joy, acceptance, and vibrant visuals.

The story line is obvious; a retelling of the Biblical account of the Creation of the world and all that is in it.  The descriptive words used by Desmond Tutu place us in a new world that is wondrous, dazzling, glorious, and joyous.  I love his word choice when he says, “And on the seventh day, God laughed, and rested, and enjoyed his glorious creation.”  What a wonderful image of a God who is well pleased with His Creation.

Now don’t get me started on these illustrations.  Each page is a work of art.  Nancy Tillman captures the beauty and newness of the world and its inhabitants.  The images are bright and filled with color and light. Even the animals look like they are smiling.  There is also an overriding theme of diversity of cultures.  I was delighted by this book and honored to read both its words and images.   

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Country Faith

Country Faith: 56 reflections from Country Music Stars is a wonderful celebration of faith and country music.  It’s a devotional packaged in an eye catching way.  It’s filled with beautiful photographs of country music’s biggest and newest stars.  I love the look of the book.  It is visually very appealing, artistic and draws you in. The photographs are creatively “framed” and look ready to hang on a wall or place on the mantel of a fireplace. 

Each country star selects a favorite Bible verse and shares how it is meaningful to them.  It is refreshing to hear successful musicians who are willing to share their faith.  These devotions are inspiring and uplifting.  In a world where we ache for good role models, this book points us in the right direction.

This devotional would be a great gift to give.  I plan to purchase another copy to give to my daughter.  She is a college senior who not only loves country music but will also be moving to Nashville this year to start her career in the field of accounting.  I hope this book inspires her to live out her faith. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Sweet Olive

Sweet Olive, by Judy Chrisie, is a story that showcases the lifestyle of a quaint town in Louisiana.  The author does a wonderful job developing the characters in this book.  I had the privilege of reading it while away on a vacation in Hawaii.  I began reading it on the airplane during the long flight and then picked it up pool side, anxious to find out how it would all turn out for the people I was becoming attached to.

Sweet Olive is a small town community in Louisiana that is in the midst of a controversy among the residents around the selling of their mineral rights to an oil company.  The book gives the reader a peek into this “artsy” community that is filled with good folk who care about their art, their neighbors, and even come to love and appreciate this outsider who brings disorder into their orderly world.

If you, as the reader, live a hectic lifestyle or feel the rush of a big city, you will enjoy escaping in the pages of this book.  The pace of the story, as it unfolds, is refreshing.  The characters are diverse and you will find yourself hoping for a positive outcome for all that you meet.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Kashi Hummus Crisps

I recently had the opportunity to try out a new product by Kashi: Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps.  They are delicious!  They have just the right amount of crunch and are loaded with flavor.  The Sea Salt & Olive Oil flavor had a good balance of flavor and saltiness.  The crisps can stand alone, no need to use dips.  Finally a snack with "grown up" flavors.  I can't wait to try Sundried Tomato Basil & Feta and the Caramelized Onion. These crisps are also a healthier snack choice.  No more boring, greasy potato chips for me.  I love how these stayed together in the bag; very few broken crisps. 

I participated as a BzzAgent and received this free product as part of the campaign.  I am sharing my own honest opinion.