God Gave Us Sleep

::From the back of the book::
“Little Cub!” Mama called. “Time for bed.” 
 
Little Cub is having so much fun building an igloo with her friends that she doesn’t want to stop for bedtime! Who needs sleep when there’s fun to be had? Mama patiently answers her child’s questions as she puts her to bed, explaining the importance of daily rhythms of work, play, and rest. As they talk through the fears that come with nighttime—and work through Little Cub’s endless stalling tactics—our favorite bear learns to realize that God gave us sleep as a vital gift.
 
 
“God gave us rest so we have energy for our day, and patience to enjoy it. And so we have quiet time to listen to him.”
 
This charming addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, with its Arctic characters and relevant message, will help all little ones prepare for a peaceful night’s rest.


::My Thoughts::
This is the perfect bedtime story for any little one that may struggle with bedtime. As a mom of three I can't tell you how many times I have been asked questions about bedtime. Questions such as:

• "Why do we have to go to bed?"
• "Why do we need sleep?"
• "What happens while we sleep? Will we miss out on anything?" 

and so forth...
This book explains about bedtime, and why God gave us sleep. It is adorable, and my three children loved it. It also seemed to tremendously help them settle into bed and drift off to sleep easier. We have even incorporated this book into our bedtime story routine on a regular basis. We read this at least twice every week.
They know how it feels not to get a good nights rest just like Little Cub does in the story, and then they more fully appreciate a good night's rest. It also shows that sleep can be a fun thing for our imaginations!
I love that Mama Bear is very patient in answered all of Little Cub's questions in this story. And all of the questions Little Cub asks are questions that pops up in every child's mind at some point. So for it to be laid out in a book like this with answers is just wonderfully done.
The illustrations are wonderfully done, and everything is worded so your children will understand. After reading this book my children understood more fully that God gave us sleep because we need it. It is a gift to us to be more well rested, and rejuvenated for another day. Often times when my kids are tired now they will even say they are ready for bed!
I love the God Gave Us... series of books. We have several of them, and I can't wait to read more to my children in the future.


::Product Details::

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 8, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601426631

Available in::   Hardcover   Kindle

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a Blogging for Books member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change - Little Fox and Little Seed Series

::From the back of the book::

In the end, it will be okay because God is always with us.

Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don't have to be afraid?

Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances-and they don't like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them. The whimsical art by Natalia Moore will put a smile on kids' faces and put their minds at ease. Just as Little Seed and Little Fox learn to trust that the Farmer is good and kind, children will also learn to trust God.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst, It Will Be Okay will help kids discover that the end, it really will be okay because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.

::My Thoughts::
We all go through change whether we want to or not, whether we are ready or not, it just happens. And for kids this can mean a variety of things: moving to a new home, getting a new sibling, starting a new school, beginning a new grade, making new friends, trying something new, etc. The list is never-ending. It's nice to see books that show that when change comes about we have to trust God and do our best to be brave. Being scared is an inevitable feeling, but even if we are scared we can be brave. This book shows just that. Little Seed is afraid to be planted but he just shoulders through and before he knows it he is a great plant! Little Fox is scared to be without his friend, but gets him back in a whole new way. And through it all the two characters see how well the Farmer cares for them through it all. Even when they don't see the Farmer or what he does to care for them they both slowly begin to realize that he waters them, plants food for them, makes shelter for them, etc.
I did think the book had a bit too much going on and could have went into a bit more detail about the Farmer or included the Farmer a bit more, but all in all I was happy with this book. Both my children ages 7 and 3 understood it. We took time to talk about each page after reading it, I asked them questions, and not only did they answer but they understood! That is a huge plus for any book we read to our children that they understand the meaning behind it or take something positive away from it.
The illustrations were also very well done, colorful, and captivating. I would recommend this book. It's great for any age really, and I am eager to check into more Little Fox and Little Seed stories.





::Product Details::

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Series: Little Seed & Little Fox
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140032419X
• ISBN-13: 978-1400324194

::Find this book for...::
Kindle     Nook     Print




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Willie Out West

Willie Out West is about a young walrus who just isn't satisfied with his seemingly boring life. Believing he never gets to do anything fun he sulks until an unexpected visitor arrives seeking his help. Eager to get out of the day to day life he leads Willie sets out into the west for some adventure. Facing fears, meeting new friends, and finding himself in an unexpected situation Willie realizes that maybe his day to day life isn't so bad.

I thought this was a cute story for children. It teaches a good lesson of being happy with what you have, and also the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's great to have a fun story to show kids that just because you think your life is a little boring from time to time adventure isn't always that fun, and you should be grateful and thankful for the life you have.
My kids liked the story. They were more drawn in with the illustrations rather than the story itself but they are also 6 and 3 so maybe that was somewhat of a factor in that. It was still a fun read, and they did take a little lesson from it which is good. Most importantly they did have fun reading it.



::Product Details:: 

Published:

6/28/2013

Format:

E-Book (available as ePub, Mobi, and PDF files)

Pages:

26

ISBN:

978-1-44979-849-9

Print Type:

Color

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this e-book as a BookLook blogger, however, all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage - Review & Giveaway

::Description of the book::
Howard B. Wigglebottom is afraid of everything. He becomes so afraid that he begins to spend all his time in his room, and his family gets worried. As he is looking out the window one day, Howard spots a baby bird on a tree branch. The bird is getting ready to try to fly. Howard worries for the bird. What if the bird falls? The bird is scared but shows bravery anyway and ends up flying through the air. Howard is impressed. The baby bird helps Howard realize that it's okay to be afraid, but we have to be brave to overcome our fears. As Howard uses the baby birds advice in his own life he gets to do a lot of new stuff, and has a lot of fun.

::My Thoughts::
I love that this Howard B. Wigglebottom touches upon the subject of Courage. All children (and adults too) are afraid of something. This is also something the book points out. While everyone is afraid of something we all have to show courage and bravery to overcome our fears. If we don't we will end up missing out on life. This book puts it in a way that children will really understand and respond too. There are superhero images inside that makes it even more fun and relatable. Using some of the most popular superhero costumes such as spiderman, batman, and superman was a great touch. My son was so excited when he seen them, and amazed that they were also afraid of stuff because they are superheros. When he realized that everyone is afraid of something he has been able to confront some of his own fears. As always all the illustrations are colorful and vivid which will capture your child's attention. The book shows many different simple examples of fears and how to stand up to them that any child can relate to. A wonderful book for boys or girls between the ages of 4-8.


::Interview with my son, 5 year old Lucas, on this Howard B. Wigglebottom book::
What did you like about this book?
I really liked that there were Superheros in this Howard book because it shows that even they get scared but are brave. Batman and Spiderman were my favorites. Superheros always have courage but even they can get scared!
The baby bird helped Howard when he was scared because sometimes we all need help.
If Howard didn't get brave quick he wouldn't have got to have fun with the dogs or meet new friends at school. 
What did you learn from reading this book?
It's okay to be scared sometimes, but if we are brave then the things we were scared of aren't so bad anymore. We need to always be brave even when we are scared so we don't miss out on all the fun stuff we can do if we are brave.
Sometimes stuff we are scared of can even be stuff we like. Howard was afraid of going high up but when he was brave and rode the elevator with his mommy he liked it. I love riding in elevators.
What are you afraid of?
I'm afraid of shadows in the dark sometimes. Even when my nightlight is on I don't like things I can't see.
And how have you been brave since reading this book?
If I see a scary shadow in the dark I get scared, but I get brave and turn the light on fast! One shadow looked like a monster but it was just my hat on my bookshelf! Then I wasn't scared anymore and I went right to sleep! I didn't even need to get mommy or daddy to check on it for me. Like Howard was brave and did all the things he was afraid of. Sometimes we just have to be brave and it will all be okay. 

*The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy. The eleven picture books in our award winning, educator endorsed series tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management, self-esteem, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, fear issues and attention. 
Howard B. Wigglebottom hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. On our website they are now on sale for $6 US or $55 for a set of 11. Several Wigglebottom books can be purchased through a Scholastic book order. Ebook versions are on Apple for $1.99. *

To purchase Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage CLICK HERE
To see the other Howard B. Wigglebottom books, play games, read the animated books, or more CLICK HERE

To enter in to win this book for your child enter via the Rafflecopter form below! :)
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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. 

Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience ~ Book Review

• Paperback: 38 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 19, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1478113553
• ISBN-13: 978-1478113553

This is such a lively book, and one we all really enjoyed. The illustrations are wonderfully done, and show vibrant colors that will captivate your child's attention immediately. The story flows so nicely, and is a great story for both boys and girls alike.
The crew has imaginative names such as Captain No Beard, Mongo the mast-climbing monkey, Linus the loud-mouthed lion, Fribbet the floppy frog, and Hallie whom is Captain No Beard's first mate and cousin.
As the crew welcomes in their newest member, Pepper Parrot, they find that Pepper has a bit of trouble practicing drills. When Pepper has trouble following directions because she does not know her right from her left the crew steps in and patiently helps her. There is no name calling, no agitation, and the story teaches the valuable lesson of teamwork along with patience, battling dyslexia, and handling emotional situations correctly.
As Pepper still gets the directions wrong she becomes agitated and bursts into tears.
Rather than become frustrated, the crew consoles her, and continues patiently working with her. The story shows compassion, kindness, patience, and that helping others is the right thing to do. Children can take a lot away from this imaginative story! Captain No Beard stories not only teach valuable life lessons, but shows the endless possibilities can be when you use your imagination.
There are funny bits here and there which is enjoyable to both parents and children, and your children will become quickly immersed in the story.
Definitely a new favorite series in our household, and we will be on the lookout for more Captain No Beard tales.

If you would like to purchase this book please visit the following sites::

www.caroleproman.com

http://www.amazon.com/Pepper-Parrots-Problem-Patience-Captain

::About the Author::

About Carole:

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman.  She has successfully run a family business with her husband.  Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren.  Roman has two wonderful sons that married the most amazing women in the world!  She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, "Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of Pirate's Life" has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012, as well garnered the star of remarkable merit.  Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 3 more books.  Her next project is the book series "I Want To Do Yoga Too".  She is currently working on a new educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship review/giveaway

Howard B. Wigglebottom has become a fast favorite in our household. As you know I have two sons (Lucas 5 & Levi 1 1/2). They both get so excited over Howard B. Wigglebottom, but my 5 year old can definitely identify with Howard and always takes away meaningful life lessons.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982616562
ISBN-13: 978-0982616567

In Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship, Howard has a hard time losing in any game he plays. He goes so far as to cheat and hurt his friends in the process of winning. Howard will do whatever it takes to win a game so he will continue being the best. During a soccer game Howard monopolizes the ball and trips other players. When the coach calls him out on it Howard becomes very rude and upset with the coach, causing him to be thrown out of the game and sat on the bench. Howard is furious and begins to think how unfair this is, but suddenly a father stands up and starts yelling at the referee. Howard can't believe how this father is making himself look to others and hopes he doesn't look like that. The father gets escorted out, and Howard is left with the thoughts of his actions. Howard becomes ashamed of his behavior. He realizes that winning isn't everything and he has been unfair. He apologizes to his coach and asks for another chance to play during the soccer game. During the game Howard has the chance to score the winning goal, but sees another team mate wide open who could also make the shot. He has a tough decision...should he shoot and score the goal or give the other team mate an opportunity to win? He kicks the ball over and they lose, but Howard is so happy that he played fair he doesn't care. He realizes there's much more to life than winning, and covets his second place trophy over his first places ones all combined. He even shakes hands with the winning team, and praises all his team mates on their hard work.

Every child has an issue when it comes to winning or losing. Losing is a tough childhood lesson to learn, and something a lot of children deal with. All children love the feeling of winning and they start to think winning is everything. Often times this can lead to being a "sore loser" without them even realizing it, and before they realize it they are acting out if they lose or even cheating to win.
Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship teaches fair play and the value of good sportsmanship. I think this is a book that all children can learn from, and the colorful fun illustrations help keep children engaged page after page.
My son was riveted. Often he does okay with playing games, but like all children he wants to win. He can sometimes be upset or get a little down when he doesn't win at something. This book really helped show him that it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, but whether you're having fun playing the game. There's more to winning such as friendship, teamwork, and having fun. He has carried this lesson on over to his own friends and it has created a more positive play experience for everyone. Now he is more focused on the fun of the game rather than winning or losing and is happy whatever the outcome.
At the end of the book there are helpful tips, and lessons that parents and teachers can put into play.

The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace. They are devoted to help children listen, learn, and communicate in an effective way while feeling good about themselves.
There are ten picture books in their award winning, educator endorsed series that tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds. They cover listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management, feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, attention, etc. You can check out the animated versions of the books on their website: http://www.wedolisten.org. Just click on the animated books, lessons/posters and songs signs.

You can win your own Howard B. Wigglebottom book for your child by just following the instructions on the rafflecopter below. It's very easy to enter with optional extra chances to win. Just visit the We Do Listen website and browse around to find which Howard B. Wigglebottom book you would like.
Howard B. Wigglebottom hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. On their website they are now on sale for $6 US or $50 for a set of 10! This comes at an exceptionally good time since Christmas is right around the corner!  HBW Ebooks are now available on Apple for only $1.99.

~For more Howard B. Wigglebottom~

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If you win feel free to write your thoughts and your children's response to the Howard B. Wigglebottom book and come back and link your review/thoughts!



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Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book by the author/organization in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone and the giveaway is brought to you by the author and the We Do Listen Foundation.