IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND FLYING CARDINAL PRESS.

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Written and Illustrated by Laura Smetana

All Ages | 38 Pages

Publisher: Flying Cardinal Press | ISBN-13: 9781737140962

Publisher’s Book Summary: With bright, watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like a Garden celebrates unconditional love with vibrant garden scenes that will delight fans of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Perfect for baby showers, bedtime read-alouds, or anyone you love!

Say “I love you” with this charming picture book families will love reading together over and over again. Bold, colorful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, and animals will inspire readers of all ages to explore the natural world⁠—and maybe even plant their own garden. Children will delight in finding ladybugs hidden throughout, and a glossary provides the names of each plant and animal featured. A beautiful book to share with a child, parent, or anyone who means the world to you!

My Love for You is Like a Garden Activity Kit – Free Download

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

A Friends and Family Offer

If you’ve already purchased a copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, head on over to Laura Smetana’s website to receive two free downloadable 8×10 watercolor collage art prints:

–Print 1 – My love for you is like a garden

–Print 2 – My love for you flows freely

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR

Laura Smetana is the author and illustrator of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, a joyful picture book that celebrates unconditional love with bold, watercolor collages of garden scenes. She is also the author of Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia (illustrated by Elisabete B. P. de Moraes), which was winner of a Northern Lights Book Award, and Little Squiggle’s Lake Adventure, which she co-authored with her son, Stirling Hebda.

shaWhen she isn’t writing or painting, Laura can be found talking to kids at school author visits, gardening in her sunhat, and spending time with her family outdoors. Laura lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild.

Visit her online at www.laurasmetana.com and @SmetanaLaura on Twitter.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

OUR LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS

My Love For You Is Like A Garden

Written by Laura Smetana

What a beautiful way to express a message of love! This simple picture book contains soft, watercolors that match its gentle message. Smetana compares her love to the elements found in a garden like the warm sun, the smell of lilacs, the blades of grass, water flowing, and butterflies dancing, to name a few.

Its message correlated with our senses in short sentences presented in an easy-to-read font appeal to children of any age. Smetana includes a glossary at the end of the book. Young readers become participants when they search for each character mentioned in the story and the ladybug hidden on each page.

I would suggest this book as a fantastic gift for a reader of any age, including adults. Surely, a memento to be treasured or a valuable tool for a parent to express love for a child.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a glorious garden-themed grand prize, including a hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, autographed by Laura Smetana!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A cotton tote bag filled with:

-A hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana

– 4 oz of tea from Adagio Teas

– A bar of Italian rose soap

– Cherry blossom & tea rose hand lotion

– Sunflower & ladybug garden stake

– A 12 piece colored pencil set

– A mini sketchbook with elastic closure band

– 5 blank cards & envelopes featuring art from My Love for You is Like a Garden

Two (2) winners receive:

-A paperback copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/V52H1/my-love-for-you-is-like-a-garden-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 27, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Laura Smetana

Tuesday, February 28, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Wednesday, March 1, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Thursday, March 2, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Laura Smetana

Friday, March 3, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Monday, March 6, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Tuesday, March 7, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Wednesday, March 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Thursday, March 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Friday, March 10, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Monday, March 13, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Tuesday, March 14, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Wednesday, March 15, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Thursday, March 16, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Friday, March 17, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

Monday, March 20, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of My Love for You Is Like a Garden

FIND OUT WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WITH THIS FREE GIFT

DO YOU BELIEVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS IN TROUBLE?

SHOULD PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVES?

WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE THE PROBLEMS WE NEED TO FIX?

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I WOULD LIKE TO HELP.

WHO AM I?

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SET UP A FREE COACHING SESSION BY EMAILING:

BARBARA@LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

Catch Up!

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

A family enjoys a picnic in a local park. When a bottle-cap falls off the table, their dog Buddy runs away with it. He just wants to play fetch. But that bottle-cap finds itself on an unexpected journey when different animal groups in the park commandeer it to use for fun. The boy runs around trying to regain possession while readers are treated to a riotous adventure.

The funny picture book features huge, colorful illustrations and large font. It is a fun read aloud for adults or beginnng readers. Characters are multicultural and diverse including children with disabilities.

Highly recommended for children ages two through five.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO GET NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Time to Rhyme

Written by Nigel Tetley

Illustrated by Peter David Scott

A beautifully written rhyming picture book that captures the imagination of a child and the adult who reads. it.

A child views time through the days of the week, the months of the year, and its seasons. The lovely color pastels complement the mood of the text perfectly. While all of us never seem to have enough time, seeing the concept envisioned through the eyes of a child is refreshing and perceptive. After reading this tale, the mood felt is restful and calming just like the beautiful illustrations.

Recommended for a child of any age, but I feel adults will enjoy it just as much.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

The Magical Suitcase (The Decoders Book 1)

Written by Alba Arango

First book in a mystery detective series that targets middle grade readers. It’s a little more than one hundred pages so it might also be considered a beginning or reluctant reader choice.

Three friends, Matt, Steve, and Jenny team up to solve the mystery held within the suitcase purchased for one dollar at an auction. Turns out a poem written by a pirate long deceased holds the key to a hidden treasure. When someone else offers a lot more money for the suitcase, the three amigos are sure they need to follow the clues and resolve to uncover the treasure.

The characters are not complex and the plot not too intricate but readers who like detective and mystery stories probably won’t be disappointed.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kraine Kreative

ABOUT THE BOOK

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Ages 3+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Kraine Kreative | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Publisher’s Book Summary: When Angelic hears that Daddy spread his love for her around the whole universe, she worries she hasn’t done the same for her baby brother. Only one thing to do! Brother and sister rocket into the night sky to explore the universe in search of the most awesome thing there. “Space Baby Salute!”

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Under multiple pen names, Jay Dee is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author behind chart-topping comics, fiction novels, and business books, including THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and GROW THROUGH IT, which was written, illustrated, and published during the CV-19 lockdown with proceeds donated to coronavirus relief efforts. PASS THE PIG: LEADERSHIP BY ATTRACTION was his first non-fiction book, and he made his fiction debut with the multimedia sci-fi/fantasy THE PLAGUE and EZEKIAL, followed by RENEGAYD, all of which became bestsellers.

To learn more about Jay Dee and his books, visit www.KraineKreative.com and www.spacebabybook.com/.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Tom McGrath is based in the North West of England, working as a freelance illustrator since 2012. Despite being repeatedly told that all artists drink too much absinthe, cut their own ears off , and only make money after they’re dead – he has always wanted to be one. In fact, this has only encouraged him. He still has both his ears.

To learn more, visit www.SpikedMcGrath.com.

My Review of This Book:

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Angelica is infatuated with outer space. Her father tells her that his love for her fills the universe. One thing bothers her. Angelica has not spread her own message of love for her baby brother, Ollie.

Angelica cannot sleep. She transports her brother and herself on a trip through space visiting the galaxy, sun, planets, and space objects. She leaves a message of love everywhere they go. Soon she becomes sleepy and decides that finishing the task will have to wait.

This is a charming, picture book that teaches young children about family values and the world around us. Its story contains lots of dialogue among the main characters. The illustrations are colorful and endearing to young and old alike. While I would recommend the book especially for children under five, its universal message is one that should be shared with any age reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win an autographed copy of Space Baby and a $250 donation to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System, elevate the search for life beyond our planet, and decrease the risk of Earth being hit by an asteroid.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed copy of Space Baby

A $250 donation made in your name to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System.

Nine (9) winners receive:

A signed copy of Space Baby

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/rLOtc/space-baby-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 9, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 10, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, January 11, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 17, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Space Baby

Wednesday, January 18, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Space Baby

Thursday, January 19, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Space Baby

Friday, January 20, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Space Baby

Monday, January 23, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book giveaway of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 24, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, 25, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book giveaway of Space Baby

Thursday, January 26, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 30, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 31, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, February 1, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Space Baby

I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.

DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.

One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.

The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.

Don’t miss this release in April 2023.

THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers! 

What Am I? Christmas: A Picture Book of Read-Aloud, Rhyming Christmas Riddles

Written by Shana Gorian

Illustrated by Art Porta

A beautifully illustrated Christmas holiday picture book!

Children (and adults) love solving riddles. This book could easily become a family holiday tradition passed down from one generation to another. These rhymes contain riddles about easily recognizable holiday objects appropriate for all ages from preschool on up.

Suggested for families and classrooms. Siblings or classmates might even want to turn the fourteen riddles into a competition to see who might get the most correct answers. Fun for all ages.

LOOKING FOR MORE FAMILY FUN?

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR MORE REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND RICHARD WAGNER

ABOUT THE BOOK

Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

Ages 3+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645437086

Publisher’s Synopsis: The world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.

This is a story of dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was fourteen years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank-you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is a tribute to that little tree and what might have been, but more importantly, to all the beauty, goodness, and hope that Christmas brings to us all. Mr. Wagner continues to reside in Southern California with his wife and two children.

For more information, visit https://needlesthechristmastree.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

JUST PERFECT

Needles: The Forgotten Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

What a perfect picture book to celebrate the meaning of the season! Needles is a short, scruffy evergreen tree growing on a Christmas tree farm. The adjoining trees make fun of him, but Needles firmly believes he will achieve his goal to become a beautiful Christmas tree in someone’s home.

The trees are cut down and brought to market but as day after day passes, Needle’s friends are chosen, while no one seems interested in him. When the owner of the lot, decides to gift Needles to a friend, Needles is elated. Now he will have a home! Will he achieve his dream to become a beautiful Christmas tree?

The story contains many twists and turns. Children (and the adults who read this story to them) remember that the promises of faith and hope are at the heart of the Christmas season. Even more important that sharing and caring for others is the true spirit of Christmas.

A perfect holiday choice for a bedtime story or read-aloud with elementary school children.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree, autographed by Richard Wagner.

One (1) winner receives:

– An autographed copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/u7VnN/needle-the-forgotten-christmas-tree-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, December 5, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 6, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 7, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 8, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 9, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 12, 2022Book Zone ReviewsAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Tuesday, December 13, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article by Richard Wagner

Wednesday, December 14, 2022Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Thursday, December 15, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 16, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 19, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 20, 2022The Review WireA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 21, 2022Chatty Patty’s PlaceA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 22, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Are you tired of shopping frantically trying to find that perfect gift? I wanted to share with you an Advent calendar that focuses on the giving rather than receiving.

Read down to the end of the page for instructions on different ways to assemble and use this calendar and get into the holiday spirit!

How to Put Your Advent Calendar Together:

1.Print background on one-sided on paper or card stock.

2.Print next two pages double sided on one piece of paper or card stock.

3.Cut out the daily shapes and then arrange the pieces on your background. You can tape or glue the top of each piece and fold over for the message on each day of the month.

Alternatively, you could print last two images double sided, hang them on a string with a clip or tape and then remove one new circle each day.

Fonts:

Allura PW

JoyeuxNoel