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

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.

Adventures into the Heart, Book 2: Playful Stories About Family Love for Kids Ages 3-5

Written and illustrated by Eric Klassen

A rhyming picture book for preschool readers that explores the concept of beauty through an explanation of familiar objects in the ocean. Part of a book series featuring the characters of a bear and a fox.

Children learn through words and colorful graphics that when one has love in the heart its expression cannot be measured. A perfect bedtime or read aloud picture book for toddlers and preschoolers.

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

A Little Sleepy

Written by R.J. Furness

Illustrated by Kathyrn Short

Dorothy Dormouse is curled up in her nest getting ready for her winter nap. Every time she dozes off, she is awakened by a loud noise. It seems that many animals like squirrels and badgers are busy gathering and storing food. Then Dorothy learns about other animals like bats and hedgehogs who want to hibernate as she does.

The book contains attractive illustrations with lots of action words to keep the script lively and fun to read out loud. It teaches children about hibernation and empathy for animals. Recommended for young children under the age of five as a wonderful bedtime story or read-aloud book.

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

What is Supply and Demand?: Personal Finance for Kids

Written by Kelly Lee

Kids love ice cream and cookies. What a creative and fun way to explain the concept of supply and demand to young children!

The author uses animals to explain what happens to the owner of a cookie and ice cream shop when supply and demand change. Ava and Hank are customers who visit the shop in different seasons and note the differences. There are clear explanations and beautiful illustrations.

I especially love that the author makes the book interactive by posing different scenarios for children to think about and offering solutions. Parents are also provided with tips to illustrate supply and demand with their children in everyday situations.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of children ages three through eight.

Subscribe to this blog for book reviews every Wednesday and Sunday.

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Amy Flanagan.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Written by Amy Flanagan

Illustrated by Jon Davis

Ages 5+ | 90 Pages

Publisher: Whitefox | IBN-13: 9781915036094

About the Book: Mrs. R Snugglesworth is 70 pounds of low-to-the-ground PRECIOUS. She is the Best at Finding Slightly-Used Sandwiches and the Best at Loving Ham—and now she’s looking for her next big challenge. To her surprise, she finds it at the local Bark Park, when she discovers a passion for the law. Dog law, that is.

In two wags of a tail, she enrolls at Wagsworth Legal Academy, eager to become a lawyer. Turns out, it’s not that easy learning to be the Best at Law School. But when Mrs. R. learns that her friend Pitter-Patter needs help, she can’t wait to take on her first case. Only one small issue: she hasn’t quite finished her law degree. Some dogs might consider this a problem, but not Mrs. R! After all, Pitter-Patter needs a lawyer, and she is ALMOST a lawyer. Which everyone knows is practically as good as being a lawyer, right?

She’ll just juggle her law classes, naps, walks, power naps, chasing tennis balls, snacks, naps, and work on Pitter-Patter’s case at the same time! What could possibly go wrong?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Flanagan is an Instructional Designer and children’s author living with her family in the Chicago suburb of Batavia. She began writing Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law in early 2021 to stay busy during the long pandemic winter. She wanted to create something that would make kids (and adults) laugh out loud. She is already working on the second book in the “Mrs. R.” series. Like you, she wonders what the ‘R’ stands for.

Visit her online at https://www.mrsrsnugglesworth.com/.

Tweets by AmyFlanagan6

https://www.instagram.com/AmyFlanaganAuthor/

Tweets by MrsRSnuggles

https://www.instagram.com/MrsRSnugglesworth/

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jon Davis is an award-winning freelance illustrator living and working in Cumbria, UK. He always loved drawing as a child, thinking up characters and stories – paints, pencils, felt tips, crayons, anything would do. So he decided to study Illustration at Glyndwr University, Wrexham. He works digitally in Photoshop with a tablet and pen because the ‘undo’ function saves him from the depths of frustration.

Visit him at https://www.jonsmind.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

DOGGONE FUNNY

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth: Attorney- at- Law

Written by Amy Flanagan

Illustrated by Jon Davis

What a fun book choice for a beginning or middle-grade reader! Flanagan tells her story from the point of view of an English Labrador who serves on jury duty and becomes interested in a law career. He enrolls in Wagsworth Legal Academy and soon finds himself practicing law.

The hilarious adventure entertains both children and the adults fortunate enough to read this book. Flanagan appeals to dog and animal lovers with the humor and compassion contained on every page. The black and white illustrations extend the fun displaying playful scenes.

At just under one hundred pages, reluctant readers will gravitate to this tale. Readers may choose to read independently, or teachers may select it as a page-turning read-aloud in the classroom. I hope there will be more adventures with Mrs. R. Snugglesworth in the future.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law, and a $50 gift card to bookshop.org*.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

An autographed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

A $50 Bookshop.org or typebooks.ca gift card*

Four (4) winners receive:

An autographed copy of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/Uvk2u/mrs-r-snugglesworth-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 15, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Tuesday, August 16, 2022Me Two BooksAn interview with author Amy Flanagan

Wednesday, August 17, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Thursday, August 18, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Friday, August 19, 2022Writer with WanderlustA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Monday, August 22, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Tuesday, August 23, 2022Book Zone ReviewsA guest post of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Wednesday, August 24, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Thursday, August 25, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Friday, August 26, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book giveaway of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Monday, August 29, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Tuesday, August 30, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Wednesday, August 31, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Thursday, September 1, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Friday, September 2, 2022Shooting Stars MagA book activity to pair with Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Monday, September 5, 2022Kol’s NotesA book review of Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law

Monday, September 6, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewAn interview with author Amy Flanagan

YOU LAUGH, YOU LOSE – 9-Year-Old Edition 300 Jokes for Kids that are Funny, Silly, and Interactive Fun the Whole Family Will Love

Written by Smiley Beagle

This book is targeted at nine-year-olds and will have its most appeal to middle-grade readers. It is part of a series of joke books that can be read alone or shared with a family or friends as a game. Each person reads a joke when playing the game but must pass the book to another if he laughs.

The jokes are divided into chapters by categories like people, food, animals, science, and assorted jokes.

Children who can’t get enough of jokes will appreciate the series. Recommended especially for reluctant readers and children who are not ready for longer chapter books.

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

How Animals Say Goodnight: A Sweet Going to Bed Book about Animal Sleep Habits

Written by Esther Pia Cordova

Illustrated by Anastasiya Provozina

What a beautiful rhyming picture book!

The author presents bright, colorful illustrations of different animals as they prepare to rest. I learned a lot from this book. Did you know that giraffes sleep only twenty minutes a day? When a snail closes its eyes, it can sleep for three years. Ducks sleep in rows and have a system to protect each other from danger.

This book is a good choice for a simple bedtime story or read-aloud for toddlers or preschoolers. It contains lots of interesting information about animals for older children who may want to do additional research.

Looking for more book suggestions?

Check out my Pinterest Board https://pinterest.com/bamauthor

Ultimate At Home Activities for Kids: 159 ways to keep children busy

Designed by Kate and Chris Stead

This activity book is a parent or caretaker’s go to resource when the kids are bored. The only materials needed are paper, pencils, the internet and common household materials like glue and scissors.

It is not age specific. Some activities are simple enough for preschoolers while others will entertain teens. Here are some of the topics: zoos, Olympics, arts and crafts, movement activities, bears, pirates, legos, music, and libraries.

Children can perform the activities by themselves, in groups, or have a competition.

I highly recommend it for entertaining children of any age.

Check out my learning opportunities for the entire family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DANIEL GERSHOWITZ AND THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

ABOUT THE BOOK

We Can Color! Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Created by Daniel Gershkovitz

All Ages | 70 Pages

Publisher’s Synopsis: Who doesn’t love to color beautiful illustrations and learn interesting facts that enrich the mind?

If you also like amazing drawings and cool facts and believe it’s important to impart knowledge and broaden your child’s horizons, the We Can Color! series was created especially for you!

These eleven books cover topics that will interest anyone at any age: Dinosaurs, Vehicles, Aircraft, Space, and Animals from around the world in their natural environment: Farm, Jungle, Ocean, Savannah, Forest, and Desert!

Did you know that the most dangerous animal in the savannah is the hippopotamus? That the oldest koi fish lived to be 226 years old? That some goats can climb trees? And that the terrible T-Rex was not the biggest dinosaurs predator?

How big is the Sun relative to the Earth? What was the first man-made object to reach space? What is the fastest land animal? The tallest? The heaviest?

Did you know that scorpions glow in ultraviolet light? That male seahorses are the ones that get pregnant? That one of the astronauts lost his glove in space? That one of our planets was given its name by a girl in elementary school? And that there is an aircraft that takes off like a helicopter but flies like a plane?

Do you know the speed of the fastest truck in the world? Or how much does the heaviest tractor weighs?

What is the price of the world’s most expensive fighter jet? How much does an Air Force One flight hour cost?

What is the most venomous snake in the world? The most venomous jellyfish? The most poisonous frog? And do you know how to distinguish between a mammal and a fish in the ocean? Or how to tell a jaguar from a panther?

Next to each of the 330 full-page illustrations you can color, there are interesting facts: over 1,375 facts throughout the 11 books!

• All the books contain full-page original coloring pages that are not repeated!
• The extra-large pages are 8.5 x 11 inches in size!
• All the illustrations are single-sided to prevent bleed-through and can be torn out and displayed without losing the images on the back!
• All the illustrations and information are suitable for ages 5 and up. Children, teens, and adults will enjoy relaxed moments while coloring and learning fun facts!

The We Can Color – Fun & Facts Coloring Books series includes the following books:

The Great Dinosaurs of the Earth!

Space Technology and Our Solar System!

The Coolest Aircraft in the World!

The Coolest Trucks in the World!

The Coolest Vehicles in the World!

The Great Animals of the Farm!

The Great Animals of the Ocean!

The Great Animals of the Jungle!

The Great Animals of the Savannah!

The Great Animals of the Forest!

The Great Animals of the Desert!

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3lrUtnt

My Review of the Series

What kid would not want this collection of cool coloring books. Space, trucks, animals, oceans, jungles, deserts, and the world as your oyster!

The large outline images are clear and simple enough for a young child to color. But there is a plethora of information packed into each one. Young artists will also learn more than 1300 facts about each of the topics in the series.

Gershowitz provides hours of entertainment for children as young as five that can also be enjoyed by grandparents who are ninety.

I love books like these that provide an outlet of artistic expression and creativity, while expanding and enriching the mind. Highly recommended.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a set of the We Can Color! coloring books, as well as a Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set!

One (1) grand prize winner receives: A set of the eleven We Can Color! coloring books, as well as a Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set.

One (1) winner receives: A set of six We Can Color! coloring books.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER

https://gleam.io/bZqdn/we-can-color-coloring-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 9, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book series review of theWe Can Color: Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Tuesday, August 10, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book series review of theWe Can Color: Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Wednesday, August 11, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThe Great Animals of the Jungle! Fun & Facts Coloring Book

Thursday, August 12, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book series review of theWe Can Color: Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Friday, August 13, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book series review of theWe Can Color: Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Sunday, August 15, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofSpace Technology and Our Solar System! Fun & Facts Coloring Book

Monday, August 23, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review ofThe Coolest Vehicles in the World! Fun & Facts Coloring Book

Tuesday, August 24, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Coolest Aircraft in the World! Fun & Facts Coloring Book

Wednesday, August 25, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book series review of theWe Can Color: Fun & Facts Coloring Books

Thursday, August 26, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofThe Great Dinosaurs of the Earth! Fun & Facts Coloring Book

Friday, August 27, 2021Heart to HeartA book review ofThe Coolest Trucks in the World! Fun & Facts Coloring Book