This book is Part One of a two-part series about a beloved grandpa. Grandpa wants to oblige and help, but he has his way of doing things. When his wife makes a simple errand request, he immediately offers to comply. There is one problem, he has a unique way of achieving that goal.
In this tale, Grandma asks her husband to perform four simple errands to purchase ice cream, pizza, soil, and oranges, but in each case, Grandpa causes great anxiety by disappearing. Grandma is frantic. She calls the family, neighbors, hospitals, and police. Ultimately, Grandpa calls from a different destination each time telling her he is unharmed.
This book has a unique message. Not all people follow the accepted way of achieving our goals. It is okay to be different. Mrs. D’s beginning chapter book contains beautiful, color illustrations, and an important life lesson. I would recommend the book for elementary school readers and would also be an excellent choice for families with members afflicted with early Alzheimer’s disease. Looking forward to Grandpa’s adventures in Book 2.
Publisher: Journey with Story Press | ISBN-13: 9780578651965
Publisher’s Synopsis: After Jesús finally lands a part as an innkeeper in his school’s Nativity play, he asks God to help him be the best innkeeper ever. Day by day, he grows more and more confident in his role, but on opening night, he finds himself so swept up in this long-ago world, that when Mary and Joseph asked him, ”Do you have any room at your inn?” he comes up with his own answer, causing chaos on the stage.
KATHLEEN T. PELLEY is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but spent most of her childhood summers playing on her grandparents’ farm in Ireland. Her passion for stories stemmed from listening to them on the radio during the BBC children’s story hour. She is the award-winning author of seven other picture books and hosts her own storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.
This is a sweet story of a boy named Jesús who yearns for a part in the Nativity play. When his teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez chooses him to be an innkeeper, Jesús is ecstatic. He tries hard to learn his lines, but he is so nervous. Jesús takes us through the typical feelings faced by a child in his situation. Will he succeed? There is a surprise ending that reveals the depth of Jesús’ character.
Children learn about the Nativity story through the eyes of a child as Jesús relates his hopes and fears through prayer. All types of children are represented. The soft colors and simple drawings correspond well with the mood of the narrative. Recommended highly for preschool and primary grade children. A nice book for families to share during the Advent season.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Jesús, Mary, and Joseph prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley
A paperback copy of Five Little Angels
An Audible copy of Five Little Angels
A $25 Barnes and Noble gift card
A Nativity sticker book
A shoutout on the Journey with Story podcast
Five (5) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley
A Nativity sticker book
The giveaway ends November 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Lindy Nelson is an American who has spent most of her adult life teaching English in China after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys arts and crafts, funny memes, eating candy, and of course, spending time with her greyhound, Clarence.
MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:
This is Clare is an adorable picture book about a lady named Lindy and her adventures with her greyhound named Clare. The author uses verbs that end in air and are to teach English vocabulary. The illustrations are adorable and the simple text will expand vocabulary for anyone learning English. It is a book that is fun to read aloud and will enrich the vocabulary of native English speakers as well.
The multicultural illustrations that feature Chinese culture will provide a springboard for discussion and further research. This book will delight all ages from preschool to adult English as a Second Language Learners. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lindy and Clare.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of This Is Clare, along with a virtual Questions and Answers session with the author!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A copy of This Is Clare
A virtual Questions and Answers session with the author via Skype
Nine (9) winners receive:
A copy of This Is Clare
The giveaway ends December 2, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
This book is a delightful new version of The Underground Toy Society. This society is a group of toys that are no longer being used by their former owners. Together they work as one to find new homes to love them.
Children will love these adorable toys that act like human characters. When the toys find their way to a toy store, they are excited to find a donation box for Christmas toys. Their hopes are dashed when they discover the toys must be new.
I love the section that describes how these toys make themselves new again. Will these toys find a way into the hearts of new children owners?
Adorable illustrations and characters will make this book a new holiday favorite. Recommended for a Christmas story or any time of the year.
The author is an educator and parent of six. She shares the hopes that most parents have for their children. Courage, resilience, empathy, and kindness are a few of these. The short rhymes are easy for young children to remember. Illustrations are multicultural and include references to the author’s own family as revealed in the fun facts at the end of the story. Adults and children will enjoy learning about the symbolism of nature and the themes included in this book.
A delightful read-aloud or bedtime story for elementary age readers.
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In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathleen T. Pelley.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Five Little Angels
Written by Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
Ages 3-7 | Pages 54
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. | ISBN-13: 978-1649491794
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join this celestial romp with five little angels, who hop on a cloud to take a peek at the world below, and see all sorts of loving acts of kindness, which sends them into a frenzy of delight. A lyrical read aloud to teach your little angel how kindness can build heaven on earth.
KATHLEEN T. PELLEY is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but spent most of her childhood summers playing on her grandparents’ farm in Ireland. Her passion for stories stemmed from listening to them on the radio during the BBC children’s story hour. She is the award-winning author of seven other picture books and hosts her own storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.
What a charming and sweet message for young children. The author has created a reverse counting book written in easy to read and listen to rhymes. As the story opens, five little multicultural angels are looking down on people on earth. Some of these are practicing acts of kindness like crowning their sleeping mother with a crown of flowers, others are arguing or showing signs of frustration. When the angels witness a good deed, they dance for joy. Unfortunately, that sometimes leads to a fall. The young reader is asked to study the pictures to see where each angel lands. That invites the child to become an active participant in the tale.
The language is easy to understand and full of words that encourage the child to imagine the scene and use his senses. Soft watercolor illustrations are pleasing to the eye. They are reminiscent of a child’s crayon drawings.
I highly recommend this picture book as a read aloud discussion activity with young children. It will encourage them to become little angels bestowing empathy and kindness on friends and family.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Five Little Angels prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A set of seven books by Kathleen Pelley, including Five Little Angels
A $25 Barnes & Noble gift card
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
Your child’s name mentioned in the Journey with Story podcast
Five (5) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of Five Little Angels
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
Five (5) winners receive:
A paperback copy of Five Little Angels
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
The giveaway begins May 26, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 26, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
This book relates the sweet tale of a young girl with blonde hair who loves horses. She cannot have her own, so she is working in a barn with a horse trainer for the summer. A gray pony balks at everyone, but this young girl succeeds in developing a special relationship with the pony. As the summer wears on, the two seem to complete each other’s thoughts, hence the phrase, Me Too.
At the end of the summer, the pony is sold. For many years, their paths diverge. The girl begins college. Then she starts to reminisce and dream about the pony. She wants to reconnect. Will she succeed in tracking down the pony and can she restore that special bond of empathy, trust, and kindness?
The soft pastel illustrations impart a whimsical and light-hearted mood to the rhythmic storyline. Highly recommended for elementary grade readers.
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INSPIRE KINDNESS: A Rhyming Read Aloud Book for Kids About Empathy and Kindness
Written and Illustrated by Lily Lopez
Lily feels out of place on her first day at a new school. She doesn’t look like the other students and they seem to ignore her in class, at lunch, and in the playground.
When one girl approaches her to welcome her, Lily is overwhelmed by one simple act of kindness. The author includes 24 tips a young child can use to express kindness and a kindness calendar that can be used as a reminder to express kindness to others.
This is a short multicultural picture book for primary grade readers. Lovely illustrations with short rhymes.
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Millie the Mouse decides she wants to get a birthday gift for her grandfather. When she asks her grandmother what to get for him, Grandma suggests something magic.
Millie takes her grandma’s suggestion and searches everywhere for magic. She enlists the aid of a badger, a chicken, and a frog who try to direct Millie. At the end of the day, Millie is tired and exhausted.
Will Grandfather be disappointed that Millie does not have a birthday gift? What special message does he have for her that she will remember for the rest of her life?
Cute illustrations with easy to read text make this book a good choice for a bedtime or read-aloud tale for preschoolers and early readers.
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What a charming book to encourage children who have social anxiety fears! This book will certainly benefit children who are moving into new neighborhoods or schools or those who are shy and introverted.
Kayla has just begun class in a new school. She desperately wants to follow her grandma’s advice to try new things and the words, “What’s the worst that can happen,?” echo in her brain. But somehow she is afraid to approach classmates or new situations. She feels physical and mental anxiety.
One day, Kayla is invited to a party that will open the door for her.. Kayla also reveals her kindness toward her younger autistic brother.
This beautifully illustrated multicultural book teaches empathy, kindness and social-emotional skills to primary grade children in an easy to understand format. Highly recommended to parents and teachers.
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