How to be on the Moon

How to be on the Moon is a children's picture book by Viviane Schwarz that explores what it would take for a little girl and her friendly crocodile to get to the moon.  They do a little math and use a whole lot of imagination to get there - only to see the Earth from way up there and think maybe it would be best to go back.  It's a ton of curiosity and imagination and it would be a fun story to share with a little one!

I don't think this one will disappoint young readers who love to imagine!

I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Firefly Home

I love it when books are interactive - so this new book by Jane Clarke just made me smile!  Kids and adults alike can interact while reading this one together.  Firefly Home is the story of a firefly who is trying to find her/her way home.  It is an engaging story as the reader follows the firefly guessing along the way if the light they see could be another firefly!
 

This will be a great read aloud or one for a youngster to explore all alone.  

I was send a copy of this book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Dear Daughters

Dear Daughters by Susie Davis is a title I am tucking away to gift to my daughter.  It is a mom's look at life - what really matters in life - by writing letters to her daughters.  What hit me is that this doesn't have to be for your physical daughters - it could be for "daughters" you have mentored in your life.  It's just Godly wisdom that anyone could read and benefit from.  The topics range from Life's Purpose to Loving your Body to Living Wholeheartedly.  They are just wonderful tidbits of wisdom all tied up nicely in an adorable gift book.


Here is what the publisher says:

About the book:

Do you sometimes wonder what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? Do you wish you could find someone a little older who is walking just a few steps ahead who would give you some wisdom and remind you that God is still in control and that everything is going to be okay? Would you like a mentor in your life?

Susie Davis understands the importance of having and being a mentor. In Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation, she will help you:

• Understand God’s will for your life
• Listen to God’s voice through your daily circumstances
• Find contentment and peace right where you are
• Foster friendship and deep connection with other women

No matter your season of life, Susie invites you to join her in pondering things that matter most. And she gently reassures you that you are not alone and that God is still in control.

“Susie Davis invites us into her own story with grace and hospitality, tenderness and courage. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by fear, you’ll be so thankful for the way Susie takes you by the hand and leads you to a better way of living.”

─Shauna Niequist, author of Bread and Wine

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

If you only read one book this year.....oh my goodness! I know it's for our Juvenile readers, but it is SO good for your heart that I think ALL ages should read it! Schmidt is a master and he's done it again! I laughed out loud and shed a few tears - and I daresay you will too!

Bear Moves

If I were still leading storytimes, this new book, Bear Moves, would be one of the first books I reached for this winter.  Ben Bailey Smith and Sav Akyuz have teamed up to create a hilarious, new picture book.  This fun romp will be a hit in storytimes - the rhymes, the humor, the illustrations - it just all plays together to form a strong book for reading with young children!  Join in the fun as bear leads us through some of his dance moves - but watch you - you may want to dance right along with him!

**I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Christmas Titles for our Younger Readers!

I was sent a box of Christmas titles and wanted to share some of my favorites!

Where's Santa Claus? by Ingela Arrhenius is a fun board book filled with felt flaps.  What a great idea for our youngest readers!  And it's a game as well because....where could Santa be hiding!?!?!?


The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy is an adorable little book.    It is the story of a homeless boy who plants a Christmas tree in a box and uses it to decorate his "home" under the bridge.  But it's only when he plants in the park that he sees how others enjoy his little tree as well.  What a tender, touching Christmas story.



Little Christmas Tree by Jessica Courtney-Tickle is another lift-the-flaps book that shows all the wonderful animals who call this Christmas Tree home.  What a fun book to explore with a little one on our laps!



Pip and Posy The Christmas Tree by Axel Sheffler is a hilarious, laugh-out-loud story of two little creatures, Pip and Posy, who are decorating their own Christmas tree only to have every cookie ornament disappear.  WELL, they figure out the mystery - and I think you will share a laugh or two as you share this one!



Oliver Elephant by Lou Peacock is a picture book that will delight all ages.  It's the story of Oliver's family running errands and shopping right before the holidays.  Tragedy hits though when, after all of their running, Oliver's stuffed elephant is missing!  In a big city - that could be hard to find!  You will love this ending!  You know what else I loved about this one?  The illustrations by Helen Stephens are so lovely and nostalgic - I absolutely adore what they add to this book!



**I was sent copies of these books by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Creative Journaling

What a fun line-up I have for you!  All tools to help improve your journaling!

Illuminate Your Story is a journal that teaches you fancy lettering.  It is laid out so beautifully - it gives you a letter to practice, walks you step-by-step through how to form it, and then gives you pages to practice your new skill.

Faith and Lettering Journal is much like the previous journal but it is all faith-based, not just the alphabet.  It helps you learn lettering, some banners, bullets, and more with plenty of room for actual practice and doodling.  This is a gorgeous journal that beginners and experience alike would enjoy!

The Illustrated Word Journal is "An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal", and I found this one SO intriguing.  It is actual works of art or pieces of history with pages for you to color your own versions of them or to draw your own thoughts/journaling after you've enjoyed them. With lots of great illustrated pages to color, this makes this journal one anyone could enjoy.

**I was sent copies of these journals for an honest review on my blog.

Beloved - 365 Devotions for Young Women

Beloved is a new devotional tool for young women.  I found this to be an excellent resource.  It's not too long for short attention spans, it focuses on scripture, and it gives lots of room for thinking and contemplating over the passages.  Every day is spent around a verse or two and it is tied into applicable things in the life of teen girl.  I think it's a great tool - and one that could be used over and over, even if you did choose to write in the book itself.

Scriptures are quoted from the NIV.



*I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog.

Prepare Him Room

As a mom who is a librarian, one of my strengths would be introducing my kids to books.  :)  And every Christmas season, I pulled out the stops - everyday we would read a Christmas book and share the fun together!  But I also loved sharing Advent with my kids.  And I was always on the lookout for new and fun advent books/ideas.  I was asked to review, Prepare Him Room, this fall and am thrilled to share that this is a great one! 

This is one of the best laid-out Advent books I've seen.  It tells you exactly what you need to lead your family each day all the way down to songs to sing.  It is clearly an Advent book that anyone could take and read and put into action....no teaching background required!  And what I loved is that there are some new, clever ideas - and that's big coming from me - we've used A LOT of Advent books over the years!  Enjoy the Christmas season with your family - and start some new traditions this year!

 **I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

Holy Roar

Everytime I hear Chris Tomlin has a new album coming out I worry that there is no way songs will sound new and different.  So I apprehensive when I was asked to review his latest, Holy Roar.  But man, he just keeps them coming bigger and better.  I absolutely love the opener, "Holy Roar"...it's poignant...it will make it's mark.

You may have already heard "Resurrection Power" on the radio - I think that title released a bit earlier and it's catchy and a powerful reminder of our freedom in Christ.

And don't miss "Satisfied" - another favorite track on this album.  Tomlin has a good thing going - his songs speak to the soul and remind us of the greatness of our God.  And his latest is NO exception!


**I was sent a copy of the CD for an honest review on my blog.

Sacred Rest

Sacred Rest - Recover your Life, Renew your Energy, Restore your Sanity - If that doesn't catch your interest, I'm not sure what else will.  This describes most of lives.  We long for energy, restoring sanity, etc.  Saundra Dalton-Smith has written this book that will be a tool many of us can go to again and again.  Dalton-Smith is a doctor and in her practice she has seen seven different types of rest she has found lacking in her patients.  She goes through those and shows how and why they are missing and then gives ways to regain them in our lives.  She uses scripture to bring us back to our Creator and point us to His best for us. 

I thought this book had some great suggestions and ideas for us as we try to make time for more rest in our lives.  I think I will need to re-read it to glean all it has for us in potential, but I was encouraged after my first read through.  I believe she knows what she is talking about!  This book will help you find rest, set boundaries, and seek the sanctuary of our Savior....it's THAT good!



*I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

A Woman Overwhelmed

I read the back of the book, "Are you overwhelmed?  Did you know that you were made to be overwhelmed?"  And thought, "Well, I DON'T need that!!!"  But I'm glad I read further.  DiMarco goes on to share that you aren't made to be overwhelmed by the world, but by God!  AMEN!  And what an honor - to be filled to the brim, overwhelmed - by our BIG God.  Hayley DiMarco's book, A Woman Overwhelmed, is such an encouragement with something so many women face.  We are overwhelmed by life in general and we can take that, empty ourselves of it, and let God fill it with Him.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it is funny but yet also full of strong truths.  "For it is when an overwhelmed woman gives up the mission of "me" and exchanges it for the mission of God that being overwhelmed becomes a good thing."

**I was sent a copy of the book for an honest review on my blog.

A Small Book About A Big Problem

Edward Welch is a master - a master of taking something so big, so meaty - and making it so simple.  His latest book, A Small Book About A BIG Problem, is just that.  It deals with anger - a problem that so many of us struggle with.  His reason is simple, "Anger leaves its mark."  We need to deal with it and take time to make these readings sink in.  Anger hurts us all - and we can make that change in our lives to battle it.  What is the opposite of anger?  "Wisdom," Welch states.  So I hope I am not alone in this, but I need more wisdom and less anger.

This book has 50 short readings on anger.  Welch encourages us to read only one a day - really chew on it - share it with others so you can challenge yourself and others.

I really can't say enough good about this one - it IS worth your 50 days!


**I was sent a copy of this book for an honest review on my blog

.

Glory Song

Matt Redman's latest album, Glory Song, is one of my new favorite albums.  Redman is a master of worship.  His songs are full of variety but focus on the Lord.  There were so may songs on this album that I enjoyed that I could go song-by-song.  But I will list a few that hit me as I've been listening.

"One Day (When we all get to Heaven) is an amazing song that brings to life a song I grew up on "When we all get to Heaven."  Love the new rendition!

The following song, "Redemption Ground" is another that spoke to me and continues to as well.  What a touching, deep song with words that resonate on so many levels.

This album is the first thing that turns on when I listen now - I listen daily and still have moments when I am spoken to deeply.  I highly recommend this thoughtful album - it will speak to your soul.

Awakening to God Today App

I want you to be aware of a new app that has really encouraged me.  It is called Awakening to God app and it is such a great tool to see God working in your life.  Upon opening the app, you are given a daily verse.  From there you can add notes in a journaling format that has been set up for you and you can even include photos.  It becomes a journal of sorts because you can go back on your timeline at any time and see what you previously noted.  I love that it's all in one place and it saves for you to come back to later.  I am excited to continue using it and see how God has worked!

The purpose:

·         to inspire and encourage thousands of people in their walk with Christ (hopefully, leading to another ‘Awakening’ – see 2 Chron 7:14); and

·         to raise the funds to: dig a well in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets and a medical team for immunizations, cataract operations and other services.

Watch the video explaining about the app - - https://youtu.be/QmYoDXjHi8o
Visit their website - https://www.awakeningtogod.org/

A little about the founder’s: Gerald & Jeannie Long experienced success and wealth based on the values of the world and also the deepest grief and suffering from the death of two of their three children.  On their journey, God has revealed His grace and glory to them in extraordinary ways.  In particular, they’ve experienced how God is able to redeem the most painful areas of our lives and turn them around for good.  Gerard has caught a deep awareness of eternity and Jeannie has experienced God’s presence and glory when she was close to ending her own life.  Their marriage has triumphed when all seemed lost and they’ve learnt invaluable lessons on their unbelievable journey.  And, they have a very clear message of God’s calling for each Christ follower to obey the Great Command and the Great Commission.

#ATGToday 

#FlyBy

Independence Cake

What a fun story - a story of young girl who loves to cook and is asked to make a cake for the new president, George Washington.  In Independence Cake, our young readers will thoroughly enjoy this tale of a young girl who wants to be busy with her hands and the great honor she is given to cook for the president.  The illustrations were so fun and whimsical - just right for this story.  This would be a great read aloud and very fun for 4th of July or cooking story times.  Deborah Hopkinson has crafted a tale that you will not want to miss.

The story is not true but it is loosely based on a true female in history.

A Letter To My Teacher

I'm pretty sure this children's book should have been for adults!  I LOVED every inch of this tender story.  BUT I am sure kids will enjoy it as well.  Deborah Hopkinson's A Letter to My Teacher is a picture book that tells the story of a little girl who finds school hard because she just wants to be busy!  She is a typical second grader with lots of energy but, thankfully, she is given a teacher who "gets" her.  She is writing the story as a letter back to her second grade teacher to thank her.  It's a sweet, sweet story that deserves to be shared.

A Fragile Hope

Cynthia Ruchti is a master at crafting characters you feel like you know.  It seems like Josiah and Karin become your personal friends as you see their story unravel ... as well as their marriage.  Josiah knows all the right words - he's helped others with marriage struggles - but when he sees his own marriage falling apart, he has no idea how to fix it.  The story becomes even more interesting when Karin's life is in danger.  The path back to healing is a long one with many lessons for the reader.  It is not preachy, but tells a story that many will be able to relate to.  Ruchti keeps the reader interested and turning pages goes way too quickly as you near the end.....you don't want the friendship with Josiah and Karin to end.

Unsinkable Faith

Tracie Miles' Unsinkable Faith is a read that challenged me on many levels.  We struggle with taking negative thoughts captive - that is just truth.  Miles explores this in her book and gives real examples of how to let positivity rule instead of negative thoughts.  She shows through real women's lives how choosing positivity can change your mind and renew your thoughts.

Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life. This book will equip you to:

-Replace pessimism with positive thinking by becoming the captain of your thoughts;

-Learn how true joy and happiness are based on choice, not circumstances;

-Overcome unhealthy habits of negative thinking by intentionally implementing three easy mind-renewing steps;

-Stop feeling hopeless and pitiful, and start feeling hope-filled and powerful instead; and

-Discover that when you change the way you think, you change the way feel, and in turn you can change your life completely.

About the author:

Tracie Miles is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and a bestselling author who's spent the last twelve years inspiring women to become who God called them to be. She's the author of "Your Life Still Counts" and "Stressed-Less Living," and a contributor to Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotions.

Find out more about Tracie at http://traciemiles.com.

To see what others are saying about this book, visit the blog tour page.

Have negative thought patterns overtaken your life and shaken your faith? Learn how to anchor your heart in God despite what storms roll in in Tracie Miles' new book, Unsinkable Faith. Each chapter explores Tracie's and other women's personal stories, showing how they rose above their circumstances by transforming and renewing their minds. Unsinkable Faith is a breath of fresh air for anyone longing for a heart full of joy, an unbreakable smile, and a new, more optimistic perspective on life.

Join Tracie and other readers on April 25th for a fun Facebook Live event and the Anchored in Faith Prize Pack Giveaway (details below)!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Unsinkable Faith
• Two pillows
• Desk decor
• A journal
• An anchor necklace
• A nautical scarf

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 25. The winner will be announced at the Unsinkable Faith Facebook Live event. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and others searching for unsinkable faith, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 25th!

**I was sent a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Woman's Study Bible

I was sent a beautiful Bible and I want to make sure you know it's available with all new features!  The Woman's Study Bible in the NKJV is gorgeous.  The cover is beautiful and the layout is nice.  Some of the new and improved features are:

-Beautiful full-color design throughout
-Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
-Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
-Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
-Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
-Book introductions and outlines
-Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
-Quotes from godly women throughout history
-Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
-Topical index
-Concordance

In this new version, a group of women from all different ethnicities and backgrounds came together to decide what was most important in a Bible that had at it's main goal to "speak to a woman's heart ... throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom."

Do not miss this gorgeous new woman's Bible.
To read what others have thought of the Bible - go here.

You're invited to receive God's truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman's Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman's heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

This spring, cultivate your heart's spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

**I was sent a copy of this Bible by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.