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Tag Archives: Children’s literature

Pups of the Spirit

22 Saturday Feb 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Family, Reviewed Books

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Children's literature, Deborah Melmon, Fruits of the Spirit, Pups of the Spirit, Zonderkidz

Pups of the SpiritThe test for most children’s books for me is the reaction of my kids.  Do they even want me to read it? The illustration on the front cover easily drew my soon to be five-year-old in instantly. He loves dogs and carries a stuffed one around the house all day. Beyond the illustrations, the book beautifully communicates the fruits of the Spirit. Really, this can be a complicated idea but the gentle rhyming and simple story line makes this book entertaining with a valuable lesson.

I love how the book gives easy examples of how to live out each fruit. Max is a great friend to others, Pete doesn’t worry,  Peanut knows things take time, and Moose enjoys helping others.  I could easily see this book in a series, or better yet, a cartoon. The only downside to this cute “tail” is the request my son made for a real dog like the character Gigi!

I believe the age range indicated on the back cover is appropriate (ages 4-8). I would recommend this book to any family with young boys or girls as a teaching tool. I am sure it will soon become a bedtime favorite. This book would also be a great supplement to curriculum used for children’s ministry.

I was given this book by BookLook  to review without any compensation in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Happy reading!

Pirates on the Farm by Denette Fretz

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Recently Read, Reviewed Books

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Children's literature, Denette Fretz, Pirates, Pirates on the Farm

Pirates on the FarmI love a children’s book that teaches a lesson. I love it even more when it is disguised with silliness! Denette Fretz does an excellent job inviting kids into a story they not only will think is funny, but causes them to think about the people around them. My only regret for this particular book is that the letter to parents that is located in the back of the book could be moved to the front. It really served as a guide to asking my kids questions about the story. Fortunately, I read the story first and read it to my kids later.

Back to the story. My boys are very much into Peter Pan and Captain Hook at the moment, so this book really struck a cord with them.It is a story about some rough and tumble new neighbors who need a little guidance.  The story is full of humor and the illustrations are delightful. I have caught both my boys reading the story again and finding new things in the illustrations they didn’t see before. We really enjoyed learning new words in the “Seadog Definitions,” in the back of the book.

The characters in this book play their part well. We couldn’t help but cheer for the dad as he set the example of how to treat one’s neighbor. And then there is the mom, who took some time to come around. I love the story they teach! I know that we will be using the Pirates on the Farm in teaching moments with our boys.  I highly recommend this lovely book to Moms and Dads looking for fun fiction to support their parenting!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. <a href=”http://booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/36441?ref=badge”><img alt=”I review for BookSneeze®” src=”http://booksneeze.com/images/booksneeze_badge.png&#8221; border=”0″

The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet

11 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family

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Bill Peet, Children's literature, Foster care, The Caboose Who Got Loose, train books, train story

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My son and I stumbled across this book in our local library this past summer. Since then, we check it out every visit it’s available. He is four and in love with trains, but there is more to the story, our story.  For the fourteen months prior to finding this book, we were foster parents to a little two year old girl. We will call her Lola to protect her identity and privacy. Lola came to us neglected and to say that she was hard to handle is an understatement. But my son was so young when she came to our home, that he has no memory of her not being here. To him, Lola was his sister. She has always been here. Long story short, Lola was returned to her family after a very long placement in foster care.

Bill Peet’s story, The Caboose Who Got Loose, touched a place in my son’s heart.  The story is about a train Caboose named Katy who longs to leave her place in line. She wants to live on a hill or in the woods. Katy wants a different life. She resigns herself to be happy where she is and attempts to find a new perspective. Shortly after, Katy gets her wish and in a freak accident becomes lodged between two spruce trees!!  Katy is thrilled…my son not so much. My four year old who begs for this book at the library cries at the end every time. You see, in his mind, Katy belongs with the train. Lola belongs with us. But the amazing thing is, The Caboose Who Got Loose has helped him find much needed closure!  After reading it week after week, I almost have it memorized, he gets it!! Katy is where she needs to be. Lola has been home for awhile now, and we hope and pray that she is living the best life possible. I am sure Bill Peet never imagined his sweet story, with beautiful pictures would have such an impact on one child.

I highly recommend this book to any family.  It is a lovely story that will is full of humor, despite my son’s emotional response. Hug a foster parent if you know one, they probably need it!

Elephants Cannot Dance! By Mo Willems

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family

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Children's literature, Easy to Read, Elephant and Piggie, Elephants Cannot Dance, Mo Willems

elephantEvery other Monday I take my four-year-old to our local library. We are always searching for something new and more importantly, something funny! While searching for readers for my six-year-old, we stumbled upon the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems.  Frankly, we can’t get enough! They are humorous, easy to read, and the illustrations are worth a thousand words! My younger son is memorizing them and able to read them back to me with expression and comprehension. I highly recommend this series. Elephants Cannot Dance, I Love My New Toy, and Should I Share my Ice Cream? are a few of our favorites. The characters relate well and the books always end with a valuable lesson learned.  And who doesn’t love a friendship between an elephant and a pig??

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