About the Book
Get ready to shine a spotlight on the Holy Ghost! This unique picture book shares everyday situations and simple stories that teach children how to recognize the influence of the Spirit. When you shine a flashlight through the illustrated pages, you can discover how the Holy Ghost protects, comforts, directs, and witnesses of true gospel principles. A fun and illuminating book the whole family will love!
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About the Author
Catherine Christensen graduated magna cum laude from BYU with a degree in English and editing. She worked in her dream job acquiring and editing books before switching to her other dream job of full-time mother. She is a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom and has lived most of her life in England. She currently resides in Springville, Utah, with her husband and daughter. Catherine is the author of I Can Pray Everyday, Emily’s Perfect Christmas Tree, Blessing the Nephite Children, and The Holy Ghost.
About the Illustrator
Rebecca Sorge loves telling stories and drawing pictures so becoming an illustrator made perfect sense. She currently lives and works in Utah, creating art for children’s books, magazines, posters, cards, and anything else people will let her draw on.
Review
Author Catherine Christensen and illustrator Rebecca Sorge had come together and brought to life the idea, feeling, and influence of the Holy Ghost. With brightly colored pictures, hold a light to the page interaction, and descriptive text to go along, this book is an excellent resource to teach young children about the Holy Ghost and the inspiring influence He has on everyone, including young children.
Genre: children’s, religion, LDS, Christian Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: September, 2017 Number of pages: 32 Category: Preschool – 2 (4-7 years) A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my ow GiveawayAbout the Book
Alycat wakes up with the dreaded Monday Blues and is certain that nothing will go right. But when a mishap sends her astray, she discovers that helping a friend will help her discover her own hidden talent—curing her Monday Blues.
Book TrailerAbout the Author
Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the Rhyme or ReasonTravel series, and the multi-award winning Alycat series. Alysson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. She believes that there is an Alycat in all of us, encouraging our imaginations to guide us through new opportunities and adventures.
Author Interview
Check out the interview with the author HERE.
Review
In the children’s story Alycat and the Monday Blues author Alysson Foti Bourqui and illustrated by Chiara Civati come together to bring to life the story of a young cat. With bright, colorful, and creatively fun pictures and a charming and enjoyable story about having the “Monday Blues,” this story is one that will captivate young readers. It is also about dreaming and working together with friends. This would be a fun book to be used in a library story time as well.
Series: Alycat Genre: children’s, fiction Publisher: Mascot Books Publication date: September 12, 2017 Number of pages: 38 Category: Preschool – 2 (4-7 years) A review copy of this book was provided by iRead Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway
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I Can Love Like Jesus by Heidi Poelman illustrated by Chase Jensen -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway
9/7/2017
About the Book
Help your little ones live and love like Jesus did with this adorable picture book. The simple text and beautiful illustrations show children exactly how Jesus loved others and how to emulate Him with small acts of kindness, like sharing, forgiving, and comforting. Invite the Savior into your home and feel His peace each time you read this book together.
About the Author
Heidi Poelman is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes, A Mother’s Greatest Gift, The Two-Minute Marriage Project: Simple Secrets for Staying in Love, and the upcoming books I Can Love Like Jesus and A Is for Adam: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). When she’s not writing, cooking, cleaning, or carpooling, Heidi loves playing in the outdoors with her family, going out for date night, and reading bedtime stories. She lives in Utah with her husband and four children.
About the Illustrator
My name is Chase Jensen. I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Illustration at Brigham Young University. Painting is my passion! I love to create characters because it allows me to tell a story through something that has been influenced by my experiences.
Review
Author Heidi Poelman and illustrator Chase Jensen come together to bring readers a beautiful story. Poelman’s words bring to life Jesus and the power of love combined with Jensen’s beautiful and brightly colored artwork. This combination will easily capture the attention of young readers, while teaching them the gospel at the same time. This is a fabulous book for young readers!
Genre: children’s, religion, LDS, Christian Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: July 4, 2017 Number of pages: 32 Category: Preschool – 2 (4-7 years) A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort, as well as an e-copy purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTour ScheduleAugust 26: Reading is My Passion August 27: Book Giveaways August 28: My Book a Day August 29: August 30: Mel’s Shelves August 31: September 1: Heidi Reads September 2: Inklings and Notions September 3: Rockin’ Book Reviews || A. L. Sowards September 4: Literary Time Out || Wishful Endings September 5: September 6: LDS and Lovin’ It September 7: Singing Librarian Books || A Bliss Complete September 8: September 9: Little Red Heads || Eccentric Eclectic Woman September 24: Head Over Books When Mommy's Home with Me by Alison Moulton & illustrated by Kinsey Beckett -- Book Tour Review
4/24/2017
About the BookWith rollicking rhymes and fanciful images, this adorable picture book celebrates the special relationship between mothers and their children. Filled with stories of all kinds of mommies-like pilots and artists and scientists-this book shows how modern mothers still treasure that precious time spent together at home. A perfect book for moms and kids to enjoy this Mother’s Day or any time of the year! About the Author and IllustratorAlison Benson Moulton has run the early literacy program for babies at Caldwell Public Library for five years. She brings arts to her community as the executive director of Caldwell Fine Arts, where she manages a performing arts series and educational outreach programs. After graduating magna cum laude from Brigham Young University in Family Science with a minor in English, Alison was a child abuse prevention specialist and grant writer, for the Family Support and Treatment Center in Orem, Utah. After moving to the Navajo Reservation, she was an adjunct instructor at Dine College. Another move brought her to Florida, where she worked at Girls and Boys Town as a foster parent to 20 teenage girls. Since settling in Idaho, she has written songs for two albums for the New York Times Bestselling author, Marla Cilley (The FlyLady) and two albums for country singer Eric Dodge. For two years, she was a guest blogger for a weekly family life post on the popular blog athriftymom.com. Kinsey Beckett received a BFA in illustration from Brigham Young University. While at BYU, she took a variety of design classes and interned at the Chiodo Bros, an animation studio in Burbank, California. Kinsey works in traditional media, such as acrylic paints, but also is proficient at graphic design and stop-motion animation. Her professional work includes an animated short for Glenn Beck’s national TV show, and illustrations for clients such as Protection 1, Brite Energy, and LinkedIn. ReviewAuthor Alison Moulton and illustrator Kinsey Beckett have come together and created a beautiful book for children. This story celebrates the relationships that mom’s have with their precious children. The basic, fun and engaging story, as well as the brilliant and brightly colored pages will capture the attention of preschool and elementary children from page one. The lovely pictures create the perfect complement to the story too. Genre: children’s, picture book Publisher: Sweetwater Books a division of Cedar Fort Publications Publication date: March 1, 2017 Number of pages: 32 Category: Preschool + Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour ScheduleApril 10: A Thrifty Mom April 11: April 12: Favorite Family Recipes April 13: Min Reads and Reviews April 14: My Book A Day April 15: April 16: My Love for Reading Keeps Growing April 17: Become A Coupon Queen April 18: On The Border April 19: Free Time Frolics April 20: Imaginary Reads April 21: Rockin Book Reviews April 22: April 23: She Knows April 24: Singing Librarian April 25: Sweetly Made (just for you) About the BookThe summer after Andi Carter turns nine the circus comes to town. She can't wait to get in line to see the elephants, acrobats, and--most of all--the champion bareback rider. What could be more thrilling than riding your very own horse under the big top? When the Carters see the show, Andi meets Henry Jackson, a small boy selling concessions. Andi thinks his job must be perfect, hanging out with happy clowns, exotic animals, and excited visitors. But it's not all fun and games. Henry shares a secret with Andi: he ran away from home to join the circus--and now he's trapped. Andi wants to help him get free. But helping him may mean losing something very special to her. About the AuthorI started writing stories when I was about ten years old. I never intended to become a published author. I just liked writing stories for myself and for my younger sister, Julie. Once I began sharing my stories outside my family, enough people encouraged me to submit to publishers. They wouldn't let me give up! With the publication of the first book in my Circle C Adventures, Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home, I discovered that is really is more fun to share my stories with others then to keep them to myself. Besides the Circle C Adventures, I've gone on to write the Circle C Beginnings (a young Andi Carter), the new Circle C Milestones (a teen Andrea Carter), Tales from the Circle C Ranch (a collection of short stories from Andi's point of view), and the Goldtown Adventures, gold-rush adventures geared more toward boys. I have a degree in elementary education and love to teach. I taught in Christian schools before I began home schooling. After twenty years, I've finished home schooling but find myself "back in the saddle" as I help other homeschooling families, including my grandchildren. I teach writing workshops for kids, speak at public and Christian schools about the writing process, am a freelance editor, enjoy my ten grandkids, and . . . write stories, of course. I've had a lot of fun writing about Andi Carter's adventures in the 1800s. In this picture I'm enjoying some time with Star ("Taffy"). I wish Star were mine, but he belongs to my friend Vicki, who generously let me hang out at her stables and take pictures of "Taffy" and "Dixie" (the pinto horse, Patches, in Andrea Carter and the Family Secret). ReviewBook two in the Circle C Beginning Series, Andi Under the Big Top, is yet again another fantastic historical fiction story about Andi Carter and her adventures. This story is focused on Andi’s adventures and thrills of the circus. It is fun, well-written, enjoyable and entertaining. Young readers will love Andi’s relationship with her horse, Taffy, as well as delight in joining Andi in her adventures. This book is an excellent read for children that enjoy historical fiction and stories with strong family and animal relationships. Series: Circle C Stepping Stones Genre: animals, horses, history, family, children’s Publisher: Kregel Publications Publication date: March 28, 2017 Number of pages: 114 Category: Middle Grade Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series:
1-Andi Saddles Up A review copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookAndi Carter has just turned nine--which means she and her palomino, Taffy, are old enough to be a real horse-and-rider pair at last! With a beautiful new saddle as a birthday present, Andi's sure she's ready to learn to trick ride like her friend Riley, even if her older brother Chad doesn't agree. Riding to a secret spot her brother doesn't know about to practice, Andi finds a new friend to play with. But her fun friendship with Sadie is put to the test when they discover that their families are caught in a boundary dispute. Both Sadie's pa and Chad are stubborn as mules and each is convinced he's right. Can Andi and Sadie hang on to their friendship in the midst of this adult fight? About the AuthorI started writing stories when I was about ten years old. I never intended to become a published author. I just liked writing stories for myself and for my younger sister, Julie. Once I began sharing my stories outside my family, enough people encouraged me to submit to publishers. They wouldn't let me give up! With the publication of the first book in my Circle C Adventures, Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home, I discovered that is really is more fun to share my stories with others then to keep them to myself. Besides the Circle C Adventures, I've gone on to write the Circle C Beginnings (a young Andi Carter), the new Circle C Milestones (a teen Andrea Carter), Tales from the Circle C Ranch (a collection of short stories from Andi's point of view), and the Goldtown Adventures, gold-rush adventures geared more toward boys. I have a degree in elementary education and love to teach. I taught in Christian schools before I began home schooling. After twenty years, I've finished home schooling but find myself "back in the saddle" as I help other homeschooling families, including my grandchildren. I teach writing workshops for kids, speak at public and Christian schools about the writing process, am a freelance editor, enjoy my ten grandkids, and . . . write stories, of course. I've had a lot of fun writing about Andi Carter's adventures in the 1800s. In this picture I'm enjoying some time with Star ("Taffy"). I wish Star were mine, but he belongs to my friend Vicki, who generously let me hang out at her stables and take pictures of "Taffy" and "Dixie" (the pinto horse, Patches, in Andrea Carter and the Family Secret). ReviewThe first book in the Circle C Beginning Series, Andi Saddles Up is a cute historical fiction story about a girl and her horse that beginning readers will love. This story has a huge family focus, as well as human animal relationships. It is well-written, entertaining, and engaging. With a bit of adventure and drama added into the mix. Children will immediately fall in love with the happy main character, Andi Carter and her adventures. These young reader chapter books are an excellent read for children that enjoy historical fiction. Series: Circle C Stepping Stones Genre: animals, horses, history, family, children’s Publisher: Kregel Publications Publication date: March 28, 2017 Number of pages: 112 Category: Middle Grade Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series:
2-Andi Under the Big Top A review copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookNot everyone is special. Or at least that’s what Eric believes. But when the new girl Charlotte tells him he’s a natural at hunting pirates, and offers to prove it, Eric can’t resist the adventure. Thrown in the middle of the Spanish Main, Eric must quickly accept his skills, or else succumb to the horrors of the dreaded Willard Pirate Twins. About the AuthorMarty Reeder lives in Smithfield, Utah, with his wife and five children where he teaches Creative Writing and Spanish at the local high school. Though not a natural born pirate hunter, he taught sailing at Scout camps for many years and uses his history degree to fuel worlds of piracy and compensate for perhaps being born in the wrong time and place for his passions! Author InterviewCheck out the author interview HERE. ReviewReview coming soon... A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour ScheduleMarch 14: A Day in the Life
March 15: I Go By Ari March 16: YA Guy March 17: A Family Afloat March 18: Boys Read March 19: I’d So Rather Be Reading March 20: Sailing Totem March 21: Roecker Reviews March 22: For High School Counselors March 23: Singing Librarian Books March 24: Katie’s Clean Book Collection March 25: Writing Worm || Inklings and Notions March 26: Rockin’ Book Reviews March 27: Blooming With Books || Wishful Endings About the BookKeep your children’s hands busy during church services with Bible Origami. Instead of folding the service programs into paper airplanes, they can fold Noah’s ark, an oil lamp, or Joseph’s coat! As you develop the unique skill of creating these simple-to-intermediate origami designs, you will find opportunities to use them with all ages for lessons, activities, crafting, and everyday fun! About the AuthorTodd Huisken is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the counseling manager at LDS Family Services in Fountain Valley, California. He attended Brigham Young University and the University of San Diego and has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Todd has served as the assistant director of Disaster Mental Health Services for the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He has worked with victims from the San Diego fires, Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, and spent two weeks in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He was an early morning seminary teacher for six years. He is the author of The Dating Directory and the founder of Process and Content, a graduate program newsletter at the University of San Diego. Todd has been married to his beautiful wife for twenty-one years and they have three daughters and a son. ModelsInstructions and My Attempts...The Serpent Noah's Ark ReviewI have to admit as fun as I thought an origami book would be, I was not sure if I would do well with following the instructions to be able to create the designs. I am more of a visual person and prefer hands on and watching someone before attempting a task on my own. But I was pleased to discover that although it took staring at the pictures and reading the instructions a few times, I was able to successfully (or at least mostly successfully) complete the Serpent and Noah’s Arc. These were both in the level one folding category. The book is well organized with black and white images and written instructions on how to fold the different pieces. I like how the origami could be used for a Family Home Evening lesson, for a primary lesson, etc. It is a fun book that parents and teachers will enjoy using with children. Genre: non-fiction, children Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: December 1, 2016 Number of pages: 96 Category: Elementary + Content Rating: G Book Rating: 4 stars A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour ScheduleDecember 10: Chicken Scratch N Sniff
December 11: A.L. Sowards December 12: Fearlessly Creative Mammas | Carrine Judy December 13: Singing Librarian Books | Shelli Proffitt Howells December 14: My Book a Day | Strong Armor | Ramblings of a Christian Mom December 15: A Lively Hope || Funky Polkadot Giraffe December 16: Heidi Reads | The Things I Love Most December 17: Inklings and Notions December 18: Rockin’ Book Reviews December 19: Share, Love, Serve December 20: Literary Time Out || Marie Leslie December 21: Storeybook Reviews December 22: Eccentric Eclectic Woman December 23: Positivity Army || Brittany Shannon December 24: December 25: December 26: Wishful Endings December 27: Reidhead Random-ness | My Little Sunshines December 28: Mel’s Shelves December 29: Sweetly Made December 30: Side by Side Learning December 31: Fashion and Fiction About the BookEleven-year-old Kiisa had no idea why her parents would send her away to boarding school. She wondered why they couldn’t all stay together in their beautiful African valley home. But no matter what she said they were firm: she must go, and she must go to this school. As she said a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispered, “For such a time as this. . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You’ll find something unexpected inside.” When Kiisa opened the trunk, she was astonished to find a small heap of black and white feathers that quickly unfolded into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact. Her surprise only deepened when the bird started to speak, ”My name is Njili. I am one of the Messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue.” Kiisa had no idea what she meant, but she would soon find out. Join Kiisa on the adventure of a lifetime—a dangerous rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, a hungry cobra, and more messengers who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others, but finds herself rescued from fear and bitterness as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time and taking action despite her fears. This page-turning story, the second in The Rwendigo Tales (A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is the first book), is an adventure that children, young adults, and even full-grown adults will not be able to put down. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue creatively and convincingly explores universal themes like family, forgiveness, bullying, and courage by blending magical realism and compelling storytelling. Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa and featuring realistic pen and ink illustrations, it draws first-world readers into another (equally real) world—where young girls are captured by rebel soldiers, terrorism is a way of life, and environmental resources are exploited without a second thought. As Myhre’s characters deal with these real-life issues in the news, readers of all ages will gain a deeper interest in global human concerns. Designed for eight-to fourteen-year-old youth. About the AuthorJ.A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents. Praise for A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue:“Much of the beauty of fiction is its unique ability to transport us to places we have never been so we can enjoy experiences through the eyes, hands, and minds of fictional characters. J. A. Myhre’s novels invite boys and girls to embark on distinctly African adventures that are as exciting as they are instructive. I think your children—and perhaps also their parents—will love them.” -Tim Challies, Author; blogger at challies.com “Dr. Jennifer Myhre’s stories are birthed from the African outpost where her husband and family have shared their lives, skills, and hearts for the cause of the Christ. Each account, written so that her own family would embrace and rejoice in the power of the gospel, is told in engaging narrative fiction but also rings true with deep knowledge of the African experience and biblical hope for all nations.” -Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL “Kids love adventure stories. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue will have them begging you to read the next chapter, and each one seemed to hold a surprise—a great family bedtime story.” -Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of The Ology, The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, and other gospel-rich resources for families ReviewWhen I first found out about A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue, I was super excited. J.A. Myhre’s A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest was such a fun book and I was thrilled about the sequal. Myhre’s story of a young African girl comes to life from page one. This exciting and fun fantasy, adventure story is one that children will absolutely enjoy. Not only is it a enjoyable read, it shares some of Africa with those that have never been there. I would recommend this story to children that enjoy fantasy and adventure stories. Series: The Rwendigo Tales Genre: chidlren’s, fantasy, Africa, Christian Publisher: New Growth Press Publication date: September 13, 2016 Number of pages: 128 Category: Elementary School + (3rd-7th specifically) Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series:
1-A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest A print review copy of this novel was provided by Cross Focused Reviews. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Film
Even with Christmas around the corner, for the Buckley boys, payback almost always wins out over brotherly love. That is until the four brothers join forces against a common adversary—the Hagbarts—the meanest bullies at their middle school. But now Mom has decided that the Buckley family is going to Elve the Hagbarts this year for Christmas. Eleven-year-old Matthew can hardly stand it. By day the Hagbarts torture the Buckley brothers into submission, and by night the Buckleys secretly deliver Christmas treats and gifts to their sworn enemies. Soon the war of wits escalates to an incredible scheme designed to get the ultimate revenge on the Hagbarts. But now that Matthew has been learning that he's supposed to do good to those who hate him, what will he do when a little push becomes a great big shove? The Christmas Project is a heartwarming comedy the whole family will love.
Produced by Covenant Communications
Covenant Communications is an independent publisher of novels, nonfiction, music and spoken audio.
The Movie TrailerSpecial Screening
This special private screening is at Jordan Commons Megaplex on Tuesday, November 1st at 7pm.
See details HERE. Review
Based on the novels Chickens in the Headlights and Bullies in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley, The Christmas Project film is a delight for the entire family. This is a heartwarming film about a family of brothers and their parents. Each year at Christmas they “elf” a family in their community. This year though, their family is elfing a family that is full of bullies, at least at school. But all is not as it seems and it shows how knowing more about someone before judging them can make a big difference. This is a sweet story about friendship and love. I would recommend this inspirational film to all families wanting to get in the true spirit of Christmas.
Genre: inspirational, holiday, Christmas, family film Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: November 3, 2016 Run Time: 91 minutes Content Rating: G Movie Rating: 5 stars
A link to watch the film through a private connection was provided for review by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own
GiveawayTour Schedule
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