Tag Archives: children’s books

Family, Reviews

Meet Mandy Farmer!

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Guest Post. Meet Author Mandy Farmer! I’m happy to have her join us today.

Mandy Farmer

Mrs. Mandy (as the children call her) is passionate about children, animals, and music. She grew up on the family farm in Louisville, Ohio and Cambria, Wisconsin. After 25 years of pastoral ministry, she and her husband have retired to Savannah GA near their adult children. Mandy blogs about chronic pain and she is working on a children’s book about fibromyalgia- Soft Hugs for Mommy is close to being released. Also, in the works is a devotional book for the chronically ill.

Holly, the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows

The Birth of Holly the Holstein

Who knew that a simple favor to a friend could grow into a children’s book that the children love? Only God.

At the beginning of the year, I was determined to get busy writing and compiling my devotions for a book. For several reasons, I decided I would self-publish. I attended a writer’s workshop where I met a young mom. She created a course for homeschoolers to help moms encourage their children to write and publish their stories. She asked me to be a BETA tester. Thinking it would be a good introduction into the self-publishing world, I said yes. It was a wonderfully fun experience and I ended up with Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows. The course is now available at Mommyscribbles.com

I grew up on a family dairy farm and always had a passion for animals. So, when we came together to decide what to write about, this was only natural. I figured I would sell a dozen books to family and friends but before I knew it Holly was quite popular. In the first week, the book ranked number 10 in one category on Amazon. So, I created a Facebook page and a website offering free coloring pages. Then the reviews started coming in…

“I have to read this book ten times a day to my kids!”

“My grandkids take this book on their car trips.”

“Every night without fail, this is the book the kids want to read.”

When you read this book, you will meet Holly the Holstein and learn about the life of a milk cow on a family farm. This book is interactive, in that, Holly questions the reader throughout while she explains how much milk she produces, how much food she needs, and where the milk ends up.

Ideas for more Holly books are flooding my brain and I hope to offer more in a series very soon. There will be titles like, “A Day in the Life of a Milk Cow” and “Holly and her Farm Friends.”

Thank you for dropping by, Mandy!

Sally

Facebook Pages

Mandy Dawson Farmer Mandy Dawson Farmer | Facebook

Fibromyalgia Is it for Real? Fibromyalgia Is it For Real? | Facebook

Websites

www.mandyandmichele.com

www.thefarmersplace.com – Holly’s Book Club

Follow Mandy’s Writing journey and know what’s coming next at www.mandyfarmer.com

Faith, Family, Reviews

Book Review: God’s Easter Miracles

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Author, Lee Ann Mancini and Illustrator, Dan Sharp have done it again, in creating adorable caricatures that are relatable and entertaining. In God’s Easter Miracles, sea creatures in vibrant colors tell a story in the saga of the Sea Kids.

Easter has come to the coralhood. The Sea Kids are looking forward to the egg hunt after church. One Sea Kid, Paul, is sad because he didn’t find an egg marked for the special prize. Jimmy has a dilemma when he is asked to share one of his eggs. All of the Sea Kids face a crisis when Brian’s brother is in a boating accident. How will they respond?

Is there more to Easter than a bunny or candy?

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God’s Easter Miracles provides a story arc, problem solving for children, learning practical ways to care for others, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It even has a hidden symbol that adds a puzzle to solve. I am delighted to recommend this gem to parents, grands, and all who love children. It tackles tough topics like autism, trauma, and the way God answers prayers, with sensitivity and compassion. And it opens the door for conversations with the little ones in your life, as you read about Jimmy the seahorse, Lenny the manatee, and all of the Sea Kids at Beneath the Sea Play Park. This is a book that extends beyond a holiday, to year-round faith-building fun!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Family, Reviews

Book Review: A Servant Like Jesus

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A Servant Like Jesus is a delightful book, and a wonderful introduction to a series that “builds a strong, foundational relationship with Jesus.” It models friendship, servanthood and compassion through a story with endearing characters. Charlie is shy, Willie & Tina have to learn how to share, and Bernie needs a friend when he gets hurt. The Sea Kids all respond differently to their first day of school. Some eager, some fearful, but all enter the unknown together. They learn an important lesson about helping others and how it also helps them overcome their own fears.

The first day at Fish-Care Cove School brings adventure, friendship & unexpected opportunities!

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It’s easy to see why A Servant Like Jesus is winner of The Mom’s Choice Award, Illumination Book Awards, Readers’ Favorite Illustration Award, International Book Awards Finalist, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award and President’s Book Awards Winner. The author, Lee Ann Mancini has found a way to help kids relate to Jesus. And illustrator, Dan Sharp brings images that leap off the page into your child’s imagination! The colors are welcoming. The illustrations are fun, playful, full of detail and include a treasure hunt in the sea.

Get your copy now at GLM Publishing, and save during the holiday season! Take 50% OFF when you use the code: SEAKIDS16. This is a book you’ll read again and again… I can’t wait to dive into it with my own grandchildren!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Family, Reviews

Book Review: The Day Is Waiting, Illustrations by Don Freeman, Words by Linda Zuckerman

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The Day is Waiting

The Day Is Waiting is a book for children but tickles the fancy of adults:

A bear rides a unicycle,

Crickets host a concert,

And clothed mice scurry through the market.

But it’s all part of the fun…

In the game of pretend.

Preschoolers would have a grand time with this book. The pictures and text, together, create a sense of expectancy – an anticipation that there are wonderful things to experience in the world, and then there’s safety, in the return back home. The underlying theme is one of awe, as the explorer sees treasures in God’s world.

There are wonderful things to experience in the world!

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I was intrigued by the creation of the book. Don Freeman was the creator of Corduroy, “one of the most beloved and popular author/illustrators of picture books for children.” The notes say the illustrations were provided after his death. The author then compiled them into a storyline that provided adventure.

With splashes of humor, Zuckerman ties Freeman’s artwork into a whimsical narrative. There are surprises around every page turn, as penguins and skyscrapers intermingle to pull the escapade onward. I chuckled as I imagined the author sifting through piles of artwork, in search of a tale. The whimsy that surfaced seems perfectly in sync with the illustrator’s style… colorful and imaginative!

Get a copy for the child in you!

Sally

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 < http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I review for BookLook Bloggers


Encouragement, Faith, Family, Reviews

Book Review: “Why Dogs Are…”

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why dogs are
“Why Dogs Are…” is the name of a delightful children’s book about compassion expressed through a canine friend. Author, Tana Thompson, and illustrator, Marita Gentry, have paired up to compose a compelling look at the ways dogs help people experience unconditional love as they comfort, give aid and serve as guides.

In a through-the-back-door style, the book brings a deeper message, that of the sanctity of human life. It teaches the value of every human and the need to help those who are different than ourselves. It is an important tool for families to use as they learn to display character traits of respect, compassion and forgiveness.
“Why Dogs Are…” is a make believe story about the origins of dogs, but a true to life story of the impact of a dog’s love. It uses appealing colors to draw the observer into the story, and the cheerful colors create a drawing board of illustrations. The pictures provide opportunity for parents to talk about the needs of those who suffer from illness, loneliness or the inability to perform day to day functions. And in talking about those needs, brainstorm ways to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Through the storyline, it’s easy to envision a dog’s enthusiastic beginnings in heaven: “wagging his tail, ran through clouds, jumped over rainbow, goofy smile, hiding bones in big fluffy clouds.” The book says dogs came from heaven as ambassadors from God, and were sent on a mission to communicate His love. Anyone who has had a dog will tell you they become members of the family, and this book illustrates beautifully the lessons we learn from pets of unconditional loyalty, love and forgiveness. It is also a good reminder that we all have the responsibility to care for others with love and compassion.

Pets teach lessons of unconditional loyalty, love and forgiveness.

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“Why Dogs Are…” has a refreshing take on life and the beauty of God’s world. Share a copy with the little people in your life!

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sally