Song of the Stars: a Christmas Story; by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Paintings by Alison Jay

I am always on the hunt for children’s Christmas books that tell the true meaning of Christmas.  This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that expresses the excitement that was felt the night that Christ was born.

I love this book and so does my three year old.  Since it is a board book and a short read, I feel that it would be appropriate for two years and up.  The illustrations are lovely and match so well to the descriptions on each page.  It will be a book that we not only read during Advent season but all year round. 

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.”

Thankful: by Eileen Spinelli; illustrated by Archie Preston

There is always something to be thankful for in our everyday lives.  This adorable book follows two children as they go about their daily life playing and pretending, showing how to be thankful in the ordinary day to day. 

The illustrations in Thankful are so well done.  It’s a pleasure just to look through.  This is a very quick read at only one sentence per every one to two pages.  My three year old followed it but didn’t understand some of the words.  The ages recommended are four to eight which seems correct to me.  And there is a scripture book in the opening page to start the book off.  This is a great book to help engage your child to talk about what they are thankful for in their everyday life. 

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.”

The Day is Waiting: illustrated by Don Freeman, words by Linda Zuckerman

I loved reading the book Corduroy to my son.  Don Freeman is a wonderful illustrator.  The Day is Waiting is a collection of Don Freeman’s sketches and paintings that had never before been published.  The words by Linda Zuckerman try to tie them all together by taking the child on a journey of places and things waiting to be seen. 

I expected something a little different from this book.  It’s not a heartwarming story like Corduroy, but the illustrations in this book make it all worth it.  It is a very quick read that only takes a couple of minutes.  Honestly, I believe that I enjoyed it more than my three year old son.  He liked the illustrations but the story just wasn’t there for him to make him want to keep re-reading the book.  I still love it and think it is a beautiful book to have on my children’s bookshelf. 

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.”

Undone: a Memoir by Michele Cushatt

I love memoirs, and this book by Michele Cushatt was a wonderful read. Going from a cancer diagnosis to bringing three little ones into her home after becoming an empty-nester, you see that despite her faith she still struggles.
Michele is a great writer and very transparent. She has walked through so many challenges in her life and has had to rely on her Lord through the pain and the fear. This book is a great reminder that we all struggle, but we do not walk this life alone. God can bring peace even in the most difficult of times. I would recommend this book to anyone; even if you are not going through these particular types of storms in your life. It was a fast read that I did not want to put down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Let There Be Light written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

I am always on the lookout for good biblical children’s books for my two little ones.  Let There Be Light is a beautifully illustrated board book that retells God’s creation of the world. 

I love the illustrations in this book.  You can tell that the illustrator took inspiration from Archbishop Tutu’s home of Africa.  The author writes in a way that is easy for little ones to understand but also keeps it biblically accurate.  My two year old enjoyed the descriptions and illustrations.  I would recommend this book, and I am glad to say that it is a book that we regularly read and enjoy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."