Blog Archives
Butterflies and Dimes
Butterflies and Dimes by Morgan Rankin delicately weaves the story of young Taylor and his friend Stephanie, exploring the theme of connecting with departed loved ones through everyday symbols. Set in a world where Taylor’s mother views dimes as greetings from heaven and Stephanie’s mother sees butterflies as a similar ethereal link, the book takes on a touching narrative, especially when Stephanie’s mother passes away. The children’s journey through grief and finding comfort in these small signs is tenderly portrayed.
Rankin’s writing is compassionate, aiming to offer comfort and hope to children dealing with loss. The book thoughtfully delves into the idea that those who have passed remain connected to us, fostering a sense of wonder and belief in young readers. The narrative is straightforward and accessible, paired with gentle prose that makes for an engaging read. What makes this book stand out is its depiction of enduring love and belief, transcending life’s boundaries, complemented by vivid illustrations that add to its charm.
Butterflies and Dimes by Morgan Rankin will resonate with readers who are receptive to its heartfelt themes and curious about life’s intangible connections. It invites readers into a world where wonder and belief extend beyond the pages, potentially leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CKY3C3J9
Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea
Betty, Bentley, and Mr. Bee, three inseparable pals, thoroughly enjoy their time together under the sun. Yet, amidst their delightful adventures, Betty finds herself facing a daunting school assignment. Fortunately, Bentley and Mr. Bee rise to the occasion, joined by a wonderful neighborhood full of eager friends ready to embark on this thrilling journey.
Miki Taylor’s Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea is a heartwarming tale of neighborhood exploration and collective problem-solving. The narrative flows gracefully, making it an excellent choice for interactive reading sessions with young children. Eunhye Shin’s illustrations are breathtaking, showcasing whimsical children’s art that truly captivates. The vibrant yet gentle colors breathe life into every character, enveloping the reader in a charming world. Bentley, the adorable puppy, steals hearts, and the interactions between Bentley and Betty are touching.
This children’s book beautifully underscores the unique bond between humans and their animal companions, reminding us of the connections we share with our furry friends. The overall exuberance from Betty, Bentley, and Mr. Bee’s adventures is infectious. This story brims with boundless joy, leaving readers excited and eager for more.
I anticipate many more delightful children’s books from this promising author. Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea offers an optimistic narrative of overcoming challenges with the unwavering support of your dearest friends, accompanied by stunning illustrations that genuinely leap off the page. This picture book is a fantastic choice for shared reading experiences. It reminds us that friends come in all shapes and sizes, and Bentley, Betty, and Mr. Bee are sure to forge lasting connections with readers of all ages.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0CGMFZBXD
Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea
Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea by Miki Taylor is a captivating children’s book that delves into the heartwarming theme of friendship. The story revolves around Bentley, a delightful little dog, his human companion, Betty, and their whimsical friend, Mr. Bee. As Betty grapples with a challenging school project that requires her to capture the smiles of numerous friends, Bentley and Mr. Bee come to her rescue in the most endearing manner.
Betty’s distraction from her usual jovial self is the perfect backdrop to Bentley’s heartening idea: why not walk around the block and photograph friends from their crew? This simple premise sets the stage for a delightful adventure, during which the trio reconnects with old pals and forges new friendships.
Taylor’s portrayal of the characters is both vivid and genuine. Each character possesses a distinct personality, but it’s their unwavering bond of friendship that truly shines through. As readers journey with the trio, they’ll be introduced to a diverse cast of characters, affectionately referred to as “the crew.” These characters are both charming and relatable, enhancing the narrative’s depth.
One of the book’s standout features is Taylor’s narrative approach. As the plot progresses, readers get a sense of being a part of the trio’s adventure, thanks to her engaging writing style. The story not only entertains but also subtly imparts the importance of friendship to young minds. Additionally, Taylor has incorporated several interactive activities that promise to keep young readers hooked.
The book’s visual appeal is undeniable. From the outset, readers are greeted with striking, vibrant, and apt illustrations for the target age group. These visuals do more than just complement the text; they immerse readers into Bentley, Betty, and Mr. Bee’s world, reinforcing the book’s core lesson about the beauty of camaraderie.
Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea is more than just a picture book. It’s an enriching experience that young readers will cherish.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0CGMFZBXD
The First Unicorn
Aden, a young horse, possesses an inherent tendency for generosity, dedicating his days to acts of kindness and service to others. In a herd more preoccupied with self-interest, Aden stands out as an exception, extending aid, gathering flowers, and uplifting his mother’s spirits. The narrative unfolds intriguingly as a mysterious messenger bestows upon Aden a gift that illuminates his role as a selfless and caring individual. Yet, the crucial question arises: how will Aden’s newfound gift be received by his peers? As the storyline progresses, Aden must muster his internal fortitude to uphold his convictions, navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Kathleen J. Shields’ The First Unicorn is an exploration of individuality and self-discovery. Aden, a protagonist distinguishable by his dissimilarity, grapples with the ostracism that readers of all ages can instantly relate to. In this journey, however, Aden emerges as an emblem of tenacity, exemplifying the mantra of ‘being the change’ and illuminating his surroundings with benevolence, regardless of societal perceptions. The narrative’s poignancy is further accentuated by the splendid visual elements crafted by the adept hand of illustrator Aashay Utkarsh. The vibrant hues employed in the illustrations blend harmoniously with the narrative’s optimistic undertones, amplifying the portrayal of authenticity and self-acceptance.
The First Unicorn champions the concept of self-discovery amid misunderstanding—a parable of courage and persistence. The story is interwoven with valor, optimism, and authenticity themes. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of faith, the miraculous, and the embrace of one’s unique identity, culminating in an inspirational account that resonates across generations.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0C9FZ7TW2
The Little, Big Rescue
Brenda is a beautiful blue whale, one of the biggest in her part of the ocean. She has a unique color that makes her stand out from all the other whales too. Everyone in the ocean wants to be friends with Brenda, especially a little crab named Rimmy. Rimmy is a sand crab, compared to Brenda, plain and small. She insults him when he tries to make friends with her, saying he has nothing to offer her. However, one day Brenda gets caught in a fishing net and is trapped; none of her friends can help her escape. Can the little sand crab she insulted and brushed off be the one to save the day?
The Little, Big Rescue by Ashley Marie is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children about kindness and diversity. Written in simple language that toddlers can understand and illustrated with beautiful color images, this story will grab the attention of young readers and help them understand the concepts in an age-appropriate manner. Teaching the value of diversity can be challenging, but the author has shown how a whale and a crab, two creatures that look incredibly different, can help one another. Children learn that what you look like does not dictate who you are inside, and your physical size or appearance has no bearing on how big your heart and compassion are. Another important message this book highlights is the one of self-appreciation. Learning to love yourself no matter what others think of you is important, and Rimmy illustrates this by not letting himself believe he has nothing to offer Brenda and ends up being a big help in the end.
Teaching children to value themselves and diversity, among others, begins early in life. The Little, Big Rescue is a well-written picture book that shares these ideas in a child-friendly manner and is entertaining and engaging. Children will love following along under the sea with Brenda and Rimmy as they learn about friendship.
Pages: 19 | ASIN : B0872XJVTL
Fingerprints of God
Fingerprints of God by Melanie Burgess takes young readers on a scenic adventure of where on earth we could possibly find God’s fingerprints. With each question asked, it beckons us to look deeper into the truth behind everything. That God, in fact, made it all with his goodness and greatness.
This beautifully done children’s book shows children how to find God in all that surrounds us. His goodness is in everything we see, and the art and illustrations in this picture book are captivating. I was so enthralled that I couldn’t help but linger on each page long after reading the narrative.
I enjoyed that there were verses from the Bible sprinkled throughout, connecting the dots for the reader to put together. It shows that the author is well-versed in the Bible, it’s teaching, and how the information was researched and put together expertly. I also appreciated all the animal facts at the very end of the book because it felt as though the author knew people would want insight into all the creatures in the story and made sure to include it all.
Fingerprints of God is definitely an excellent book for young or beginner readers due to the simple language that the author has used. In addition, kids are so curious and are fascinated by animals, which, in my opinion, is what makes this the perfect story to get conversations started about God and his workings with young children.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0BBLG44GM
God Made It All
In God Made It All by Ruthie Godfrey and illustrated by Helen Ayle are a match made in heaven. Godfrey’s exquisite writing skills are accentuated by Ayle’s majestic artistic abilities resulting in one powerful duo. We are taken on a journey of illustrative beauty through all the places God has touched and his goodness. All that surrounds us and all that is, God made it all.
“From the quietest blowing breeze to the loudest clap of thunder” especially stood out to me because I could feel the sweeping of the wind through the page. The art is remarkably masterful and connects the reader to the story’s overall theme. Each page is immensely evocative and held me captivated and yearning for more. The author has exceptionally encapsulated the incredible power of God throughout her verses in this book. It is apparent that this writer has tremendous passion for her writing, creating, and faith.
God Made It All is the perfect picture book for any person’s library and easy enough for beginner readers to get through and understand clearly. I would imagine this book to also be a great tool in starting conversations about God, the world around us, and God’s goodness. How everything and everyone is connected through God in so many ways.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B09L7CCPBM
Never Give Up
A family of penguins has left their icy home to take their son to a university in England called Ox-fjord. Junior Nerdy-Birdy Pingo-Bongo dreams of becoming a famous ice cream maker. On the way there, their aircraft malfunctions, and they are forced to land in a desert. Here they are distraught and have no idea how to get their plane fixed. Rather than give up all hope, Junior convinces his parents to make their dreams come true there in the desert and bring the ice cream they love to the people there.
Never Give Up by Anna Maledon and illustrated by Wenny Stefanie is an inspiring and creative story with many lessons packed in. Children will learn from this picture book about using their imagination, problem-solving, immigration, entrepreneurship, and different climate and weather conditions. The author uses humor to help teach many of these lessons and show children how even when things look impossible, you should never give up on your goals.
The artwork in this beautifully written picture book brings the characters to life, their personalities jump off the pages, and you feel all the emotions they do as you read through this story. The expression on Junior’s face as he goes through the different stages of the story helps young readers understand the complex emotions he is experiencing. This is a great way to teach emotional empathy and social skills.
Never Give Up would make an amazing gift for a classroom teacher or for someone getting ready to graduate as a reminder to never give up on their dreams. Of course, there will always be setbacks, but learning to adapt and see through the problem is what makes a person successful.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0B5FJ2D1R
LITERARY TITAN 