Book Reviews
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Christmas with Golden Books & Joan Gale Thomas
Reading Golden books is always a walk down memory lane:) and the black and white illustrations and simple rhyme of Joan Gale Thomas is so appealing. Sharing a few more Christmas titles. The Story of Christmas with its own Advent Calendar – Kathryn Jackson A short snippet of the Christmas story for each day of Advent, although we were gifted the book without the calendar it easily blends with any basic Advent calendar. I particularly love how tender Joseph is with Mary. 5 Star The Christmas Story – Jane Werner Watson This will be familiar to many from our own childhoods. Perfect for young children to listen to the Christmas story, short…
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More Nativity Peeks
The First Night – BG Hennessy The night of His Birth, retold in very simple words, perfect for a 2 year old and yet also the simplicity of the words creates a sense of awe that draws in even an adult. Gentle Illustrations. 5 Star The Little Drummer Boy – Ezra Jack Keats Illustrated version of the Christmas Carol, each line has its own illustrated page. The music is at the back. Normally I’m not a fan of Keats’ artwork, but I love this book, soft and warm. 4.5 Star Christmas in the Stable – Astrid Lindgren A mother tells a girl the story of the first Christmas, the young…
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Focus on the Nativity
Are you clicking away on your library reservation sites yet, searching for Christmas titles? Here are a few more ideas for you, be sure to check out our bumper list for more titles. The Last Straw – Fredrick K Thury Hoshmakaka, is a proud but old camel, he is chosen to perform a very special task, to carry the wise men’s gifts to the new baby king in Bethlehem. On the way Hoshmakaka is given other gifts to take to the new king, the burden is nearly too great for the old camel. Absolutely, hilarious and a firm family favourite. 5 Star Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers – Andrew Clements An…
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Winner of Destination Bethlehem Give Away
Today is the big day, the day you have been waiting for all week, who shall be the winner of our first give away, Destination Bethlehem? Thank you to all who entered into our first give away, it was exciting to see the entrants, alas only one could be selected. Bright and early this morning we wrote out the slips and asked the cutest family member to draw out the prize winner.. And the winner is…….Deanne!! Deanne your book will be on its way to you today:)
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Family Christmas Favourites
With the beginning of Advent only days away I thought I’d treat you to a peek on our shelves. Despite having shared some Christmas book reviews previously, I have only shared our town library, Tomie de Paola and St Nicholas books. *More to come. Jacob’s Gift – Max Lucado Jacob a young carpenter’s apprentice is keen to build the best project to win the contest. HIs teacher, Rabbi Simeon also impresses upon Jacob that when you give a gift to others you give a gift to God, he challenges Jacob as to why God has given him the gift of woodworking skills? Jacob plans hard and begins his project, working long into the night,…
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My First Giveaway! – Destination Bethlehem
Imagine my surprise and delight when I was approached by the authors of Destination Bethlehem with an invitation to write a review and an opportunity to host my first book giveaway! Of course being an inveterate lover of books I agreed, though I was worried as to whether I would do justice to a review or not, simply, an honest book review is rather subjective and I know I can be a tough critic. Receiving the book I dove straight in and am delighted to now share my thoughts and impressions. Destination Bethlehem is set in ancient Palestine, opening just prior to the birth of Christ. Through the ‘eyes’ of young Isaac and Jediah during their travels we…
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‘Cream of the Crop’
As many of my readers would have deduced Australian History is my passion, and Australian History for children makes my heart go pit-a-pat. The ‘cream of the crop’ I’ve thus far discovered are the ‘John’ trilogy by Doris Chadwick. Alas as with many quality books they are out of print:( it is the very lucky person to find one as they are hideously expensive (@$200!) *This post is dedicated to Jenn who asked for more details. The series is based on actual events that occurred during the beginning of the English occupation of Australia. Following the adventures of a young boy, John and his sister Sue. We learn early Australian history effortlessly, the sign of…
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Our Growing Lenten/Easter Book Collection
This year we were blessed to add a few more titles to our Lent/Easter collection. Time to chat about our finds, very happy with all our purchases. The Thornbush – Michael Laughlin A small thornbush grows in the streets of Jerusalem, the bush feels ugly and unwanted. Jesus passes with his hands tied and gazes at the bush with gentle care. The soldiers make a crown of thorns from the bush’s branches. The bush is ashamed and refuses to bloom, but when Jesus’ rises from the dead, the bush blooms. Illustrations use warm colours Gentle, reflective. 4 Star Easter Swallows – Vicki Howie The Easter story retold by…
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Fantasy Books for Boys
Fantasy titles today abound on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. As parents who endeavour to guide and help our readers learn discernment and with a child who has loved fantasy since he first read LOTR aged 10, we have journeyed down an unknown road, at times taking unexpected turns. Writing this post has been challenging as fantasy discernment is rather subjective for each family. I have endeavoured to disclose to the best of my ability areas that may arouse concern. I sincerely hope this post may aid you in finding new titles for your child/ren and in your decision as to whether it fits with your familiy’s comfort level. Sites/books to help…
