May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
For Christmas, my daughter, Maggie, gifted me with books. Not just any books—picture books. I love picture books. You not only get the story in words, but in illustrations.
I had added four of the books to my Amazon list, so she knew I wanted them. Kevin Henkes and his wife Laura Dronzek created four beautiful books about the four seasons. As a seasonal person, I appreciate the gorgeous paintings and the melodic words. Henkes is in my top five author/illustrators. He often illustrates his own books, like Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. I have to say, his wife’s art fills me with joy. You’ll have to check out, Winter is Here, When Spring Comes, Summer Song, and In the Middle of Fall.
Maggie surprised me with Just Because by Matthew McConaughey.
I had no idea he’d written a picture book. Humorous and thought-provoking, he
talks about having two feelings at the same time and how life is full of
possibilities. There is a video of Matthew and Jimmy Falon reading the book. It’s
great!
I’m a reader. In 2023, I read so many books it’s hard to pick favorites, but I’m going to try.
The number one story that I enjoyed the most is a children’s
literature book called Odder by Katherine Applegate. The story focuses on the
life of Odder the otter and the path he takes. “Inspired by the true story
of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with
surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines
bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming
animals.”
I found the story delightful and inspiring. To read my
review, go to: Odder
The adult fiction I enjoyed are part of a series and inspired by the beloved classic,Little Women, a childhood favorite of mine. The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Heidi Chiavaroli focuses on a different family member in each book. They are light romance and quite enjoyable. "Contemporary Romance with a Little Women twist."
I look forward to reading a lot of books in 2024. I started
my first one, Hidden Names by Bettie Boswell. I’ll let you know more
about that later.
What was your favorite book in 2023? Do you have a reading goal for 2024?
Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in
knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit
of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise
of God.
I’m a life-long learner.
I confess, I didn’t like school. Elementary school was okay,
but by the time I reached junior high and high school, I wasn’t a fan. Not
being a social butterfly, I was quiet and everything kind of overwhelmed me. I
did like having friends and going to basketball games, but I preferred to stay
home and read or wander outside.
The funny thing is, I loved learning and I still do. After
high school, I attended college for two years, but it took me until I was
forty-eight years old to complete my bachelor’s degree. In the meantime,
ironically, I worked in education. In the library of the elementary school and
in a college library, I encouraged students to read and learn.
Even though I wasn’t a fan of school, I loved gathering
knowledge and wisdom, and I do believe school is extremely important. As I tell
my grandchildren, whether you enjoy school or not, you need to do your best.
The apostle Paul is writing to the Philippian church and
reminding them to keep learning. He prayed they would grow in knowledge and
insight. Knowledge of God’s word and insight into the people God called them to
love. He encouraged the people to discern or consider what was best when it
came to loving people as Jesus loved them, and he reminded them they would grow
in the fruit or righteousness, or the fruit of the Spirit.
God wants me to keep learning and use what I learn to love
people better. As I seek the truth in His word, I grow in His love for other
people. As a result, I glorify my heavenly Father through my actions.
Are you learning more about Jesus every day?
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control.
Fiona is back with two delightful stories for beginning readers. On the train, the animals get to travel through the zoo on their way to meet the baby red panda. In school, the animals get to teach each other about something important to them. With humor and comradery Cowdrey and Wu have created books kids will enjoy. The illustrations are colorful and appealing.
Fiona's Train Ride by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu
Fiona wants to visit the new baby red panda, but it is so far! What better way to get around the zoo than the fun and fast zoo train. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Fiona and a few of her animal friends attend zoo school for the very first time and find out just how fun it is to learn new things in the classroom. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Book Description:
She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment
may destroy her.
On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and
welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an
upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged
father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the
strong sister, and she can't give that up now.
When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter
Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and
they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long
recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she
keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than
his heart can take.
As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and
Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find
strength.
My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three
of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two
books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong
woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and
tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero,
flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes
while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter
snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early
1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what
life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created
memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and
amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical
fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy
of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book Description:
Meet Fiona, the adorable hippo who became a worldwide internet
sensation. Learn how Fiona came to live at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical
Gardens, and what this fun, fearless hippo hero loves to do!
Created by New York Times bestselling artist
Richard Cowdrey, beginning readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona in this
Level One I Can Read book. Fiona the hippo was born six weeks before her due
date. The whole world watched as this tiny baby hippo learned to eat, walk, and
swim. Her courage and spunk helped her become a happy, healthy hippopotamus.
Meet Fiona the Hippo is:
An easy-to-read inspirational story of courage and
perseverance
A Level One I Can Read story geared for children
learning to sound out words and sentences
Also available:
Fiona and the Rainy Day
Fiona Saves the Day
Fantastic Fiona
My Thoughts:
Fiona is a real Hippo who lives at the Cincinnati Zoo. I’ve seen her, and she’s
been a delight to everyone. Meet Fiona the Hippo, Fiona and the Rainy Day, Fiona
Saves the Day, and Fantastic Fiona are delightful books for early
readers. I love Cowdrey’s illustrations and enjoy these fun stories about this
beloved hippo. They are easy to read and engaging for beginning readers. The
colorful, playful illustrations of the many animals in the zoo bring them to
life and add an element of fun. Each book shares an encouragement for little
ones. These are great to keep kids reading this summer. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
Story Description:
My Thoughts:
Suzanne Woods Fisher's story delves into the tragedy of adults who, often by no
fault of their own, never learned to read. Reminiscent of Catherine Marshall's Christy, a beloved telling of
Appalachian life, The Moonlight School
tells the tale of Miss Lucy, a young lady from the city, who learns, with some
surprise, life in the mountains has a beauty all its own. I particularly
enjoyed the story of Brother Wyatt and his heart for the folks in the
mountains. A variety of characters sprinkled through the story have lived
fascinating lives. Cora's story, based on the real person who started the
moonlight schools is inspiring. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book,
including a thread of mystery. I agree with the description I found on Amazon—as I finished the last pages, I thanked God for the privilege
of reading. As someone who worked in an elementary school library and as a
volunteer in my daughter's first grade class, I'm accustomed to the excitement and
delight little ones share when they learn to read. To read about adults who
found satisfaction in the written word thrilled my heart. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
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| Cincinnati at the Banks |
Do you
remember The Poky Little Puppy, Saggy
Baggy Elephant, Scuffy the Tugboat and Tootle,
all a beloved part of my early reading experience. The Little Golden Books filled the shelves in my room.
I loved listening to and reading the whimsical stories. Puff the Blue Kitten who fell in a can of blue paint, Santa's Toy Shop and Heidi.
How
about the ones illustrated by Eloise Wilkin? The children she drew had such
sweet, cherub-like faces. Come Play House and Prayers for Children. I loved all of her books.
I like
the attitude of Golden Books Editorial Director, Diane Muldrow —"Nothing
takes the place of being read to." 