Book Review: When Santa Was a Baby by Linda Bailey

Did Santa's parents have any idea he'd grow up to be a jolly old elf? Did he always eat cookies and tinker with toys? Find out in Linda Bailey's sweet story as she weaves in the legendary tales of everyone's favorite gift-giver.

Genevieve Godbout's drawings add just the right punch to this fun story. With pastel and colored pencil she creates colorful renditions reminiscent of nineteen-sixties children's books. This would be a delightful story to share with kids just before Christmas. For fun, ask the children what they think Santa was like as a little boy, then read the book.

Can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

Book Review: little tree by Loren Long

Little tree wants to hold on to his old brown leaves and never let go. As he stubbornly keeps his autumn leaves, he watches as all the other trees let go and grow. Will he take a chance and see what might happen if he drops his wrinkled old leaves?

Loren Long creates a beautiful forest with acrylic, ink, and pencil that delights readers of all ages. Written with heartfelt compassion, this beautiful story shares about what happens when you let go and move forward. I'd recommend little tree for adults as well as children.

I met Loren Long at the American Library Association and received this book for free. He is a delightful person who cares much about his readers.

little tree will be released October 27, 2015- can be preordered on Amazon

No Matter What

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Over the years my faith has grown in many ways. From learning the Ten Commandments to understanding what it means to have a deep relationship with Jesus. The growth occurs in many ways. Reading the Bible keeps me grounded in God's truth. Prayer connects me to the one who loves me. The Holy Spirit whispers in my ear (although sometimes he has to shout) and guides my path. And then there are the trials. The difficult tribulations of life. My personal life and life as a whole. Trials that drop me into a frying pan of fire and circumstances that make me so sad I cry tears of grief. No matter what life throws at me, I have one solid place to stand-- on the word of God and the hope he gives.

Life brings difficulties; decisions that challenge, acts that appall. Yet I know without a doubt, I have God in my corner, Jesus as my Savior, and the Holy Spirit as my comfort. When I'm hurting, grieving, shaking my head at life on earth, I can hold unswervingly to hope and the promise of God's faithfulness.

If you have Jesus, you're on solid ground. Keep that as a promise you can hold in your heart.

Finding the Beauty in Children's Literature

If someone asked me what kind of books I enjoyed the most, I'd have to say children's. Picture books, early chapter books, middle grade reads, and some young adult. As a children's librarian for twelve years, I immersed myself in the books my young patrons read. Since I've stepped away from that and worked in an academic library in technical services, I've missed reading the books many young people love.

To remedy  the empty spot in my reading list, I will be reviewing children's books on my blog. I'm so excited! I've found a couple of publishers who send out galleys for review. I received a few at the American Library Association's conference. If you know of any publishers who might send me books, please let me know.

I hope you find the reviews helpful and seek out books to read to your children.

Poetry Blast

I just returned home from the American Library Association's conference. The Poetry Blast featuring a number of remarkable children's poets was a highlight for me.

Betsy Franco read fun concrete poems from A Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters

Nikki Grimes read beautiful poems from her new book Poems in the Attic

Rebecca Kai Dotlitch read her poetry that put a new twist on fairy tales from Grumbles from the Forest

 Marilyn Nelson read selections from her new book How I Discovered Poetry

 Alma Flo Ada shared her latest poetry from her free verse fictional narrative Yes! We are Latinos!

F. Isable Campoy her delightful poems from 
Poesia eres tu/Poetry is You

Marilyn Singer shared poems from A Strange Place to Call Home: The World's Most Dangerous Habitats & the Animals that Call Them Home 

Sing!

Song of Solomon 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.

In the summer, I enjoy the tiger lilies that spring up in the ditches. Often accompanied by Queen Anne's Lace, and chicory, they dance in the breeze and nod as I drive by. The vibrant orange trumpets shoot from the slender green stems as if they want to sing. And why not sing?

God created such an amazing world filled with incredible colors, shapes, and textures. Sing for the joy of summer. Sing for the beauty of the earth. Sing for Jesus love. Sing to praise the Lord!

My Father Provides

Acts 14:15-17
“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

My dad worked hard to provide. We lived in a comfortable home, ate nourishing meals Mom prepared, and didn't want for anything. I know there were lean times as well as plentiful times, but I'll always remember my dad coming home after a day of work. He smelled like a mix of oil and metal with the grime and grit of a man who worked with his hands. His provision brought our family comfort  and the ability to live our lives for God.

Paul reminds the people in Lystra and Derbe they have a father who provides. God gives more than we imagine. He pours the rain and shines the sun. His love fills hearts with joy and peace. I've earned nothing, all I have God has given.

Recently, my husband and I drove along a country road as the sun beat down. We passed by a field and he noticed cows huddled under a row of trees, along a fence. God gave them a bit of shade in the midst of the heat. He's a generous father to all of his creation. Praise the Lord for his giving spirit and provision.