A BIG YEAR FOR LILY, THE ADVENTURES OF LILY LAPP SERIES, BOOK THREE BY MARY ANN KINSINGER & SUZANNE WOODS FISHER

 About A Big Year for Lily: 

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mVlq1

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Series: The Adventures of Lily Lapp (Book 3)
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800721349
• ISBN-13: 978-080072134

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

Learn more about Lily at http://adventuresoflilylapp.com/

My Thoughts

Lily is approaching 10 yrs old, which is an important time for a young girl in the Amish community.  She still likes to play with dolls with her friends, but one girl in particular seems to rub her the wrong way.  No matter what Lily does this girl claims do it better if she can't she says it isn't lady like and should not be done. Dolls is one of the things this young girl thinks they are too old to play anymore.  This girl and a particular boy at school are always causing trouble for someone especially for Lily.

Do you have anyone like this in your life?  Someone that can ruin your whole day no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

I really enjoy reading this series, each book brings to light the normal everyday antics of Lily, like how she interacts with family and friends.  Sometimes she does not always use good judgement.  One of her bad traits is, "What my parents don't know won't hurt a thing."    Wrong!

I am sure children will learn many good lessons from the mistakes the children in this book create. There are a lot of good things that come from the children actions too!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group/Revell for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Sneak Peek ~ My Children's/Picture Book ~ Don't Call Me Fluffy!

HERE IS A SNEAK PEEK OF MY ATTEMPT 

AT WRITING A CHILDREN'S BOOK!

(Me speaking)
Oh, honey Jasmine had her kittens there are two black ones and two gray ones.

(John the man)
Look one of the black and one of the gray kittens are bobtails like Jasmine.

***A few weeks go by.

(John/Man)
Well dear it looks like their eyes are open.

(Me/Lady)
How cute they are so very fluffy.

(John/Man)
Yes, I see and they seem to be moving around pretty good. The little gray bobtail seems be dragging it's back legs.

(Me/Lady)
I think something might be wrong with little Fluffy.

(John/Man)
Don't worry, just wait and see how he does in the next few weeks.

***A few more weeks go by.

(John/Man)
Fluffy bobtail sure is holding his own with his brothers.

(Lady)
Are you sure they aren't going to hurt Fluffy.

(John/Man laughing)
 He seems to be getting the best of them.

***Out and about with the kittens.  They are free to explore the great outdoors.  (the kittens call me and John the Keepers)

(Kittens)
Hey don't the Keepers call you Fluffy (laughing). Fluffy, Fluffy (more laughing) You even walk funny! Bet you can't catch me Fluffy!

(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Mom! Tell them to stop calling me Fluffy. How can they call me Fluffy? I am a boy not a little girl. There isn't anything wrong with the way I walk. Is there?

(Mom Jasmine)
Now boys don't pick on your brother. It is just taking him a bit longer to get use to his legs than the rest of you and don't call him Fluffy. Mr.Owl will soon give you names but first he must watch you for  a few weeks to see what name best suits each of you and I am pretty sure none of you will be called Fluffy.

(Jasmine)
Mr. Owl! Mr. Owwwl!

(Mr Owl)
Whooww whooww is there!

(Jasmine)
It's me, Jasmine.

(Mr Owl)
Hello Mrs. Jasmine I have been keeping watch over you kittens. They seem to be picking on gray bobtail.

(Jasmine)
Yes, that is why I came to see you. He is beginning to notice he is different from his brothers. He has a hard time keeping up with them. But other than his legs not working right he seems to be as rambunctious as his brothers. On top of that the Keepers have started calling him Fluffy and pamper him as if he were special.  If you have time would you please talk to him. You are so very wise I am sure it would help him.

***The next day.

(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Mr Owl! Hello. Are you home?

(Mr Owl)
Well well if it isn't Mrs. Jasmine's gray bobtail.

(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Hello sir, Mom said you wanted to speak with me about something.

(Mr Owl)
Yes, Yes I hear your brothers are teasing you calling you Fluffy. I wouldn't worry about that too much I am sure you have called them silly names before. Right?

(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Rrriight.

(Mr Owl)
I have noticed you seem to be having a little difficulty with your back legs.

(Fluffy/gray bobtail)
Yes sir, they just don't seem to want to cooperate. I can't run as fast as my brothers or even walk very well without them tripping me up. Then there is that big dog Cocoa that keeps picking me up and giving me a bath. My brothers are able to run fast enough to get away from him but I just can't run fast enough and he catches me every time.

(Mr Owl)
I tell you what son why don't you watch some of the other animals like Squirrel, Rabbit, Raccoon and Possum and see how they get around maybe they have some suggestions.

(Flurry/gray bobtail)
Thanks Mr. Owl that is a great idea!

(Mr Owl)
Let me know how it goes!

(Fluffy?gray bobtail)
I will sir! Goodbye!

*****

I DID NOT GET ANY FURTHER.

   THE STORY IS ABOUT ONE OF OUR  KITTENS THAT APPEARED TO NOT HAVE USE OF HIS BACK LEGS POSSIBLY PARALYZED.  BUT HE WAS DETERMINED TO KEEP UP WITH HIS LITTER MATES.  AS HE STARTED MOVING AROUND THE BACK HALF OF HIM RESEMBLED A FROG, INCLUDING A LARGE STOMACH & FLAT BACK.  HE LEARNED TO HOP ON HIS BACK LEGS & IN TIME HE GOT AROUND MORE LIKE A RABBIT, STANDING HIGH IN THE FRONT & LOW IN THE BACK.  WE NAMED HIM WASCALLY WABBIT.  PEOPLE HAD THE AUDACITY TO ASK IF HE WAS HIS SIRE WAS A RABBIT ESPECIALLY SINCE HE HAD A LITTLE COTTON BOBTAIL.  DUH!  PEOPLE, HE IS A CAT!

   SO BACK TO THE STORY.  I HAD INTENDED TO HAVE FLUFFY/GRAY BOBTAIL GET ADVICE FROM THE OTHER ANIMALS MR. OWL SUGGESTED HE SPEAK WITH.  HE ENDED UP TAKING MR. RABBITS ADVICE AND ENDED UP BEING THE FASTEST CAT IN THE COUNTY AND WAS PROUD TO BE NAMED WASCALLY WABBIT BECAUSE HE WAS AS FAST AS A RABBIT.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

Hugs,
PATRICIA aka MAMAW

KATIE: The Little Girl Who Stuttered and Then Learned to Talk Fluently by Ronald L. Webster

HCRI Founder and President Dr. Ron Webster has penned a delightful children’s storybook,Katie: The Little Girl who Stuttered and Then Learned to Talk Fluently. 

This is a true story about a smart, vivacious young girl who wants to overcome her stuttering and speak fluently. Katie’s stuttered speech causes her daily frustration and embarrassment. 

The way she talks inhibits her ability to freely share her thoughts and feelings. She endures teasing from other kids. The only time she finds solace is when she escapes to a nearby park where she loves to play hide and seek.

Yet, this all changes when Katie and her mother learn about a special stuttering treatment that is based on science. Katie’s journey to fluency is recounted in this unforgettable, non-fiction storybook that is designed for children between the ages of three and seven to read with their parents.

Yet, this all changes when Katie and her mother learn about a special stuttering treatment that is based on science. Katie’s journey to fluency is recounted in this unforgettable, non-fiction storybook that is designed for children between the ages of three and seven to read with their parents.

Beautifully illustrated, the story reveals how Katie learns new ways of using her speech muscles to talk without stuttering. It also shows how her life is transformed with her new-found speaking ability. This book helps children who stutter understand there is help available and they aren’t alone. It also encourages kids who do not stutter to be kind and accepting of those who do. Moreover, the story dispels misconceptions about stuttering and how it should be treated.

Katie: The Little Girl who Stuttered and Then Learned to Talk Fluently achieves the ultimate goal of a children’s book – to entertain and teach in equal measure. Katie’s remarkable character will stay with you long after you’ve closed this heartwarming, insightful book. 

This book is available on Amazon.com for $17.95, as well as from other book sellers. To purchase this colorful, 8.5 x 11-inch book for your child or as a gift for a friend or family member, please click here >>.

 

National Stuttering Expert 
Clinical Psychologist 
Professor of Psychology 
Author 
Featured Speaker

About the Author

Dr. Ron Webster is recognized as a pioneer and innovator in the treatment of stuttering. He created the first comprehensive, behavioral stuttering therapy and founded HCRI, where more than 6,100 people from 48 countries have received life-changing stuttering treatment. Dr. Webster’s work has been the focus of interviews and news stories by Good Morning America, NBC Today, CBS Morning News, 20/20, Nightline, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, The New York Times, Washington Post, Scientific American, Sports Illustrated, People, Parade, and many other national, regional and local media.

Dr. Webster is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology emeritus at Hollins University. He wrote Katie: The Little Girl who Stuttered and Then Learned to Talk Fluently to offer encouragement and inspiration to children who stutter and their parents. 

For more about Dr. Webster, please visit www.DrRonWebster.com.

HCRI Stuttering Therapy: Before-and-After Videos

My Thoughts

A true story about Katie a little girl that stutters.  Because of her stuttering she is unable to communicate with others and this is very frustrating for this little girl that evidently has so much to say.  Her peers do not understand why she is not able to express herself verbally like everyone. Some of the kids even make fun of her causing her to cry.  Adults can even be cruel sometimes like staring at her when she tries to express her needs or her feelings.  

Her parents hear about a doctor that has a stuttering therapy program.  They talk with Katie and decide they will talk with Dr. Webster and enter her in the treatment program.  Katie was very anxious to do well so she could express herself verbally without stuttering.  She learns to use her speech muscles in a way that stopped the stuttering.  She has taken the stuttering beast and won the battle.  No more stuttering!

This is a wonderful book with a big message!  The author recommends the parent/adult read the book with the child.  That way if the child has any concerns or questions they will be there to assure the child understands.  If the child is being teased at school this might be a good time for the child to open up about their feelings. 

I feel as if this does not just have to be for a child that stutters but for all children. A child having read this book may have more compassion and understanding for a child or adult they may cross paths with that stutters and hopefully avoid making the person feel even more self conscious than they already are.  Who knows they could maybe even recommend they read this book which would lead them to Dr. Webster.

My step-father stuttered at times but I never thought of it as being a problem for him. Although I am sure it had to have been.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from the Author/Bostick Communications for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Catching Raindrops by Crystal Hoblit

NEW BOOK SHARES FICTIONAL ACCOUNT OF DEVASTATING 1913 OHIO FLOOD

AUTHOR SHARES 
STORY THROUGH THE EYES 
OF 12-YEAR-OLD MAGGIE

Warning bells… high water… levees that are about to break: a flood is overtaking the city! Maggie and her family must escape, but will there be enough time to get to higher ground?

Stranded in the top of a downtown hotel with dozens of strangers, they can do nothing but watch the flood waters rise. While waiting to be rescued, Maggie must find the courage to face the winter cold, hunger, and uncontrollable fires. She learns that while the people she trusts may not be able to help her, God will. In the midst of terror she finds the perfect peace of surrender.

Published by Ambassador International
Release Date: November 2012
Trade Paperback
Pages: 96
ISBN: 9781620201152

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD

About Crystal Hoblit

Crystal Hoblit lives in the flat but lovely country of southwest Ohio. She is married to an awesome husband, enjoys gardening, cooking, going barefoot and frolicking with their black lab. “My soul purpose and desire is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in everything I do.”


Author's Website:  bradcrystalandfamily.com/raindrops
Facebook.com/CrystalHoblit

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING IN THEIR REVIEWS

ABOUT CATCHING RAINDROPS!

“Having lived in this area all of my life, I knew very little of the story. Now in a simple, easy to read book, Crystal has brought the story to life. I will never see the town in the same way. A wonderful book written for the 8-13 year old audience. Make no mistake though, I enjoyed reading it as a 20 something.”

- Amazon Review by jkstam08

“This is a well done work by an accomplished and rising author. Crystal Hoblit has the character to bring the characters to life. This book would make a great gift at any season.”

- Amazon Review by Bruce

“My 13 year old son read this book in one sitting and loved it. The story is fast moving and compelling enough that I didn’t want to put it down either. An excellent first effort by Ms. Hoblit!”

- Amazon Review by Miniver Cheevy

CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

ON MY KID'S BLOG ~ IT'S ABOUT TIME MAMAW 

WIN PAPERBACK COPY OF

CATCHING RAINDROPS

My Thoughts

Maggie at age twelve has more responsibility than she is ready for.  Her sister has a fever and her newborn niece will not stop crying.  Maggie hears a ruckus outside just as her brother was entering the house, anxiously announcing the river was peaking and about to overflow into the town.  They rush around grabbing a few things so they can evacuate the area.  Her brother helps her sister and Maggie carries a sack of supplies and the bundled up baby.  They don't get very far when a wall of rushing water heads straight for them.

It is freezing cold, and no place looks safe.  After much praying and the help of strangers they thought God had pulled them through when the buildings surrounding them were threatened with fire.  

Where will they go and how will they get there?  All seemed hopeless!  God is all powerful and loves his children surely he would save them.

This was a powerful story that would inspire not just the young, but also the old.  The author wrote about a horrific historical event that tore a town apart.  So many things that occurred in the story kept me on the edge of my seat and every once in a while I would have to grab a tissue.  God is what made this story powerful and gave Maggie hope. God surely must have been guiding Crystal Hoblit when she was writing this book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Ambassador International for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Blessed Are The Children ~ Heaven, God's Promise for Me by Anne Graham Lotz

What do we tell our children in this time of sorrow over the lose of so many precious children and loved ones?  I came across this children's book on Zondervan.  I think it would be a great book to share with children.  

Prayer for When a Young Person Dies

Lord God, source and destiny of our lives, in Your loving providence You gave us these children to grow in wisdom, age, and grace. Now You have called them to Yourself. We grieve over the loss of those so young and struggle to understand Your purpose. Draw them to Yourself and give them full stature in Christ. May they stand with all the angels and saints, who know Your love and praise Your saving will. 

Amen.

W.O.I Tours - THE WISHING WELL - Another Weaver Tale by KAI STRAND

About Book

Molly Minstrel is treated worse than Cinderella by her mom and sisters. When Molly meets the magical creature, Unwanted, she wishes her problems away. However, you must first understand what you need before knowing what to ask for. Molly will have to look within for the solution to her troubles.

Where to buy:
Guardian Angel Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
ISBN Number(s): Hardcover 978-1616333010
                          Softcover 978-1616333027
Publication Date:  July 24, 2012
Genre of Book: Juvenile Fantasy

click image for tour schedule

I am scheduled to review SAVE THE LEMMINGS on November 7, 2012.

About Kai

Kai Strand writes fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, goecache and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.

To find out more about Kai’s books, download companion documents, find links to her published short stories and discover all the places to find Kai both virtually and in person, visit her website: www.kaistrand.com. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to send her an email or visit her facebook page, Kai Strand, Author. 

My Thoughts 

Eleven year old, Molly Minstrel is responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and ironing in her home. Even though she has two older sisters, Eva and Hannah, their mother, Greta does not want the two older girls to demean themselves by doing chores. Molly is verbally abused by Greta and Hannah. The abuse is name calling and snide remarks on a daily basis. If only she had a nice family she would be happy. 

Does this sound like a cinderella story? Well there is no Fairy God-Mother but there is the UNWANTED, he is blue and looks kinda like an elf/troll and he does grant wishes under special circumstances.

Do you think the UNWANTED could grant Molly a wish?  Would this solve her problems?  What would her wish be if she could find him?

The characters of Weaver Tale are known for the tales they weave.  Will Molly weave a tale?

I enjoyed this book with one exception and that was in chapter seventeen where Molly weaves a tale to Sir Edward.  I felt that the sexual implications in this tale are inappropriate for the target readers, ages 8-12 years old.  I would advise parents to read the book before deciding if the book is appropriate for your child.

The author told a tale that many children may be experiencing themselves and it was a very good tale indeed!

I recommend this book as PG.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from WOI Tours/Author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here

UNCONDITIONAL by Eva Marie Everson, Movie - UNCONDITIONAL written and directed by Brent McCorkle, Unconditional - The Bible Study, FIREBIRD by Brent McCorkle and Amy Parker

About Book

What if God’s love were like the sun, constant and unchanging? What if one day you realized nothing could take that away?

Firebird is a bright orange baby oriole who just loves the sunshine. But whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away. When Firebird is finally old enough, his mother gently instructs him to fly up through the thunder and lightning to see what’s on the other side.

It’s a rough flight, and just when he’s about to give up, Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it always had been.

God never lets the storm take the sun away. With that truth in his heart, Firebird continues to bask in the sunshine, but just as important, he learns to rejoice in the rain.

More info: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433679179




About Author

Amy Parker has written more than twenty books for children, teens, and adults including the best-selling A Night Night Prayer and three Mom’s Choice Awards winners. Amy and her husband have two children.

About Author

Brent McCorkle wrote and directed the film Unconditional. His previous movie, The Rift, a metaphoric story about adoption, was a winner in The Doorpost Film Project 2009. Brent and his wife have five
children. 


Firebird is a children’s book that parallels the life of Samantha Crawford, a storybook artist in the inspiring new film Unconditional (scheduled for a theatrical launch in fall 2012) who has lost sight of God’s love.

About Book

Samantha Crawford, an acclaimed storybook artist, seemingly had it all until losing the love she cherished most. Now fighting despair, she is obsessed with tracking down the murderer of her husband. With no leads and no hope, Sam prepares to take her life until providence intervenes and she is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.

Dying of kidney disease, Joe spends his last days serving fatherless children in an under resourced community. Observing Papa Joe’s tireless love for “his kids,” Sam begins to find new purpose until she comes face to face with her heart’s desire. The innocence and hope of a child competes with the lure of revenge in an effort to show Sam how, even in life’s darkest of circumstances, Love is above all.

B&H Publishings: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433679469#aboutbook

About Movie

Brent's feature directorial debut is Unconditional, in theaters September 2012. It stars Lynn Collins (John Carter, Wolverine) and Michael Ealy (Takers, Seven Pounds). Brent wrote, directed, and edited the film. He composed the majority of the music for the film as well. We will be adding some of his music/scores to the site soon. Brent is currently writing/developing two original scripts. In addition, he and his team are putting together a multi-picture film slate, scheduled to announce in mid-2013. Stay tuned!

RESOURCES: http://www.unconditionalthemovie.com/resources

Unconditional - The Bible Study

Using movie themes, clips, and group interaction, this study will help small groups better see the needs around them, and begin to live a life of unprecedented generosity.Available Now

OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO written & illustrated by Jo Linsdell

About Jo

Born in Gillingham, Kent (UK) in September 1980. Married name Joanne Denise Feliciani. She uses her maiden name, Linsdell, as her pen name. Having passed 10 GCSE's, she went on to study Business Studies, History and Art A-Levels at Yateley 6th Form. She left England and moved to Rome, Italy in June 2001, where she now lives with her Italian husband and their young son. 

She has had various jobs including working in hostels, being a tour guide and teaching English as a foreign language. She now works full-time as a freelance writer. She writes regularly for various websites, newspapers and magazines. 

She has published two books in print 'Italian for tourists' and 'A guide to weddings in Italy' as well as various ebooks including; Il dolce Natale: Christmastime in Italy, Some risks are worth taking, INSIDE.OUT, La Befana, Promotional Techniques: Ways to market your books and The Patron Saint of Lovers. 

Find out more about her at her website www.jolinsdell.com 

Out and About at the Zoo 

Written and illustrated by Jo Linsdell

Rhyming text and colourful pictures accompany this fun day out discovering different animals at the zoo.

Release Date: 1st June 2012 

Product details:

ISBN/EAN13: 1477446591 / 9781477446591 
Page Count: 32 
Binding Type: US Trade Paper Trim Size: 6" x 9" 
Language: English 
Colour: Full Colour with Bleed 
Related Categories: Juvenile Fiction / Stories in Verse

Purchasing links: 
Amazon.com 
Amazon.co.uk 
Amazon.it 
CreateSpace.com 

Contact details: 
Email: webmaster@jolinsdell.com 

Reviews:

5 Stars 

"Out and About at the Zoo by Jo Linsdell is a delightful story set in rhyme about a boy and his mum. The two spend the day at the zoo and meet many animals along the way. Your child will enjoy reading this book time and time again. The colorful illustrations make this book a joy to read. Pick up a copy of this book and share a day at the zoo memory with your little one". 

By Kate Mueller, Author of Bella's Birthday Surprise 

5 Stars 

"Out And About At The Zoo is a cute book that describes a child's memory filled trip to the zoo. Are you heading to the zoo and you would like to tell your kids what animals they will see there and what they might be doing? Then Out And About At The Zoo would be a great choice. Easy to understand and easy for children to read along with. It is filled with simple yet colorful pictures that even held my one year old's attention! Would also make a good gift for young readers who are just beginning to read!" 

By Virginia L. Jennings, Author

MY REVIEW

5+ Stars

Out and About at the Zoo is such a fun book.  I can't wait to read the rhymes in this story to my grandbabies.  I know I will be sending them their own copy of this book to read and soak up the colorful pages.

The illustrations are so cute and will definitely grab the child's attention to the bright colors and the zoo animals they are visiting in this darling book.

Here is one of my favorite pages, it teaches the child about the description of the animal and teaches colors in fun rhyming words.

 "Zebras with stripes 

of black and white 

trotted over, much to my delight."

page 14 

I see this as not just for a fun read but also for the education of  young children.  

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5+ out of 5

Disclosure

I received a free pdf of this book from the author for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

I Couldn't Love You More written by Jason Ingram & Matt Hammitt illustrated by Polona Lovsin - Giveaway

About Book

In the same manner as touching picture books like bestsellers Let Me Hold You Longer and Love You Forever, I Couldn't Love You More tells a sweet, loving, yet powerful message: I couldn’t love you more, but there is someone who does. Through the unique relationship of adorable animals, the book shares that Christ is always with you and he loves you more than you can imagine. This engaging picture book combines lovable and irresistible images with the lyrics from the song (co-written by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt). Matt is lead vocalist for Sanctus Real, a Grammy-nominated Christian rock band. The song is on Hammitt’s latest album, Every Fallen Tear. When Matt and his wife, Sarah, were halfway through her pregnancy, they discovered their son would be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital defect. Matt and Sarah’s son, Bowen, was born on 9/9/10 and received a huge following through the Hammitt’s blog (bowensheart.com), K-LOVE, and ABC News. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the foundation the Hammitts’ have started to help parents with children who have this heart condition.

Published by TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHING








About Matt

Matt Hammitt is the lead singer and a founding member of the band Sanctus Real. Over the past decade, the Grammy nominated, Dove Award–winning group has released five albums and has topped the Christian radio charts with fourteen No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits. In 2010, Matt and his wife, Sarah, found out they were expecting their third child. Already the parents of two young daughters, Emmerson and Claire, they were looking forward to an ultrasound that would reveal whether they were having a boy or a girl. "We found out it was a boy, and we were all celebrating," Matt recalls. "But only a few minutes later the doctor came in and told us that things weren't right, that half of the baby's heart wasn't developed. At that time, they didn't think he would survive." Diagnosed with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, little Bowen, whose name means "small, victorious one," defied the odds and survived. But it hasn't been an easy road for Matt and his family. Following Bowen's birth, Matt and Sarah watched their newborn son endure two open-heart surgeries, and they spent more than three months by his bedside at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Matt and Sarah have shared the pain, as well as the joy, of their journey with others through their blog, Bowensheart.com, which has received more than one million hits to date. Sarah says, "God clearly has His hand in all of this. Our family has been called to walk through this, and we will do our best, even though it's going to be really rough at times." "Everything I've watched happen in the hospital—all the pain I've felt—is deepening my faith, strengthening my marriage, and molding my character," Matt says. "Out of what appeared to be a well of emptiness has flowed a fountain of purpose." Matt's album Every Falling Tear, released in 2011, was born out of the heart of a father wrestling with his pain but buoyed by his faith and his love for his family. I Couldn't Love You More is one of the songs on the album. It expresses a parent's desire to share Christ's unconditional love with his child. A portion of the proceeds from both Matt's album and this book will be given to support the Whole Hearts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by the Hammitts that is dedicated to helping families with children suffering from congenital heart defects. Matt says, "We've met so many families like us whose children are suffering, and they are looking for hope. It has become our mission to help them find it."

My Thoughts

I am so moved by this story. The illustrations are darling.  

I have been through a similar situation with my little grandson that passed away  when he was fifteen months old.  He spent the first nine months of his precious life in the hospital. The miracle we experienced was getting to share those fifteen months of his short life with him.  He smiled and laughed all the time. It is the hardest thing for a family to go through when you have a sick child.

Love and cherish your children!  Have you told your child you love them today?  

What are some ways you can actually show them how much you love them? 

I have fourteen grandchildren with one more due in July.  The most fun I have with my kids and grandkids are when we are all together at the same time.  

Do you have something special you do with your child?

How do you share GOD'S love with them?

When my grandchildren stay over we have a special prayer time before we go to bed when we are all tucked in. Some on air mattresses some in the bed with me.  They all know how much GOD loves them.  Some of them remember when their young cousin passed away and make comments about him being in Heaven with God not suffering anymore.  

Don't let all of this make you think this is a sad story because it isn't.  This is a story about MIRACLES and LOVE.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

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