illustrate my own - Check Out this Series

   

Quite a few years ago I wrote a series of books for children about Bible people. I was motivated to do so because when you see books about Bible people, they are usually about just a few Bible people and there are so many more people in the Bible with fantastic accounts of how they were able to know and walk with God. I enjoyed writing the Bible stories, but am not an artist, so I thought maybe it would be fun to write a series of books with an "illustrate my own" "twist" - so the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!

Summer Reading - Oh No, George!

I'm going to start this review out by saying, I absolutely LOVE this book! If you only get one new book for your grandchildren this year, make it Oh No, George!, written and illustrated by Chris Haughton.

Tomorrow, August 1st is National Homemade Pie Day!

Pies bring a lot of joy to people - and while you may not want to bake a pie when the outside temps are high, there are many wonderful recipes for pies which do not require baking. I am very happy to share with you one of my family's favorite summer pies - Lemonade Ice Cream Pie, but first, let's look at a few fun pie facts - did you know . . .

Family Fun in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Yesterday I posted about a "Hidden Treasure" at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - the Stuart and Barbara Padnos RoofTop Sculpture Garden - you will find my post at this link. Today I want to write about two of the particularly wonderful, much-loved-by-children features in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden - the Great Lakes Garden and a summer little "splash pad" inside the circle of children sculptures to your left as you enter the Children's Garden. First let me tell you about the amazing Great Lakes Garden . . .

Summer Reading - What Will You Be, Grandma?

I'm so happy for the opportunity to share What Will You Be, Grandma?  by Nanette Newman and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark with you which is charming and delightful . . . and imaginative! It is sure to make you smile! As I read this I could just picture some of the ideas my grandsons might come up with for the things I could "grow up to be"!!!

A "Hidden" Treasure at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - the Stuart and Barbara Padnos RoofTop Sculpture Garden

My husband and I have a grandparents and a guest membership at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - we go and enjoy this amazing place, typically once a week. We often bring a guest and/or grandsons with us and truly enjoy our visits. There are so many wonderful things to enjoy at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park . . .

Summer Reading - I Dare You NOT to Yawn

If you are looking for a fun, slightly different bedtime story which will have you laughing definitely take a look at the book, I Dare You NOT to Yawn, by Helene Boudreau and illustrated by Serve Bloch. I received this book a few years ago for review and it had me laughing - right out loud! I read it to my husband and he ended up laughing, too! I love unexpected books which actually have a definite ring of truth to them and this is one such book!

Summer Reading - Because Amelia Smiled

Smiles have power. They have the power to brighten the day of others and as Maralee McKee, the Manners Mentor said n her page, "Your smile (or lack of one) is powerful. When given sincerely, it uplifts both those you love and strangers alike. It's your non-verbal signal to the world you are happy to share the current place and space you're in with those around you. When a smile is withheld  it sets the tone for unpleasantness, or at least, tension. Some great things about your smile is it's: unique, free, everyone loves it, and it's usually reciprocated, doubling the blessing! So this week, why not smile at everyone you pass. It lights up your face and makes the world take notice of the happy person (YOU!) who understand a smile is the look (the only one interpreted the same way in every tribe and nation) which speaks volumes of acceptance, understanding, compassion and welcome!"  

The power of a smile is the story behind the story, Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein.

I Have a Winner for unshakable moxie & $20 Amazon Gift Card

I am happy to say Gaye Valle is the winner in my unshakable moxie and $20 Amazon Card drawing - Gaye, please email me by tomorrow - July 29th at lyndagcj@gmail.com to let me know your address so I am able to have your prize sent to you.

Today is National New Jersey Day

If you - or someone you love - lives in New Jersey, today is a day to celebrate as it is National New Jersey Day. It is a fun day to look at some of their silly laws and interesting facts - and be sure to share them with the children you love - did you know . . . 

Last Day to Enter my unshakable moxie & $20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway - New Way to Enter . . .

Apparently the link for entering my giveaway is having issues - I'm very sorry. So, if you live in the USA and would like to be in this special giveaway for one  unshakable moxie set and one $20 Amazon Gift Card please comment below. If you share this post, let me know and you will receive an extra entry - the drawing is tomorrow - July 28, 2024

Summer Reading - The Baby That ROARED

I read and review a LOT of books for children . . . since I love books, this is something I enjoy doing! However; every once-in-awhile a book comes along which is a true delight   and   occasionally  one comes along which makes me laugh out-loud! The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock and illustrated by Nadia Shireenis one such book!

Summer Reading for you - with the Praying Deeper Books

 

As we continue to look at books for Summer Reading, not just for children, but for parents and grandparents to use to help them pass on a heritage of confident faith to the children they love, I am delighted to share with you three books which will guide grandparents - and parents, too - in praying every day for the children they love! In the interests of transparency, I wrote these books.

Two Days Left to Enter the unshakable Moxie & $20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Just a reminder, in two days one person will receive the   Unshakable Moxie set (Bible study, prayer journal, Scripture/ encouragement cards) and a $20 Amazon gift card. This is a great prize package, but if you want to be the person who wins it, you need to follow this link to enter the drawing.

Summer Reading - I Love You a Bushel and a Peck

I love the song, "A Bushel and a Peck" and completely enjoyed this story book by Rosemary Wells and Frank Loesser built around the old song, so it seems like an excellent book to share with you while I wait for more books to arrive in my Summer Reading series - you and your grandchildren are sure to love it, too! 

Summer Reading for You - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

 

If you are looking for a book to help a parent or grandparent you love make the most of handing down confident faith, consider this book -The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith.

In this book I look at how our physical DNA is a truly amazing and essential part of who we are, as it holds the "code" or instructions for the things which make us unique as well as for the things we share. It connects us with the generations who came before us; as well as with those who come behind. It is the core of who we are physically. 

Summer Reading - A Dog is a Dog

When it comes to books for young children, A Dog is a Dog by  Stephen Shaksan  has to be on my list of "favorite things"! I love the simple text which is sure to keep you guessing - and flat out laughing!  A Dog is a Dog is clever, fun and unexpected . . . the ending is a "hoot"!

A Dog Is a Dog is sure to leave children and adults guessing and laughing . . . because a dog is a dog, unless it's a . . . 

Unshakable Moxie - Fantastic Resource & Fun Giveaway!

I was recently invited to review a resource -Unshakable Moxie by  Lina AbuJamra from Our Daily Bread, so today I will let you know what this is and announce a special give-away as well!

But first, what does a “woman of moxie” look like? She is a dynamic, resolute woman of resilient faithfulness, unshakable confidence, and trust in God. Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries which explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more.

The "Buzz" About, It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!

Six years ago I wrote a book to help, encourage, and challenge grandparents and parents - Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!   and thought it might be fun today to share with you some of the "buzz" . . . what people are saying about this book - and neither of these two people are related to me!

Summer Reading - Bob, Not Bob! from Jambo Books

 

A few years ago I shared about a Jambo Book which is offered in their wonderful book clubs - Bob, Not Bob! written and illustrated by  Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell.

Summer Reading - for You - The Relief for Grief

 

The past several years have brought blessings into our lives for sure, but with covid, many have experienced loss as well, whether it was the loss of someone they love, the loss of being able to spend time with the ones we love, the loss of a job, the loss of fellowship with others, the loss of our confidence, to mention just a few. Some of us have also experienced loss which was not related to covid as loss is a normal part of our lives.

When we experience loss, we experience grief. It is important for us to work through grief, and while there are tools available to help us do this, today I am happy to let you know about a new book which is now available to help you do exactly this.

Summer Reading - Greetings, Floof!

I have one more book from Kids Can Press which I am very happy to let you know about today - Greetings, Floof! by C.J. Hong and illustrated by A.J. Smith . . .

Today is Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day

There are SO many ways to combine peanut butter and chocolate for truly enjoyable treats - whether you make cakes, cookies, candies, pies - all are wonderful for sure! So a special day to celebrate this tasty combo makes perfect sense. I'm going to share with you my family's favorite recipe for homemade peanut butter balls, but first, let's look at some fun facts for peanut butter and then chocolate - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - A Family of Her Own for Candy

Two summers ago, my husband, grandsons, and I went to the Humane Society to get a kitten. I wanted my grandsons to go with us because, first of all, they love all animals, secondly I wanted to be sure whatever cat we got was one which was able to be around my grandsons without being aggressive. We spent some time at the Humane Society and finally settled on a very sweet calico - which we named Candy, because she is sweet (and my middle grandson said she reminded him of candy corn.) 

Summer Reading - No Dragons for Tea

As we continue with my Summer Reading Reviews, I'm very happy to let you know about another book from Kids Can Press - No Dragons for Tea by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Martine Gourbault. This story is fun and teaches children important fire safety skills . . . 

Summer Reading - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

  

I have been writing about my picture book for children - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!  and today want to let you know about the second story in this book - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys & Their Not-So-Peculiar, Scary, or Terrifying Discovery! 

In this fun story the little ginormous, humongous, hairy, one-eyed monster boys discover teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, not-so-hairy, two-eyed people children are moving into a house down the street. At first, the monster boys think this is a peculiar, scary, and terrifying thing, but then they decide to go see what they are really like and discover the teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, not-so-hairy, two-eyed people children are actually very much like them! 

Summer Reading - Have You Seen an Elephant?

I'm very happy today to let you know about another book from Kids Can Press - Have You Seen an Elephant? by Elina Ellis. This book will have your little ones paying attention and letting you know when they see the elephants . . . 

Summer Reading - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

  

If you have young children in your life, then you know how important it is to read books to them - it sets them up for a lifetime of learning - and it is just fantastic to snuggle together and read a book together at bedtime - or anytime! I read many books to my children and most recently to my grandsons when they were little, and we enjoyed making up our own stories, too!

Today is National Pennsylvania Day!

If you, or someone you love, live in Pennsylvania, then today is a day to celebrate - or at least share some of the silly laws and interesting fun facts with the children you love - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - The Unlucky Kid

I don't often actually laugh out loud when I read a book, but when I read The Unlucky Kid, by Bob Holt, published by Kids Can Press, I laughed out loud - a lot! This three-story collection graphic novel has everything a new reader - or even an excellent reader such as my 11 year old grandson - could want in a book!

Summer Reading - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys Adventures!

 

Recently I shared how when my grandsons were young and at my house for a sleepover, we typically made up stories at bedtime. They almost always had monsters or dinosaurs in them. One night when my oldest grandson was six, my middle grandson was three, and my youngest grandson was one, we were getting them into bed when my oldest grandson said he saw a monster under his brother's bed! This was not what my middle grandson wanted to hear, so I said there could not be any monsters under his bed because the monsters were at their poppa's and grandma's house getting ready for bed on their sleepover. My grandsons found this idea very interesting, so of course, our bedtime story for the night had to have little, ginormous, humongous, hairy, one-eyed monster boys getting ready for bed and being scared because they thought they saw, teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, not-so-hairy, two-eyed people boys under their beds! 

Tomorrow - July 20th - is International Chess Day

All three of my grandsons enjoy playing chess. They often want to play chess with me when they are at my house - primarily because they always beat me. My middle grandson has won games with me by making fewer than five moves - I still do not know how he did that! My oldest grandson likes to play chess with me - he also often beats me with fewer than ten moves. My youngest grandson will play chess with me IF he is able to start without his queen - the last time we did this he managed to get two queens back, and yes, he won. 

There are many reasons teaching children to play chess is something which benefits them - did you know . . . 

Summer Reading - A Crocodile Should NEVER Skip Breakfast

I am SO happy to let you know about a most funny book from Kids Can Press - one you and the children you love are certain to enjoy . . . A Crocodile Should NEVER Skip Breakfast by Collene Larmour. This book had me actually laughing - it is excellent!

Summer Reading - the little answer book for children

  

As you have likely noticed, from time to time I write about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? 

Summer Reading - Duck!

Yesterday I received a new box of books from Kidscan Publishing - I love these books and will start letting you know about them tomorrow! There are many excellent storybooks available for children to enjoy - the one I'm "re-sharing" with you today for my Summer Reading posts was sent to me a few years ago by Candlewick Press and I am extremely happy to to remind you of it again today! Duck! by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom is absolutely a book you will want to have in your own library - and give to your grandchildren as well.

Summer Reading - For You - the little answer book: for life's most important questions

 

Do you have someone in your family who once walked with God, but no longer do? Someone who at one time went to and was active in their church, but today they say they are not even sure if God is real? Or, do you know someone for whom these things are true?

Summer Reading - My Heart is Like a Zoo

Every once in awhile a book comes along which is so unique, so delightful, so much fun . . . My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall is one such book, so today as I wait for more books to arrive for my Summer Reading reviews, I'm very happy to let you know about this book.

Summer Reading AND Activity - Generations Quest Cultivate the Faith

If you are looking for something to help you hand down confident
faith, then take a close look at Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! This resource will provide you with 52 weeks of Bible learning, science projects, crafts, cooking and much more - all designed to make it easy for you to hand down confident faith while engaging the children you love in interesting, fun and active learning.

July is National Ice Cream Month

By the way, did you know July is National Ice Cream Month?! I do enjoy a nice bowl of ice cream, but since I've been focused on losing weight (I've lost 100lbs since the start of 2020!), I rarely eat this sweet treat. I have found, however; sorbetto on a stick - especially the mini-size only has 50 calories per serving! Hooray! 

But back to ice cream - let's look at some ice cream fun facts - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - Do NOT Open This Book!

 

I have reviewed this book before, but as I think about books my grandsons have loved which I am able to recommend for Summer Reading fun, this one is definitely a book I happily recommend! It was sent a few years ago for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about, Do NOT Open This Book!

Summer Reading - For You! - Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren

   

I've been writing for several years about how important it is for us, as grandparents to hand down a heritage of confident faith. One way I do this is to let you know about resources to help you as you do this. 

Today I'm letting you know about a book I wrote . . . Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren In this book, along with sharing some of my "cute-grandson stories", I talk about important things for grandparents to think about and keep in mind as they focus on handing down a heritage of confident faith to their grandchildren. I talk about -

Summer Reading - If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend

Since today is Global Hug Your Kids Day, this book is a great "fit". I have long been a big "fan" of picture books. If you are able to combine a fun story with colorful illustrations, well, I am likely to like the book. I do not believe it is ever truly possible to outgrow an excellent picture book - just because the book was written for children ages three to five, it does not mean a grandma will not also enjoy the book. In fact, I am fully convinced all picture books should include "grandmas" when it lists the ages for whom the book is written!

With all of this in mind, when I had the opportunity to select a few books from Scholastic to review and review, I just had to ask for the book I'm reviewing today . . . and I am SO happy they sent it to me!

Today is Global Hug Your Kids Day!

Now this is a "day" this grandma is very willing to celebrate - although, for the most part, I hugged grown kids and grandkids yesterday when they were here - I'm sending virtual hugs to them today and hugging my grown daughter since she is at my house today! So, to celebrate this wonderful day, let's look at some of the benefits of hugs - did you know . . .

Summer Reading - for You! - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

Our DNA is a truly amazing and essential part of who we are, as it holds the "code" or instructions for the things which make us unique as well as for the things we share. It connects us with the generations who came before us; as well as with those who come behind. It is the core of who we are physically. 

Yes, our physical DNA tells our cells and bodies how to Develop, Live and Reproduce, but let's think for a moment about another type of "DNA". A Spiritual DNA. More specifically, our "Faith and Prayer DNA". What are a, "Faith and Prayer DNA" you ask? Well, just as our physical DNA provides the code for how our bodies develop, live and reproduce, our "Faith and Prayer DNA" gives us the code or instructions which help us learn to develop a strong walk of faith, live as people who believe and reproduce by handing down to our children and our children's children a strong, confident and healthy walk of faith. 

Summer Reading - Chicken Little - The Real and Totally True Tale

 

In a box of books I received a couple years ago from Scholastic was a fun and quirky book - Chicken Little - The Real and Totally True Tale . . . a book which quickly became a favorite of my grandsons!

grandma's chuckles - "You Didn't Ask God to Let You Be a Boy"

Don't you just love it when the children you love say things which you know you will never forget? One day when my dear grandson was four years old he told me how wonderful it is to be a boy. He then said, "Before I was born I asked God to let me be a boy!" Then he looked at me with a very sad look, shook his head ever so slightly and said, "You didn't ask God to let you be a boy!" Obviously the only reason I was "stuck" being a girl is because I didn't think to ask God to let me be a boy! 

Summer Reading - illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books

 

You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants me to Know book series - The Lost Lamb, The Woman at the Well, The Man with Leprosy, The Good Samaritan, The Pharisee  & the Tax Collector, The Two Builders, and Martha & Mary so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for the children you love, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books - what could be a better way to spend a hot or rainy Summer day!

Summer Reading - Not a Box

While I continue to wait for another box of books to arrive, I'm happy to share with you another book which was MUCH loved by my grandsons - Not a Box by Antoinette Portis.

Today is National Delaware Day

If you live in Delaware, today is a day to celebrate as it is National Delaware Day! So whether you live there or not, gather the children you love (or connect with them on-line) and share some fun information about this State - such as some of their silly laws and interesting fun facts - did you know . . .