Tuesday, December 09, 2025

The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia



The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia is a wonderful book that shares the Christmas story with gorgeous pictures to go along with the text. This picture book is larger making the pictures more engaging to the reader. The book also has shares how God keeps his promises with scripture reference.

This is a stunning book that will be a Christmas treasure for your family. You can have several children or one child gather around and they can easily see the wonderful pictures with the Christmas story. I would recommend this for any child between the ages of 4-8, and honestly older children and adults will also be very engaged. I highly recommend The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia .

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.


N.T. Wright (Nicholas Thomas Wright, b. 1948) is a renowned English New Testament scholar, theologian, and former Anglican Bishop of Durham, known for his extensive work making Christianity accessible, including children's books like God's Big Picture Bible Storybook and My Big Story Bible, which connect biblical narratives for young readers, stemming from his deep academic background at Oxford and St. Andrews and passion for communicating faith. 

Thursday, December 04, 2025

Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris

Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris published by Thomas Nelson is a beautiful Christmas picture book for children ages 4-8.  This sweet story shares the gospel message of Christmas with exquisite pictures and an engaging story. I was drawn into this this beautiful picture book and was absolutely enchanted.  I loved the mama dear and baby dear who tell the sweet story.  It made me want to hold my youngest close as I read the book.  

This is a book that you will want to share with a little one year after year to celebrate Christmas.  The beautiful redemptive themes that share the true meaning of Christmas are accompanied by stunning and engaging pictures.  This a true delight.  I highly recommend Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris. 

A great gift for your child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, godchild, or really any child to share the sweet story of Christmas. 

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.  



 


Amy has been captivated by the study of light, drawing and design since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She grew up sketching and writing poetry, in a tree overlooking the lake and now her work can be found in stores and homes around the globe. She is a follower of Jesus and is unbelievably grateful for every opportunity she has to create, for His glory.

Launched in 2013 as an art school for children, Amy Kavs Art/BloomPrints Studio LLC switched it’s focus in 2016 to custom paintings corporate design work, and children’s book publishing.

You can find her work in Target, Walmart, Anthropologie, Casetify, BeBe Au Lait, Altar’d State, Better Homes and Gardens, and others.

She has collaborated with countless brands including: Skecher’s Shoes, Pampers Diapers, PLUM NYC, The Miss America Foundation, and Wild Bird Company.Amy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three small girls. 

Friday, November 28, 2025

Pairables, 53 short stories that link to the Bible’s Old Testament by Jas Lonnquist Illustrated by Miley McMahon

 
Pairables:53 short stories that link to the Bible’s Old Testament by Jas Lonnquist Illustrated by Miley McMahon is a delightful book devotional book for children in late elementary and the middle grades. Each chapter shares an Old Testament Bible passage, a modern-day short story, and a prayer. I enjoyed the stories in Pairables that are well written and relatable to both children and adults. The short stories connect well with the Old Testament Bible story featured. My son and I read them together and the stories provided us with some good discussions. The stories resonated with both of us.

Sometimes it is hard to get started talking about spiritual things or to dive into the Old Testament. Pairables is a wonderful way to facilitate discussion, connect with kids on spiritual things, and learn about the Old Testament. Pairables could be read at the beginning of a Sunday school class, used for family devotions, or read with your child before bed. I highly recommend Pairables: 53 short stories that link to the Bible’s Old Testament by Jas Lonnquist and Illustrated by Miley McMahon.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

As a writer, it's my privilege to cover a lot of territory. With more than 200 produced credits in film, TV, and video, the common thread is this: complex stories laced with emotional power and hope - stories to be felt and remembered.

 

Sunday, October 19, 2025

A Kid's Guide to London, Paris, Rome, and New York by Lonely Planet Kids

 
Where would you love to travel to? My dream was to travel to London. I was thrilled we were able to go to London on our Make a Wish Trip. So many sweet memories that I love to reflect on.

Today I am featuring the Lonely Planet A Kid's Guide to London, A Kid's Guide to New York City, A Kid's Guide to Paris and a Kid's Guide to Rome.  I have each book with a matching Lego Postcard set.



I am thrilled with this series. They are perfect for kids to learn about a place, take with them on a trip, or to expand their view of the world. Each book is a paperback to keep it lightweight for traveling, is a kid friendly size, and the inside flaps are big enough to bookmark pages of interest.


Each books shares how to get around the city, places to see, parks & green spaces, food, animals, and celebrations! The colorful pictures and engaging text make this a great book for all kids ages 9-12. Younger kids will enjoy the pictures and having the book to read to them.


I highly recommend the Lonely Planet A Kid's Guide To series! They are incredible!


On our Make-A -Wish Trip in London 2019