Roosevelt Banks; Good Kid in Training - Children's Book Review

Title: Roosevelt Banks; Good-Kid-in-Training

Author: Laurie Calkhoven

Illustrator: Debbie Palen

Publisher: ONE ELM Books

Publication Date: January 7, 2020

Length: 128 Pages

Recommended for Grades 3 - 5.





About the Author
Laurie Calkhoven is a children's writer and editor living in New York City. She has written many historical children's books, including George Washington: An American Life and Harriet Tubman: Leading the Way to Freedom. You can visit her at lauriecalkhoven.com.

A Good Kid...EXCEPT When He Isn't
Roosevelt Theodore Banks is 10-years-old and in the fourth grade. His little sister's name is Kennedy and his dog's name is Millard Fillmore. Roosevelt's dad is a history professor at a local college and loves to talk about presidential trivia.

Roosevelt is an average kid who likes to have fun with his friends. He has two good friends that he hangs-out with every day after school. When his friend's father plans a thirty-mile bike ride and camping trip, Roosevelt will not be included because he does not have a bike.

The only way Roosevelt will get a new bike and go camping with his friends is to be "good" for two weeks. His parents promise him they will get him a bike if he passes the good kid requirement. That means he can't get in trouble at school and he must help with chores at home. 

Everything seems to go wrong while Roosevelt is trying to act right. There are lots of unexpected twists and turns before the end of the two weeks. Will his behavior be good enough?

My Thoughts
This is a good fast-paced chapter book for middle school readers. Boys will relate to the problems that Roosevelt faces in the story. The humor is outstanding and will have children laughing out loud while reading about some of Roosevelt's escapades.

The primary theme of this story is friendship. It is very important for children this age to be accepted by peers and have loyal friends. Roosevelt has to face rejection when his friends are preparing for the bike ride/camping trip and he no longer has a bike (his bike was wrecked while doing a science fair project).

Roosevelt's parents are supportive and help him resolve a problem that almost costs him the bike. Roosevelt learns that honesty is important in any relationship and taking responsibility for your actions is the best choice for success.

The illustrations add value and humor to the story.

I applaud the author for adding a few historical references to this story. I hope this will make young readers curious enough to head for the library and search for more information about U.S. presidents.

Recommended for students in grades 3 - 5.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair review from NetGalley.

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The Joy Plan - A Book Review

The Joy Plan: How I Took 30 Days to Stop Worrying, Quit Complaining, and Find Ridiculous Happiness

Author: Kaia Roman

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Date of Publication: July 11, 2017

Pages: 321 pages


About the Author
Kaia Roman has a twenty-year background in public relations and marketing. She is currently a Mindfulness Teacher for elementary school students and a regular contributor to numerous mindfulness, happiness, and wellbeing blogs. She lives in Santa Cruz, CA.

Kaia Roman felt down-and-out after her business collapsed.  She was seeking direction in her role as a wife, mother, friend and business woman. She consulted a friend and decided to devote the next 30 days of her life to creating JOY!

Ms. Roman discovered that The Joy Plan was much more than a 30 day project. 
Joy and happiness became a lifestyle that would change her life and the lives of her loved ones.

This is both a memoir and a self-help book for anyone who is seeking joy and a positive lifestyle.

My Thoughts
What is a joy plan and how do you make one?

I think we would all like more joy in our lives. While happiness is a state of mind based on circumstances, joy is an internal feeling that disregards circumstances.

Kaia Roman explained how she started the joy plan by asking a single question; "Does this feel good?" As the author learned to choose positive thoughts and attitudes, her life took a joyful turn. She was attracting positive people and experiences into her life. 

I enjoyed this book very much. Ms. Roman provided a detailed account of the ups and downs that she experienced on her quest for joy. She cited an impressive number of references and resources for further study. There is an excellent discussion guide at the end of the book to be used with a study group or just a review of the reading material.

I am currently taking a MOOC on Positive Psychology at Coursera. The experiences chronicled in this book demonstrate that positive emotions CAN change your life for the better. I applaud Ms. Roman for writing this book and thank her for showing us how to "stop worrying, quit complaining, and find ridiculous happiness."

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUR OF 5

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

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Book Review: A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik

One Word Book Review: ADMIRABLE

Title: A Simple Act of Gratitude

Author: John Kralik

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Length: 243 Pages


About The Author
John Kralik practiced law for thirty years before he was appointed a judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. He lives in the Los Angeles area.

365 Thank-You Notes
John Kralik, at the age of 53, found his life in a mess. 

At the end of 2007:

• his small law firm was failing;
• he was struggling through a painful second divorce;
• he had grown distant from his two older children and was afraid he might lose contact with his young daughter;
• he was living in a tiny apartment where he froze in the winter and baked in the summer;
• he was 40 pounds overweight;
• his girlfriend had just broken up with him;
• and his dream of becoming a judge seemed to have slipped beyond his reach.

Inspired by a handwritten thank-you note that he received from his former girlfriend for a Christmas gift, John decided to write 365 thank-you notes in 2008.

This memoir describes how the act of expressing gratitude can change a person's thinking and his circumstances.

My Thoughts
This book is not a new release, but it has been on my "wish list" for quite some time. It is a good book to read while you are thinking about goals for a new year.

I believe a focus on gratitude can be a life-changing experience. Mr. Kralik found his circumstances changing when he focused on the blessings in his life instead of the problems.

I chose the word "admirable" to describe this book because I admire a person who takes time to write and send a thank-you note. It displays a certain kind of class that is sorely lacking in our modern society.

The wonderful thing about this is that it benefits the sender of the thank-you note just as much (or perhaps more) as it benefits the recipient. This turned out to be a win-win journey for Mr. Kralik and all who have followed his path of expressing gratitude.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this ebook from Amazon.Com with my own funds. The price is $1.99 at this time (prices are subject to change at any time.)

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I Can See Clearly Now

Author: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Publisher: Hay House, Inc.

Date: February 25, 2014

Length: 389 pages




About The Author
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of more than 40 books, has created numerous audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

Turning Back the Years
They say that hindsight is always 20/20...Dr. Dyer reflects on his life, beliefs and writings in this autobiography.

The book begins with the author's difficult young years growing up in foster homes. The author clearly sees how these difficult times helped him learn to be self-sufficient and independent.

As a young man, Dr. Dyer spent several years serving in the U.S. Navy. During these years, the author determined that he wanted to go to college and eventually become a teacher.

The author reflects on how he wrote his first book, Your Erroneous Zones, and traveled around the country promoting the book and selling it. His love for teaching and writing led to the publication of over 40 books and his wildly popular appearances on PBS television stations.

The author touches on his personal family life but mostly focuses on his writing and teaching accomplishments. The book ends with his recent diagnosis of leukemia and how he is dealing with this chronic disease.

My Thoughts
I have been a fan of Dr. Dyer's writings since I read Your Erroneous Zones back in 1977. I have not read all of his books, but I have a pretty nice collection of Dyer books on my bookshelf.

This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the man who became a best-selling author, teacher, speaker and a mainstay in PBS' membership drives.

I feel like reading this book was like turning back the years. I was thinking about events that happened in my own life as the author was sharing memories about his life and work.

This book demonstrates the value of looking back and clearly seeing how events, circumstances and people have come to guide you on your road to self-discovery. Dr. Dyer believes this guidance has been there for him every step of the way...and it has been there for you as well.

You don't have to agree with all of Dr. Dyer's teachings to find insight and inspiration in this book. Highly recommended.

MY RATING - 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts on the Comments Section below.

Children's Book Review: The Wild Texas Stampede by Margaret McManis

Wild Texas Stampede!, The

After her father leaves for Austin, Texas, Ima Hogg is left in charge of their unique farm and taking care of her mischievous little brother.


Author: Margaret McManis
Illustrator: Bruce Dupree

Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company

Date: September 1, 2008





About the Author
Margaret McManis, a former children's librarian, serves as a guest lecturer at schools, museums, libraries, and bookstores. She has written two other books for children; Ima and the Great Ostrich Race and Ole! Cinco de Mayo.

Ima Minds Her Little Brother
Ima Hogg's father was a 19th century governor of Texas. He had to travel to Austin for the election, so he left Ima in charge of "minding" her little brother, Tom. They lived on a ranch with many exotic and unusual animals.

Ima took her responsibility very seriously and was determined to keep her brother in line while her father was away. Tom liked to "bother the buffaloes, outrage the ostriches, and panic the pachyderms."

Ima was at her wit's end when Tom caused the animals to stampede and put their safety in danger. She knew she had to do something to get Tom to leave the animals alone.

Ima came up with a "sticky" plan that would keep Tom away from the animals and out of danger.

My Thoughts
This is a historical fiction story based on the lives of a real Texas governor and his family. The author included a page at the end of the book that tells about the real Governor James Stephen Hogg and his delightful family that included Ima and her four brothers. Since their mother died when Ima was thirteen, she was often left in charge of her younger siblings.

Ima's father knew that he could trust her to take care of Tom while he was away. Ima was up to the task. Her little brother was "all boy", but Ima came up with an ingenious idea to keep him out of trouble until their father returned.

Children will notice the loving care that Ima gave her brother...even when she was angry with him! The antics with the animals will have children laughing out loud. Can you imagine a stampede of buffaloes, ostriches and elephants?

The full-page color illustrations complimented the text and added a great deal to the enjoyment of this book.

This book makes Texas history fun and will have children begging to learn more about Ima Hogg and her family.  The book is perfect for read-aloud to young children or independent reading for more advanced readers. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I checked out a print copy of this book from my local public library.

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Book Review: A Search For Purple Cows by Susan Call

A Search for Purple Cows: A True Story of Hope

Author:  Susan Call

Publisher:  Guideposts

Date:  October 1, 2013






About The Author
Susan Call is a speaker and author who enjoys sharing her insights from life's valley, offering hope and wisdom to her audiences. She holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College and a BA in Computer Science from Susquehanna University.

From Victim to Victor
As a young wife and mother, Susan Call found herself in a a cycle of abuse and betrayal. Her husband was handsome and charming but he also had a dark side. He was an alcoholic and controlled his wife with verbal and emotional abuse.  The last straw came when Susan discovered that her husband was having an affair with their former nanny.

God spoke to Susan's heart as she listened to a Christian radio station. As her faith strengthened, Susan had the courage to take her children and leave her abuser. This is the story of her journey of faith, courage and hope.

My Thoughts
Research shows that the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she is preparing to leave her abuser. This is a true story about how Susan Call was able to leave a very abusive marriage and start a new life with her children.

Ms. Call gives God the glory for guiding and protecting her during the difficult days of her separation and divorce. She describes how she feared for her life and the lives of her family members because of the threats that her husband made. 

It seemed like helpful people always showed up in Susan's life when she needed them the most.  She knew this was no coincidence. God protected her and had a good plan for her future.

Susan Call lived with her children as a single parent for several years.  She was able to work with her ex-husband so that the children would be able to visit him on a regular schedule. God provided a job that she could work from home and she eventually met her new husband through her work team. 

Susan described how she has forgiven her ex-husband and moved forward in her life. Susan is not a victim. She has found victory through her faith in Jesus Christ. 

This book will provide hope to other women who find themselves in an abusive relationship. It is a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace. Highly recommended!

My Rating:  5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary print copy of this book from B & B Media Group for an honest review.

Please share your thought in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: A Letter To Evan by Roy Page

A Letter to Evan: An Average Dad's Journey of Discovery and Discernment Through Divorce

Author: Roy Page and Sarah Horton

Publisher: Lucid Books

Date: April 13, 2013





About the Author
Roy Page is CEO of Third Degree Advertising. His broad range of professional expertise includes brand development, strategic marketing, market analysis, and improving organizational success through effective communication. This is his first book.

Divorce Changes Everything
Roy Page was living a fairytale life. He had been married for almost 20 years to a woman he loved. He was blessed with two wonderful children, a successful business and financial status he never thought he could achieve.

Within two years, his father developed Alzheimer's Disease, his marriage failed and his business began to change and erode.

During this difficult time, Roy wrote his son a series of letters sharing his feelings, concerns and faith. He wrote about the difficult adjustments that everyone in his family had to make. Most importantly, he emphasized his love for his children and his desire to be the best father he could be.

My Thoughts
Men tend to keep their feelings bottled up. They like to be in control and don't want to admit they have problems dealing with life situations. Mr. Page did an excellent job describing his difficulties and explaining how he dealt with them.

The first priority in his life was to be a good father to his children. He shared how his Christian faith helped him move forward. He dealt with the guilt and sadness of being separated from his children and the fear that he would no longer have a close bond with them.

This book will inspire and motivate families in similar situations. Mr. Page has used these bad circumstances to grow and become a better father. He understands that the children's well-being should come before the parent's agendas.

This is truly a story of discovery and discernment. Recommended to all who are dealing with divorce and the problems that come with it.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from B & B Media Group.

Book Review: Thrashing About With God by Mandy Steward

Thrashing About with God: Finding Faith on the Other Side of Everything

Author: Mandy Steward

Publisher: David C. Cook

Release Date: October 1, 2013




About The Author
Mandy Steward is a writer, speaker, and blogger in the midst of discovering her authentic Christian self. Her writing has appeared in Brio and Breakaway magazines and on her blog MessyCanvas.com. Her work reflects her life as a wife and mother of four and her passion for art. She lives with her family in Oklahoma City.

Tired of Doing the Christian Thing
Are you tired of pretending?

Are you tired of spitting out right answers for others when your own well has gone dry.

Are you tired of thinking the dreams you long to step into aren't holy enough to warrant action?

Are you tired of religiously giving and sacrificing and having nothing left to feed yourself?

Mandy Steward is a pastor's wife, mother of four young children and a talented artist. This is the story of her search for spiritual fulfillment and peace.

Ms. Steward struggles with the expectations that are placed on Christians by the church and society. She questions the beliefs that she was taught as a child. She copes with the guilt, doubt and fear she feels as she questions her faith and her own identity.

Mandy Steward shares her "messy life" and quest to balance her roles as a Christian, wife, mother and artist.

My Thoughts
Ms. Steward has written a heartfelt, thoughtful account of her spiritual and emotional journey over the past several years. She questions almost everything about her life. She comes to the realization that there is nothing wrong with questioning because it is the way a person grows.

It has been several months since I have read a "Christian book." I must warn you that this is not the average book written for Christian women. This book is brutally honest, unvarnished and "messy".  The author writes from her heart and expresses a very realistic view of her personal and family life.

I was very impressed by the patience and understanding that was shown by her husband and church family. This young woman is truly blessed to have a loving support system that will allow her to honestly examine her life and follow her dreams.

The good news is that questions lead to understanding and change. This book will inspire women to take a good look at their own situations and see if they are living the life "to the full" that Jesus promises in John 10:10.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: God, Hold Me While I Cry by Don Dilmore

GOD, HOLD ME WHILE I CRY: HOW GOD USED OTHERS TO BLESS ANNA'S LIFE

Author: Don Dilmore

Publisher: Authorhouse

Date: March 17, 2011



About The Author
Don Dilmore has authored seven books. Mr. Dilmore served in the Merchant Marines in World War II. He graduated from Franklin College where he edited the college newspaper. He then spent 37 years in the life insurance and real estate business. After doing lay-preaching for many years, Mr. Dilmore was ordained as a pastor at age 65. He and his wife live in Montgomery, Texas.

Anna's Story

"This book is dedicated to all those who have suffered hardship, hoping that after you read Anna's story, you will know, without a doubt that if we will ask God to come into our lives, anything is possible. His love will overcome any handicap, hardship or disappointment". 

Mr. Don Dilmore tells how God used many people to help Anna Lybarger through one desperate situation after another as she was raised in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Anna married an American GI and moved to the United States but discovered that her husband had a serious drinking problem. She took her children and divorced her husband but was soon involved in another abusive relationship.

Anna eventually met and married Herschel Lybarger. He was a good man and provided a stable home for Anna and her children. Anna and Herschel had a son who was brain-damaged and suffered serious mental and physical challenges. Anna trusted God to help them conquer adversity and hardship.

Anna's story is about hope and faith in God. God was always with her. He answered her prayers and brought peace and love into her life.

My Thoughts
I met Mr. Dilmore at a Christmas Market at my church. I enjoyed visiting with him and purchased this book from him. I picked up this book last week and read the entire volume in a couple of days.

I found Anna's story very interesting and inspiring. My family came to the United States from Germany in the early 1900s so I was fascinated with the details about her life in Germany.

I enjoyed reading about a woman who lives in a neighboring town and learning some local history along the way. Mrs. Lybarger's Christian testimony left a deep impression on me.

This story is about faith, hope and love. If you are going through a difficult time, this book will encourage and inspire you.  Mr. Dilmore did a good job sharing this story.

My Rating: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

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Book Review: Baby Laughs by Jenny McCarthy

Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood

Author: Jenny McCarthy

Publisher: Plume (Penguin Publishing)

Date: April 4, 2006

Guest Book Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas


About The Author
Jenny McCarthy is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Belly Laughs, Baby Laughs, and Louder Than Words.  The former host of MTV's hugely popular dating show Singled Out, McCarthy began her career as a Playboy model, before launching a high-profile comedic television and film career.

Mommy and Baby

Baby Laughs takes the reader through a humorous journey of the ups and downs of the first year of motherhood. The book starts with delivery, touching on natural delivery and cesarean section delivery. She then moves to discuss the debate of breastfeeding versus the bottle, the changes in women’s bodies as they heal (i.e. hormones, post-partum depression, weight loss), split parenting, illness, doctor’s visits, poopie diapers, and even has a section for the dads.  

The topics are looked at in a light-hearted manner. This is not a medically written book, but a book by a first time mother who also happens to be a comedian. There is some graphic language in this book, if you are easily offended you may want to think twice before picking up this book. This book made me laugh out loud (literally, my husband thought I was going crazy a time or two) and it also made me cry thinking about the times that I’ve had with my little ones and comforted by the fact that someone else felt the same way.

My Thoughts
I personally related to this book in so many ways. I love that Jenny calls her son her “Baby Bird” and herself the “Mother Bird”. This always makes me smile. Baby Laughs is easy to read and gives a realistic/comical view to the first year of motherhood. I highly recommend this book for a good laugh and a few tears for new moms (and moms of all ages). Think of this book as learning from a good friend or relative who has already lived through it and is sharing with you.

Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

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Kindle Book For Kids: Katie Sue's First Day Of School

Katie Sue's First Day Of School (A Beautifully Illustrated Rhyming Children's Picture Book)

Author:Kimberly Bennet
Illustrator: Daniela Frongia

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Publication Date: April 6, 2012





About The Author
Kimberly Bennet is the author of four Kindle books for kids on Amazon.

School Days
School bells will soon be ringing and kids will be headed back to school. When I worked as an elementary school librarian, I always looked for a good "first day of school" book to share with students during their first visit to the library. Children love to read about kids who are experiencing similar experiences, feelings and fears. They relate to the characters in the story and realize that there is really nothing to fear.

Katie Sue is getting ready to attend her first day of kindergarten. She is worried that she will have a grumpy teacher, the work will be too hard and she won't like the snacks. Katie Sue's biggest worry is that she will not have any friends. Her mother tells her not to worry because school will be a great place where she can learn and make new friends.

The picture on the cover of the book shows Katie Sue giving a huge "thumbs-up" at the end of her first day of school. She can't wait for another day!

My Thoughts
Katie Sue is a delightful character and the full-page illustrations really make her come to life. I read this book on my Kindle 3 and I was very impressed with the digital formatting. The full-page illustrations alternate with four lines of text on each screen view. The black text is easy to read on the white background and the illustrations are outstanding.

The black-and-white illustrations on my Kindle are clear and bright. Children will not have any problem reading this book on the small screen of the Kindle. I viewed the illustrations in color on my Kindle for PC Application and the colors are bright, cheerful and will be very appealing to children.

The story deals with a problem that many children will relate to...the first day of school jitters. A few of the rhyming patterns in the text are a little rough, but the theme of the story is presented in a very positive and kid-friendly way.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received this digital ebook from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a free download. Please check the current price before purchasing.

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Book Review: Save Your Marriage - Get Rid Of Your Resentment

Do you tend to give your spouse the "silent treatment" when you are upset? Do you mull the same old issue over a lot, building a tighter case against your partner as time goes by?

Marriage counselor Claire Hatch, author of "Save Your Marriage; Get Rid Of Your Resentment", believes that resentment could be undermining the closeness you want from your relationship. She explains how most resentments develop in a predictable cycle in this ebook.


About the Author
Claire Hatch first showed an interest in counseling at age 14, when she volunteered on a crisis hotline for teenagers. Now a licensed social worker, she maintains a private practice near Seattle, WA. She specializes in marriage counseling and works to bridge the engineer/woman divide.

The Cycle of Resentment
The author defines "resentment" as anger that snowballs in your mind because you can't express your feelings and be understood. Either you try and get stuck in the blame game, or you've given up. This ebook is mostly for women who are afraid that resentment is sapping the life out of their marriage.

Ms. Hatch has identified a "resentment cycle" that explains how resentment really works. The following elements are included in the cycle of resentment;

• Trigger event
• Burning unmet desires
• Negative conclusions
• Painful feelings
• Reactions
• New desires

The author encourages the reader to print out a worksheet from her web site to work through each part of the cycle. This makes the woman aware of what is going on with her feelings before she talks to her spouse.

Ms. Hatch offers some very helpful communication tools to help the husband/wife learn to discuss their feelings in a successful manner. Many husbands will not be eager to talk about their feelings because they have been caught in the trap of not talking. The author gives many suggestions for healthy and productive communication between a husband and wife.

My Thoughts
This book begins with a case study based on two couples that Ms. Hatch has counseled in her private practice. She does a very good job explaining exactly how resentment can drive a wedge between a couple and damage their marriage.

After explaining the problem, the author goes into a detailed explanation of the cycle of resentment and how to overcome it. She offers women many suggestions for communicating with their husbands in a way that will improve the relationship and make the couple feel close again.

Ms. Hatch provides practical, do-able advice in an easy-to-understand method. The strategies in this relatively short ebook can really make a difference in your marriage and your life. The price of this Kindle ebook is $0.99 ~ This is an incredible resource for the money. Highly recommended!

FYI ~ Thank you to Ms. Hatch for sending me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Kindle Books for Kids: Snow Man Is My Friend

Snow Man Is My Friend, written and illustrated by Steven Novak, is a poignant picture book about a lonely young boy and his quest for comfort and companionship. The boy is the son of an alcoholic father and an emotionally unavailable mother. He feels alone even when surrounded by others. The snow man understands.

Many children will understand this boy's plight. This is an excellent book to introduce children to the problem of substance abuse in the family.

About the Author
Born in Chicago Illinois, Steven Novak has spent the whole of his life creating. After attending The Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus Ohio for four years he moved to California where he married his wife, Tamara. While working as a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, he produced several successful blogs and began to slowly piece together the story that would eventually become "Forts." His work can be found online at www.novakillustration.com

A Sad and Lonely Boy
This is a story about a boy named Jacob who lives in a dysfunctional family. His father drinks and his mother stays in her room and cries. He feels lonely and hopeless, even when he is surrounded by children at school.

One cold winter night, Jacob runs away from home. He runs through the snowy forest and stops to notice the quietness of the trees and the frozen water in the lake. He is cold but he doesn't mind the cold. He rolls one ball of snow and then another and still another.

Jacob makes a snow man and shares the secrets of his heart with his new best friend. The snow man listens and does not judge. Jacob needed a sympathetic friend and he found one in the most unlikely place.

My Thoughts
I can only think of one word to describe this ebook: SPLENDID!!!
Mr. Novak has done an amazing job portraying the emotions and feelings of the boy in this story. The black-and-white illustrations complement the text and add in-depth emotion to the story. I love the close-up illustration of Jacob's face with such a sad, lonely look. A picture is truly worth a thousand words.

The first word of each line of text is in bold print. I think this adds more drama and emotion to the story. The formatting is very professional and the story has a great flow from text to illustration.

The subject of substance abuse in the family is often swept under the rug. I am very grateful to Mr. Novak for writing this top-notch children's book. I am giving the book a 5 STAR RATING, but I wish I could give it more. Excellent choice for children of all ages.

FYI ~ I ordered this ebook from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a free digital download. Please check the price before ordering.

Pease share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.


Book Review: Chopsticks (Friends For A Season)

Two 13-year-old girls compete in a song-writing contest. They both desperately need the $400.00 prize money to help others at Christmas.
Will their friendship survive?
Will this competition draw them closer together or tear them apart?
Will their Christian faith help them overcome the challenges that they face at home and at school?
Chopsticks, by Sandra Byrd, is a book for tweens/teens that includes fun, friends, family and faith.
About The Author
After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than three dozen books. A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. Sandra is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self-publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Two Young Musicians Become Friends
One girl sells the other a guitar and they seal their new friendship with a pair of chopsticks from a Chinese restaurant. The girls love music but their lives are very different.
Paige Winsome has always been in the shadow of her athletic brother and her academic sister. She feels like she has to fight for attention in her affluent family and that her musical talents are overlooked.
Kate Kennedy is an only child.  Her father is a pastor but has to work a second job to make ends meet. Kate uses her musical abilities in the youth group at church but she feels bad about always having to accept hand-outs from members of the church.
The girls both enter a singer/songwriter competition. The first place prize is $400.00 and an opportunity to sing at the annual Thanksgiving Day football game. Paige wants to use the prize money to donate to an animal rescue group. Kate wants to use the money to buy Christmas presents for needy American Indian children.
The girls are both talented and have what it takes to win the contest. The surprise ending of this story shows how faith and friendship can overcome all obstacles.


My Thoughts
This book is realistic Christian fiction for tweens/teens at it's best. The girls in the story face real-life challenges, pressures and heartaches. The one thing that gives them hope for a better future is their Christian faith.
The girls learn to put their own self-interests aside and concentrate on helping others. This book highlights strong family values without being overly saccharine or gooey. Highly recommended for tweens/teens ages 10 - 14!

The Friends For A Season Series
Chopsticks is Book #2 in the "Friends For A Season" series. It was first published as a paperback book in 2005 and was released in digital format in October, 2011.

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Book Review: I Surrender All - Christian Singer Clay Crosse Battles Pornography

Clay and Renee Crosse share the struggle to save their marriage in "I Surrender All; Rebuilding A Marriage Broken By Pornography". 

In 1998, Clay Crosse found himself on the verge of losing his music career and his family. His voice was hoarse but the doctors could not find any physical cause for his ailments. Clay grew increasingly depressed because he was hiding a dirty little secret from his wife and his fans.

About The Author
Clay Crosse is a Dove Award winning contemporary Christian music artist. Clay released his first album, My Place Is With You, in 1995. "I Surrender All" was the most successful single from the album.

Lust and Pornography
Clay accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of thirteen. He was active in church youth groups and music groups. He was a Christian but did not have a close personal relationship with Christ.

Clay had his first experience with pornography when he was in the fourth grade.  He was at a friend's house and they found the dad's collection of magazines. His  involvement with pornography increased as he entered his high school years.

Clay and Renee started dating and made public commitments to sexual purity, but Clay continued to secretly view pornographic magazines and videos. He didn't realize that this "habit" was taking over his life and damaging his relationship with his wife and with God.

Clay and Renee Crosse share the difficult journey they experienced after Clay went public with his problem and asked for forgiveness. They both share their feelings in the pages of this book. They were committed to their marriage and they were able to use this experience to draw nearer to God and to each other.

My Thoughts
I never thought I would be writing about pornography on this blog. It is one of those subjects that we like to sweep under the rug. It is one of those "hush-hush" subjects that everyone knows about but it is not a "politically correct" topic of conversation.

I did a little research on the topic of pornography and found the following statistics on the United Families International Blog:

• 12% of the sites on the Internet are pornographic (that is 24,644,172 sites).
• 40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn sites.
• 1 in 3 porn viewers are women.
• 70% of men between 18 and 24 years old visit porn sites in a typical month.
• In the U.S., porn pulls in $2.84 BILLION per year. The entire worldwide industry is worth $4.9 BILLION.
• The most popular day of the week for viewing porn is Sunday.
• There are 116,000 searches for "Child Pornography" every day.

So, pornography is BIG business and it is not going to just go away. I truly respect Clay and Renee Crosse for going public with this sensitive subject. Clay did not make excuses for his actions. He was willing to take full responsibility for the hurt that he caused others and he was committed to turning his life around.

This couple is a role model for couples who find their marriage in the ditch. Clay and Renee demonstrate that it is possible to come through the storm and have a stronger marriage and a closer walk with God. They are reaching out to other hurting couples with their Holy Homes Ministry.

I am reminded of the Scripture in Luke 8:17 ~ "For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light".     

"I Surrender All" will inspire and encourage anyone who is burdened with the secret of pornography. There is hope for a better life....this book proves it!   

Book Review: The Reason - Help and Hope For Those Who Grieve

Sally Grablick tells the heart-wrenching story of her son's suicide in "The Reason; Help and Hope for Those Who Grieve". Ms. Grablick shares the feelings she experienced in the days, months and years following her son's death. This is a story of lessons learned, tools used and insights gained while navigating the way through grief to hope.


"When it comes to grief, the real 'expert' is the one who has experienced it firsthand, and then lived to tell the tale. In this case, that would be me. (Sally Grablick)


Each person must find their own path that leads from grief to acceptance. This book is a memoir of one mother's journey.



Experiencing A Tragedy
Ryan Wecker was 19-years-old when he shot himself...in his room, in his parent's home, with a rifle. Sally Grablick tells how she went from walking five miles, five days a weeks, to sitting on her deck smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The experience of losing her son left Ms. Grablick paralyzed both physically and emotionally.

The author has done extensive research on the subject of overcoming grief and surviving the suicide of a close family member. She is very open and honest about her experiences. She wanted to know; "Where did he go, and is he alright?"
The author believes that one tool for dealing with grief is to cultivate an openness to the presence of their loved one's spirit. She has found closure and peace by recognizing signs that her son is near her and finding ways to communicate with him.

My Thoughts
This book is a very engaging and touching read. The author is very direct in describing the heartache and pain that comes with losing a child by suicide. Ms. Grablick makes it clear that the road to recovery is very long and very hard for the entire family.

I really liked the way the author shared the "tools" that she used to deal with this tragedy. She admitted that she took antidepressant medications, sought the help of an experienced therapist and depended on friends and family for emotional support. She also shared her experiences with getting readings from psychics and  fortunetellers.
I admire her determination to explore every available avenue to find closure. You might not agree with all of her methods, but you will rejoice with this mother as she finds acceptance and peace.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the author's publicist.

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Golden Oldies For Kids - Surprise on Wheels by Margaret Friskey

I was recently visiting my mother's home and found this "golden oldie" on her bookshelf. This is actually two stories about some very innovative children. "Surprise on Wheels and Wings Over The Woodshed", by Margaret Friskey, was published in 1945.
The words "Irving School, Sept. 1954" are stamped inside the cover of this book. Irving School was an elementary school in Higginsville, Missouri. This book must have been read many, many times because almost every page has been mended with tape.

This is a book for beginning readers. The book is illustrated with both color and black & white drawings.

About The Author
Margaret Friskey joined Childrens Press in 1946, the second employee to be hired in the new juvenile publishing house. She worked as an editor for the company for twenty-five years and directed the publication of over seven hundred books. She is the author of over twenty children's books.

Childhood Before the Days of Television
These two stories tell about three siblings who were very creative. Patsy and Peter were five years old. Billy was just two years old. Patsy and Peter knew how to build things with a hammer and saw. In "Surprise on Wheels", they found a big wooden box and built a boat. The boat would not "GO" so they decided to build a train. They were upset because they did not have any wheels and the train would not "GO".

Little Brother Bill said his big round wooden blocks could be wheels. The children attached the wheels to their train and the train went racing down the hill (with a push from the pet goat).

In "Wings Over The Woodshed", the children build a wooden airplane and their Uncle Joe helped them make it fly! Uncle Joe strings a rope between his barn and a neighbor's tree. He then uses a pulley to make the plane "fly" along the rope. They use the plane to rescue a neighbor's cat who is stuck in the tree.


My Thoughts
The children in this story were very innovative. It is hard to imagine five-year-old children being able to build vehicles like they did in these stories. The children seemed to be very skilled with the tools and there was no mention of safety issues in the book.

In the days before television, children had to entertain themselves. They had to use their imaginations to visit faraway kingdoms and play with whimsical characters. I think every child imagines building their own car, train or airplane. These children were doing what many dreamed of doing.

I think most parents today would hesitate to turn their young children loose in their workshop. I do think these stories illustrate a spirit of adventure that many children of that day displayed. It was wonderful to turn back the years and read a book that was treasured by children over 60 years ago.

Book Giveaway Winner!
Congratulations to Roberta for winning my book giveaway last week. I will be sending the signed copy of "Marketing Shortcuts for the Unemployed" to New Zealand this week.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Passion To Action

Do you have a strong desire and passion to serve the Lord and let God use you in extraordinary ways?
This is the true story about a family who decided to sell their home and travel the country doing random acts of kindness. Passion To Action, by Jay and Beth Loecken, is an inspiring story about a family striving to find and fulfill their purpose in life.
The Loeckens were searching for meaning in their lives while living the American dream. They had four children, lived in a large house and drove nice cars...but something was missing. This is a book that describes a journey of passion, faith and taking action to serve others.


About The Authors

Jay and Beth Loecken and their children Ben, Bekah, Abigail, and Noah, originally from Atlanta, have been on the road for more than three years. They’ve been featured in Ladies’ Home Journal and on Good Morning America. Learn more about their ministry of service at Passiontoaction.Org.

 

A Life Of Service

In the summer of 2007, the Loeckens went to Africa on a mission trip with three of their four children. That trip changed their lives. When they returned home to their comfortable lifestyle, they all knew they wanted something more.

 

In April, 2008, the family made the decision to sell their home, purchase an RV, and begin traveling the country serving communities in need. "Their mission is to inspire others, empower them with tools and resources, and mobilize them to put their faith in action".

 

This book tells of the challenges and rewards that come with living on the road. The family learned to live in a much smaller space and to get along with much less "stuff" and money. They learned the joys of performing small tasks to help those less fortunate. Their faith in God has grown tremendously as they have stepped out and broken past their fears.

 

My Thoughts

I found this book to be an inspiring and fascinating read. "Passion To Action" provides the real-life struggles that must be faced when living a life of service. The Loecken family is doing something that many dream about but few have the courage to act on it.

The book is written from both Jay and Beth's point of view. I think this gives the reader an excellent understanding of both a father/husband's concerns and a mother/wife's concerns and joys. Jay is frequently dealing with the challenges of operating the RV and dealing with the family's limited finances. Beth is busy homeschooling the children and building relationships with the people they meet.

 

Do you believe God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways?  This book will inspire you to take a look at your priorities and lifestyle. Where is God calling you to serve?

 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Audra Jennings at The B & B Media Group to read and review.

 

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.