“Wreck the Halls” by Melinda Rathjen

Posted on December 12, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Gareth Williams 

A Wreckers Christmas!

Join the Wreckers as they have a good time celebrating Christmas.  Fans of the Wreckers will be happy to see that they outshine all competition when it comes to carolers, gift wrapping, delivering and anything else associated with the season.

Children will smile and laugh when the bright illustrations show the Wreckers can carry lots of presents, and that the Wreckers are decorated for Christmas. 

 

This large chunky board book is fun, and light-hearted.  Children through four-years old will enjoy making merry with this five-star book!

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Wreck the Halls, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Jingle Bells: Sing Along With Me” by James Lord Pierpont

Posted on December 7, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Yu-hsuan Huang

Ding-a-ling Ling!

Ready to go on a fun adventure based on Jingle Bells, the popular Christmas song?

Lines of the familiar tune appear with the brightly colored illustrations on the pages.  Little ones will find a hands-on activity with every turn of the page—including the front cover.  The variety of things to do include moving a wheel, pulling an arrow to discover the secret behind it, and pulling a circle to make a horse and sleigh glide across the page.

Have lots of fun singing Jingle Bells while looking at the pictures, and playing with the all the activities. The back of the book includes a code that can be used to hear the song.

This over-sized, five-star board book is extra chunky making it easy for little hands to grasp its pages.  Children from birth through age three will enjoy this tale—expect lots of smiles and giggles—and that this book will be a favorite all year long!

Nosy Crow and Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Jingle Bells Sing Along With Me, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“How to Teach Your Cat a Trick in Five Easy Steps” by Nicola Winstanley

Posted on December 5, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Zoe Si

Every Dog has His Day, and so do Cats!

Is this a children’s book that also appeals to adults?

Or, an adult book that children will like as well.

This tongue-in-cheek book tells the story of a little boy who is sure he can teach his cat, Einstein, to do tricks—in five easy steps no less!  As the tale goes on, it is clear that Noodles, the dog, is very trainable.  While Einstein ignores every direction, Noodles is somewhere in the background following instructions to the letter.

After lots of frustration, and many attacks to the sofa by Einstein, the little boy discovers there is one trick Einstein can do.  My cat will also perform it!

Children will like this story of cat training gone wrong that is done in picture book format.  Expect a lot of giggles when reading this with little ones through age seven.  Smiles will abound when Einstein will do his one trick—especially if there is a cat in the family.

On the other hand, this book will be enjoyed by adults who appreciate humor, even in tales geared toward youngsters.  I suggest this five-star book will be a hit for many ages, especially cat lovers of all sizes.  If you are a cat owner, it is definitely a fall-out-of-your- chair laughing tale!

The Library Thing and Tundra Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, How to Teach Your Cat a Trick, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“Christmas Street” by Jonathan Emmett

Posted on November 25, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius

Come to the Christmas Village!

This adorable book takes place on Christmas Street—a cute village that has flaps that open.  Inside them will be found residents busy with different Christmas tasks such as decorating the tree, making gingerbread or present shopping.  Additionally, each flap shows a letter of the alphabet that has a Christmas theme.

As the reader goes down Christmas Steet, another building folds out until the book becomes over eight feet long!  Besides being something to read, this book can stand up on its own, and even become a decoration.

Children will be amazed to have a book that is this big, along with all the fun flaps to open.  The members of the village are cute animals such as reindeer, bears and even giraffes.  The illustrator, Ingela P. Arrhenius, made the pictures brightly colored and endearing.

Little ones through five-years old will love this lift-the-flap board book.  They will enjoy the many surprises under the flaps, the book’s ability to grow, along with the way it can be set up when opened.  This sturdy book is sure to last a long time, and I highly recommend it!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Christmas Street, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“The Blackout Book Club” by Amy Lynn Green

Posted on November 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

On the Homefront!

During WWII, in a small town in Maine, a group of very different people come together to form a book club.

The members include:

Louise, the wealthiest person in town, and the most difficult. Her father donated the library, now, she wants to close it.

Avis started the book club to keep Louise from closing the library. Her husband, Russell, is hard to live with since he has not been eligible to join the military.

Ginny, hard-working and plain-spoken, relocated after the government took their family business.

Freddy who lost an eye in the war, is now working as a gardener for Louise.

Martina, along with her two children, is hiding in this small town from her abusive husband.

As time goes on, this eclectic mix of people form bonds and friendships, helping each other with losses and a variety of situations.

Martina suspects someone is committing treason with the Germans, but how to prove it? Russell may have found a way to be part of the war effort. Ginny believes that Freddy is hiding something. Avis continues to try to convince Louise to keep the library open. Will Louise’s secret save the library?

This is a fun book with quirky characters that balances out the serious things of the war. The author did a great job making the tale feel like the 1940’s, and it is told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this five-star book to fans of well-written stories or WWII tales.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Blackout Book Club, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/amygreenbooks/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amygreenbooks/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.amygreenbooks.com

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“Something About Grandma” by Tania de Regil

Posted on November 19, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Visiting Grandma!

For the first time, Julia is going by herself to stay at Grandma’s house.  Lots of things there are different from what she is used to.  It is even in another country.

The little girl is fascinated by the plants Grandma has growing on her house and in her garden.  She is amazed that Grandma knows how to do so many things, including knowing when Julia is homesick, and helps her feel better.  In the end, the mystery of why Julia went alone is revealed when her parents arrive with a new baby.

This tale will open children’s eyes to the fun, new, and interesting things that older people have to offer. Also, that learning unfamiliar things can be an adventure.  It introduces the idea of going alone to visit someone and prepares them for the possibility of being homesick.  This story highlights the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

This is a good story to read anytime but will be handy if a child will be visiting someone by themselves.  Hard-backed and over-sized this book contains illustrations on every page.  Children ages four through eight-years-old will enjoy this tale.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Something About Grandma, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Honor’s Refuge” by Hallee Bridgeman

Posted on November 17, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Running from the Bad Guys!

As a child, Melissa watched her father beat her pregnant mother to death. Now an adult, Melissa runs a shelter for abused people, but her biggest desire is to be reunited with her baby sister, Lola, who she hasn’t seen since the night her mother died.

Phil is a former Special Forces soldier who had to leave the service after losing his leg. Although a doctor, he is is working as an EMT. Why would he do that? He loves Melissa but won’t act on it because he feels he isn’t good enough. Secretly, he has been searching for Lola.

Rescuing Lola opens up a huge can of worms since she is the wife of a dangerous drug lord, and is kept under lock and key. Her escape releases a small army of well-armed killers who search for Lola night and day. People are threatened, beaten, and die. Will Lola live long enough to get into protective custody, and get a new identity? Who can be trusted to help since at least one of the American agents is dirty, are there more?

Third in a series, this story stands on its own. This tale is full of action, but is clean, and includes times God helps them when nothing else can. I recommend this five-star story to fans of action and suspense.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Honor’s Refuge, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorhalleebridgeman/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/halleebridgeman/

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/halleeb

The Author’s Website:  https://www.halleebridgeman.com/books-by-series/

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“The Story of Christmas” by Patricia A. Pingry

Posted on November 16, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

How Christmas Really Began!

While a family is preparing for Christmas, the dad tells why we celebrate this holiday. Brightly colored illustrations show Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem. Later the birth of Jesus takes place while surrounded by animals. Angels sing glad tidings of his birth as shepherds listen in their fields.

As the family puts together a creche manger, the dad explains that Christmas is a birthday, it is that of Jesus. That is why we give presents at Christmas, because we are celebrating Jesus’ birth.

This five-star board book is sure to be a favorite of children up to five years-old. It is told with the miracles and wonders of the event, but in words a small child will understand. Remember the true meaning of Christmas with this book. I highly recommend it.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Story of Christmas, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

 

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“Targeted” by Eason, Blackburn & Walters

Posted on November 4, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Chase or Be Chased!

Enjoy three, fast-paced thrillers:

“On the Run,” by Lynette Eason

“Deadly Objective,” by Lynn H. Blackburn

“Caught in the Crosshairs,” by Natalie Walters
“On the Run”

In this first story, Daria is reliving the nightmares from her past. Her father had been a killer, and part of the Russian mafia. Daria’s information led to his capture, and ultimate death.

Now, years later and without warning, Daria is attacked in her home. She is sure it is men from her father’s dark network, and she barely escapes.

The doctor, Ryker who treats her wounds, believes her wild story, and helps her. The bad guys track her to the hospital, so Ryker leads her to his hidden home, but they show up there, too.

Can Daria get away permanently, or will they get her and kill her? Why are they after her?
“Deadly Objective”

Emily has been administering physical therapy to the vice-president’s son, Mason, at his home. Mason is a moody, and difficult teenager. His current secret service agent, Liam, is the first to keep Mason in line–most of the time. Today Mason is on his best behavior because after therapy, he will be going camping with Liam.

Before therapy finishes, a bomb goes off causing the ceiling to fall, barely missing Mason because of Emily’s quick action. After moving to a safe house, including Emily, another attack occurs. It is decided Mason would be safer in the woods than staying in town with all the attacks. So the camping trip moves forward, with Emily included.

After reaching the remote location, it is discovered the bad guys have followed them, and are determined to capture them. Will other agents arrive in time? Will the information Mason reveals help them?“Caught in the Crosshairs”

In the final installment, CIA officer, Claudia, follows the directions given in a mysteriuos text. Once there, she is surprised to find the dead bodies of Prince Mohamed, and his head of security. Police arrive and consider Claudia their number one suspect.

After following her, Ari the officer assigned to get the truth out of her, witnesses more than one attempt on Claudia’s life. The two of them work together to find out who wants her dead, and why. They will barely survive numerous attempts to kill Claudia. Who is behind this, and why?

These three thrillers will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. All these five-star tales are clean, and written from a Christian view point. You will get three exciting stories in one book, and I recommend it to everyone, but especially to fans of action and mystery.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Targeted, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lynetteeason

The Author’s Website:  https://lynetteeason.com

 

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LynnHBlackburn/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LynnHBlackburn/

The Author’s Website:  https://lynnhblackburn.com

 

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041917969557&ref=hl

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/natwalterswrite

The Author’s Website:  https://www.nataliewalterswriter.com 

 

 

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“You Can Shine So Bright!” by Jinger & Jeremy Vuolo

Posted on October 27, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Love Shines Through!

Want harmony instead of fighting, and crying among children? Try teaching them love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This pretty picture book illustrates how to do that.

Children, like adults, can’t always be perfect and follow these recommendations every time, but any attempt to do them will make everyone’s lives much better. This book states that just one act of kindness can change the world, so put these things into action!

The best way for children to learn these characteristics is for the adults around them to model them. Also known as the fruits of the Spirit, these traits will make adult’s lives happier, too, when they practice them.

Over-sized and hard-backed, this book contains a nice encouraging note from the authors in the back.

This 5-star book is recommended for ages 3 through 3rd grade, and adults of all ages who want a peaceful family.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, You Can Shine So Bright, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Jinger’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/

Jeremy’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_vuolo/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.jingerandjeremy.com

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