“Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt,” by Zondervan, Richard Cowdrey Illustrator

Posted on March 26, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

A Fiona the Hippo Book

The Missing Egg!

Join Fiona, a friendly little hippo, who likes to wear bunny ears, and wants to do something special. She decides to hold an Easter egg hunt for her animal friends. Right before it starts, Mrs. Swan rushes in, frantic because one of her eggs is missing.

As the animals begin searching for Easter eggs, Fiona asks them to please help look for the lost swan egg. A massive search takes place, and in the end, Fiona gets a nice surprise!

The illustrations throughout this story are colorful and charming.

Children will identify with the fun of hunting for eggs, as well as, trying to find something that is lost. Everyone will breathe a sigh of relief with the return of the little swan egg. Kids will be sure to smile, if not laugh, about Fiona’s new friend.

This sweet story will be enjoyed by children ages three to eight-years-old. This five-star picture book would be a nice addition to an Easter basket, or fun to read anytime of the year.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt,” Richard Cowdrey Illustrator, 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.

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“Kiki Finds Her Voice,” by Kierra Sheard Kelly

Posted on March 25, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Be True to You and Embrace Your God-Given Gifts!

Fitting In!

Kiki has always wanted to be part of the “it girl” group of girls, and finally has her chance. All of them are going to sing together at the elementary school talent show. The problem is the song the other girls want to sing. Kiki knows her mom would not approve of the love song, it is not appropriate for her age.

Her mom does finds out, and Kiki is forbidden from singing that song. Her mom suggests the girls sing a song from church.

Kiki approaches the girls about the song change, but they refuse. One of them makes fun of singing a church song. Kiki is left with the choice of going along with the girls, or standing up to them, and possibly singing alone. They might even kick her out of their crowd.

Will Kiki risk it all to do the right thing?

This story is based on a true situation that really happened in the author’s life. Children will be able to identify with Kiki’s position.

I loved this story; it is true to life. This book shows how difficult it can be to stand up for beliefs, and the peer pressure to cave in. Things did work out for Kiki, but she was willing to risk losing her new friends to do the right thing.

This is a wonderful life lesson, and a great way to open the door to talk with your child about facing similar situations–and stating they might have to stand alone like Kiki was willing to do. It is the perfect time to tell them you will support them when things are hard, and the importance of family standing together.

I highly recommend this five-plus-star book as a great tool for remaining faithful to your beliefs, even then it is hard. Children ages four through nine will enjoy this book–it is not to be missed!

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Kiki Finds Her Voice,” by Kierra Sheard Kelly, 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.

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“ ’Twas the Season of Lent,” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on March 24, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Get Ready!

Come on an adventure called, “Lent.” It takes place during the forty days leading up to Easter, and is a time to think about the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus. It is an occasion to get ready for Easter.

This very readable book is a great way to explore Lent with young ones. Whether it is the first time observing it, or something that has been done before, this book will add to the Easter season.

There are forty kid friendly entries, one for every day of Lent. Each narrative is attention-grabbing, and there is also a simple prayer that is only a line or two long. Rhyming verse is sprinkled throughout the book, along with lovely pictures that illustrate the different points of the story.

This picture book is written for children, so it is definitely something that little ones will enjoy, as well as, learn what Easter is about. This is a wonderful way to get the entire family involved by gathering together. Then an adult or older child can read an entry out loud. Natural discussion of what things mean will easily follow. These times can be simple, or more involved, as wanted.

This five-star book will be enjoyed by ages four through ten-years old, remembering that the younger ones will need to be read to.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “ ‘Twas the Season of Lent” by, Glenys Nellist, 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.

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“Easter Love Letters, Updated Edition,” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on March 24, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

The True Story!

Here is a book that clearly tells the story of Easter.  Although written on the level that a child will understand, the meaning of these accounts remains true.  The book covers the Holy Week, starting when Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Among other things, it includes when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, the Last Supper, and the Garden of Gethsemane.

The author has envisioned what God would say in response to children’s questions.  She has created letters from those things, and put them throughout the book.  At the top of each letter, there is a place to write the child’s name.

This is a great way to share Easter with a child.  Including the personalized letters from God will make this five-star, picture book, even more special for little ones.  The colorful pictures add to the wonder of these stories.  Children four through 10-years-old will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Easter Love Letters, Updated Edition,“ by Glenys Nellist, 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.

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What to Watch Tonight? The Movie: Pieces of Easter

Posted on March 23, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail….

Alza is a corporate executive used to getting her own way.  She is driving home for Easter.

Lincoln is a country man happily living a simple life, in a secluded area, where he can be left alone.

When her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Alza finds herself stranded and pleading with Lincoln to drive her the rest of the way to her parent’s home.

These two are like oil and vinegar, and are poles apart on how they do things. Despite Lincoln’s reluctance, he agrees to take her.

As they journey to her parent’s home, they have lots of ups and downs, and run into all kinds of predicaments.  The question is whether they will make it to the journey’s end before one of them ends up leaving the other.

There are lots of comic situations, but there is also a heartfelt story, with a very special ending.

Tune-in to make your Easter special, or watch it anytime you want to view a well-done, show!

You will enjoy this light-hearted movie, that will leave you will a smile on your face.

This is a clean story suitable for the family.

I highly recommend this 5-popcorn (5-star) movie.

 

HAPPY EASTER!

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“Oops! Rabbit,” by Jo Ham

Posted on March 19, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

No, Rabbit!

Come along on the adventures of a mischievous rabbit.  Shown in a variety of situations, he is either causing, or in, trouble.  The author both wrote and illustrated the story. 

The rabbit is shown doing some very bad things such as drawing on the walls, or knocking over a fancy cake on a stand, and then eating it.  Hopefully, that will not influence little ones to do that, too.  It never shows the rabbit being punished for anything.

This tale is often told with the changing of the art and the three colors:  black, white, and pink. The volume itself is a cute, almost square, little hard-backed book. This four-star picture book is geared toward babies and children to three-years-old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Oops! Rabbit,” by Jo Ham, 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.

 

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“Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney, A Deluxe Book and Toy Gift Set”

Posted on March 17, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

I love you right up to the moon and back!

Little Nutbrown Hare loves Big Nutbrown Hare so much he wants to show him. But every time he tries, Big Nutbrown Hare tops him. For instance, when Little Nutbrown Hare spreads his arms as wide as he can, Big Nutbrown Hare can spread his even wider.

The same thing happens when Little Nutbrown Hare reaches as high as he can, Big Nutbrown Hare can reach even higher.

Little Nutbrown Hare spends the day attempting to show Big Nutbrown Hare how enormous his love is, but he can never beat out what Big Nutbrown Hare can do. However, that night, right before Little Nutbrown Hare drifts off to sleep, he finds the perfect way.

This is a tender story that celebrates the love of a child. The illustrations are just as sweet as the tale, in this classic children’s board book. The story can be read anytime, but makes a great bedtime story.  To make things even nicer, a snugly, little plush brown hare is included in this gift box.

This five-star set would make a lovely gift for Easter, a new baby, or any other time–an occasion or not. Children through age five will adore this.

As a special bonus from Candlewick Publishers, go here: https://candlewick.com/book_files/1536217476.kit.1.pdf, and get some fun activities that go along with this book.

Thank you, Candlewick Publishers, for providing Tickmenot with the complimentary “Guess How Much I Love You Deluxe Book and Toy Gift Set, by Sam McBratney” 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.

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“The Quilt Room Secret,” by Lisa Jones Baker

Posted on March 14, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Is it Greener on the Other Side?

Trini is a young adult who is very driven. Despite being single and Amish, she has her own home, and a very successful business, a quilt shop. To achieve her goals, she makes extensive lists about everything. Highly organized Trini has listed every aspect of her life, and she follows each list that she makes, with no deviations.

Currently, her most important list is her secret one, she is leaving the Amish. Her list has everything planned to make her exit. Then a childhood friend, Jacob, comes back into her life, and she is blind-sided.

When they were children, the two of them spent one summer together, and formed a strong bond. In fact, when Jacob left, he made a card for Trini asking her to marry him. Now Jacob is back, clearly wanting to live the Amish life, and he wants a relationship with Trini. She enjoys spending time with him, but she can’t let herself feel too strongly for him.

Trini does not know if she will find a non-Amish man she likes–truthfully loves–as much as she does Jacob. She is confused. All her plans and lists are made; Trini believes she must follow through. Jacob coming back into her life was not on any of her lists. Surely, she must press forward.

This romance didn’t seem like it could work. Trini strongly believes she wants to live as an Englischer, while Jacob feels just as strongly that he wants to live the Amish life. But God will make a way when there is no way:

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NLT

It is fun to read about what happens to this relationship, along with the entire clean story. Fans of Amish, and those of good stories, will enjoy this tale.

Thank you, Barbour Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Quilt Room Secret,” by Lisa Jones Baker, 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.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lisajonesbaker2

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

 

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“Is This…Easter?” by Helen Yoon

Posted on March 12, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

The Great Easter Egg Controversy!

When five dogs find an egg outdoors, they clash about either eating it, or decorating it for Easter.  As they fight back and forth, a large bear wearing bunny ears steps in.  He takes the egg, and shows how both sides can be satisfied.

The dogs are really surprised by what the bear does, and it causes both sides to take another look at what they really want.

The author’s one-of-a-kind humor and illustrations are woven throughout this picture book.  The overriding lesson to be learned is:  some things can be solved so everyone is happy.  Take the time to look for a way that all involved will be satisfied.

Children aged three through seven years old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Is This…Easter?” by Helen Yoon, 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.

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“Keep Up, Duck,” by Ivan and Rachel Bates

Posted on March 10, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Don’t Give Up!

Little Puck is the youngest duck in his family.  His feathers are still downy, and he has little feet, making it hard to swim fast.  When Mamma Duck sets out for the lily pond with all the other bigger ducklings, Puck ends up swimming at the back, and gets farther and farther behind.

Mamma Duck often turns back and quacks to Puck, “Keep up, Duck!”  Try as he might, Puck falls even further behind.  But Puck doesn’t give up, even though he has a lot of obstacles.  Instead, he comes up with many ideas to catch up.  He is determined to reach his family.

This is a sweet story that will have little ones cheering Puck on, while giggling at the things he does to keep pace.  Children will identify with Puck, and how hard it can be to keep up with the family.  In the end, not giving up saves the day, and results in a surprise.  This tender tale was written and illustrated by a husband-and-wife team, who made this picture book a treat for the eyes and ears.

Two-to-seven-year-olds will enjoy this five-star tale, leaving them with the idea to never give up!

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Keep Up, Duck,” by Ivan and Rachel Bates, 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.

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