If you’re looking for a new bedtime read look no further! Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky is a feast for the eyes. This stunning picture book spins dreams, encourages imagination, and is overwhelmingly stunning. Fans of Eric Carle and Nancy Tillman are sure to love this book full off color, texture, and whimsy.
I received this book as an ARC reader, and my copy was electronic, but I am definitely going to be looking for a physical copy. The illustrations are so rich on my IPAD; I can only imagine how beautiful they’ll be in person.
Jayylen’s Christmas Wish by: Lavaille Lavette/ Illustrated by: David Wilkerson/ Published by: Random House Children’s Books
Jayylen has one wish this Christmas: for his brother Manuel to come home. Manuel is serving in the Army, and as many military families know, that can be a difficult. Jayylen’s Christmas Wish is a sweet, touching story about family, hope, and going above and beyond for the ones we love.
The Animal’s Santa by Jan Brett/ Published by: G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Little Snow doesn’t believe in the animal’s Santa. Despite all of his friends and neighbors insisting he’s real Little Snow remains unconvinced. Even his big brother’s enthusiasm isn’t enough to convince him. Can they change his mind in time? All of Jan Brett’s books are stunning, and The Animal’s Santa is no exception. Beautiful illustrations combined with a lovely story about faith and love makes this book a win in my home.
The Best Gift for Bear by Jennifer A. Bell/ Published by: Two Lions
Hedgehog takes gift giving very seriously. She’s kind, thoughtful, and determined to make a gift worthy of her good friend, Bear. There’s just one problem: what could that possibly be? The Best Gift for Bear is a book about friendship, tenacity, and adorable critters. (There’s a hedgehog sleeping in a teacup. Need I say more?)
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by: Mac Barnett/ Illustrated by: Jon Klassen/ Published by: Candlewick Press
This may be the winner in all of our Christmas reading this year. My kids and I loved this book that begs the question, “How does Santa go down the chimney?” It’s a good question, really, and one my kids are quite curious about. If you’re looking for giggles and fun theories to this age-old question this is your book.
Challah Day! by: Charlotte Offsay/ Illustrated by: Jason Kirschner/ Published by: Holiday House
Have you ever had challah bread? My sister made it for the first time, and once again I was bitter we live so far apart. I loved sharing this book with my boys, reading aloud the rhythmic words, and dreaming of blissful carbs. I also loved the fact section in the back explaining challah bread, the Jewish traditions behind it, and the Biblical references and explanations. Offsay is also lovely enough to include a recipe which I’m excited to try.
Elwood Curtis is a straight-laced kid. He studies hard, keeps his nose clean, and works to help his grandmother. He has a strong mind, strong character, and it’s clear to everyone around him he’s going places in this world. Everything is looking up until he gets hitches a ride with a car thief. Guilty by association and for the color of his skin, Elwood is sent to Nickel Academy. Intended to be a place of rehabilitation and education Nickel seems decent at first glance, but there’s a seedy underbelly and massive secrets Elwood discovers the hard way. Elwood is confronted with a wide-range of human rights violations, rampant racism, and deep moral dilemmas. Does he turn his head and ignore the travesties in front of him, or does he stand up for what is noble and right, and face potentially devastating consequences?
I checked The Nickel Boys out right after I finished The Underground Railroad, and my sister was quick to warn me they were two very different books. “Prepare the tissues,” she said. I wasn’t ready for more tears at that time in my life, so I returned the book. Recently, I got the courage to check it out again, and I raced through it. I didn’t cry, but my heart did break over and over again as I read this fictionalized account based off true events. The Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, FL was meant to be a State Reform School, but it was actually the site of torture, abuse, rape, and murder. The school was open for 111 years, and we will never know the depths of cruel and depraved behavior that took place there. This hellish prison was the inspiration for The Nickel Boys, and Whitehead provides plenty of references for readers to educate themselves further on the matter. A quick Google search will pull up numerous articles, as well.
I’m going to make a bold statement: I believe Colson Whitehead is one of the finest writers of our age, and one of the best I’ve ever read. His writing is nothing short of brilliant; it is compelling, heartbreaking, and gives me major anxiety. He tells important stories with deeply nuanced characters, and handles traumatic situations by conveying the emotion without the gratuitous violence. Whitehead writes about difficult material that impacts, but does not traumatize; it haunts, but doesn’t bring nightmares.
Reading The Nickel Boys was hard, especially as a mother. As I read, I thought of my boys – my four wild, headstrong, stubborn, beautiful boys – and how that could’ve been them in a different time. There’s a point in the book where the reader discovers Nickel Academy once took boys as young as five years old. Five. That’s a Kindergartener. I had to put the book down after reading that, go check on my sleeping boys, thank God for their safety, and pray for all the other little boys out there; my mama’s heart was too heavy to do otherwise.
An ARC read. Special thanks to Disney and Netgalley for this opportunity.
Jasmine always knew she would rule, but she didn’t expect it to be so soon. When the sultan dies unexpectedly Princess Jasmine is thrown into a role she thought she’d have more time to prepare for, and there are plenty hoping she’ll fail. Without a proper chance to grieve her father’s passing she is expected to handle all the funeral rites and a coronation all while maintaining her composure. As she quickly learns, her world may be collapsing, but life goes on. Surrounded by veteran politicians, Jasmine is struggling to convince them she’s an acceptable sultana, and a message from beyond the grave has her questioning her own sanity. Add a contender for the throne, and Jasmine finds her world falling apart.
Realm of Wonders is the third book in The Queen’s Council series, a reimagining of Disney heroines ascending to the throne with the odds stacked against them. Jasmine is in good company as she joins Belle and Mulan in this series. Realm of Wonders maintains the classic Disney characters we know and love, while expanding the universe to a more mature, historically focused setting. Monir does an excellent job balancing the supernatural suspense with the political power plays, all while maintaining intrigue and mystery around our beloved princess.
Jasmine is a princess I grew up with, and one I loved for her intellect, kindness, and sense of adventure. I appreciated how her character was further expanded in the live action film, but Realm of Wonders really let Jasmine shine, focusing on her thoughts, her emotions, and her struggles. One such struggle is the blatant sexism in such a patriarchal society. There has never been a sultana before, and while it was clearly her father’s strongest desire to see her ascend to the throne those he trusted most have other ideas for a suitable leader. The gender gap is a large focus in Realm of Wonders, driving the plot when a potential usurper arrives claiming his right to the throne. However, Monir doesn’t focus solely on Jasmine for this issue, portraying other female characters in similar situations where they are limited purely by their gender. It should be noted: not all the male characters are villains. There are several who believe Jasmine is the right and worthy leader of Agrabah and go to great lengths to help her, but this is a very “girl power” focused book.
A note to Disney fans: this is classified as a young adult novel, and quite serious in tone. Jafar and Genie are mentioned, but not seen. The beloved sultan’s death is a prominent issue throughout the book. Abu, Raja, and Aladdin are featured, but the sole focus of the book is on Jasmine. Readers looking for a lighthearted read will not find it here; this is a strongly character driven narrative with rich detail, political themes, and supernatural elements.
I found Monir’s writing compelling, and I grew frustrated with any who interrupted my reading. I felt Monir took a lot of time and care weaving the political intrigue with the supernatural mystery only to have the ending feel rushed. Still, all the wants and hopes I had, save one, were met, and the surprise twist left me grinning. This is a solid four star read for me, and I suspect I will be pursuing Monir’s other work in the future.
Realm of Wonders: The Queen’s Council is out October 10. Let me know what you think!
I have wanted to read Jasmine L. Holmes since my sister recommended her, so when the opportunity arose to review her new book I was thrilled. I don’t know what I was expecting when I began reading Crowned with Glory, but I did not get the book I was expecting – I got something better. I constantly felt like I was drinking from a fire hydrant as I took in vast amounts of information; had my copy been physical it would have been laden with post-its and notes in the margin. Currently, my ebook is heavily highlighted, and as the summary states, I want to read this book again.
Crowned with Glory is a rich resource on the history of Black Americans fighting for their freedom through physical, mental, and spiritual resistance. The text is heavy on quotes because Holmes wants the enslaved and those who fought so desperately against slavery to speak for themselves. In the afterword, Holmes’ shares her reasoning for this, and it was an honorable decision. Holmes aptly presents this vast wealth of information to the reader while glorifying God in the process.
This book was a deeply emotional read for me while also managing to pluck at my academic leanings. I found each section devastating, specifically the ones focused on Black women, wives, and mothers who were enslaved. I could not separate my own identity as a wife and mother from these horrific stories, and I know they will stay with me always.
If you are a history buff, read this book. If you are a Christian, read this book. If you have questions about the Civil War, read this book. You know what? Just read this book. Holmes has constructed a beautiful, tragic, hopeful, God-honoring book that shines light on the beginning of race relations in our nation. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Crowned with Glory is available now. A big thank you to Netgalley and Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity.
An ARC read. Thank you to Netgalley and Leafwood Publishers for this opportunity. Please note this was an electronic read, and page numbers may not match a published physical text.
How big is God to you? Do you surround Him with limitations and weaknesses due to your own circumstances, or do you recognize His sovereign reign and control? Do you trust Him in all things? Debbie W. Wilson writes, “It’s not the strength of our trust but the object of our faith that matters” (pg. 47). Wilson illustrates this by examining biblical men and women, and God’s accomplishments through their weakness. From Jochebed and the midwives in Exodus to Barack and Deborah, Wilson walks readers through seemingly impossible tasks made possible by an Almighty God.
I wasn’t expecting a Bible study when I requested this book, and I do believe it would be far more appreciated in a group setting. Wilson encourages this throughout her study, and it had me aching for Bible Study Fellowship to start back up. (Just a little bit longer!) A note to fellow BSF sisters – this book pairs well with last season’s study, Kingdom Divided.
Wilson wrote this eight week study with the intention “to help you become a biblical thinker and an able listener of God” (pg. 14), and I believe she succeeded. Wilson asks some deep questions in her study, but her writing and development throughout the book are easy enough for a new believer to tackle. This study is also chock full of Biblical references and reading throughout the Old and New Testament which I consider absolutely vital; you cannot have one without the other. I also really appreciated Wilson’s plethora of quotes and her lengthy notes at the end of the book. Wilson includes quotes from C.S. Lewis, Anne Graham Lotz, G.K. Chesterton, Tony Evans, and Charles Swindoll, just to name a few.
I really enjoyed Wilson’s study. As I said earlier, I think I would have benefited from it more in a group setting, but it certainly could be used as an individual study, as well. The last two weeks really spoke to me, and I really valued her discussion on spiritual warfare, satisfaction in God alone, and assurance of salvation. I’ve never read Wilson before, but I will definitely be checking out more of her work in the future. Little Strength, Big God is set for publication September 5, this coming Tuesday.
In the small town of Al-Azar, Morocco there is a garden with a beautiful fountain, brilliant blue benches, and roses and bougainvilleas that grow higher each year. In the garden there are two young boys, one Jewish, one Muslim, who spend their days playing and caring for the garden. It is where their families picnic together, laughing and sharing stories with one another. Together, they openly celebrate their cultures and religions, and share their pains and woes. Their small town has known only love and friendship, but beyond Morocco’s borders an evil threatens their Jewish neighbors. If they are to survive they must flee. Hassan makes Jacob a promise in the wake of this devastating news – he will care for his best friend’s garden in his absence.
I am always so delighted when I read an ARC book I can share with such enthusiasm; The Promise is one of those books. Each time I read it I was deeply touched by how each family loved each other so well. The mothers would dote on the boys, the fathers would bless them, and together they would share what they had. It’s a remarkably beautiful depiction inspired by a real friendship from a small village in Morocco. Hodder and Gilani-Williams brought to life a beautiful, heart-wrenching story of faith, friendship, and devotion. The Promise details a friendship not limited by differences, but rather all the more beautiful for them. Battistel does a beautiful job illustrating this deeply moving book, detailing the garden as a lovely oasis Hassan continues to care for in Jacob’s absence.
There’s an island in the town of Everwood no one can reach. The island protects itself from any who dare try to come ashore with murky water full of poisonous snakes and quicksand. Some say it’s cursed, others claim it’s enchanted, but no one has ever made it over and survived to tell the tale. The island causes fear in some, while others have best thought to forget about it. Daniel Crowley just can’t. The island has a hold on him. The great blue heron who paces the island’s shores fascinates him. Most importantly, Daniel has hope there is a way – some way – to reach those blessed banks. He just hasn’t figured out how just yet.
Daniel has other problems to deal with besides the unreachable island. He is (unfortunately) plagued with the inability to lie. He just can’t do it, and it’s caused quite a rift between him and the other children in town. Despite having a warm, loving family, Daniel is lonely for true friendship.
Emily Brydsong has been through a lot for such a young age, but the disappearance of her mother is by far the hardest blow. Dumped in a small, dusty town by an uncaring uncle, and reunited with a loving grandmother, she slowly begins to come back to life and open up to those around her.
Captain Sloper is cunning, ambitious, and cruel. The people around him are pawns: Daniel can’t lie to him, and Emily is going to lead him to whatever secrets lie in the sleepy town of Everwood. The amount of damage in his wake is inconsequential.
I’ve heard the saying there’s nothing new under the sun more times than I care to count, but when I read Roderick Townley I have to disagree. His work is so vastly unlike anything else I’ve ever read before, and The Door in the Forest just reaffirms this thought. Magical realism meets dystopian future in this wildly creative and curious tale; I picked up toned down Hunger Game/ Encanto vibes throughout, but the book is wholly original and unique to any work of fiction I’ve ever read. I’m putting this on my list of books to read with my oldest son once we’ve finished the current series we’re reading now.
When my son was two and a half my husband and I started to get feedback on our son. Sometimes it was curious or kind, but oftentimes it was critical and judgmental; as a young, inexperienced mother these negative comments took a toll, and Sunday mornings became a thing to dread. Was I doing something wrong? Was there something wrong with my son? Why, out of all the free advice I had received, had no one offered any guidance on this matter? The critics seemed the loudest, but there were those who came alongside my family, and offered love, encouragement, and a kindness I will not soon forget. These people made Sunday mornings bearable, helped lessen my anxiety, and most importantly, loved my son well. Fast forward several years. More comments, more critiques, more free advice. Lots of prayer, lots of books, and lots of time searching for and talking to professionals willing to listen to a concerned mother. We have a diagnosis, we have a treatment, and we have plans in place to help my baby in a plethora of situations. Perhaps more importantly, we have a church home where my family feels welcome, and my son feels safe.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I want you to know how deeply I connected with Elrena Evans and Rebecca Evans’ book, When I Go to Church I Belong. I have read this book multiple times, and each time I am floored by the beautiful message represented here: love thy neighbor as thyself.
This important book is a beautiful example of how every church should look – full of love, compassion, and grace. Rebecca Evans does a wonderful job of illustrating a diverse church compiled of different races and different abilities. Children are shown with both visible and invisible disabilities, and I saw my own son’s needs reflected in these pages, as well as other sweet children I’ve known throughout the years. Everything from mobility to neurodivergence is reflected within these pages, along with viable ways to assist families. A ramp on a playground, an adult “buddy”, or a calming room where the sermon can still be enjoyed are all ways churches can feel more welcoming and accessible to families who cope with disabilities daily.
I am so thankful for this book, and I agree wholeheartedly with the author. I hope this book is a conversation starter for congregants, committees, and pastors. I hope they recognize not everyone feels welcome at church because their needs – important needs which may not be visible – are not recognized, provided for, or accepted. When a family has a need or a struggle, they already feel isolated, and sometimes ashamed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Pastors, ministers, Sunday School teachers, and other church leaders can come alongside families and walk with them. Encouragement, provision, and acceptance are stepping stones to make families feel at home at church, and really, that’s something every church should strive for.
I highly recommend When I Go To Church I Belong, especially if you’re a leader within the church. I hope and pray this book has a large impact, and sheds light on an area the church is oftentimes found lacking. Thank you Netgalley and IVP Kids for the chance to review this book.
Young James is a curious lad. Unfortunately, his curiosity isn’t appreciated or desired; as a duke’s son, and heir to Callendar Castle, a lot is expected of him, but his endless slew of questions isn’t one of them. The only person who seems to enjoy his consistent questioning is his sister, Alexandria, who patiently shows him how to look for answers in the castle library. The two have a deeply treasured bond, and one James will rely on when his Uncle Archibald decides it’s time for him to attend Cranford Abbey.
Meanwhile, the monks at Cranford Abbey are going through their own struggles. Unicorns have been plaguing their property, consistently consuming the golden apples Abbot Aelian covets. He intends to use them to make a cider so splendid it will help repair the crumbling abbey. But can they ever find a way to rid themselves of those blasted unicorns? Maybe James’ presence will be more fortuitous than he original realized.
I’ve never met a book by Jane Yolen I didn’t enjoy, but this book is probably in my top ten. It’s a sweet, easy read with a wonderful ending. Yolen masterfully weaves together the castle and the abbey’s story, carefully crafting a wonderful cast of characters, and portraying great growth and discovery along the way. This book is intended for young readers, but I picked it up for myself as light bedtime reading instead. If you’re looking for a good story I highly recommend this lovely book.
Read with Muse.on.Paper 