a book for birthdays!

Happy Birthday to You!

Aug 23, 2016
by Michelle Medlock Adams and Sandra Rodriguez

My 17m old son loves reading this book because of the Happy Birthday tune that it plays.

My 9year old daughter likes reading it to hiim because of the colorful and celebratory pictures.

I love the idea that it teaches young children important lessons about birthday parties, such a welcoming guests, honoring them, taking turns during games, making wishes before blowing out candles, being grateful for presents, and saying cheerful goodbyes. It;s not an educational book per se, but the illustrations and words give parents a natural opportunity to teach these lessons. I also love that the book closes with the mention of prayer and celebrating your child for who he is.  And there is a photo pocket that will hold a picture of the birthday boy or girl.  Finally, the reader can push the song button to hear the traditional birthday song played on the piano with flair, before joyful voices proclaim, "Happy Birthday!"

I would  recommend this book for children ages 4 and under.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Choosing to be Grateful!

With an increasingly self-focused and selfish culture, it's important to practice gratitude and encourage others to be grateful for the many gifts God has given us.

Tyndale Publishers has just produced a tool to inspire gratitude: Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal.  



It's filled with prayers, scriptures, quotes, reflection questions that are certain to inspire thoughtfulness and gratitude.  The art is lovely and eye-catching with plenty of space to doodle, draw, write and color.

Here are a few samples of the art and the reflection questions.

I would recommend this book to Christian readers age 12+.  It would be a great book for mothers and daughters to go through at the same time.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

What should I feed this little munchkin?

If you have ever had questions about feeding a baby or toddler, then I have a book that you need to read!  Since we are raising child #4, you can bet that I've asked my share of questions such as:  Is he eating enough? How much milk does he need each day? How can I get my picky eater to make better choices? Which foods should I avoid? Do you think he could be allergic?

The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers by Anthony Porto, MD, and Dina DiMaggio, MD. is a wonderful resource for parents!  The subtitle says it all:  "Practical Answers To Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More"

The book is divided into these categories:
chapter for each developmental stage: 0 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, 7 to 8 months, 9 to 12 months, the toddlers years, each stage contains milestones, nutritional guidelines, growth patterns, medical concerns, and healthy recipes.
common medical conditions and resources
nutrition tables
growth monitoring
allergy tips
helpful websites
index

It's probably not a book that you will sit down to read cover to cover in a week.  It's more of a resource that you will use as your baby/toddler progresses from one stage to another.  You'll pick it up to read before the baby is born, as he starts eating solids, as he turns 1, as he starts to potty train...  Or when you are facing a struggle related to eating, such as allergies, vomiting, growth patterns constipation..  It's a book that you will find yourself reviewing again and again, searching for answers to the nagging questions that swirl around in our heads about the thriving of our little munchkins.

This is a fantastic resource that I would recommend to every caregiver.  I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, and it is a book that I will recommend often.  I'm even going to share my copy with my pediatrician!

great book for young children!

God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord and Amy Wummer

This is an adorable hardback book for babies, toddlers and young children with bright cheerful pictures and a wonderful messages that every child needs to hear. 

The author talks about how God made each of us uniquely with a plan in mind.  He made our bodies just the way they are.  He knew what would make each of us smile.  He gave each of us a propensity for brightening others’ days through silliness, gentleness, kindness and love. He made our minds, thoughts, and dreams . He gave us each unique gifts and talents to fit his plans for us. 

She closes with one of my favorite scriptures:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.

I would recommend this book for any family with a young child or children.  And I would encourage you to read it to children often!

I was delighted to review this book from  Worthy Kids ideals.  I received the book as a gift in exchange for my honest review.