SNUGGLE TIME BIBLE STORIES by Glenys Nellist -- Book Review

Snuggle Time Bible Stories is the latest in the Snuggle Time series by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Briscoe.

Reading together with a toddler is such a special connection point with them. You will definitely want to add this lovely book to your home library. As you read together, you will be introducing your child to many heroes of the faith including Noah, Moses, Samuel, and David. My favorite is the story of Jesus with the children. Here is a sample:

Some children came to Jesus
One bright and sunny day.
"He's busy!" the disciples cried.
"You'll have to go away!"

But Jesus called the children
And sat them on his knee.
"I love you all," he softly said.
"And you belong to me."

All of us, adults included, need to be reminded of the Savior's love and of the fact that he calls us his own. What simple, but beautiful words, describing a marvelous truth.

Thank you, Glenys, for another  wonderful story book in this series.

Amazon link: 
Snuggle Time Bible Stories

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children's magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist's website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author

Blog Tour # 7 Book Review by Laurie Winter and a GIVE-AWAY

Check out this week's blog tour give-away. Get the inside scoop about Mouse's Christmas Gift on Laurie Winter's blog and leave a comment on her blog post to enter the give-away. It's as easy as that! 

P.S. You might want to check out some of her sizzling romance novels while you are on her page. She has written some beautiful books!

Laurie Winter's post about Mouse's Christmas Gift

Thanks, Laurie! It is an honor to be on your blog!

Book Review -- MY CHRISTMAS HOPE-- by Penelope Powell

Will two broken souls recognize that the best gift of Christmas is HOPE?

My Christmas Hope, written by Penelope Powell is a cozy holiday novella that will make you want to make a second cup of hot cocoa and to keep reading. When Michael Hennessy and his son Jimmy move next door to Hope Langford for a fresh start from their painful past, a Florida romance between Michael and Hope begins to spark. As Michael’s son Jimmy deals with relational wounds from the past, Hope demonstrates patience and extends friendship which leads to a softly emerging love and a happy ending. I enjoyed picturing Christmas in sunny Florida and I thought the author did an excellent job developing realistic characters. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you Penny, for an ARC of the book. I really enjoyed it. It is an honor to help promote your book!

Don't you love the cover? The next time I'm at the beach, I am totally making a "sand" snowman.

Link to book on Amazon

Link to Penny's website: Penelope's website

More about the author:

Penny writes:

A southern girl at heart, I loves green rolling hills, wind chimes that tinkle on warm summer nights, and my momma's fried pies. I've been luckier than most. I've enjoyed a life surrounded by family, friends, and a faith that has taught me to discern my worth in a Righteous Savior.

Having traveled and lived in many places, I've been fortunate enough to meet people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, which has given me a broader perspective that occasionally splashes onto the pages of my novels. 

​

Like the things we experience, I believe good fiction can inspire and change someone’s perspective. It’s my prayer that my words will show others a Savior who loves them.

Blog Tour #6 Five Fun Facts about MOUSE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT & a GIVE-AWAY

Over the last several years I have had the privilege of becoming friends with Glenys Nellist. She is such a wonderful person and a talented author. This week she is hosting me on her blog and we are sharing "5 Fun Facts" about Mouse's Christmas Gift. Plus, we will be giving away a copy of my book. Check it out!

Here is the link:

Glenys Nellist's blog

Blog Tour #3 Laura Sassi and I chat about writing and my new picture book, MOUSE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

A big thanks to Laura Sassi for her friendship and willingness to host me on her blog. She had several questions for me about the inspiration for Mouse's Christmas Gift and more. Check out my answers on her blog at this link:

Laura Sassi website

Blog Tour #1 Mouse travels to Australia! Click link to my interview with Kellie Byrnes!

So thrilled to be invited to join Kellie Byrnes on her blog for the first stop of the blog tour. It is amazing to me that through the Internet we can become friends with people all over the world. Kellie lives in Australia, so this week's give-away is specifically for people living in Australia. I hope the Aussie's love Mouse's Christmas Gift, too!

Here is the link to Kellie's blog post: Kellie Byrne's Blog Post with Mindy Baker

Thanks so much for hosting me, Kellie!

Book review of GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL by Glenys Nellist

Toddlers will delight in this new book by Glenys Nellist. It is a sturdy board book filled with eye-appealing illustrations and rhyme that sings.  Each word has been carefully selected so that young children can relate to the ideas being presented.

Each page showcases a different mommy and child "animal" while highlighting characteristics about mommies that children find special.

Some of the characteristics/qualities of "Mommy" found in the pages of the book:

--she cuddles
--she sings
--she feeds
--she takes good care of me
--she combs my hair
--she shares so much love
--she teaches me
--she is the leader
--she watches out for me
--she helps me
--she is patient, kind, sweet
--she shares lovely treats
--she loves
--she is kind and lots of fun

The animals:

--sparrow

--monkey

--dolphin

--deer

--owl

--snail

--squirrel

--hamster

 The last page shows a human child and mommy and ties in James 1:17, the verse from Scripture that says, "every good and perfect gift is from God."  (Mommy is God's gift to the child)

Glenys did a masterful job of using the animals' natural traits and blending those into things that young children will find special about their own mommy.  For example, one of my favorite pages was the one in which the Mommy owl teaches her child to soar over trees and rooftops in the night.  

Overall, I loved the book.  Great job, Glenys!  I wish you all the best!

Buy book on Amazon

About the author:

Glenys is the coordinator of Children's Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children's book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children's ministry.

Glenys Nellist website

Book Review GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL by Glenys Nellist

Toddlers will delight in this new book by Glenys Nellist. It is a sturdy board book filled with eye-appealing illustrations and rhyme that sings.  Each word has been carefully selected so that young children can relate to the ideas being presented.

Each page showcases a different daddy and child "animal" while highlighting characteristics about daddies that children find special.

Some of the characteristics/qualities of "Daddy" found in the pages of the book:

--he teaches

--he's super-duper nice

--being carried on Dad's shoulders

--shows me how

--he's my favorite guy

--taken good care of me

--we play together

--strong, handsome, big, tall, smart, funny

--we cuddle

--helps me when I wobble

--we hang around together

The animals:

--polar bear

--skunk

--giraffe

--octopus

--lion

--flamingo

--bat 

--elephant

 The last page shows a human child and father and ties in James 1:17, the verse from Scripture that says, "every good and perfect gift is from God."  (Daddy is God's gift to the child)

Glenys did a masterful job of using the animals' natural traits and blending those into things that young children will find special about their own daddy.  For example, one of my favorite pages was the one in which the flamingo daddy helps the child flamingo not to wobble on one leg.  Another favorite was the skunk daddy showing the child how to make a stink. It made me smile and laugh.  

Overall, I loved the book.  Great job, Glenys!  I wish you all the best!

Link to buy on Zondervan catalog

Purchase book on Amazon

About the author:

Glenys is the coordinator of Children's Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children's book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children's ministry.

Glenys Nellist website

Book recommendation--LITTLE RED'S RIDING 'HOOD by Peter Stein

Hey everyone-- I found a new favorite book and I just have to share!

LITTLE RED'S RIDING HOOD by Peter Stein with pictures by Chris Gall

It is a wonderful example of humor, word choice, and kid appeal in a picture book and just have to share it with you.

It is a winner of the 2017-2018 Young Hoosier award, and for good reason.  

As you read the book, you will understand why... such a fun read from cover to cover!

The book plays on the beloved story of Little Red Riding Hood, done "transportation" style.

Little Red Riding Hood is "Little Red the scooter," and the Big Bad Wolf is "Tank, the King of the Road."

Here are some of the word plays that made me smile!

"Poor Granny Putt-Putt is feeling run down." 

"Vroom! Didi-didi-didi"

"Well, burn my rubber!"

"They've got the goods to make Granny feel showroom-new!"

"Something felt out of alignment."

"Why, Granny! what big wheels you have."

"That crash cooled his engines for good."

I loved it all!  Especially the ending which I will let you read to find out...but its a happy one.

Happy reading!

You can visit Peter Stein at www.petersteinstudio.com

Review of SNUGGLE TIME CHRISTMAS STORIES by Glenys Nellist

If you have a toddler or are a grandparent of a toddler, you will want to add SNUGGLE TIME CHRISTMAS STORIES to your Christmas book collection.  The beauty of this book is the word choice.  It is "just right" for little ones, helping to instill God's beautiful story in their hearts at a level that makes sense to them.  I can also see this book being used in toddler classes in churches everywhere.  

It is a beautiful padded board book--very eye appealing with foil and glitter.  There are 13 short, individual poems that each include a reference from Scripture.   My favorite poem is "Hee-Haw, Said the Donkey."

Hee-haw, said the donkey.
Squeak-squeak, said the mice.
Cheep-cheep, said the chicken, 
This baby is so nice!

Moo-moo, said the cow.
Baa-baa, said the sheep.
Shh-shh, said the pigeon.
Jesus is asleep! 

I have been around toddlers enough to know that animal noises are a hit!  And I can picture all of the little darlings acting out the noises and then rocking baby Jesus to sleep in their arms.  So precious!

Thanks, Glenys for another beautiful book that will impact little hearts with the beautiful message of God's love for them!

Amazon link:  Snuggle Time Christmas Stories

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children's magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist's Website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author

Review of BLUE TIDE by Jenna Lynne Duncan

Arrgh matey!  This is no ordinary pirate novel.  Yes, there are pirates. But the setting is a future dystopian waterworld, with Middle Eastern elements masterfully woven throughout.  In BLUE TIDE, Jenna-Lynne Duncan combines romance and action in this page-turning novel that you won't want to put down until you are finished reading it.

Lux and her family have been stranded on an island after the Floods destroyed much of the known world.  Lux longs to get off the island and hopefully return to what once was her homeland.  However, as she ventures out, she is captured by a pirate named Captain Draven.  As a captive, she begins to see into the heart of this young pirate, and understand his complex behavior.  By turning Lux over to the one who is controlling him, he could earn his own freedom, but will he now that the two of them share a romantic attraction? 

      

Click here to buy on Amazon

About the author:

Jenna Duncan likes to write heart-stopping, page-turning, haunting romance in all YA genres.  With a love for travel and a special connection to the Middle East, she explores different cultures and different languages. Her current YA releases are entitled HURRICANE, TEMPEST, AFTERMATH, and now the latest BLUE TIDE.  Jenna graduated with degrees in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, and International Studies.  BLUE TIDE was a recent winner of RWA's Romancing the Lake contest. 

She welcomes those to contact her on TWITTER: @JennaLynneD 

and her website:  Jenna-Lynn's website

Jenna:  Your book kept me reading until the end, and Captain Draven won my heart!  I was definitely intrigued from the beginning by the futuristic setting that included pirates.  Best wishes!  
P.S.  I love the cover!  

Book Review of LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD--BIBLE STORIES FOR A GIRL'S HEART by Glenys Nellist

Glenys Nellist has done it again.  Her book LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD--BIBLE STORIES FOR A GIRL'S HEART speaks directly to young girls as it narrates in sweet and simple prose fourteen stories of the women of the Bible.  Each woman's story highlights a different adjective:  Eve (The first girl), Miriam (The trusting girl), Rahab (The brave girl), Deborah (The strong girl) etc.  The lift-the-flap love letter on each page is a letter from God written to the reader, and portrays God's reassurance that he is able, willing, and ready to help his precious daughters become the women he created them to be.   

I personally connected with and loved the beautiful story of Miriam.  Miriam had to learn to trust.  As she watched her baby brother in the basket she thought of all the things that could happen to him and she was afraid.  The end of the story is incredibly powerful.  Glenys writes, "And as she ran, she thought about all the things she had been afraid of at the riverbank.  The wicked king had not come.  The waves had not come.  But God had come.  God had come and saved her baby brother. 'Thank you, God,' Miriam whispered, 'for helping me to let go of my fears and trust you instead.'"

I pray that I would let go of my fears and trust God in the the way this simple story tells that Miriam did.    

You know it is a great children's book when it can touch the hearts of the adults who are reading it, too.  These are powerful truths for everyone—parents, grandparents, and children!

I also loved how Glenys moved chronologically through the Bible from Eve to Mary Magdalene at the Resurrection.  I also loved how she concluded with a space for the reader to write a love letter back to God.  

I highly recommend LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD--BIBLE STORIES FOR A GIRL'S HEART.

Here are some helpful links:

To purchase on Amazon, click here.

Glenys Nellist's Website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist
Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author

GRAND RAPIDS AREA:  Glenys recently hosted a princess party which included activities such as reading the story of Esther, The Prayerful Girl (from the book), making a pin wheel craft and coloring, snacks (of course!), and parading around the bookstore.  She also taught the girls to wave like the Queen of England.  Sounds fun!  She is planning Princess Party at local church in the near future.  More details will be announced shortly on her website and Facebook.  Be sure to check there for more information.

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children's magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Book Review--Christmas Love Letters from God

Glenys Nellist beautifully tells seven stories that surround the birth of Christ in a simple, yet compelling way, combining prose and rhyme.  It is perfect for helping children to identify with how Isaiah, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men might have felt as they lived out these moments of their lives. 

I personally loved how each mini-story tied into a promise from God in the Old Testament.  As I lifted the flap and read the letter from God, each promise seemed to jump off of the page and speak right to my heart. 

The exciting thing is that children will have this experience as they read the book.  As they lift each flap to receive a letter from God, the Christmas love letters will help them to personally connect a promise of Scripture to their own struggles, fears, and experiences.

For example:

• When I feel worried or apprehensive about what God is asking me to do (like Mary) God says, “The light of my blessing will shine on you.”

• When I have doubt (like Joseph), God says, “I will make you strong and help you.”

• When I am facing a long and difficult path (like Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem), God says, “I will march out ahead of you.”

These are powerful truths for everyone—parents, grandparents, and children!

I also loved how Glenys began with Isaiah, which will help children to make the important connection that Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise God made to bring his light to the world.  I also loved how she concluded with a space for the child to write a letter back to God, as a way of giving a gift back to him.

Although my children are grown now, I know I would have used this beautiful book year after year as a family tradition and well-loved Christmas read-aloud.  It was a joy to receive this book in the mail and have the opportunity to review it.   

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children's magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Who inspires you?

Every teacher wants to make a difference in her students' lives.  I am no exception.  I want to make a difference!  I love "teacher" movies, "teacher" books, and you guessed it--"teacher" picture books!  You know the ones that chronicle how the teacher comes alongside her students and their whole world changes :).

One inspirational storyteller is Patricia Polacco.  I love that she tells real stories from her life experience.

In her story, Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece, Patricia Polacco tells of her own experience as a student overcoming the fear of speaking in front of an audience.

What happens?
Her English teacher Mr. Tranchina recognizes her writing talent and sees her potential.  He also sees her fear of public speaking.  He gently introduces Patricia to the drama teacher, Mr. Wayne, who invites her to help out with the winter play.

As the story unfolds, Mr. Wayne includes Patricia in the workshops and continues to give her more and more opportunities to blossom.  Because of a turn of events, Patricia winds up overcoming her fear, acting as the star role, and discovering her hidden talent.  I love the line "I was on fire," as she described her acting debut.  It shows her self-confidence and the pure joy she felt while acting.

I also love the title.  It is a play on words--they students are acting out a play Mr. Wayne wrote--his masterpiece--but the true masterpiece is Patricia and every other student he trains and coaches to become all they can be.

The teacher

 characters are very inspiring!

A few of their traits I admire are:

--noticing the struggling student and taking the time to help
--utilizing creative teaching techniques
--perseverance
--gentleness
--empowering students to become the masterpiece

Who was your most inspirational teacher?  Name and grade level?
Or, who inspires you and why?
I have too many to list, but one was Mr. Marsh for 7th grade English.  I loved it when He would read our papers aloud and we would try to guess who wrote them.