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 Week #9 THAT'S A WRAP

I really enjoyed the blog tour for Mouse's Christmas Gift! What a delight to see how each blogger interacted with the book and created such interesting posts. I am very appreciative!

Blog Tour #8 Everyone Loves Giveaways! Hosted by Rebecca Angus, literary agent

Blog Tour Week 8! Literary agent Rebecca Angus is hosting me this week on her blog and offering three fantastic give-aways!  Click the link to check out all the details!

Rebecca's Blog Post

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 #5 Penelope Powell Takes Mouse to a Gala!

Check out these darling Christmas dishes--mouse-themed, of course! It seems that currently, everything in my life is mouse-themed. But I'm loving it! A big thanks to Penelope Powell for hosting the blog tour this week. Check out her thoughts at this link:

Penelope's blog

P.S She interviewed me earlier this year (Christmas in July post) so if you are interested, click over to read my answers to her questions.

Blog Tour #4 - Read. Discuss. Do! with Rebecca J. Gomez

A big thanks to Rebecca J. Gomez for reading Mouse's Christmas Gift and creating a Read, Discuss, Do! activity to go along with the story. Click below to access her blog and learn more about the idea.

Read. Discuss. Do! with Rebecca J. Gomez on her blog

If you haven't seen her Read, Discuss, Do! activities, you will want to look into more of them. She has fabulous ideas for how to spend quality time with your kids connecting over children's books.

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 #2 Denette Fretz--Little Acts of Service Can Grow

The creativity of others is truly inspiring and this week's blog tour host, Denette Fretz, has come up with some amazing content.

Please visit her blog to learn about a wonderful object lesson "Little Acts of Service Can Grow."

She has all kinds of goodies--

• an object lesson using either acorns or sponge animals that grow when you add water 

• downloadable service coupons for kids to make and give to someone they would like to serve

• and a craft idea making acorn bells. 

Check it out using the link listed here:



Denette Fretz blog post

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!

MOUSE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT BLOG TOUR

So excited to kick-off this epic blog tour for Mouse's Christmas Gift, made possible by all of these wonderful author friends that I have gotten to know along my journey to publication.  I would like to give them a big thank you and also a shout out for all of their wonderful books. If you have not read their books, give them a try!

10-9-18 Week 1 Host: Kellie Byrnes  Guest post by me, "How to Make Widow Bartholomew's Strawberry Jam"

10-15-18 Week 2 Host: Denette Fretz Denette has created an object lesson for use in a ministry setting.

10-22-18 Week 3 Host: Laura Sassi Laura interviewed me. Check out my answers to her questions.

10-29-18 Week 4 Host: Rebecca Gomez Rebecca has a Read, Discuss, Do activity. 

11-5-18 Week 5 Host: Penelope Powell Surprise Post

11-12-18 Week 6 Host: Glenys Nellist Guest post by me!,"5 Fun Facts About Mouse's Christmas Gift"

11-19-18 Week 7 Host: Rebecca Waddell Surprise Post

11-26-18 Week 8 Host: Laurie Winter Book Review

12-3-18 Week 9 Host: Rebecca Angus Christmas Basket Give-away

There will be a book give-away at each stop.

Hope you will join us each week on the blog tour!

Guest Post: Half Marathon or Picture Book Publication

Check out my guest post on the Fireworks and Foliage website.  This is a group of authors who all have picture book debuts in 2018 summer and fall.  I compare my experience running a half marathon to publishing a picture book.  Check it out by clicking the GUEST POST link!
Guest Post:

Launch Party -- Sunday October 7--Hope to see you there! Look at what I'm giving away!

If you attend my LAUNCH PARTY, you can enter to win one of three give-aways.  

#1 It's a mini tree, mini tree-topper and mini ornaments for your child to decorate for Christmas. Also included is a mouse ornament that will fit into a matchbox bed. Mouse loves to listen to your child re-tell the story of Jesus' birth!

#2 It's a nativity set with 19 kid-friendly pieces. You can add this to your family's Christmas traditions.

#3 It's an autographed copy of Mouse's Christmas Gift! 

There will also be free drip coffee and kids' crafts.  

I will be selling a limited number of copies of Mouses' Christmas Gift.  

(I can accept cash or checks only.)

Hope to see you there!

October 7

2-4p.m.

The Well Coffeehouse in Downtown Fishers

Getting Ready For Book Events

In my book, Mouse's Christmas Gift, the villagers decorate a tree near the church with hair ribbons and quilt squares.

My dear friend Tonia made a tree that we can decorate together at book events. It turned out so cute!  I can't wait to use it!

Hope you can join me at an event!  Check out all of my events by clicking on the link on the home page of this blog. 

Coming up:

October 7th LAUNCH PARTY at The Well Coffeehouse in Fishers, IN

And on October 11, Story Time at Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI.

Hope to see you there!

Winner of Book Give-Away

I am happy to announce that the winner of the book is (drum roll please...)

Megan Crop!  

Congratulations!  I will be in touch with you about the details of receiving your book.

A big thanks to Denette Fretz for allowing me to host, and a big thanks to Zonderkidz for providing the prize.

And thanks to everyone who visited this blog post, I hope you enjoyed finding out more about I Want Your Smile, Crocodile!  It truly is a fantastic book.

Book Review of I WANT YOUR SMILE, CROCODILE by Denette Fretz (AND BOOK GIVE-AWAY)

A few months ago I interviewed Denette Fretz about her upcoming book, I Want Your Smile, Crocodile.  I'm happy to announce that her book now available!  Link to buy book on Amazon

I am thrilled to be able to review this book on my blog as part of a four stop blog tour.  (If you missed the first three installments, you will want to go back and read them!  They are linked below, along with my original interview with Denette)

The give-away! 

If you would like to win a copy of Denette's book, simply leave a comment on this entry of my blog.  Post by May 20 at midnight EST, and on May 21, I will randomly select a winner. 

And now for my thoughts about this beautiful book!

This book is full of heart and adorable humor, and is sure to become a family favorite. Yet behind all of its darlingness, it drives home a very important lesson for every reader, from the youngest child, to the oldest adult.  We are designed in God's image, created for a purpose, and that makes us valuable! I love that Denette's book has this underlying seed of truth. 

I know for me, it is easy to look at other people's talents and unique qualities and feel inferior, saying to myself "I wish I was more like _____."  That is the exact struggle of the main character, Jack the meerkat.

The truth is that God does NOT want me to be like _____, he wants me to be ME! Living in the special way that he created me to live, and walking out my purpose on this earth.  I got on a little soapbox there...

Back to the book!

In the book, Jack wishes that he could be... 

• a crocodile, 
• an elephant, 
• a jellyfish, 
• a chimpanzee, 
• a porcupine, 
• and a polar bear, 

...imagining himself with each of their special qualities.  

But, as he begins to "impersonate" each animal, there is always something that just doesn't... quite... work out. (Insert clever humor and delightful illustrations that complete the storyline).

Personally, my favorite instance was when he got a sore bottom from the spine of the porcupine and needed the ice of the polar bear! :)   

There are other instances where the illustrations really "add depth" to the storyline. 

• For example, the chimpanzees give Jack's swinging "ratings," as in a gymnastics competition. 

• Jack's crocodile grin scares the crowd, and they flee in fearful desperation. 

• The zookeeper is not mentioned, but he lovingly follows Jack to bring him home even though along the way he encounters quite a few personal injuries. 

I was absolutely amazed at the clever word play and rhyme. As a writer, I know that this effect is very hard to achieve, and Denette's text packs a punch that fits the spunkiness of the character and the whimsical illustrations! Bravo!!

• Example: "Give me your swish, Jellyfish. I long to float the seas. I'd dive, I'd play, I'd glide, I'd sway, and twirl your dance with ease."  Fretz's lyrical words "fit" with the natural movements that a jellyfish would make. 

• She then transitions with, "nix the swish...I'm not a fish. I'm a sky kind of guy."  Her word choice is perfect, and a great introduction to the chimpanzee scene.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I believe this story will not only connect with kids of all ages, but also with the adults who read it.  

Sneak peek inside: (You just can't help but fall in love with Jack!)

My original interview with Denette Fretz

Blog tour -- Interview with Denette by Glenys Nellist

Blog tour -- Read, Discuss, Do with Rebecca J. Gomez

Blog tour -- 6 extension activities with Laura Sassi

Remember, the give-away! 

If you would like to win a copy of Denette's book, simply leave a comment on this entry of my blog by May 20 at midnight EST, and on May 21, I will randomly select a winner. 

About the author:
Denette Fretz's passion is creating imaginative, engaging stories that help children understand and apply biblical principles.  A veteran elementary educator, Fretz resides in Medford, Oregon with her husband, a sassy cat, and a spastic Jack-A-Bee.

Denette, fantastic job! You have written an amazing book. I can see that it is a reflection of your beautiful heart.  Best wishes to you!

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 Promo and Author Interview with Annemarie Riley Guertin..HOW THE FINCH GOT HIS COLORS

I recently became acquainted with a fabulous group of writers.  We all have one thing in common.  We are 2018 debut picture book authors.  We have a new website that promotes our books.  You can find all of us at:  Fireworks and Foliage Debut Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

One if the authors is Annemarie Riley Guertin. Her book, HOW THE FINCH GOT HIS COLORS recently released.  I'm thrilled for her accomplishment, and wanted to take a moment to interview her and get the inside scoop.  Her book looks so beautiful with its vibrant colors!

Link to buy book on AMAZON

Book blurb from AMAZON:

Many years ago, before the world bloomed in magnificent colors, the Earth lay stark and gray. The animals that graced its skies and roamed its lands were the colors of dirt, clay, and stone . . . 

. . . until Rainbow descended to bestow her colors on the creatures of the world. Each bird asked for a bright and beautiful color: green for Parrot, red for Cardinal, and yellow for Canary. But will there be any colors left for little Gouldian Finch? He soon learns the power of patience and the beauty of all creatures. Based on a Belgian folktale, this beautifully told and illustrated tale is a timeless treasure for every collection.

Hi Annemarie, I am thrilled to have you joining me today on my blog. I can't wait to get started with my questions...

I see that you are an elementary teacher. How did that help you as you shaped your story?

Being an elementary teacher plays integral part in the stories that I create. I have a front row seat (every single day) for the audience that we are writing books for.  I know what captures their attention, what they wonder about, and what types of books they favor. I also know firsthand where the gaps are in the market place for this audience.

Finch was written out of necessity. I was teaching a unit of study on folktales as part of the Common Core standards. I had a few folktales in my collection but many of them were read in Kindergarten and my students already knew them (The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks, Jack and the Beanstalk.) I really wanted to expose my students to lesser known folktales and that is where I hit a wall.  I had a bit of a challenge finding ones that were standalone picture books. Many titles were found in anthologies that are no longer used in public school classrooms.  After pulling a handful from libraries, I remembered my aunt had given me a collection of books and one of the had folktales in it. I pulled one out that was written in the 1920’s and that is where I found How the Finch Got Her Colors.  It wasn’t a story per say, it was more of a short story with a moral. I was drawn to it and knew if I tried my hand at it I could create a story using the characters and the moral. So, I sat down and got to work. That is how the Finch was born 😊.

What has been your students' reaction to your book?

My students were in awe the first time I read it to them. The illustrations are so vibrant that they pull you in. 

I agree! Your book is absolutely stunning. I love all the colors. 
Because your book is a folktale, I'm interested to know what lesson you hope children uncover as they read the story of Finch?

In terms of lessons, I want my readers to connect with the messages of patience and friendship. Patience comes with practice and at 5 and 6 it’s still not an easy concept to grasp. In the scene where Finch is awaiting his turn, Helena’s illustration captures that emotion so beautifully you don’t even need the text to figure out what’s happening. In fact, I stopped on that page and had the children discuss the illustration and all of them made the connection that Finch felt sad because he waited and then the colors ran out. They connected emotionally with his sadness and the feeling of being left out.

The other message I want readers to connect with is friendship. The birds realized that something was wrong and wanted to help their friend. The true meaning of friendship is something I think they can and will relate to as well. 

Solid messages for children! My next question is about your experience as a new author.

Many people aspire to write children's books. What advice can you offer them based on your journey to publication? How did you find the right match with your publishing house?

When I set out on this journey I had no idea where to begin. I started with contacting a local author and asking her for advice.  She offered one piece of advice and that was to join SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating). She told me that everything I needed to know would be on this site. So, a few weeks later I joined. I read every forum on publishing that I could find. I researched how to write a query letter and where to send unsolicited manuscripts as I didn’t have an agent (I still don’t for that matter!). I also found a few people who were willing to critique my story. After a few weeks of editing both my story and my query letter, I felt confident enough to send my story out. I selected a few publishers that were open to unsolicited manuscripts, sent them off and waited to hear. To my surprise in 2 months time I had a few offers on it! Of the 4 contracts I was offered, I narrowed it down to two. I reached out to authors from each of the publishing companies to ask about their experiences. I spoke with the CEO’s of both publishing houses and asked a lot of questions. I was given the contracts to review and I went with Familius. From my first email with them, through the phone calls etc. I knew this was the place for Finch. Everyone in the Familius family has been wonderful to work with. It has been an incredible journey and one I feel so blessed to be experiencing.

The best advice I can offer aspiring authors is to ask someone outside your circle to critique your work. Your friends and family love you and don’t want to hurt your feelings. You need someone who doesn’t have a personal connection with you to evaluate your writing. I would also strongly encourage them to join SCBWI. One last piece of advice is not to give up. There will be many nos along the way and those can get you down-- but just remember J.K. Rowling didn’t take no for an answer 😊imagine if she had?!!

It sounds like it has been a wonderful journey...and thanks for the excellent advice.  I really appreciate your willingness to stop by and share your story. I wish you the best of luck with Finch as well as your future writing endeavors!

Author Bio: Annemarie Riley Guertin graduated with a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College and a master's degree (summa cum laude) in elementary education from Fitchburg State University. Annemarie is an adjunct early childhood professor and a first grade teacher. She lives in Haverhill, Massachusetts, with her husband, Michael and their two children.