Wednesday, June 17, 2009

"God Gave Us You" by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Absolutely love this book. A emotion provoking children's story of a mama bear telling her baby cub the story of where she came from.

This book generates questions and answers for anyone who might want a cute way to talk about the subject of having a baby to one of their little ones. I mean, who hasn't had their kid ask them, "Mommy, where did I come from?" Let's face it, when your 1-2-3-4-5 year old is asking that question, you should be a little delicate on how you answer --I'd actually go a little higher in age, but that's my opinion.

Everytime I read this book to my grandchildren, I make a point of looking in their eyes when I repeat the phrase, "God gave us you."

It's a feel "loved" kind of book. It has kid loveable art work, and the story fits perfectly with the art.

This book is a keeper! It's something I can pass onto my grandchildren when they are grown and having kids of their own. A timeless treasure to be shared and enjoyed over and over again.

"Froggy's Baby Sister" by Jonathan London

My granddaughter Emily loves this book...all the "Froggy" books for that matter. It's a cute little story about a young boy frog, named "Froggy," waiting for his baby brother or baby sister to be born.

Only one baby at a time for this frog family. (I bet all the other frog's envy his mom.)

Now the thing that Emily really loves is when Froggy moves he "flops" instead of hops. The flopping always makes her giggle.

It drives me crazy. I know such a small thing to bother anyone, but a frog HOPS. Flopping sounds so, so...lazy...sleepy...boring...annoying! It's just not right!

The thing that Emily and I both agree on, is the way that Froggy's mom and dad call to him and his response. They drag his name and his response out. It's just darn right cute. Now, I'm not going to tell you what it is - you'll have to read the book yourself to find out. Don't want to spoil anything ya know.

Okay, short version of the book...frog waits for mom to have baby, imagines playing with a baby brother, baby sister is born, can't play with sister until she grows legs. Froggy is actually patient for a young frog. (Do real frogs have patience?)

Of course the patience runs out and Froggy decides to leave, but wait, baby has legs. Froggy teaches sister how to catch flies, and changes her diaper. All without being taught how to change a diaper -what a smart little hopper.

The cutest part is when baby sister goes to bed and all she wants is Froggy.

Predictable, but cute, and good for children who are expecting a baby brother/sister. Lots of bright colors, and some semi-interesting characters. Typical kids book that kids love to read. Over and over and over and over again. Sigh.

This Scholastic book gets a rating of 4 stars out of 5. Or should that be 4 frogs out of 5? Hmm.
Take the flop out and it would get a 5!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson

From the first bolt of lightning streaking across the sky, this book crackles with energy and suspense. Sara Walsh is someone I would love to meet. First, she has a British accent, which I love, and second, the strength in this lady is something else. Ya, ya, I know she's not a real person, but if you've read any of Dee Henderson's books you know that she is one lady who knows how to bring her character's to life.

I wonder if she's ever going to publish any of the "HQ Victor" stories she alludes to in this book? I'd actually like to see Sara Walsh's children's books published, too. That's right, she's just a fictional character in a book, but think of where Hendersen could go with it.

I love books with passion and conviction and Dee Henderson delivers. This is actually one of my favorite's out of all of her books that I've read.

Twin sisters kidnapped - one dies, the other represses her memories of the event and the kidnapper's face. An older brother who grows up to be, Sara's (the living sister's) FBI protector. Attraction to a famous person (Adam Black, former football player) when public attention could be fatal. The kidnapper out there, stalking Sara, the only person who can identify him. Negligent father, an ambassador to England. The living sister - Sara - a published author of books that make you keep a closer eye on your own kids, but also a children's book author. Two sides of Sara Walsh.

How does Sara keep it all together? Only through faith in God. How can you stand to put the book down once you start reading it...you can't.

Past and present continue to collide as events in Sara's life trigger flashbacks, bringing her to the verge of an ultimate breakdown. Add to the mix that Adam and Sara fall in love through events that would send most people packing, and you've got one page turner of a book.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense, romance, and a touch of christian living to round it out.

Scoring of 5 stars out of 5.

Ratings by outbrain