Loren Long’s Little Tree uses the fall season to highlight the temptation we often have to “hold on” and resist change rather than “letting go” and surrendering to the rhythm of the seasons. While many other picture books focus on this same theme, Little Tree—for […]
Espresso Smoothie
Smoothies leave me feeling fresh and clear-headed, and are a great way to get veggies in. The original version of this recipe from a couple cooks did not include veggies, but I love to add spinach to every smoothie I make, since it rarely changes […]
Antlers Forever!
This delightful story about a moose losing his antlers for the first time reminds us that loss is a part of life, necessary for new growth. Unsurprisingly, both the author (Frances Bloxom) and illustrator (Jim Sollers) hail from Maine. “Orville Anderson Tarkington Moose” realizes with […]
Feature Friday: the Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massager
If you have known me for any length of time, you have probably seen me with this back/shoulder/neck massager stick. I take it in the car. I bring it to school. I bring it to Bible study. In short, I take it nearly everywhere. I […]
What Moses and Paul Tripp Are Teaching Me About Parenting
As excited as Jeff and I are to meet our little guy (in just 6 weeks, give or take!), when I think about the actual task of parenting, it can feel overwhelming. God used a passage of Scripture I read recently—along with some wise words […]
A Simple Christmas on the Farm
Recently released in July, A Simple Christmas on the Farm is a new addition to the world of Christmas picture books. It adorns simplicity, a heart of giving, connection to the natural world, generosity, and open-heartedness (a definition of family that extends beyond one’s immediate […]
Bear Came Along
This sweet, simple story by Richard T. Morris highlights the power of friendship, cooperation, and strength in diversity. The illustrations are absolutely delectable, which one might predict from the Caldecott Honor seal emblazoned on the cover. Like a river, the text appears simple, but holds […]
Nobody Hugs a Cactus
This is a fun, light story with adorable illustrations and a good–if somewhat simple–message about kindness and friendship. Carter Goodrich, author and illustrator of Nobody Hugs a Cactus, has designed characters for many films, including Brave, Ratatouille, and Despicable Me. The protagonist in this story–a […]
The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow is probably not the first book that comes to mind when one thinks about Valentine’s Day books. However, this book, written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by the Fan brothers, takes us through each of the seasons (not only fall) with stunning illustrations […]
How do we wait with hope? December and January Blog theme: Waiting.
The blog theme for December and January month is…wait for ittttt…(nod to Shawn and Gus from Psych)…waiting. The featured books are Waiting Is Not Easy!, What’s Coming for Christmas? and Winter Dance. Waiting can be painful, boring, and hard. Like most people (and definitely like […]