A Home for Mr. Emerson by Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fortheringham

ISBN:9780545350884
$18.99 Hardback
Scholastic Press

About the book:

"All life is an experiment.
The more
experiments you make
the better."

Before Ralph Waldo Emerson was a great writer, he was a city boy who longed for the broad, open fields and deep, still woods of the country, and then a young man who treasured books, ideas, and people. When he grew up and set out in the world, he wondered: could he build a life around these things he loved?

This moving biography--presented with Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham's inimitable grace and style--illustrates the rewards of a life well-lived, one built around personal passions: creativity and community, nature and friendship.

May it inspire you to experiment and build the life you dream of living. 

Review: This is a beautifully written and illustrated biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson written with the very young child in mind. It is of value to begin introducing young children to people and authors of note at a young age. But it must be done in a manner that is appealing and not boring. 

Inside the front cover are quotes in "squares" of varying colors and type. "Love the day. Do not leave the sky out of your landscape." "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience." "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." And one of the best..... "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

This picture book focuses on Emerson's desire to have the home in adult life that he never had as a child. He achieves this with his wife and delights in ownership and enjoyment of its merits. His home is eventually lost, but he was so loved by those in his little town, that they eventually rebuilt it for him. And Mr. Emerson was home. 

The book has life-living lessons as well as lessons in caring for others. 

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary gallery of this book was provided for the purpose of our review by Scholastic Press. Opinions expressed are solely our own. No compensation was received for this review.

Cool World Cooking: Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids! by Lisa Wagner

About the book:  Fun and Tasty Recipes for Kids!  Give up-and-coming chefs a chance to explore the foods of the world.

This international cookbook has over 50 recipes from six different cultures and introduces readers to world geography, math, science, and authentic, easy-to-make recipes that taste great. Learn about African, French, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Japanese and Chinese cooking. Each kid-tested recipe includes step-by-step instructions, how-to photos, and tips, along with pronunciation guides when needed. So grab an apron and prepare for a tasty adventure!


Review:  What a delightful introductory cookbook for kids to help them learn the varied cuisines of the World. In this step-by-step, beautifully pictured book, kids will have the opportunity to explore delightful taste sensations without difficulty.

I see this as an excellent tool for parents to introduce their children to cooking in general. The book has some basic rules of the kitchen and safety such as neat, clean, smart, safe, organization, and prep work. There are also explanations and illustrations of the tools you use in cooking and basic cooking terms.

And then, we venture into the World of ethnic and cultural cooking. We find that we are not so different in our tastes after all. Various cultures utilize spices in different ways to achieve the same goal: nutritious, tasty food.

This is a book that will surely see lots of action in the kitchen. I can see Mom sneaking it out a bit to try something different, too.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Scarletta Press in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

“A Bride for Noah” by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith: The Lady and the Lumberjack

About the book: It’s 1851, and Evie Lawrence is penniless and heartbroken after a failed romance. When a kind elderly man announces his plan to move west and make his fortune, Evie jumps at the chance to go with him and start a new life. She says goodbye to the only home she’s ever known and sets out for the Northwest.

There she meets Noah Hughes, a handsome young man who has gambled everything he owns on the chance to make a fresh start. Living the rugged life of a lumberjack, he too is determined to one day make his fortune. The last thing he’s looking for is a bride…so why can’t he get Evie out of his mind?

In this first book of the Seattle Brides series, two people learn what it means to move beyond their expectations and embrace the very best God has for them.

Review:  A woman is inadvertently given the opportunity by her employer to move to the west and make something of herself. After making the decision to cut ties with her fiancé, she takes her employer up on his offer. Dragging along some husband-seeking friends with her, Evangeline Lawrence sets out to reform part of the west, starting with a restaurant in the middle of a settlement made up entirely of a lumberjacking community. Evie herself is a woman on a mission; she is determined and hardheaded, and for the most part sensible. Noah Hughes, the man who is not of her dreams, is equally stubborn; however, he is a man with a troubled past which sometimes manifests itself when he deals with Evie.

While reading “A Bride for Noah” I truly appreciated the sensory details that were often included. I could actually place myself in Evie’s shoes, and visualize the camp to an extent. One can certainly appreciate the research that must have been put forth to compile facts about lumberjacks and the Indian traditions of that era. I highly recommend this book, if just for the laughs it evokes. (rev. Jael B.)


DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of A Bride for Noah was provided by Harvest House Publishers in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

“The Quaker and the Rebel” by Mary Ellis: A Civil War Romeo and Juliet Story

About the book: Emily Harrison’s life has been turned upside down. At the beginning of the Civil War, she bravely attempted to continue her parents’ work as conductors in the Underground Railroad until their Ohio farm was sold in foreclosure. Now alone, she accepts a position as a governess with a doctor’s family in slave-holding Virginia. Perhaps she can continue her rescue efforts from there.

Alexander Hunt is the doctor’s handsome nephew. While he does not deny a growing attraction to his uncle’s newest employee, he cannot take time to pursue Emily. Alex is not at all what he seems—rich, spoiled, and indolent. He is the elusive Gray Wraith, a Quaker leader of Rebel partisans. A man of the shadows, he carries no firearm and wholeheartedly believes in Emily’s antislavery convictions.

The path before Alex and Emily is complicated and sometimes life threatening. The war brings betrayal, entrapment, and danger to both of them. Amid their growing feelings for each other, can they find faith in God amid the challenges they face and trust in the possibility for a bright future together?

Review:  A young Quaker woman, who is loyal to the Union, becomes a governess with a doctor’s family in Virginia. Despite its dangerous nature, she continues to assist in the escape of slaves. Becoming involved with a man who is secretly a famous Confederate soldier is not in her best interest, but they are drawn to each other anyway. Filled with intrigue, twists around every chapter, and nail-biting tension, ‘The Quaker and the Rebel” is a well-rounded book bound to enthrall. Upon doing some research I found that romantic novels seldom ever include Quakers as subject matter; when reflecting on the many similar books that I had read in the past I was shocked to find that this was indeed the case. Therefore, it was refreshing to read a novel that incorporated the less literary explored life of the average Quaker. You will fall in love with the spunky character of Emily Harrison as well as her dashing Gray Wraith, Alexander Hunt, as they tiptoe across serious political and moral issues, such as slavery, as well as cross enemy lines. I recommend this book to anyone with an appetite for adventure and romance. (reviewed by Jael B.)

 About the author:  Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow's Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life. What Mary Ellis says.... “The Quaker and the Rebel is first of a new series that allowed me to put years of stomping around Civil War battlefields, sleeping in drafty B&B's, and reading dozens of non-fictional bios of famous generals to good use. My historical romance pits a Yankee pacifist against a Southern planter's son, allowing both to come to new understanding of God's will during wartime. I hope you enjoy!”

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers  in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

The Big Book of Laugh- out - Loud Jokes for Kids By: Rob Elliott

About the book:  The gut-bustingest, knee-slappingest, guffaw-inducingest collection of clean jokes you can find!

All kids like to laugh, and The Big Book of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids delivers! Combining his three bestselling joke books for kids, Rob Elliott will have you doubled over for days. You'll get jokes like

Q: Why did the invisible man turn down a job offer?
A: He just couldn't see himself doing it.

Q: What do you get if you mix a rabbit and a snake?

A: A jump rope.

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Cook.
Cook who?
Are you as crazy as you sound?

Great on car rides, at the dinner table, on the playground, and anywhere in between, this collection of wholesome hilarity will make you and those around you smile from ear to ear.

Review:  This book of jokes will keep your kids laughing. Rob Elliot does a wonderful job. He is able to keep the jokes on the level for children . It is full of question and answer jokes,animal jokes, and knock knock jokes. The jokes are clean and great for kids. My nine year twin old sons enjoyed reading this book and telling the jokes. They would read a joke and then come tell me the joke. These jokes really kept them laughing. I would recommend this book. It will bring smiles and laughter to all who read. 

About the author: Rob Elliott is the author of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids, Zoolarious Animal Jokes for Kids, and Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids, and has been a publishing professional for more than fifteen years. His three joke books have sold more than 300,000 copies. Rob lives in West Michigan, where in his spare time he enjoys laughing out loud with his wife and four children.

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided by Revell a division of Baker publishing Group in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely our own. No compensation was received for this review.

Rachel (Wives of the Patriarchs) by Jill Eileen Smith

ISBN13: 9780800734312
Paperback: $14.99
Revell a division of Baker
Publishing Group

About the book: Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out

Review:  Rachel is a lovely young lady who loves adventure. She loves helping her father and brother's with the sheep. One day she goes to the well and meets a handsome young man named Jacob. He ends up being her cousin. Rachel and Jacob fall in love right away. Jacob makes a deal with her father, Laban, to work seven years for her hand in marriage.

Rachel has an older sister named Leah who is not married. In the culture of Biblical times, it would look bad on the family for the younger sister to marry first. So Laban goes to Leah and tells her that she is going to marry Jacob. Leah tries to argue with him but to no avail. When Laban tells Rachel, she can not believe that her father would do this to her and Jacob. Laban has Leah keep her identity secret through out the wedding festivities.

When Jacob awoke the morning after his wedding and saw Leah instead of Rachel he was furious. He confronted Laban and said he had to make things right. Laban tells him that he could marry Rachel at the end of the wedding week if he promised to work another seven years. Jacob agrees and at the end of the week marries Rachel. Now Rachel has to share the man she loves with her sister.

It was a struggle from day one. Rachel is unable to have children and watches her sister Leah have four. It causes Rachel much grief and bitterness. The sisters are in a constant battle of trying to win Jacob's attention. Finally Rachel has a son for Jacob. This son's name is Joseph and Jacob favors him over all of Leah's children.  Many years pass before she is able to have another son. Rachel dies during his birth. This sons name was Benjamin.

I would recommend this book. It was a very good take on what life would have been like for Rachel.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Revell a division of Baker Publishing in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

The One Year Book of Bible Trivia for Kids by Katrina Cassel

About the book:  What kind of fruit did Eve take from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? A. pear; B. apple; C. we don’t know.

What did Jesus serve the disciples for breakfast? A. fruit and cereal, B. fish and bread; C. manna and quail.

Learn a little Bible trivia while learning more about God’s message within the Bible. This One Year book features 365 trivia questions that lead into meaningful devotions about the questions. Each devotion also includes a For You section, which gives a simple application to kid’s lives. And the answer to the opening question wraps up the devotion and gives readers biblical references to read.

Reviewed by fifth grade students - their comments.....

• This book is interesting. Anyone that would like to be a better Christian should read this book.
• I like this "book" because it tells about what happens to that person. It also tells which day you should read it as in February 13.  It tells what you should do (right or wrong), and tells you a Bible story. I also like it because it tells where that [Bible] passage is found.
• I really like this Daily Devotion because it might tell you something you might not know. I did not know you have to forgive seventy times seven.
• I love this book because it was a very good devotion. Moses and the burning bush was so great! Writing this is my pleasure because I love devotions!!!  Some devotions I have to have my Mom or Dad to help me because I don't understand. So my Dad got me a kid's one and I love them!!!
• I like it. I like the extra trivia questions. They help you review and remember the story.
• I like it for all ages. I thought it was cool that Moses was standing on holy ground when God was talking in a bush! I like the story about the King.
• I liked how God got Moses' attention by the burning bush. I liked the book.
• I liked the book, it was interesting and it explains what is going on. Teaches you a lesson of how your life should compare.

DISCLOSURE: This book was received through the Tyndale Rewards Program.