WITCH BORN (WITCH SONG #2) YA by AMBER ARGYLE

About Book

Brusenna thought it was finished.

She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. 

She was wrong. 

Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. 

Some things can't be saved. 

A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.

Including her life. 

Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice? 

First page:

1. Shadows

The night was so deep the shadows seemed to bleed darkness. Senna glanced toward the hidden sky, searching for the moon that would not come. Not tonight. Even the strongest starlight was strangled by the dense canopy of trees. The temporary blindness was frightening, but it ensured no one would notice her slipping away.

With each step she took, the roar of the waterfall grew louder. Finally, she reached the staircase carved into the side of the cliff. Mindful of the slippery steps, she climbed upward until her muscles burned and sweat broke across her skin despite the chill.

When she’d crested the top and crossed the bleak expanse, she glanced at the frothing sea far below. Sea spray misted her skin. She faced westward, towards the distant land of Tarten. Closing her eyes, she cast her senses across the vast ocean, searching and feeling the faraway echoes of the Four Sisters—Earth, Water, Plants, and Sunlight. She concentrated until she could hear their pain, an aching melody.

Senna’s tears started again, wetting the salty tracks already on her cheeks. At night, her dreams haunted her. Dreams of a withered land and a dying people. With all the strength she had, she sang.

Let not the curse of Witches

Destroy a land of natural riches.

Plants, preserve life in thy roots,

Seeds sleep in earth, send forth no shoots

Until the Witches shall disperse

This terrible and unjust curse.

~
Purchase links:
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 
Alibris
Book Depository 
ISBN: 0985739401 (ISBN13: 9780985739409)

About Amber Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.  She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.  She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State Uiversity.  She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children. You can follow her on: Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Website

My Thoughts


In book two, Brusenna is a witch apprentice and is residing in Haven with her mother. She has much to learn much to learn. Yet her Witch Song is stronger than any of the others in Haven. 

Senna keeps sensing change and hears singing no one else hears. She is in danger, someone is wanting to abduct her and one attempt left her with a knot on her head and her hand cut badly enough to need stitches. A man she did not even know was now dead by her hands while defending herself. This does not sit well with Senna.

Her Mother is always upset with her about something. Some of the other witches do not have much patience with Senna either. She is a difficult student.

Their Haven has been put in danger. If she were in charge she would change many things for Haven. One very important change would be to combine their strengths with that of the Guardians. As things were now men were not allowed in Haven unless ordered or by invitation from the Head witch. If she were Head things would definitely be different.

Senna has many worries and questions:

• Who was trying to abduct her?
• Why is there so much hatred towards the witches of Haven?
• Does she really belong in Haven?
• Is there a traitor among the witches in Haven?
• Who can she trust other than Joshen, the man she loves?

She isn't even sure if she could trust her mother.  She had to figure out what was going on within Haven.

This was a high action book for me a little out of my genre.  The author has a great skill for writing and keeping the reader guessing and on edge.  She created so many interesting characters in the Witch Born.

At times it was difficult to keep up with who was who, names, rank and gift of the characters. But that is what made for a very good read.

I was worried that since I was so anxious for book two to be released that I might be let down. Not!

It was well worth all the anxiety of waiting. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free arc digital copy of this book from the author via Smashwords.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW - The Wheat Doll written by Alison L. Randall, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth

About Book

Share this moving story of steadfast devotion and hope with someone you love.

It is the late 1800s. Mary Ann lives with her family in the rugged Utah territory, where she tends the vegetable garden, dips candles, and braids rags into rugs. Mary Ann has a busy life, and a special friend to share it with: her beloved homemade doll, Betty.

Betty’s wheat-filled body sits straight and tall. Her embroidered eyes never blink. Still, Mary Ann knows that Betty is always paying attention, and listening to her secrets.

But one afternoon, a sudden, fierce storm forces Mary Ann and her family into their cabin before the young girl can retrieve her doll from the garden. By the time the wild wind and rain subside, Betty is gone. Heartbroken, Mary Ann refuses to give up searching for her best friend. Then one day, when winter turns to spring, Mary Ann spies a familiar shape growing as a patch of slender grass near the bottom of a hill...

An afterword by the author reveals the story of the real-life Mary Ann and her doll, the inspiration for The Wheat Doll.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

When I was nine, I grabbed a stack of type paper (that's what it was called back then), stapled it three times down the edge, and told my brother, "I'm going to write a book." This first attempt was called, "The Hidden Doll Mystery" and featured a pretty dumb thief who left clues behind as to where he'd stashed the goods. I've been writing one thing or another ever since.

Writing isn't the only thing I love. I enjoy doing things with my hands like knitting and sewing. I wish there were enough time in life that I could learn all the old crafts like glass blowing, weaving and spinning. I have a bachelor's degree in French. And if I were ever transported back to the Middle Ages, I would want to work on the stained glass for the rosace window in the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris.

My biggest joys in life, though, are my family and my faith. I have a husband, three children and a cat named Indy, who's a mighty hunger of voles.


About Illustrator

As a 1980 graduate of The Ringling School of Art and Design, Bill Farnsworth has spent the last thirty years creating paintings for magazines, advertisements, children’s books, and fine art commissions of portraits and landscapes.

Born in Norwalk Connecticut in 1958, Bill spent most of his life in New Milford Connecticut painting landscapes of the rural area, while supporting himself and family with his growing illustration career.

A Signature member of The Oil Painters of America and The American Society of Marine Artists, Farnsworth’s paintings have appeared in many national shows and private collections throughout the United States.

A nationally known illustrator, Bill has illustrated more than fifty books for Children, and many have won awards as well as starred reviews in Publishers Weekly.

A prolific Gallery painter, Bill has seamlessly moved into the Fine Art field where he has garnered awards of excellence from the Oil Painters of America  2006, 2007, 2011 Eastern Regional shows and the 2007 National show.

He won first place in the Fifth Biennial National Show in Punta Gorda, and won two awards for Narrative Excellence from The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society.

Bill won Best in Show in the 2010 Cashiers paint out.

In 2010 Bill was awarded Signature Status from The American Society of Marine Artists. In 2011 he was awarded Signature Status from The Oil Painters of America.“My goal with my work is to paint what I love and convey that honestly so the viewer can feel that as well".

Bill currently lives with his wife Debbie in Venice, Florida.


My Thoughts

In the nineteenth-century little girls that lived on farms usually had handmade dolls. Rag dolls stuffed with rags, saw dust, hay or wheat anything that was at hand.

This was the case for Mary Ann she had a lovely little doll stuffed with wheat. Her doll's name was Betty and she had pretty black satin embroidery eyes. Betty spent most of her time in Mary Ann's apron pocket. She would listen to and watch Mary Ann do everything. Like making candles and work in the garden. She went everywhere with Mary Ann because they were best friends and best friends kept secrets. Then one day during a bad storm Betty got separated from Mary Ann.  Mary Ann was very sad and never stopped looking for Betty.

Was Mary Ann ever able to be reunited with Betty?  I hope you will buy the book to find the answer.

This is a lovely story. The author heard a friend tell about one of their ancestor's real life story of Mary Ann and her wheat doll.  That was when the author decided to write the story of THE WHEAT DOLL.  What a wonderful thing she did by writing this story so everyone can enjoy the tale of the little girl and her wheat doll.

The illustrator did a beautiful job in capturing Mary Ann and her little wheat doll. You can see the sorrow Mary Ann experienced over being separated from Betty in the illustrations.

This is a story you will want to share with everyone young and old.

I highly recommend this book.

    I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL VOTE yes or no here

Now for the giveaway 

of THE WHEAT DOLL

provided by Peachtree Publishers 

will be 9/6 until 9/14. 

 1+. All you need to do is leave a comment 

about who you will give this book to if you win.  

Be sure to leave your email address in the comment

 so I can contact you if you are the winner. 

example of email:  johndoe(at)yahoo(dot)com

I can not contact you with an email.

 I invite you to follow me by email, GFC, 

Linky Follower, Facebook, Twitter and G+. 

This is not mandatory for the giveaway.

 The winner will be announced on September 14th. 

 GOOD LUCK!

The Mystery of the Indian Carvings by Gloria Repp

About Book 

The Mystery of the Indian Carvings 

Christian fiction - Ages 9-12 

Julie has become a problem at home and is sent to visit her relatives on Bartlett Island near Victoria, Canada. Everyone is on edge, she discovers, because one of Uncle Nate's valuable artifacts has disappeared. Even worse, she's beginning to hate her cousin Karin, her aunt thinks she's a trouble maker, and a persistent reporter is hanging around the family. Problems pile higher and higher and finally, the only person Julie can turn to is the mysterious Native American who lives in the forest. Does she dare to confide in him?

Read a sample chapter

Where to buy: Amazon, Christianbook.com

About Author

Gloria Repp grew up in the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Northwest; it was there she learned a love for wilderness that pervades her writing. She has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written books for children, teens, and adults. In addition to wilderness adventures, she enjoys flying in single-engine airplanes and has a particular fondness for owls and frogs.

Each family member has played a unique part in the writing of her books. Her eldest son teaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, and she has made trips with him to lava tubes and Mauna Kea’s volcano; she values his insights on the natural sciences and on godly scholarship.

With her Seattle son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, she shares an interest in people and music and journeys of discovery, especially on the Olympic Peninsula. She relies on them for a reality check of plot problems.

Her daughter, who lives in Virginia, is a competent resource in matters of sewing, baking, and midwifery. The two cats who have chosen to grace her daughter’s apartment have sufficient character to appear in stories from time to time and often take part in book discussions.

At home, her husband, a pilot and aircraft mechanic, provides valuable input for the aviation elements in her books, entry to the fascinating New Jersey Pine Barrens, and a strong, supporting shoulder. Although she likes traveling to research her novels, she thinks that the best part of every journey is coming home.

Gloria's website: http://www.gloriarepp.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GloriaReppBooks

Mother Otter carrying baby otter.seattletimes.nwsource.com

My Thoughts

Julie hasn't much of a choice as to where she is to spend her summer. Her dad said she could go stay with her Uncle Nate on a Canadian Island or go to a summer camp for girls which was chosen by her step-mom but is really more like a boot camp for bad girls. So it looks like she will be staying at her Uncle's. From what she has been told the island is still inhabited with Indians and Uncle Nate is really into Indian Artifacts. So it might not be so bad after all.  Besides her Uncle has a daughter her age.

Things are not what she had expected.  Uncle Nate stays in his office working.  Her Aunt is always worried or upset about something and their teen daughter turns out to be just plain evil.  But she does like their dog and she can tell he likes her.

Totem Pole

Things are very mysterious in this house and on this island and she plans on finding out what is really going on because it is just too weird.

Will she be able to survive the summer on the island or will her dad end up taking her to the summer camp.

I liked that Julie was felt God leading her while reading scripture and she even claimed the scriptures and asked God to lead her in difficult situations.

I highly recommend this book and not just for children  ages 9-12, I recommend it for ages 9 and up.

   I rated this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Hurray! New Header by GreenhouseStudioLLC on Etsy for My Children's Book Blog

It took me a while but I found a really cute header that I hope suits all my readers.  I wanted it to be appealing and fun for Teachers, Librarians, Parents, Students, Young Adults, Teens, Tweens  and Children of all ages.  Hope you like it as much as I do!  

I purchased the header from Jodie on Etsy.com.   She has some nice stuff for blogs and Etsy shops. She will resize if need be and install for a small fee.  Stop by and visit her shop if you are in need of something for your blog or shop.

Jodi McCauley from  GreenhouseStudioLLC

Author Q&A/Interview with Amber Argle: WITCH BORN (sequel) for YA

About Book

Brusenna thought it was finished.

She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.

She was wrong.

Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands.

Some things can't be saved.

A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.

Including her life.

Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

First page:

1. Shadows

The night was so deep the shadows seemed to bleed darkness. Senna glanced toward the hidden sky, searching for the moon that would not come. Not tonight. Even the strongest starlight was strangled by the dense canopy of trees. The temporary blindness was frightening, but it ensured no one would notice her slipping away.

With each step she took, the roar of the waterfall grew louder. Finally, she reached the staircase carved into the side of the cliff. Mindful of the slippery steps, she climbed upward until her muscles burned and sweat broke across her skin despite the chill.

When she’d crested the top and crossed the bleak expanse, she glanced at the frothing sea far below. Sea spray misted her skin. She faced westward, towards the distant land of Tarten. Closing her eyes, she cast her senses across the vast ocean, searching and feeling the faraway echoes of the Four Sisters—Earth, Water, Plants, and Sunlight. She concentrated until she could hear their pain, an aching melody.

Senna’s tears started again, wetting the salty tracks already on her cheeks. At night, her dreams haunted her. Dreams of a withered land and a dying people. With all the strength she had, she sang.


Let not the curse of Witches
Destroy a land of natural riches.
Plants, preserve life in thy roots,
Seeds sleep in earth, send forth no shoots
Until the Witches shall disperse

This terrible and unjust curse.  

                          

About Amber I am the author of Witch Song and its sequel, Witch Born. I run because I like to eat chocolate and fit in my jeans. I have a thing for vintage inspired clothes, and I firmly believe one can never have enough jewelry, shoes, or books. Q&A with Amber 1. What made you decide to write about Witches?

I wanted to take something that was often portrayed as dark and evil and twist it into something beautiful and natural. So instead of satanic chanting, my witches sing to control nature. I also wanted to use resonance with the Salem Witch Trials, so though my world is completely fictional, it has many similarities in landscape and technology with seventeenth century New England. 

2. How did you get your book published?

After years of hard work and rejection, I finally found an agent. Dropped him after a year. Had a book contract (for a different book), but the contract was awful so I couldn't sign it. Had another publisher and other agents nearly take it, but it was always nearly. Rhemalda published Witch Song. They did a good job, but when I received my first royalty statement, I realized if I wanted a chance to make any money at this, I was going to have to try something else, so I published Witch Born under my own publishing house.

3. What type of readers will be interested in this series/book?

Readers who enjoy clean fantasy with a touch of romance. 

4. What is special about this series/book?

It's very different from anything else out there. When I first started, there wasn't anyone else doing YA high fantasy except Kristin Cashore. I haven't really heard of other books that use singing as a medium for magic. There's a few more now, but still not many. Also, I'm clean and lyrical. 

5. What differentiates this book from others in this category?

My characters are flawed and make mistakes (read: screw up). Also, I have lots of young girls who relate to Brusenna because she's very shy and unsure in the beginning. 

6. Have you published any other books?

Just these two so far. 

7. Do you plan to publish more books?

I have two coming out next year. Witch Wars, which is a short prequel to Witch Song and follows the events that initiated the Witch wars. 

Winter Queen is the beginning of a whole new trilogy. 

Mortally wounded during a raid, seventeen-year-old Ilyenna is healed by winter fairies who present her with a seductive offer: become one of them and share their power over winter. But that power comes with a price. If she accepts, she will become a force of nature, lose her humanity, and abandon her family.

Unwilling to pay such a high price, Ilyenna is enslaved by the one of the invaders, Darrien. While in captivity, she learns the attack wasn’t just a simple raid but part of a larger plot to overthrow her entire nation. 

With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15829917-winter-queen

Buy WITCH BORN:  Barnes&Noble, Amazon, IndieBound, Books-A-Million

* * *

AMBER I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE INTERVIEW/Q&A. 

 I AM SURE MY VIEWER/FRIENDS ENJOYED THIS AS MUCH AS I HAVE.  

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BOOK !

WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO READING WITCH BORN!

Spotlight on Susan at WeHive on Etsy

"Teach them well and let them lead the way"

A MEMBER OF CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE 

ETSY TEAM 

My name is Susan and I live with my family in city of Maple Ridge in beautiful British Columbia, Canada about an hour outside of Vancouver home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

I am married to my husband of 20 years and have a son age 19 and daughter age 9 and our loyal dog age 6. Literacy is so important in our world today and that is why I wanted to do something that involved children and reading. When I was a child I enjoyed reading but it was a hard start for me. I didn’t understand the relationship between the letters and sounds and the combination of both to make a word. Although I had teachers, parents and friends trying to help me I just didn’t get it. The breakthrough came when I received a book called “Susan’s Secret Garden”. It changed my whole world. First I could imagine myself as the character, which created some excitement in me and second I knew what my name looked like in print. The problem was I just didn’t understand why my name had to look that way with those certain letters. I knew the sounds of all the letters but didn’t quite get the connection. When I received the book the first thing was excitement because the book was about me. Then the story was fun. I had it read to me over and over. Soon I was looking at the book myself after having heard it often and memorizing most of it. After that I was starting to put things together myself as far as reading went. I finally wanted to read and was excited about it rather than afraid. I am so grateful for that book. I still have it after 38 years and will treasure it forever.

The books I make have wonderful stories that include your child’s information throughout. The child will become the “Star of the Story”. The story books include a dedication from the gift giver so that the child will always remember who gave them this special gift and for what occasion. Friends or family can also join them in the story. The story will be placed in the city or town in which they live in and more. Children love these books and they help encourage reading at any level. I have rhyming and counting for pre-readers to sports and adventure books for older readers and all kinds in between. There are many titles to collect and more are coming soon!  

The Story of Christmas - Personalized Keepsake Story 

Book, Christian, Jesus, Made to Order - Child's Room

http://www.etsy.com/listing/102660973/the-story-of-christmas-personalized

The celebration of this highest of holy days is about the love that is shared by all man-kind 

and the gifts of God. This book speaks directly to your child when describing how Gabriel the

Angel came to Nazareth to visit Mary. Of course this visit was to share the news of the gift that 

God had given her...to become the mother of the son of God. Gifts are great, but help your child

 always remember 

why we give them with this beautiful christian book.

Wipe clean hard cover and are 7 x 8 1/4 inches in size. 36 pages.

Personalized story books are a great way to keep the attention of pre readers all the way 

through elementary school. Keeping readers engaged with personalization is a great way

 to promote reading. What's better than combining education and adventure with friends. 

Seeing your name on almost every page of our personalized story books along with the

 other information below is really cool. The kids in your life will love it and what a keepsake.

* Be sure to include the personalized information below.

First name

Name child goes by if different from the first name

Middle name

Last name

Hometown

1-3 friends or relatives

Dedication eg. Merry Christmas!

Book from

Date of gift eg. Christmas 2012

Loved one or loved ones eg Mom or Dad, Mom and Dad, Auntie Sue

Free photo sticker Heart or Star (you can look at them in the personalized items section)

* Please make sure all spelling and punctuation are correct.

* Please include an e-mail address in case of questions.

Nursery Decor - Personalized Keepsake Children's 

Story Book - Little One, Little One, What Do You See - 

Custom - Counting and Rhyming

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91024246/nursery-decor-personalized-keepsake

Learning is fun with this beautiful counting and rhyming story book. The story uses a fun combination of animals and numbers to help your child learn how to count. Simple rhyming text has been designed to keep your audience engaged and gives them a head start before moving onto pre-school. Wipe clean hard cover. 7 x 8 1/4 inches. 36 pages.

* Be sure to include the personalized information below.

First name
Name child goes by if different from the first name
Middle name
Last name
Hometown
1-3 friends or relatives
Dedication eg. Happy Easter!
Book from
Date of gift eg. Valentine's Day 2012
Loved one or loved ones eg Mom or Dad, Mom and Dad, Auntie Sue
Free photo sticker Heart or Star see them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wehive?section_id=11984779

* Please make sure all spelling and punctuation are correct.
* Please include an e-mail address in case of questions.

Other baby books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wehive?section_id=11991606

Personalized story books are a great way to keep the attention of pre readers all the way through elementary school. Keeping readers engaged with personalization is a great way to promote reading. What's better than combining education and adventure with friends. Seeing your name on almost every page of our personalized story books along with the other information below is really cool. The kids in your life will love it and what a keepsake.

Tea Party Book - Personalized Keepsake Children's Story 

Book - My Tea Party - Made to order - Learning Toys

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91024685/tea-party-book-personalized-keepsake

Planning a party for friends requires hard work and aforethought. First she must decide who to invite and what to serve, then, what type of decorations are necessary. Setting up for the party, getting properly dressed and many other important things are valuable lessons learned here. Your child will find out what it takes to throw a perfectly special gathering and all the proper manners that goes with it.

Wipe clean hard cover, 7 x 8 1/4 inches, 32 pages.

* Be sure to include the personalized information below.

First name

Name child goes by if different from the first name

Middle name

Last name

Hometown

1-3 friends or relatives

Adult helping with the tea party

Dedication eg. Merry Christmas!

Book from

Date of gift eg.Christmas 2012

Free photo sticker Heart or Star (you can look at them in the personalized items section)

* Please make sure all spelling and punctuation are correct.

* Please include an e-mail address in case of questions.

Personalized story books are a great way to keep the attention of pre readers all the way through 

elementary school. Keeping readers engaged with personalization is a great way to promote reading.

 What's better than combining education and adventure with friends. Seeing your name on almost 

every page of our personalized story books along with the other information below is really cool. 

The kids in your life will love it and what a keepsake.

Personalized Keepsake Story Book - The Sports Book - 

Made to order - Learning Toy

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90300927/personalized-keepsake-story-book-the

Personalized story books are a great way to keep the attention of pre readers all the way through elementary school. Keeping readers engaged with personalization is a great way to promote reading. 

What's better than combining education and adventure with friends. Seeing your name on almost 

every page of our personalized story books along with the other information below is really cool. 

The kids in your life will love it and what a keepsake. 

Wipe clean hard cover and are 7 x 8 1/4 inches in size. 36 pages.

* The most important lessons in team-play are friendship and sportsmanship. After anxiously sleeping 

the night before the competition, your child feels muscle soreness and wonders how he or she will perform.

It turns out that the pain was too much to play well and the opposing team disappointingly wins the game. 

Of course the coach gives praise to your child’s team for “giving 100 percent” but sadness over the loss 

is dismissed after the game when all the team-mates joke and have fun with your child. All the

players get a “participation trophy” for their efforts and these are the greatest lessons of team sports.

* Be sure to include the personalized information below.

First name

Name child goes by if different from the first name

Middle name

Last name

Hometown

Game to be played eg. Football, Volley Ball etc.

Name for Coach - Coach ... eg. Coach Smith or Coach Jeff

1-3 friends or relatives

Dedication eg. Merry Christmas!

Book from

Date of gift eg.Christmas 2012

Free photo sticker Heart or Star (you can look at them in the personalized items section)

SUSAN THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR SHOP AND DARLING BOOKS WITH US.   

READERS,
LET'S BE SURE TO DROP BY SUSAN'S SHOP AND CHECK OUT WHAT ELSE HE HAS.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!

Little Kicker's First Rainstorm - Christ Centered Read-Aloud Children's Picture Books - written & illustrated by Sandy Sprott

About Book:

What would we do without rain? The special children in your life will love this gentle story. Little Kicker’s delightful animal friends help him go from fear to delight. Teaching tools and fun activities add to the enjoyment of Little Kicker’s First Rainstorm.

• 
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Kimble Creek Press (April 25, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984395636
• ISBN-13: 978-0984395637
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• 
  

Promoted by John 3:16 Marketing Network

Where to Buy: littlekicker.com , Amazon

                                                                                                        

About Sandy:

Sandy Sprott loves the Lord Jesus Christ first, her family second and then serving her Lord. She and husband Sam teach a fantastic group of second and third grade Sunday school kids. Sandy loves the art of storytelling, and has delighted adult and child audiences for years with her animated and dramatic teaching style.

Sandy is the author and illustrator of the Little Kicker read aloud picture books, and she is a speaker with a heart for children’s ministry. She and her husband enjoy supporting families by uplifting the value of children. Their Little Kicker books do just that. The first book of the series is A Prayer For Little Kicker.

Our Mission here


Everything You Wanted to Know about Sandy

• Favorite Colors? Red, blue and yellow.
• Favorite Food? Black walnut ice cream with Hershey’s Whoppers chocolate malt syrup.
• Favorite TV Show? Mystery.
• Favorite Hobby? Painting with watercolors, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
• Favorite Movie? Pride & Prejudice, Second Hand Lions and The Sound of Music.
• Favorite Music Group? No particular group.
• Favorite Songs? Amazing Grace, L.O.V.E., Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Star Spangled Banner.
• Favorite Sports Team? Arkansas Razorbacks.
• Favorite Place To Visit? The Ozark Mountains, New Zealand, England and Bermuda.
• Favorite Vacation Spot? Anywhere with her husband.
• Favorite Drink? Mango juice by Naked.
• What Kind Of Car Does She Drive? 2008 Prius, 2002 Chrysler Town & Country and 1928 Ford Tudor.
• Dream Car? She is contented with what she has.
• Sports Sandy Plays? Walking, swimming, kayaking and flying single engine aircraft, though she would have to renew her pilot’s license.
• Is Sandy Married And Does She Have Any Kids? Marvelous husband of 47 years and two awesome children, Becky & Tony.
• What Would Be Sandy’s Ultimate Day Off? Warm secluded beach with her hubby and a good book or on a mountain top.
• What Video Game Could Sandy Whip Any Teenager At? No video games, but she does like difficult Sudoku puzzles.
• What Is The Craziest Thing Sandy Has Ever Done? While standing in line to view Stalin’s body in his crystal coffin in Red Square in 1991, she made a statement that Stalin should have a proper burial. (An armed guard nearby followed her step by step for the remainder of her time at that location.)
• Sandy’s Most Embarrassing Moment? When in the third grade, the bottom of her skirt caught on the top of the slide. As she descended the slide, her skirt ripped all the way down and left her with a waistband and only three inches of skirt. The boys came like magnets. She wore her friend’s long coat the rest of the day.

My Thoughts:

A Christ Centered Read-Aloud Little Kicker Book

Little Kicker had never seen rain much less experience a rainstorm.

He noticed the dark clouds and heard a great BOOM then came the raindrops.  He was so frightened that he ran and kicked up his front legs then his back legs trying to get the rain away from him but the rain and the loud BOOMS would not go away.

Little Kicker's mother came to his side then his father rushed to his side also.  His father told him he needed to pray whenever he felt frightened. His parents explained why God gave them rain. Then they prayed together for God to take away Little Kicker's fear.

Little Kicker watched his friends reaction to the rain.  They all seemed to be enjoying the rain in one way or another. 

Can you think of ways rain is a blessing to us? God has given us the gift rain!  Have you ever played in the rain or after a rainstorm?

The author touches on a common child's fear and how prayer can release us from fear. She also emphasizes many ways God 's creatures can rejoice in his gift of rain.

There are many fun facts and activities all through the book and they are colorfully illustrated by the author to  attract the child attention into interacting with Little Kicker and his friends.  Parents will even enjoy reading and joining the child in all the activities in this darling book, Little Kicker's First Rainstorm.

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: 
I received a free copy of this book from the Author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Check out my review of A Prayer for Little Kicker