Early Picture Book Lovers Finds Simple Learning Easier With Lee Straight...But...

 Here's a tongue-twister for you:

Say three times please!


Bob Bear's Beards!

Of course, we don't remember the books we had when we were small, but I'll bet they were illustrated, weren't they... Nothing gets a child's attention better than a picture you can point to and say the word:

Bear!

Soon, your child who is just beginning to notice things will have parents thinking about getting books, simple books that are fun and yet can be a teaching tool! We all had them and liked them and would climb on somebody's lap and say, Read!

Right!?! Knowing parents will introduce books as early as they can and this one is perfect for when you know it is time to start getting them interested in pictures, words...and the world.

Just three things change in this book: Bob's Beard's Colors!

And 
the foods that created it!

On the day he ate the food!
  Except on Sunday... LOL

For instance, on Monday, Bob ate strawberries and got a red beard! Really, that's quite a lot for a little one to start learning... In fact, I think it is just enough!

Caution: If you are buying an ebook, colors will not appear unless your equipment permits color...

~~~

When you're a balloon, you are very dependent upon others to help you!

There Little Pink was, floating along with friends and enjoying meeting a nice little girl who was enjoying a day at the fair with her parents... But, just one of her little fingers moved...and up went Little Pink! 

Yes, Little Pink was very frightened, but couldn't stop and kept going higher and higher...until Little Pink touched the clouds!
Little Pink was so tired and fell asleep and spent the night! Wow!
When Little Pink woke up, she met a little lady bug who offered to help.  She took hold of her string, but was just not strong enough... 

She did stay with me and sat on my string, though, until a butterfly came and also offered to help!

But they couldn't pull Little Pink! What was going to happen?

This is a cute little tale of helping others... one so very important for helping a child understand this, especially before they enter school with lots of other children. Little Pink, again, is so simple that a child easily begins to see how to work together to get something done... I enjoyed it and think children will have fun as well as learn...

Caution: If you are buying an ebook, colors will not appear unless your equipment permits color..

While I thought both of these stories are quite good for younger children, I would not recommend them unless your child can see the colors, especially the first one. In my opinion, the effectiveness of picture books is greatly diminished when bright colors are not there to attract and retain the attention of small ones. I do hope that Lee's publisher considers these for print... If not, be sure you consider this factor in deciding on whether you purchase the books... The story is wonderful, but...


GABixlerReviews

The Falco Family Closes Trilogy With Guidance in Making Choices by Children...

Starabella: 

Welcome to a Bright New World

A Narrated Story with Music - Final Story in Trilogy

The final story is perhaps the most important - but then again - our lives are formed right from the first day we are born... Starabella was a little special star born to a loving family. Her family never knew until she was 21 exactly why she was special...

So there was never any thought about having her attend school with all the other children...

"Starry wished so much that she could have a friend to
play with. Not knowing she could be heard, she sang
out to the other children:
"Believe in Me
"Starry stepped out into the classroom with the help
of her new friend.
"Tomiko and Starry beamed as they saw the circle of
smiling faces around them.
~~~

At first she was excited, and when her mother took her to meet her new teacher Miss Maradise, she thought she was very nice! 

And wait until you meet her new schoolmates:

Emilio, Josh, Tomiko, Jeremy, Julian, Elizabeth, Malia, Zandrina, and Lifisha...

They all began to play and have fun but after a while, Starabella was beginning to be uncertain... afraid...would they play with her?

Now, if you've already read books 1 and 2, you'll know that when Starabella wasn't sure what to do, she would start humming or singing...

What About Me?

The children had called her a baby because she couldn't understand some of the instructions said while others were talking. So, wisely, Miss Maradise took immediate action to help the children learn!

And readers are invited to participate in a game of questions and answers which involve a "magic mirror!"

The key thing about these books, for me, was that they are able to show that all children across the world need to learn to interact with others, even the bullies! Pictures of children are illustrated over and over and take part in helping children to learn about children with any type of special needs, children of other nationalities, children who need to learn how to interact with others, and most of all for them to understand and empathize with the feelings of others with whom they interact.

I loved the inclusion of a little boy--see him in the back with the hat? Readers never do see who that little boy is, but for whatever reason, he chose to always hide his face, even when he began to be able to play with the other children...

There are other lessons to be learned--and sometimes, we adults, may learn new things by helping our children read and listen to these books. This trilogy may be centered on a little girl whose special need was autism...but the books are just as important to help us learn acceptance of all others with whom we might have to interact.

And when they are bullies, we learn not to be afraid to speak out against what that bully is doing!

Now the mechanics of this book:

The CDs are exceptionally well done so that it's almost like watching television--but they are teaching reading, songs to sing and so much more! I plan to pass my copies on to my niece who is a special needs administrator, for her use as well as to share with her son! The vocalists and musicians are wonderful, as is the narration. It is well articulated, slow and easily understood. I've included some of the internal pictures so that you realize that the front covers are just the beginning of the fantastic art work in these books. Even the stars in Starabella's eyes are not there alllll the time! The whole presentation has been created to be entertaining and fun for the readers, even while they are learning so much! Kudos to all that were involved!

Yes, not only highly recommended in general,for all children; but some families should consider them must-reads!

GABixlerReviews

Dana Falco 
Vocalist/Composer
Lyricist/Narrator
Associate Producer

Tara Falco 
Composer/Lyricist
Pianist/Keyboardist

Marvin Falco
Publisher/Significant Contributor

Sharon Falco

Author/Producer
Lyricist
Character Wardrobe Designer

 Illustrated by Anton Petrov
 CD recording by Joe Vulpis, AP Music, Inc.

 And a Cast of Others!

 Note: I tried to figure out how to get a sample of the music...the following is as close as I could get. Look for it on the link! 

Click Play Button to hear a sample of this track

A New Beginning 00:30 

Performing Artist: Dana and Tara Fialco
Composer/Songwriter: Dana and Tara Fialco
Artist's WebSite: http://starabella.com/
This Track is Licensed: Copyright Protected

http://11radio.com/archives/4100

Or Check out Web Site

Second in Trilogy by the Falco Family Provides Guidance in Emotional Situations for Children~

Best Books Award Finalist by USA Book News
Benjamin Franklin Finalist Award by Independent Book Publishers Association

Starabella:

New Adventure and
  Mixed Emotions

By Sharon, Tara, and Dana Fialco

Illustrated by Anton Petrov

Recorded by Joe Vulpis

Imagine as a child that first big event you experienced--for Starabella that was the circus! The Music, The Clowns, The Animals... Starabella loved the trapeze artists best and she began to imagine what it would be like to fly through the air! She was thinking so hard that all of the other noises and activities got in her way and she began to feel sad...then bad...

But when they left and went home, Starabella could begin to remember how she was so overwhelmed with everything at the circus. She started laughing and ran through the house--Laughing, Laughing, Laughing!

So much that her parents began to worry about her. Finally though, her mother shouted to ask her why she was laughing...Her response was that she didn't know!

Finally, she was able to play the piano to express her feelings...

Starabella was not diagnosed with autism until she was 21. Fortunately, she had discovered a way to help share her feelings through her piano.

Book 2 in this trilogy shares about the first time that Starabella had gone to a big outside event. It brought so many feelings to her that she was overwhelmed! 

I personally believe, though, that all of us, including children, get overwhelmed at times, and this book helps us deal with our emotions at that time!

A special note that all of these books include a diverse group of people of different races which provides further ability to discuss social issues as children are experiencing new things.

This book really allowed the impact of the accompanying CD to be made. Not only do we read about the circus, we hear all the sounds, the music, the vendors shouting...

And then we can also hear the various emotions that are shared when Starabella had so many mixed feelings that she had to stop and experience them one at a time, maybe twice, until she began to get back to her normal daily events.

But then another event occurred and almost the same thing happened! Starabella was so involved in climbing a ladder that she moved too fast and away from her mother! That time, she needed help to get back down! Wow! She had become so intent on reaching the top that the danger of her actions were not even considered...

And sometimes any child may have that happen, so these were all good lessons to be shared and discussed with children... It's always important to be extra careful when something new is introduced, isn't it?

I think your child is going to be just as excited to read about Starabella's adventures, especially when she can hear the sounds and even learn some new songs!

Here's a part of a song that I especially liked!

Trapeze artists Kia and Lindsay at Circus Smirkus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ta-Da!

Ta-da; Ta-do!

When you're feelin' scared
inside and don't know why
When you feel like you may
event want to cry
All you have to do is give it
your best try
Then throw your hands up
to the sky and shout, Ta-Da!
~~~

Highly Recommended! Look for reviews for Books 1 and 3 as well!

GABixlerReviews!

Related articles

• Children 3 to All Ages Will Enjoy Meeting Starabella! Watch for Reviews of Trilogy for your Home Library!
• Mommy, Daddy, I Had a Bad Dream! Wins Ben Franklin Award for Children's Picture Books
• Starabella Trailer

Children's Illustrated Book Help Parents Talk About Their Love!

Image via WikipediaI Love You More...


 Than Chocolate


Written by Melanie Milburn
 Illustrated by Cindy Coleman




Over the years, whenever I read to one or more of my nieces and nephews, I noticed that, nearly always, it was the colors and illustrations that first got the children interested. Pointing out pictures that, age appropriate,  would interest the individual child would begin that interaction between the reader and the child being entertained. I was therefore impressed when different types but very colorful designs were used as backgrounds on many of the pages. This was done by using relevant scrapbook backgrounds! For me, who had not previously seen scrapbook materials, I was delighted not only with the concept, but the ability to find backgrounds that suitably complemented the story! Kudos for this great idea!

The author is a preschool teacher and songwriter...and her passion for kids and music clearly come through. In fact, the book started out as a song--and a CD of the author singing the song, "I Love You More Than Chocolate, is included inside the back cover--Cool, right?! But her other known passion is one that many others will also have--Chocolate! And if you live with a chocoholic, everybody, including the kids will know this. If you are a child living in a home where a parent loves chocolate, you just might have heard:

I love you...more than...chocolate!

Hey, how about listening to the whole song that is sung by the author!




Many children will ask, "How much do you love me?" and this book provides a poetic story of a mother and child sharing about love and how much the parent does indeed love the child. Introducing the book first so that the child begins to recognize daily things in their lives and then listening to the rhyming words will quickly gain attention. Listening to the song, depending on the child's age, may find your child moving to the music or, if old enough, the song will be easily learned and sung so that the words will soon be memorized. Who knows, your little chocoholic might grab a small piece of candy, a glass of chocolate milk, or a bowl of chocolate-flavored cereal and start singing the song...to YOU!

I won't claim to love chocolate as a favorite, but I will claim that this book is one that will quickly result in a great sharing of love--the cover and inside pages are beautifully done and will entice the child to explore the pages and then ask for you to read the easily spaced words surrounding each picture that complements the story.With the added music, I believe this well-crafted book will quickly become a favorite! Highly recommended!

Book Received Via
Bostick Communications,
To Press and Beyond


GABixlerReviews

Author Melanie Milburn has been teaching preschool for nearly two decades, and has been writing songs for even longer. Melanie is known for her passions--kids, music and...chocolate!!

When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything--even chocolate! Her children knew she was a chocoholic, so they had no doubt, they knew they were loved!

Melanie is an award winning song writer and when she is not teaching preschool, she enjoys sharing her songs at family concerts. Click the title of this article to visit Miss Melanie at her web site.

This is the second children's book for Illustrator Cindy Coleman. Cindy has a BFA in Illustraction from Ringling College of Art and Design. She lives With her husband Ken in Southwest Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, camping, and most of all--eating chocolate. Check out her website!

Related articles

• Review: I Love You More...Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn (booksintheburbs.com)

Review: Book Teaches Children to Pray and Praise...

Image Wikipedia

100 Prayers

God Loves to Hear

100 Praise Songs





By Stephen Elkins

For me, one of the most joyful things from my childhood was learning new choruses to sing. Was it that way for you? There were Sunday School performances, Bible School, and even Church had choruses to learn and sing. And many children are called upon to learn to say the prayer before a meal, or again at the various church activities in which they participate.

But some children don't have that opportunity as much these days! That's why I chose to share about the children's book, 100 Prayers God Loves to Hear: 100 Praise Songs. Besides the book, there are two CD's as well! Hearing the music makes it so much easier to learn the songs, don't you think?

The very first thing I did was to check out the song titles--there are both old and new ones! And the old ones have been arranged by the author. So here's how the book is set up:

Here's an example using a Christmas Carol we would have heard recently:

The title of the two-page set up is "What Can I Give Him?" First there is an opening about the topic. Then there is the suggested prayer which in this case is taken from the song, "The Little Drummer Boy."

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb.


If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.


More narrative continues the story, along with a beautiful picture of children, angels, or Biblical characters that supports the prayer. Then each of the two-page spread concludes with "My Little Prayer Reminder" such as:

We must move from asking God to take care of the things that are breaking our hearts, to praying about the things that are breaking His heart.--Margaret Gibb 

Finally, in the top upper corner, the child is told which song is part of that day's praise activity.

The song "With All My Heart (I Will Praise You)" on CD1 is recommended! (pps. 14-15)

How Cool Is That?! And there are 100 of these two-page sets so that the child can read just two pages for the day and have a complete prayer, short lesson and a song. I think this book should be given to every child under age 10...or 110! Well, aren't we all children of God?!

The book itself is padded covered for added protection as well as beauty with a picture of Jonah and the whale on the front. It includes children from multiple races and countries who learn about God and Jesus as their Savior. The stories follow both the old and new testaments and are told in contemporary language that is easy to understand and apply to the child.

What an excellent way to teach children how to pray and praise! Here's one of my favorite prayers:

Lord, many wonders
Your hands have made;
The sun to shine brightly,
Trees to give shade.
But the wonder of wonders
Made like no other
Is jelly spread thick
On good peanut butter!

What better way to start the new year than saying the following included prayer together with your children:

Another year is dawning
Dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting
Another year with Thee.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days

And to help your children learn the new song, "Another Year is Dawning." Parents, help your children start the new year with 100 Prayers and 100 Praise Songs! God's Waiting to hear us pray and sing to Him! Let's Do It All Over The World! Surely you know this is a "Must-Read" in my opinion!

Book Received Via
Amazon Vine Program

G. A. Bixler

Related articles

• 2011, a New Year, a New Journey! (dianneguthmuller.com)
• The Wonderful Ways We Come to Love Our Lord (csahm.com)
• Happy New Year (whywineblog.com)
• Spiritual New Year's Resolutions (urbanbellemag.com)

Review: Children's Book Sure to Engage While Learning About Beach!

Image via Wikipedia

The Adventures of
Isaiah James
Beach Boy



Written by Sabrina K. Carpenter

Illustrated by Doreen Freeman



If you’d like to introduce your child to water, swimming and the beach environment, I highly recommend Beach Boy. A major point of favor, in my opinion is that the illustrations are realistic—from the cover picture featuring dolphins and a young boy holding on to the fin of one of them to the last page showing Beach Boy and his parents going home after a wonderful day at the beach!

I also appreciate the fact that the author indicates that the stories are and will be based on the life of her son, Isaiah, who is teaching his Mom that each day is an adventure!

The colors of each page jump at readers and will certainly attract, while there are little fishes, shells and plant life from the ocean to complement the overall story.

What would you say if your child woke up one morning and asked, “...what is our adventure today?” Now Isaiah might have been told earlier that the day was going to be special—or maybe not! Maybe it’s best to be prepared for an “adventure” to happen!

And Isaiah’s parents were ready—they told him to bring his pail and shovel, because they were going to somewhere that was very warm and sandy. While Dad and Mom pulled together food, a beach umbrella and chairs, Isaiah James was thinking about what he had been told to take and he guessed!
They were going to the beach! Beach Boy couldn’t wait—it was one of his favorite places. He already knew about building sand castles and he planned on building a big, amazing one that day.

And besides that, his parents pointed out all of the beach balls that were already there and asked him to count them, just for a little fun learning...

Now Isaiah probably had some help to build his castle, but then after it was built, seagulls and crabs caught his attention—and then there came the dolphins to play!

What an adventure!

This is a fun learning book that is first in a series by Sabrina K. Carpenter. She hopes to “blend learning, imagination and brilliant illustrations for young children.” And what better way to encourage the love of reading which is her goal. Her first is an excellent presentation that supports her goal to show how to make every day an adventure. You know, the author is a cancer survivor and never thought she would have Isaiah—it certainly shows that a every day is indeed precious and her inspiration is justified and real!

Wholeheartedly recommended—maybe even as an extra holiday adventure in the stocking!



Book Received Via
Bostick Communications

G. A. Bixler

Related articles

• Book Review: The Adventures of Isaiah James, Beach Boy by Sabrina K. Carpenter (blogcritics.org)

Review: Margot Finke Provides Beautifully Created and Written Children's Book



Image by Gustavo (lu7frb) via Flickr

Enough About My Behind, I want to tell you about Ruthie!

 Ruthie and

The Hippo's Fat Behind!

By Margot Finke







Margot Finke provides a Parent Teacher Guide in the back of her book which gives a list of questions that can be used to have a discussion with a child/children. One of the questions was "Did you like the Hippo? Do you think he stole Ruthie's story."

At first my response was "yes" because I couldn't "see" the connection between the title and the story. But then I realized--I'm no longer a kid! And kids always love pictures of animals! And I must say that the Hippo is indeed very cute--thanks to the wonderful work of K. C. Snider who illustrated Margot's book, Ruthie and The Hippo's Fat Behind!

Ruthie has moved far away from her home and friends.

And, as they say, she was not a happy camper!

In fact, she had become downright rude!

Here's how it all started:

Young Ruthie's mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom...

Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo's fat behind! (p. 1)

Now you may not have noticed it so much since I only shared two lines...but this whole book is told by Margot...in rhyme! And I must say she's very good at rhyming!

She's also very good at highlighting possible problems when a child's personality and normal behaviour has drastically changed, perhaps because of a family's relocation.

And then she explores not only one great option to consider, but, as mentioned earlier, has an entire list of thoughts and suggestions for a parent or teacher to consider when a child has gone through a big change.

Simple message, straight forward, but in such a colorful poetic manner! Adults can use the book to discuss not only Ruthie's change of moving from home, but as a guide for any change that might be upsetting a child.
Margot writes mid grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books and was transplanted from Australia, so she knows about drastic moves... She's got an adventure book for boys set in the Aussie outback coming out soon...that should be fun. She gives her email address on the back of her book and says "I love hearing from kids." So kids can write directly to her after enjoying Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind!

Well, mates, I just have to say that I enjoyed this book and believe it is an excellent read for children 5-12 and provides a fun and easy basis by which parents can explore "change" that occurs in a child's life! Highly recommended!

Book Received Via
Facebook Reviewers Roundup

G. A. Bixler

Review: New Children's Book, Share from the Heart, Great for Easter Baskets!

Share from The Heart

Share from the Heart


Story and Illustrations
By Marilyn Randall
Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 9781450041928
21 Pages







Have you met Peter? He’s an adorable dragon—without any friends! While he breathes fire and can make you afraid, he really won’t hurt you! He’s just a little different...

Meet Peter in Share from the Heart, the children’s story written and illustrated by Marilyn Randall. And even more delightful is that the story is in poetic form that will be fun reading by both children and their parents!

Two brothers, who lived all alone, were out one day when they came upon Peter. Of course, they didn’t know his name—all they knew was that he was a big monster who growled and smelled bad, especially his breath. But, really, he couldn’t help that since he breathed fire through his snout and his teeth were all red!

Fear was not something that the boys had known before they met Peter and they didn’t want him to know that they lived all alone. In fact, all they wanted to do was run, but the dragon was coming closer and he realized they were afraid:

“Boys, I’m not going to hurt you, I wouldn’t do that.
I want to get to know you and that’s the only fact.
I want to help you find more joy in your life,
And I know all the secrets that might make it right.”

But the boys weren’t so easily over their fright! Would you be, if you met a dragon tonight?

How about it, boys and girls—are you afraid to meet kids different from you? Do you shy away from somebody who is bigger and strange? Then, Marilyn Randall has written this book for you! She wants you to know that if you share from your heart—that is, that if you open up and talk or smile at others you don’t know, you just might find that that “dragon” will become one of your best friends!

The fully illustrated book is 8 ½ by 11 with over 12 half or full-page pictures of Peter, the brothers and their home. When Peter is not breathing fire, you will see that he is as cute as can be and that he carries his heart right out front, looking for new friends! The story is simply told and the rhyming will be fun, so read to the younger kids until they are old enough to read the story to you! And don’t be surprised if they ask to read about Peter the Dragon over and over. In fact, he sure would make a nice addition to your Easter baskets or birthday package! 

This teaching book will help kids learn about sharing with other kids they will meet during their school years. I applaud Share from the Heart by Marilyn Randall and recommend you introduce your children to Peter very soon! Click above to link over to Amazon or click on the article title to visit Marilyn Randall's site!

G. A. Bixler

Review: Sally Schrock Writes & Illustrates Delightful Children's Book!

Hayseed’s First Race



Written and Illustrated by
Sally Schrock
Caballito Children's Books
Imprint of Caballo Press
ISBN: 0982476620


Yahoo! Run Hayseed Run! Kids and Parents--Want to have some fun learning? Visit Hayseed’s Stall online at www.caballopress.com/Hayseed. Teacher’s Guide Available for pre-schoolers through 2nd graders. Kids, you can become official members of Hayseed’s Posse!

You are right—I don’t normally open my reviews with publicity information. Well, that just shows you that each book speaks to me in different ways! And Sally Schrock, Writer and Illustrator of Hayseed’s First Race, shares a beautifully illustrated and wonderful story!

Hayseed’s mother, a beautiful horse, inside and out, early on taught Hayseed that he was loved! She especially taught him to love himself! Now that’s a very important lesson that we must all learn—and remember—throughout our lives! When Hayseed was a yearling, he even wrote a list of what he loved about himself. Excellent idea, right?

But then, after much training and practice, Hayseed was going to run his first race.

Nobody gave him a chance of winning. (p. 1)

In fact, Prince Perfect told him right out that he was not a racehorse. Of course, Prince Perfect was sure he was going to win and he reassured Hayseed often that he would and also laughed at Hayseed’s shoes, telling him he belonged in a circus.

Well, Hayseed did wear different shoes—he wore shoes like kids! How cool is that?!

Now Hayseed did listen to Prince Perfect, but it only made him want to run a fast race against him.

And they’re off!

Parents, when you introduce Hayseed’s First Race to your children, be sure to spend time pointing out the detail drawings in the background. Find the beautiful swan in the middle of the racetrack or meet Hayseed’s mother in a “thought” picture showing a small Hayseed by her side. A delightful children’s book by Sally Schrock! Don’t miss this one!



G. A. Bixler

Click on the article title to visit with Hayseed!

Review: Dawn Menge Provides Excellent Children's Educational Fun Book!

Queen Vernita Visits the
Blue Ice Mountains
Dawn Menge
Outskirts Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9781432711696
32 Pages


Dawn Menge, author of Queen Vernita Visits The Blue Ice Mountains, works with the severely handicapped population, her degree being in Special Education. Sometimes I think it is important to highlight the credentials of the author to provide parents the background that will be well illustrated in the book under consideration. The primary learning process in this book is to teach children the months of the year, the days in each month and the days of the week. The repetition is extensive and serves well to reinforce what is being taught.

However, children really will not be too interested that they are learning! Because the beautifully colorful book, illustrated by Bobbi Switzer, has much to capture a child’s attention!

The thrust of the storyline is that Queen Vernita, being a kind queen, shares her vacation with her friends by inviting one to visit for one month. Based upon the personal interests of that friend, then, the Blue Ice Mountains are explored.

For instance, in April, the study of wildflowers was highlighted. Various flowers were detailed for each day and sometimes, additional information is provided. As I thought about the book as a learning tool, I realized that it could easily be coupled with the Internet, where the parents could find pictures of those items mentioned each month...the potential for learning, based just upon this book, is quite extensive.

Other months included physical activities including Kayaking and snorkeling.

Learning about living things included crabs, sea otters, bald eagles, bears, and whales.

December even included a little bit about Christmas and the North Pole.

My three favorite activities was the study of glaciers, the Aurora Borealis and visiting the rainforest with Ranger Larry!

At first I wondered about the characters being older individuals but then realized that the choice might be related to learning also, since it is from parents and relatives that all children start to learn about their world.

Overall, I was very impressed with the book! In fact, it will be passed on to a grandniece when I next see her. Either through self-learning or as a parent-child tool, Queen Vernita Visits The Blue Ice Mountains by Dawn Menge is highly recommended for age-specific reading and learning...and having fun too!


G. A. Bixler

Review: Wonderful Children's Book Series - The I Believe Bunny

The I Believe Bunny
By Tish Rabe
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781400314768


I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe and illustrated by Frank Endersby!

The book is hard-back and beautifully, colorfully illustrated on each and every page. Using the scripture, Philippians 4:13—I can do everything through him who gives me strength—Rabe has weaved a poem that begins and weaves it way through all pages.

First telling about the I Believe Bunny who lives in a land hard to find, we meet him on a day when it is raining and Bunny’s ears have turned down from the stress! The butterflies ask for him to come to find a place where it’s dry, but Bunny thought he should stay, even though seemingly stuck to the ground!

And surely God planned that he should be there, for he was able to hear someone calling for help. There in a stream was a very small mouse, caught in strong waters and not knowing how to swim.

Bunny knew he must try to save mouse but with the river so deep he was afraid, so he too called for help. He pulled a stick off from a tree and then bowed to pray for strength to set the mouse free.

Parents, grandparents—anybody that has a child who will climb up on your lap and say, “read this book to me,” well, in my opinion, this first book in a series promises to be not only one that all children will enjoy because of the bright colors, small animals, and rhyming words of the poem, but will be a perfect example to help that child come to know that, with God, all things are possible...

And if you’re like me, when you finish reading to your child, you’ll have to admit that you, too, were thoroughly delighted with The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe! It would be beautiful as a gift...but, hey, it’s always time to read a great book! This is one of those must reads that will bring you and some special child together for a precious time.


G. A. Bixler

Review: Grandma's First Computer - Fun for Kids/Adults!

Grandma’s First Computer
By Linda Hayes
LuLu.com
ISBN: 978-0-557-01609-9
35 Pages


I think in every family, there is at least one older member who has absolutely no understanding of the “potential” of computers. Some, like my sister, have no desire to learn either. However, as more and more opportunities for sharing pictures, letters and even researching the family tree becomes known, many people who had no earlier opportunity to use the computer are taking the plunge!

Linda Hayes, in writing Grandma’s First Computer, apparently had that situation in her family, for her son Lawrence and Grandma Sylvia inspired Linda’s book. I am totally supportive of having young children learn to use computers—it is “their” future, after all! But I also am pleased whenever someone who has previously not had the opportunity decides to find out what the “internet” is that everybody always seems to be talking about.

Using excellent illustrations, by Acesgraphics, Linda shares a simple story about the time Grandma decided to buy a computer, only to get it home and have no idea what to do next. I had to chuckle at this point because even though I’ve worked with both mainframe and personal computers for years, there were technical staff members who actually set up and cared for the hardware (all equipment including the computer and peripheral machines such as printers, scanners, etc.) So when I decided to have a home computer, I admit to some trepidation, even though I had already been using personal computers and enjoying their benefits for work and research. Believe me, Grandma knew what she was doing to leave the computer in the box...until...Timmy came to visit!

Timmy looks to be about 8, but he obviously is already totally capable of setting up and getting things ready for Grandma. The book effectively shows and explains what computer components he’s working with. Only when he starts to use some routine computer terms, such as mouse and cursor, does he realize that...wow...Grandma doesn’t know anything!

I got the feeling Grandma and Timmy was going to be spending quite a bit of time together! And won’t Timmy feel great about being able to help his Grandma learn about computers!

Not having knowledge and experience can exist, no matter what age. Many of us were in jobs and had an opportunity to learn, but many others were busy doing other jobs! I applaud you if you are one of the latter and are just now beginning to learn about computers. I work almost daily via email with a gentleman in his 70’s who is learning to promote his books online, having never learned much other than using a word processor. You could be that person and need help...

Grandma’s First Computer is very, very elementary and is geared toward children, but it wonderfully shows the potential of two generations being able to reverse roles and the older individual learn from the younger. So, if you’ve decided to take the plunge, check out Grandma’s First Computer by Linda Hayes and share it with your nephew or grandson and see if he takes the hint! You just might get much-needed help and start that young individual on the way to a future career!

G. A. Bixler