All God's children by Thomas Eidson

I read this book while I was in the hospital with Caleb over Christmas. I usually read a lot of children's and Juvenile literature... however, this was an adult fiction book. I really enjoyed it! A review on amazon states: "It is a tale of true grit on the Kansas plains in the early 1890s--an unintentionally uproarious amalgam of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'Friendly Persuasion,' and 'Les Misérables'...Eidson does convey the unshaken purity of Pearl's faith effectively, sometimes even movingly" I fell in love with each of the characters and their flaws. There were a few times when the black character, "prophet" uses some rough words, but I would still feel comfortable recommending this book to any of my friends!

Love You Forever

This book has been one of my favorites since my teacher in 2nd Grade read it to the class and cried through it. I read it many times as a child and now as a mom, I have to read it at least once every couple weeks. It serves as a great reminder that despite the challenges we face as parents, there is nothing that would ever shake our love. We've worn out a couple copies of this book, it is a classic in our home.

The Velveteen Rabbit By Margery Williams

This is a wonderful story about love and the impact toys have on children and their imagination. It was one of my favorite bedtime stories as a kid.

Amazon.com Review:

A stuffed toy rabbit (with real thread whiskers) comes to life in Margery Williams's timeless tale of the transformative power of love. Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all of the other toys, waiting for the day when the Boy (as he is called) will choose him as a playmate. In time, the shy Rabbit befriends the tattered Skin Horse, the wisest resident of the nursery, who reveals the goal of all nursery toys: to be made "real" through the love of a human. "'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'" This sentimental classic--perfect for any child who's ever thought that maybe, just maybe, his or her toys have feelings--has been charming children since its first publication in 1922. (A great read-aloud for all ages, but children ages 8 and up can read it on their own.)

A Wrinkle In Time By Madeline Le'Engle

Meg Murry's Father has been gone for two years and no one knows exactly why. All they know is that he was working on a top secret government project. It has been a difficult time for the whole family, but especially for Meg and her younger brother Charles Wallace who was only a baby when he left.

One day a very special visitor, Mrs. Whatsit, arrives and helps Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin set out on a great adventure to rescue him. In order to do this they travel through time and space and meet some very interesting people along the way.

They find their father trapped on a far a way planet ruled by IT which controls the minds and lives of all who live there. When Charles Wallace falls under the power of IT, it is up to Meg to try and save the day.

This book is another all time favorite of mine. "A Wrinkle In Time" like so many children's books can be read and appreciated at many different levels. It has many different themes including the power of choice, finding a happy medium, exploring spiritual and religious ideas, and discovering what really matters most. It also introduces some interesting science concepts, and stretches the imagination in wonderful ways.

"A Wrinkle In Time" is only the first book in a series called "The Time Quartet". The other books in the series are: "A Wind in the Door", "A Swiftly Tilting Planet", and "Many Waters".

Check out the official site of the author Madeline Le'Engle Here

A few of my favorite picture books to give...

A few of my favorite picture books to give away are:
Miss Rumphius: A gift I like to give to those who make the world more beautiful in their own way
The Quiltmakers Gift: A wonderful gift for someone who thinks of others before themselves
My Great Aunt Arizona: A favorite book to give to school teachers
Toot and Puddle: A great gift for a best friend
Fancy Nancy: Because there's not a fancier way to say "I LOVE YOU"
Molly Lou Mellon: A great "thanks for being you" book
Olivia: Great to give a friend who has "character"
Ordinary Mary's extraordinary Day: A fun gift to give someone who may not realize the impact of their quiet acts of service

Jan Bret

I Love Jan Bret! Her illustrations are just magical! She has written & illustrated numerous books, many of which are perfect for Christmas time!

Christmas books!

I'd love to hear what you're favorite Christmas books are!
A few of my favorite picture books:
The Polar Express (Chris Van Allsburg): I love the magic of this book and the message to "Believe." The movie was great, but I love the simple charm of this book even more!
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad (Mercer Mayer): My boys love the "Little Critter" books. This one was a favorite of mine when I was young, and it is a favorite of my children now! It'll make you laugh out loud!
Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear (Audrey Wood)If you love Audrey Wood's book, you'll love this one. The little mouse worries about the Big Hungry Bear taking his presents "oh how that bear loves Christmas presents" Luckily the little mouse has a change of heart and decides to share!