Hail To The Chief - Giveaway and Review

What child doesn't love a book with colorful illustrations and wonderful rhyming words coupled together with a lovable and cute baby elephant, named Ellis? Ellis the Elephant is a heart-warming series that is designed to educate our children while reading an amusing story along the lines of Dr. Seuss to teach them about our Founding Fathers and American Presidents. He travels back in time to meet George Washington, our first president as he is being sworn into office. He journeys to meet Andrew Jackson as he welcomes thousands of American's to the White House, Abraham Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg Address, Theodore Roosevelt as he creates our national park system and even Lyndon Johnson while he signs the Civil Rights Act.

This delightful book goes on to teach about the Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence, giving us our God-given rights as a nation and the Louisiana Purchase to open the West for America to expand. Children will learn what inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner, how Woodrow Wilson brought World War 1 to an end, along with Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats to give people the courage in the midst of a war.

At the conclusion of the book are some great resources for parents to further use to help children understand the significant role some of these men contributed to making America the land of the free and the brave! All 44 Presidents are featured in the resource section including the dates that each were in office. My youngest daughter at 17 read this book as well and absolutely loved it. She wished this would have been a book that she could have read and perhaps memorized growing up and has added this to her future children's library. We both agree it is well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

I received Hail to the Chief by Callista Gingrich compliments of Regenery Kids Publishers. It is illustrated by Susan Arciero and that is what really brings this book alive to children. This is recommended for children 4 to 8, but I think anyone would absolutely love it as my 17-year-old's opinion has proven, that she learned a few things even she didn't know. This is a great resource to begin to incorporate into your child's reading time as we know history is always changing but at times, there is reasons why we need to remember the valuable lessons our American President's taught the nation into becoming the great nation it still is.

For more information about Hail to the Chief, Callista Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below.

Hail to the Chief by Callista Gingrich

You can find Callista Gingrich on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

You can pick up a copy of this book at Amazon or other online retailers.

Now the great part, thanks to Gingrich Productions, they are giving away a copy of this book to one lucky follower of my blog Reviews From The Heart. Here are you details to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Ellis The Elephant's Facebook page. 

3. Be a resident of the US only and no P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Hail to the Chief. Don't forget to include your email address so I can notify you if you're the lucky winner. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner via email on October 24th, when the giveaway ends. You will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Remember, I need an email address to notify you so don't forget to include it with your comments. 

God Made You Just Right

Hard to believe I'm starting my grandchildren's book collection already since I have passed along my children's books to both of my daughters while they were growing up to my niece and nephew and love when I get the opportunity to continue to review children's books like God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord. This is a beautifully illustrated board book just perfect for first time readers that conveys the message of how important we are all created in God's eyes.

The book continues to self esteeming message of how God created us each to be perfectly and uniquely made just the way we are, and that there is no one else just like you! It goes on to self affirm things like our individual sizes, laughs, what makes us happy, our ticklish spots, our hair color and kind, how we can make special uses of our hands to make sand castles or cookies, to throw balls, hold cats or give hugs! How we use our legs to run and play and even how God has blessed us with the ability to make someone's day, through our gentle hearts, kind words,  and our thoughts and dreams.

How God designed us each individually to fulfill the tasks He has in mind for all children that only they can fulfill, further helping to establish a sense of self worth no matter what we see on the outside, God knows that there is no one else who can do the job ob being you like you can! The book ends with a reminder scripture of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." All of these pages are designed using simple, rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, that are welcome reminders for little ones that God created each of us in just the right way.

I received God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord compliments of Worthy Kids, a division of Worthy Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and fair review of this book. The best part of board books is their durability! You can wipe them clean and they stand up to the wear and tear of children who are just beginning their first books. I love the value that are placed on individuality of each child because we are all created to serve a purpose only God created us to fulfill and this encourages that in your child through this book. For this reason I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about God Made You Just Right, Jill Roman Lord or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

God Made You Just Right by Jill Roman Lord

You can find Jill Roman Lord on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

You can find more books from Jill Roman Lord by visiting her website.

The Great Carp Escape

If you truly know what a Carp is, then you will know that they are not the most desired fish. In fact, most people who fish for them are out to kill them simply for the sport and they are like the rats of the fresh water system. More pests than anything and not even fit for consumption. It is hard to imagine how there could be a great moral lesson tucked into the pages of this beautifully illustrated children's book that debuts from author Irish Beth Maddock. Yet that is exactly the very point.

In fact, this book was laying on my desk waiting for me to write the review when my 17-year-old daughter picked it up and read it while cleaning one day. She absolutely LOVED it but mostly for the message behind it all. Haven't we all at one time or another simply felt unworthy or unloved? This allegory of the Gospel of Jesus and how He brings us - as represented by the carp - from dead water to living water in this beautifully illustrated book. This is based on a true story that Maddock experienced after her and her brother spent many afternoons playing in the shallows and discovering God's creation. It promotes compassion and appreciation for all of God's creatures, and helps children discover God's love through understanding and community. It reminds us that we are all beautiful and created for a unique purpose in this life that only we can fulfill.

This is a heartwarming story of two children who spend their time looking at the creatures they find in the lake, including the carp, which they discover a dead one while walking along the lake shore with their father. They believe it is truly the ugliest fish they have ever seen. Their dad reminds them that in God's eyes, that fish is pretty wonderful. When a spring thawed causes the water to rise, the children discover some carp are trapped far from the lake and face certain death unless they intervene to save them. How it winds up will have to wait for you to read this book.

I received The Great Carp Escape by Irish Beth Maddock compliments of InChrist Communications and Word Alive Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my unbiased review of the book. I absolutely LOVE how this one is laid out, from the illustrations, the simple words on each page and most of all the very moral of the story itself. It definitely engages an open conversation with parents and their children who are discovering their own worthiness and issues with self esteem. This proves to be that catalyst for those conversations into what makes us each unique and worthwhile to God. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and my daughter has taken this for her future library for her own children one day.

For more information about The Great Carp Escape, Irish Beth Maddock or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Great Carp Escape by Irish Beth Maddock 

You can find Irish Beth Maddock on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

Christmas In America

I absolutely am thrilled when I discover a great children's book that I would be honored to not only own but to read to my children, grandchildren and anyone who enjoys a great look back at America's history and how we celebrated Christmas over the years. Callista Gingrich has written a series of children's books incorporating Ellis the Elephant. In Christmas in America, Ellis journeys back to discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in America's history and I found myself a bit amazed at how little I actually knew.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellis travels back in time to experience Christmas with such notables as the colonists in Williamsburg, Virginia, George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon, Andrew Jackson at the White House, Civil War soldiers on the battlefield, Calvin Coolidge as he lights the first national Christmas tree and even the Apollo 9 astronauts as they orbit the moon. What surprised me the most was how Presidents Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt both invited children into the White House to celebrate Christmas. Andrew Jackson opened it to orphans as he was an orphan himself, and no adults were allowed. Teddy Roosevelt offered a Christmas carnival to over 500 children.

I had never considered that the Apollo 8 astronauts actually took turns reading the Bible in a televised broadcast from the Book of Genesis and wished everyone a blessed night. Today these types of events would not be permitted because of fear of offending someone who might not agree. The best part is that it is written in a rhyming pattern for children much like Dr. Seuss books do and there are resources at the conclusion of the book to help your children research these historical topics in greater detail.

I received Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich compliments of Gingrich Productions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest personal review. This is such a great resource for anyone who has children or even for a church children's ministry to share with their children. I can't wait to add the rest of the books to my personal library collection and think these are well written to help keep a child's interest in not only American history but in the Christmas traditions as well. This one is well worth all 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Christmas in America, Callista Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich

You can find Callista Gingrich on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

Escape From Sudan

I always love to read debut author's books because I know how important it is for people to know that there are some amazing books out there. I am truly delighted to share with you Amanda DiCianni's children's book, Escape From Sudan. At just 122 pages, she shares the story of a young Sudanese boy Elijah Bwoko and what his life is like living in Sudan along with his best friend Thomas.

Life is typical for two boys who love to play soccer, but theirs isn't your typical soccer ball. It is made of rocks surrounded by rags. When they are playing, they are helping around their village with cooking of local foods like maize and asida, that tasted like rice. It was what they grew behind their hut. Since dealing with the death of his mom, Elijah now lives with his sisters Anna and Reiley and they have adopted Thomas into their household as well.

Most of their time is spent trying to avoid the soldiers or NIF or National Islamic Front, who took the people they found and sold them into slaves or abeeds. The boys would either become soldiers and go to war against their own people or sold into slavery as well. Their goal was to remain hidden and prevent that from happening to anyone in their village. But one day when they were out swimming, they returned to find their village had burned to the ground and Elijah's sisters had been taken by the NIF. Now they have to race against time to find them before they are sold and never seen again.

I received Escape From Sudan by Amanda DiCianni compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own. This would be an exceptional book for a teen looking at what life is like in the Sudan.Their cultures are very different from ours and showcases how the slavery trade is still happening in parts of Africa. It is far from the life many believe Sudanese children face and a great opportunity to learn about another place and the Sudanese people. I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and definitely will be passing this one along to my niece who shares a love of reading like I do to enjoy.

For more information about Escape From Sudan, Amanda DiCianni, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Escape From Sudan by Amanda DiCianni

You can find Tapestry Productions on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest books.

The Little Pine Tree

Some times the best children's books don't have to be the longest. The message they deliver can be short, sweet and to the point, and such is what you will find in Mark E. Labriola Sr.'s book, The Little Pine Tree. It's the story of a pine tree seed who wanted to grow up someday like all the other pine trees with a true purpose of being cut down and made into something special. But when the wind blew him to a remote location far removed from the main forest, he began to lose hope. He knew being so far away from the places where the carpenter's would visit and cut down trees, the odds of him being discovered were far and few.

He found his solace in the daily visits from a small boy. He would sit under the tree as it grew and would talk to his Abba as he gathered beneath it with his animal friends. As they both grew, soon the tree lost it's sense of loneliness with the visits from the boy as he too grew. But he wondered if that is all he would be is a solitary tree instead of a tree with a true purpose like a chair or table. But soon that pine tree would learn just how unique and set apart he would become as the boy who came to visit him became a man and would forever change both of their lives.

I don't want to spoil how this one turns out but the point of the story is how we are all created to be unique and blessed by God in our lives. We simply have to be patient enough to find out. Like the pine tree seed, he had to wait quite awhile before he discovered his purpose and it will show you child how special we all are in God's eyes.

I received The Little Pine Tree by Mark E. Labriola Sr compliments of Tate Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I think this is a must have and must read for every child as a reminder we all have a purpose being here on Earth. We only have to stay close to God to find out what that is and be patient in the meantime. I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars. It is beautifully illustrated and the storyline is simple enough for a young child to understand the words and meaning. The best part of this book is that it includes a free audio download that you can access at the conclusion of the book so you can enjoy it on your favorite audio player!

For more information about The Little Pine Tree, Mark E. Labriola Sr or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Little Pine Tree by Mark E. Labriola Sr. 

You can order a copy of this book by visiting Tate Publishing as well. 

Gift of A Servant

From Author Tamara Amos comes a dream come and the fulfillment of a birthday wish to her father. Gift of A Servant was written to show readers how people can come to know God through Santa Claus. Children, especially, relate to this loving saint who knows them each personally and dedicates his entire life to making and giving them gifts. How like our heavenly Father he is! And how ell he imitates Christ. Parents sometimes worry that children will misinterpret the emphasis that is placed on Santa Claus at Christmas time, but Tamara never had that problem. She understood that he is a servant of God. Years later, she was inspired to write Gift of A Servant. She hopes through this book, that the reader will experience the unfathomable love of God that comes to us disguised as ordinary people and shines through us when we live lives of extraordinary love.

I received Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos compliments of Book Crash and Mystical Rose Publishing for my honest review. This is such a beautifully illustrated children's book that is written as a poem, much like the Night Before Christmas. I love all the pictures and could see this being incorporated into your favorite Christmas traditions to convey the depth of the love that Christ has for each of us. It show cases how the spirit of St. Nick has been commercialized over the years and the spirit of love and generosity is now being placed by the hustle and bustle of buying presents. The father in the story is dismayed by how the sense of what was intended to be something to convey the love of others during the holiday has now been replaced by the objective of buying, buying, buying and he devises a plan to rid let Santa know it's time for his resignation, and that gift of God's son has been replaced.

"Santa Claus, what have you wrought?

Anxiety is our Christmas lot. 

Christmas spirit?

We cannot feel it!

Our peace is gone and it's all your fault!"

Without giving away the ending, this is such a beautiful book to share with your children each Christmas. It reminds us what the true reason for celebrating Christmas truly is! The illustrations reminded me of the ones found in the book, The Polar Express. I just know that any child would love to read this book or better yet, to spend the nights leading up to Christmas, sitting on their parents lap and have the story read. It creates an opportunity to share with our children what Christmas really means and how we can all play our part in keeping the spirit alive not only at Christmas but through the whole year long. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own children this Christmas. Finally a great Christian Christmas Children's book!!!

For more information about Gift of A Servant, Tamara Amos, or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful hardcover book today, please click on the links below:

Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos

You can also follow Gift of A Servant on Facebook to see what others are saying about this remarkable book.

You can see the beautiful illustrations from Gift of A Servant by illustrator David W. Luebbert by clicking here.