Saturday, May 30, 2009

Book Review: The Leaf

As part of the Bona Fide tradition, it was customary for children to exchange bookmarks as their Christmas gifts to one another. Reading was a way of life in Bellager. Each bookmark given was to remain in one book as it’s companion and protector, preventing a reader from committing the terrible act of folding pages.”

- from “The Leaf“, by Jo_Ann Rodriguez

A joy to read, this book was filled with imagination, wonder, and innocence. A perfect book to read to your child at bedtime or story time.

The setting is the land of Bellager; Bella the Spanish word for beautiful and ager, the Latin word for land. It is the home of rare trees, unexpected places, and hidden secrets. Leaf collecting was a tradition in this land of unique trees.

The story focuses on young David Earl, an inquisitive dreamer who dared to take his grandfathers ’stories’ as true even though all others believed them to be fables.

His journey’s takes him through many adventures both great and small, good and evil. Along the way, David meets elves, and fairies, and Kings, and Princes on his way to the Great Tree of Wisdom from which he hopes to gain the Leaf that would restore peace to the land of Bellager.

Imaginations are sparked in this children/young adult novel. Jo-Ann Rodriguez has captured her daydreams and recorded them for telling or reading. I especially like emphasis and high importance of lifelong reading, a valuable instruction for children.

I enjoy this book. As I write this review, I can imagine the faces of children as their mother or father reads this story to them or as they read it for themselves.

A very inspiring children/young adult novel, recommended highly.

  • Paperback: 152 pages
  • Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 25, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1438941242
  • ISBN-13: 978-1438941240

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

LUCAS AND HIS LONG LOOPY LACES



Ada, Oklahoma author Krystal Russell announces a delightful new children's work Lucas and His Long Loopy Laces,
"Lucas doesn't tie his shoes. That's why his laces are full of loops! Join Lucas on a long, loopy adventure that shows the power of your imagination. You'll meet his unexpected companions who can't help but get tangled up in his laces as he travels from under the sea to outer space and back home again!"
For ages 3 and up. 44 pages, rhyming. 8.5" x 8.5".
Available: Talltail Publishing & Amazon.com

Tall Tails Publishing House
mailto:Houseinfo@talltailspublishing.com
http://www.talltailspublishing.com/
tel: 580-559-3561

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Book Review: The Little Pot (Dawn Stephens)

The Little Pot by Dawn Stephens

Book Summary: In the Little Pot, a potter lovingly forms a new pot and declares that he has important plans for his creation. The little pot wonders what its purpose will be. Will it be used to hold important documents? Great riches? Beautiful flowers? As various expectations prove wrong, the little pot is cautioned to wait and see.

Gradually the little pot comes to realize that its creator knows best and has the most wonderful of all uses planned for it.


Warm illustrations beautifully enhance this charming allegory about patience and fulfillment. A gentle reference to God will appeal to people of every faith.

Book Review - What a beautiful children’s book with a wonderful storyline teaching children a lesson many grown-ups would do well to learn.

Beautifully illustrated, this story centers around a little pot that is continually being emptied, poured out, and refilled.

Great word picture for opening a child’s mind to the concept of ‘giving oneself away‘.

Children will identify with the feelings of loss each time the little pot is emptied and rejoice as it becomes filled again.

A great story time book that can be read and reread again to help children learn to look beyond what they may loose and rejoice the hope of what God plans for them.


Author: Dawn Stephens
Illustrator: Dawn Stephens
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: bPlus Books; 2009 edition (March 16, 2009)

Reviewed by:
Gina Hendrix
Vessel Project Book Reviewer