Thanksgiving Graces by Mark Kimball Moulton — Book Review

In this delightful little book, a young boy learns the value of sharing as his family members invite more and more visitors to their Thanksgiving feast. Will there be enough for everyone, he wonders? Grandma reassures him, reminding him that in the Bible Jesus was able to provide a crowd of people with fish and bread. She explains:

“The more you love and care, the more there seems to be for everyone to share.”

Beautiful, warm illustrations by Daniel Wenzel complement the lyrical text. This would be a great book to read out loud with youngsters to remind them of the true meaning of the holiday.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I loved it!

For more holiday books for children see these reviews:

Manger by Lee Bennett Hopkins — Book Review

Great and Small Easter by B&H Kids Editorial Staff — Book Review

The Silent Noisy Night by Jill Roman Lord — Book Review

The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society by Randall Goodgame–Book Review

This is the third in Randall Goodgame’s “Slugs and Bugs” series for children that I have reviewed.  It is also the one I like least.

The book tells the story of a secret raccoon society that encourages members to give their belongings away, going against the normal raccoon tendency to slyly finding and appropriating things that belong to others.

The illustrations are colorful, but not exceptional.  The narrative lacks rhythm and bounce.  Some of the word plays and puns will not be understood by the age group the story is aimed at — for example, “we put the pie in piety.”  Piety is a concept that would be almost impossible to explain to young children.  Also, will children of this age make the connection that raccoons are known for stealing?

The message of generosity and sharing is a good one, but I didn’t find anything else to recommend this book.  I probably wouldn’t buy it.

The illustrations are colorful, but not exceptional.  The narrative lacks rhythm and bounce.  Some of the word plays and puns will not be understood by the age group the story is aimed at — for example, “we put the pie in piety.”  Piety is a concept that would be almost impossible to explain to young children.  Also, will children of this age make the connection that raccoons are known for stealing?

The message of generosity and sharing is a good one, but I didn’t find anything else to recommend this book.  I probably wouldn’t buy it.

VERDICT:  2 stars

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can follow the link below:

The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society

 

If you would like to read reviews of others books by Randall Goodgame, you can check out these previous posts:

Are We Still Friends? by Randall Goodgame–Book Review

Who Will Play With Me by Randall Goodgame–Book Review

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review – Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

 

 

 

Do Something

This song captured me a few years ago.  Do Something by Matthew West has a message to all Christians.  We don’t need to just sit and say “Oh, those poor people…..”  It’s time to do something.

This video explains how the song came about.  He heard about this girl that went to Uganda and then stayed there and opened up an orphanage on her own.  She’s still there, she’s still doing something.

I hope this video opens up your heart.