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Recommend this book:
In the Orbit of Sirens
The Song of Kamaria
T. A. Bruno
2021 Silver Medal
514 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In the Orbit of Sirens, the first part of The Song of Kamaria series, is a work of science fiction and dystopia by author T. A. Bruno. Set in a world where members of the human race are now part of an endangered species, the book follows two characters working to provide refuge for what’s left of humanity on the planet Kamaria. Whilst the new world seems like a paradise, it comes with new dangers; first and foremost a deadly disease, the cure to which is closely guarded by the locals. But as the effort to treat ‘lung-lock’ pushes forward, it accidentally causes an even more dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity once and for all.
Author T. A. Bruno delivers a dystopian delight which is truly out of this world, and one which I enjoyed immensely. This was right on the money for my favorite kind of fiction, not least for its lavish, vivid depictions of a desolate world and desperation for survival, but also because of the keen parallels to our own contemporary lives that are hidden in the dark shadows of the piece. The work is well suited and accessible to all readers, tense without being graphic, emotive without overreaching. The characters are also deeply considered with some very dynamic dialogue that digs into their psychology in this brave new world. Overall, I would highly recommend In the Orbit of Sirens as a must-read for sci-fi and dystopian fans who want to embark on an original and engrossing new series. Unmissable.
In the Orbit of Sirens, the first part of The Song of Kamaria series, is a work of science fiction and dystopia by author T. A. Bruno. Set in a world where members of the human race are now part of an endangered species, the book follows two characters working to provide refuge for what’s left of humanity on the planet Kamaria. Whilst the new world seems like a paradise, it comes with new dangers; first and foremost a deadly disease, the cure to which is closely guarded by the locals. But as the effort to treat ‘lung-lock’ pushes forward, it accidentally causes an even more dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity once and for all.
Author T. A. Bruno delivers a dystopian delight which is truly out of this world, and one which I enjoyed immensely. This was right on the money for my favorite kind of fiction, not least for its lavish, vivid depictions of a desolate world and desperation for survival, but also because of the keen parallels to our own contemporary lives that are hidden in the dark shadows of the piece. The work is well suited and accessible to all readers, tense without being graphic, emotive without overreaching. The characters are also deeply considered with some very dynamic dialogue that digs into their psychology in this brave new world. Overall, I would highly recommend In the Orbit of Sirens as a must-read for sci-fi and dystopian fans who want to embark on an original and engrossing new series. Unmissable.
Recommend this book:
The Band Room
Bob Seay
2021 Gold Medal
284 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Band Room is a coming of age story written by Bob Seay. Angel is a typical teenager and high school football player whose life is turned upside down when he gets a court-ordered sentence of 90-hour community service due to an accidental scuffle with a police officer. Lack of football and becoming a social pariah leads him to seek help from the school Band Director Paul Roberts, who assigns him to file music in the library. To his surprise, Angel finds kindred spirits in the Band Room and soon makes some loyal friends, who not only help him with his mandatory community service but also go out of their way to mend the relationship between Angel and his mother.
The Band Room is a poignant and introspective drama about a high school senior that deals with issues of acceptance, parental relationship, addiction, and the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Author Bob Seay delves deep into the pressures of being a teenager, and the narrative flawlessly captures the anxiety and loneliness that they can go through. The Band Room also perfectly showcases the impact a teacher or a parent can have on a teenager and the choices they make. With relatable and likable characters, a well thought out plot, and suitable dialogue, The Band Room feels like more than the sum of its parts. I am glad that I read it. If you are in the mood for a well-written drama with a healthy dose of social commentary, The Band Room is the way to go.
The Band Room is a coming of age story written by Bob Seay. Angel is a typical teenager and high school football player whose life is turned upside down when he gets a court-ordered sentence of 90-hour community service due to an accidental scuffle with a police officer. Lack of football and becoming a social pariah leads him to seek help from the school Band Director Paul Roberts, who assigns him to file music in the library. To his surprise, Angel finds kindred spirits in the Band Room and soon makes some loyal friends, who not only help him with his mandatory community service but also go out of their way to mend the relationship between Angel and his mother.
The Band Room is a poignant and introspective drama about a high school senior that deals with issues of acceptance, parental relationship, addiction, and the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Author Bob Seay delves deep into the pressures of being a teenager, and the narrative flawlessly captures the anxiety and loneliness that they can go through. The Band Room also perfectly showcases the impact a teacher or a parent can have on a teenager and the choices they make. With relatable and likable characters, a well thought out plot, and suitable dialogue, The Band Room feels like more than the sum of its parts. I am glad that I read it. If you are in the mood for a well-written drama with a healthy dose of social commentary, The Band Room is the way to go.
Recommend this book:
The Leviathan Trial
Oliver Madison
2021 Silver Medal
222 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
Picture 12 super-intelligent children, aged from pre-pubescent to their twenties, adopted, bred, and educated over the years by an eccentric billionaire. Except for the very young, each child has developed exceptional skills in varying areas. When the 90-year-old “father” suddenly dies, this mixed family is immediately locked in his massive mansion. Cell-phone communication is impossible. How will they escape? Each child wears a “Leviathan” key-pendant which will unlock specific rooms. But which room? Worse yet, the father’s dying plan is for them to use their highly developed skills to determine his rightful heir. But to do so, they must eradicate each other. It’s a horrible survival of the smartest contest. Who will survive and inherit billions and at what unmeasurable cost? And just who or what keeps flitting through the shadows?
If Hollywood is looking for a movie or TV series script where Hunger Games meets Escape Room, producers need to look no further than The Leviathan Trial by Oliver Madison. This is a Young Adult thriller on steroids! The premise of The Leviathan Trial is creepy and thoroughly engaging for those who love this kind of book. Death and danger lurk behind every door. Oliver Madison is a writer who is really enjoying where his clever mind is taking him and his readers. The action is fast-paced, the dialogue swift, and the settings elaborate and cinematic. Plot-wise and visually, this story just begs for film production. Little wonder it’s just been awarded a Silver Medal by Readers Favorite!
Picture 12 super-intelligent children, aged from pre-pubescent to their twenties, adopted, bred, and educated over the years by an eccentric billionaire. Except for the very young, each child has developed exceptional skills in varying areas. When the 90-year-old “father” suddenly dies, this mixed family is immediately locked in his massive mansion. Cell-phone communication is impossible. How will they escape? Each child wears a “Leviathan” key-pendant which will unlock specific rooms. But which room? Worse yet, the father’s dying plan is for them to use their highly developed skills to determine his rightful heir. But to do so, they must eradicate each other. It’s a horrible survival of the smartest contest. Who will survive and inherit billions and at what unmeasurable cost? And just who or what keeps flitting through the shadows?
If Hollywood is looking for a movie or TV series script where Hunger Games meets Escape Room, producers need to look no further than The Leviathan Trial by Oliver Madison. This is a Young Adult thriller on steroids! The premise of The Leviathan Trial is creepy and thoroughly engaging for those who love this kind of book. Death and danger lurk behind every door. Oliver Madison is a writer who is really enjoying where his clever mind is taking him and his readers. The action is fast-paced, the dialogue swift, and the settings elaborate and cinematic. Plot-wise and visually, this story just begs for film production. Little wonder it’s just been awarded a Silver Medal by Readers Favorite!
Recommend this book:
The Girl in the Garage
3 Steps To Letting Go Of Your Past
Sharon Hughes
2021 Silver Medal
124 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Girl in the Garage is a work of non-fiction centering on Christian themes such as self-help and psychological healing through God and was penned by author Sharon Hughes. Subtitled ‘The True Story of Radical Healing By a Radical God’, this concise guidebook takes readers through the real-life traumatic experiences of its author Sharon Hughes, who suffered years of abuse which culminated in waking up in a garage after being drugged for hours, aged just sixteen years old. Hughes explains her connection with God and the healing that such faith has provided to her, expanding from her own experiences to show how anyone with a history of darkness in their past can be brought to God’s healing light.
There are many different angles in the self-help genre when it comes to advice on recovering from abuse, and I found author Sharon Hughes’s voice to be heartfelt and compassionate on the topic. The details are neither grisly nor graphic but plainly stated and with a considerate narration that does not seek to shock or sensationalize her story. Moreover, the focus is on what followed on her journey to God, and the formation of her new identity is written with inspiring emotive narration and a true sense of hope. Hughes offers comfort and the promise of newness through her own experience, which is well organized to transition into its more general message of healing as the book goes on. Overall, The Girl in the Garage will definitely suit those seeking solace in God following trauma and is highly recommended to them.
The Girl in the Garage is a work of non-fiction centering on Christian themes such as self-help and psychological healing through God and was penned by author Sharon Hughes. Subtitled ‘The True Story of Radical Healing By a Radical God’, this concise guidebook takes readers through the real-life traumatic experiences of its author Sharon Hughes, who suffered years of abuse which culminated in waking up in a garage after being drugged for hours, aged just sixteen years old. Hughes explains her connection with God and the healing that such faith has provided to her, expanding from her own experiences to show how anyone with a history of darkness in their past can be brought to God’s healing light.
There are many different angles in the self-help genre when it comes to advice on recovering from abuse, and I found author Sharon Hughes’s voice to be heartfelt and compassionate on the topic. The details are neither grisly nor graphic but plainly stated and with a considerate narration that does not seek to shock or sensationalize her story. Moreover, the focus is on what followed on her journey to God, and the formation of her new identity is written with inspiring emotive narration and a true sense of hope. Hughes offers comfort and the promise of newness through her own experience, which is well organized to transition into its more general message of healing as the book goes on. Overall, The Girl in the Garage will definitely suit those seeking solace in God following trauma and is highly recommended to them.
Recommend this book:
The Love of a Father
Faith Principles of the Power of a Father's Love
Ken Gordon
2021 Bronze Medal
232 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Love of a Father: Faith Principles of the Power of a Father's Love by Ken Gordon is a non-fiction Christian parenting guide with the aim of educating readers on the frequently misunderstood and often overlooked paternal balance of love for a child. Gordon breaks the book down into three distinct but interconnecting sections as he unveils the framework that shows equality in the love of both mother and father, addressed by breaking down the walls that over time we seem to have cemented ourselves. The sections are Debunking the Myths, Defining the Truth, and Demonstrating the Example. From here the book's subsections sprout forth the fruit of Gordon's rich, scriptural soil with Biblical text that he expands on and how it applies to all things fatherhood.
The Love of a Father is a straightforward lesson that Ken Gordon is able to wrap up in a book that packs a lot of punch despite its compact size. Gordon also sets himself apart in that he addresses readers of varied faith in a wholly inclusive way, offering the choice of either believing the word as truth or viewing it as an anthology of short stories. I've never come across this before and it solidified the spirit of solidarity we share as fathers. Gordon also speaks of the science behind the connection between a father and child on multiple levels, the wide variety of parenting styles [both good and not so great], role models plucked from the source material, and a new set of commandments for fathers themselves, among many other things. The most enlightening to me was the part that provided “Pearls of Wisdom from Your Father”, a list of do's and don'ts to give your child that evolves through the seasons of their lives. An example is the message of integrity and how people should be treated, summed up with the line, “Do not live a life where you have to look over your shoulder.” Gordon has some genuinely sound advice and valid points and I am so pleased to have come across this book.
The Love of a Father: Faith Principles of the Power of a Father's Love by Ken Gordon is a non-fiction Christian parenting guide with the aim of educating readers on the frequently misunderstood and often overlooked paternal balance of love for a child. Gordon breaks the book down into three distinct but interconnecting sections as he unveils the framework that shows equality in the love of both mother and father, addressed by breaking down the walls that over time we seem to have cemented ourselves. The sections are Debunking the Myths, Defining the Truth, and Demonstrating the Example. From here the book's subsections sprout forth the fruit of Gordon's rich, scriptural soil with Biblical text that he expands on and how it applies to all things fatherhood.
The Love of a Father is a straightforward lesson that Ken Gordon is able to wrap up in a book that packs a lot of punch despite its compact size. Gordon also sets himself apart in that he addresses readers of varied faith in a wholly inclusive way, offering the choice of either believing the word as truth or viewing it as an anthology of short stories. I've never come across this before and it solidified the spirit of solidarity we share as fathers. Gordon also speaks of the science behind the connection between a father and child on multiple levels, the wide variety of parenting styles [both good and not so great], role models plucked from the source material, and a new set of commandments for fathers themselves, among many other things. The most enlightening to me was the part that provided “Pearls of Wisdom from Your Father”, a list of do's and don'ts to give your child that evolves through the seasons of their lives. An example is the message of integrity and how people should be treated, summed up with the line, “Do not live a life where you have to look over your shoulder.” Gordon has some genuinely sound advice and valid points and I am so pleased to have come across this book.
Recommend this book:
Hear the Word
Catholic Psychotherapy and Faith: Reflections on Seven Parables of Jesus
Raymond Biersbach
2021 Honorable Mention
151 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Hear the Word: Catholic Psychotherapy and Faith: Reflections on Seven Parables of Jesus by Raymond Biersbach is a self-help book that will help people understand Catholic Psychotherapy. The author takes Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 13, to help the reader understand what Jesus wanted to say and how that can help you become more grounded. While most people believe religion doesn’t fit in well with medical science, the author disagrees. He takes the reader step-by-step to help them understand what Jesus said and how they can apply it to psychotherapy. He first clears up the “setting” of the parables and then shares the “resources” that will aid psychotherapists to help their clients. He also draws up good arguments for including faith in the therapy and how it can be beneficial for both the therapist and client. The book is filled with resources that will make it easier for readers to connect with their faith while working on their mental health.
Hear the Word is a very helpful book. The way Raymond Biersbach used illustrations to explain the parables and then explained the settings made it easier for me to understand. I particularly enjoyed the resources section of each chapter; he explains what we are supposed to get from the parable and his personal experiences as a psychologist. His personal experiences made it easier for me to understand and reflect a little better with each chapter. Plus, it was rather encouraging to read his experiences because it felt like talking to a friend. The “suggested reflections” was where he asked questions of readers and made them really dig deeper into their mind and soul for the right answers. I felt incredibly calm reading this book and felt at peace. This can be a really educational and encouraging guide for psychotherapists who are trying to grow and for readers who are trying to improve their mental health.
Hear the Word: Catholic Psychotherapy and Faith: Reflections on Seven Parables of Jesus by Raymond Biersbach is a self-help book that will help people understand Catholic Psychotherapy. The author takes Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 13, to help the reader understand what Jesus wanted to say and how that can help you become more grounded. While most people believe religion doesn’t fit in well with medical science, the author disagrees. He takes the reader step-by-step to help them understand what Jesus said and how they can apply it to psychotherapy. He first clears up the “setting” of the parables and then shares the “resources” that will aid psychotherapists to help their clients. He also draws up good arguments for including faith in the therapy and how it can be beneficial for both the therapist and client. The book is filled with resources that will make it easier for readers to connect with their faith while working on their mental health.
Hear the Word is a very helpful book. The way Raymond Biersbach used illustrations to explain the parables and then explained the settings made it easier for me to understand. I particularly enjoyed the resources section of each chapter; he explains what we are supposed to get from the parable and his personal experiences as a psychologist. His personal experiences made it easier for me to understand and reflect a little better with each chapter. Plus, it was rather encouraging to read his experiences because it felt like talking to a friend. The “suggested reflections” was where he asked questions of readers and made them really dig deeper into their mind and soul for the right answers. I felt incredibly calm reading this book and felt at peace. This can be a really educational and encouraging guide for psychotherapists who are trying to grow and for readers who are trying to improve their mental health.
Recommend this book:
The Great Victor
Love Never Fails
Manuel Becker
2021 Gold Medal
52 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
The Great Victor: Love Never Fails by Manuel Becker is a religious book for children. The story follows a young farm boy named Adam who begins to doubt his loving ruler, King Abba, after being fed lies by an evil man named Malus. Malus coaches Adam into the darkness by pushing him to eat one of the king's forbidden fruits. The fruit causes Adam to feel the darkness take full control over him and soon he becomes as hateful as Malus and his guards. More and more of King Abba's people turn to the dark side and betray him, leaving Adam feeling as if all hope and light is gone forever. How could his king ever forgive him after his betrayal? Surely, there's no way of going back, or is there? The king's son, Joshua, takes away some of the darkness and releases the hold Malus has on Adam, allowing him to choose between going back to his loving and caring King Abba or staying with the evil Malus the Magnificent. With everything on the line, what will Adam decide? Find out in The Great Victor and learn the important messages the author has included.
Author Manuel Becker has done an amazing job of telling the story of God and how he will always love and forgive no matter what dark path you find yourself on. The Great Victor will teach children the many lessons they will need in life and they will also enjoy a beautifully written story. The story was engaging and entertaining, which will help keep the young reader's attention. I feel that you don't necessarily have to be religious when reading this book because children can still learn from it. I enjoyed this book very much, and I wish author Manuel Becker all the best in his future writing. Keep up the good work!
The Great Victor: Love Never Fails by Manuel Becker is a religious book for children. The story follows a young farm boy named Adam who begins to doubt his loving ruler, King Abba, after being fed lies by an evil man named Malus. Malus coaches Adam into the darkness by pushing him to eat one of the king's forbidden fruits. The fruit causes Adam to feel the darkness take full control over him and soon he becomes as hateful as Malus and his guards. More and more of King Abba's people turn to the dark side and betray him, leaving Adam feeling as if all hope and light is gone forever. How could his king ever forgive him after his betrayal? Surely, there's no way of going back, or is there? The king's son, Joshua, takes away some of the darkness and releases the hold Malus has on Adam, allowing him to choose between going back to his loving and caring King Abba or staying with the evil Malus the Magnificent. With everything on the line, what will Adam decide? Find out in The Great Victor and learn the important messages the author has included.
Author Manuel Becker has done an amazing job of telling the story of God and how he will always love and forgive no matter what dark path you find yourself on. The Great Victor will teach children the many lessons they will need in life and they will also enjoy a beautifully written story. The story was engaging and entertaining, which will help keep the young reader's attention. I feel that you don't necessarily have to be religious when reading this book because children can still learn from it. I enjoyed this book very much, and I wish author Manuel Becker all the best in his future writing. Keep up the good work!
Recommend this book:
Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge *Children's Edition*
(Narrated with Audio Christmas Carols)
Norman Whaler
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite
A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic, but the story didn’t end with Ebenezer Scrooge. He truly left a legacy behind when he found Christmas in his heart, as we see in this charming sequel from Norman Whaler titled Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – The Sequel to A Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim is all grown up, thanks to Ebenezer’s kindness, but life has taken yet another tragic turn for the young man. The future he hoped for is taken from him in adulthood and he finds himself forgetting his former blessings and falling into despair. He doesn’t have Christmas in his heart as he goes to bed one night, tired from a hard day’s work, to be woken by none other than the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge! In true Dickens fashion, Tiny Tim is shown how his actions have impacted others for good despite his downturns, and encouraged to continue showing kindness to all people, and not giving up on doing good.
A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite holiday stories, so I was thrilled to find this sequel. Even though it’s a children’s tale, I was intrigued to find out how Scrooge’s legacy panned out in this charming story and was thrilled to see that he not only kept Christmas in his heart but passed it on to the next generation. It was also great to see Tiny Tim all healed and grown up, and to see the impact he was having on the world. The story is supplemented with beautiful narration and lovely scriptures and Christmas carols to make this book a delight not only for children but for adults as well. Norman Whaler did an excellent job in continuing the tale. I highly recommend Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – The Sequel to A Christmas Carol for the entire family!
A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic, but the story didn’t end with Ebenezer Scrooge. He truly left a legacy behind when he found Christmas in his heart, as we see in this charming sequel from Norman Whaler titled Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – The Sequel to A Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim is all grown up, thanks to Ebenezer’s kindness, but life has taken yet another tragic turn for the young man. The future he hoped for is taken from him in adulthood and he finds himself forgetting his former blessings and falling into despair. He doesn’t have Christmas in his heart as he goes to bed one night, tired from a hard day’s work, to be woken by none other than the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge! In true Dickens fashion, Tiny Tim is shown how his actions have impacted others for good despite his downturns, and encouraged to continue showing kindness to all people, and not giving up on doing good.
A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite holiday stories, so I was thrilled to find this sequel. Even though it’s a children’s tale, I was intrigued to find out how Scrooge’s legacy panned out in this charming story and was thrilled to see that he not only kept Christmas in his heart but passed it on to the next generation. It was also great to see Tiny Tim all healed and grown up, and to see the impact he was having on the world. The story is supplemented with beautiful narration and lovely scriptures and Christmas carols to make this book a delight not only for children but for adults as well. Norman Whaler did an excellent job in continuing the tale. I highly recommend Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge – The Sequel to A Christmas Carol for the entire family!
Recommend this book:
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows
Heather Davis
2021 Bronze Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows by Heather Davis is a fun story about Jim, a farmhand whose ways of communicating are unorthodox, to say the least. A farmer is looking for help on his land, but this 17-year-old is the only applicant. So the farmer reluctantly hires him, knowing he has no other options. The story boils down to the character of the young man. Will he be lazy and just do the minimum required, or will he take on the job and do it well? An excellent lesson is provided in this tale. The artwork is attractive, colorful, and full of detail. I also appreciated the appropriate font used, making the story easy to read. Not every children’s story gets everything right: the artwork, the font, and the story itself. But this one definitely nails it.
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows by Heather Davis goes on to describe how well Jim completes his work, and how his employer is pleased with everything he does. However, the measure of trust has yet to be earned as when a storm hits the farm, the old farmer runs around trying to wake Jim up, attempting to salvage what is left of his property. For some reason, the farmer had no idea how good Jim really was at his job. He had assumed that the farm wasn’t prepared for the storm that came. The example that Jim gives to young readers is an excellent building block for learning. Don’t just ‘do the minimum required’. Do the best job you can, whether or not you are recognized for it. This book was a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows by Heather Davis is a fun story about Jim, a farmhand whose ways of communicating are unorthodox, to say the least. A farmer is looking for help on his land, but this 17-year-old is the only applicant. So the farmer reluctantly hires him, knowing he has no other options. The story boils down to the character of the young man. Will he be lazy and just do the minimum required, or will he take on the job and do it well? An excellent lesson is provided in this tale. The artwork is attractive, colorful, and full of detail. I also appreciated the appropriate font used, making the story easy to read. Not every children’s story gets everything right: the artwork, the font, and the story itself. But this one definitely nails it.
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows by Heather Davis goes on to describe how well Jim completes his work, and how his employer is pleased with everything he does. However, the measure of trust has yet to be earned as when a storm hits the farm, the old farmer runs around trying to wake Jim up, attempting to salvage what is left of his property. For some reason, the farmer had no idea how good Jim really was at his job. He had assumed that the farm wasn’t prepared for the storm that came. The example that Jim gives to young readers is an excellent building block for learning. Don’t just ‘do the minimum required’. Do the best job you can, whether or not you are recognized for it. This book was a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Last Christmas Tree
Deborah Hoffman
2021 Honorable Mention
48 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We are all put on earth for a reason. We live, we give, we share and then we move on to join our Creator. Even trees have their reasons for existing. Mr. B had a marvelous, almost magical Christmas tree farm. Every year families came to choose the perfect Christmas tree. Mr. B cared for these trees, nurtured them until they were ready to be cut and decorated for that special day. The trees knew they were special and that, after leaving Mr. B’s farm, they would be joining their Creator. There was one tree on the farm that was never cut, never sold. A scraggly, unattractive tree that grew very slowly. But this tree was extra special; it had a lesson to share with those who doubted the wisdom, the love, and the care of our One Creator. This tree didn’t know he was special, not at first, but its life served as a testament to Mr. B’s faith and the true love we can all share with our One Creator.
Deborah Hoffman’s picture book story, The Last Christmas Tree, is beautifully told with a powerful message about faith and love. The plot develops with care and compassion so that young readers can easily follow the message that is being presented. At first, the reader will feel sorry for the little scraggly tree that no one wanted as their special Christmas tree, but at the climax, they learn another side to the story and they will experience the same sense of awe and wonder that this ‘last’ Christmas tree must have felt. The story is exquisite and exudes warmth and tenderness. This is a valuable teaching tool for young readers and a compassionately told story that will bring tears to the eyes, both young and old, of those who read it.
We are all put on earth for a reason. We live, we give, we share and then we move on to join our Creator. Even trees have their reasons for existing. Mr. B had a marvelous, almost magical Christmas tree farm. Every year families came to choose the perfect Christmas tree. Mr. B cared for these trees, nurtured them until they were ready to be cut and decorated for that special day. The trees knew they were special and that, after leaving Mr. B’s farm, they would be joining their Creator. There was one tree on the farm that was never cut, never sold. A scraggly, unattractive tree that grew very slowly. But this tree was extra special; it had a lesson to share with those who doubted the wisdom, the love, and the care of our One Creator. This tree didn’t know he was special, not at first, but its life served as a testament to Mr. B’s faith and the true love we can all share with our One Creator.
Deborah Hoffman’s picture book story, The Last Christmas Tree, is beautifully told with a powerful message about faith and love. The plot develops with care and compassion so that young readers can easily follow the message that is being presented. At first, the reader will feel sorry for the little scraggly tree that no one wanted as their special Christmas tree, but at the climax, they learn another side to the story and they will experience the same sense of awe and wonder that this ‘last’ Christmas tree must have felt. The story is exquisite and exudes warmth and tenderness. This is a valuable teaching tool for young readers and a compassionately told story that will bring tears to the eyes, both young and old, of those who read it.
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