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Heart of the Highlands
The Raven Prequel
April Holthaus
2022 Finalist
217 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Set in 1529 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus follows the experiences of Adelyn Scott, a descendant of Roland de Velville, as she seeks refuge from her cousin, King James V of Scotland. Pursued by powerful men for the alleged murder of her husband, a violent and unfaithful English duke, Adelyn pleads her innocence and seeks her cousin’s help. One of the men listening to her plea is Eamon MacLeish, a personal guard and advisor to the king, whom she had met earlier. Adelyn is drawn to his kindness, a sharp contrast to her deceased husband’s selfish nature. Eamon and Adelyn work together to solve the crime she is accused of. But Eamon has a lot to lose and must choose between his loyalty to Adelyn or to the king.
In Heart of the Highlands: The Raven, April Holthaus weaves a mystery within a moving romance story between Eamon and Adelyn. The book begins with an exciting scene as Adelyn flees from her late husband’s men for King James’s castle. At first, she is refused entrance until Eamon intervenes. The feeling of anxiety for Adelyn’s fate continues throughout the book as she and Eamon try to prove her innocence. Details about the era are included and enrich the story. Adelyn's and Eamon’s interesting backgrounds are explored including Adelyn’s short time with the duke. The details provide more comprehensive descriptions of the two main characters. Various characters in the story face intriguing personal conflicts. Fans of historical mysteries and romance novellas will love reading Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus.
Set in 1529 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus follows the experiences of Adelyn Scott, a descendant of Roland de Velville, as she seeks refuge from her cousin, King James V of Scotland. Pursued by powerful men for the alleged murder of her husband, a violent and unfaithful English duke, Adelyn pleads her innocence and seeks her cousin’s help. One of the men listening to her plea is Eamon MacLeish, a personal guard and advisor to the king, whom she had met earlier. Adelyn is drawn to his kindness, a sharp contrast to her deceased husband’s selfish nature. Eamon and Adelyn work together to solve the crime she is accused of. But Eamon has a lot to lose and must choose between his loyalty to Adelyn or to the king.
In Heart of the Highlands: The Raven, April Holthaus weaves a mystery within a moving romance story between Eamon and Adelyn. The book begins with an exciting scene as Adelyn flees from her late husband’s men for King James’s castle. At first, she is refused entrance until Eamon intervenes. The feeling of anxiety for Adelyn’s fate continues throughout the book as she and Eamon try to prove her innocence. Details about the era are included and enrich the story. Adelyn's and Eamon’s interesting backgrounds are explored including Adelyn’s short time with the duke. The details provide more comprehensive descriptions of the two main characters. Various characters in the story face intriguing personal conflicts. Fans of historical mysteries and romance novellas will love reading Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus.
Recommend this book:
In the Wake of Death
Nikki Landis
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Paranormal
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
In the Wake of Death by Nikki Landis follows the story of Gemma Harding, a young author who writes about a clairvoyant who helps the dead cross over. However, these are not just stories. Gemma is actually able to see the spirits of those who have passed on and considers it her mission to help those who are lost find their way to the hereafter. When a new spirit wanders into Gemma’s home, she feels compelled to help but this case might prove to be bigger than she expected. Perhaps the new handsome Lieutenant can help her get to the bottom of it all.
In the Wake of Death by Nikki Landis was right up my alley and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was so well-written with characters that just drew you in. This book is very character-driven and you see this through the in-depth look at the characters' stories and emotions. What I loved the most was Gemma’s sweet but strong personality; she knew what she wanted out of life and never compromised on this. She made for such a wonderful female lead, which only added to the romance between her and Victor. I cannot fault this story in any way. It was well thought out with just the right amount of mystery surrounding Katie’s case while still giving the reader those slow-burn romantic moments. I think this is the type of romance any person could enjoy. I highly recommend this book!
In the Wake of Death by Nikki Landis follows the story of Gemma Harding, a young author who writes about a clairvoyant who helps the dead cross over. However, these are not just stories. Gemma is actually able to see the spirits of those who have passed on and considers it her mission to help those who are lost find their way to the hereafter. When a new spirit wanders into Gemma’s home, she feels compelled to help but this case might prove to be bigger than she expected. Perhaps the new handsome Lieutenant can help her get to the bottom of it all.
In the Wake of Death by Nikki Landis was right up my alley and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was so well-written with characters that just drew you in. This book is very character-driven and you see this through the in-depth look at the characters' stories and emotions. What I loved the most was Gemma’s sweet but strong personality; she knew what she wanted out of life and never compromised on this. She made for such a wonderful female lead, which only added to the romance between her and Victor. I cannot fault this story in any way. It was well thought out with just the right amount of mystery surrounding Katie’s case while still giving the reader those slow-burn romantic moments. I think this is the type of romance any person could enjoy. I highly recommend this book!
Recommend this book:
The Road Home
Christina Berry
2022 Gold Medal
316 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Jake has a fast life of alcohol, drugs, and random overnight stands since he lost his family to a drunk driver. The Road Home opens with Jake waking up to an emergency phone call from his best friend Greg. Greg states that Arianna has been struck by a car and is at the hospital. When Jake arrives, Greg says that Arianna would want Alex to be present. The author then adds a strange revelation: Greg is Arianna’s husband and Alex is her boyfriend. Jake reaches out to Nicole. Nicole was best friends with Arianna and Alex’s ex-girlfriend. Later that night, Jake runs into Nicole at a bar, and they end up having sex. Normally, Jake would never think twice about doing so with any random woman, but something about Nicole seems to hold him captive. He wants to know more about the mysterious Nicole. However, he is about to see his life and relationships change dramatically when he receives the phone call of a lifetime.
Christina Berry’s The Road Home is a book that had so many dramatic twists I couldn’t put it down. Jake’s journey through a gamut of emotions and life progress was captivating. I hated Arianna, as she still attempted to use Greg’s affection while flaunting her love for Alex openly. The pace of the story writing style fits perfectly with enough detail for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I could imagine watching Nicole running into other roller derby skaters and hearing the crowds cheering in the stands. The phone calls that happened between Jake and Nicole helped me see the bond they were building. The end of the story was nothing like I could ever imagine. This is a 5-star romance that any young adult would enjoy reading.
Jake has a fast life of alcohol, drugs, and random overnight stands since he lost his family to a drunk driver. The Road Home opens with Jake waking up to an emergency phone call from his best friend Greg. Greg states that Arianna has been struck by a car and is at the hospital. When Jake arrives, Greg says that Arianna would want Alex to be present. The author then adds a strange revelation: Greg is Arianna’s husband and Alex is her boyfriend. Jake reaches out to Nicole. Nicole was best friends with Arianna and Alex’s ex-girlfriend. Later that night, Jake runs into Nicole at a bar, and they end up having sex. Normally, Jake would never think twice about doing so with any random woman, but something about Nicole seems to hold him captive. He wants to know more about the mysterious Nicole. However, he is about to see his life and relationships change dramatically when he receives the phone call of a lifetime.
Christina Berry’s The Road Home is a book that had so many dramatic twists I couldn’t put it down. Jake’s journey through a gamut of emotions and life progress was captivating. I hated Arianna, as she still attempted to use Greg’s affection while flaunting her love for Alex openly. The pace of the story writing style fits perfectly with enough detail for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I could imagine watching Nicole running into other roller derby skaters and hearing the crowds cheering in the stands. The phone calls that happened between Jake and Nicole helped me see the bond they were building. The end of the story was nothing like I could ever imagine. This is a 5-star romance that any young adult would enjoy reading.
Recommend this book:
Shadow in the Mountain
Shadow SEALs
KaLyn Cooper
2022 Gold Medal
294 Pages
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Former Navy SEAL Ryker Tufano and his teammates went to Ethiopia on a mission. They walked into an ambush that wiped out the troop. Ryker suffered survivor’s guilt and drowned himself in alcohol because not only did he lose his brothers, but he was also dishonorably discharged from the Navy. A stranger called out of the blue to tell him that his brothers in arms were alive. It was all a setup, and he swore vengeance. Ryker returned to Ethiopia, where he teamed up with Xena Riggs for the rescue. Sparks flew between Ryker and Xena, but she had a secret that put him in his present predicament. Will Xena’s secret ruin their budding passion? Can they save the captured SEALs? Shadow in the Mountain by KaLyn Cooper has all the details.
Shadow in the Mountain by KaLyn Cooper is the fourth book in the Shadow SEALs series, a blend of action, drama, and romance. This novel deserves a place on the big screen and I loved the brilliant plot and unique cast of characters. The development was also fantastic, capturing me every step of the way. Working for the government in sensitive capacities is a harrowing adventure because the more you look, the less you see. The higher-ups use people as pawns to further their agendas and ruin lives. It’s pathetic. Xena was my favorite character in this book. She combined vibes from Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft and Colombiana’s Cataliya to give me full-time action. I loved the fast pace and KaLyn’s writing style, which was easy to follow. Do Serena and Ajax have a story? They deserve one. Thank you for a beautiful book.
Former Navy SEAL Ryker Tufano and his teammates went to Ethiopia on a mission. They walked into an ambush that wiped out the troop. Ryker suffered survivor’s guilt and drowned himself in alcohol because not only did he lose his brothers, but he was also dishonorably discharged from the Navy. A stranger called out of the blue to tell him that his brothers in arms were alive. It was all a setup, and he swore vengeance. Ryker returned to Ethiopia, where he teamed up with Xena Riggs for the rescue. Sparks flew between Ryker and Xena, but she had a secret that put him in his present predicament. Will Xena’s secret ruin their budding passion? Can they save the captured SEALs? Shadow in the Mountain by KaLyn Cooper has all the details.
Shadow in the Mountain by KaLyn Cooper is the fourth book in the Shadow SEALs series, a blend of action, drama, and romance. This novel deserves a place on the big screen and I loved the brilliant plot and unique cast of characters. The development was also fantastic, capturing me every step of the way. Working for the government in sensitive capacities is a harrowing adventure because the more you look, the less you see. The higher-ups use people as pawns to further their agendas and ruin lives. It’s pathetic. Xena was my favorite character in this book. She combined vibes from Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft and Colombiana’s Cataliya to give me full-time action. I loved the fast pace and KaLyn’s writing style, which was easy to follow. Do Serena and Ajax have a story? They deserve one. Thank you for a beautiful book.
Recommend this book:
The Opossum and the Cats
Marilyn B Wassmann
2022 Honorable Mention
34 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite
Marilyn B Wassmann’s The Opossum and the Cats is an extended poem that tells the story of how two very different animals can co-exist, and even learn to like each other. On a cold rainy night, a pregnant cat has no shelter to deliver her kittens, so a grumpy old opossum is forced to lend her his home under the shed. The new mother is too tired to move after the ordeal, and although the opossum values his solitude, he does not banish her or the five newborn black and white kittens. Initially, the kittens heed their mother’s instructions to respect the opossum’s desire for space. However, it was not easy in such close proximity, as the kittens grew quickly. One day, the kittens got into trouble, leading the opossum to prove that he reciprocated their affection when he saved them.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s use of rhyming couplets (most of which are quatrains) creates a sense of rhythm and flows throughout the poem in a way that children will thoroughly enjoy. Her choice of words is highly commendable, but also straightforward. She cleverly weaves educational facts about the opossum into the poem so that even those unfamiliar with the animal can understand the story. I particularly loved how the solitary opossum has a change of heart toward the end of the story and learns to love the kittens. The Opossum and the Cats suggests that anyone can find a family, even in the most unlikely places.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s The Opossum and the Cats is an extended poem that tells the story of how two very different animals can co-exist, and even learn to like each other. On a cold rainy night, a pregnant cat has no shelter to deliver her kittens, so a grumpy old opossum is forced to lend her his home under the shed. The new mother is too tired to move after the ordeal, and although the opossum values his solitude, he does not banish her or the five newborn black and white kittens. Initially, the kittens heed their mother’s instructions to respect the opossum’s desire for space. However, it was not easy in such close proximity, as the kittens grew quickly. One day, the kittens got into trouble, leading the opossum to prove that he reciprocated their affection when he saved them.
Marilyn B Wassmann’s use of rhyming couplets (most of which are quatrains) creates a sense of rhythm and flows throughout the poem in a way that children will thoroughly enjoy. Her choice of words is highly commendable, but also straightforward. She cleverly weaves educational facts about the opossum into the poem so that even those unfamiliar with the animal can understand the story. I particularly loved how the solitary opossum has a change of heart toward the end of the story and learns to love the kittens. The Opossum and the Cats suggests that anyone can find a family, even in the most unlikely places.
Recommend this book:
I Look To The Mourning Sky
A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart
Liz Newman
2022 Bronze Medal
114 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
I Look To The Mourning Sky: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart, by Liz Newman, could be the balm the mourning soul needs. Loss can come without warning, or it can come with the knowledge that it is going to happen, but either way, grief is a life-changing experience that we've all had before. Some grieve with more difficulty than others and seek ways to cope better. This volume of poems can help heal wounds and make some sense of loss and the grieving process. Sometimes when you're in the thick of it, you think you're by yourself, but these poems show the connection all mourners share.
Newman's poignant, emotional poems can touch the sadness that the grieving person is going through. But not only that, she invites readers to share their own bereavement by writing about them, aided by writing prompts that she provides at the end. One example of a prompt is called "Heart Check", which asks readers to examine their hearts and emotions on a given day and make note of them to increase awareness and get in touch with your feelings. Expressing grief via the written word can be tremendously helpful and healthy. Poetry can be cathartic, a shared experience, a way to process emotions that you yourself can't even put into words. Grieving has to occur at your own pace, and this book of poetry helps you do that.
To say that Newman's poetry also serves as a self-help tool would not be a stretch. But there is a balance in the poems--some are sad, while others are comforting and encouraging. There are a lot of poetry books you can pass on to others as gifts, but this one can actually help someone else if you do. Readers will be moved by selections such as the beautiful "I've Held Love Tightly", and encouraged by the poignant "An Old Bible". Wherever you are on your grief journey, take I Look To The Mourning Sky: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart by Liz Newman.
I Look To The Mourning Sky: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart, by Liz Newman, could be the balm the mourning soul needs. Loss can come without warning, or it can come with the knowledge that it is going to happen, but either way, grief is a life-changing experience that we've all had before. Some grieve with more difficulty than others and seek ways to cope better. This volume of poems can help heal wounds and make some sense of loss and the grieving process. Sometimes when you're in the thick of it, you think you're by yourself, but these poems show the connection all mourners share.
Newman's poignant, emotional poems can touch the sadness that the grieving person is going through. But not only that, she invites readers to share their own bereavement by writing about them, aided by writing prompts that she provides at the end. One example of a prompt is called "Heart Check", which asks readers to examine their hearts and emotions on a given day and make note of them to increase awareness and get in touch with your feelings. Expressing grief via the written word can be tremendously helpful and healthy. Poetry can be cathartic, a shared experience, a way to process emotions that you yourself can't even put into words. Grieving has to occur at your own pace, and this book of poetry helps you do that.
To say that Newman's poetry also serves as a self-help tool would not be a stretch. But there is a balance in the poems--some are sad, while others are comforting and encouraging. There are a lot of poetry books you can pass on to others as gifts, but this one can actually help someone else if you do. Readers will be moved by selections such as the beautiful "I've Held Love Tightly", and encouraged by the poignant "An Old Bible". Wherever you are on your grief journey, take I Look To The Mourning Sky: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart by Liz Newman.
Recommend this book:
Shadows of the Trees
Poems & Prose
Michael Cook
2022 Gold Medal
117 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
In Shadows of the Trees: Poems & Prose by Michael W. Cook, poetry is music put into words. Some of this music is somber, sad, indeed emotional, while others express joy and elation and a sense of purpose, a direction in life. Poetry is also like the visual arts in that it uses words to paint literary pictures of events, happenings, emotions, and life itself. In poetry, one can absorb the poet’s transition through life, the maturing of years of experience after manipulating the myriad of complex tangents of youth, and then it’s time to think back: “Time is perplexing/ and hard to define./ Its haste is vexing,/ obscure, and sublime.” I love the use of sublime in comparison with the abstract concept of time.
Michael W. Cook’s Shadows of the Trees is a collection of poems that spans the 1990s. The poet mainly uses the traditional classic poetry form, complete with rhyming couplets, but he also includes some examples of his free-verse poems. Beginning with a concise introduction, the poet explains the background to this collection and then allocates each poem to a specific category of the year in which it was written. The collection begins with reflections on life as a university student: “Infinite diversities,/ infinite combinations./ No universities,/ in the beginnings of creation.” Thank heavens for that, as the beginning of creation one might envision as being too pure to be marred by the confines of institutions of higher learning, the so-called ivory towers. The passage of time is a recurring theme in these poems. In one poem, he begins with a re-write of a childhood rhyme marking the passage of another year, with some painful recollections of the celebration that helped him make the transition. This collection reflects on multiple meanings of life and how the poet comprehends what it means to be alive, what it means to love, and what it means to lose. The poems are monolithic – strong, powerfully emotive, uniform, and indivisible. This is an intense collection that one might want to study many times.
In Shadows of the Trees: Poems & Prose by Michael W. Cook, poetry is music put into words. Some of this music is somber, sad, indeed emotional, while others express joy and elation and a sense of purpose, a direction in life. Poetry is also like the visual arts in that it uses words to paint literary pictures of events, happenings, emotions, and life itself. In poetry, one can absorb the poet’s transition through life, the maturing of years of experience after manipulating the myriad of complex tangents of youth, and then it’s time to think back: “Time is perplexing/ and hard to define./ Its haste is vexing,/ obscure, and sublime.” I love the use of sublime in comparison with the abstract concept of time.
Michael W. Cook’s Shadows of the Trees is a collection of poems that spans the 1990s. The poet mainly uses the traditional classic poetry form, complete with rhyming couplets, but he also includes some examples of his free-verse poems. Beginning with a concise introduction, the poet explains the background to this collection and then allocates each poem to a specific category of the year in which it was written. The collection begins with reflections on life as a university student: “Infinite diversities,/ infinite combinations./ No universities,/ in the beginnings of creation.” Thank heavens for that, as the beginning of creation one might envision as being too pure to be marred by the confines of institutions of higher learning, the so-called ivory towers. The passage of time is a recurring theme in these poems. In one poem, he begins with a re-write of a childhood rhyme marking the passage of another year, with some painful recollections of the celebration that helped him make the transition. This collection reflects on multiple meanings of life and how the poet comprehends what it means to be alive, what it means to love, and what it means to lose. The poems are monolithic – strong, powerfully emotive, uniform, and indivisible. This is an intense collection that one might want to study many times.
Recommend this book:
The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer
Vashti Stopher Klein
2022 Bronze Medal
104 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
If you think poetry collections are all the same and that it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to find an innovative one, you will have to reconsider your opinion. I had one of the most pleasant surprises myself when I found Vashti Stopher Klein's The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer. The book begins with an allegory. An ill Soprano dreams about an evil monster, seeks a healer, and discovers that the only man who can save her and give her back her voice is the Dragonslayer. After her successful healing, the Soprano starts singing again. As a bonus for readers, some of the poems have hyperlinks that allow you to listen to them recorded as songs.
The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is a collection that effectively blends words, music, and images (you find artistic designs by Carol Collett before each poem). I wrote above that Stopher Klein's book is innovative, and the perfect interweaving of all these elements gives it originality and charm. Each of the poems of The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is remarkable for the story it tells. They are detailed pictures, and whether you listen to the recordings or read the words, they will mesmerize you. I consider them as delightful pieces of a wonderful puzzle. The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is one of the best collections of poems I have read in recent times. I cannot wait to read more work by Vashti Stopher Klein, and I hope it will happen soon.
If you think poetry collections are all the same and that it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to find an innovative one, you will have to reconsider your opinion. I had one of the most pleasant surprises myself when I found Vashti Stopher Klein's The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer. The book begins with an allegory. An ill Soprano dreams about an evil monster, seeks a healer, and discovers that the only man who can save her and give her back her voice is the Dragonslayer. After her successful healing, the Soprano starts singing again. As a bonus for readers, some of the poems have hyperlinks that allow you to listen to them recorded as songs.
The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is a collection that effectively blends words, music, and images (you find artistic designs by Carol Collett before each poem). I wrote above that Stopher Klein's book is innovative, and the perfect interweaving of all these elements gives it originality and charm. Each of the poems of The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is remarkable for the story it tells. They are detailed pictures, and whether you listen to the recordings or read the words, they will mesmerize you. I consider them as delightful pieces of a wonderful puzzle. The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer is one of the best collections of poems I have read in recent times. I cannot wait to read more work by Vashti Stopher Klein, and I hope it will happen soon.
Recommend this book:
The Golden Bowl
A book to help children cope with grief
Linda Matesa, Oksana Kindzer
2022 Illustration Award
Kindle Edition
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Christian
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Bowl: A Book To Help Children Cope with Grief is a beautiful Christian children’s book by Linda Matesa with illustrations by Oksana Kindzer. This illuminating story sheds light on the difficult subject of grieving and loss gently and lovingly. A mother explains to her young son Tru that a person’s soul can be like a bright shiny bowl filled with memories and experiences. She encourages her son to think calmly about their happy times together and to hold onto those memories. Of course, Tru is saddened to think about his mother being gone, but she assures him that they will always be connected even if she should pass on. A special page is included at the end of the story for readers to imagine their golden bowl and what it might contain. Filled with love and hope, this tale shares a meaningful and helpful way to discuss grief with young children.
Inspired by Linda Matesa’s concerns about possibly having to leave her young son far too soon, this heartfelt story helps to make sense of intangible concepts such as what makes up a soul and what happens to someone after they pass away. As young readers are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity, a daunting subject becomes more accessible and less frightening. Touching illustrations throughout highlight the comforting and peaceful manner in which these difficult conversations are held. Parents and family members will find this book to be a helpful and positive resource for explaining grief to young children. The Golden Bowl will provide solace and comfort to many young children and their families.
The Golden Bowl: A Book To Help Children Cope with Grief is a beautiful Christian children’s book by Linda Matesa with illustrations by Oksana Kindzer. This illuminating story sheds light on the difficult subject of grieving and loss gently and lovingly. A mother explains to her young son Tru that a person’s soul can be like a bright shiny bowl filled with memories and experiences. She encourages her son to think calmly about their happy times together and to hold onto those memories. Of course, Tru is saddened to think about his mother being gone, but she assures him that they will always be connected even if she should pass on. A special page is included at the end of the story for readers to imagine their golden bowl and what it might contain. Filled with love and hope, this tale shares a meaningful and helpful way to discuss grief with young children.
Inspired by Linda Matesa’s concerns about possibly having to leave her young son far too soon, this heartfelt story helps to make sense of intangible concepts such as what makes up a soul and what happens to someone after they pass away. As young readers are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity, a daunting subject becomes more accessible and less frightening. Touching illustrations throughout highlight the comforting and peaceful manner in which these difficult conversations are held. Parents and family members will find this book to be a helpful and positive resource for explaining grief to young children. The Golden Bowl will provide solace and comfort to many young children and their families.
Recommend this book:
The Power of Gratitude
Unlocking Hidden Treasures
Ruth Maille
2022 Illustration Award
38 Pages
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Fiction
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Hidden Treasures by Ruth Maille tells the story of Orbit, a character in the shape of our planet, who is going to a sleepover camp. Orbit and all his friends are excited about the camp and can’t wait to see each other again. When they get there, Orbit teaches all his friends what gratitude is. Being thankful for people and things as well as the emotions that we feel when we are grateful for something. When events don’t go as planned, there are still reasons to be grateful for what we CAN do instead. The more often we practice gratitude, the more things we will find to be grateful for. All the children do a fantastic job of finding 26 things to be grateful for, each one beginning with a letter of the alphabet.
The Power of Gratitude is a fantastic little book, educational for both children and adults alike. We can all do with a reminder to be grateful for what we have. Ruth Maille’s unique way of using the alphabet to create examples serves as a double lesson for children. The book is based on Ruth’s personal research and children’s understanding of the world around them. Children need positive encouragement for emotional development and relationship building. This is a delightful book, filled with beautiful pictures and a new way of learning through Orbit. Each character is unique with their own personality and features. I love the images which are a work of art. I recommend this book to all parents for their children.
The Power of Gratitude: Unlocking Hidden Treasures by Ruth Maille tells the story of Orbit, a character in the shape of our planet, who is going to a sleepover camp. Orbit and all his friends are excited about the camp and can’t wait to see each other again. When they get there, Orbit teaches all his friends what gratitude is. Being thankful for people and things as well as the emotions that we feel when we are grateful for something. When events don’t go as planned, there are still reasons to be grateful for what we CAN do instead. The more often we practice gratitude, the more things we will find to be grateful for. All the children do a fantastic job of finding 26 things to be grateful for, each one beginning with a letter of the alphabet.
The Power of Gratitude is a fantastic little book, educational for both children and adults alike. We can all do with a reminder to be grateful for what we have. Ruth Maille’s unique way of using the alphabet to create examples serves as a double lesson for children. The book is based on Ruth’s personal research and children’s understanding of the world around them. Children need positive encouragement for emotional development and relationship building. This is a delightful book, filled with beautiful pictures and a new way of learning through Orbit. Each character is unique with their own personality and features. I love the images which are a work of art. I recommend this book to all parents for their children.
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