About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love by Hannah E. Harrison



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.


Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.


The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.


The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:

  • Children ages 4 and up
  • Family devotions and bedtime reading
  • Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us
  • Sunday school lessons and church libraries
  • Easter baskets, baptism or First Communion gifts, birthday gifts, and other gift-giving opportunities

MY THOUGHTS.....

I loved this fun story about a stubborn little sheep named George and the kind shepherd who saved him. The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is filled with bright, colorful illustrations of cuddly sheep, a frightening wolf, and a protective shepherd dedicated to protecting his flock but its real charm comes from the entertaining and inspiring story. Children may laugh at George's antics, but they'll also learn about guidance and protection.







Isn't this a sweet picture? The shepherd cares for the sheep and he watches over them!
Our good shepherd cares for us, and He's always watching over us!








I couldn't believe it!
I hadn't listened. 
I'd run away. 
And still, he rescued me!
Me---a helpless, lost sheep covered in muck!
I'd never been so happy, or so grateful!


This is so powerful to me because this little sheep personifies mankind. We don't listen, and we often run away. We are helpless, lost, and covered in muck but He still rescues us! He considers us worthy!



This book targets children, but it's a fantastic choice for the entire family. Read it with your children, discuss the importance of rules and obedience, and compare George's story to the biblical concepts found in the parable of the lost sheep and the 23rd Psalm. Kudos to author and illustrator Hannah E. Harrison!







He's a good Shepherd. 
     He's MY Shepherd.
          And I'll follow him for all of my days.














I appreciate that the last page shares the 23rd Psalm! 



The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.









WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK

  • It's perfect for the upcoming Easter season! 
  • It's a cute story based on Psalm 23!
  • Perfect for children but this grandmother loved it also!
  • Hannah E. Harrison wrote this book and she also illustrated it! She had a vision and she shared it in every way!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#goodshepherd #zonderkidz #christianbookreview #ad



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hannah E. Harrison is the author and illustrator of six award-winning picture books, including Extraordinary Jane, My Friend Maggie, and Poopsie Gets Lost. Her books have received numerous starred reviews, been chosen as Kirkus Books of the Year and Editors’ Picks on Amazon, and have been selected for book clubs. Hannah is originally from New Hampshire, but now lives in Oklahoma with her big-hearted husband, two delightful daughters, a crabby cat, and a playful pup.

Learn more by visiting her Website

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View all my reviews

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

A Pocketful of Wonder: 50 Hands-On Adventures for Kids to Discover God's Creation by Amanda Dykes

ABOUT THE BOOK

Invite Kids to Delight in the Wonder All around Them

In a world increasingly dependent upon screens and technology, it's as crucial as it is countercultural to help kids capture the natural joys and treasures each day holds. Written and illustrated by mom of four, former teacher, and award-winning author Amanda Dykes, this family-friendly field guide offers fifty low-prep or no-prep hands-on activities that invite children and their caregivers to spot the wonders of God's creation. Taking a multisensory approach, each entry

· incorporates physical activity, art, music, poetry, exploration, Scripture, and prayer
· appeals to a vast array of personalities, interests, learning types, and abilities
· offers tools to see and magnify the meaning God has woven into this world
· fills little hearts with hope while pointing to a Creator who loves them very much

Small in size but big in impact, A Pocketful of Wonder is an adventure-filled guide that encourages parents, caregivers, and young children to see and explore our amazing world.


Want to learn more? Visit the Explore Wonderwood Adventures Website!






MY THOUGHTS.....

I've learned that this author's name on a book cover guarantees a beautiful work of fiction, but Amanda Dykes has taken a new direction. She's written a non-fiction book that caregivers can share with the children in their lives. I had the chance to preview a short excerpt, and I am captivated by what I've read so far!


This book begins with the words "In a land full of storybook wonder...", and I discovered many years ago the many wonders found between the pages of a book! Reading became my passion, but I also experienced the joy of playing outside until it was too dark to see, pretending to be a kidnapped princess, or using God's creation to create dolls out of hollyhock flowers. Our family owned a b&w TV, but who wanted to watch television when you could do these things?


A Pocketful of Wonder is divided into themed sections, topics, and entries. Each of the 50 entries has five elements labeled the 5 P'S: Pause, Ponder, Pray, Play, and Pair. Dykes offers prompts and suggestions for using these elements and there's also a Bible verse that connects God's Word with that day's activities. I especially love this!

The timing of the publication for this fantastic resource couldn't be more perfect, as Spring and Summer are great times for children to step away from their computers and video games! Grab a copy of A Pocketful of Wonder, enjoy the months ahead, and teach your children about the wonders of God's creation!

I received a complimentary excerpt from the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Amanda Dykes is a spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (Christy Award finalist, starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. 

Find her online by visiting her Website  

Follow her on   Facebook     Twitter     Instagram



OTHER BOOKS BY AMANDA DYKES

All the Lost Places
Whose Waves These Are