Giveaway: I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug #BearHugs #FlyBy

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.

Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is a sweet, loving bedtime story book that is also sure to become a Valentine’s Day favorite for little ones who enjoy celebrating a day full of hugs and kisses from loved ones. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug will be available in hardcover for $16.99 in retail stores nationwide.

This book is adorable.  I loved the illustratons showing all different types of hugs!  It's fun, silly, and sweet.  The pictures are precious and complement the silly rhymes and will prepare your kiddos for bedtime and sweet dreams.

About the Author: Caroline B. Cooney was born in New York, grew up in Connecticut, and now lives in South Carolina. Caroline is the author of 90 Young Adult novels in many genres, and her books have sold over fifteen million copies. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is her first picture book. It’s based on a verse she wrote for her own children, Louisa, Sayre and Harold, who are grown now.

About the Illustrator: Tim Warnes has been illustrating children's books for twenty years. He lives in Dorset, England, with his wife, children's illustrator Jane Chapman, and their two sons. When he's not drawing little critters, Tim loves to write, watch birds and play his banjo.  Visit Tim at www.ChapmanandWarnes.com

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it creates products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 14. Zonderkidz is also publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third grade reading level edition of the NIV. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Want to win a copy of this for your family?  Enter through my rafflecopter widget below!

Giveaway ~ PARENTING: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family #GospelParenting #FlyBy

I've got another book to share with y'all and a giveaway, as well.  This book is excellent, and I can't wait to tell you about it!

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family is a wonderful resource for Christian parents.

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.  Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy.

I'm only a few chapters in so far, but this book is just what I needed to read right now.  We all have days where we feel like we're not doing a great job as a parent.

This one passage made such an impact on me: "I am more like my children than unlike them - and so are you.  The reality is that there are few struggles in the lives of my children that aren't in my life as well....This admission transformed my parenting.  Instead of approaching them with self-righteous outrage,  I moved toward them as a sinner in need of grace, needing to confront a sinner in need of grace."  WOW, right?!

Oh, this book is making me examine how I parent, and how I want/need to change things.  It came at a great time and I'm so thankful for it!

I really recommend this for all parents who are doing their best, yet wondering if that is enough.  The author has some great words of wisdom, and they can transform how we all do this job of parenting. It's a tough job, but remember, God wants to help you every step of the way!

As I mentioned above, I have a copy to give away to one reader.

Simply complete the mandatory entry in my Rafflecopter widget, and then any additional entries you'd like.  Easy peasy!  Good luck!

GIVEAWAY ~ VeggieTales Every Day with God devotional #EveryDaywithGod #FlyBy

Every Day with God is the latest 365-day devotional (one for boys and another for girls) from VeggieTales. The updated content and art offer the perfect opportunity for parent and child to share time together each day. Each entry includes a Bible verse, short devotion, Thought of the Day, and prayer. The content will help children learn more about God and develop a daily practice to keep Him close in their lives. The book is perfect for bedtime reading, family devotion time, or as a fresh way to start each day!

Format: Trade paperback

Page Count: 384

Trim Size: 5 X 7.25

Retail Price: $9.99

Reading Age: 4-7

This little book is absolutely perfect for bedtime! The color illustrations are adorable. I love that they have one for boys and one for girls.  So sweet! Wouldn't this make a great Christmas gift for the sweet littles in your life? 

You can find both books on Amazon:

Boys Devotional

Girls Devotional

One lucky reader will win their choice of either the Boy or Girl devotional book, thanks to my sponsor.  You can enter via the rafflecopter giveaway below.  This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.  Good luck! 

All Things Bright & Beautiful Giveaway & Review #flyby #AllThingsBrightandBeautiful

Hey y'all! Back with a quick review and a fun giveaway!

In case you can't tell from all my book giveaways - I love to read, and I adore books.  (I may even hoard books - I have SO many!)  I always enjoyed reading to my kids when they were little - the books were so sweet and fun to share with them.

Now I like to give children's books for shower gifts and such. I have several favorites, like Jamberry, Love you Forever, and A Bad Case of Stripes.  I had the opportunity earlier this month to review All Things Bright and Beautiful, a lovely new children's book that is based on the well-known hymn. After getting to read this book, I'm adding it to my list of faves!

I really enjoyed the sweet illustrations, and that this book would work equally well for a boy or a girl. It's just precious, and with Christmas coming, it would be a lovely gift for a child you love!

About the book:
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of “all things bright and beautiful.”

About the artist:
Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, England, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls. Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy is now a freelance illustrator. Katy works at a desk in a studio within Old London Library and likes to tap dance in her spare time.

Specs:
Jacketed hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
Retail price: $15.99

You can buy your copy here, or enter to win a copy below!

Giveaway ~ Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs #MotherandSon #FlyBy

"As a mother, it is never too early and never too late to apply this message of respect.  A boy is never too young and never too old."  Anna Eggerichs

I have been out of town, so I've not been able to get too far into  Mother & Son: The Respect Effect. I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm really learning a lot. I recognized that I see my son more through the love grid than the respect grid. That needs to change!  Since he is the only child at home, now that my daughter is married and on her own, this is something I'm excited to learn more about to apply to my relationship with David. This book will be such a blessing for our family.



From the book cover: 

It's true:  sons and daughters equally need love and respect.  But research has shown that the felt need during stress and conflict differs among males and females.  Males filter their world more through the respect grid.  If you are a mother with a son, this book is for you!

Just as Emerson Eggerichs, PhD, transformed millions of marital relationships with a biblical understanding of love and respect, he now turns these principles to one of the most important relationships of all: one between a mother and her son.  Mother & Son shows how to use Respect-Talk and presents the testimonies of mothers who have tried it.  Emerson provides a game plan so you not only see the man in the boy, but also recognize his innate desires for conquest, hierarchy, authority, insight, relationship, and sexuality.

This book is about a mother going beyond her love and applying respect to the heart of her son.

It is easy to relate to the need of all of us to feel a mother's love, but is that the same thing as our need for respect?  Based on the insight that a mother's love is important, but respect is the key to her son's heart, this book will teach what every mom needs to know, what every son needs to hear.

We all realize that little girls need their daddies' love, but no one is promoting the truth that little boys (and adult ones) need their moms' respect.  No wonder mothers feel left in the dark on this topic.  What makes this issue all the more urgent is that moms are coaching fathers to love their daughters, but no one has coached moms on specific ways to show respect to their sons, at least not in a way that is applicable and fully explained!  Even for young boys, the Respect Effect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

I have one copy of this fantastic book to give away!  It's easy to enter through the rafflecopter widget below.  Good luck! 

Giveaway: ESV Family Devotional Bible

Hi y'all!

I have a fantastic Family Devotional Bible to share with y'all today! I absolutely love this Bible/Devotional.  It's the ESV (English Standard Version) hardcover, and it is a great way to bring your family together for Bible Study and Devotional time.

David & I have only had time to do a few of these together, but so far, we both agree they are wonderful.  Lovely full-color illustrations accompany key Bible stories (there are 130 total). The complete ESV text is interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered readings. Each reading is placed within the Bible text where it is found.  A few of the stories you'll find - "Jacob's Dream, Moses and the Plagues, Ruth and her Redeemer, God's Promise to King David,  Daniel in the Lion's Den, The Last Supper,  The Conversion of Saul, and The Amazing Vision that Jesus Gave to John.

The stories are simplified so that children of all ages will be able to understand them.  Each reading also includes discussion questions, plus a key verse.   Reading this together can help your family develop the habit of reading the Bible and applying its truth to all of your life!  It's such a great way to connect with your family in a meaningful way.

I really like the full-color maps at the back of this Bible, and the easy index of devotionals makes it easy to find each one. There is also a ribbon bookmark that helps us keep track of where we are in the Bible.   This will be a wonderful addition to our bookcase!

It is the perfect Devotional for David & I to use this summer while he is out of school.  I am really looking forward to working our way through this ESV Family Devotional Bible!  You can get your own copy from Amazon.

So happy that I have one copy to give away to one of you!   Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below:

Giveaway & Review: The League & The Lantern

Do you have a tough time finding books for your kids that are age appropriate and entertaining?  I know I do. It's hard to find something your middle school/young adult reader will like that Mom will, too!  So when I was given the chance to let my son read The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells, for a review and giveaway, I was thrilled to say yes!

We just got the book late last week, but David has jumped right into it - reading a little each night before bed.  He says these characters are fun and relateable. The adventures they find keep him reading - he wants to find out what happens next! I am glad this is a book that is appropriate for his age so I don't have to worry about the content.  Something that can't be said about many books meant for readers his age.  This series is targeted for readers 9 - 14.  I usually read his books first to be sure they are good for him, but I'm ok with him reading this one first!

Here is the synopsis: It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

A little about the author of The League and the Lantern - Brian Wells is a concerned father who couldn't find quality entertainment for his kids.  As a producer of 15 movies, he has worked for the major networks, and this is his book debut.  He shares "As my wife and I tried to find great, engaging entertainment options for our kids, we realized that other parents and teachers shared our struggle. We couldn't find stories and series for our children that were both flat-out awesome entertainment and reinforced the kind of character we wanted to build into our kids.  Our thought became 'What if we created an adventure series that was first a fast-pacced roller coaster adventure with great characters and humor and also wove in thems such as family, friendship and compassion?' "

The book is already receiving accolades from organizations such as The Association of Christian Schools International, Parents Television Council, Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Great Homeschool Conventions and others!

Author Brian Wells 

The League and the Lantern is the first in a new adventure series that your kids will want to read! It's written for middle school readers. As a mom who homeschools,  I love the educational aspects the author included - there are 140 key middle school vocabulary words used throughout the story. and historical sites are used as settings for the book.  The vocabulary words are the top 140 words needed for success - they are seamlessly woven into the story.  This helps our kids stay sharp for school during summer/winter breaks - but they just think they are reading a great story!

There are great moral lessons too - including family, friendship, mercy and compassion.  So while my son thinks he is just reading an exciting adventure story, he's really getting a little history, vocabulary and more.  I couldn't be happier about this new book series!

If you purchase your book from the official website, they will give a copy to a child in need, too - how awesome is that?  There is also a section on the website with bonus material - some for kids and some for parents - including a vocabulary guide.

David is already looking forward to the next book in the series - I hope it comes out soon because he is surely hooked!

Now you can enter for a chance to win a copy of this book in my giveaway!

 All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter widget below.  You MUST complete the mandatory entry and leave a comment in order for your other entries to be valid.  Good luck!

Under the Sea Children's Bible Giveaway & Review #FlyBy #UnderTheSea

Hey y'all!! Hope you had a beautiful Easter Sunday!  I have a brand-spankin' new review and giveaway to share with you today!

Check out this engaging new children's Bible!  The Under the Sea Holy Bible, NIrV  is made just for kids ages 6 - 10. Fun underwater scenes and sparkling fish adorn the inserts inside the Bible, while the cover is decorated with foil and glittery sea creatures!  I love the colors and images on the cover - so much fun!

The coloful inserts highlight themes of God's love and God's caring for us.  One of them shares what prayer is, then on the back it shares The Lord's Prayer.   Another insert shows all of the books of the Bible. I really liked the insert that tells about famous children in the Bible, and then shows you where to find them in the Bible.  And of course, there is an insert about The Ten Commandments for kids.

At the back of this Bible you'll find a dictionary and an index of Great Bible Stories.  This is a wonderful first Bible for your elementary-aged kiddos!    I love the dictionary feature, and the illustrated inserts really encourage kids to dig in and read!

You can read more about this Bible here.

Ready to get your own copy?  Buy it online at Barnes & Noble,  Walmart, and Family Christian Store.

And....I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader, too!

Just enter through the Rafflecopter widget below, and I'll announce the winner on the 7th. Make sure you complete the mandatory entry first, otherwise no other entries are valid.

If you enjoyed this post,  I'd appreciate you sharing with your friends on FB, Twitter, etc.  (There are buttons at the bottom of the blog post just for that!) Thank you for stopping by!

Giveaway: The Legend of The Easter Robin ~ children's book

I have the sweetest Easter book to share with y'all today! It is perfect for reading with your little ones, and I think it will make a precious new Easter tradition.  Filled with lovely full color illustrations, I hope you will love it as much as I do.

About this book:

In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?” “We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Legend of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.

Age Range: 4-8 years
Hardcover; 32 pages
Publish Date: January 26, 2016

Check out the official book trailer here!


I have a copy of this beautiful children's book to give away to one of you! There are several easy entries in my rafflecopter widget to make it easy and fast for you to enter.  Good luck!  (Make sure to complete the mandatory entry - otherwise none of your other entries will count, and I'll have to pick another winner!)  PS: The date in the image at the top of this post is incorrect, contest actually ends 3/3/16!

Perfect Holiday Read ~ I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really) #HydrateForTheHolidays #FLYBY

I wish I had a review here for you, but the USPS delivered a battered, empty envelope to my house last week.  Not sure what happened on its way to me, but I will get a replacement copy to review soon! I  wanted to get this post up asap so I can give away a copy to one of you, as well! Here is a little more about this book - I can't wait to get my hands on it!

I am excited to introduce you to blogger-turned-author Kay Willis Wyma.  Kay asks an important question: Is comparison-living hijacking your life?

Thoughts from Kay...

Tired of performing? Feeling weighed down by the pressure to be Pinteresting? Does your friend’s wardrobe, body, marriage, paycheck, vacation plans, or photoshoot-worthy home décor leave you wishing your life looked more like that? 

You’re not alone.

With its focus on smarter, faster, thinner, and ever-better, our cultural obsession with comparison is undercutting relationships and sapping contentment. Our friends become our audience (or judges), and our titles, activities, even kids become part of our brand. Factor in social media’s constant reminder of what everyone else is doing, and no wonder we feel drained, discontent, and isolated.  

Thankfully, we don’t have to live this way!

The book title says it all!! 

About I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really)

Our cultural obsession with comparison is undercutting relationships and sapping contentment. With disarming candor and humor, Kay Wills Wyma explores how to trade comparison for compassion and rediscover what life is all about.

It’s easy to get caught in the comparison games we play with our appearances, our kids, and our homes. Kay reminds exhausted families about tried and true remedies from the pressures of competitive living.

In her warm, relatable style, Kay confronts the comparison epidemic raging in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our social-media feeds, offering remedies along the way.

With candor and humor, I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really) explores the troubling effects of living in an excessively competitive culture—and reveals simple yet effective ways to escape the comparison trap.

About the Author

Kay Wills Wyma is a blogger, mother of five, and the author of Cleaning House through which she has appeared on The TODAY Show, CNN, Glenn Beck, The New York Times, Focus on the Family, and more. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she held positions at the White House, the Staubach Company, and Bank of America. Kay lives in the Dallas area with her husband, Jon, and their family.

Join Kay and her family as she’s started to #HydrateForTheHolidays on her blog posts to learn how to recapture contentment and joy, especially in Nov. & Dec.!!  She’ll be sharing thoughts throughout the season!

Want to read this book now?  You can purchase it from Amazon. (This is my affiliate link!)

#HydrateForTheHolidays #flyby

You can enter to win a copy of I’m Happy For You (Sort Of…Not Really) through the Rafflecopter widget below.  Make sure you complete the mandatory entries first - otherwise no other entries count.  
Thanks for stopping by! 

Review: Great book series for reluctant young readers!

I am fortunate to have a child who loves nothing better than a good book. He comes by it honestly, from his mama!  I've literally got books started all over the place - one is always in the van, in case I have to wait somewhere. Then there's a bathtub basket of books, and one on my nightstand too! You might even spy one on my kitchen table, and one on the coffee table!  So you can understand why I'm thrilled that he loves reading so much, too.  Some days after his school work is done, you'll find us both cozied up in my bed with our books, or reclining on each end of the sofa reading.  It's definitely a passion for us both!

D's breezed through several series of books this year - including the Maximum Ride books and the Gone series, plus the Maze Runner and The Giver.  When I had the opportunity to check out the first book in a series by author Jeff Gunhus, I knew my son would be excited too! I read the description and knew he would be hooked.

The series is called The Templar Chronicles and so far, there are four books in it.  Book one is Jack Templar, Monster Hunter.  You can read more about it here!  My son gave me his mini-review to share: "GREAT characters, a plot that was fast-paced with lots of action, and I really liked reading about all of the monsters in the book!"  He was really bummed when he finished the last page of Jack Templar, Monster Hunter. Well....he doesn't know it, but he will be getting the next book for New Year's, so he can continue the series!  (there will eventually be seven books in it). If your kiddos enjoyed Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson, they are going to love this series too.  Even a child who doesn't love reading will enjoy all of the action and adventure in Jack Templar!

If you are still looking for a last minute Christmas gift for a special kiddo in your life,  this book (or all four!) would be great for young readers (maybe 5th/6th grade and up)   You can get it for kindle too - no leaving the house required!

Jeff Gunhus also has a highly rated book for parents with kids who don't love reading. It's about reaching the reluctant readers in your life, and you can find out more and purchase it here.
Over on Amazon, learn how he turned his son, a reluctant reader, into an avid reader!

You can see all of the books from Mr. Gunhus at his website.  I'm thrilled that my son loves his books so much - we are now big fans of his work and look forward to finishing this series!

I received a free copy of the book for my son to read for this review.  No other compensation was received.  

What I've been reading...

All the cold and rainy weather has given me some great time to catch up on my reading! I have a shelf full of books from paperbackswap.com, my mom, and my Nana that are just begging to be read! So, here are a few that really made an impression on me!!

The Birth House by Ami McKay
Driftwood Summer - Patti Callahan Henry
Between the Tides - Patti Callahan Henry
Styles by Maggie Sweet - Judith Minthorn Stacy
The Mercy of Thin Air - Ronlyn Domingue
The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards
Snowflower & The Secret Fan - Lisa See
The Spare Wife - Alex Whitchel

These were all amazing books. I've read a few others by Patti Callahan Henry and they are really good - set in the south, and with really relatable characters! The Birth House was very interesting to me because it talked a lot about herbs and their uses, which is a topic I always enjoy, and Snowflower started out slow, but my mom told me that if I hung in there, I would LOVE it. She was right!