The Perfect Spot by Susana Torrubiano illustrated by Luisa Vera - Now Released

Now Released

As a mom of five and now a grandma to two, I have read more picture books than I can count, and this one truly made me pause and smile in the sweetest way. From the very first page, it just feels calm and inviting, like it is gently reminding you to slow down and really look.

I love how much there is to discover on every single page. It is one of those books where little eyes can wander and find something new each time you open it. I found myself lingering, pointing things out to my grandkids, and even noticing new details the more we went back to it. That is always a sign of a special book to me.

The illustrations are just beautiful. They are clear, crisp, and so thoughtfully done. Everything feels intentional and clean while still giving you so much to explore. As a former educator, I really appreciate how visually engaging it is without feeling overwhelming. It naturally invites conversation, curiosity, and those sweet little moments of connection while reading together.

This is absolutely one I will keep in our rotation. It feels cozy, meaningful, and full of little details that make reading time extra special. Honestly, it is just as enjoyable for the grownups as it is for the kids.

★★★★★

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

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Peace from the Inside Out by Gina Prosch - Now Released

Now Released

As a Christian mom of five and a grandma to two, I love this book. It offers such an important lesson that children truly need. It gently explores something we all struggle with, learning how to stay in control and understand big emotions.

It shares such an important lesson that children truly need, learning how to recognize, process, and respond to their emotions in a healthy way. It gently steps into something we all struggle with, staying in control and making sense of big feelings.

It is hard enough as adults to navigate what we are feeling, so I especially appreciated how honestly this story shows that it is even harder for children who do not yet have the words for it. This book has such a good lesson in it that kids need to see. It reminds them that emotions are not something to hide or feel ashamed of, but something to understand.

One of my absolute favorite parts was how the child described what she was physically feeling, and the mother helped give those feelings names. That moment felt so real and so powerful. It models exactly what children need, someone patient enough to help them connect what is happening inside their bodies to words they can understand. That kind of guidance builds confidence, self-awareness, and emotional strength that will stay with them.

I thought the entire story was brilliant in the way it handled such a big concept with gentleness and clarity. It opens the door for important conversations in such a natural, approachable way. This is not just a one-time read for us. We will absolutely be rereading this on repeat to help instill core values through everyday situations.

Books like this are truly a gift because they go beyond storytelling and help shape a child’s emotional foundation in the most caring and thoughtful way.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

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James 4:17

James 4:17

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (NIV)

Omission

When we ask God to reveal sins we need to confess, be forgiven, and repent by choosing not to repeat them we fail to remember that there are also sins of omission.  Sins of omission are opportunities we have missed where God was going to do or say something through us.  God is bigger than our omission and will bless someone else who is willing to listen and act. But we, through our omission, are the ones who have missed a blessing.  Asking God to reveal to us the things we have missed during our day is a way to sharpen our hearing.  Let us practice listening, confessing the omissions He reveals to us, and put more action in our lives for God to bless others through us.

By Ginger Chapman

Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood - A Reveiw

This was my favorite Ali Hazelwood book so far. I enjoyed her earlier novels, but this one felt more natural and less dependent on the same character patterns that sometimes show up in her books.

Elsie was easy for me to understand. She's a people-pleaser who spends so much time becoming whatever others need that she loses sight of what she actually wants. Watching her slowly figure that out was what made the story work for me. Her struggles felt recognizable, even when the academic setting was far removed from everyday life.

I also liked that the romance wasn't driven entirely by misunderstandings. There was tension between Elsie and Jack, but it came from real issues, different perspectives, and professional complications rather than endless miscommunication.

The physics and academic politics were more interesting than I expected. I don't usually pick up a romance hoping to learn about university hiring practices, but the behind-the-scenes competition and frustrations added another layer to the story.

Elsie's growth felt as much like a story about finding her own voice as it did a romance.

★★★★½ 

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Consider the Night Sky Jennifer Grant Julianna Swaney - Now Released

Now Released

As a grandma to two and a mom of five, and with my background as an educator, this book absolutely won my heart. I’ve read a lot of children’s books over the years, but this one feels extra special. It turns a simple moment like looking up at the stars into something meaningful, peaceful, and quietly educational without ever feeling like a lesson.

This book just naturally opens the door to conversation. It’s not something you simply read and move on from. You find yourself pausing, taking it in, and wondering a little longer. The soft, flowing words combined with those gorgeous, dreamy illustrations create such a warm, cozy feeling, more like sharing a quiet moment than reading a structured story. It’s the kind of book that gently slows everything down in the best possible way.

As a former educator, I always appreciate when a book teaches without announcing that it’s teaching. This one does that so well. Storytime becomes learning time, and the kids don’t even realize it. They’re soaking in wonder, curiosity, and even a bit of science just by being present in the moment.

And as a grandma, I treasure how it creates connection. It’s perfect for bedtime, for quiet evenings, or even just a reset during a busy day. It reminds me that some of the best learning happens in those calm, shared moments.

This is one of those books I know I’ll keep reaching for again and again. It’s gentle, meaningful, and just plain lovely. 

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed by Kristin and Montell Jordan - Now Released

Now Released

Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed by Kristin and Montell Jordan is such a sweet, playful picture book. I loved the fun twist on the monster-under-the-bed idea, and the bright illustrations make it even more charming. 

The rhyming makes it a fun read-aloud, and the gentle message about courage, faith, and facing fear comes through in a warm, kid-friendly way. This would be a really cute pick for families wanting a story with heart.

I received an advance review copy through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

★★★★★

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It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving! by Maisha Oso - Now Released

Now Released

This is a sweet and engaging picture book that captures the excitement of preparing for Thanksgiving. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life, adding warmth and charm to every page and helping young readers stay connected to the story. The sense of family, anticipation, and tradition comes through clearly and feels cozy and relatable.

One part that may lead to thoughtful conversations is the visit to pick out a live turkey to eat for dinner. For some kids, seeing their food as a living animal before it becomes part of the meal could feel uncomfortable or confusing. This naturally opens the door for families to talk about where food comes from in an age-appropriate way.

Even with that, the overall tone remains light and cute, making it a nice seasonal read that balances fun with a bit of real-world awareness.

★★★★

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I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An Undersea Adventure Helen Brown - Now Released

Now Released

This was such a fun, interactive find and seek book that kept me engaged page by page. Each spread is filled with colorful underwater scenes and hidden items to search for, with answer keys included right there, which made it easy and satisfying to check everything as I went.

Reading this had an extra personal layer for me since my son is in the Navy and used to be on a submarine. That connection made the underwater theme even more special, and I found myself appreciating the ocean details a little more.

The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, and I liked how each page encouraged us to slow down and really look. It’s the kind of book you can pick up anytime, whether you want something relaxing or a quick challenge.

This was a solid four-and-a-half-star experience for me (rounded to five) as a light, engaging activity book with a creative ocean theme.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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