Really Woolly Nighttime Lullabies by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, illustrated by Donna Chapman

Sweet bedtime lullabies and prayers . . . just before you turn out the light.

A case-bound padded board book from the Really Woolly® brand gives children sweet lullabies to help them fall asleep. Little ones will love the charming Really Woolly illustrations, engaging verse, and Scripture from the International Children’s Bible® that allow them to drift off in sweet dreams, knowing they are loved and safe. Prayer starters also encourage children to end their day talking to God.

Other books in the series regularly appear on bestseller lists and have sold more than 850,000 copies.

Really Woolly products by DaySpring® include cards, videos, and gift and are Dayspring’s bestselling children’s brand.

My Review:
This is the ideal before-bedtime book to read to a little one. Although the suggested age is 2 - 5 years, I think that an infant would enjoy seeing the colorful pages while the rhythmic verses are read aloud. (I began reading to my children and to my grandchildren when they were babes in arms.)

My favorite verse is titled, Who? because it reminds me of William Blake's The Lamb. It assures the reader/listener that God will hear our prayer and watch over us. What a treasure for every child!

The cover of the padded board book is an eye-catcher with a sweet lamb in a hammock reading to a yellow duck and a fuzzy bunny. The book is just the right size (5 x 7) for little hands to hold.

Thank you to BookLook and DaySpring for my copy.

The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special by Mike Berenstain

Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8

In this newest 8x8 softcover title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights collection, the Bruins join the Bear family for a cookout and bring their cousin Tommy along. It isn’t long before the cubs start up a game of baseball and Sister soon notices that Tommy doesn’t play like the rest of the group. 

When Sister asks about Tommy, Mama takes the opportunity to talk to Sister about how God makes each of us unique in our own way. And that we all have special gifts and talents to share with the folks around us.

My Review:
I love that Mike Berenstain is following in Stan and Jan's footsteps by writing children's literature. The illustrations are colorful and "spot on." The storyline handles the complex issue of diversity in an easy-to-understand manner. The Bruins join the Berenstain family for an outdoor cookout. They bring along a special guest, Tommy, who seems to be like Brother and Sister except he acts young for his age.

During a game of baseball, Tommy loses interest and begins finding joy in the beauty around him. Sister speaks to Mama about Tommy's difference. Mama explains that we are all made special by God, and we can learn from others. This sets up the perfect platform for discussions with children.

Grammar is important, especially in children's books; after all, they're learning from what they hear and read. The book contains a glaring error that I hope will be corrected in future publications: "lead him to the backyard" should read "led him to the backyard."

The age group is 4 - 8 years old, and the back page is dedicated to "Activities and Questions from Brother and Sister Bear," a wonderful idea!

Thank you to BookLook and ZonderKidz for my copy.