Book Review: You Always Belong

The following book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. No money was exchanged for this review.

Today I am reviewing a children’s book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo, with illustrations by Sara Romero called You Always Belong: Knowing God’s Love & Finding Your Place. This is a Zonderkids publication; a subsidiary of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

Every single one of us wants to belong. Children, especially, are susceptible to all manner of messages in the world about identity and community. This book, in easy to read, poetic text with beautiful pictures does a wonderful job reminding young ones who they are in God’s eyes, and why they always have a place in God’s world.

The pictures by illustrator and artist, Sara Romero are colorful, whimsical and fun. She has a way drawing the reader through with each beautiful scene, and creates understanding of the text even with the little ones who can’t read on their own.

The text and the illustrations create a warm imaginative space where children can feel embraced by the message of God’s love and plan for them. I especially love the “refrain” repeated often throughout the book.

“You were made to be part of God’s story,
A beautiful note in his song.
So let his light shine as you walk through the world,
And remember you always belong.”

— You Always Belong

Jinger and Jeremy encourage children 4 and up to see the beauty in God’s creation, especially in who God created them to be. In a simple, but compelling manner they talk about things children experience like being left out, being laughed at, feeling alone, and even peer pressure. They give sound advice to stay true to who God wants them to be and to treat others with kindness and care.

I think this the perfect book to add to your children’s book collection. I think it would be a great read before bed time so that as they fall asleep they are encouraged by the message of God’s unconditional love, as well as the messages of self-discipline, obedience, and character building.

You Always Belong by Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo would be a great gift for a child, but also a good book for a church library, children’s Sunday School class, or at the home of a grandparent or other relative. Just click on the link to purchase.

Book Review: The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire

I was given the opportunity to review a children’s book, and since I have a four year old grandson, I opted in. This is not a paid review. The book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review posted on my blog and on my social media accounts.

Christmas is now right around the corner, and the month of December will fly by as we add in the sweet sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the season. I have always been a fan of Christmas media in the form of books and movies. I have a bin in my house that is just filled with holiday books, including Halloween, and Easter, but mostly Christmas.

The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire is a beautiful book revolving around the birth of Jesus. Andy doesn’t just tell the typical Christmas story, he includes all sorts of interesting details about the culture and the times surrounding Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the birth of the Son of God.

Throughout the book, the author includes short paragraphs inset on the picturesque story pages that give information about the Hebrew and Roman culture of the time, as well as interesting facts about words used in the Biblical text, and details about materials used by the Romans to build roads and cities.

Andy McGuire’s book includes beautiful pictures, illustrated by Andy himself, readable text, interesting historical facts, a map, and a bibliography of the sources he used for his details.

“Andy McGuire is the author and/or illustrator of eighteen books ranging from picture books to middle grade fiction....his nature illustrations have been included in The World Book Student Encyclopedia....”

— Author flap on book jacket - The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire

The Wonders of the First Christmas is the perfect Advent/Christmas book addition for families with young children ages 4-8. This is also great for grandparents to read to their grandchildren during the Christmas season. This book could also be used by churches in their children’s ministry programs.

If you are interested in adding this beautiful, Biblically based, easy to read book to your children’s Christmas story collection just click on the link to purchase.

Have a great day!