Glenys Nellist has a darling new release just in time for the Easter Season. It is the latest in her Snuggle Time Series entitled Snuggle Time Easter Stories. Illustrated by Cee Biscoe and published by Zonderkidz, it is just the right text to introduce your little one to Jesus and the meaning of Easter.
The poems and Scripture that are included are Easter Song (Zephaniah 3:17), Easter Story (1 John 3:16), The Donkey (John 12:14), The Last Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24), Washing Feet (John 15:12), In the Garden (Mark 14:46), Jesus Dies on the Cross (Luke 23:45), Jesus Comes Alive (Luke 24:6), Mary’s Story (John 20:18), Breakfast on the Beach (Matthew 28:19), Jesus Is With You (John 20:31), and Song of Hope (Revelation 1:18).
That is a lot of truth packed into one book!
Your child will also enjoy finding the two bunnies on each page spread. Can you find them in the pictures below?
If you would like to purchase the book, you can order it here.
To find out more about Glenys Nellist and all of her wonderful titles, visit her website!
AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
I am so happy to be giving away one copy of Snuggle Time Easter Stories!
This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Zonderkidz, and is open to entrants living in the USA with a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @mindybakerbooks and @glenysnellist on Instagram and leave a comment on any Instagram post this weekend about the give-away.
2. You can also tag a friend on any Instagram post this weekendfor even more entries. One entry per tag.
3. Share the post to your stories and tag myself and Glenys. One entry per story share.
4. Leave a comment on this blog post for an additional entry.
5. For 10 additional entries, follow this blog and/or subscribe to my mini-magazine. You will receive free bi-monthly content and also be notified of any new posts.
6. You must enter by 6pm EST on Friday, March 25, 2022. I will draw the winner and post the result here and on Instagram Saturday morning, March 26, 2022.
I can’t wait to see who wins!
Glenys, I’m so happy for you with this latest book. It is adorable!
Today I’m highlighting Bunny Finds Easter, the latest board book from author Laura Sassi. I invited Laura here today because I wanted to discuss how much the role of the illustrations play in bringing a picture book story to life. I’m so thrilled that she accepted my request!
MINDY: First of all, Laura, thank you so much for stopping by! What a treat for you to be here!
LAURA: I’m happy to join you, Mindy. I love to discuss picture books!
MINDY: I have to tell you, Laura, how much I have enjoyed my advance copy! I really love that Jesus is highlighted so prominently as the reason we celebrate Easter. That is so dear to my heart and my faith! I also adore the illustrations in this book and wanted to discuss that topic with you a little bit. I know that once you turn your manuscript in, the artist job begins. It is always amazing to me how much charm illustrators are able to add to the text. My first question for you is, what is your favorite page spread in this book?
LAURA: Truly, I love them all but I’m going to pick the spread that reads “She hops to town. Cheep. Chirp. Who’s there? Babies, babies, everywhere!” because I think it captures beautifully the amplified way that the illustrations add heart and depth to the story in board books.
MINDY:What do you love about it?
LAURA: At first glance, this spread seems simple enough. But if you look carefully, there are oodles of picture clues and story elements for littlest ones and their parents to notice and enjoy.
First, the text says simply “Babies, babies, everywhere.” The illustrations fill that out with adorable chicks sliding down a hay stack while a mother hen (with matching Easter bonnet and purse) looks one. But there are other babies, too. Can you spot the tadpoles?
MINDY: I do spot them! So adorable!
LAURA: Second, observant little ones might notice that Mama is now carrying a bouquet of lilies. These are the lilies that Bunny clipped on the previous spread. Now we know why she clipped them. For Mama!
MINDY: I love how the story connects from page to page. Brilliant!
LAURA: Third, look what’s peeking through in the background. It’s the church! If you are observant, you will notice that from this spread on, Bunny keeps hopping closer and closer to church. I like to think of this as the board book version of foreshadowing because guess where Bunny will discover what Easter is all about? If you guessed that the will find the final clue in that little chapel, you are right!
MINDY: I am so intrigued by this!What else?
LAURA: Other details to notice on the spread. The houses. Where is everybody? On their way to church, maybe? And is Bunny holding a basket? Why might that be? (Hint: It’s a clue to the activity on the next page.)
MINDY: Wow, Laura! The illustrator truly did a fabulous job bringing your words to life! I have loved taking this deeper look at some of the treasures on each page.
LAURA: Yes, the illustrations are so important in picture books!
MINDY: One other thing I wanted to ask, I have heard you mentioning on social media about some fantastic freebies that accompany this book. Can you tell us how we can take advantage of these opportunities?
MINDY: Both of these resources look fantastic and fun. I truly can’t recommend it your new book enough, especially as the perfect gift to be tucked into an Easter basket! Thank you so much for joining me today, Laura! I wish you all the best in your future writing endeavors. I know you have a book coming out this fall for the Christmas season. I will be following your blog to hear more details about that one, too!
LAURA: Thanks for having me! It has been a delight to chat together.
MINDY: Thank you, Laura! It has been a treat!
And, for all of you readers, if you are interested in buying the book, here is a link.
Also, to find out more about Laura and her other books, check out her website or follower her on social media. I also recommend following her blog. She posts regularly with fantastic content!
Did you know??Laura and I work together with several other authors including Rebecca Gomez, Tina Cho, and Trine Grillo on a new website called www.readdiscussdo.com. I will be doing another interview with Laura there later this month.
Watch for more details and thanks for joining us today!
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be hosting a give-away for Glenys Nellist’s latest release in the Twas series entitled, Twas the Season of Advent. It is a fabulous family devotional with accompanying artwork by Elena Selivanova.
Description: This is a product perfect for family devotions along with many other settings. There are 25 devotions, one for each day leading up to Christmas, with a blend of stories from the Old and New Testament. I love that Nellist has included the story of Isaiah, as I believe it is so important to remember the fact that God promised to send Jesus seven hundred years before he was born! What a miracle!
At the beginning of each page is a poem in the cadence of Clement C. Moore’s classic, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. There is also a highlighted scripture, and several paragraphs to read aloud together with your child. Each devotion concludes with a heart-felt prayer that also serves to summarize the main point of the day and personalize it for the reader.
For example: I love the story of the angel appearing to Mary. This is the content of the devotion for December 6th. The title is “My Answer is Yes.” The prayer reads:
“Dear God, thank you for Mary who was so brave and trusted you. When I need to be brave, help me remember that you are with me.“
Another page that is especially meaningful is the way Nellist concludes the book:
“I wonder how you are celebrating this holy night. I hope that wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, you might come to the manger, where God is waiting to meet you. No matter if your home is quiet or noisy this Christmas Eve–in the hustle or the hush; in the chaos or the calm; in the sound or in the silence, God is waiting to meet you there.
Dear God, as we gather around the manger, help us to listen as you whisper into our heart. Help each one of us truly know that this child–Jesus, Prince of Peace, Immanuel, the Word, was born for us. Thank you for this holy Christmas Eve.“
———————————————————————————————-
There is so much rich and meaningful content packed into this book! I pray that God will powerfully use it in the hearts of all who read it. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and he is also the Savior–the Messiah–the one who was born to save each of us from our sin. I am so thankful that Glenys Nellist has written this book, and that Zonderkidz has chosen to publish it. It speaks of the most important message.The message of Jesus Christ.
You will be glad you purchased this book and decided to use it with your family!!!
AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
I am so happy to be giving away one copy of ‘Twas the Season of Advent!
This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Zonderkidz, and is open to entrants living in the USA with a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @mindybakerbooks and @glenysnellist on Instagram and leave a comment on any Instagram post this weekend about the give-away.
2. You can also tag a friend on any Instagram post this weekendfor even more entries. One entry per tag.
3. Leave a comment on this blog post for an additional entry.
4. For 10 additional entries, follow this blog and/or subscribe to my mini-magazine. You will receive free bi-monthly content and also be notified of any new posts.
5. You must enter by 6pm EST on Sunday, November 14, 2021. I will draw the winner and post the result here and on Instagram Monday morning, November 15, 2021.
You can find out more about Glenys at her website. She has loads of other wonderful titles!
I absolutely love how Zonderkidz produces free resources to accompany their books. There is a free Parent/Teacher Guide for Twas the Season of Advent that has daily questions and follow-up activities. You can download them at the Zonderkidz website. Check it out!
This blog post is part of a BLOG HOP. The next scheduled post will be December 15th on the Instagram of @DeeperKidmin (Brittany Nelson)
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be hosting a give-away for Glenys Nellist’s latest release entitled, I Wonder. It is an illustrated Bible with artwork is by Alessandra Fusi, and the color palette that she chose is stunning!
Description: This is a product perfect for family devotions along with many other settings. There are 15 stories from the Old Testament and 15 stories from the New Testament.
At the end of each story are “I Wonder” questions that will foster deep discussions and spiritual growth for readers both young and old. I think they really help the reader step into the pages of the Bible and experience it on a more personal level.
For example: I love the story of the prodigal son. Here are the questions that follow that chapter, aren’t they beautiful?
I wonder… if the dad would ever have given up waiting for his son.
I wonder…how the son felt when his dad hugged him.
I wonder…if God is like that father.
Spend some time pondering those questions today and let God speak to your heart!
AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS!
This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher, Zonderkidz, and is open to entrants living in the USA with a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Follow @mindybakerbooks and @glenysnellist on Instagram and leave a comment on any Instagram post this week about the give-away.
2. You can also tag a friend on any Instagram post this weekfor even more entries. One entry per tag.
3. Leave a comment on this blog post for an additional entry.
4. For 10 additional entries, follow this blog and/or subscribe to my mini-magazine. You will receive free bi-monthly content and also be notified of any new posts.
5. You must enter by 6pm EST on Friday, October 1, 2021. I will draw the winner and post the result here and on Instagram Saturday morning, October 2, 2021.
You can find out more about Glenys at her website. She has loads of other wonderful titles!
I absolutely love how Zonderkidz produces free resources to accompany their books. The I Wonder Bible comes with a free Activity Pack and Coloring Pack. You can find those resources through the Zonderkidz website and through Glenys’s author website.
I wonder. Two simple words, but when you put them into practice, they invite deep thoughts and contemplation. I hope you can take some time today to reflect on God’s deep love for you. I think I’ll join you. I’m sure we will both be encouraged by this practice!
P.S. This is a BLOG HOP! The next stop is Deeper Kidmin (Brittany Nelson) Deeper KidMin (@deeperkidmin) Check it out starting October 4!
Hi everyone! I have been counting down the days until I could reveal this post! Glenys Nellist has agreed to stop by my blog today, and she has graciously done a guest post for me. She wrote a lovely #Kidmin Easter lesson, and I have the privilege of showcasing it here on my blog! I know you will love it, and hopefully it will be a practical tool for your family or Children’s Ministry group!
Cover of ‘Twas the Morning of Easter
In addition, I am hosting a give-away of the book ‘Twas the Morning of Easter. Zonderkidz is the sponsor who graciously providing one copy of the book. The give-away is open to folks living in the USA with a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
Here are the details:
How to enter:
1. Subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post.
2. Follow @mindybakerbooks and @glenysnellist on Instagram and leave a comment on any Instagram post this week about the give-away.
Or DO BOTH FOR TWO ENTRIES!
You can also tag a friend on any Instagram post this weekfor even more entries.
You must comment on the blog post or Instagram entries by 6pm EST on Thursday, March 18, 2021. I will draw the winner and post the result here and on Instagram Friday morning, March 19, 2021.
Here is a short synopsis of the book:
A follow-up to the popular ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas from beloved author Glenys Nellist. ‘Twas the Morning of Easter tells the story of the resurrection of Jesus in a fresh way, with a familiar rhythm and rhyme that children will love, following the pattern of Clement Moore’s iconic “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
You can find out more about Glenys at her website.
LAUNCH PARTY INVITE!!!
AND, she is having a Book Launch Party on March 19th. This Friday! The same day that I announce the winner of the GIVE-AWAY! Find out more about the launch party here. You won’t want to miss it, they are great fun!
Thank you, Glenys and Zonderkidz! It’s going to be a fantastic week!
———————————————————————————————-
Hello, everyone! It is lovely to join you, Mindy. Thank you for having me. I am happy to provide this lesson for all of your readers. I want to personally invite all of you to my launch party, and I can’t wait to see who the winner is of the give-away.
Coloring or craft sheets printed from the downloadable Activity Pack.
Scissors, glue, crayons or markers.
Begin by looking closely at the cover of the book. Ask questions such as: Who do you think these women are? What are they holding? Where do you think they might be? How are they feeling? What might they be saying to each other?
Tell the children that before you read the book, you’re going to take a picture walk. Say: The illustrations you’ll see at the beginning are dark but notice what happens when Jesus appears. Now look at the pictures together and ask the children if they know who the characters are on each page. Make sure they notice that wherever there is Jesus, there is light.
Now read the book, showing the pictures as you read.
After reading, ask some ‘wondering questions’ such as:
I wonder why the illustrations were lighter when Jesus appeared…
I wonder how Mary felt when Jesus called her name…
I wonder what Mary is looking at here… (On the page that shows Jesus’ hand up close.)
I wonder why the illustrator chose to include doves on this page… (On the page beginning with ‘Then the trees seemed to dance.’)
I wonder what your favorite part of this story is…
I wonder what the most important part of this story is…
Sing the two songs that are contained in the Activity Pack.
Pray together: Thank you, God, for that wonderful morning in Jerusalem when your son came alive. Thank you for Mary, who was the first to tell the good news. Thank you for Easter time. Most of all, thank you for Jesus.
Have the children color the sheets or create their own Easter scene from the Activity Pack.
OPTIONS:
If time allows, act the story out using the ideas in the pageant.
