Tag: book analysis

Book Review and Author Interviews

SNUGGLE TIME BIBLE STORIES by Glenys Nellist — Book Review

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Snuggle Time Bible Stories is the latest in the Snuggle Time series by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Briscoe.

Reading together with a toddler is such a special connection point with them. You will definitely want to add this lovely book to your home library. As you read together, you will be introducing your child to many heroes of the faith including Noah, Moses, Samuel, and David. My favorite is the story of Jesus with the children. Here is a sample:

Some children came to Jesus
One bright and sunny day.
“He’s busy!” the disciples cried.
“You’ll have to go away!”

But Jesus called the children
And sat them on his knee.
“I love you all,” he softly said.
“And you belong to me.”

All of us, adults included, need to be reminded of the Savior’s love and of the fact that he calls us his own. What simple, but beautiful words, describing a marvelous truth.

Thank you, Glenys, for another  wonderful story book in this series.


Amazon link: 
Snuggle Time Bible Stories

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist’s website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Mentor Text– Unique Structure–EL CHUPACABRAS by Adam Rubin

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Analyzing Picture Books for Layers

I go to the library regularly and check out mentor texts.  A mentor text is a recently published picture book that I analyze.  I try to learn from the techniques that the author used, and apply my knowledge to my own writing.

My latest treasure is a book called EL CHUPACABRAS by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Crash McCreery.  The book grabbed my attention because of the Spanish–I am a Spanish teacher, so of course I had to take a look at this book!  The Chupacabra is a terrifying creature of Puerto Rico legends, and the word Chupacabra literally means “goat sucker.”

One strength of the story is in the CHARACTER.  Instead of a terrifying monster, Rubin describes the Chupacabras a tiny gentleman who wore a bow tie and drank chocolate and ate churros. In the end of the story, he is the one to save the day.  This is a huge flip to the usual terrifying chupacabras.  I feel that this teaches children that they should get to know someone for who he is, not judge him based on a “rumor.”

The standout strength of the book in my opinion is the unique STRUCTURE.
Rubin first writes a sentence half in English and half in Spanish, then flips and writes half in Spanish and half in English. I adore the flow and the blending of the two languages!

Sample:
“Hector liked goats, pero Carla prefería las bicicletas.
A Héctor le gustaban las cabras, but Carla preferred bicicletas.”

I can definitely see myself using this in the classroom, especially as an example for preterite vs. imperfect, and of course introducing one of the famous legendary creatures of the Spanish speaking world.

Fun book!

Buy CHUPACABRAS on Amazon

More on layers:

Julie Hedlund Facebook

Here is the list of layers that Julie Hedlund described in a tutorial video that I watched back in the fall. It has been very helpful to me as I think about the elements that I want each of my manuscripts to contain:

1.  Plot
2. Character
3. Heart
4. Rule of Three
5. Pacing
6. Illustrations
7. Voice
8. Structure
9. Language
10. Theme

Book Review and Author Interviews

Book review of GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL by Glenys Nellist

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Toddlers will delight in this new book by Glenys Nellist. It is a sturdy board book filled with eye-appealing illustrations and rhyme that sings.  Each word has been carefully selected so that young children can relate to the ideas being presented.

Each page showcases a different mommy and child “animal” while highlighting characteristics about mommies that children find special.

Some of the characteristics/qualities of “Mommy” found in the pages of the book:
–she cuddles
–she sings
–she feeds
–she takes good care of me
–she combs my hair
–she shares so much love
–she teaches me
–she is the leader
–she watches out for me
–she helps me
–she is patient, kind, sweet
–she shares lovely treats
–she loves
–she is kind and lots of fun
The animals:

–sparrow
–monkey
–dolphin
–deer
–owl
–snail
–squirrel
–hamster
 The last page shows a human child and mommy and ties in James 1:17, the verse from Scripture that says, “every good and perfect gift is from God.”  (Mommy is God’s gift to the child)
Glenys did a masterful job of using the animals’ natural traits and blending those into things that young children will find special about their own mommy.  For example, one of my favorite pages was the one in which the Mommy owl teaches her child to soar over trees and rooftops in the night.  
Overall, I loved the book.  Great job, Glenys!  I wish you all the best!

Buy book on Amazon

About the author:

Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.


Book Review and Author Interviews

Book Review GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL by Glenys Nellist

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Toddlers will delight in this new book by Glenys Nellist. It is a sturdy board book filled with eye-appealing illustrations and rhyme that sings.  Each word has been carefully selected so that young children can relate to the ideas being presented.

Each page showcases a different daddy and child “animal” while highlighting characteristics about daddies that children find special.

Some of the characteristics/qualities of “Daddy” found in the pages of the book:
–he teaches
–he’s super-duper nice
–being carried on Dad’s shoulders
–shows me how
–he’s my favorite guy
–taken good care of me
–we play together
–strong, handsome, big, tall, smart, funny
–we cuddle
–helps me when I wobble
–we hang around together
The animals:

–polar bear
–skunk
–giraffe
–octopus
–lion
–flamingo
–bat 
–elephant
 The last page shows a human child and father and ties in James 1:17, the verse from Scripture that says, “every good and perfect gift is from God.”  (Daddy is God’s gift to the child)
Glenys did a masterful job of using the animals’ natural traits and blending those into things that young children will find special about their own daddy.  For example, one of my favorite pages was the one in which the flamingo daddy helps the child flamingo not to wobble on one leg.  Another favorite was the skunk daddy showing the child how to make a stink. It made me smile and laugh.  
Overall, I loved the book.  Great job, Glenys!  I wish you all the best!
About the author:

Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.
Book Review and Author Interviews

Introducing…Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

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This wonderful new book in the Love Letters from God series is another treasure, helping children to understand the depth and significance of the Easter holiday.
It is divided into 7 sections emphasizing different elements of the Easter story, each with a note to the reader from God, helping to apply each lesson to his/her life.
The sections are:
King of Kings–the Ride into Jerusalem
What Love Looks Like–Washing Feet
The Secret Supper–Last Supper
The Gloomy Garden–Gethsemane
The Darkest Day–Crucifixion
The Quiet Cave–Burial
The Super Surprise–Resurrection
I loved the depiction of Jesus showing what love looks like, washing the disciples’ feet.
I loved the pages that described heaven and how to get there.  
And most of all I loved the description of God working inside the tomb. 
“But inside that quiet cave God was working. If you tried to peek inside, you couldn’t see anything. If you stood outside and put your ear to the big stone, you couldn’t hear anything. If you tried to imagine what was happening, you couldn’t. But inside, God was doing something utterly amazing. Something only God could do.”
I love Glenys’ writing because although it is written for children, I still find a take-a-way for myself as an adult, too.  
I am in a season of waiting for God.  I need to believe that even though I can’t see it, hear it, or imagine it, HE IS AT WORK!  
Thanks Glenys, for your writing. It touches and encourages souls of all ages.
I would highly recommend buying this book for any little readers in your home!
Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.
Glenys on Twitter: @GlenysNellist