Book Reviews by Bonnie Worthington, I Love You Stinky Face, by Lisa McCourt

This is a sweet and sentimental story book perfect for Valentine's Day. Truly, it's perfect for any day in my book. In this funny tale, a mother's son asks over and over, "what if I were," and lists things like smelly skunks and mean dinosaurs. No matter what the boy imagines, the loving mother in the tale tells the little boy that she would always find a way to be near the boy and would love him, no matter what!

Any loving parent knows the unconditional love we all feel for our children and this book brings those feelings to life for the children in a humorous, very sentimental way. If I had stars to give, this book would get five!

Bonnie Worthington
Children's book author, Engine Ed's Colorful Train

Pogonip Magic by Karen Collett Wilson, Children's Animal Stories, Northern Nevada Stories

This is a darling story of the interaction between the resident cat population of northern Nevada and the wild deer population. I chose this book solely because I received this adorable letter from my little boy:

Dear Mom,

I read a book called Pogonip Magic by Karen Collett Wilson. It was about a deer that took care of a cat by licking him. I think you would like the book because you like cats. My favorite part of the book is when the cat closed his eyes and purred. I hope you will read this book soon.

Love, Your Son

Thank You Angel, Will Do!

Bonnie Worthington
Author, New Chidren's Train Book--Engine Ed's Colorful Train

Winter's Gift, by Jane Monroe Donovan

This is a wonderful story. In the new year many people are filled with hope. If you haven't found a reason to have your hope, perhaps this story might inspire you.

In this beautiful hard-cover, children's story, an old man loses hope because his wife died. While she lived, one of his favorite memories was how they would find and decorate their Christmas tree together and how she would put the white star on the top. The star was her perpetual symbol of hope.

On Christmas Eve one year while in his kitchen, the old man hears a noise outside and investigates. There he finds a lost mare lying in the snow. He brings her into his barn and they both fall asleep. In the morning, when he awakes, he sees the mare has had a baby, on whose forehead there is a perfect white star. The old man realized he was given a special gift and felt hope for his tomorrows.

This book gets five stars from me! :-)

Bonnie Worthington
Author, children's train book Engine Ed's Colorful Train

The Mom Song, By the Go Fish Guys, (Smart Guys)

I love this video. I realize this blog is mostly about books for kids, but this video is just the best. The Go Fish Guys have us moms all figured out. Just watch the video if you haven't already. It will make you smile. My little boy loves it.

My favorite part about the song is at the very end when one of they guys says about moms, "No one could afford that anyway." That always makes me giggle.

Enjoy!

Bonnie Worthington
Author, Children's train story book Engine Ed's Colorful Train

Merry Christmas to All, Christmas, Holiday Cheer

It doesn't matter to me what holiday you celebrate, we all celebrate for the same reason. We celebrate all the Miracles our Creator brought forth for us. More than that, we celebrate love and family, friends and good times. We celebrate children and tradition.

The wish "Merry Christmas" has a universal meaning. It means I send you good wishes for joy and love in this holiday season, no matter what you believe. So Merry Christmas!

Bonnie Worthington
Author, Engine Ed's Colorful Train train boos for kids.

Follow the moon by Sarah Weeks is a sweet story about a baby sea turtle who’s instinct it is to follow the moon at birth to find it’s home in the water. Illustrator Suzanne Duranceau makes this sweet tale come alive, while the soft, rhyming lilt of the author rocks any toddler into quiet slumber.

As the tale unfolds, a little boy finds the newborn turtle on the beach and protects him from harm. There is a beach party in progress that evening, complete with a disco ball for the dancers, which confuses the newborn sea turtle, who in turn goes toward the party instead of toward the ocean. The little boy helps his new friend find his home in the ocean.

I liked this story for its beauty along with its message for respect for all life and life cycles.

Bonnie Worthington
Author, Engine Ed's Colorful Train train books for kids

Charlie Hits It Big

I went to B & N the other day and immediately headed for the Children's section. I was drawn in by the darling cover for, "Charlie Hits it Big". Illustrations always pull me in and these are good. Charlie is a guinea pig who wants to be famous. He heads to Hollywood and finds a successful, fast paced life. This story has a heartfelt ending and is a charming, witty and beautifully illustrated book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but, I am really into whimsy.

Mardell E. Alberico
Author, Perry the Pack Rat Series