You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy the Blue Corgi is a cute story about being different and still being special. This puppy is cute in his uniqueness and special because that is the way God makes everyone. Different but special.
Sweet, short story with a big message.
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Out of all of the books in this series that I have read so far You are Special is probably my favorite. Buddy feels so different because he is the only pup in the whole litter that is a blue corgi with a spot over his eye instead of the tan and white coloring that makes a typical corgi recognizable. Nelly the horse makes that sound like such a bad thing. Buddy’s momma comes to the rescue and helps him to understand that he is different only because he’s so special. I love that these children’s books are based off of real life characters and that they offer a Bible verse at the end of every story that helps to explain and guide our little readers today. Great pictures as well!
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good Things Take Time, literally, things that mean the most to us are never immediately attainable, and sometimes that causes us to get frustrated, nervous, or scared, but it all works out in the end. I love how the characters are based off of real life characters. I also enjoy that these are good, wholesome, Christian stories with Bible verses that help teach children as well as the wonderful lessons in each book.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story about how the choices you make can affect other people. Buddy is trying to do the right thing and catch the trash bandit, but every single time the bandit disappears and Buddy is left to take the blame. Salem realizes how much he is really hurting his friend and starts to make better decisions and take the blame as he deserved it. The illustrations were great too.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andrews Armor was a book that shared about God’s love and how that’s all the armor you need in life. Young Andrew and his friend were dressing up in armor, slaying dragons, and saving the day when he fell, his friend made a comment about how Andrew might not be so tough after all. Although he knew better he didn’t feel so tough either. After a little cajoling from his dad and a few well worded notes Andrew began to realize all the armor he needed was God’s love and strength behind him to accomplish anything he set out to do. I liked the list of activities and Bible verses that were listed in the back of the book.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Pig and a Poke showcased a young girls determination, and perseverance after being called a wimp by a bully. I thought this was a cute book. I’m from a small town where greased pig chasing contests are done yearly at the county fair. This year was extra stressful because of the animal ‘activists’ that were protesting it, so it was an extra timely story that I enjoyed.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although I hadn’t read anything by this author before, I picked it up because the cover was cute. I’m always looking for more books to read with my kiddos, and this one took me by surprise. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring children’s book that beautifully blends spiritual guidance with storytelling. We all remember how fun childhood was, but it was also confusing with a number of highs and lows. My kids said this made Andrew very relatable because they both brought up experiences that made them feel not so brave as well. The illustrations are wonderful and add depth to the narrative as well. While I’m not a religious person, I enjoyed reading this book to my kids and teaching them about kindness, vulnerability, and forgiveness. I think this would be a great book to share with the younger ones in your life.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a great book for growing young boys. There is another book (Miranda’s Mirror) that is more catered to girls, but both are great reads for kiddos! This children’s book teaches about spiritual armor but also about being strong, brave, and courageous. You follow young Andrew with a toy chest his parents got him before he could even walk. As he gets older the toys change. One day there is armor in the chest. He puts it on and feels brave and strong. His parents even say so. He and his friends have great adventures wearing their armor. They climb trees, they fight a dragon, they rescue a princess, and they even have a fort! Andrew feels like a warrior. One day he falls and hurts his knee. This causes him to start questioning everything. Is he really brave? What about strong? He’s not so sure anymore so he puts his armor away. His dad helps him learn about the armor of God and trusting in him. He gets his armor back out and he is kind, forgiving, and helpful. It’s such a wonderful book!! The end is super cute too as Andrew has his own family and he passes down his armor! I can’t wait to get the other book for my daughters! There are activities in the back of this book as well as some scriptures to help teach young children more about God’s truths (Example: You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14).
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute story. It shows little ones that one matter where we might live, that love is the common thread. We loved the illustrations as they were bright and vibrant and caught your attention. This would be a great way to learn to read for a beginner.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andrews Armor is a children’s book designed for children between the ages of 4 to 13 years. It is a story of a little boy named Andrew who has a toy chest filled with toys. Each toy takes him on a new adventure and transports him to new wonderful worlds. When Andrew discovers a suit of armor in his toy chest, he puts it on, and it makes him feel courageous and strong. One day he is having a bad day, and he does not feel brave or strong. That is when the notes start to appear on his mirror each day with a new bible quote. As Andrew reads each one of the new notes, he is reminded that strength comes from within, and from God. This was a heartwarming story about forgiveness, kindness, finding strength from God, and that serving others is where true courage, strength, and bravery come from. The illustrations are bright and colorful and really helped bring the story to life. I love how at the end of thew book Andrew has grown up and is now passing on the armor and valuable lessons to his own child. The quotes from the Bible are beautiful and included at the end of the book is an activity guide as well as scriptures suggestions to make sticky notes for your child.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Places We Call Home: A Picture Book to remind us that home is where all love begins. By Kim Ann. This is such a wonderful children’s book and I’m getting a copy for my new Grandson! Its a book that has beautiful pictures and tells us that no matter where you live if there is love it can be classified as home. We all live differently but the result is the same. You can live in the city or the country and its still a home. Even animals live in different places and they are still called homes. Such a fun children’s read!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another really cute story from Tricia Gardella about learning to stand up for yourself and continuing to try again when you fail. I really liked how Gardella intertwined her lessons in the story with a kiddie pig chase (if you’ve ever done 4-H…you know). I loved this colorful illustrations and they go along with the story fantastically. This is definitely a story you want to add to your kiddos library!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the moment we started reading this book, I loved the message behind it and what it is trying to teach kids. I think this really resonated with me because I could see how my daughter related to it. She is at the age where she understands that people look or act different, but doesn’t necessarily understand why. This book was a great way to build the foundations of these teachings and reinforce that everyone is special as they are.
I loved the story that went with this book and the illustrations really brought it to life. Everyone of us in our house enjoyed this story and we are really looking forward to other books by this author.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
A Pig and A Poke By Tricia Gardella
5 Stars
Read this with my littles and they enjoyed it. Lots of laughs and giggles and talk about catching the pig. Angela reminds me of my own daughter being very determined. I liked this book a lot and look forward to reading it again with the kids. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more books by this Author!
Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good Things Take Time: A Picture book about learning patience
By Suzanna Lynn
5 Stars
Very cute book! Loved the illustrations and storyline! Buddy is so adorable. This was read with my littles age 4, 3 and 1 yr old. My older 2 liked it and asked questions, the one year old liked to point at pictures in the book. One of the pages says “I knew I was different, but Momma taught me that God made me different, and that I’m special” I loved that part because I try to show my kids that being different is ok.
Great read
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a cute and sweet book with a very good lesson. I love the art in this book, the animals are so cute with their different expressions. I felt so bad for Buddy, and I really liked how Donut wanted to keep all the animals of the house under control as to not make life hard for their humans. The lesson here is “tattling” on someone is not wrong when you are defending yourself from blame. I absolutely love the Bible verse at the end that can be shared with children in reference to what God says about how we act in daily life.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fun, and the artwork is beautiful! The expressions on Angela and Bruce are so well done. The pig is the cutest character. Angela seems to really care for the pig and Bruce seems to just want to bother Angela and take what she wants. Angela’s determination and perseverance will help achieve her goals.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Decisions Matter is a great learning tool for children. Suzanna Lynn has made it easy to understand why making good decisions is vital. I hope all parents of young children will share this book and series with their children. This would be a great addition to any library.
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grandma is a busy lady! She’s fun, adventurous, and can do it all! The illustrations are beautiful and grab your attention. My son loved the story and asked if his own grandma had done all of those things too. Another hit by Tricia Gardella!
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great book for Christian families. I like that he’s not told to grow up and get over things like his friend making fun of him, but to believe in himself and believe in the lord and he will find his bravery again. The illustrations in the book are great, I just wish the wording was a little large. The book also includes a list of activists you can do with your child and some uplifting scriptures.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a powerful tool that empowers children to make wise decisions, using captivating illustrations and relatable scenarios to inspire young minds. Buddy, the lovable blue corgi, embarks on a journey with readers, illuminating the impact of their choices and fostering a deeper understanding of moral values.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a book to help teach your child about perseverance, look no further! I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 2.5). They absolutely loved it!
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – “Angela didn’t like that Bruce was being mean to her, so she made sure she caught the pig.”
S (age 2.5) – “The girl and the piggy got muddy and silly.”
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because we absolutely loved it!
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Buddy and his brothers, Salem and Donut, are in this book. Someone keeps getting in the trash. Buddy didn’t want to be a tattletale but he also didn’t like taking the blame. It’s a great way to show littles ones how to make the right choices even when it’s hard. Great illustrations and quick read.
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Buddy is getting his forever home in this book. While he was down over not getting picked sooner than his siblings, he finally gets his home. He just needed to learn to be patient. Another great book on learning something that can hard for little ones to understand. Excellent wording and illustrations.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Decisions Matter is the third book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi series by Suzanna Lynn. This series is designed to help children work through everyday problems.
Decisions Matter is another engaging story that encourages learning right from wrong, good choices, you aren’t being a tattletale if you are standing up for yourself when you haven’t done anything wrong, letting someone else take the blame for something you did wrong is way worse than being a tattletale, being honest, taking responsibility, and more.
The story comes with very cute, bright, colourful, and engaging illustrations that help to bring the story to life and reinforce the important messages.
As with the other two books, this finishes with a scripture passage that helps to reinforce the messages in this book.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Suzanna Lynn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella is a fun little story that my grandchildren really enjoyed. The illustrations are very cute, colourful, and engaging- which made this fun little adventure come to life.
Angela enters a pig wrestling contest- and she has some stiff competition. What happens makes for a fun read. Another engaging, fun, imaginative, and enjoyable children’s picture book from Ms. Gardella. It also comes with some important life lessons such as, believing in yourself, perseverance/persistence, fair play, being brave, standing up for yourself/standing up to a bully, respect for others, and ‘keeping your eye on the prize’.
Looking forward to whatever Tricia Gardella brings us next.
Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author has become a favorite in our household, so we were all excited when we sat down to read this together. The illustrations are beautiful and quite fun as they add more depth to the story. Both of my kiddos loved this book even though they’re a little over the target audience. I also enjoyed myself as we tried to guess where we would find Gramma on each page. It is thoroughly entertaining, silly, and engaging. This would be such a wonderful addition to your home library, a daycare, or even in the classroom. We are all excited to see what else this author creates as we will be following along for the fun!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Decisions Matter is Book 3 in the Buddy the Blue Corgi series and this is a great story that teaches a valuable lesson we could all learn. I always believe honestly is the best policy regardless if it is good or bad. When a mystery on whom is making a mess in the trash….Buddy knows it is not him. When the blame is placed on him, there lesson of trying to find the truth and what can happen…. all Buddy wants is to find out who is the culprit….
This is a great story with a very big lesson on telling the truth that we all can learn from. The story has beautiful and colorful illustrations and can be enjoyed from the young and the young at heart reading to the little ones. I really love Buddy the Blue Corgi and his adventures and lessons. I would love to see more in the future with Buddy.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute kids story that would pair nicely with a “habitat” homeschool lesson. Great illustrations, rhyming to keep kiddos engaged, and descriptions of different places humans and animals live in.
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy, the Blue Corgi, is spending his days playing with his siblings. One day they notice people talking to the farmer. They find out from their Momma that they will all be getting adopted. One by one his siblings find their forever homes. His Momma reminds him that he is special and his forever family will come he just needs to wait.
Another cute book in the Blue Corgi Series. Waiting is never easy but sometimes the rewards are worth waiting for. This cute book is a great way for kids to start to understand the concept.
Reviewed by@aliciaknoke
