Children's Book Review: Millie's Farm Family Series by Cathryn Wellner

MILLIE'S FEATHERED FOSTER FAMILY

By: Cathryn Wellner

Published: April 8, 2016

Publisher: Espoir Press

Fiction

Millie, a pretty bantam chicken, is not able to lay eggs. When some of the farm chicks are left alone, Millie decides to take them in as her own. She takes care of them on the farm and shows them love and care. One day Farmer Cate adds turkey poults to her farm. When one is injured she decides to see if Millie would be willing to care for a turkey baby as well. Will Millie love Turkey Baby as much as the other baby chicks or will Turkey Baby have to find a new family to love her?

Wellner writes from her own experiences on the farm and shares this story of love and what it truly means to be a family. I think it is one children will enjoy and they will be rooting for Turkey Baby to find a loving home.

TURKEY BABY AND THE HUNGRY HAWK
Millie's Farm Family Book 2

By: Cathryn Wellner

Published: July 29, 2016

Publisher: Espoir Press

Fiction

The second in the Millie's Farm Family series allows children to watch Turkey Baby grow up on the farm. Turkey Baby doesn't feel like she fits in with Millie and her chicks and the other turkeys don't seem to want her around either. Then one day a hungry hawk tries to attack the baby chicks and turkey baby. Turkey Baby finds she has more courage than she realizes to fight off the hawk.

In this book, children get to see Turkey Baby and how she is fitting in on the farm. Children will also see Farmer Cate taking care of the other animals. These stories offer children a view of farm life from the animal's perspective and share a lesson on love, family, and protecting those we love.

TURKEY BABY FINDS HER MAGIC
Millie's Farm Family Book 3

By: Cathryn Wellner

Published: November 20, 2016

Publisher: Espoir Press

Fiction

Turkey Baby has grown up on the farm but she wonders what life is like outside the farm boundaries. So, she decides to take a trip down the farm driveway and see where it leads. Her day ends up being full of adventure and she realizes life on the farm is pretty lovely just the way it is.

Children will root for Turkey Baby as she has to confront her fears and deal with strange animals during her trip down the driveway. This book teaches children about courage and kindness towards others.

This whole series is a truly wonderful. The pictures of Wellner's farm animals help kids feel like they are part of the farm family as well. The animals show expressions of fear and love and children are able to see them grow through the pages of the book. These books are a real delight.

Cathryn Wellner - source

Cathryn Wellner is convinced when she says "never", the universe thinks she's making a wish. Farming was on her "never" list, but the years spent as a reluctant farmer were some of the richest story-filled of her life. That's when she met Millie and Turkey Baby and other animal friends. You can follow her adventures on her website, HERE.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Thanks to the author for sending copies of these books for the purpose of this review. These reviews are my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Brave Little Finn By John and Jennifer Churchman

BRAVE LITTLE FINN
Sweet Pea & Friends

By: John and Jennifer Churchman

Published: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Fiction

In October, I reviewed the first book by the Churchman's titled THE SHEEPOVER. I adored this sweet story of friendship and the amazing photography on each page. To see my review, click HERE. I gave the first book to my great-niece for her birthday and was able to read it to her and both of us just loved reading and looking at the pictures over and over again.

John and Jennifer Churchman live on a farm in Vermont and base their stories on the animals living on their farm. The photography is magical and gorgeous and the stories are perfect for young children.

This story is based on Finn, a lamb that was born on their farm in the middle of winter on a very cold night. Their mother didn't have enough milk for both Finn and his twin sister, Hayzel, so they needed extra care. Except, Finn, needed even more care and was very sick. The Churchmans were not even sure Finn would make it. But after spending several months being cared for in the farmhouse, Finn was finally strong enough to go outside. But, everything on the farm was new to him and scared him. So, his fellow farm friends showed him how not to be afraid of the new things on the farm like lilacs (they were good to eat) and hummingbirds and even spiders. Through the story, we are able to watch Finn grow up over the course of a year on the farm. We watch Finn get stronger and explore the farm during the spring, summer, and fall. Children will feel excited for Finn right along with him as he conquers his last fear while everyone cheers him on.

Finn is an adorable little lamb and children will love reading his story over and over again. You can also follow along with the Churchman farm animals by checking out their website, sweetpeafriends.com.

John Churchman 

Jennifer Churchman

John and Jennifer combine their talents to give voice to the stories of all the animals who surround them and add boundless enjoyment to their lives. They have made their home on a small farm in the beautiful countryside, of Essex, Vermont, with their daughter Gabrielle. Be sure to visit them online and follow the real adventures of Finn and all his animals friends at sweetpeafriends.com.

To purchase a copy of BRAVE LITTLE FINN, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review with Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Every Saturday, Booking Mama offers bloggers an opportunity to share posts related to YA and children's books. To see all the posts, click HERE. 


If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Sweet Pea & Friends The SheepOver By John &Jennifer Churchman

SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: 
The SheepOver

By: John and Jennifer Churchman

Photo Illustrations by: John Churchman

Published: December 8, 2015

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Fiction

I have always been a fan of books about sheep. We raised sheep while I was growing up and my very first pet was Lambie, a sheep that was raised on our farm for many years. Sheep are special to our family and when I saw this book, I knew I had to get it for my niece. I think this will be part of her birthday gift next month.

Sweet Pea is one of the many sheep on the Churchman's farm. One night, Sweet Pea gets very sick and they have to call in Vet Alison. All of the friends on the farm are deeply worried about Sweet Pea and share their concern on the pages. Keeper the goose, Prem the goat, and Laddie the dog are just some of the farm friends watching over Sweet Pea. Farmer John promises a SheepOver in the greenhouse if Sweet Pea gets better and that is just what Sweet Pea and her friends get.

The illustrations are actual photos from the Churchman farm yet have digital artwork mixed with it. It gives the photos that creative brilliance that will give children the magic of what happens between the animals on the farm.

I love how all the animals on the farm are like family and rally around their friend Sweet Pea when she is sick. Then celebrate together when she is healthy. What a wonderful lesson to teach children about loving and caring for their friends.

John Churchman 

Jennifer Churchman

SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: The SheepOver is author Jennifer Churchman's debut children's book written in partnership with her husband John Churchman.  John draws on his talents as an artist, photographer, and farmer as he brings this story to life with his enchanting photo-illustrations. 

Jennifer and John bring their talents together to give voice to the stories of the animals that surround them and add boundless enjoyment to their lives. They have made their home on a small farm in the beautiful countryside os Essex, Vermont, with their daughter Gabrielle.
They are currently working on their next children's book and a variety of related creative projects, including an interactive website that continues the day-to-day story of Sweet Pea & Friends. Visit their website, HERE. Your child can meet all the farm friends and even watch the Farm Cam!  

To purchase a copy of SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: The SheepOver



To purchase a copy of the Churchman's newest book, SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: Brave Little Finn, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review with Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Every Saturday, Booking Mama offers bloggers an opportunity to share posts related to YA and children's book. To see all the posts, click HERE. 


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A post from today, 1 year ago - Book Review: Taming the To-Do List By Glynnis Whitwer 


If you choose to purchase a book through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.

Children's Book Review: Ellie's Fun Day at the Farm By Elle Fair and Marci Fair

ELLIE'S FUN DAY AT THE FARM
The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant

By: Elle Fair and Marci Fair

Published: April 26, 2016

Publisher: Pacochel Press

Fiction

The newest addition to Ellie and Pudgy's adventures takes them to the farm. I have previously shared their adventures to the beach and to school. Ellie the stuffed elephant and Pudgy the stuffed penguin go on adventures. Along the way, they learn something about the place they are visiting and of course, have lots of fun.

Ellie and Pudgy immerse themselves on the farm after a picnic made them wonder where their food came from. On the farm, they get to ride on a tractor, see rabbits, sheep, chicken, goats, pigs, and horses. They also visit the garden where many vegetables are grown and stop by to smell some flowers. Just being curious, allowed these two friends to have an adventurous day on the farm, seeing things they had never seen before.

There are also activities included throughout the pages of the book including dot-to-dots, a crossword puzzle, and a find-the-difference game. Joining Pudgy and Ellie on this adventure to the farm will teach your child about all the fun things that happen on a farm. Eating a delicious snack of foods from the farm was the perfect way to end their day.

Actual photos around the farm with Ellie and Pudgy feeding animals or riding the swings make the story fun for younger children and may just make them want to take their favorite stuffed animals on an adventure. If they do, be sure to share your pictures on their Facebook Page.

Marci Fair - source

As a working mother of four children, Fair was inspired to share the hard-earned wisdom she gained from juggling work and motherhood for over twenty years. This labor of love resulted in "TILT-7 Solutions To Be A Guilt-free Working Mom."

Filled with over 70 quotes from her children, over 100 real-life practical tips to help working moms and the wisdom of over 80 other wonderful working moms, Marci's goal with TILT is to encourage moms to continue to reach their goals and dreams, as they help their children reach for theirs.

Marci Fair earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Methodist University. Together, she and her husband founded a real estate business that is ranked in the top 100 in the United States. In addition, Marci founded a children’s charity Kares 4 Kids, that has served over fifteen thousand kids. 

Marci and her daughter, Elle have coauthored a series of books about Elle's two favorite stuffed animals, Ellie the Elephant and Pudgy the Penguin. Elle loves reading and her stuffed animals so collaborating on these books has been a special project for them together. Both of their previous books have won the God Mom's Choice Award. 

For more information on Marci Fair and her books check out the links below:

Websites: www.MarciFair.com, www.GuiltFreeParents.com, www.EllieAdventures.com 

Charity: http://www.kares4kids.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcifair

Author's Books on Amazon, HERE.

To purchase a copy of ELLIE'S FUN DAY AT THE FARM, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this post with other bloggers at Booking Mama's Kid Konnection. Each Saturday, she hosts link-up for bloggers to share their YA or Children's book related posts. Click HERE to see all the posts. 

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A post from today, 4 years ago - Scenes from Our Week - Week 51

A post from today, 3 years ago - A Little Monday Inspiration

A post from today, 2 years ago - Book Review: While the Gods Were Sleeping By Elisabeth Enslin

Thanks to the author for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Children's Book Review: Go to Sleep, Little Farm By Mary Lyn Ray

GO TO SLEEP, LITTLE FARM

By: Mary Lyn Ray

Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal

Published: September 2, 2014

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

I was looking for a book to read at my bedtime story time at the library. This was a new release and I figured most of the kids hadn't read it or heard of it. I'm a sucker for farm books since I grew up on a farm with horses, sheep, cattle and chickens. I loved reading farm books to our kids and especially books perfect for bedtime that got them in the mood for sleeping.  If our kids were still little, I would definitely be reading this one to them.

A young girl is getting ready for bed while critters and animals outside are getting ready for bed. As she gets ready for bed, we learn where the animals, such as a bee, a beaver, a bear and foxes, all find room to sleep. The tale is told in rhyme and moves us around the farm as all the animals and the farmer are turning in for the night.

source

The pages in the hardcover are heavy paper and not easily torn by little fingers. The illustrations are muted in color and remind you that night in settling in around the farm. A child will love to be tucked into bed with this final story each night as they go off to dreamland thinking of all the other animals being tucked in as well.

Mary Lyn Ray

Mary Lyn Ray is a conservationist and author of several picture books for children. Ray’s texts are often praised for their lyricism and emotional depth, and in her works she frequently focuses on humankind’s relationship with nature. Among her critically acclaimed titles are PUMPKINS, SHAKER BOY, and WELCOME, BROWN BIRD. For more on Mary Lyn Ray, check out her website, http://www.marylynray.com/.

To purchase a copy of this book, click the photo below:

I will be linking up with Booking Mama and other bloggers for the Saturday Kid Konnection Linky. To see other great children's and YA book reviews, click HERE.