Family Fun in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Yesterday I posted about a "Hidden Treasure" at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - the Stuart and Barbara Padnos RoofTop Sculpture Garden - you will find my post at this link. Today I want to write about two of the particularly wonderful, much-loved-by-children features in the Lena Meijer Children's Garden - the Great Lakes Garden and a summer little "splash pad" inside the circle of children sculptures to your left as you enter the Children's Garden. First let me tell you about the amazing Great Lakes Garden . . .

Summer Reading - What Will You Be, Grandma?

I'm so happy for the opportunity to share What Will You Be, Grandma?  by Nanette Newman and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark with you which is charming and delightful . . . and imaginative! It is sure to make you smile! As I read this I could just picture some of the ideas my grandsons might come up with for the things I could "grow up to be"!!!

A "Hidden" Treasure at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - the Stuart and Barbara Padnos RoofTop Sculpture Garden

My husband and I have a grandparents and a guest membership at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - we go and enjoy this amazing place, typically once a week. We often bring a guest and/or grandsons with us and truly enjoy our visits. There are so many wonderful things to enjoy at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park . . .

Summer Reading - I Dare You NOT to Yawn

If you are looking for a fun, slightly different bedtime story which will have you laughing definitely take a look at the book, I Dare You NOT to Yawn, by Helene Boudreau and illustrated by Serve Bloch. I received this book a few years ago for review and it had me laughing - right out loud! I read it to my husband and he ended up laughing, too! I love unexpected books which actually have a definite ring of truth to them and this is one such book!

Summer Reading - Because Amelia Smiled

Smiles have power. They have the power to brighten the day of others and as Maralee McKee, the Manners Mentor said n her page, "Your smile (or lack of one) is powerful. When given sincerely, it uplifts both those you love and strangers alike. It's your non-verbal signal to the world you are happy to share the current place and space you're in with those around you. When a smile is withheld  it sets the tone for unpleasantness, or at least, tension. Some great things about your smile is it's: unique, free, everyone loves it, and it's usually reciprocated, doubling the blessing! So this week, why not smile at everyone you pass. It lights up your face and makes the world take notice of the happy person (YOU!) who understand a smile is the look (the only one interpreted the same way in every tribe and nation) which speaks volumes of acceptance, understanding, compassion and welcome!"  

The power of a smile is the story behind the story, Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein.

Today is National New Jersey Day

If you - or someone you love - lives in New Jersey, today is a day to celebrate as it is National New Jersey Day. It is a fun day to look at some of their silly laws and interesting facts - and be sure to share them with the children you love - did you know . . . 

Summer Reading - The Baby That ROARED

I read and review a LOT of books for children . . . since I love books, this is something I enjoy doing! However; every once-in-awhile a book comes along which is a true delight   and   occasionally  one comes along which makes me laugh out-loud! The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock and illustrated by Nadia Shireenis one such book!

Summer Reading for you - with the Praying Deeper Books

 

As we continue to look at books for Summer Reading, not just for children, but for parents and grandparents to use to help them pass on a heritage of confident faith to the children they love, I am delighted to share with you three books which will guide grandparents - and parents, too - in praying every day for the children they love! In the interests of transparency, I wrote these books.

Two Days Left to Enter the unshakable Moxie & $20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Just a reminder, in two days one person will receive the   Unshakable Moxie set (Bible study, prayer journal, Scripture/ encouragement cards) and a $20 Amazon gift card. This is a great prize package, but if you want to be the person who wins it, you need to follow this link to enter the drawing.

Summer Reading - I Love You a Bushel and a Peck

I love the song, "A Bushel and a Peck" and completely enjoyed this story book by Rosemary Wells and Frank Loesser built around the old song, so it seems like an excellent book to share with you while I wait for more books to arrive in my Summer Reading series - you and your grandchildren are sure to love it, too! 

Summer Reading for You - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

 

If you are looking for a book to help a parent or grandparent you love make the most of handing down confident faith, consider this book -The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith.

In this book I look at how our physical DNA is a truly amazing and essential part of who we are, as it holds the "code" or instructions for the things which make us unique as well as for the things we share. It connects us with the generations who came before us; as well as with those who come behind. It is the core of who we are physically. 

Summer Reading - A Dog is a Dog

When it comes to books for young children, A Dog is a Dog by  Stephen Shaksan  has to be on my list of "favorite things"! I love the simple text which is sure to keep you guessing - and flat out laughing!  A Dog is a Dog is clever, fun and unexpected . . . the ending is a "hoot"!

A Dog Is a Dog is sure to leave children and adults guessing and laughing . . . because a dog is a dog, unless it's a . . . 

The "Buzz" About, It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!

Six years ago I wrote a book to help, encourage, and challenge grandparents and parents - Don't Worry: It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren!   and thought it might be fun today to share with you some of the "buzz" . . . what people are saying about this book - and neither of these two people are related to me!

Summer Reading - Bob, Not Bob! from Jambo Books

 

A few years ago I shared about a Jambo Book which is offered in their wonderful book clubs - Bob, Not Bob! written and illustrated by  Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell.