Disclosure: I received these books to review; post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links, I will earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.
You may remember my December review of Kerry Lonsdale’s Everything We Keep. I received an ARC of the followup Everything We Left Behind. This book releases on July 4, 2017. I recommend reading book 1 first so that you understand the backstory; however, it’s explained in some detail in book 2 so you might be able to just catch up.
My heart was broken over James and Aimee. This time, we get to hear from James. I can’t say my heart was totally healed, but Kerry Lonsdale put a good bandage on it with this novel. The hardest part for me was seeing how the situation affected the children. The theme of brotherhood plays a huge role in this story. There’s also a message of the broken roads that lead us to our destiny. If you could go back and change things in your past, would you? This book takes a hard look at personal freedom and the cost it can render.
Picture books are my mommy weakness. They can be used for all ages, from babies to adults, in object lessons and introductions. That’s why I’m so glad to partner with Flower Pot Press for the Freedom to Read giveaway. They offered one lucky reader a pair of books (just like the ones we received!)
Both of these books are authored by Linda Ragsdale. Her imaginative wordplay shows in the text.
In Alphabetter, the idea of compound words takes the cake. This book reminds me of the word games we used to play with our kids when they were very small. Silly and nonsensical, the words exude optimism and are pictured with bright, cheery illustrations. Younger children might not understand the process, but they’ll get a kick out of the funny-sounding words. Older kids will enjoy the idea of creating new words and will be ready to join in the fun!
How I Did It celebrates the achievements of I. Each letter represents a character, and the actions being with that letter sound. It’s a fun way tointroduce beginning sounds. Use the story to guide your own child’s story of “I” — perhaps make a list of successes or adventures together. What an engaging, age-appropriate way to get kids involved with a story!
One lucky reader will win all three books in the Freedom to Read giveaway hop! To enter, visit the entry form below. The giveaway is open to US Readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck! Giveaway ended 7/15.
Entry-Form
I received these books for review. Opinions shared are mine.
Fun looking book, just the kind of book I love to read.
My granddaughter loves word games, she would love this book.
I’ve been seeing a lot about the book, Everything We Left Behind. I’m intrigued.
Everything We Left Behind has such a pretty cover!
My daughter would love these books so much!
Sounds like a great book.
I really like books that feature brothers and Everything We Left Behind sounds good. Thank you
Alphabetter is so cute. I love the word play and gorgeous illustrations
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Sounds like an amazing read.
The alphabet book looks great.
Everything Left Behind sounds like such a unique, mysterious book.
My cousin would love that book!
I have wanted to read Everything We Left Behind since the last page of Everything We Keep. Knowing I will finally get to hear James side of the story has such a strong appeal to me as I just know it would be utterly fascinating. Everything We Keep was incredible and an instant favorite of mine in 2016
I see the purpose of this Alphabetter as that of creating a peaceful, accepting mindset for the child. Alphabetter looks like a great exercise in imaginary vocabulary with bold and vivid graphics.
These books would be a wonderful addition to any kids collection.
My neighbor read the other book by her and raved about it so much I put it on my TBR list so a second one interests me.
my kids and I would enjoy reading Everything We Left Behind. It sounds fantastic.
Interesting book by Kerry Lonsdale
The Alphabet book would be perfect for my niece. She is starting to memorize the alphabet
The AlphaBetter book looks like a cute one. It is a good way to teach the alphabet.
Everything left behind looks like a good book to add to my summer reading list.