Blog Tour: I Hope They Call Me On A Mission by Ben White

Tour Schedule

I Hope They Call Me On A Mission by Ben White

Illustrated by Corey Egbert

Book Description:

It’s never too young to prepare! This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches children what it’s like to be a missionary, from riding a bike to studying the gospel to having a companion, and everything they can do now to be ready so that when the time comes, they’ll be the best missionaries they can be. Colorful and cute, it’s a perfect gift for baptisms and birthdays.

Review:

I joined this review tour with my seven-year-old son in mind. When the book came I was a little worried that it was more for younger children (the illustrations and the conversation from the first few pages seemed geared for a younger audience). However, I was very happy when my son said that he really liked the book.

He liked that it told about what you do on a mission, and that you don't always get what you want (let in to talk to people, baptizing people, etc.). He liked the letter writing part of the story. He wasn't sure if his friends would like the book or not, but he thought it would be a good book for them to have to learn more about missions.

My eleven-year-old daughter also liked the book. She's into art, and liked that the illustrations were different. She also enjoyed that it told the goods and bads of a mission. She got a kick out of the part that talked about having to eat gross food. She thought it was geared toward younger kids, but had some parts for everyone.

About the Author:

Ben White is the author of 10 Questions to Answer while Preparing for a Mission. He has been a Seminary Teacher from 2003 to the present. He has a M.A. in Religious Education from BYU, B.S. in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU. He is an EFY speaker and has recorded two talks with the Mormon Channel on their “For the Youth” program.

About the Illustrator:

Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn’t have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Buena Vista, Virginia, with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

Title: I Hope They Call Me On A Mission
Author: Corey Egbert
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Published: March 2015
ISBN: 1462115519
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Books & Things

Blog Tour: Visions of Hope by Annie Henry

Book Description:

The most fundamental questions in our lives—questions about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going—are answered when we have a true understanding of the plan of salvation. Now, our understanding is deepened and enlivened by this beautifully illustrated depiction of God's eternal plan for His children. In her unique, richly textured style, fine artist Annie Henrie offers a visual interpretations of the plan of salvation, including pre-earth life, the Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, life on earth, the spirit world, the Atonement and the Resurrection, and the kingdoms of glory. Accompanied by text from the scriptures, each exquisite image testifies of God's love for us and of His plan of happiness.

Review:

I really enjoyed Visions of Hope. The artwork in the book is enjoyable to look at. The book pairs these pictures with simple quotes or scriptures for each stage of the plan of salvation. I wanted to look through this book with my children, but never got the chance to do so (OK, I kept forgetting to do it.) but this will be a great resource to use as part of a Family Home Evening lesson on the plan of salvation. This is something that will be good both for kids and for someone who is just learning about the gospel. Or for those who just need a refresher, for that matter. :) As I said previously, each picture has a brief verse or quote with it, which is a good starting point if you want to search the scriptures to learn more about the plan of salvation.

About the Author:

ANNIE HENRIE graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Brigham Young University in April 2012, and since the age of sixteen she has shown her work in galleries, including Bronze Coast Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon; Authentique Gallery in St. George, Utah; and Deseret Book stores. Annie grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and is the daughter of Cary and Sauni Henrie. Her father, also a professional artist, has taught his daughter how to paint and draw since she was in kindergarten. Annie’s work is inspired by her experiences serving as a missionary in southern England and studying Renaissance art in Italy. She currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Excerpts:

Title: Visions of Hope
Author: Annie Henry
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: September 2014
ISBN: 1609078195
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Deseret Book | Amazon

Blog Tour: Girls Who Choose God by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding

Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Courageous Women From the Bible

by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding

Book Description:

From Eve to Esther, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the widow with her two mites, many women in the Bible have made courageous choices. All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what. Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.

Review:

When I heard about Girls Who Choose God, I thought it would be a great book for my daughter (even though her reading level is well beyond picture books, the message is for all ages). After she read it I asked her what she thought. She said it was inspirational (her words). She was familiar with most of the women in the book, but some were new, and she enjoyed learning about them. The illustrations aren't a style she enjoys, but they aren't out of place with the story.

As a parent, I appreciated the two choices spelled out for each woman, and then the questions posed to the reader. The scriptural references were also a nice addition.

About the Authors:

McArthur Krishna inherited her grit from her Utah pioneer great-grandmothers. With a master’s degree in communications from BYU, she co-owned Free Range, an award-winning marketing  business focused on telling social justice stories. In 2011, she moved to the Magic Land of India and started writing books. More of her stories can be found at mcarthurkrishna.com.

Bethany Brady Spalding likes to stir things up in the kitchen and in the community. She has founded programs to promote health and nutrition in the USA, South Africa, and India. Bethany currently leads a regional coalition in Richmond, Virginia, to create a healthier food environment for at-risk children. She loves to cook and climb mountains with her husband, Andy, and their three adventurous girls.

About the Illustrator:

Kathleen Peterson has illustrated twenty books, mostly for young people, on topics ranging from world religions to Hawaiian legends. Her art can be found in galleries throughout the West and at www.kathleenpetersonart.com. She and her husband, Steve, live on a farm in Spring City, Utah.

Purchase:

Deseret Book | Amazon

Blog Tour: Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea

Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea

Illustrations by Julie Olson

Lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates

Book Description:

Follow the patriotic journey of a little red balloon as it makes its way from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States.
 

Accompanied by the words of one of America’s most beloved anthems America the Beautiful, From Sea to Shining Sea shows the diversity and beauty of our great country through the eyes of our nation’s children. To add an interactive experience, kids all across the United States will be able to go online to send their own balloons on their own journey.

Review:

I recently read this with my first grader. While it doesn't take long to read the words to the poem "America the Beautiful", a young reader can extend his practice time and get a bit of a challenge by reading the book description and author and illustrator info on the jacket. 

The illustrations were a fun depiction of different parts of the United States, and we enjoyed the interactive option found on the website (learning about various states and even sending a balloon to a cousin). I can see this as a good, educational option to keep on hand during summer break.

About the Illustrator:

Julie Olson was born in the East, grew up in the Midwest, and now lives in the West. She developed a deep love for all parts of America as she lived in and traveled through various places. Since graduating with a BFA degree in illustration from Brigham Young University, she strives through her work to uplift and encourage others to be better.

You can learn more about Julie and her other creations by visiting JulieOlsonillustrator.com.

Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: The Sacrament by John Bytheway

The Sacrament by John Bytheway

Illustrated by Nathan Pinnock

Book Description:

For years, John has used a poem during fireside talks to help LDS families understand the importance of the sacrament. With full-color illustrations by Nathan Pinnock, The Sacrament will help children of all ages understand what they should be thinking about during this sacred ordinance. John shares the story of a boy and his grandfather and the memory the grandfather shares with his grandson regarding the lesson he learned about the sacrament when he was a young boy.

Ideal for children from three to twelve and a perfect baptism gift.

Review:

 

This is an excellent children's book! John Bytheway's story is such a great reminder about why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take the sacrament on a weekly basis. I love the lesson the grandfather taught about focusing on what is important, and not getting distracted by everything else around us during this sacred time each week. I also really liked the section at the end that tells about the symbols of the sacrament. It is so important to understand why we do things, and this book is a great way to help teach/remind our children about what the sacrament is all about.

About the Author:

John Bytheway served a mission to the Philippines and later graduated from Brigham Young University. A favorite speaker and teacher, John holds a master’s degree in religious education and is a part-time instructor at BYU. John is the author of many bestselling books and audio products. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children.

Title: The Sacrament
Author: John Bytheway
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: April 2014
ISBN: 1609077903
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.
 

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: The Not Even Once Club by Wendy Watson Nelson

Book Description:

The Not Even Once Club is an adorable and appealing way to engage children in a story that will help them choose for themselves to keep the commandments and to never break them. Not even once.

Children will meet Tyler, an energetic boy who is excited to make new friends in his Primary class. They have invited Tyler to join their special club, but first he has to pass the test and keep the club promise.

With illustrations from bestselling illustrator Brandon Dorman, The Not Even Once Club is a fun and engaging way for parents to help teach their children the importance of keeping the commandments. Included in the back of the book are additional teaching helps for parents and leaders.

Review:

Most of the books I review aren't for my children, but they really enjoy reading/being read to, so when I learned about The Not Even Once Club I jumped at the opportunity to review it.

The first thing that stood out to me about The Not Even Once Club was the illustrations. Brandon Dorman is exceptionally talented, and his work in this book is amazing! My children enjoyed looking through the book, and the pictures really helped hold my youngest child's attention.

The diversity among the children in the book is excellent too. It helps with the message that keeping the commandments is for everyone.

The idea behind this book is really good. We need to make sure our children know about the commandments and the importance of keeping them from a very early age. Temptations are going to come in life, but if we've already made the decision about what we are going to do in certain situations, life will be so much easier.

I've seen some mixed reviews about this book due to what isn't included. While I understand those reviews, I wasn't bothered by it, and most importantly, my children didn't have any concerns about it. What is included seems like just the right amount for a picture book. It provides a good opportunity for further discussion that will fit your family's situation. The Guide for Parents and Children at the end of the book has some great information that can help with discussions.

About the Author:

Wendy Watson Nelson holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology. Prior to her marriage to Elder Russell M. Nelson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy for twenty-five years. Sister Nelson has served as a stake Relief Society president, stake Primary president, and chaired the BYU Women’s Conference. Currently, she is an institute instructor and visiting teacher. Sister Nelson was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard David and Laura Byrde McLean Watson.


About the Illustrator:

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestsellerThe Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series. See more of Brandon Dorman’s artwork at BrandonDorman.com.


Purchase the Book:

Deseret Book | Amazon