Review of SuperScruff (Goat Tails) by P. Lynn Halliday, illustrated by Jupiters Muse

 

Welcome to the review tour for SuperScruff: Goat Tails by P. Lynn Halliday! Read an excerpt and my thoughts on this book for teaching kids a lesson and then download your own copy. Be sure to catch the rest of the tour for more! Best of luck in the giveaway!

Goat Tails are a series of stories all about life on our family farm in Manitowaning. Join with us as we share the entertaining and crazy antics of all the critters that occupied that farm . . . especially the goats.

In our second book, Scruffy the kid arrives back from his BIG adventure. The lost had been found, but would he be welcomed or was it Pen Prison for him again? Scruffy had been in trouble so many times in the past that he began to have doubts. Sure the Maker loved him . . . but did everyone else?

Imagine his surprise when he was greeted at the fence by a churning, hopping, squawking sea of excitement, all straining to get a look at him! Wow, he was a superstar!

It suddenly struck him: now he knew for sure what his purpose was. He was made to be super . . . the super, duper hopping hero of the barnyard!

SuperScruff, the fearless leader of the Scruffkids!

"Oh no," bleated Nellie Nanny, "here we go again!"

Truer words have never been spoken: Scruffy was at it again. Join the fun as SuperScruff learns how to be truly Super!

Read an excerpt:

Scruffy looked around him, searching for the perfect way to show just how Super he was. He spied a ladder leaning against the side of the barn. Papa had been using that ladder to paint the window frames in the loft of the barn. He gazed up to the top of the ladder and an idea began to form. What if he climbed the ladder into the loft of the barn? Surely if he hopped the length of the barn and leapt out of the window, he would be able to fly clear over Poop Hill. It was probably 20 or 30 feet. This was far enough away that no one could claim that he did it only by hopping. They would think he was flying, just like he said he could. This would be the perfect demo to show his Super-Powers.

Calling everyone over, he told them that the barrel-jumping earlier was just a warm-up for the real event. Now he was going to show everyone how Super he was by flying over Poop Hill. Everyone quickly looked at the poop pile. It was a ten-foot-high stinking, steaming pile of poop... way too huge to hop over. Even Hobby had to admit that if Scruffy managed to pull off this stunt, he was really SuperScruff!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM - AMAZON.CA - BARNES & NOBLE - BOOK DEPOSITORY

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**My thoughts**

In an age where we are inundated with superheroes, it's kind of nice to have a story that talks about what a superhero actually is. Now, don't get me wrong, I do love me some Marvel. But you have to look beyond the superhuman feats that these characters perform and into who they are within, what kinds of morals they value. And this story seeks to teach children to look within to be a super person that way.

This is the second story in the series and it sounds like our little friend had quite the adventure in the first one. We don't get too much detail about what happened in that first story, but it isn't necessary to enjoy reading this one. Though you may want to go back and read the first one after this one.

It does have a biblical focus that ties into its lessons. So this would be good to discuss with a small church group or even at home with your elementary-aged children. The cover does make it look like it's more of a picture book geared toward younger children, but it is a sort of mini chapter book.

Scruff learns his lesson as he tries (and fails) to perform superhuman [supergoat?] feats to impress the other animals on the farm. Kids will get a kick out of reading those.

The only part I didn't care for was when he ran away in fear from his mother, who was upset with him, "rolling pin in hand." That's not something that most people would use for discipline these days. But of course, she doesn't use it on him.

Otherwise, I think kids will enjoy this story and learn a lot from it.

Thank you to Goddess Fish and the publisher for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lynn is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a pharmacist, a storyteller and a Christian, living and working in Northern Ontario. Life on the farm has helped each member of our family to grow in so many different ways. Perhaps the most profound growth has been spiritual, as we have all marvelled while working on our farm at the amazing world that our loving God has made. How wonderful it is that God designed each person and critter for a special purpose—no mistakes and no misfits.

CONNECT WITH P. LYNN HALLIDAY

WEBSITE: P. LYNN HALLIDAY – Author (plynnhallidaybooks.ca) https://plynnhallidaybooks.ca/

FACEBOOK: P.Lynn Halliday Author | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PLynn-Halliday-Author-107019938161513/

INSTAGRAM: Lynn Halliday (@plynnhallidayauthor) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/plynnhallidayauthor/

GOODREADS: P Lynn Halliday (Author of Finding His Way) | Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15667819.P_Lynn_Halliday

Win copies of the books in the series!

Scruffy Finds His Way entries via this link.

SuperScruff entries via this link.

P. Lynn Halliday will also be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Mr. Flopsy Whispers From God: A Lesson on Being Still by Christi Eley

 

Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God is an early reader storybook that shares the simple message and guidance from a pet bunny to help your child find stillness and peace. By connecting with animals, children learn to see and hear God’s love and feel secure as they learn to be quiet, patient, brave and trusting. Written in a rhythmic bouncy script, Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God: A Lesson on Being Still provides a platform for your child to begin their own relationship with God and is reaffirmed by the gentle words and affirmations of God’s love through the Bible verse “Be still and Know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. Join Mr. Flopsy on this heartwarming adventure that will inspire your child for a lifetime!

Goodreads

Buy on Amazon:

Kindle * Hardcover * Paperback

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**My thoughts**

We've all known kids like Cam. I definitely had them in my classroom. They're loud and constantly moving. Sometimes they're called something like "a bull in a china shop." Adults in their lives can get frustrated, but the child doesn't necessarily understand why their behavior is being considered problematic.

Cam's friend Mr. Flopsy, I'm guessing his pet bunny, tries to help him understand by teaching him about the Bible verse "Be still and know that I am God." Mr. Flopsy teaches him basic meditation skills, trying to think of calm things to work toward keeping his body still. And then they move into some other childhood worries, such as being scared, needing to feel safe, and worrying. It reminded me of conversations with my mother when I was little and her teaching me a prayer to help me calm down. There really are some good lessons in here.

But I need to remind readers that sometimes there are deeper reasons for a child's behavior and sometimes lessons like these are not going to be enough. But in Cam's case, it's probably enough. You have to observe the child and try to get to the root of the behavior.

I do love the illustrations in this book. Cam and Mr. Flopsy really come to life and you can feel the love. They also help with providing ideas for what to think of when in meditation or prayer. 

I think this could be a good springboard for conversation in a family setting to be used with other tools.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author:

Christi (aka Mrs. Cottontail) developed a deep love for animals as a child inspired by the bunny she and her grandfather rescued and raised together. It was her dream to grow up and do something with bunnies. She did this with her successful local ministry, Mrs. Cottontail and Friends. She has been working with children and animals for over 20 years, spreading joy and love through her educational bunny programs. This work has deepened her faith and opened her eyes to the most important things in life. Her desire is to teach children to slow down, connect deeply with animals while drawing close to God. She has been married to Mark, her high school sweetheart, for over 30 years. They have two beautiful daughters, who they homeschooled. Mrs. Cottontail has a menagerie of pets, including her fluffle (group) of six adorable bunnies including the one and only Mr. Flopsy!

About the illustrator:

Aries Cheung studied design and illustration at the Hong Kong Polytechnics University, and graduated in Visual Arts at York University, Canada. He has worked as a visual artist, graphic designer and art director for advertising, film and theatre for many years. Cheung is now an independent, practicing visual artist and teacher. His interests include painting, drawing, digital imaging, photo-based, mixed media work and videos. He has exhibited at galleries locally and abroad. He has created art/illustrations for advertising, editorial and books for adults and children for publishers in Canada and US. He has been selected to design coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Where Is God? (Enlighten Kids Series) by Patricia May

Where is God?

What and Where is God? Big question! Simple answer. Where is God simplifies the answer in a way children can relate to. This inspirational book will help children identify God as they identify themselves through love. Where there is Love, there is God.

Available on Amazon

Should you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a few small pennies at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my websites!

About Patricia May

Patricia May became an author in 2015 after creating the Ten Story Collection, Seashell Meditations for Children. It was shortly after that, Under the Sea, a coloring/activity books was published. Writing books that inspire a kid's imagination is her passion. Helping kids to discover that spark within, is the goal. Books that Inspire a Kid's Imagination is the theme of all Patricia's books. There are now nine books published and out on the market place. Going to do author visits, kids groups and events is a joy for Patricia May as she shares her books with kids, teachers and parents everywhere. Patricia has been endorsed by five Hay House authors, davidji, Anita Moorjani. Skye Dyer, Denise Linn and Mira Kelley.

In 2018, Patricia released several more books. The Unicorn without a Horn, The Bear with Curly Hair, The A,B,C's of Meditation, and Find Your Happy, a Kids Self Love book, Find Your Power, Where is God, and What Happens When We Die. These books are stories with meaning and purpose. All are beautifully illustrated with fun and adventurous stories kids are sure to love. 

Patricia lives in the beautiful foothills of Amador County, California with her husband Dave, their pups, with the children and grandchildren not far away.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Where Is God? by Patricia May

Where is God?.....
God is Love.....
Where is Love?....,
.....It's as easy as opening up your heart.

Where is God will help kids understand God through Love. Simple and fun short story rhyme takes a child from searching to finding.

Available on Amazon

Should you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a few small pennies at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my websites!

About Patricia May

Patricia May became an author in 2015 after creating the Ten Story Collection, Seashell Meditations for Children. It was shortly after that, Under the Sea, a coloring/activity books was published. Writing books that inspire a kid's imagination is her passion. Helping kids to discover that spark within, is the goal. Books that Inspire a Kid's Imagination is the theme of all Patricia's books. There are now nine books published and out on the market place. Going to do author visits, kids groups and events is a joy for Patricia May as she shares her books with kids, teachers and parents everywhere. Patricia has been endorsed by five Hay House authors, davidji, Anita Moorjani. Skye Dyer, Denise Linn and Mira Kelley.

In 2018, Patricia released several more books. The Unicorn without a Horn, The Bear with Curly Hair, The A,B,C's of Meditation, and Find Your Happy, a Kids Self Love book, Find Your Power, Where is God, and What Happens When We Die. These books are stories with meaning and purpose. All are beautifully illustrated with fun and adventurous stories kids are sure to love. 

Patricia lives in the beautiful foothills of Amador County, California with her husband Dave, their pups, with the children and grandchildren not far away.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Talking Donkey by Rosalyn Grace Abankwah

The Talking Donkey

This book is a bible story that saw a donkey speak for the first time to a human being by the power of God. It has great moral lessons for children to learn obedience to God's Word. The children get to do activities after reading or listening to the story to keep them engaged and remembering what was learned.

Available on Amazon

This is my affiliate link. Should you make a purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

About Rosalyn Grace Abankwah

Rosalyn Grace Abankwah is an international evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Indie author of Road to salvation, Scars On Me, Had I Known, The Talking Donkey,The Lost Treasure, Colors Of The Bible, The ABC of the Bible, The Abigail In Me. She is also a nurse, Strategic Life and Spirituality coach and an entrepreneur. Living in Tennessee, she loves all things gospel teachings, winning souls for Christ, helping young teenage girls get second chances in life in Ghana, West Africa. Rosalyn is humbled to teach, coach and help everyone especially women turn their passion into reality especially women in Africa with limited resources through her tutorials on udemy.com, her own website, and her coaching program. She loves connecting with people hungry for more in life, so be sure to check her out!

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers. 

Review of Gabby's Stick-to-It Day

Author Shelia Walsh has a plan in mind. She wants to teach children that there are angels looking out for them, provided by God because he loves them. Gabby, God's Little Angel, is her special character who serves to teach children this very idea.

Gabby is in charge of a little girl named Sophie. Sophie is not a naughty girl, but she does have a problem. She has a tendency to give up when the going gets rough. She gives up when it takes too long to help Daddy paint the fence, when the dog makes a big wet mess during his bath, or when her baby brother throws his food at her while she is reading to him. Gabby flies down and whispers a lesson from the Bible about not giving up into Sophie's ear. God's words change Sophie and help her to keep persevering, even when she gets frustrated.


Realistically, it will take a lot of reminders and assistance to help children persevere when going through troubled times. This book serves as a good lesson to children. It can be used time and time again as inspiration to try again. I like its message and think it could speak to many children. I do think that girls are going to be more attracted to it than boys, though, as it has mainly girl characters. It would be best used either in the home or in a Sunday School class.

I love the illustrations in this book. They are quite peaceful and very sweet. I immediately had flashbacks of my Holly Hobby doll when I saw the picture of the angel Gabby. The other children also somewhat remind me of Precious Moments figurines and characters. I would love to see the other books in this series.


I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.