Book Reviews Archives -

March 22, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Must-Read Guest Review: “What Do You Do With An Idea?” Feed it!

“The message in What Do You Do With An Idea? is clear: welcome and nurture ideas with patience and persistence, no matter how big or small, no matter how unique or popular, and they may grow to change the world. What makes this message so unique is the simple but beautiful way it’s delivered, in narrative and illustration, through the eyes and voice of an innocent and hopeful child. What Do You Do With An Idea? is a spectacular book for all ages and is a wonderful treasure for any home or school library.” – The Children’s Book Review‘s, commentary regarding Independent Publisher’s Gold Seal Award winning title.

This week guest blogger Anna Bumford shares her insights regarding this amazing storybook for children-of-all ages from her personal creative and mom-of-two perspective.

“My favorite books speak to me, make me feel, and stir something within that might have been lying dormant.

I search for these particular types of books for myself hoping to find that positive ‘nudge’ I need. When I can find a children’s book which resonates with something inside me, even better. I know immediately I want to share it with my children.

For me, these special books are more than just books. They are teaching moments: quiet subtle reminders whispering life-lessons into my children’s tiny ears. Lessons they might not even understand during the first reading, but I know will make a lasting impression as they grow.

One such book that checks off on all this important criteria is Kobi Yamada’s book What Do You Do With An Idea.

I knew this book was coming home with me from the moment I read the back cover at my local bookstore. And, I couldn’t wait to share it with my kids Lyla, 7 and Landon, 5.

But first, I read it alone.

It brought tears to my eyes. It made me sad for my ideas that never came to be and excited for those I have yet to envision. It’s an inspiring book about creating ideas, believing in yourself, and being okay with being different.

Anna, recently started crocheting. She frequents our Sew God Face Book Page.

Yamada reminds us that everything we see around us started as a thought, an idea. Sometimes those ideas seemed silly and strange to others, but that is okay. What Do You Do With An Idea is a home run, a book that would not only ignite those teachings within my children, but would equally light those same creative fires within me. How incredible!

Yamada’s wonderful book made me think about the times I did not feel my ideas were good enough, special enough, or strong enough. I actually teared up over how special it was a children’s book could teach this thirty-something, mom of two, that I was dead wrong.

When it came time to share it with my children, the idea of such an important lesson brought tears to my eyes once again, but this time it was tears of joy, joy for the ideas my two small children are sure to create in their lifetime.

Everything about this book is magic: the fact that the idea is represented as an egg that follows its owner (a young boy), the gorgeous illustrations by Mae Besom who perfectly added color into the story when the idea came into fruition, and the grand finale when Yamada writes eloquently, “And then, I realized what you do with an idea …You change the world.”

Landon and Lyla Bumford. Photo Creds: Anna Bumford

Talk about an incredible way to end this beautiful book, reminding us all that our ideas can be world changing …even if only in our small little corner of the world. I personally cannot think of a better lesson to teach my children, or even myself. We read What Do You Do With An Idea often for inspiration. And if you get it or borrow it from your library, you will too.”

Anna Bumford: Lover of life, and of the Lord. An optimist. Blessed wife to Chris, Mama of Lyla and Landon. Fan of organization, coffee, photography (https://annabumfordphotography.squarespace.com/), wine, the color yellow, and being an entrepreneur (annabumford.com)

SGlogo50px God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

February 17, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Friendship & Caring: Adorable Ape “Nico” Shares His Stash

Hoarding and I go way back.

When I was a kid I recall hearing about the dangers of red food coloring and that soon red M&Ms would be discontinued. I reasoned, “One day red M&Ms will be worth something.” So I accumulated a large zip-loc bag of 100% red M&Ms. I stowed it away on the top shelf of my bedroom cupboard.

My friends thought I was daft. Rightfully so.

My hoarding affliction may be genetic, or a simple case of nurture.

My dad used to save things too, lots of things in outbuildings: used tires. old furniture. folding knives. matchbooks. He had an abundance of cowboy boots and hats. My mom saved things; styrofoam meat packaging trays from the grocery store, Nucoa margarine tubs (tupperware was a rarity in our home), condiment packages from KFC take-out.

Perhaps my most humorous hoarding adventure is hoarding copies of “NICO” … a book about hoarding.

It’s true. I have multiple copies of the classic children’s tale “Nico” by Paul Borovsky (1993). It’s a book I enjoyed reading aloud with my kids, so when I began this blog it became a top contender as a give-away book. I took to the internet to snap up affordable (read: used) copies for gifting (also, not gonna lie, I’m hoarding).

“Nico” is now out of print.

Though I doubt my red M&Ms truly appreciated over time, as of today new copies (mint condition) of “Nico” will set you back as much as $149.46.

So what’s the appeal of “Nico”?

I love the illustrations; simplistic, humorous and for young attention spans, captivating. More so, the moral imperatives are cleverly and simplistically expressed. Kids and adults will find them applicable. I’ve read a few relatively recent reviews of the book, which are, well … totally lame. One stated the book is a “Heavy-handed message about the importance of friendship and the dangers of selfishness.” Psychobabble.

If teaching friendship and sharing is “heavy handed” … then I hope we’ll all raise our heavy hands and shout out “Count me in!”

Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly has to say about “Nico”

” … this alluring tale set in a tropical forest … presents a timeless and worthy moral. Nico is an ape who scours the forest daily for nuts, berries and fruit, filling his basket with far more food than he can use. When storms destroy the dwellings of several animals, the others pitch in to help them rebuild. But not Nico: he’s too busy greedily gathering food. One day the selfish ape collects one mango too many, and his treehouse collapses under the weight of his hoard. When his neighbors offer assistance, a puzzled Nico replies, ‘I never helped any of you when you needed me. Why would you help me?’ The toucan’s simple response captures the essence of Borovsky’s message: ‘Because you need us now.'”

“Nico, of course, is never again too preoccupied to lend a hand–and from then on he shares his bounty. Featuring the variegated greens and browns of the rain forest, Borovsky’s finely rendered art stars animals whose personalities will grow on youngsters with repeated encounters. Among the many winning nuggets of humor are scenes of Nico fastidiously taking his daily food inventory, and toasting his friends at a feast celebrating his new home…”

As is becoming tradition, I’ll be giving away a copy of “Nico” to a Sew God community member or two.

Enter to win your copy to share with the young ones in your life by leaving a comment [below] about your own hoarding adventures (fabric? yarn? clothing? something else?). Or comment about how you’re sharing some of your things to benefit those near and far [i.e. LORNA: Sew Fresh Quilts].

Receive extra entries for SHARING our SEW GOD newsletter using the share buttons on your emailed newsletter. The more shares (email, Facebook, Pintrest), the more entries. Winner (or may a few) selected 3/4/16. Not yet a subscriber? Do so using the subscriber box located in the right column.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and appeal with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil: 4:6-7

November 10, 2015 by: Janelle Jones

The Rag Coat: A Must-Read Children’s Thanksgiving Story

Classic Season of Thanks Must-Read: The Rag Coat

The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills received the Charlotte Award, 13 state awards, and the Smithsonian’s “Season’s Choice” award. This month, Mills celebrates the launch of her heartwarming debut novel Minna’s Patchwork Coat based on her original classic story, The Rag Coat.

As though it were yesterday I recall a day years ago when my then third and fifth grade kid-ohs piled into my car after an eventful school day.

“It was great Mom. She just took him out!” blurted my usually mild mannered oldest, Grant. Looking in the rearview mirror at a very smug, smirking younger sister Brooke, my curiosity was in high gear.

Like any couple that have been together their whole lives, my children took turns completing each other’s sentences, filling in the details of their unusual lunch period.

Brooke’s Source of Joy & Jeers: My Hand-Me-Down Granny Square Coat made by my Mom

[Read more…]

October 7, 2015 by: Janelle Jones

The Quiltmaker’s Gift: Just what is it?

Maker’s Tale Encourages Creativity and Giving

Must Read: Must Hear. A Tale for all ages.

Must Read, Must Hear: Tale for all ages.

UPDATE 11.03.15: Subscriber awarded free copy of this title in First Ever Sew God Children’s Literature Drawing!

Congrats to Jerry Janet Cook of Hazelwood, MO! Enjoy!

The story. The illustration. STORY. ILLUSTRATION. Those who’ve read The Quiltmaker’s Gift (TQG) written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marken understand this pondering:

“Is it the story or the illustration that creates such a beautiful, insightful experience?”

In real life, imagery and creativity is supposed to come wrapped around our stories. And, without our words, pictures and illustrations don’t always tell our tale. No matter what we attempt to convey on our personal social media.

In the midst of our to-dos, events, obligations, deadlines, schedules, bills, laundry, sad times and joy-filled times our creativity with it’s lovely rippling effects gets lost. Without our nurturing our creative souls with its precious byproducts mingled in, we miss life as intended.