Introducing New Children's Books from Thomas Nelson, including Dream Big for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich, Ocean's World by Carlos and Alexa Penavega plus a Lift-the-Flap Bible Storybook
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of these books from the publisher, Thomas Neslon. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. This blog post includes affiliate links. View my affiliate disclosure here.
Ocean’s World
An Island tale of discovery and Adventure
By Carlos and Alexa Penavega, illustrated by Kiersten Eagan
Published by Thomas Neslon
Age 4+
Explore oceans, discover island volcanoes, and learn fascinating marine facts in Ocean's World, an action and adventure story for kids!
Celebrity couple Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, known for their starring roles in Big Time Rush and Spy Kids, respectively, debut their first picture book, inspired by their firstborn son, Ocean, and their home in Hawaii. Follow along as Ocean and his little brother, Kingston, explore the beautiful island of Maui in search of a sunrise shell. But will they find this rare shell before the island volcano erupts and covers the beach with lava?
As Ocean and Kingston's exploration unfolds, you'll encounter so many fun and educational surprises along the way! During their journey you'll learn
how high a dolphin can jump
where you can find a sea turtle egg
what makes a volcano active
how far a humpback whale migrates
how tall a palm tree grows
and much more!
My Thoughts:
This little book is just darling! My daughter and I love the beautiful illustrations! It is a sweet story about two little boys who go in search of a “sunrise” seashell that they want to surprise their mama with on her birthday. As they search and explore the beautiful Hawaiian island they call home, they discover all sorts of beautiful things like baby sea turtles, various shells, a volcano, an eel… Each page has a little educational fact that goes with the story. This picture book encourages the excitement of thoughtfulness, gift-giving and determination, plus beautifully displays the wonder of the islands and various ways to explore. We loved the last page with the sparkly “touch and feel” seashell.
Note: This book does not contain any faith-based elements.
Dream Big for Kids
Written by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich, Illustrated by Sian James
Published by Thomas Neslon
Age 4+
What if you were created for something so special, so amazing, so big that you could change the world? Dream Big for Kids, by New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff and his daughter, Lindsey, shares the inspiring message that your dreams have a purpose. In this children's book about aspirations, kids will find that dreaming big is about becoming the wonderful, creative person God created them to be.
Bob Goff wants kids to know that their dreams matter! Dream Big for Kids invites readers on a journey of discovering what it means to dream big. From writing songs to climbing mountains to fighting sickness as a doctor or scientist, dreams don't look the same for everyone. And they don't become "big dreams" because they're loud or popular. Dreams grow from the creative spirit and individual spark God put in each of us to make a difference, to build something new, and to help the world.
My Thoughts:
I could not possible love this precious, soul-filling book more! As a mama, there’s nothing more powerful to me than instilling words of affirmation and love into my daughter’s heart and this amazing new children’s book helps me do just that! This picture book doesn’t tell a story, but rather encourages children to dream big and discover the purpose God has created them for. Beginning with explaining what a dream is to giving a handful of historical examples such as the Wright brothers and Malala Yousafzai, the book then goes on to list different ways a child can use the things they enjoy to build their dreams on. It discusses various gifts such as explorer, encourager, creator, and healer while asking children if any of these things are things they enjoy and encouraging them to dream in big ways. I love that this picture book is easy to understand for my four year old and has gorgeous, vivid illustrations that are engaging and exciting. The words remind us all of God’s great love and the plan He has for each of us. It is our job to find the purpose He has given us and to share His love wherever we go, whatever we do!
This book is encouraging, uplifting, inspiring and meets children on a soul-level, giving them purpose and defining just how important they are in our world today. This is a must-have for any child’s library and would make an excellent gift or church library addition also.
“Some dreams are tougher than others, and not all dreams work out how we expect. The biggest dreams often take the most patience and hardest work, and sometimes you need some help. That’s why God put people in your life who love you and want to help you! Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, because each dream will teach you something more about yourself and about God.
Your wonderful creative dreams matter. They might be the very things God wants to use to make the world a better place. So what is your dream? Make sure you tell everyone what it is and get started. The world needs what only you can bring - your big dreams!”
Here’s To Your Dreams!
A Teatime with Noah Book
By Dave Hollis, Illustrated by Arief Putra
Published by Thomas Neslon
Ages 4+
In this adventure picture book that reinforces a child's self-esteem, father of four and New York Times bestselling author Dave Hollis draws on the themes of his popular video series "Teatime with Noah" to help kids believe in themselves, have courage, and chase after their dreams.
The story begins with one of Daddy and Noah's beloved father-daughter tea parties, as Daddy encourages young Noah to follow her dreams. Young readers will delight to see the tea party transform into a fantastical adventure as Noah discovers that she wants to be a ship captain. But soon everything goes wrong. Noah doesn't know how to be a captain, and she doesn't even have a ship! When she starts to build her own, things go from bad to worse. Through each hardship, Daddy guides Noah, empowering her to ride the waves of life with courage.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet and fun book that is geared towards Daddy and Daughter quality time. Through this picture book, Daddy and his little girl, Noah, explore her dreams and Daddy is a strong supporter of his little girl. He gives her affirmations and encourages her to reach for the stars. When she decides on a dream, they work together and face the trials that come, seeking help together, weathering the storm together and Daddy allows Noah to use her creativity to problem-solve and overcome. It was very sweet and would be an enjoyable story to read together during intentional one-on-one time. The illustrations are darling and very colorful with lots of eye-catching dramatics.
Note: This story is not faith-based and encourages children to follow their hearts. In my opinion, this can be dangerous as the Bible warn Christians that our human nature and desires can lead us astray, so I usually prefer stories that encourage my daughter to follow after God’s heart, and His plan for her life, instead.
My Favorite Lift-The-Flap Bible Stories
Published by Thomas Neslon
Ages: 2+
Unfold your family's beloved stories from Scripture with over 45 flaps, bright artwork, and short, simple text in this interactive Bible storybook for kids. Toddlers and preschoolers will discover hidden surprises as they learn about the adventures of God's people in the Old and New Testaments.
My Favorite Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories shares well-known stories, written for 2- to 6-year-olds:
Creation and the first sin
Noah and the flood
Moses and the Israelites cross the Red Sea
Jonah and the giant fish
the birth of Jesus
the miracles of Jesus
the Easter story
My Thoughts:
This is a precious, large book that my four year old enjoys looking through on her own and having read to her. It is a fun, interactive format to introduce Bible stories in an exciting way. Each story is short and simple, with the beginning of the story on the page and then additional details under each flap. Our first read through the book was a little confusing because my daughter wanted to open the flaps and I read what was inside each one. It was hard to keep the facts and details in chronological order. Now that I know which flap has the correct information, I’m careful to point out which one we read behind next. The book does begin with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden and explains that God had a plan. At the end, with Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection, it explains that this was God’s plan and that Jesus died for the sins of the world. I do wish there was a little salvation message or invitation for children to learn more about what God did for them on the cross, but overall, it’s a cute book that would make a good gift for young children and has adorable illustrations!
