A Child of God by Chantel and Mauli Bonner and Morgan Bissant

A Child of God

Written by Chantel and Mauli Bonner

Illustrated by Morgan Bissant

Published by Ensign Peak

Publication Date: September 7th, 2021

Description:

Even with a different name and skin a different shade, everyone’s a child of God. He loves us all the same.

A rhyming, read-aloud book with warm illustrations conveys a comforting, faith-filled message from a Black father and mother to their children who see visual representations of their Christian faith, but question what it means when they don’t see their skin color, their physical features, or their gender portrayed. 

 “What about the angels, will they stop and stare, when they see that I may not have their same color hair?” asks the girl.

 In soothing verse, the father assures his children that everyone looks like Jesus and the angels by the things they do. As the family walks through their neighborhood, the father points out the beauty in God’s creations, from flowers, all unique and different, to all the children in their community “each with skin a different shade.” He reminds his children that pictures of faith such as angels were drawn by someone and encourages his children to draw their own pictures so angels look like all of us. 

About the Author: 

Mauli Junior Bonner is a songwriter and film director from Las Vegas, Nevada. He recently completed production on the award-winning film His Name Is Green Flake Chantel L. Bonner is a University of Southern California alumna and works as a licensed marriage and family therapist providing trauma-informed care to children in foster care. The Bonners have been happily married for more than ten years and live in Southern California with their two children, Geo and Ari. The Bonners are dedicated to equality and justice among marginalized communities, and they provide resources to underserved children through their nonprofit, Lift Up Voices.

Illustrator Morgan Bissant is based in New Orleans. She started drawing as a child by copying cartoons and other things around her. She later attended a professional art school, pursuing a career in illustration and design. She received a degree in fine arts at Louisiana State University. She focuses on characters with various skin tones and distinct features, seeking to bring ideas to life and inspire others through illustrations. 

Review:

This is a lovely book about how we are ALL children of God, no matter what we look like. It's an engaging book that deals with real concerns, has great illustrations, and includes a discussion guide to facilitate conversations with children. My children all enjoyed this story; my baby (20 months) saw it on my bed and wanted me to read it to her--and immediately upon finishing it wanted me to read it to her again and again. I also read it with my 8-year-old twins (boy and girl) and 4-year-old son; they all listened to it and wanted to look in-depth at each picture and talk about different things they noticed. When we finished, I used some of the discussion questions to engage in more conversation right away, and then brought up other questions from the guide later on. This is a book with a very important message, and I highly recommend it!

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Author Interviews:

https://youtu.be/FBaS9d_N1M4

https://youtu.be/FHNUy2fPrrg

 

Lucy Tries Hockey

Lucy Tries Hockey
Written by Lisa Bowes
Illustrated by James Hearne

When Lucy is ice staking with her family, she sees a hockey game going on and decides she's like to try playing hockey. Enrolling in a hockey clinic, Lucy starts learning hockey basics and has fun playing a new sport.

Bright, colorful illustrations and simple text encourage kids to try sports and to be active. I love the fact that this is a series of books featuring an athletic girl trying out a variety of sports. I hadn't read any of the Lucy Tries books before, but I'll happily be looking for more now.


I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 stars.

The Picky Eater

The Picky Eater
Written by Betsy Parkinson
Illustrated by Shane Clester

Piper is a picky eater--with her particular palate, she prefers provisions that start with "P." What will she do when her parents persist in presenting her with uninviting options?

This colorful book makes a situation many families face humorous, giving families an opportunity to talk about being willing to try new foods. The illustrations are appealing, and my picky eater was eager to read this book with me.

I read a copy via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars.

A Place for Pluto

A Place for Pluto
Written by Stef Wade
Illustrated by Melanie Demmer

When Pluto is told that he is no longer a planet, he doesn't know what to think. He must belong with someone--but as he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids, he finds he doesn't fit with them, either. Surely, there must be a group for Pluto!

My kids and I loved this book! We love reading books about outer space, and this one, with awesome illustrations and fun text, personifying Pluto and other objects in space, was a lot of fun to read. Information at the end of the book helps to explain why Pluto was reclassified. A great choice for families or classrooms and space lovers.

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars.

A Tiger Called Tomás

A Tiger Called Tomás
By Charlotte Zolotow

Tomás has moved to a new town, and while his mamá encourages him to reach out to those around him, Tomás is afraid they won't like him and doesn't talk to anyone. When Halloween comes, Tomás, in his tiger costume, sets out for a night of trick-or-treating--and finds that his neighbors know who he is, even in his costume, and that they really do like him.

I don't think I've read the earlier versions of this story (this is the fourth version), but I really liked this book. The text wasn't too heavy-handed, and the illustrations were absolutely beautiful. Really nicely done.

4 stars.

 I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

How to Catch a Mermaid

How to Catch a Mermaid
By Adam Wallace

Two friends and a dog try to catch a mermaid, but their best-planned traps aren't enough to catch the elusive creature.

With simple rhyming text and bright, colorful illustrations, this is a great summertime picture book. The illustrations are as vivid as the narrator's imagination. This book is really adorable and lots of fun.

4 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Giggly Guide

The Giggly Guide: How to Behave at School by Phillipe Jalbert
& The Giggly Guide: How to Behave by Phillipe Jalbert

Each spread in these book contains a bright, colorful page with a rule for good behavior accompanied by a colorful, giggle-inducing illustration that shows what happens when you DON'T use good manners.
How to Behave at School covers things like  properly using supplies and respecting property, how to behave at lunch, and bathroom etiquette, while How to Behave covers things like basic manners (cover your mouth when you sneeze, don't pick your nose), safety (not playing with matches or knives), interacting with others (ask before you borrow something), and more. These books lived up to their titles--my kids were very giggly as we read them. This is a fun way to remind kids about good manners, allowing you to get across the message without making it feel like a lecture.

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wake Up, Baby Bear!

Wake Up, Baby Bear!
Written by Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by Tori Weidner

Although it's time to wake from hibernating, Baby Bear's family and friends just can't get the tired bear to wake up. It takes a mother robin with a few well=placed pecks to get this bear awake.

This is a cute companion book to "Baby Bear's Not Hibernating." The pictures are soft and beautiful and the story is cute. Highly recommend this one for families and libraries.

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars.

Red Sky at Night

Red Sky at Night by Elly MacKay

This beautifully illustrated picture book shares weather sayings, such as "Red sky at night, sailor's delight." Each page features one saying with an accompanying illustration, with brief explanations about each saying at the end of the book. The pictures are gorgeous, which makes the book appealing. The subject matter--the weather sayings--might appeal to fewer people. A lot of the sayings seem to certain around water, so it might be most appealing to those who leave near water or have an interest in the sea. While the book might not have universal appeal, it definitely makes me want to see more of Elly MacKay's work. I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. 4 stars.

My Teacher's Not Here!

My Teacher's Not Here!
Written by Lana Button
Illustrated by Christine Battuz

When Kitty arrives at school, she knows immediately something is wrong--her beloved teacher isn't there to great her. Kitty doesn't know how she'll make it through the day without her teacher, who knows how to do everything just right. How can Kitty make it through the day without Miss Seabrooke?

This is a terrific book! It perfectly captures the anxieties a child might have the first time she has a substitute teacher, while also showing how the child can cope. The rhyming text and adorable illustrations, featuring an animal cast that kids will love, make this an excellent choice for preparing kids for a potentially uncomfortable situation but also just make for a fun read for kids who might have already dealt with a substitute teacher. Very well done.


I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars.

Miles McHale, Tattletale

Miles McHale, Tattletale
By Christianne C. Jones and Elina Ellis

Miles McHale is excellent at tattling--he does it ALL the time. When his teacher decides to have a contest to see which team can tattle the least, Miles is NOT an asset to his team. He has a difficult time figuring out when it's okay to tattle and when it's not. But as he keeps practicing, then it starts to click.

This is an adorable way to address a problem that lots of kids have. The illustrations are super cute; I love them. The text is fun, and it's realistic to see how Miles struggles to understand when it's tattling and when it's helpful. The little rhymes to help know when to tell and when not to tattle are helpful. This is a book I'm sure I'll read over and over with my kids!

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars.

Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs
By Nadine Brun-Cosme and Aurelie Guillerey
Matthew's dad's green car has a little trouble starting in the morning, so Mathew is worried about how he'll get home from school. His dad quickly reassures him that he'll use whatever means available--the neighbor's red tractor, two bunnies to hop under his feet, a green dragon, etc.--to pick him up from school. And if all else fails, he provides an answer that lets Matthew know Daddy won't leave him at school.

I loved the message of this book, how his dad will find a way to take care of him. It's sweet and reassuring and will make kids laugh while at the same time, provide the reassurance they need that they won't be left behind. The illustrations aren't my personal favorite (I prefer a more realistic style), but I think kids will enjoy them as well.
4 stars.
I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Squiggly Story

A Squiggly Story
By Andrew Larsen and Mike Lowery

A little boy sees his sister writing stories and wants to be able to do the same--but he doesn't know how to write words yet. His sister encourages him to start with a single letter, so he does, and from there, he finds that he CAN write a story, just using what he does know.

I loved this book; it totally reminded me of my three-year-old twins, who like to "write" even though don't really know how; but they will scribble down a bunch of letters, lines, squiggles, etc. and then proceed to tell me all about what it says. So, this book really struck home with me; it was realistic and also sweet to see how the sister encouraged her little brother and how he was able to find his voice, so to speak.
5 stars.
I read a copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

There, There

There, There
By Tim Beiser; Illustrated by Bill Slavin
When a rainy day forces him to stay inside, Hare is quite upset. His friend Bear tries to comfort him, but as Hare's whining continues, Bear decides to teach him a lesson instead.

The full color illustrations are engaging and the rhyming text is good (not the same old predictable sort of rhymes). This book wasn't quite my thing--but I can totally picture kids, particularly little boys, getting a big kick out of it, especially the ending.
3.5 stars.
I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I Want a Friend

I Want a Friend
By Anne Booth; Illustrations by Amy Proud

Arthur wants to make a friend, but he isn't entirely sure how to go about it--and his initial attempts don't work out so well. But maybe Lily can help him learn how to be a good friend.

 I love the illustrations; they're so cute. I also like the concept--navigating the waters of friendship isn't easy, and kids will relate to the Arthur's struggle. The rhyming text was pretty good; some of the passages were better than others, but overall, they worked okay. A fun book to share with kids and talk about how to be a good friend.
3.5 stars
I read a copy available through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I'll Hug You More

I'll Hug You More
By Laura Duksta and Melissa Iwai
There are lots of chances and reasons to give hugs throughout the day, and this beautiful picture book explores many of them--first from a parent's perspective, and then, when you flip the book over, from the child's. The illustrations--full color spreads--are so beautiful, with a variety of different animals, and kids will love looking at them. This is the perfect book for cuddling up at bedtime and is sure to inspire a few extra hugs. It's absolutely adorable!

5 stars!

Never Follow a Dinosaur

Never Follow a Dinosaur
By Alex Latimer
Joe and Sally find dinosaur tracks and try to deduce what is going on--when the tracks are deep, they realize it must be a heavy dinosaur; when there is a pile of leaves on the tracks, they decide the dinosaur must have hit his head on an overhanging branch, etc. When the tracks just mysteriously end, they can't figure out how the dinosaur just disappeared--so they decide to set a trap. But will they catch their quarry...or will he catch them?

Really fun book. The illustrations are cute and engaging, and it's fun to see what Joe and Sally deduce about their dinosaur. The text is fun, as each deduction adds to the previous (a very hungry dinosaur, a very hungry, heavy dinosaur, etc.), and the twist ending will make kids laugh. Although there are tons of dinosaur picture books, this one stands out.

 I read a copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 stars.

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend
By Andy Andrews
Henry is lonely, so his parents tell him that they'll find him a special, one-of-a-kind friend. Henry imagines what sort of pet that might be--like a goldfish with antlers or a goat with 10 feet. What he ends up getting, though, is the perfect pet for him.
Kids will enjoy the cute illustrations, particularly the ones of the special pets Henry imagines, and the rhyming text is fun to read aloud.
I read a copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
4 stars.

Pirates in the Library

Pirates in the Library
Nadia Ali

When one of the Dread Pirate Dewey's treasure maps makes it way to Captain Jake's pirate ship, he's determined to find the treasure at the library. But when he and his crew arrive, they find, with some help from Librarian Ms. Benitez, that while there IS treasure to be found, it's not what they expected.
What a cute idea! This is a fun way to discuss the treasure that books are without being heavy-handed or boring. The illustrations are fun, and while the book is geared toward children, even adults will get a kick out of the humor.

I read a copy available through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
4 stars.

Wade's Wiggly Antlers

Wade's Wiggly Antlers
By Louise Bradford and Christine Battuz

Although Wade's mother has warned him that his antlers will fall off, he is still upset when they start to wiggle. Afraid they'll fall off if he's too active, he sits out while his friends play. Eventually, though, he comes to realize that he'd rather play, too, and he will be okay if his antlers fall off.

This is a cute book about growing up and the changes that come. The illustrations are terrific! I love the colors, which cover most pages, and the patterned backgrounds. This is a really cute book that could be used to talk to children about anxiety about growing up.

I read a copy available through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.