Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness endures forever. Psalms 136:3 (AMP)

I want to share a beautiful children's book I received the other day. Before I even opened it I was impressed with the artwork, at how well Olya Bodulina, who lives in Russia, knew our animals and our scenes. 

There is lots to share with your child. Author Jean Matthew Hall's child-friendly rhythmic language invites the reader/listener to share in God's blessings. The words and pictures are well matched to invite children 4-8 years old into the world of fall.

The blessings God has provided for the animals and us will help open children's eyes to the happenings around them. Some of the scenes are familiar, others will be new but intriguing to young minds. Parents can use the story and pictures to help children notice the animals and the changes in their own backyard or on trips to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and leaf-peeping adventures. As a parent, I would love to make a checklist or a bingo game for my children to look for the animals and the blessings God has provided for them and for us. 

Blessings are all around us this fall. Taking time to notice brings joy in the midst of our craziness. I want to encourage my family and others to give prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the fall. 

God's Blessings of Fall is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Be sure to watch for more of Jean's books to come in the Blessings series. 

I give God's Blessings of Fall 5 stars! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your blessings of a beautiful fall, food on our table, and warm homes with family we love. May we honor and thank you not just at Thanksgiving but all year long. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

I'd like to share a few books about family get-togethers as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week. They are not about Thanksgiving but about family visits, some in the mountains, some at the beach, and some may just be next door. Look for things the families have in common as well as their differences. 

The Pink House by Sally Kate Palmer

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain by Chris Demarest

Grandma's Feather Bed by John Denver

How is your family like the families in the books? How are they different? What sounded like fun? What new celebrations would you like to add to your family gatherings?