New Releases by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Daddy's bedtime story turns into a collaborative and unforgettable tale thanks to Sophie's narrative revisions.

This charming, playful story-in-verse introduces children to a variety of different poetic forms while walking them through all the twists and turns of welcoming a new baby into the family. Mama is having a baby. Everything’s starting to change. God, can you tell me what happened? Life is becoming so strange. Since the Baby Came offers a unique take on a timeless topic. The heartfelt and humorous drama unfolds completely in verse, addressing the full range of emotions a young child experiences when a new baby joins the family—from surprise and confusion to feelings of neglect and jealousy to wholehearted tenderness and affection. The book also introduces young children to the playfulness and fun of various forms of poetry, from senryu to villanelle. Look out! It’s a diaper volcano! Forgive me for being abrupt. There isn’t much time to explain—OH! That thing is about to erupt!

"What does it mean to let your light shine? This colorful, lively story reassures little ones that God's guidance is like a light that's always there to guide us, and we can let his light shine through us too."--Back cover.

Celebrate the differences that make life richer and more interesting with this inclusive board book about a budding friendship. Making friends is something all children do, but sometimes it can feel scary. They might worry that no one will like them or that they are too different to find a friend. In this sweet board book, the narrator lists all the ways children can be different from a prospective friend: "I wake early. You're up late. My hair's curly. Yours is straight. I can swim, but you can skate. Will you be friends with me?" Instead of worrying that these differences will make friendship impossible, the narrator decides that: "We are different. That's okay! Life is much more fun that way." Perfect for children heading to school or any child in a new situation trying to make friends, this encouraging book reassures readers that diversity is what makes friendship--and life--so interesting.

Now that his family has moved to California, Matthew has doubts as the holiday season approaches. Palm trees? No snow? Its all wrong. Little sister Lucy thinks everything is wonderful, but Matthew knows better. And to top it off, the sudden disappearance of his beloved dog, Jasper, settles it. This will be the worst Christmas ever. Or will it? Surprising events on Christmas Eve just might change everythingand maybe this new place can feel like home to Matthew after all.

In this humorous twist on a visit to the zoo, just who has the more interesting view? Find out in this board book edition of a much-loved title. As morning dawns, the zookeeper makes his rounds, exhorting animals to wake up, comb their hair, and stand up straight. When human visitors arrive, the observations begin to flow: "My, what silly things they do, all these creatures at the zoo. Walking on all kinds of feet, dancing to an inner beat. Babies riding on their backs, on their bellies, snug in sacks. Hear the silly sounds they speak, as they howl and squawk and shriek!" But just who is talking about whom? With a clever twist and a new, sturdy board book format, this book will have even the youngest children begging for a trip to the zoo.

The Bible is full of important and meaningful stories and lessons. But it's also home to some unusual and intriguing facts that kids may not discover in their normal Bible study activities. Geared to emerging readers and presented with a colorful and graphic feel, this book will introduce to children 100 fun and interesting facts about characters, places, and events in the Bible and will help children relate those facts to their own world. It's sure to motivate even reluctant readers to dip into the Bible.

The Veggies know that it's importantâ??and funâ??to thank God for everything that is good. This new board book, with its colorful illustrations and lively verse, is the perfect way to introduce children to the concept of gratitude to God. On each spread, the Veggies take turns naming things for which they are thankful, such as food, family, and friends. Little ones will identify with the Veggies and their list of blessings, and the conclusion of the book challenges children to thank God for the blessings in their own lives.

In this lively VeggieTales book, the Veggies are celebrating Easterâ??coloring eggs, enjoying baskets of candy, and dressing in their Easter Sunday best. There's so much about Easter that is fun! But the Veggies know that the real joy of Easter is that Jesus rose from the dead on that first Easter Day. Children will love the colorful art featuring their favorite Veggie friends. Parents can use this book to introduce little ones to the reason we rejoice at Easter and all year longâ??Jesus is risen!

A colorful activity book featuring the Veggies in fun vacation settings.

A colorful activity book that helps children recognize the blessings in their lives.

Celebrate the real meaning of Easter with this special collection of four Little Blessings books.

Single title not for individual sale. Included in larger packages only

The fourth book in a series of inspirational books for preschoolers. When four-year-old Ryan is stuck inside on a rainy day, his mom suggests that he and his stuffed monkey, Rufus, go on a treasure hunt inside the house. As Ryan goes from room to room, he looks for things that make him happy and says, 'Thank you, God!' Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to the concept of gratitude. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities. Ages 2-5. About Rufus and Ryan: Rufus and Ryan is a series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey, Rufus. Basic Christian and church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an additional focus on character traits and development. The text is presented from young Ryan's perspective as he teaches Rufus about the concepts he is learning himself.

A delightful look at a child's morning activities. This sweet little board book follows a child through her morning routine from the time she jumps out of bed to when she goes outdoors to play. In simple rhyming text, the author gives relatable examples of a child greeting God as she greets the day. Little ones will enjoy the engaging verse and bright illustrations as they learn that God is with us throughout the day. Ages 2-5.

In Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers, Ryan leads his monkey, Rufus, through their bedtime rituals, including saying prayers. He lets Rufus know that prayers are talking to God, and are a way of giving thanks and asking for blessings. About the series: Rufus and Ryan is a new series of board books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. The series focuses on religious and church concepts, as well as character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan's voice as he teaches Rufus about the things he is learning himself. In about 150 age-appropriate words, author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to practices and experiences that many children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to a favorite companion as they go about their daily activities.

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it's time to sing and to pray and to be quiet. About the series: Rufus and Ryan is a new series of board books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. The series focuses on religious and church concepts, as well as character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan's voice as he teaches Rufus about the things he is learning himself. In about 150 age-appropriate words, author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to practices and experiences that many children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to a favorite companion as they go about their daily activities.

The third title in a series of inspirational books for preschoolers. In Rufus and Ryan Celebrate Easter!, four-year-old Ryan and his stuffed monkey, Rufus, learn about the meaning behind the Easter holiday. They celebrate with colored eggs and Easter baskets but learn that Easter is really a day to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, God's son. Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to a holiday that most children experience long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities. Ages 2-5. About Rufus and Ryan: Rufus and Ryan is a series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey, Rufus. Basic Christian and church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an additional focus on character traits and development. The text is presented from Ryan's perspective as he teaches Rufus about the concepts he is learning himself. Each story is about 150 words, using age-appropriate vocabulary and themes.

The boys and girls get to sail on a ship! They catch fish and help out on the ship. How would you help the sailor on his ship?

There are many ways to show respect depending on where you are and who you are with. You can show respect at school and when playing with friends. What are some ways to show respect?

There are many ways to show respect depending on where you are and who you are with. You can show respect at school and when playing with friends. What are some ways to show respect?

We love to fly kites and jump rope. We play all day! What should we play next?

Make bedtime memorable and meaningful with this special collection of four favorite Little Blessings stories. All the stories and prayers tell of God's love, and help kids learn to thank God each day. As they drift off to sleep, they will be assured of God's protection, and comforted by his love.

Shows parents, teachers, and group leaders how to work as a team to teach the values children need to lead happy, "value-able" lives. A full chapter on each value (cooperation, courage, friendship, honesty, kindness, loyalty, respect, self-control, sharing, and tolerance) helps teach children the meaning of each value and how to activate that value in their daily lives. There are finger-plays, open-ended stories, thought-provoking discussion questions and role-plays, fun activities with step-by-step directions, ongoing projects, reading lists, practical suggestions, and many other helpful tools to guide you in a school, home, or group setting. Teach your children to be "value-able" and give them a gift that will sustain them for life!

***NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK*** ​Feasting on the Word is one of the most popular lectionary commentary series in use today. This is the first in a new series of daily devotionals that draws from the wealth of writing in the commentaries to present inspirational reflections, responses, and prayers for each day of the lectionary year. Each day of the week contains Scripture passages for the coming Sunday from the Revised Common Lectionary, excerpts from the commentaries for reflection, a response, and a prayer. Additional material is provided for each Sunday.

Feasting on the Word has quickly become the most popular lectionary commentary series in use today. This is the first in a new series of daily devotionals that draws from the wealth of writing in the commentaries to present inspirational reflections, responses, and prayers for each day of the lectionary year. Each day of the week contains Scripture passages for the coming Sunday from the Revised Common Lectionary, excerpts from the commentaries for reflection, a response, and a prayer. Additional material is provided for each Sunday. These handsome volumes will be packaged in a soft leather-like cover with rounded corners, a stamped cover, and a sewn-in ribbon to help you keep your place. Feasting on the Word is a twelve-volume lectionary commentary series that presents brief essays on each of four perspectives--exegetical, theological, pastoral, and homiletical--for each of the four Sunday readings. The series is edited by Barbara Brown Taylor and David L. Bartlett with a distinguished editorial board, and has been produced in partnership with Columbia Theological Seminary. For more information about the series and other related projects, visit FeastingontheWord.net.

Bostrom, author of the popular books 99 Things to Do Between Here and Heaven and Making Space for the Spirit, offers fun, practical, and thought provoking ideas for nurturing the spiritual lives of children, parents, and families. Each of the 99 entries includes a Scripture passage, a theoretical or practical suggestion for weaving together faith and daily life, and a provocative challenge that encourages readers to spend some time contemplating the lessons learned.

Having a bad day? Having a bad year? With this warm and thoughtful volume, Kathleen Long Bostrom offers one hundred simple exercises that will boost and strengthen your spirit--that essential part of you that connects you to God. These exercises will help readers nurture their souls, a practice too often ignored as we deal with the day to day minutia of our lives. Each imaginative entry contains a practical step to boost the spirit, a relevant Scripture passage and quotation for reflection, a fun fact related to the exercise, and ample space for journaling. More than simply cheering us up, Bostrom's suggestions, thoughtfully undertaken, can create an enduring shift in how we choose to view the inevitable downsides of life.