Wednesday, September 16, 2015

PICTURE BOOK REVIEW w/ CD Giveaway: My Home Can be a Holy Place by Kristen M. Oaks


ABOUT THE BOOK

Lily is a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place.

Through Lily's story, told by Kristen M. Oaks and illustrated by award-winning Latter-day Saint artist Dan Burr, we are invited into Lily's home to share time with her family.

Children will love seeing how Lily and the other children contribute to the spiritual environment of their home through their everyday activities. We seem them praying, working together, eating dinner as a family, reading the scriptures, counseling together to make good decisions, participating in family home evening, sharing the gospel with friends and family, and learning to love one another. They love the Lord and feel His Spirit in their home.

This delightful book shows readers of every age how homes can becomes holy places in which children grow up in the Lord.

The website www.HomeCanBeAHolyPlace.com is designed to be a living document. It develops the themes introduced in the book and is enriched by contributions from reader to reinforce teachings, expand ideas, and inspire children and parents to make their home a holy place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

KRISTEN MCMAIN OAKS has spent much of her life teaching. She earned a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in special education (both from the University of Utah), and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Brigham Young University. She was a former educational consultant in the publishing industry, instructing teachers and supervisors both nationally and internationally. She was also a Visiting Assistant Professor at BYU and served a full-time mission to Japan. After marrying Elder Dallin H. Oaks, she taught and trained auxiliaries in the Philippines for two years while he served as Area President. She currently serves on the board of trustees of the Deseret International Foundation and the Primary Children's Hospital and recently authored the book, A Single Voice. In addition to her love of teaching, she loves being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband reside in Utah.

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children's books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.

BOOK REVIEW

While not strictly a story, My Home Can Be a Holy Place, shares the experiences of Lily and her family as they strive to make their home a holy place.  Each page details a particular aspect of their efforts, a home of prayer, a home where members work together, a home blessed by priesthood power, etc.  Additionally, each page has a quote from a general authority or a scripture that highlights the principle being shared.  Dan Burr's illustrations are gorgeous (as usual) and do a beautiful job of highlighting important aspects of the text. The book would work well with younger children and families that need help focusing on making their home a better place.  Plus the book is just a beautiful reminder of what an ideal home looks like.  While home is rarely a perfect place, following the principles outlined in this book will sure bring a family that much closer to it.  Perfect for family home evenings or even bedtime.

My Home Can Be a Holy PlaceABOUT THE CD

From one of the world's premier violinists comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as "Love at Home" and "I Am a Child of God," stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms's "Cradle Song," and beloved children's tunes. The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

Track list:

Love at Home
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
Songs My Mother Taught Me
I Feel My Savior's Love
Brahms's Cradle Song
I Am a Child of God
Love Is Spoken Here

CD REVIEW

Jenny Oaks Baker proves once again her prowess with the violin.  I absolutely loved listening to this CD.  The songs are so tenderly shared, I don't see how you could listen to these performances and not be touched.  The arrangements are gorgeous and Baker plays beautifully.  Highly, highly recommended.

CD GIVEAWAY

1 CD of Music by Jenny Oaks Baker
US only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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