About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

A Pocketful of Wonder: 50 Hands-On Adventures for Kids to Discover God's Creation by Amanda Dykes

ABOUT THE BOOK

Invite Kids to Delight in the Wonder All around Them

In a world increasingly dependent upon screens and technology, it's as crucial as it is countercultural to help kids capture the natural joys and treasures each day holds. Written and illustrated by mom of four, former teacher, and award-winning author Amanda Dykes, this family-friendly field guide offers fifty low-prep or no-prep hands-on activities that invite children and their caregivers to spot the wonders of God's creation. Taking a multisensory approach, each entry

· incorporates physical activity, art, music, poetry, exploration, Scripture, and prayer
· appeals to a vast array of personalities, interests, learning types, and abilities
· offers tools to see and magnify the meaning God has woven into this world
· fills little hearts with hope while pointing to a Creator who loves them very much

Small in size but big in impact, A Pocketful of Wonder is an adventure-filled guide that encourages parents, caregivers, and young children to see and explore our amazing world.


Want to learn more? Visit the Explore Wonderwood Adventures Website!






MY THOUGHTS.....

I've learned that this author's name on a book cover guarantees a beautiful work of fiction, but Amanda Dykes has taken a new direction. She's written a non-fiction book that caregivers can share with the children in their lives. I had the chance to preview a short excerpt, and I am captivated by what I've read so far!


This book begins with the words "In a land full of storybook wonder...", and I discovered many years ago the many wonders found between the pages of a book! Reading became my passion, but I also experienced the joy of playing outside until it was too dark to see, pretending to be a kidnapped princess, or using God's creation to create dolls out of hollyhock flowers. Our family owned a b&w TV, but who wanted to watch television when you could do these things?


A Pocketful of Wonder is divided into themed sections, topics, and entries. Each of the 50 entries has five elements labeled the 5 P'S: Pause, Ponder, Pray, Play, and Pair. Dykes offers prompts and suggestions for using these elements and there's also a Bible verse that connects God's Word with that day's activities. I especially love this!

The timing of the publication for this fantastic resource couldn't be more perfect, as Spring and Summer are great times for children to step away from their computers and video games! Grab a copy of A Pocketful of Wonder, enjoy the months ahead, and teach your children about the wonders of God's creation!

I received a complimentary excerpt from the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Amanda Dykes is a spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (Christy Award finalist, starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. 

Find her online by visiting her Website  

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OTHER BOOKS BY AMANDA DYKES

All the Lost Places
Whose Waves These Are






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