MrsK's K-8 Books Worth Reading

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The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Story

 

About the Book
 The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle
Author: Daniel Petronelli
Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, 
Action & Adventure
Release date: October 2021
In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find 
themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, 
their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life 
lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award-winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles 
and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.
Click here to get your copy!

MrsK's Review:
Meet Stephanie a bright and charming 10-year-old who is excited about preparing for the Christmas celebration. Her family lives in a cabin in Shiloh. On this Christmas eve, Stephanie is getting a cup of cocoa and a blanket to join dad for a moment before the town's celebration. Her sister, Jessica, is preparing for her first date to the Annual Christmas Eve Celebration on Faith Hill. Her mother is baking the blueberry pie for the evening's gathering. Everyone is feeling joyous anticipation and for a brief moment in time, Stephanie and her dad are enjoying a quiet time together.

"The sparkling lights were reflections of the evening's first winter stars."
With cocoa in hand, Stephanie asks her dad how the mountain became Faith Hill. And so, the story unfolds...
Two towns, six boys, and a Nor'easter blizzard. Forty years ago, Shiloh had "suffered" a devastating drought into winter. On Christmas Eve there arose two decisive plans in bringing a Christmas tree of hope to the town of Shiloh. The result of that evening became known as the "True meaning of Christmas."  Seeds of faith were planted within the hearts of both towns (Joshua 1:9).

This Christmas tale is wonderous story of giving and helping others. The masterful storytelling about Faith Hill and it's two townships is woven with a purity within a period of time that has gotten lost in today's commercialized celebrations of Christmas. This novella is a perfect read-aloud for all ages. The journey of the boys, the town's committed search, and the message of hope is felt in those moments on Faith Hill in the bitter cold. The glory of the quest becomes the lesson of those who experienced the true meaning of Christmas.

Create a new Christmas tradition... bake a blueberry pie... make hot cocoa... gather some quilts... and settle in for a "read-aloud" moment in time... 
Blessings to all,
MrsK   

Meet the Author
Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides
his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader 
where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his 
original songs: “Walking in the Light” and “Providence.”

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and 
his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. 
It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today. This inspired 
story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the 
SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around 
the world.  Home - The Seed of Faith Christmas Story

“The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle” is an inspiring story about the joy and 
blessings of faith. I originally wrote this heartfelt story as a Christmas gift for my family, 
and it has since become a cherished tradition for us to read together on Christmas Eve. 
Encouraged by friends and relatives, I was inspired to share this story with a wider audience.

The book features numerous beautiful color illustrations by the talented artist Emily Pritchett.
Books | The Art of Emily Hurst Pritchett

At its core, this multi-award-winning tale focuses on finding courage during life’s most 
challenging moments and drawing strength from the Lord, knowing that He is always by 
your side. Its captivating spiritual adventure unfolds as a small group of children finds 
themselves lost in a powerful storm on Christmas Eve, making it an engaging read for children.

This story glorifies the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.
It illustrates the power of just one tiny seed of faith, showing that with God’s blessings, 
it can grow in the hearts and change the lives of all who believe.

My earnest hope is that “The Seed of Faith” will continue to take root and flourish in the 
hearts of readers around the world. Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children—
what greater gift could we possibly give?

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, December 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, December 8


Simple Harvest Reads, December 10 (Author Interview)



For the Love of Literature, December 13 (Author Interview)



Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 15 (Author Interview)


Blossoms and Blessings, December 17 (Author Interview)

MrsK Books to Go, December 17


To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Visa gift certificate
 and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! 
Click the link below to enter.

No comments:

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”


FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

2014

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