I have found a new favorite children’s author! Julia Cook has managed to combine entertainment, colorful, fun illustrations, and addressing the issue of children’s worries in this wonderful book. The story will definitely keep and child’s attention.
Wilma Jean is a “worry wart”. Her anxieties surround “what if’s” of many things in and out of her control. Sounds like a lot of adult worry doesn’t it?
I thought it was so insightful how Ms. Cook dealt with Wilma Jean’s fears through the eyes of a child! Children worry a lot nowadays but most of the time they don’t feel comfortable or know how to share those concerns with adults. They sometimes even think the grown-ups will see their apprehension as silly, and unfortunately there are times they are told just that
Children will be able to connect with Wilma Jean and realize they aren’t alone. Better yet the child will be guided in how to view and deal with their worries. It isn’t just an enjoyable story; there are solutions offered. I believe adults should read the books too as they may be guilty of brushing off their little one’s burdens and not taking them seriously. They are serious to the child! Another plus I see is that this will be a starting point at a young age for kids to learn how to deal with stressors in their life. At the back of the book the author gives 16 ideas for adults, parents, and teachers to help an anxious child.
I know this book is for children ages 2 – 5 years but I would extend it to 10 years old. I am thinking about incorporating it into a Bible study for our ladies group on worry. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Cook’s books! Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of them!

There are several books published on small portion desserts and even meals, but this is the only one I know of with just pies! And who doesn’t like pie! Being it is only pies, this is still a very versatile cookbook. There is a great variety of recipes, each category having savory and sweet. Many of the recipes give the option to bake full size or smaller size pies. There are cutie pies baked in standard muffin tins, Petit-5s bake in mini muffin tins, pie jars, hand held pies, pie pops (love this one!), and standard size pies. There is a special chapter with different crust recipes, measurements for all the pies, and how to make the perfect crust. Even after many years of baking I learned some new things here!
This is a quality cookbook. Cover and pages are sturdy. The pictures are great and very tempting. Recipes are simple to read and follow. Ingredients are not complicated and the majority you will have on hand. I liked the heavy glossy pages that will hold up to many years of baking.
In the past, everyone baked pies but not so much now. Most are store or bakery bought. This book is a goldmine of gifts, treats for your family or parties. I think many would be great for bake sales. Smaller portions especially in desserts make it a treat but no guilt for over indulging. These recipes will give you the opportunities to not only bake something yummy, but also to show you took the time to show you really care. It would be fun for the family to have an all pie day! Pies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! With this cookbook you could do it!
I received this book free from Andrew McMell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.