Happy Book Birthday to JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN, ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD by Tara Hackney!

Title: Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World

Author: Tara Hackney

Illustrator: (Photo illustrations)

Publisher: IVP Kids

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Format: Board book, eBook

Summary: The classic song “Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World” has been heard in homes and churches for over a century. This fresh adaptation includes three new stanzas that reflect God’s inclusive love. The vibrant photographs showcase children from around the globe, creating a captivating reading (or singing!) experience for preschoolers and their accompanying grown-ups. With the beautiful reminder that all children of the world are “made and loved so perfectly,” these updated lyrics celebrating God’s love will quickly become a favorite in every home.


Do you have a children’s picture book coming out soon? I’d love to wish it a Happy Book Birthday here on Frog on a Blog! For more information, CLICK HERE.

Two Books Full Of Love (My View Book Review)

Title: Like So

Author: Ruth Forman

Illustrator: Raissa Figueroa

Publisher/Year: Little Simon/2024

Topic/Theme: family, grandparent/grandchild relationships, nature appreciation, love

Of Note: Gorgeous, dreamy illustrations

Title: Same Love, Different Hug

Author: Sarah Hovorka

Illustrator: Abbey Bryant

Publisher/Year: Clarion Books/2023

Topic/Theme: family, friendship, personal space/boundaries, love

Of Note: Fun, bouncy rhymes


Both of these lovely picture books are gentle and poetic but in different ways. And both would make excellent gifts, perfect to share with little readers.

Like So follows a grandmother and grandchild as they spend time together indoors and out throughout the seasons. They pick berries, cook, walk through the forest, build a snowman, and gaze at the stars together. The text is lyrical and simple: I kiss you like so. You kiss me like so. I hug you like so. You hug me like so. We got love…like so. The vivid illustrations are absolutely spectacular and the real star of the book.

Image from Like So/copyright © 2024 by Ruth Forman and Raissa Figueroa

Summary from the jacket flap: A tribute to the powerful bond of love shared by families, especially between grands and grandchildren, Like So shines with a love as natural and connected as the world around us.


Same Love, Different Hug follows a child who loves to hug but wonders what other people like and sets off to discover the answer from their family and friends. The digitally created illustrations are cheery and energetic and feature a cast of diverse kids and adults. Readers will delight in the text, which features internal and end rhymes, and flows at a nice pace: On these days, Daddy likes a sag, droop, need-a-group hug.

Image from Same Love, Different Hug/copyright © 2023 by Sarah Hovorka and Abbey Bryant

Summary from the jacket flap: Same Love, Different Hug is a gentle picture book that looks at how different people connect and navigate boundaries, modeling social-emotional skills for the youngest among us.

Angels, Angels, Everywhere Book Tour

Angels Angels Everywhere banner (2)

I have always found angels fascinating. When I think of angels, I think of light in the darkness, comfort in times of sorrow, and guidance along the path of life. So when I was invited to join the Angels, Angels, Everywhere blog tour to help spread the word about author Michelle Beber’s angel-themed picture book, I hopped aboard. What could be better than a book for children all about angels and the joy, comfort, and unconditional love they bring?

Michelle’s written an article for Frog on a Blog about the year she had her “spiritual awakening”. It’s quite moving. But before we get to the article, let’s learn more about her special book, Angels, Angels, Everywhere.

Angels Angels Everywhere 2 (2)

Title: Angels, Angels, Everywhere

Author: Michelle Beber

Publisher: Balboa Press

Pages: 30

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Children’s Picture Book

Format: Paperback/Kindle/Nook

Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a non-denominational, multiracial book written in delightful rhythm and rhyme and accompanied by charming illustrations.  The themes of constant support and unconditional love are designed to help children deal with everyday experiences in life. 

By developing children’s faith in knowing that they are not alone and building their trust that they are consistently watched over, cared for, and loved, children will become empowered to deal with life’s challenges.  The book also lets children know that angels are there in good times as well, sharing in their joy.

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My Spiritual Awakening

by Michelle Beber

The year 2008 was the year of my “spiritual awakening”. That was the year I realized there was a lot more happening beyond our three-dimensional, physical world.

In February of 2008, I attended the Conscious Life Expo in Los Angeles to see Lisa Williams, the renowned British psychic medium, give readings to lucky audience members. I was a fan of Lisa’s television show, “Life Among the Dead”, and found solace in watching people receive comforting messages from loved ones who had died.

I knew there was a slim chance of receiving a reading in a room filled with hundreds of people, but I brought my mom’s photo with me in the hope it would help her come through. It must have worked because about halfway through the event, I became one of the lucky few who would receive the priceless gift of hearing from my mother who had passed away 22 years earlier.

Lisa had just completed a reading several rows behind me and started to walk toward the row and aisle seat where I was sitting. She stopped right next to me and said, “Shelly, I have a message for you from your mother.” I couldn’t believe it! I knew that was meant for me! Shelly was my childhood nickname. That was no coincidence. My heart started racing with excitement – my mom was there! But then, Lisa went on to do a reading for someone else. I figured if that was all I got, I would go home ecstatic, but my mom wasn’t done with Lisa.

Just as my heart rate had gone back to normal, Lisa walked to the front of the room and said, “I have Sylvie or Sylvia here.” I think I forgot to breathe for a moment because Sylvia was my mother’s name! My heart started racing again with anticipation when Lisa asked if anyone had lost someone with that name. I waited to see if anyone else had, but no one raised their hand. So, I raised my hand and said, “My mom’s name was Sylvia.” Lisa said, “Then, I’m with you. Your mom’s here.” I was trembling in disbelief and on the verge of tears.

Lisa started to describe my mom’s personality, and she was spot on. Then, she told me things only my mother would’ve known. There was no doubt in my mind it was really her. I had never recovered from my mom’s death and hadn’t been able to say goodbye to her. Lisa said, “Your mom wants you to know she’s okay. She says don’t commiserate, celebrate her!” That was my mom’s message for me, and she wasn’t about to let me leave without hearing it. She wanted me to know she was okay and to tell me to be happy and move forward with my life.

At the end of the reading, Lisa said, “She’s with you all the time. She says you’ll always be her little girl.” That was when I lost it. I started crying uncontrollable tears of joy knowing my mom was right there with me.

The reason I’m sharing this story is to let people know that there’s nothing to fear about contacting your loved ones on the other side. On the contrary, it’s one of the most comforting experiences you’ll ever have.

Lisa’s reading proved to me that our loved ones never really die. Their physical bodies may be gone, but their souls live on in spirit, and those spirits continue to watch over us, comforting us when we need it and celebrating with us as we achieve milestones in our lives. Love is what keeps us connected, and love never dies.

Michelle Beber

Michelle Beber

Michelle Beber has certifications as an Angel Intuitive and Angel Oracle Card Reader from renowned “angel lady”, Doreen Virtue, as well as certifications as a Spiritual Teacher and Archangel Life Coach from Doreen’s son, Charles Virtue.

In 2008, Michelle’s life changed when she attended a spiritual retreat and learned about angels and how they communicate through repetitive number sequences known as “angel numbers”. Little did she know that this insight would lead her on an amazing spiritual journey that would directly connect her with angels and result in the discovery of her life purpose.

Always grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received, Michelle looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has gained to inspire others, especially children. Michelle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

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