Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrations by Alexandra Colombo
Releases August 2024
Most kids hate to wait. And Harry Hurry-up is no exception. The list of things she hates to wait for range from the oh-so-slow sun to come up in the morning, goopy syrup that takes forever to pour, and sprouts to bud on a potato in a learn and grow class experiment. This whimsically written, rhymed, picture book looks at why her impatience gets the better of her most days, but is off the charts on one particular day, how she unwittingly slows down with the help of God and her Grannie, and why she is so in a hurry in the first place. A surprise ending will have children shouting, “Read it to me again, pa-leeeeze.” The book is the perfect gift for birthdays, and is just right for back-to-school reading.
This charming book also:
- Centers on a universal challenge for children: waiting.
- Appeals to children with whimsical, sweet, and simple rhymed text.
- Introduces witty, saucy, relatable Fancy Nancy-type character.
- Focuses on why slowing down is important.
- Encourages children to trust in God’s timing.
- Demonstrates how being in tune with their surroundings can help children wait.
- Hooks children in with vivid, colorful kid-friendly illustrations.
- Engages children with a story about feelings they can relate to.
- Includes a surprise ending that will have kids clapping for joy.
Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity
2022
90 pages
Adults
ISBN: 979-8-218-12365-9
Amazon$13.99 – Buy now
Signed copies available from the author.
Email alliazobelnolan@gmail.com for more information.
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan
Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity has received a 2023 Indie Book Award for Best Overall Design by the world’s largest not-for-profit book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards Program. Top books were named as winners and finalists in more than 70 publishing categories ranging from action/adventure to young author.
A huge thanks goes to my creative director on this project (and many others) Mary pat Pino, who gave her heart and soul to this project and it shows. Congratulations, Mary pat.
Will your cat’s story go on forever? You be the judge. Need reassurance? Heavenly Headbutts offers it. When a beloved fur baby dies, you never get over it; you just get on with it.
Yet, a glimmer of hope emerges for those who hold out the probability that their cat’s story is not over yet–that there are more high jinks and hairballs to come.
Using Scripture, poetry, brief affirmations and short anecdotes by everyone from Isaiah to John—from George MacDonald to C.S.Lewis, and others, Heavenly Headbutts presents the arguments that lead to a “yes” when it comes to seeing our cats in the afterlife. Until then, the reflections in Heavenly Headbutts are meant to push open the door a crack to let in some light to soothe, console, and comfort those who are grieving.
At the same time, this engaging book presents the interesting and thought-provoking opinions of theologians and famous thinkers who’ve examined the “will my pet go to heaven” conundrum in a way all cat lovers everywhere can consider.
Why a Cat Is Better than a Man
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Nicole Hollander
80 pages
ISBN: 978-0-578-72774-5
All Ages
11.99
Signed copies available from the author.
Email alliazobelnolan@gmail.com
for more information.
In the past, whenever an interviewer asked Allia Zobel Nolan: “Out of all the books you’ve written, which one do you like best?” she’d always answer, “That’s like asking a mother which child is her favorite…. I love all my books,” she’d say. Then she’d coyly admit: ”Though 101 Reasons Why a Cat Is Better than a Man does have a special place in my heart for two reasons: It was the beginning of a long and exciting collaboration (seven books and counting) with the brilliant former nationally-syndicated cartoonist, Nicole Hollander, and it was the start of a life-long involvement with everything and anything to do with the creature I most adore: the cat.”
That’s why once was not enough, says Zobel Nolan. Indeed, she says she reprised this LOL book so a new generation of ailurophiles can judge for themselves whether life may just be better..if not actually meow-velous…with…a creature who walks on four legs rather than two….the cat.
“And to all who’d scoff,” says Zobel Nolan, “the lessons proffered are meant
to be cat-enhancing—not male bashing.”
God Made Us Just Right
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrations by Katy Hudson
Board book
18 pages
ISBN-10 : 0825446635
ISBN-13 : 978-0825446634
Reading level : 3 – 5 years
Publisher: Kregel Publishing
Amazon$11.99 – Buy now
ChristianBook$11.99 – Buy now
Target$11.99 – Buy now
Why do puppies bark, but kittens can’t? Why do elephants have long trunks when other animals don’t? What’s the point of all these differences? God has a reason for creating the animals just the way they are. And he has a reason for making you unique as well. Through whimsical animal illustrations and warmhearted rhymes, young children will learn that our Loving God made all of His creations unique…on purpose.
Kids who always ask, “Why, Mom?” and “How come, Dad?” will easily relate to the back-and-forth question-and-answer format. What’s more, God Made Us Just Right is the perfect tool for parents, caregivers, grandparents, teachers, and clergy to teach several vital messages including that:
- God’s love created us all differently, but “just right,” on purpose
- God had a plan and a design when he made the animals…no two are the same
- God has a plan and design for us as well
- each one of us is unique
- God made us with oodles of love, “just right” so we shouldn’t compare ourselves to anyone else and
- the God who created the world loves diversity and he loves us just the way he created us.
Click here to download your FREE Activity Pages
for God Made Us Just Right
God Made You Just Right ….Whimsical Art from Katy Hudson
What I Like About You: A Book About Acceptance
E book
By Allia Zobel Nolan, Line Drawings by Mary pat Pino
With fun photos, diversity messages, and a chart for keeping track of new friends, this heartfelt book introduces children to kids who are not their mirror image, helping them understand that, though we may all look different, we are, deep down, pretty much the same. This sequel to the bestseller and Mom’s Choice Award Winner, What I Like About Me, is written in kid-friendly rhyme and also includes notes to both the reader as well as parents, grandparents, and educators. The perfect tool for teaching youngsters about diversity and friendship.
“Throughout the book, kids get a chance to see children who aren’t their mirror image judged by the narrator on whether they’re nice, smart, funny, kind, silly, etc.,” says Zobel Nolan. “This helps them understand that these attributes are not mutually exclusive to any one race or culture. Anyone can be nice, loyal, fun.”
Zobel Nolan is hoping the book can be used by schools, churches, and other organizations to foster tolerance, understanding, and acceptance.
What’s more, one dollar of the sale of each book will be donated to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Located in Newtown, Connecticut, CVH’s mission is to enrich the lives of all beings by promoting compassion and acceptance through programs that honor the human-animal bond. Learn more at: https://cvhfoundation.org/
What I Like About You: A Book about Acceptance is available on Amazon as an e-book for Kindle, iPad, and most other devices, as well as in hard and soft cover .
What I Like About You: A Book About Acceptance
By Allia Zobel Nolan, Line Drawings by Mary pat Pino
ISBN: 978-0-578-57266-6 Soft
ISBN: 978-0-578-64127-0 Hard
32 pages
Ages 1-6
$10.99 – Soft Cover – Buy now
$14.99 – Hard Cover – Buy now
The children’s picture book, What I Like About You: A Book About Acceptance, has received a 2020 Indie Book Award for Children’s Picture Books by the world’s largest not-for-profit book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards Program. Top books were named as winners and finalists in more than 70 publishing categories ranging from action/adventure to young author.
With fun photos, diversity messages, and a chart for keeping track of new friends, this heartfelt book introduces children to kids who are not their mirror image, helping them understand that, though we may all look different, we are, deep down, pretty much the same. This sequel to the bestseller and Mom’s Choice Award Winner, “What I Like About Me,” is written in kid-friendly rhyme and also includes notes to both the reader as well as parents, grandparents, and educators. The perfect tool for teaching youngsters about diversity and friendship.
“Throughout the book, kids get a chance to see children who aren’t their mirror image judged by the narrator on whether they’re nice, smart, funny, kind, silly, etc.,” says Zobel Nolan. “This helps them understand that these attributes are not mutually exclusive to any one race or culture. Anyone can be nice, loyal, fun.”
Zobel Nolan is hoping the book can be used by schools, churches, and other organizations to foster tolerance, understanding, and acceptance.
What’s more, one dollar of the sale of each book will be donated to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Located in Newtown, Connecticut, CVH’s mission is to enrich the lives of all beings by promoting compassion and acceptance through programs that honor the human-animal bond. Learn more at: https://cvhfoundation.org/
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU: A Book about Acceptance is available on Amazon and is distributed through Ingram to all major bookstores, libraries, and wherever books are sold.
Samples of Inside Spreads from WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU: A Book About Acceptance.
Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now…Before We Forget
By Allia Zobel Nolan
Laughter Wins Big in World’s Largest NFP Writer’s Competition
The anthology, Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now…Before We Forget, has been named one of the best indie humor books of 2019 by the world’s largest not-for-profit book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards Program. Top books were named as winners and finalists in more than 70 publishing categories ranging from action/adventure to young author.
Published in 2018 by Allia Zobel Nolan in collaboration with the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop at the University of Dayton, the book features nostalgic, humorous coming-of-age essays from Zobel Nolan and 40 funny women in the U.S. and Canada.
“The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop encourages writers to find the courage to put their words down on paper. The work of women writers in this collection is a well-deserved testament to their ability to weave funny stories in the spirit of the celebrated humorist Erma Bombeck,” said Teri Rizvi, founder and director of the workshop.
“Erma Bombeck put women’s humor on the map,” said Nolan, a former senior editor for Reader’s Digest, who has written more than 175 books herself and shepherded this book from concept to creation. “She was to housewives what Spock was to babies. She held up a mirror to her life, burst out laughing, then sat down and chronicled it for millions to enjoy. We hope this book makes readers feel the same way.”
LAUGH OUT LOUD: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now…
Before We Forget
In Laugh Out Loud, Allia Zobel Nolan and 40 contributors from the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop whoop it up with reveries of life in the past lane, the days when some women teased their hair until it gave up, and dated guys who wore more jewelry than a starlet on Oscar night.
Published in association with the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, the book also documents what it is like to go from mood rings to menopause—including stories of an ex-husband’s cremation ceremony, surviving a millennium office, and more.
“Forget the mood-altering drugs,” says Allia Zobel Nolan. “Just pick up a copy of Laugh Out Loud, and be prepared to do just that.”
“But,” says authors Cindy Ratzlaff and Kathy Kinney, “don’t read it with a mouthful of coffee.”
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT LAUGH OUT LOUD:
“ When I was 75, I wrote The Smartest Woman I Know. It’s not about me. But after writing five bestsellers, I’m smart enough to know the recipe for living well and enjoying it more is a good laugh. In Laugh Out Loud, 40 funny ladies share their wit in a book of short, hysterical, anecdotal stories you can dip in and out of on occasion, for instance, in the recovery room after a colonoscopy, or to help quell the pain of a lip wax. It lives up to its title: you’ll laugh out loud.”
– Author of five bestsellers, Ilene (Gingy)
Beckerman, wrote her first book at 60: Love, Loss and What I Wore. The New York Times Book Review described it as “a gem of a book worthy of a Tiffany Box.” The book became a hit Off-Broadway play.
“ Want to avoid wrinkles, stay svelte, and invest smart? This book can’t help. But if you’re looking for an irreverent, non-soppy, laugh-until-you-gag reminder that the only way to survive and thrive in life is to hang on to your sense of humor, then Laugh Out Loud is just the ticket. Just don’t read it with a mouthful of coffee.”
– Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaf f, Authors, Queen of Your Own Life: The Grown-up Woman’s Guide to Claiming Happiness and Getting the Life You Deserve
“These stories will not only entertain, but also remind us that life is too short not to laugh!”
—Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella,
New York Times bestselling authors of I See Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses.
SOME NICE PRESS FROM THE NORWALK HOUR, MAY 1, 2018
NPL Author Highlights Female Humorists Allia Zobel Nolan Laugh Out Loud The Norwalk Hour 050118 A1 A3
PEOPLE ARE READING LOL EVERYWHERE. SEE FOR YOURSELF.
101 Reasons Why a Cat Is Better than a Man
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Nicole Hollander
Publisher: Adams Media
ISBN-10: 1558504362
ISBN-13L: 978-1558504363
80 pages
Adult
When you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout, “Where’s my puddie?” Cat-enhancing, not male-bashing, this hilarious book gives over a hundred reasons why cats win, paws down, over their two-legged counterparts. After all, a cat thinks you should have lots of shoes; they’re not afraid of commitment and they don’t believe in divorce. What’s more, cats don’t care if you have cellulite; they love your cooking, and whether you’re rich, slim, witty or droll, a cat will love you unconditionally.
The Joy of Being Single
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Roz Chast
Publisher: Workman Publishing
ISBN-10: 1563051249
ISBN-13: 978-1563051241
80 pages
Adults
Being single has always gotten a bad rap. It’s not awful. It’s always interesting. And from my point of view, it has great benefits: You can drink the last cold beer, use all the hot water, rip out anything you want from the newspaper, plus you can vacuum twice a day or not at all, sleep with your cats, eat cold pizza for breakfast and jelly beans and coke for dinner, and it doesn’t matter which way the toilet tissue goes on the roll. So if you’re contemplating tying the knot because Mom found a really great cocktail dress, read this book first.
Smelly Feet Sandwiches
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Kate Leake
Publisher: Tiger Tales
ISBN-13: 978-1-58925-836-5
22 pages
Ages 2-7
Warning: smelly feet sandwiches may cause giggles, snorts, and side-splitting laughter…. A wonderfully wacky, kid-pleasing collection of poems guaranteed to have you in stitches—this hilarious book stars a cast of irrepressible characters taking on burps, gremlins, boredom, an ingenious bathroom invention, and much, more.
Noah’s Notebook
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Linda Clearwater
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2508-2
32 pages
All ages
This sidesplitting account includes Noah’s personal notes, sketches, and hilarious anecdotes of this trip of a lifetime, and demonstrates how Noah’s love, obedience, and trust in the Lord saw him and everyone on board through to safety. Young readers will learn even more by looking through the sections at the back of the book which include words to learn, trivia, jokes, and questions and answers to reinforce what they’ve read.
Editorial Reviews:
“Written as a journal from Noah, the illustrations are so colorful and energetic they pop off the page. The writing is clever, witty and full of life. Any child (or adult) will find their imagination captivated by the story of Noah told in this style. Complete with a dedication page, this children’s storybook is the perfect gift for a new mom or a young child on any occasion.
“Noah’s Notebook gets the Golden Bookmark for publishing excellence in children’s books and I’m voting it ‘Best Picture Book of 2009.’”
—A Peek at my Bookshelf
“Noah’s Notebook by Allia Zobel Nolan is a great concept! You’ll love the ‘pictures,’ captions and the creative entries!!!”
—Five Star Reviewed Books
Bunnies Are For Kissing
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Jacqueline East
What are bunnies for? Kissing, of course! And hugging, too. But that’s not the half of it. Follow along as Bunny goes through his day with the support and love of his parents who show him in so many ways, just how special he is. An adorable spring-time book that celebrates the bond parents have with their little bunnies. Perfect for Easter, spring, or just because.
Mrs. McGee’s Coconut
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Peter Cottrill
Publisher: Tiger Tales
ISBN-13: 978-1-58925-079-6
32 pages
Ages 4-8
When Mrs. McGee buys a coconut, she discovers that opening it isn’t as easy as she’d expected. She tries everything, until she whacks it so hard the coconut rolls out her front door and bounds into town! The coconut is soon leaping into a party tent, knocking out a cat, and thundering down a bowling lane. And wherever the coconut goes, the Mrs. isn’t far behind… More fun than a barrel of coconuts…
From Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2009: A runaway coconut stirs up worldwide mischief. It all starts when Mrs. McGee, a colorful figure with wild hair and a bright flowered skirt, buys a coconut. Back home, she can’t crack it open, even with a golf club; it goes bouncing down the hill, breaking up a tea party and boinking a cat named O’Mally on the head. Just as the coconut bounces through a bowling alley, Mrs. McGee hops onto her motorbike in hot pursuit. Before she can catch it, the coconut bounces onto a ship bound for Kashmir, where a monkey snatches it and easily cracks it open by dropping it from a high branch. Back home in Tennessee, Mrs. McGee contemplates the bag of walnuts she’s just bought. The rhyming text rollicks well enough, though geographically savvy readers will wonder what happened to the coconut’s headlong career during the long voyage from Tennessee (via the Mississippi, one assumes) to landlocked Kashmir. A breezy escapade, decorated with loopily eye-catching illustrations from Cottrill, this defines “additional purchase.”
The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Nadine Wickenden.
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-71798-0
12 pages
Ages 3 & up
Combine easy-to-read, rhymed Bible stories, fun, multi-sized flaps, and colorful, kid-friend illustrations and you have the recipe for hours of entertainment for your little one.
Children will not only learn about beloved Bible characters, but also learn the noises the animals make on Noah’s ark, see the frogs jump and the flies swarm in Pharoah’s palace, and experience joy when the rock is moved away and the angel announces:Jesus is risen.
The kid-friend rhymes, Scripture references and can’t–stop- looking-at-them, whimsically painted, textured illustrations from noted artist, Nadine Wickenham, combine to make this book one your child will treasure for years to come.
THANK YOU, GOD: from Kids Around the World
by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310722640,
ISBN-13: 9780310722649, UPC: 025986722647
16 pages
Ages 3-6
From the team that gave you the multi-award, Mom’s Choice winner, WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ME, comes a vibrant look at how kids around the world praise their God and celebrate diversity. As little readers turn the pages, they’ll travel to different countries and get a chance to discover what their friends in Egypt, Russia, Africa, China and other lands are grateful for–things like koala bears, northern lights, windmills, and more. And while they’re thrilling to exotic, new flora and fauna, they’ll get a lift-the-flap surprise on every spread. A great way to celebrate different cultures during Diversity Month (October), Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all year around.
FROM PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY…. A NICE REVIEW FOR THANK YOU, GOD
Thank You, God: A Lift-the-Flap Book (from Kids Around the World)
Allia Zobel Nolan, illus. by Miki Sakamoto. Zonderkidz, $6.99 paper (16p) ISBN 978-0-310-72264-9
A round-the-world travelogue by Nolan, a prolific author of books for children and adults, this lift-the-flap picture book dramatizes scenes from every inhabited continent. From traditional celebrations to natural elements, from lanterns in China to tulips in Holland, from “Lady Liberty” to “elephants and zebras and pink skies that end our days,” Sakamoto’s (Jake’s Pirate Adventure) vibrant yet simple illustrations focus on joyous-looking children playing or engaged in family activities. Each scene shows them expressing gratitude toward God by appreciating unique aspects of their cultures. The story suggests that though from different countries, backgrounds, and religions, people are united by a feeling of the presence of God. A colorful introduction to gratitude, tolerance, and world geography for preschoolers of all ethnic backgrounds. Ages 3-up. (Sept.)
I’d Rather Be A Cat: The Official “Better Than Dogs” Cat Book
Written by: Allia Zobel Nolan – Photos Compiled by Allia Zobel Nolan
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7369-3934-8
64 pages
All ages
It’s obvious to cat people and, actually to most people: Cats are better than dogs, paws down. To remove the last shred of doubt, though, I went to the source for proof: the cats themselves. Cats all over the world backed up their claims with dozens, no hundreds of reasons, why they’re tops. I didn’t have space for all their revelations, but my new book has the best of the best reasons, including:
- A cat’s breath doesn’t smell like a mixture of a dumpster and an old locker.
- Cats would never cling to a guest’s leg, nor slobber all over them.
- Cats don’t have self esteem issues, and don’t need to be people pleasers as everyone loves them regardless.
- Cats don’t feel the need to beg; it’s not their style
These and other sidesplitting facts will prove cat-a-gorically that cats rule; dog drool. Sorry, Fido, there just no contest. Cats have dogs licked, paws down.
What People Are Saying About: I’d Rather Be a Cat:the Official “Better than Dogs” Cat Book
http://www.bjbangs.net/2012/03/09/ask-allia-zobel-nolan-why-id-rather-be-a-cat/
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs025/1102543180234/archive/1109285248295.html
Dog Confessions: Shocking Tales Straight From The Doghouse
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan – Photos Compiled by Allia Zobel Nolan
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN-10: 0736944591
ISBN-13: 978-0736944595
64 pages
All ages
On February 1, 2012, the most sought-after dog shenanigans tell-all book, Dog Confessions: Shocking Tales Straight from the Doghouse, will pad its way onto shelves in real and virtual bookstores everywhere, exciting readers as never before. This is one expose that comes with a warning, though: I’m not responsible for the stitches you’ll get from laughing all the way through it.
Why dogs? Why now? Ever since the publication of Cat Confessions: A “Kitty Come Clean” Tell-All Book, I’ve been hounded by canines wanting to get their own hidden secrets off their hairy chests as well. And though I’m a cat person and always will be, well, I couldn’t let these animals walk around with their tails between their legs forever. I’d be a heel to ignore their cries for contrition. So I gave in. The result is this book. It gives a select number of pooches a chance to unleash their guilt, and gives dog (and cat lovers, too) howlingly funny insight into just what goes on when the person of the house isn’t around, dog secrets that will truly shock you.
What People Are Saying About: Dog Confessions: Shocking Tales Straight from the Doghouse
http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2011/12/dog-confessions-shocking-tales-straight.html
http://puppies.about.com/od/ToysSupplies/gr/Book-Review-Dog-Confessions.htm
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1CKO345NSOTZV
Psalms And Prayers For Little Ones
By Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Tammie Lyon
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN-10: 0736957251
ISBN-13: 978-0736957250
32 pages
Ages 3-6
The Psalms are one of the most beautiful, but not as well-read, sections of the Bible. They are a wondrous collection of heartfelt poems, songs, prayers, and thoughts written to God or about him. They talk to God about things like bullies, anger, and forgiveness, about feelings of loneliness, and even complain about things that don’t seem to be fair. Yet the language may not always be accessible to adults, much less little ones. To make it easier for little readers, I’ve picked several psalms that speak directly to a child’s young life experiences, with illustrative drawings and prayers that they can connect with. I’ve also included a “Digging Deeper” section parents and caregivers can share with their children to reinforce what they’ve learned, as well as a “Words and Their Meanings” sections at the back of the book. A great book to help you unlock the beauty of the Psalms for little ones…and yourself as well.
Rave Reviews for Psalms & Prayers for Little Ones
A review by Janice D. Green on ChristianChildrensAuthors.com
Another five-star review from Deena Peterson at A Peek at My Bookshelf
Never has a description captured the beauty of a book so well! The best and most important gift we can give our children and grandchildren is a love for God’s Word, and this little book is a perfect beginning.
Allia Zobel Nolan is a favorite of mine, so I may be a bit biased, but she seems to be able to tap into the heart of a child when she writes. Her words are carefully crafted for easy understanding, yet no loss of meaning. In “Psalms and Prayers for Little Ones”, Allia has selected some of the most beloved of the Book of Psalms and written them in an accessible language for children.
But when you read the passage, you’ll see that not a drop of meaning is lost. In fact, reading this book with your child may give you a deeper insight into the Word of God from a position of pure innocence and joy. Each reading is followed by a prayer, again with each word carefully chosen.
Inside you’ll find letters from Allia to both children and parents/caregivers, and at the end a brief and fun quiz, followed by a glossary to help with some of the ‘bigger’ words. This is basically a study book for little ones on par with more adult versions, but more fun to read.
And the illustrations are perfect companions for the readings, done courtesy of illustrator Tammie Lyon. She chooses vivid colors and carefree images to help illustrate the meaning and feeling of each Psalm, adding an extra dimension to a delightful children’s book.
My thanks to my friends at Harvest House Publishing for my complimentary copy (which will be going to my grandchildren!) in exchange for an honest review. You will always find truth and quality in a book by Allia Zobel Nolan…I guarantee it.
When God Turned On The Light
Written by: Allia Zobel Nolan – Illustrations by Linda Clearwater
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0736949675
32 pages
All Ages
This delightful book gives young readers a front-row seat as God’s love explodes and the world gets its start. The book then shifts to the important role light plays in a child’s everyday world, and finally segues to God’s gift of the ultimate Light of the world: Jesus.
Written in rhyme and filled with exquisitely vivid illustrations by Linda Clearwater, WHEN GOD TURNED ON THE LIGHT demonstrates how God’s light gives life to everything, from the corn in the field to the cat’s tiger-like shadow on the wall. What’s more, it teaches children that Jesus is indeed the holy personification of Light, the One who makes their the universe brighter, the One Who lives in their heart.
Angels in the Bible for Little Ones
By Allia Zobel Nolan , Alida Massari
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN-10: 0310750431
ISBN-13: 9780310750437
32 pages
Angels in the Bible for Little Ones gives children a fascinating look into how powerful behind-the-scenes helpers interacted with Bible greats such as Abraham, Daniel, and Mary, acting as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more. Your little one will delight to the easy-to-understand language and the absolutely brilliant artwork by Alida Massari. They will love the softness of the padded cover and the size of the book which is perfect for little hands..
Angels in the Bible for Little Ones will be available for Pre-Order on November 9, 2016
Whatever is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional
By Allia Zobel Nolan
Publisher: Zonderkidz
320 pages
ISBN: B01CXDN1ZM
All Ages
2021
Publishers: Vida Publishers
320 pages
ISBN: 082976982X
ISBN-13 : 978-0829769821
All Ages
ChristianBook.com $10.99 – Buy now
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—Philippians 4:8
Did you know you can totally change your life by changing your thoughts? Well, you can, and Whatever Is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal can get you started. With examples based on girls just like you, each of these 90 devotionals will show you how to fill your head and your heart with virtues taken straight from Philippians 4:8, helping you grow closer to God and the amazing life he intended for you.
Featuring a trendy color interior, a ribbon marker, and journaling lines for you to write your thoughts, Whatever Is Lovely will inspire you to read and reflect on the devotionals every single day.
The Worrywart’s Prayer Book: 40 “Help-Me-Get-a-Grip God” Meditations and Prayers
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan – Recipient of Christian Reviewer’s Award
#1 Kindle Bestseller in Motivational and Self Help
#1 Kindle Bestseller in Anxieties and Phobias
WINNER top book in Christian Non Fiction, 2022 Indie Book Awards
Do anxieties keep you worrying over events that, nine times out of ten, never happen? Do you obsess over irons and candles and other things that need to be turned off, put out, opened, closed, switched on, filled up or emptied? Are you afraid when good things happen, bad things will follow? God can put all that behind you and this insightful book can help. It’s full of “that-sounds-like-my-life” stories, Scripture, famous quotes, wisdom,and heartfelt prayers that can help you break the worry habit and enjoy a calmer, peaceful, anxiety-free life—the life God meant you to have.
What People Are Saying About Worrywart
I RARELY do this…but this little book is so incredible…I’m PERSONALLY going to give away TWO copies on April 30th…so leave me a comment letting me know what you worry about MOST…and I’ll not only pray for you, you might win a book from me!
Have you ever met an author you instantly knew was a kindred soul? That’s how I felt about Allia Zobel Nolan, especially after reading this particular book!
I grew up in a worry prone household. If there wasn’t something to worry about, we worried about the absence of something to worry about! In fact, we were often prone to saying “See, I worried about it, and it didn’t happen. So worrying works!”
Life hasn’t gotten anymore worry free as I’ve grown older. It seems I find more and more to worry about these days (including my 19 year old’s new relationship with her new boyfriend, my 22 year old’s move out of state, and my 23 year old’s impending delivery of our first grandchild….and did I mention my 15 year old is finishing his first year of high school soon…??)
With the bad news coming fast and furious, it’s turning many into worrywarts. Hence, the great need for Allia’s book, “The Worrywart’s Prayer Book”. A self-confessed worrier, Allia is transparent and heart-warming in her book.
Each entry reads like a devotional, covering worries about appearance, finances, falling in love, growing older…just about anything and everything we can find to worry about, Allia covers.
One of my favorite features in “The Worrywart’s Prayer Book” is Allia’s extensive use of quotations and Scripture references. You might as well know, I’m a sucker for quotations! Her selections are spot on, and she makes great use of Scripture passages as well.
Each entry has a series of quotes, followed by a devotional from Allia’s personal experiences with a particular worry (or someone she knows), and ending with a prayer giving that worry over to God.
Allia takes great care in the opening of her book to remind us that ridding ourselves of worry is not a one time event. We must go to God daily with our worries—sometimes even hourly (or even every second in some instances).
My life seems jam-packed with worries. Having a husband retired and pastoring full-time, being disabled and unable to work…having three young adults in my home and all the changes that life brings…no wonder some nights I can’t sleep!
My prayer is that reading Allia’s book, along with Scripture, will break me of my lifelong habit of worrying. I used to joke that I lettered in worrying as a high school sport, and now I give seminars in how to get the most out of worrying!
But now, I’m working at casting all my cares on the One who cares deeply for me. I’m a work in progress, but it’s books like Allia’s “The Worrywart’s Prayer Book” that help me break the family legacy of worrying.
So, I’m giving “The Worrywart’s Prayer Book” the golden bookmark for excellence in devotional writing, and voting it “Best Devotional of 2009” (even though it was published in 2006).
Don’t worry about getting the book…it’s still available. Look for it on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, or your local bookstore. And check out my other reviews of Allia Zobel Nolan’s writings:
Purr More, Hiss Less
The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
Noah’s Notebook
Daniel’s Diary (coming soon)
Happy Reading!
More Reviews:
Amanda said…
You have no idea how much I need this book! I worry way too much and am always praying for help with that. 🙂
Crazy Lady said…
I think the better question would be… what DON’T I worry about? Mom always called me a worrywart and have come to discover I suffer from severe anxiety. Through the love of my family, I’ve managed to bring it down to a manageable level. Usually. My favorite worry? Worrying about worrying too much. 😉 Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
Amy
Nise’ said…
I can relate to much of what you are going through in your life right now. I need this book!
Abi said…
Worry that my teenage girls will find the right mate for their life.
Robyn L said…
I could be related to you, lol. My ex dh and my now dh both have said that if I didn’t have anything to worry about I’d worry about that. It is so true but I hate to admit it.
I worry about worrying being a sin;
I worry about my Mammogram showing a lump that I have to have surgery on(I’ve had one other one done 20 yrs. ago)
I worry about the mess in my house
I worry about work
I worry about each of my siblings and their problems
I worry about ……
This book sounds wonderful.
Just a mom said…
Oh my goodness! Even if I don’t win this book, I’m definitely going to go get it 😉 My first grade teacher told me I was a “worrywart” and ever since then I have been trying to fight it. I worry about everything, of course. But lately, my biggest worry I guess has been if I’m raising my young sons the right way. I pray about it . . . so why do I keep worrying???? WOW.
Anita Yancey said…
I can relate to this book. For I have always worried about everything, since I was a small child. I grew up in a family that worried all the time. It was passed down to me. But I would love to change, maybe praying about it would help.
Cat Confessions: A “Kitty Come Clean” Tell All Book
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan – Photos Compiled by Allia Zobel Nolan.
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2711-6
64 pages
All ages
We all know how “cat-hardic” it is to come clean about a bad habit, a hidden secret, or an incident we’d like to forget. And we’re not the only ones. Our darling, itty-bitty, Mommy’s special babies have the same need to get things off their chests, too.
And that’s what CAT CONFESSIONS is all about: A means for our fallen-away angels to admit their mistakes, start afresh, and change their lives (all nine of them) so they can hold their whiskers high and be an example for all who follow in their paw steps.
Filled with photos of real cats who’ve admitted to foibles such as licking the salt off potato chips Mom serves her guests or introducing a traveling coyote to the neighbor’s yapping dog, this side-splitting book reveals that none of us is purr-fect. In fact, we’re all just human…even if we’re not.
Cat Confessions… a Review by Carolyn M. VellaThe last book review I did was of a business book and I started this one the same way. I dipped into this book, in the middle, just to check the tone of the book.That is when I started laughing and also when I stopped what I was doing and started the book from the beginning. This little gem kept me laughing out loud while mentioning to my cats that they had been caught. There is not a cat lover alive who will not have the same reaction.
I won’t give anything away, but I will tell you that when you thought you could blame something on your cat, you were right. The photographs that are with the confessions are just perfect, showing the unique look that only cats portray.
I love the pedigreed cats finally confessing, as my house is filled with pedigreed cats and people do not realize that they are just as evil as random bred cats. My random bred cat can attest to that.
This is a book to pick up. You will read it over and over again. It is a book to enjoy, to share and to read to your cats. Maybe it will get them to confess.
More Reviews:
“Cat Confessions is filled with charming and delightful kitty sentiments―creative hidden secrets from the perspective of our feline friends attached to photos of some of the cutest furry ‘beasts’ I’ve ever seen. The book is a perfect gift or an add-on gift for any cat lover. My favorite: the cat admitting a preference for a grande double-mocha cappuccino with two shots of espresso instead of milk.”
―Felice Prager, author of Quiz It
“This little gem kept me laughing out loud while mentioning to my cats that they had been caught. There is not a cat lover alive who will not have the same reaction. I won’t give anything away, but I will tell you that when you thought you could blame something on your cat, you were right. The photographs that are with the confessions are just perfect, showing the unique look that only cats portray.
“Admittedly, Allia is one of my favorite authors and she certainly knows cats. But who knew that she’d let the cat out of the bag with Cat Confessions?! Everything you suspected about what your cat is really thinking has now been revealed. A show-and-tell complete with great photos, this book is sure to delight every cat owner and hiss off some cats who, well, just didn’t want their innermost thoughts revealed.”
―Darlene Arden, Author, Speaker, Learning Facilitator and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
“Let me say that Cat Confessions is cat lovers’ long awaited answer to William Wegman’s Weimaraners takes. Cheers!”
―Ede Dunn Baldridge
“As the author of an award-winning book myself, I’m a cat who knows when other cats are telling the truth! That’s why I recommend Cat Confessions if you really want to know what your feline friends are thinking. For example, on page 44, Willy, from Richmond, Virginia, explains, ‘I only chewed through those wires so Mom would spend less time at the computer and more time petting me.’ What a purrfectly logical explanation!”
―Simon Teakettle III, co-author of the award-winning MEWSings/Musings
“Cat Confessions is a fun and light-hearted read that will not disappoint you.”
―Linda A. Mohr, Author of award-winning Tatianna-Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend
Everything I Know About the Rat Race, I Learned From My Cat
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Nicole Hollander
Publisher: Andrews & McMeel
ISBN: 0-8362-6842-3
80 pages
All ages
Everything I Know about the Rat Race I Learned from My Cat is a must-have for any cat lover who works in an office. Cats know more about business than most MBAs, and this book is out to prove it with humorous aphorisms about surviving the corporate rat race illustrated in full-color hilarity by the syndicated Sylvia cartoonist, Nicole. Business people take note: Don’t jump in the boss’s lap, unless he asks you and never shed on a client could be the rules you live by.
101 Reasons Why Cats Make Great Kids
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Nicole Hollander
Publisher: Adams Media
ISBN: 1-55850-639-X
80 pages
All ages
Children are life’s most precious gift. That’s a given. But for some having kids isn’t a reality. So must we forgo the joys of parenthood? Never hear the pitter-patter of little feet? Never see that gaze of unconditional love?
Not really–especially if were willing to share our lives with a new kind of family–sons and daughters with swishy tales and velvety coats, who pad along on four feet instead of two. Indeed, this hilariously funny book points out why, through they may never grow up to marry a wealthy lawyer and have dozens of kids who look just like “Gran,” feline children may well just be the best thing, since, well, the real thing.
Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned From My Cat
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Erika Oller
Cats, cats and more cats… over a hundred beautifully illustrated watercolors by Erika Oller, combine with heavenly cat wisdom, to wit: You can’t hold a grudge and a catnip toy; take the good fleas with the bad; you can’t rub up against a person’s leg too often, and more, make this an un-purr-alled gift for any holiday and a great gift of wisdom for grads.
Hugs & Kisses, God, from Kids Around the World
by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0-310-72263-2
16 pages
Ages 3-6
From the team that gave you the multi-award, Mom’s Choice winner,What I Like About Me, comes the follow-up to Thank You, God, From Kids Around the World.
Hugs & Kisses, God, From Kids Around the World is a fun-filled look at how kids everywhere show their love for God in the little things they do everyday….like starting their mornings with prayer; being nice to others, sharing with siblings, talking to God and thanking Him for all the blessings He’s given them, and more. As little readers turn the pages, they’ll see that kids may all look different, but they show God their love in much the same manner. A great way to celebrate different cultures and to teach kids that even the smallest things they do make all the difference to the God who loves them.
The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
By Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Janet Samuel
Publisher: Harvest House
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2545-7
32 pages
Ages: 2-5
God’s ten rules are called the Ten Commandments. Children can learn all about them in this beautifully illustrated, child-friendly book, created with simple language, colorful and appealing artwork, and Bible references, so little ones can learn these foundations of faith in an uncomplicated way. What’s more, to make it easy for your little ones to process what they’ve learned, there’s a “Dig Deeper” section at the back of the book which lets children express their feelings about the Ten Commandments, and a glossary of new words.
Editorial Reviews:
High praise for The Ten Commandments from Christian Book Review Site:
Click here for article
“What I Like: Everything! Nolan does a superb job making the Ten Commandments understandable and applicable to children. This is the best picture book I’ve read on this topic, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The illustrations by Janet Samuel are a terrific addition to the book, showing children of many ethnicities, plus Bible characters, in colorful, cute drawings.”
—Christian Children’s Book Review
“The Ten Commandments for Little Ones by Allia Zobel Nolan is a kid-friendly look at the Ten Commandments with aged-appropriate terms and explanations so children will understand how to apply them in their little lives! I like how Nolan added questions at the end of the book under the ‘Digging Deeper’ section so you can discuss with your children what they’ve learned.”
—Five Star Reviewed Books
“Allia Zobel Nolan is rapidly becoming one of my favorite children’s book authors! Her talent is a true gift from God to express Biblical teaching in a fun and easy to understand way…
“This is truly a wonderful book for children—perfect for grandparents to read to their grandchildren, for a children’s ministry, or for family time at home. The Ten Commandments for Little Ones suits so many needs and fits into just about any style of teaching.”
—A Peek at my Bookshelf
Reader Reviews:
“The Ten Commandments for Little Ones by Allia Zobel Nolan is a helpful tool to teach your little ones about God’s Ten Commandments using child-appropriate language and sweet illustrations… What a great resource to help children understand that the ten commandments aren’t just a set of rules, but a way to help us love God better and love one another.”
—Susan Choy
Excellent Book , January 30, 2010
“We love this book. It’s absolutely wonderful for teaching young children about the ten commandments. As an adoptive mom, I truly appreciate the diversity in the children illustrated. We all love the message, the easy to understand words and illustrations. A great way to teach children the 10 Commandments”
—K. Benson
What I Like About Me
by Allia Zobel Nolan, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
Publisher: Reader’s Digest Children’s Publisher
12 pages
Ages 2-8
Winner of the 2005 Mom’s Choice Award for the Most Oustanding Children’s Book for Preschooolers.
iParenting Award for Greatest Product of 2005.
Essence Magazine rated this book among the best books and toys of 2005.
Dennie Hughes of USATODAY.COM made this comment about What I Like About Me!:
“If you want to pick up a wonderful book for kids to celebrate diversity and acceptance, try What I Like ABout Me! I gave thid book to my Godchild, who is four. She loved it and the message it celebrated that big feet, glasses, and crazy hair are things to be admired, maybe even coveted, not made fun of.”
The Joy of Being Fifty
Written by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Roz Chast
Publisher: Workman Publishing
ISBN: 0-7611-1310-X
80 pages
Adults
Ohmygoodnessgracious. You’ve just turned fifty? How will you cope? What will you do? Actually, anything you’d like. It’s time to indulge your eccentricities. Take naps with your cats. Stop waxing your bikini line. Nip at the sherry bottle often (It’s for your circulation, after all). Take up ballroom dancing. Get a Harley… or a tattoo, or both. Do all the things your mother told you you couldn’t do until you were old enough. And, just think: no one can tell you to grow up!!!
The Beauty of Believing: 365 Devotions that Will Change Your Life
By Allia Zobel Nolan, Nancy Rue, Kristi Holl, Mona Hodgson, Lois Walfrid Johnson, and Tasha K. Douglas
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN-10: 031073617X
ISBN-13: 978-0310736172
432 pages
Ages 8 – 12 years
Faith is like a flower. In order to grow, it needs soil, water, and sun—food for the spirit. That’s just what this devotional is. Spiritual food to help your faith grow strong and beautiful.
Featuring 365 days of wisdom from your favorite Faithgirlz! authors, (and one of them is me!), as well as quotes and questions from real girls like you, this devotional offers pages of inspiration on everything from navigating friendships, to taming the tongue, to trusting God in everything, big and small. Growing up can be tough, but Jesus is guiding you every step of the way.
WHATEVER: Livin’ the True, Noble, Totally Excellent Life
by Allia Zobel Nolan
Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 25, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0310725348
ISBN-13: 978-0310725343
304 pages
Ages 9 and up
YOU’LL NEVER LOOK AT “WHATEVER” THE SAME WAY AGAIN
Did you know you can totally change your life by changing your thoughts? Well, you can, and WHATEVER: Livin’ the True, Noble, Totally Excellent Life, a book especially for tweens, can get you started. With examples based on girls just like you, each of these 90 devotionals will show you how to fill your head and your heart with virtues taken straight from Philippians 4:8, helping you grow closer to God and the totally abundant life He intended for you. Girls will learn how to shut out gross, crude, impure, stupid, and just plain dumb “stuff,” that leads to sin and estrangement from God and substitute what’s true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy and excellent. What’s more, this book will help you look at the word WHATEVER in a fresh, new, and exciting way, so you’ll be able to live the 4:8 life, 24/7.
Book Notes: Whatever by Allia Zobel Nolan at Christian Arts Connection
What People Are Saying About Whatever
“As the grandmother of a child just the right age for this devotional, I am delighted to recommend Whatever: Livin’ the True, Noble, and Totally Excellent Life! by Allia Zobel to parents, grandparents, and caregivers of nine-to-twelve-year old girls. In a world where preteen girls are bombarded by every imaginable temptation, it’s great to know there is a preventative to evil, and that is: to so fortify the girl’s spiritual life that the holy pressure from the inside is greater than any unholy pressure from the outside. As young readers of this devotional will learn, strength and protection come from focusing their minds on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The end result is that the girl can be at peace, whatever happens in her life.”
Gwen Ellis
President of Seaside Creative Services and author of The Read and Share Bible.
Raves for WHATEVER from The Catholic Transcript: Author offers spiritual advice for ’tween girls
http://tinyurl.com/ly3r9bs
In His Own Words….David Kenney Like Whatever:
http://www.dckenney.com/2013/10/whatever/
Angels in the Bible Storybook
Written by: Allia Zobel Nolan – Illustrations by Alida Massari
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0310743651
224 pages
All Ages
Why did an angel force a donkey off the road? Whom did the angels get out of jail TWICE? What is the name of the group of angels with six wings? Which angel gave Mary some good news? ANGELS IN THE BIBLE STORYBOOK answers these and other questions about the heavenly creatures God created to act as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more. Breathtaking illustrations by noted artist Alida Massari will widen the eyes of both young and old readers alike as they discover how these heavenly helpers interacted with Bible greats from Abraham, Lot, and Gideon….to Zechariah, Mary, and Jesus himself. A one-of-a-kind magnificent Bible Storybook that children and adults will return to again and again.
Discussing Angels in the Bible Storybook with Father Gatzak on ORTV.
Also Available for Younger Children:
Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much
Written by: Allia Zobel Nolan – Cartoons by Nicole Hollander
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
ISBN-10: 075731872X
ISBN-13: 9780757318726
80 pages
All ages
Do you gather fur from your cat’s brush to make earrings? Do you reek of Feliway? Ever contemplated plastic surgery to resemble your puddy? Over-the-top behavior? Maybe. But for women who’re on a never-ending quest to prove their love to their kitties, cat codependent comportment such as this is the norm.
Now there’s a book that comes clean about what many would consider cause for ten-step programs and heavy medication: Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much. Written with compassion by bestselling feline author, Allia Zobel Nolan, and chockfull of hiss-terical illustrations by Sylvia cartoonist, Nicole Hollander, Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much validates the challenges women go through to do more, be more, give more to the fur balls who share (and rule) their lives. Then, too, it makes women entangled in this self- depreciating web feel better about themselves as they realize they are not alone.
“I know there are woman out there who try (many in vain) to cover up their addiction to pleasing their puddies,” says Zobel Nolan. “I’m one of them. So I reprised this book for two reasons: to throw cold water in their faces so they snap out of their dilemma and get a life (fat chance), and failing that, to let feline-addicted women know they’re a member of a silent sorority who find it impossible to look into their cat’s heart-wrenching eyes and say that callous two-letter word ‘No.’
“Women like us wouldn’t think twice about hiring a personal trainer to exercise our cats’ arms and legs while they nap, so the babies don’t have to expend the energy,” confides Zobel Nolan. “It’s just the kind of thing we do, and Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much finally clears the air about it.. I’m just hoping readers will find themselves in these pages and learn to appreciate and laugh at the things we do for love.”
What People Are Saying About Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much
