About Jolley Tales
The Jolley Tales series by Lydia Riley is a charming set of character-building stories focused on a family of loving mice and filled with the sweetest illustrations. The style of the watercolor artwork reminds me of Peter Rabbit--both cozy and whimsical, and utterly adorable. Each book focuses on a different trait, teaching the importance of each with simple and clear lessons.
The first book in the series, Jolley's Tail, follows Jolley on an adventure to the nearby farm house. He enjoys exploring until he comes across a tasty treat. Will he ignore his sisters' wise advice and find himself trapped by temptation? Or will he make it home, safe and sound?
In the second book, Holly's Hobby, Lydia Riley digs into the importance of kindness and the value of helping those in need. Holly enjoys taking care of animals who are hurt or sick and nursing them back to health. When her sister meets a butterfly with hurt wings, will Holly be able to find a way to help?
Beyond the Stories
While both of the first two Jolley Tales are satisfying to read aloud and share good values, what makes these lovely books stand out are the extra details the author and illustrator include. Each book begins with a small introduction inviting children to think about a time when they experienced the main theme of the book -- whether helping someone else or being warned against something bad for them.
The end of the book includes several activities to participate in. A scavenger hunt invites the readers to look back through the illustrations for ladybugs. Each book has a page with memory verses as well as references for related Bible stories. The short "Dig Deeper" section offers a great starting place for a Sunday School lesson or small devotional. Finally, a set of questions about the story itself gives parents and teachers tools for talking about the book with their kids.
The character-building stories combined with the Bible-focused devotionals at the end make these books a perfect teaching tool. They offer fun and engaging ways to encourage kids to interact with the books beyond just listening. The Jolley Tales are perfect for homeschool parents, Sunday School teachers, or parents looking for books with Christian values.
Where to find the books:
If you visit the author's website, My Jolley Tales, you'll find paperback copies of each book along with a new hardback edition of Jolley's Tail. You'll also find the most precious Christmas cards, stickers of the characters, and prints of the artwork. (Which I had to mention because they're just too sweet! I'm absolutely smitten with them.)
What books are on your Christmas list this year?
Karley Conklin
Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.
They look and sound like really cute books!
Thanks for your comment, Jackie. Carol Baldwin
Thank you! Please check out our website at MyJolleyTales.com and feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as Jolley Tales! We would be honored to send you both books and thankful for your sharing our site with moms, grandmas, and teachers!
Thank you so much! We have since added a THIRD book to the series AND the 4th book artwork was just completed this month and the next book is soon to be published! Please check out our children’s books and adorable line of products and gifts at MyJolleyTales.com
What adorable books! Thank you, Karley, for telling us about them!
We also offer Notecards, Home Decor, Gifts, and now new clothing line is developing! If you’re near Greenville, feel free to come and enjoy our physical small Book Store and Gift Shoppe while enjoying a cup of tea in our historic home! Thanks for sharing our website with any moms, grandmas, and teachers you know! MyJolleyTales.com
Thank you so much! We have since added a THIRD book to the series AND the 4th book artwork was just completed this month and the next book is soon to be published! Please check out our children’s books and adorable line of products and gifts at MyJolleyTales.com
What a blessing to accidentally stumble upon this review while doing a google search for something else Jolley Tales related! Thank you for your transparency and perspective — it’s been such an exciting journey of God’s grace and provision in seeing these little characters “come to life”
Your review is much appreciated! What an encouragement! We are on Facebook and Instagram as Jolley Tales and also our website is growing (daily!) and we now have a physical little gift shoppe in Greenville — would love to have you stop by!
Lydia