Review/Giveaway: Adored

Tweet

Little kids are so adorable. I'm thankful for Facebook and other apps that remind me of how cute Miss Esmé was on this day 10 years ago, or 7 years ago, or 5 years ago.

Then they grow up.

So Miss Esmé was writing an essay on her life the other day, and she needed some tidbits to add interest, so I pulled up some old blog posts to remind us of all the adorable adventures she had. Like when she decided to make it "rain" in the kitchen with her watercolor paints. Or make sandcastles with the kitty litter. Or shove the library card into the photo computer slot at Walmart. Or name her hobby horse "Bordello." Or take the house key off the keychain and stick it into a book about fireflies that was on its way back to the library. Or insist on ketchup on her ice cream. Or color the cat blue and cut a hole in her bedspread all in the same day.

So as she was reading the posts, she said she wished I would still write about her that way. And I mentioned how she wanted us to respect her privacy and probably not share those kinds of things with the world anymore, and she said that was true.

But I get what she means. I thought she was adorable, and I conveyed that in what I wrote, and we maybe don't do such a good job of conveying how adorable we still think she is. Instead we mostly just get on her case all the time for not getting her math homework done.

Isn't she? Adorable still?

Sometimes as a teen or tween, it's hard to remember how adored one really is. You just keep hearing about all the expectations you're not meeting and how you keep falling short.

So this book is for you, the adored daughter of God. Adored by your parents, but more importantly, by the God of the universe. A daily reminder for a whole year of just how adored you really are. Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women by Lindsay A. Franklin.

Synopsis of Book

In an ever-changing world, we can be certain of one thing: we are beloved by God. Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women tackles tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.

Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives. Perfect for everyday use, Adored will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly-designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, and two-color interior pages.

Genre:  Christian young women's devotional; ages 13+

Physical Description:  Hardcover, 384 pages
List Price: $14.99 (on sale now!)
To Buy: https://www.christianbook.com/adored-365-devotions-for-young-women/9780310762799/pd/762794
To Sample: https://info.zondervan.com/adored-devotional/

Mom’s Review:

Physical Book. This book is available in Kindle format, but I recommend the print version to utilize the journaling spots on each page. The book is sturdy and small enough to be easily portable in a backpack if desired. The graphics and layout are attractive and, in blue and gold, a nod to girls who are ready to graduate from bright colors to a more "mature" look.

Focus. I love how this book juxtaposes God's adoration of us with our adoration of Him. As we sing "O come let us adore Him" this season, the word "Adored" takes on fresh meaning. As we adore the greatness of who He is, His adoration of us becomes more significant. The breadth of topics is great - from Cookie-Monster-impatience to betrayal of BFFs to the use of the Internet to the concept of perfectionism, but that adoration of God remains a theme throughout.

Short and Sweet. As this school year progresses, our mornings get shorter and shorter. This is easy to fit in - I confess to reading it aloud sometimes as Miss School Girl puts on her shoes in a rush to get out the door. With a Bible verse to start, I know it's a great thing to insert in those busy mornings.

Relevance. I'm enjoying the book as much as my daughter is. The concepts are mature - for someone who already has encountered Christ and wants to progress in the relationship - but are presented in relation to every-day activities and concerns.

Start the new year knowing the young girl in your life feels adored by sharing this book with her! Better yet, share the journey with her and feel that sense of adoration for yourself...

GIVEAWAY!

Would you like your own copy of this book? Simply comment on this post for a chance to win! Make sure I have a way to contact you if your name is randomly selected on December 7th, 2017. Continental US shipping addresses only.

---------------
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Review: Brave Beauty

Tweet

Media today inundates our girls with messages about bravery. Movies like Disney's Brave tell them that bravery comes from within. That they just need to search themselves for the bravery to change their fate and be whatever they want to be.

It sounds all nice and good. It motivates us for a few days or weeks or months. We cheerleader ourselves into an excited frenzy and go for the gold. Until we deplete the cheers and we search far enough into ourselves to realize we're empty. At rock bottom.

Unless... Unless we've got Christ living within us. The Christ Who tells us over and over in His Word to "Fear not," to "Take courage, for I have overcome the world."

Miss Esmé is 10 years old. How did this happen? She started a new adventure this year by enrolling in Roseburg Junior Academy, a small Christian school. Twelve students in her class, a mix of grades 5-8. She's "the new kid." After three years of schooling at home, it takes a little bravery to get up every morning and walk into the classroom.

So we've been starting every morning with a devotional reading from the book, Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You, by Lynn Cowell. Aimed at tweens like Esmé, the book is a set of 100 devotionals that invite girls to think about who they are in God's eyes. It's a gorgeous hardcover book with attractive, easy-to-read layout. The author uses a conversational tone to tell stories, some from the Bible and her own experiences, to inspire girls to face their days with bravery and confidence. Each chapter ends with a "Becoming Brave" or "Getting to Know You" interactive section, followed by a "Courageous Call," or first-person prayer personalizing the day's topic. While it's meant to be read by the girl alone (like a diary) to encourage honesty and intimacy with God, we've been reading together for purposes of this review.

Synopsis of Book

What will my life be like? Who will I be? Whether girls put these concerns into words or struggle anxiously with these thoughts, during this season of change, girls have questions. Sometimes these questions also come with fears and they need a safe place to process these fears. From Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and blogger, Lynn Cowell, comes Faithgirlz Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You. For girls 8-12, Brave Beauty brings tweens 100 courage-building moments to reflect on Scripture and find confidence in God, rather than in someone, some place, or some thing, as culture will all-too-soon tell them to. Lynn will also prepare girls to:

• Overcome confidence-defeating thoughts and stand on who Jesus says she is.
• Shape her self-worth on Christ and overcome the temptation base it on environmental factors.
• Build a strong foundation to face the fickle and flippant opinions of others.
• Find approval of herself even when she lacks the acceptance of others.
• Find security by turning to Christ as she steps through the exciting, yet scary world of growing up

 Formatted as theme-based mini chapters, these moments can be read as one-a-days, one-a-weeks, or at the reader’s own pace. Simple and empowering, Lynn’s voice is relatable and conversational, making it easy for girls to feel like they’re spending time with a friend. This inspirational read will be set as a gorgeously foil decorated hardcover, with beautifully formatted pages in line with the well-known and loved Faithgirlz look, and with an easy-reference index to look up any topic.

About the Author

Lynn Cowell is a part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking team, speaking to pre-teens, teens, multi-generational and women’s conferences and retreats on a regular basis. Girls often come up to her saying, "How did you know that's what I was going through?" Hearing direction and guidance on critical issues they face, Lynn encourages them to reach their fullest potential by finding the relationship in Christ they were created them for. For the past 18 years, her ministry has helped thousands of girls and their moms:

• Replace loneliness, rejection, and pain with acceptance, affirmation, and approval.
• Make decisions that lead women to reaching their fullest potential, rather than being a victim to emotionally-based decisions.
• Shift faith in Jesus from a parental influence to a personal, growing relationship.
• Develop and stick to boundaries that protect the heart, mind, and body.
• Communicate with guys and other girlfriends in a healthy and positive way.

 In addition to speaking on the national level, Lynn reaches many through her writing as an author of three books, blogger, and devotion writer. As a regular contributor for the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ daily devotions, Encouragement for Today, her devotions reach an audience of over 800,000 subscribers. She has been a regular contributor for The Whatever Girls and The Mom Initiative. Lynn and her husband, Greg, of 30 years, are the parents of three young adults: Zak, Mariah, and Madi. The Cowells reside in North Carolina where they enjoy hiking in the mountains, wearing well-worn sweatshirts and eating anything that combines chocolate and peanut butter. 

Genre:  Christian girls' devotional; ages 8-12
Physical Description:  Hardcover, 320 pages
List Price: $15.99
To Buy: http://www.zondervan.com/brave-beauty

Mom’s Review:

Physical Book. This book is available in Kindle format, but I highly recommend the print version. Receiving the book was like receiving a sweet gift - just beautiful and a delight to page through with a modern, eye-catching design. In addition, there are spots to write in the "Getting to Know You" and "Becoming Brave" sections - these are definitely easier to utilize with a physical copy.

Focus. While the conversational tone is highly personalized and relevant to the reader, it's about God's work in you rather than simply about you. Unlike most self-help books, it ends each devotional with a conversation with the God who is the source of brave beauty. It starts with the very basic message of God's love and salvation (appropriate for even those with no Christian background) and grows from there. While there are plenty of scripture quotes, they are thrown naturally into the narrative rather than highlighted as a "verse of the day" (ensuring that they get read rather than glossed over... :))

100 Short Chapters. I've enjoyed my share of calendar devotional books, but I must say there's something to be said about simply having 100 chapters. You can start on any day of the year rather than waiting for January 1. You can read just on certain days (school days for us), and if you miss a day, you don't have to play catch-up, but just start where you left off. The chapters are short enough to fit in a busy day, but not shallow - the ending sections pull the reader in for introspection and connection with God.

Relevance. The author shares a lot of stories from her own tween years to make the book personal and relevant. To be honest, as an introspective former diary-keeper, I probably relate more to those stories than my daughter, who is a tackle-the-world-head-on extrovert who would rather write and share songs than journal about events and feelings, but there is still plenty for her to relate to.

Overall, this is a sweet way to add some God-given courage to each day and to counteract some of the self-focused messaging (both positive and negative) that your tween girl is constantly bombarded with. It would make a perfect gift for significant events like birthdays and Christmas, but can be started on any day of the year.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Handlebar for coordinating this book for review and to Zondervan for providing the book. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review/Giveaway: Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids

Tweet

Giveaway below! Scroll down and comment on this post for a chance to win!

We've been talking a lot about plans lately. Is there a perfect plan for your life? Can you veer off the plan and then need to figure out Plan B since you messed up Plan A? And then Plan C and D and on through ZZZZZ?

Or does God know you so intimately, having formed you as you are, that He knows exactly what choices you will make, and lovingly sets up the events that will shape your life for His perfect purpose? Can you trust Him with each moment and not stress over whether you've messed it all up when you turned left instead of right?

Lots of stuff to think about, especially for our kiddos who have their whole lives ahead, their dreams all within reach. How do we keep them grounded in Christ, an integral part of each day of their lives?

Synopsis of Book

Jesus is the Friend who is always with you. Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids will pour this powerful truth into your children's hearts as they learn that He knows everything about them and loves them more than they can imagine.  Each devotion is based on Scripture and is written as though Jesus is speaking directly to you, assuring that He is in control, that He is good, and that an amazing future awaits all who put their hope in Him.  Adapted from the ECPA 2013 Christian Book of the Year-winner Jesus Today, this devotional has the same themes as the adult version, as well as written-out scriptures.  It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together.

About the Author

Sarah Young's devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying and writing in prayer journals.  With sales of more than 14 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists.  Sarah's writings include Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Jesus Lives, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling for Little Ones, Jesus Calling Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence -- each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ.  Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years.  They currently live in the United States. 

Genre:  Christian; Devotional: ages 6-10
Physical Description:  Hardcover, 368 pages
List Price:  $15.99, currently $11.53 on Amazon
To Buy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0718038053/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452613533&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=jesus+today+for+kids 

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl-Qnlr5Rls&feature=youtu.be

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling?lang=en

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Jesuscallingbook/posts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/

Mom’s Review:

Organization. There are two pages for each of 150 days; a devotional, written in first person as if it is Jesus speaking, followed by three scripture references. The days are not dated, so you can pick up the book and start at any time of the year - a big plus for me! There is a scripture index at the back, so this could be used as a reference book while reading through the Bible, as well as a daily devotional.

Appearance. This is a durable hardback with bold color. The graphic layout is fun, even cute, but gender neutral. A nice, attractive book that should stand the wear of being picked up and read 150 days in a row.

Bible Verses. One of my favorite parts; it gives Biblical context to the devotion and can be used for further study if desired. Scriptures are taken from the International Children's Bible, so they can be easily understood.

Devotions. In fairly simple language, though the concepts might be complex for a 6yo, these devotions personalize Jesus for a child.

Overall, a nice addition to encourage and enhance your child's daily encounters with  God!

Giveaway!

Yes, I can offer one blessed reader a copy of the Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids We’re going simple with giveaway entries here: just enter a comment of any kind on this post, along with your email address or other way for me to contact you. A winner will be randomly selected on February 12. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/Flyby Promotions in the last 30 days, or have one the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win. You must have a US or Canada mailing address to win.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting for coordinating this book for review and providing the giveaway prize. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win this giveaway!

Review/Giveaway: The Plans I Have for You

Tweet

Giveaway below! Scroll down and comment on this post for a chance to win!

So my sister and I had a little conversation around Christmas time about being intentional in helping your child spend time with Jesus every day. Sure, Miss Esmé knows the Bible stories, we read a devotional and other books about Christian values each day, she’s got the head knowledge. But does she spend time with Him, talking and listening and just being?

Along comes a sweet devotional/journal combination that helps with that very purpose! The Plans I Have for You provides the inspiration for that daily time.

Synopsis of Book

The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.

The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.

About the Author

Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults.  She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son.  Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards.  But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.

About the Illustrator

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter.  Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s.  Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody.  Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.

Genre:  Christian; Devotional: ages 8-12; Journal: ages 11-14
Physical Description:  Devotional: hardcover, 160 pages; Journal: stationery, 208 pages 
List Price:  Devotional: $14.99; Journal: $12.99 
To Buy: Devotional: http://www.zondervan.com/the-plans-i-have-for-you-devotional; Journal: http://www.zondervan.com/the-plans-i-have-for-you-journal 
ZonderKidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zonderkidz/
ZonderKidz Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zonderkidz

Mom’s Review:

This is one of my favorite review products ever! I keep wanting to steal it for myself! Seriously, it’s absolutely perfect for the desires I have for my kid at this point in her life, where she’s starting to imagine the future and her role in it. Sectors include:

• I’ve Got Big Plans for YOU!
• I’ve Given YOU a Purpose
• I Don’t Do Things Small
• There’s Nothing YOU Can’t Do!
• Find That ONE Thing
• What I Created YOU To Do

Focus. Kids are born self-centered. I’ve been trying to fight it, but it’s natural. This devotional/journal taps into that self-centeredness, making it appealing to kids, and uses it to shift the focus to the power of God and what He can do in you and through you.

Bible-Rich. Each day’s devotional includes a Bible verse or story, and the focus is on that Bible reference. Both the devotional and journal invite the child to contemplate what God is saying to her through that passage.

Illustrations. Love love love. Everything about both the devotional and journal is just visually appealing. The devotional is full color, while the journal is muted to allow the child to add the color. It compels the child to spend longer thinking through the Bible passage.

Journal. You absolutely need the journal to go along with the devotional. This is my favorite part! The very first page is perfect for my daughter, who is all into secrets and locks on diaries at this point, with a request: “…if I don’t know you are looking at at my journal, put it down and go get your own. Please. And thank you.” Verses are repeated from the devotional, with awesome illustrations that invite the child to draw, doodle, contemplate, and think through how the verses are relevant to her.

This is an absolutely terrific, hopefully life-changing gift for the tweens in your life!

Giveaway!

Yes, I can offer one blessed reader a copy of the The Plans I Have for You devotional and journal! We’re going simple with giveaway entries here: just enter a comment of any kind on this post, along with your email address or other way for me to contact you. A winner will be randomly selected on February 1. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, or have one the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win. You must have a US or Canada mailing address to win.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to FlyBy Promotions for coordinating this book for review and providing the giveaway prize. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win this giveaway!

Review: The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible

Tweet

Another year! Another beginning! Another opportunity to read the Bible through…

We’re down sick this week – all of us in the household – but it’s a good weekend to cuddle down and listen and read. To focus on the important instead of the mundane – in between blowing noses and trying to minimize germ spread.

So we’ve got this fun book to review – it says “Bible” in the title, but while it walks through the Bible nicely in chronological order, it’s more of an introductory brief – a great way to inspire interest and to get one looking deeper into the Book.

Synopsis of Book

A stunning new comic book version of the Bible now given the superhero treatment by the team behind The Lion Graphic Bible and The Manga Bible.

The story of the Bible is a unique tale of origins and cosmic powers; of the ageless battle between good and evil; of human potential and human treachery; and of a Messiah--a savior for the world. This is indeed the stuff that graphic novels are made of. Superheroes are the biggest comic genre of all, with many heroes having their origins in biblical characterization and imagery. This is the first Bible retelling to engage with and challenge the superhero genre.

The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible is a dynamic expression of the Bible's depth and power, produced in the style of Marvel™ Comics. You've heard of Spiderman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Now meet Earthman, Lawman, Warrior Man, and many others. With dynamic illustration using a range of styles, Siku (Old Testament) and Jeff Anderson (New Testament) bring the Bible stories alive for a new and graphically sophisticated generation.

About the Authors

Siku--artist, author, theologian, and musician--is one of Britain's leading comic book/concept artists, having worked for 2000 AD producing titles such as Judge Dredd. He has also worked for Marvel UK and COM X.

Richard Thomas is an artist, designer, and writer. He was the publisher at End Time Comics and his work includes projects for UNESCO, a graphic novel (Riddler's Fayre), and best-selling comics for Scripture Union. He is also the illustrator on the Book by Book Series of Dr. Paul Blackham and Reverend Richard Beives.

Jeff Anderson is a leading graphic novel artist, best known for his work on the Judge Dredd and Transformers stories. Readers of Comic World voted him runner-up in the best artist category for his Legends of Larian books. He lives with his wife and five children in Durham, England, and is a licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England.

Genre:  Children’s Christian Story Book ages 10+
Physical Description:  Hardback, 192 pages 
List Price:  $19.95
For More Info/To Buy: http://www.kregel.com/bibles/the-lion-comic-book-hero-bible-2/
Mom’s Review:

• Great Overview. The book is chronologically organized and covers many stories – far more than most children’s Bible storybooks I’ve seen – albeit in very condensed form.
• Bible References. There is a page of Bible references in the back.That makes it easy to read the Bible passages that go along with each chapter for more context.
• Quality Graphics. The graphics are very well done. Lovers of comics will appreciate this.
• Creative Names. I’m loving the superhero names the authors have given Bible characters! Rainman becomes Rainbow Man after Waterworld (you can guess who that is), and then there are Earthman, Star Girl, Star-Men and Sheep-Men, Outsider, Deliverer, Rainmaker, Watchman, and many more heroes.
• Dark Side. We’ve dabbled in graphic history books for a bit to meet my 8yo daughter’s nonfiction reading requirements, and she’s noticed that there are often “dark” illustrations, scary even, with shadows and sinister-looking beings. You’ll find the same in this book. While she doesn’t appreciate it, it doesn’t stop her from reading.
• A Softer Side to the New Testament. After seeing the sharp shadows of the Old Testament heroes, I was pleasantly surprised to see a softer side to the drawings of Jesus. I realized later that a different artist did the New Testament chapters. Not that I don’t appreciate the Old – and perhaps it’s fitting for the darker time period that existed before the Light of the World was born?

Overall, this book isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a standalone Bible. The littles, unless they are already comic book lovers, could find it a bit scary. However, it’s a well-designed, entertaining book that can inspire Bible study, and at the very least, encourage readers to see the familiar Bible characters in a whole new light.


---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Kregel Publications for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review: The Midnight Visitors

Tweet

Christmas. It’s all about Jesus.

Since we want the focus at our house to be on Him, you’ll see a lot more nativity books in our house right now than Santa books (nothing personal against Santa, mind you). It’s easy for those books to blend together with the same storyline every time, though. So I’m constantly on the lookout for books that tell the story from different angles and with different twists.

Here’s a sweet book for the littles that tells the story from the cow’s perspective.

Synopsis of Book

Miriam was glad to be warm and cozy. There were so many people in the town but it was nice and peaceful inside her cowshed. Little did she know that she would soon be joined by Midnight Visitors . . . and not just any old visitors!

Snuggle up and enjoy the warm, soft feel the art and narrative bring to this delightful Christmas picture book with a difference.

About the Author

Juliet David has written many children's stories and Bible activity books. Her other interests include painting, music, and travel to Israel and other Bible lands. This experienced author lives in London with her family.

About the Illustrator

Jo Parry trained at Bournemouth Arts Institute before becoming a full-time artist. She illustrates mainly greetings cards, fine art, and children's books, adapting her fun, colorful style to each of these genres. She creates her characteristic style using an Apple Mac, and is fulfilling a lifelong dream working as an illustrator. Jo lives in Bournemouth, on England's south coast.

Genre:  Children’s Christian Story Book ages 2-6
Physical Description:  Hardback, 32 pages 
List Price:  $14.99
For More Info/To Buy: http://www.kregel.com/childrens-story-books/the-midnight-visitors/

Mom’s Review:

• Adorable! This book is pure sweetness!  Adorable animals making adorable sounds, climaxing with a special sweet baby. The words and colorful illustrations work very well together.
• Read-aloud Sounds. Many pages highlight simple sounds that make this a fun read-aloud for the littles. “Ruff Ruff,” “To whit – to whoo,” Knock, knock!” to give a few.
• Humor. There’s some good humor in the book to make it fun for the olders, as well! For instance, the innkeeper tells Mary and Joseph, “It’s the best I can do.” This is followed by the main character cow’s, thoughts: “What a cheek. There’s nothing wrong with my cowshed!”

Overall, a terrific book to add to your Christmas collection. It’s about Jesus, and it’s written in a fun, sweet way that is guaranteed to appeal to your little ones.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Kregel Publications for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review: Ishtar’s Odyssey

Tweet

The Christmas story. We’ve heard it over and over. If you’re looking for a way to make it fresh and meaningful this season, here’s a story for you.

Synopsis of Book

A new Advent family devotional from the author of Jotham's Journey! Fourth in a set of Advent adventure books for families, Ishtar's Odyssey follows the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. Ishtar would just as soon stay in the comfort of the palace, but slowly he learns that there's much to see, do, and learn in this world that can't be experienced in school. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

Arnold Ytreeide's family advent devotionals have become a much-loved Christmas tradition, enjoyed by multiple generations. With over 100,000 in print they include Jotham's Journey, Bartholomew's Passage, and Tabitha's Travels.

About the Author

Arnold Ytreeide is a fine storyteller who cares deeply about spiritual growth in families. Ytreeide is the founder of Storyteller Productions and lives with his wife and two children in Nampa, Idaho.

Genre:  Children’s Christian Story Book 
Physical Description:  Paperback, 176 pages 
List Price:  $15.99
For More Info/To Buy: http://www.kregel.com/arnold-ytreeide/ishtars-odyssey/

Mom’s Review:

We’ve loved all of Ytreeide’s advent books! They are a great way to travel through Christmas season with a regular moment each day to remember Christ.

• Adventure! Cliffhangers make you excited to continue the story the next day. As a prince, Ishtar has a unique set of adventures that run into some of Ytreeide's other characters’ adventures from time to time. There is mystery, death-defying excitement, scary moments, character transformation, and more.
• Bible Tie-Ins. Esmé loves how the adventure is tied to Bible scriptures and truths. At the end of each chapter, the author ties the story’s events to a Bible text in a way that makes one think. These go beyond the nativity story to a better understanding of who Christ is and why His coming is so important to each of us even today.
• Schedule. The chapters are spaced out nicely to fit into an advent schedule, and the story climaxes with Christ’s birth on Christmas day.
• Persian Food Outline. This book has a neat Making Connections feature – an outline of foods and common kid-friendly substitutes that Ishtar enjoys during each chapter of his odyssey. To make the book come alive, plan your menus around the list.
• Cultural Experience. The book does a great job of helping the reader understand the culture of the time, with historical tidbits, landmarks, and more. I was particularly intrigued with religious discussions – the concept of multiple gods versus one singular God, etc. in context of the predominant religions of the time.
• A Child’s Perspective. It’s fun to travel throughout the nativity story from a child’s perspective that your children can relate to. The characters all have flaws; Ishtar is far from perfect. But he grows and becomes transformed through the truths he learns, and ideally your child will make a similar journey in the reading of this book.
• It’s All About Jesus. The nativity story is beautiful straight from the Bible, but Ytreeide has mastered the art of retelling it from different perspectives to discover new truths each time.

Ytreeide’s advent books have become a staple of our Christmas season, and this one does not disappoint. You don’t need to have read the others in order to appreciate this one, but having that context adds to the enjoyment of reading as you see how the main characters’ stories intersect.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Kregel Publications for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review: The Ology

Tweet

God always was and always will be. God is all-powerful. God is in control. God is perfect. Jesus paid it all. The Word of God lives forever.

Truths. The most important things you want your child to hang on to. Everything else in educating your child is secondary.

How do you fit these truths into the busyness of home education? You can live them out each day, but if you want an organized approach with biblical references for sharing these truths, here’s a good resource for you…

Synopsis of Book

A page-turning storybook of theology for kids

In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.

Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.

Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.

About the Author

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes The Gospel Story Bible, Long Story Short, Old Story New, and the Gospel Story Curriculum, as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum Prepare Him Room. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Genre:  Children’s Christian education (ages 6 – preteen)
Physical Description:  Hardcover, 224 pages 
List Price:  $29.99, currently $25.49
For More Info/To Buy: http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-ology-ancient-truths-ever-new/

Mom’s Review:

• Introduction and Conclusion. This book has a fun little intro and conclusion that kids can relate to and that excites them about what is inside.
• Organization. The book is neatly organized into 71 chapters that logically walk kids through the major tenets of the Christian faith. The table of contents allows you to easily jump to a topic if needed.
• Bible References. Each chapter includes scripture supporting scripture quotes, in addition to scripture references if you’d like to read more on the subject.
• The Relatable Writing. The chapters include object lessons or anecdotes that make it easier for a child to relate to the topic. For instance, in describing the animal sacrifices, it says, “They were a little like cleaning your room by shoving everything under the bed. The bed covers the mess but the mess is still there,” and describes the need for Jesus’ ultimate cleansing sacrifice.
• Illustrations & Design. The subtle colors of the attractive artwork and graphic design add to the appeal of the book without overwhelming the topics being addressed.
• The Questions at the End of the Book. Both the scripture references and the questions/answers at the end of the book (one for each chapter) make it easy to use this book as an educational resource or component of a homeschool curriculum.

I would make the suggestion that the book be read by parent and child together. While most of the writing is universal for Christians of all denominations, there may be some doctrinal differences or variances. While I personally found variances on the topics of death and baptism, I see this as an opportunity to explore and discuss the topics more deeply with my child.

Overall, this book is a great resource for Christian parents.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review: A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest

Tweet

Africa. The sights: children running, run-down buildings, animals, orderly plantations, wild jungle. The smells: Overwhelming florals, sweat mixed with fire, markets with overripe tomatoes and dried fish. The sounds: horns blaring, dogs barking, a language you don’t understand, laughter. The tastes: juicy mango, maize from a pot. The feeling: jarring roads, crowds, awe.

Water. A precious commodity transported on the heads, or in other creative ways, of many a child, many a woman. Not too many years ago, when Esmé was a baby, it was our privilege to experience Africa. To play a small supporting role in the creation of more water sources, wells, for various communities.

So here’s a book that grabbed us from the first page…

Synopsis of Book

A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan's journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.

What you'll find in A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest:

• A page-turning children's action and adventure story set in a fictional African land
• Blends magical realism and compelling storytelling with gospel themes to draw kids gently into the truth
• Deals with real-life but (seemingly) faraway themes like the plight of orphans, the duties of child soldiers, and the reality of the Ebola virus
• Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa who handles cross-cultural issues with grace, sensitivity, and love

About the Authors

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.
Find Jennifer online: website

Genre:  8-14 year olds, Christian adventure 
Physical Description:  Paperback, 128 pages 
List Price:  $15.99, currently $13.59
To Buy: http://bit.ly/1NDAPy1
For More Information: http://litfusegroup.com/author/JAMyhre

Mom’s Review:

Africa. This book had me at Africa. The chameleon (we had one in our yard), the jerry can of water, the poinsettia bush, the description of clothing, the outdoor school, the hospital wards, the jarring roads, the dog, the family relationships. I could just visualize it all. It’s fun to remind Esmé of her past there, to share the experience with her through the vividly described setting of this book.

The talking animals. Miss Esmé has been a fan of talking animals ever since I’ve been reading to her. A talking chameleon? Right up her ally. Great for imaginative kids.

The adventure. This is a fun read! There is mystery. Every chapter ends with a desire to find out what happens next. With lots of animal action as well, this is an adventure for both boys and girls.

The allegory. Betrayal. Courage. Redemption. You can find the story of Good and Evil subtly woven throughout this book.

Overall, this is an exciting read-aloud (though of course your child may want to read on her own) adventure with great cultural and redemptive qualities. I highly recommend it.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Review/Giveaway: NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith.Hope.Love

Tweet

Comment on this post for a chance to win!

I was recently leading out in 8yo Miss Esmé’s class at church. After a game of fruit basket upset, the topic of discussion: how leaving your Bible on your bedstand doesn’t help you, just like a bowl of fruit on the counter doesn’t help you. You have to eat it, get it inside of you regularly, to get the benefit.

So I showed the kids copies of various Bibles we’ve used over the years. Picture Bible. Toddler Bible. Preschool Bible. Early Reader Bible. We’ve graduated to a full-text Bible with pictures.

Every age – every stage – so different. While the truths remain the same, the needs are different. How can I encourage my daughter to keep internalizing these truths at each stage? To realize how they apply to her life right here and now?

I know this: at each stage, I want something in her hand that she can personalize and make her own; something that compels her to pick it up each day. And I’ve found the perfect option for her teen years.

Synopsis of Book

The NIV Bible for Teen Girls, designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18, is for real teenage girls with real lives. Packed with daily readings, highlighted promises of God, challenging insights, smart advice, and open discussion about the realities of life, this Bible is designed to help teen girls grow in faith, hope, and love. The NIV Bible for Teen Girls is as sincere about your walk with God as you are, helping you discover his will for all areas of your life, including relating to your family, dealing with friends, work, sports, guys, and so much more.

Features include:

• Daily readings for teen girls by popular Christian female authors (Annie Downs, Bekah Hamrick Martin, Christine Caine, Crystal Kirgiss, Bethany Hamilton, Nicole Weider, Elsa Kok Colopy, Denise Van Eck and more)
• Character profiles of women in the Bible
• Book introductions for each book of the Bible
• Highlighted promises of God: verses worth remembering
• A concordance for help in finding verses
• The complete text of the bestselling New International Version (NIV) of the Bible

Genre:  Christian teen
Physical Description:  Hardcover, 1728 
List Price:  $29.99
To Buy: http://www.zondervan.com/niv-bible-for-teen-girls-2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zondervan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zondervan

Mom’s Review:

Appearance. This is the first thing we looked at. Esmé’s been a bit critical of appearance on other Bibles in the past; they look boring or masculine. Right away we both fell in love with this one. It is feminine without being too little girly. A teal and pink cover, with pink highlights and headings throughout the text, the graphic design gives it an “older girl” feel.

It also feels “practical.” The type of thing one could throw in a backpack or overnight bag without stressing about damaging the pages. Something to personalize with highlighters and notes on the devotionals. It’s not an heirloom Bible, but rather meant for a very specific timespan.

Daily Readings. I want a Bible that compels my daughter to pick it up each day. The daily readings are interspersed at appropriate locations throughout the Bible, so even if the reading was her main focus for picking it up in the morning, she is instantly immersed in all the surrounding text.

The readings are written by Christian female authors and address different topics teens might be dealing with, all in context of a nearby Bible passage. I shared some of these with Esmé for purposes of the review, but she was adamant that this would be a Bible for her to receive on her 12th birthday, and based on the topics, I agree that would be about the right age for her to start.

Topical Index. The index of daily reading topics is one of my favorite features. You can look up a topic like “Fashion,” or “Fakers” or “God’s Call,” or “Dieting,” and go straight to a daily reading with applicable Bible passage. I envision using this myself if I get pulled into teen drama…

Women of the Bible. Another favorite feature is the character profile of women at various points in the Bible. The author does a good job of describing the women, providing Bible passages for further reading, and, my favorite part, sharing lessons from their lives that are applicable to women (including teens) today.

Book Summaries. Each book of the Bible begins with an approximate date of book, list of characters, familiar verse, and summary. I like how the summary ties the old to the modern, for instance, in the summary of Galatians: “Like using ‘ALL CAPS’ to make a point, Paul even took the pen from his scribe and wrote the end of the letter himself in large letters.”

Version. This is the popular New International Version that I personally grew up with. It has its critics and deserved critiques, but as a whole I found it highly readable and beneficial.

Concordance. It has an NIV concordance in the back, and I think this is one of the most important features of a practical Bible. If you’re taking it with you to studies or just wanting to remember where a favorite passage was found, this tool is invaluable.

Highlighted Texts. It’s like a friend has personalized the Bible to grab the reader’s attention to God’s promises throughout.

I’m excited about having this resource for Esmé to use in her teen years, and I pray it will change her life as she internalizes His Word.

Giveaway!

Yes, I can offer one blessed reader a copy of the NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith.Hope.Love! We’re going simple with giveaway entries here: just enter a comment of any kind on this post, along with your email address or other way for me to contact you. A winner will be randomly selected on November 6. You must have a US or Canada mailing address to win.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for coordinating this book for review and providing the giveaway prize. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for your chance to win this giveaway!

Review: Pass It On

Tweet

When I was pregnant with Miss Esmé, I got all the books. What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I had books on baby stages, toddler stages, preschooler stages. This was my first, and I wanted to know everything ahead of time – to have a game plan for all the upcoming occurrences and to know what to do to navigate and facilitate the growth transitions as smoothly as possible.

Now she is eight, and I’ve (sort of) learned to adapt to the way she constantly surprises me by going off script. But I can’t imagine going through those early years without that constant reassurance of knowing, month by month, we were (sort of) on track. Physically. Mentally.

But what about spiritually? Are we on track spiritually? And isn’t that the most important thing?

I never thought about a parenting book to monitor those transitions of spiritual growth. Until now.

Pass It On is a great resource for not only preparing for spiritual growth transitions of your child, but also for steering and celebrating those steps.

Synopsis of Book

Parents often experience a “freak out” moment when they realize their children’s view of God will primarily come from what they learn at home.

Most parents spend more time helping their kids succeed at academics or athletics than infusing shared spiritual experiences into the rhythm of everyday family life.

While the idea of strategically passing down our faith can seem intimidating, the annual Rites of Passage Experiences contained in Pass It On make it easy for your family to celebrate milestones from kindergarten through high school graduation. Forever change the direction of your family’s spiritual legacy . . . starting now!

About the Authors

Jim Burns is president of HomeWord and executive director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. He has more than 1.5 million resources in print and a radio broadcast heard on 800 stations a day. Jim resides in Southern California with his wife Cathy and their three daughters.

Connect with Jim online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Jeremy Lee is the founder of ParentMinistry.Net, a subscription-based service for children and youth ministry workers. He was on the writing team for the Simple Truth Bible from Group Publishing and the Ignite Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Jeremy lives in Nashville with his wife and children.

Connect with Jeremy online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Genre:  Christian parenting 
Physical Description:  Paperback, 256 pages 
List Price:  $15.99
To Buy: http://bit.ly/1jCKyrU
For More Information: http://litfusegroup.com/author/BurnsLee

Mom’s Review:

The book starts with an explanation of why parents should pass on a Christian legacy, and how “rites of passage” are a great way to intentionally pass this on. It is then broken up into years – a chapter for each year from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

The first thing that grabbed my attention – though it was at the end of each chapter – was the section describing typical characteristics of each year – physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. For someone like me who wants to be (as) prepared (as possible) for each stage, this is perfect.

The primary focus of each chapter is the Rite of Passage that includes a ceremony and a symbol. Something that can be as simple or complex as you choose to make it – that supports your child’s spiritual growth with intentionality – in a memorable way. There is a lot of room for flexibility, but also tools, such as sample letters and conversation starters, as well as a section called Laying the Foundation of Faith that helps you stay focused on what’s important.

I was wishing I’d found this book sooner – at the Kindergarten level – because that first Rite of Passage – an invitation to generosity through a family service project – is one that my 8yo could really use right now. But this book is flexible enough to adapt; we’re just going to start right now with that first Rite of Passage and just squeeze them in a little closer together until we’re caught up.

I’m excited about the years ahead, and I’m thrilled to have this roadmap of sorts to keep us on the right track with the milestones to come.

---------------
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for coordinating this book for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.