"The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury" by Jan and Mike Berenstain

I’m addicted to Berenstain Bear books. So of course when I saw Jan and Mike Berenstain’s “The Berenstain Bears’ Caring and Sharing Treasury,” I wanted to read it. The collection contains five books. All of the books are faith stories and part of the “Living Lights” series.

The first book, “Jobs Around Town,” because of its simple, almost lack of, a plot, is geared toward three year olds, whereas the other stories in the collection would please 4-8 year olds. The narrator in this story is ambiguous. Is it Brother? Is it the author? I couldn’t tell. All of the illustrations were full-page and vibrant. The story is simple—it’s reads as a series of observations rather than as a story.

The second story, “Get Involved,” was a more substantial story. Dialogue kept the story engaging and progressing. This story, as well as the rest, also had vibrant, full-page illustrations.

“Love Their Neighbors,” the third story, was a clever retelling of the Good Samaritan story. I appreciated that this book was a thorough story with an overt moral message.

The fourth story, “Gossip Gang,” is my favorite. The storyline is smooth and thorough, and the authors articulately tackle a big issue that kids have.

“The Biggest Brag,” the final story, also has vibrant, detailed illustrations and a clearly-presented message which could have been enhanced with more Bible references.

At the end of the Treasury are the “Talk about it” and “Get out and do it” sections that correspond with each story.

I recommend this collection to others.

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The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

"School Time Blessings" by Mike Berenstain

“School Time Blessings” by Mike Berenstain teaches children about casting their anxieties on the Lord.

I recently cuddled up on the couch with my four-year-old niece, and we read stories. We started with “No Girls Allowed” by Stan and Jan Berenstain – a Berenstain Bear book from my childhood. After that book, we read “School Time Blessings.”

I find that the first generation of Berenstain Bear books focus on having a thorough storyline, and the new books focus on applying a spiritual insight. Both are good.

“School Time Blessings” seems to have more spiritual references than some of Mike Berenstain’s other books do. When we came to the first mention of God, my niece asked, “are these Sabbath books?” That made me smile. I’m glad that Mike Berenstain has made his books “Living Lights” stories. I quietly told my niece that we can read about God any day, and we finished the story.

“School Time Blessings” offers everything Mike Berenstain’s other books do – vibrant illustrations, a Bear Country lesson, and a kid-friendly story. I recommend this book to others.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Great Stories of the Bible illustrated by David Miles

“Great Stories of the Bible” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is accessible, Biblically accurate, and vibrantly illustrated.

This book is in the Level 2 category of the I Can Read series. Level 2 is defined as “High-interest stories for developing readers.” This hardcover book contains six stories: “God’s Great Creation,” “Facing the Blazing Furnace,” “Ruth and Naomi,” “Miracles of Jesus,” “A Father’s Love,” and “The Good Samaritan.” The purpose of all of the stories is to emphasize God’s greatness and the reward that come from serving Him.

I enjoy all of the books in this series that I’ve read. The illustrations are always engaging, and while the Bible stories are simplified, they are still provocative. The spiritual messages are clear, and the stories are written in a style that is attractive and accessible for children. At the end of each story, there is an information page that can be used for further instruction between parent and child. Sometimes Bible verses are given, characters are discussed further, or lessons from the story are amplified. This treasury of six stories is a gem, and I definitely recommend it to others.

http://booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400203048

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.