Saturday, December 19, 2015

Precious Moments 5-Minute Bedtime Treasury


The Precious Moments 5-Minute Bedtime Treasury is a 191-page, padded, hardcover book designed to be part of a “comforting bedtime routine” for little toddlers and children.

Divided into three sections, 1. God Is Trustworthy, 2. God Is Good, and 3. God Is Love, it includes soothing stories of God’s triumphs from the Old Testament, stories of God’s promises from Psalms and Proverbs, and stories of Jesus from the New Testament. Each story is richly illustrated with Sam Butcher’s famous Precious Moments characters. Other features include a Family Tree, an “All About Me” page, a Church Record, a place for an adult and a child to write prayers, Bible chapters as subtitles for each story, and a Bedtime Bible Promise at the end of each story.

I enjoyed reading this book! I’ve adored Precious Moments since I was a child, and when I picked up this book I was impressed by the quality of it. The stories are well-written. They are easy for children to read, but not so easy as to alter the meaning. This book would make a beautiful gift for someone and is presented in a way that makes readers treasure its quality. The short stories accompanied by the vibrant, detailed pictures allow the reader and the listener to enjoy the message.

I definitely recommend this book! I look forward to reading it with a child.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Carols of Christmas: A Celebration of the Surprising Stories Behind Your Favorite Holiday Songs by Andrew Gant


The Carols of Christmas: A Celebration of the Surprising Stories Behind Your Favorite Holiday Songs by Andrew Gant is a fact-filled, historical account of today’s favorite carols.  

Gant skillfully reveals the evolution of 21 of today’s popularly sung Christmas carols. He informs readers of the origins of the songs, the writers, the journeys, the musical changes, and more of the songs, and each chapter (a chapter being the story of one song) ends with a score of the carol.  

The idea of this book was interesting to me, but the chapters themselves didn’t keep my interest—not because they weren’t brimming with information and history—but precisely because they were. I was looking for a less-intense, simpler history of my favorite carols. What Gant provides is a heavily researched, articulate, technical, and thorough account of each carol’s journey. As I read the book, on more than one occasion names of friends who would enjoy this book came to mind (intellectuals, choral directors, scholars, etc.). For the average person looking for a quick and easy informative read, I don’t recommend this book: I recommend it to music scholars and historians.


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

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Berenstain Bears The Very First Christmas by Jan and Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears The Very First Christmas by Jan and Mike Berenstain is a simple, fast-paced, but thorough telling of the Christmas story.

Papa Bear sits down with his kids on Christmas Eve to read them a story, and they ask for the “story of the very first Christmas” from their storybook Bible. Papa reads the three cubs the story – beginning with Mary being greeted by the angel and ending with Joseph being warned to avoid King Herod and then later moving to Nazareth where Jesus grew up.

The story moves quicker than most retellings of the Christmas story do, but it is comprehensive. The quick pace is demonstrated by Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem, and the next page shows a picture of Baby Jesus. I appreciate, however, the simple words the author uses to reach his audience: “cloths” instead of the cumbersome “swaddling clothes,” and he describes Mary and Joseph as being “counted” rather than be part of a “census.”  There aren’t any direct references to scripture in the story, but Luke 2:11-12 is quoted before the story begins. As always, at the end of the story the author has discussion questions and activities ready for families to use to learn together. I recommend this book for kids ages 2-4.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol by Bob Welch


52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol by Bob Welch pleases its readers by captivating them once again with Scrooge’s story and prodding them to shun their inner Scrooge of Christmas Eve and unleash the benevolent Scrooge of Christmas Day.

Each chapter is a lesson: “See life as a child,” “Everyone has value,” “Don’t give expecting to receive,” “The past can be empowering,” and more. Chapters (Lessons) are a short 3-4 pages. They each begin with a subtitle—often a quote from the book or from a movie adaptation—and then within the Lessons Welch references the book, movies, and the Bible. Welch teaches and inspires his readers as he lets them journey with Scrooge and the ghosts.

This book is refreshing. A treasure. Bob Welch’s prose is flawless and engaging. The book was so good that I read it in nearly two sittings. Upon beginning the book I thought that Welch may have to stretch to get 52 lessons from A Christmas Carol—but not so. Each Lesson was fresh and substantial. Welch references A Christmas Carol and Dickens’ life frequently and expertly—he’s evidently read the book often, and the quality of his references show respect to Dickens. I also appreciate Welch’s use of the Bible—it is seamless, relevant, and substantial. I think that Dickens would be honored to hold and read this book. I definitely recommend this book to others!


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

Friday, September 4, 2015

The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain



The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain showcases the fullness of Fall: family, food, functions, and more. 

Papa and Mama proclaim their delight in Fall and show the cubs all of its wonders. Papa rakes piles of leaves for the cubs; they watch caterpillars spinning cocoons, turkeys strutting, chipmunks gathering, and birds migrating; they go to a Fall festival where the farmers display their best produce and wives their pies; but most of all Mama and Papa show the kids that this bounty and beauty are gifts from God. 

What I enjoyed most about this book and what makes it stand out from others of Mike Berenstain’s books is the quality and depth of writing. The prose flows and prods kids to ask many questions such as Why do animals hibernate? What is hibernation? Why do the birds fly in a V formation? What is a church family? What do people do with pumpkins? etc. As always, at the end of the story the author has discussion questions ready for families to use to learn together. I recommend this book for kids ages 4-8. The illustrations are bright and detailed and make me long for Fall! Also, there is a good spiritual message. 

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.


Sunday, July 26, 2015

“The Berenstein Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones” by Jan and Mike Berenstein


 “The Berenstein Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones” by Jan and Mike Berenstein is a happy, thorough collection of Bible stories well-tailored for little ones.

This little Storybook Bible has cardboard pages and is easy for kids to hold and touch. It’s tailored for kids ages 0-3. The stories are simple but complex enough to prompt questions that easily elicit satisfying answers. Jan and Mike include four stories from the Old Testament and four stories from the New Testament. Each story glorifies God or celebrates Jesus.

I’ve read a handful of Mike Berenstein’s books, and this is my favorite! Unlike many Bible stories tailored for little ones, the quality of writing in this book is good. There is dialogue, paragraph breaks, and substance. The font is easy to read, and included with the title of each story is the book and chapter of the Bible from where it’s taken. The illustrations are excellent. The colors are a bit on the pastel side, but the drawings are vivid, and the Bears are in every story; they can even be spotted on Noah’s ark! The spiritual message is strong, and I definitely recommend this book to others.


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

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Jesus Calling written by Sarah Young and illustrated by Antonia Woodward


“Jesus Calling for Little Ones” written by Sarah Young and illustrated by Antonia Woodward is a great tool for parents and a gem for kids.

This children’s book for toddlers is a thick, durable, easy-to-hold cardboard book in which the vivid, happy pictures will attract kids and prompt them to turn the pages. The purpose of the book is to let kids know that Jesus loves them, that He knows everything about them, that He created them, that He is everywhere, and that He made wonderful things for them to enjoy.

This book is great! Each page spread is illustrated with pictures of happy children experiencing God’s blessings and being comforted by His promises. Each spread contains a few lines from Jesus telling kids not to worry, telling them to laugh, showing him that He knows them, proving that He cares for them, etc. Along with those lines is the best part: A Bible verse proving the truth of what’s being said. For example, one page includes a few lines from Jesus saying that He likes it when His kids pray to Him, and that is accompanied by 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The spiritual message is strong, the illustrations are fun, and I definitely recommend this book.


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

Friday, June 12, 2015

The Day is Waiting by Linda Zuckerman and illustrated by Don Freeman


“The Day is Waiting” written by Linda Zuckerman and illustrated by Don Freeman is a delightful story that urges readers to turn the pages, go out and see, and return to a loving home.

In this children’s book, best for ages 3-6, the reader is the character in the book who goes out on adventures. The reader, the main character, looks out of his window and wonders what he can do and see in the wide world outside of his window. He discovers that he can see creatures and travel to cities and meet people and see friends and travel on planes and listen to music and above all return to his home.

The illustrations themselves prompt questions. Children would want to know about the animals that they see and about the places and activities that are shown. These questions open up discussion for parents to talk about all kinds of life activities, events, and culture with their kids. The book is simple and interesting. The prose has a rhythm that keeps the story moving. The story answers three questions, and each is answered in a satisfactory way that will also spur children’s imaginations and possibilities. There isn’t an overt spiritual message, however at the end of the book, after the story is finished, there is a Bible verse: Isaiah 55:12. I recommend this book to others.


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

Friday, June 5, 2015

“Brave Queen Esther” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles


 “Brave Queen Esther” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is a succinct, engaging, productive read for kids.

This story is in the Level 2 category of the I Can Read series. Level 2 is defined as “High-interest stories for developing readers.” The story teaches about Esther’s bravery and that she listened to God’s voice and went to the king even though she was scared.

The message is clearly presented. At a few point I thought the that integral bits of the story may be left out in order to accommodate the kids’ reading level, but the publisher always came through with simple, telling transitions that captured every essential part of the story – giving kids the complete picture of Esther. The illustrations were large and bright, and the reoccurring peacock is sure to captivate kids. This book has a strong spiritual and educational message: In the back of the book there is a page with a section entitled “People of the Bible” and a section entitled “Did You Know?” in which Esther and Mordecai and the festival of Purim are highlighted and explained for the kids.


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

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Women are Scary: The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends


Women are Scary: The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends didn’t make me snort laugh or appreciate sci-fi references (sorry, Melanie), but it did make feel as though I know the author as a friend and appreciate her as a woman enough to call her by her first name.

Melanie’s words help moms. She puts her whole self into her writing and tells the truth: that all women are scary and all women are scared. She shows women how to navigate from the awkward “hi” at a children’s ballet lesson to a risky “let’s meet up at the park” to the daring “want to come over to my house for a play date?” 

This quick-read held my attention to the end. Of course there were parts that I was tempted to brush over, but I didn’t – probably because the writing was captivating (and there are illustrations). I recommend this book to other people. Like most books about life/relationships the premise is common sense, but Melanie writes in a way that soothes and empowers her readers. She guides as all to be better. She is funny and honest and helpful.

These lines sum up Melanie’s message: “We aren’t just moms. We are just a connected organism of nurturing world changers. And that is just awesome” (229).


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

Thursday, April 30, 2015

"God Bless Our Country" by Mike Berenstain

“God Bless Our Country” by Mike Berenstain teaches Brother and Sister and readers about the birth of America and the Fourth of July birthday celebration.

This children’s book is primarily for children in kindergarten, as they are the ones who would not be familiar with Fourth of July celebrations. The story (which comes with stickers!) teaches that the birth of America was God’s will. It also shows different aspects of a Fourth of July celebration including families participating together, respecting veterans, preparing to participate in a parade, community involvement, music, and tributes to past presidents.  

Out of the three Mike Berenstain books that I’ve read, this one is the best because it presents the spiritual message seamlessly. In other books it’s seemed like an afterthought thrown in, but in this book it’s simple, but powerful and unobtrusive. Berenstain does a clever job of weaving Biblical references in with the theme of honey. Mama says, “‘As the Bible says . . . He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.’” Meanwhile, Sister is eating honey, and the illustration shows Papa collecting honey from a tree. The illustrations seem to be less vibrant than other Berenstain Bear books I’ve read, but they’re still captivating. And as always, the back of the book contains activities and questions to prompt discussion between parents and children, which is nice touch.



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


Sunday, April 12, 2015

God’s Story in 66 Verses by Stan Guthrie tells the Bible’s story in easily digestible bits.


 
Guthrie pulls one verse out of each chapter of the Bible and uses that verse to tell the story of that book. For example, Chapter 1 is titled “Genesis 15:6: He believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” The Chapter then goes on to tell the story of the entire book beginning with verse 1 – Guthrie includes verse references and some direct quotes in his summaries as well as sometimes referring to verses from other books of the Bible.

This book is what I’ve been looking for. So often when reading the Old Testament, I find myself asking, “Who is this prophet?” “Where are the Israelites now?” “Have the Israelites become two nations?” “What is happening?” Not until reading this book have I been able to clearly see and know the Old Testament story of the Israelites. By focusing on just one verse in each book, I have better understood the Bible’s story. Each chapter is 2-3 pages in length and is packed with chronology, quotes, and clarity. I’ve been telling my friends about this book, and if they haven’t purchased a copy by Christmas time, this is what I’ll be getting them.

I highly recommend this book to others.


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

 

Sunday, February 8, 2015

The Leadership Handbook by John C. Maxwell


John C. Maxwell’s The Leadership Handbook: 26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Needs is just what the title promises it to be.

Maxwell tells readers that he has taken many ideas from his other books (and some new ideas) and compiled them into this handbook. He recommends that this book be read thoroughly and intentionally used as a handbook for people who are actively leading others. Each chapter is a lesson, and each chapter ends with “Application Exercises” which are intended for the reader to apply the lesson from the chapter. Following that there is a “Mentor Moment” which concludes each chapter. These give tips on how to share the lesson with those the reader is leading.

I haven’t read any of John C. Maxwell’s other books, but now I think I’d like to. I was not the target audience for this book, but I can definitely see how spending Maxwell’s recommended week with each chapter would be beneficial if I were the target audience. While at times a lot of what was written seemed to be common sense, Maxwell brought a new light to some issues. One lesson that will stick with me is the title of Chapter 9: “To See How the Leader is Doing, Look at the People.” Maxwell also gives the glory to God, which I appreciate, and on page 33 he makes a comical reference to Moses’ leadership situation. Also, Maxwell includes tips from other experts: I found his list of “Six Rules for Successful Leadership” by Jack Welch (page 67) to be particularly telling.

I recommend this book to others. If used intentionally, this book could make a difference.


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

Monday, January 19, 2015

"The Biggest Brag" by Mike Berenstain

“The Biggest Brag” by Mike Berenstain captures Brother and Sister in the midst of a sibling rivalry where outdoing one another is their principal pastime.

This children’s book could be enjoyed by children of all ages. After boasting and bragging and trying to outdo each other with grades, sports, and even seeing images in the clouds, the message of the story is brought through Gramps who reminds the cubs that the Bible says that with pride comes strife.

This is the second book I’ve read by Mike Berenstain, and what captured me the most in this book were the illustrations. In typical Berenstain fashion, pages contain snippets of the Bears in various situations which allow readers to know many facets of the Cubs’ lives. However, there are some full-page spreads too which allow readers to immerse themselves in Bear Country. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, and the message is presented clearly. However, there is only one mention of the Bible, and I think that more would have been an advantage. The back of the book contains activities and questions to prompt discussion between parents and children, which is nice touch.



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