"Elijah, God's Mighty Prophet" illustrations by David Miles

 

“Elijah, God’s Mighty Prophet” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is an animatedly illustrated, clear, complete story 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 Elijah’s faith in the one, true God. The story shows how God took care of Elijah and in the end showed all of the people in the town that He is the real, living God.

The message is clearly presented. God’s goodness is strongly evident throughout the story. The book provided a complete view of the story of Elijah and God working in his life. The publishers do a good job of making the story accessible but not simple. The illustrations are bold and vivid—what I noticed over and over again was the intensity and accuracy of the characters’ facial expressions. This book has a strong spiritual and educational message: In the back of the book there is a page with a section entitled “People in Bible Times” and a section entitled “Life in Bible Times” in which the idea of a prophet is defined and explored.  

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.

God's Beloved Daughters by Merrilynn Grodecki

This is a daily devotional written for women. The devotions for each month follow a specific theme (January: New Beginnings, May: God’s Provision, October: Developing Character, etc.). Grodecki wants her female audience to see their worth in Christ and to dwell in the possibilities and the best life that He offers to us. Each devotion begins with some Bible verses to read and then proceeds into a reflection (which reads like a conversation between the author and reader).

This book was interesting, and it inspired me. I almost lost interest after the Introduction—the book seemed to be heading in a direction that focused solely on the author’s personal experience. I’m glad I kept reading though. Grodecki’s care for her readers is evident. The devotions are thoughtful and concise, and the idea of having a theme for each month keeps the devotions fresh. I plan to incorporate this encouraging book into my devotional time. I like that Grodecki includes a short Bible reading with each devotion and that her devotions vary in form—some are anecdotal, some reflective, all encouraging.

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.

"Mother's Day Blessings" by Mike Berenstain

“Mother’s Day Blessings” by Mike Berenstain is a sweet tribute to mama bears.

The cubs are excited to present Mama with a surprise for Mother’s Day—they plan to take her out to eat after church. On their way to church, the cubs learn that all children think their mothers are the most special. The cubs also realize that women in their community such as officers and doctors are moms too. As the family drives through Bear Country, the cubs witness the variety of moms being celebrated on this special day.

Mike Berenstain delivers a touching tribute to moms. Watching the cubs discover all of the other moms in the community was endearing. I like the fact that the Bear Family went to church on Mother’s Day. The simple act of a family attending church together is something children need to read and enjoy. The preacher gave a speech of thanks for the moms, and then a Bible verse was mentioned. I thought the Bible verse was a bit of a stretch and I think that kids may find it to be confusing, but perhaps it opens the door for conversation. As always, the inside back cover includes stimulating activities and questions for parents and children.

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.

"Angels in the Bible Storybook" written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Alida Massari

“Angels in the Bible Storybook” is a beautifully written and illustrated gem.  

The small, hard cover book has sturdy, full-color pages that are plastered with vibrant, detailed, colorful pictures and designs. The book is separated into two sections: the Old and New Testaments. Each section has a number of stories about angels. Each story is accompanied by a Bible verse or verses.

The concept of angels is something that I haven’t understood really well and have wanted to learn more about. This book is a delightful storybook for children, but I plan to use it is a study guide to learn more about angels in the Bible. I was unfamiliar with some of the stories presented, and I want to read them in the Bible, while also reading them in the Storybook, and compare and learn. A comprehensive range of stories are presented, and this book will serve as an informative Bible study companion. The writing in this book is engaging and informative.

I highly 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.