Lift the Flap Bible

TITLE: Lift the Flap Bible
AUTHOR:  Karen Williamson
ILLUSTRATOR: Louise Anglicas
PUBLISHER: Candle Books; Brdbk Edition
COPYRIGHT: 2014

I was so excited to be able to review this book called Lift the Flap Bible by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Louise Anglicas.  My son always enjoyed "lift the flap" books when he was a toddler, and I thought this one would be great to have for our new baby!

About the book:
What's under the flaps? Find out in this collection of eight very simple Bible stories in a large cased board book format. Each story is told across a double-page spread and there are flaps on every page. Bright, quirky illustrations full of wit and color from Louise Anglicas are perfect for this engaging introduction to Bible stories. Stories are: Noah and the Ark, Moses and the Bulrushes, Daniel and the Lions, Jonah and the Great Fish, Born in a Stable, Boy with Loaves and Fishes, The Lost Sheep, and Man Lowered Through the Roof.

My thoughts:
I thought this was a great little book. The pages are large and I liked that the flaps were big pictures. There are about 3-4 flaps per story.  The art work and pictures are wonderful.  I always like it when books for young children have bright, colorful images of "extras" like birds, animals, flowers, etc. that you can use to identify colors, shapes, etc. as you read the book. The stories that are included are biblical favorites, and only minimal text is used with the pictures.

This book was sent to me by Kregel for my honest review. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible
AUTHOR: Jan and Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

In this storybook Bible you will be able to share some favorite Bible stories told "Berenstain Bear style." Included are several Old Testament stories like creation, Noah's ark, and Daniel in the lions' den.  There are a few New Testament stories too like the birth of Jesus and some of the parables he taught.  I really liked the illustration and description used for the crucifixion.  Many times I will see children's storybook Bibles skip over this part and I liked how this one included that story.  The people characters were all bears (I will admit it was a little odd seeing the Bible characters as bears, but it does say at the beginning that the cubs imagined the characters as bears!).

This version also comes with a CD so you can listen to the stories together or a child can enjoy the book on her own.  It is read by Angela Park, and she has a good voice for this.

The bright colorful pictures will hold the interest of youngsters as they listen to these stories.  This would make a nice book to add to your home library to read before bed each night.

This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.  Thank you.

NIV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions

TITLE:  NIV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions
AUTHOR:  Robin Schmitt
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2008

This book is 365 days of devotions for your child.  It is geared to ages 9-12.  This is a great way for your child to get into the habit of having a daily devotional time.

I thought the topics were relevant to the life of a child in today's world.  They are short and easy to read and each one includes a verse reference.  I was very impressed with this book and am glad to have it to use in our home.

My son has been reading these, and he said he likes it.  He noticed the large print that was easy to read. Also he said it has good stories.

The publisher sent me the copy of this for my honest review.

David Battles Goliath

TITLE:  David Battles Goliath
AUTHOR:
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

About the book:
David Battles Goliath is a retelling of the favorite Old Testament Bible story about a young shepherd boy named David with a great amount of faith. Using art from the bestselling The Beginner's Bible, this story is available in the popular and affordable 8x8 softcover format. David hears about the challenge made by the Philistine giant Goliath and believes he must do something to help. Knowing that God will always be at his side, the shepherd boy tells the king he wants to fight Goliath. Will David's slingshot, stones, and faith in God's love for him be enough to save the Israelite army?

My thoughts:
David and Goliath is one of the more popular Bible stories for children.  This is a well-done book with colorful illustrations of this loved story of God helping David defeat Goliath.  The text is an appropriate length to keep the interest of young listeners.  It is also good for those learning to read on their own because it isn't too complicated. 

Check out this new book as well as the one I reviewed here yesterday called A Queen Named Esther.  There are several in this series and they'd make a nice addition to your home or church library.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

A Queen Named Esther

TITLE:  A Queen Named Esther
AUTHOR:  
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

About the book:A Queen Named Esther is a retelling of the favorite Old Testament Bible story about a beautiful Hebrew woman named Esther. Using art from the bestselling The Beginner's Bible, this story is available in the popular and affordable 8x8 softcover format. When the king of Persia is looking for a queen, Esther's cousin Mordecai encourages her to step forward. And when the king sees her beauty, he chooses her to be the new queen. But God has a bigger job for Esther than just being queen. The safety of God's people rests in the hands of the new queen. Can she find the courage to help save the Hebrews from Haman's evil plan?

My thoughts:
This would make a great addition to your home or church library.  For myself, Esther is not one of the stories I remember well from my childhood Sunday School classes.  This book will help children be familiar with this wonderful story of God's plan and protection of His people.  

The illustrations are colorful and characters are cartoon figures.  The book is not too long so it will hold the attention of young listeners.  I liked the way the text was worded in a way children could understand something bad was happening, but it wasn't presented in a way that would be scary to young readers.  

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for my honest review.  

Bible Stories That End With a Hug! (+ Giveaway)

TITLE:  Bible Stories That End With a Hug!
AUTHOR:  Stephen Elkins
ILLUSTRATOR: Simon Taylor-Kielty
PUBLISHER: Tyndale Kids
COPYRIGHT:  2012

 About the book:Little children love getting—and giving—hugs! Hugs generate warmth, affection, and a feeling of acceptance. Show your little ones just how much you treasure them while teaching them about the Bible and God’s unconditional love for his creation. Bible Stories that End with a Hug! features 75 easy-to-understand Bible stories with charming illustrations, lessons on how to apply the stories to your child’s daily life, memory verses from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, and a special “Hug Time” during which you can share a great big hug with your child.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book. It would be nice for a family to read together at bedtime with a very young child (toddler--preschool). There are stories from the Old and New Testament. What I liked was that this story book had some stories that I don't normally see in children's Bible story books. I like also that each one ends with a reason to give a hug to your child! The illustrations are sweet too, and I liked the layout with the text, pictures, and questions. It would make a sweet little Valentine for your little one! 

Giveaway:I am giving away a copy of this book.  Please leave a comment on this post to enter!  Make sure you include a way for me contact you if you win.  Open to US addresses.  Giveaway ends on Friday, February 8, 2013.  I will contact the winner Saturday.  Thank you! 

Thank you to Tyndale for this book for my honest review.

The Jesus Storybook Bible

TITLE: The Jesus Storybook Bible
AUTHOR: Sally Lloyd-Jones
ILLUSTRATOR: Jago
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:2007

I am reading The Jesus Storybook Bible with my son. We have read many different children's Bibles. This one is different from all of them. First, the illustrations are not the typical children's book cartoon illustrations. Second, these are not just shortened versions of stories from the Bible on a child's level. These are well-thought out stories that I have found to be biblically accurate. But they also show how that event or story points to Jesus. The subtitle of the book is "Every story whispers his name." I love and appreciate this. This is a wonderful book that both children and adults will enjoy. As an adult it is nice to be reminded of God's faithfulness as we read with our children. It is appropriate for school-aged children. This book would be perfect for a bedtime reading book.

Thank you to Zondervan for providing a review copy of this storybook Bible.