God Made You Nose to Toes

TITLE: God Made You Nose to Toes
AUTHOR: Leslie Parrot
ILLUSTRATOR:  Estelle Corke
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2002 (illustrations 2017)

About the book:
Help little ones understand that God created each part of their bodies so they can enjoy life and everything in it. In this delightful padded cover board book by well-known author and family therapist Leslie Parrott, children can follow along with Toucan––with a great big nose––as he helps them learn God loves each one of them completely.

My thoughts:
This is a most enjoyable book. My little boy (20 months) asks me to read it over and over.  The rhyming text is fun and the pictures are great.  It talks about how God made all of our body parts so it is fun to read and point to body parts.  This is board book and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.  I recommend it to you for your little friends to help them learn that God loves them and made all their parts.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Pumpkin Patch Blessings

TITLE: Pumpkin Patch Blessings
AUTHOR: Kim Washburn
ILLUSTRATOR: Jacqueline East
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2016

We've had a week of cooler temperatures here in Texas, and it makes me look forward to the days of fall.  This cute little book will help you and your little one prepare for fall.

Pumpkin Patch Blessings by Kim Washburn and illustrated by Jacqueline East is a sweet board book for youngsters to learn about the blessings we can find around us during the fall season.  Blessings like colorful, crunchy leaves, roasted corn, hay rides, scarecrows, and pumpkins growing in the field.

I enjoyed this book and think it would be appropriate for toddlers and preschool aged children.  I like that this book shows many of the things we see in the fall season and helps the child be thankful for these things.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

God Shows The Way

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears' God Shows The Way
AUTHOR: Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:  Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2014

Book Description:
Now in a convenient 3 stories in one collection, young readers will learn from the Berenstain Bears just how important it is to serve and love one another. Written in level one of the I Can Read standards, this bind-up of stories from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights I Can Read series is sure to please young, emergent readers as well as parents and grandparents looking for good quality reading that will help practice early reading skills as well as teach lessons about serving and caring for others. Included in this collection are the following titles: Faith Gets Us Through Have No Fear, God Is Near Piggy Bank Blessings.

My thoughts:
I've always enjoyed the Berenstain Bears and the cute stories that always teach a lesson.  This book is three stories in one hardback book.  All three have a religious theme with a Bible verse at the beginning and another in the story. 

This book is appropriate for early readers, those who are beginning to read on their own.  These are written at a much simpler level than other books in the series. As you can see on the cover it is Level 1 reader.

While I liked the simplicity of the stories of these well-loved characters and the values taught through the stories, I always have an issue with books that include "scary" topics such as monsters, shadows, etc.  This is just a personal preference I've always had not to read books related to such topics to children.  I never would read these type of books to my son because he wasn't afraid of such things. I didn't want him to read these books and think he should be afraid of them!  Now if you had a child already scared of such things, this book would be fine. Both the first two stories talk of such things and your child could learn from how Sister Bear handled her fears.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” TITLE:

Along Came You

TITLE:  Along Came You
AUTHOR:  Karona Drummond
ILLUSTRATOR:  Estelle Corke
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2009

Book Description:
Available for the first time as a fun and durable board book, the beautifully illustrated Along Came You is now perfectly suited for little hands and hearts. Ideal for Mother's Day, baby showers, birthdays, or any time a parent wants to express their love, this book's storyline highlights the positive ways in which parents' lives change when they have children. Author Karona Drummond, a certified elementary school teacher, employs storytelling techniques that will appeal to both the child and parent. The simple language and repetitive structure of the phrases make this a perfect read-along book that teachers, librarians, parents, and young readers will enjoy.

My thoughts:
In this sweet book a Mom tells her daughter how her life has changed because of her.  The child in the picture looks like a preschooler.  To me this would be a book that a Mom could read to her child as a toddler that could become a favorite as the child grows. I like the repetitive phrase of "before you" and "after you" used on each page.  It is just the right length as well to keep the child's attention and the right size of board book for young hands to hold on their own.

Children change all aspects of our lives, and this book celebrates those wonderful changes!  A child may not realize the way he or she has caused so many things to change, but this book shares those changes in a positive, loving manner.

Check out this book when you need a gift for a new Mom.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Prophet with Honor

TITLE:  Prophet with Honor The Billy Graham Story
AUTHOR:  William Martin
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  ZonderKidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

About the book:
His Message Would Be Heard Around The World No one guessed he would change the world. A simple country farm boy once prayed that God would use him...and prayed...and prayed. And God did use him, beyond what he ever imagined. He grew into a man who would lead millions of people to Christ, a man who would be known as the greatest evangelist of our time. Come read the story of Billy Graham and follow his life from his days as a boy, who wasn't so great in school, to a man who would teach the world the greatest lesson of all: how to know and live for Christ.

My thoughts:
This is a biography of the life and ministry of Billy Graham.  It has a few pictures throughout.  I thought it was a good overview of the life of this man who has touched many lives for Christ.  I learned some things about him as well about his life as a boy, his marriage and children, and his crusades.  He formed relationships with people throughout his life and these helped in later in life.  It was amazing to read about the many famous people he has been able to reach.

It is considered juvenile nonfiction.

This book was provided to me for my review from the publisher.  Thank you.

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.

The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings
AUTHOR:  Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

The Bear family learn a short history of Thanksgiving, and on the way to their grandparents' house they talk about the many things they should be thankful for besides food, like family & friends, peace & plenty, and work & play.

This is a wonderful Bear book to add to your collection.  It has questions at the end to use to talk about Thanksgiving as a family. There is also a sheet of fall stickers featuring scenes from the book.  Be sure to look for this one to give to a child you love this Thanksgiving!

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

Andi Unexpected

TITLE:  Andi Unexpected
AUTHOR:  Amanda Fowler
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

I have a special book review for you today.  My son received this book Andi Unexpected by Amanda Fowler to read and review.  He read it super fast and really enjoyed it.  Here is his review which he dictated to me:

Andi's parents died in a plane crash, and she went to live at her aunt's house.  Her aunt Amelie was excited for Andi and her older sister Bethany to come because she was lonely.  Andi wants to move up to the attic because her sister is annoying.  Andi and her new friend Colin find a trunk in a trap door.  They find out it belonged to a relative named Andora which is Andi's full name.  The trunk is a mystery for them to find out about the other Andora. 

I thought it was cool that Andi and Colin were trying to solve the mystery of the trunk.  It's not a scary book, just a normal book.  It is a chapter book without pictures.  I liked this book and want to read more of this series.  I think it is a good book.  Personally, I think people who like mysteries or good books will like to read this.  It is for boys or girls. 

The book was sent to us from the publisher for our 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.  

Peace on Earth

TITLE: Peace on Earth A Christmas Collection
AUTHOR:  Mary Engelbreit
ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Engelbreit
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2013

About the book:  
I surely wish with all my heart, This day of Jesus' birth, That peace and love and happiness Soon cover all the earth. Mary Engelbreit rings in the holiday with a Christmas collection that includes many of her favorite carols, the story of Jesus' birth, and beloved poems that touch the heart and celebrate the miracle of the season.

My thoughts:
If you enjoy the beautiful illustrations of Mary Engelbreit, you will want to check out this book to add to your collection this Christmas season.  This hardback is full of bright colored holiday scene illustrations.  This book has favorite Christmas songs and poems of the author as well as the text from the book of Luke of the birth of Jesus.  I like the size of the book, the layout of the pictures with the text, and how it is a variety of Christmas memories.

This book would make a nice gift or add it to your own collection of Christmas books for your coffee table.  
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Pirates on the Farm

TITLE:  Pirates on the Farm
AUTHOR:  Denette Fretz
ILLUSTRATOR:  Gene Barretta
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

What should the family do when a group of pirates decides to move in next door?  Each family member has a different reaction to these new neighbors who know nothing about farming and don't act socially appropriate.  Many in the community reject them.  Will the new neighbors ever be accepted?

This is a great book to explore the differences between people and what we can do to be friendly to others, even those who act a little differently than we do.  I think there is a good lesson here and young children will enjoy the pirate characters.  I liked that various pirate vocabulary words were listed and defined in the back of the book.

I received this book from the publisher 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.

Vacation Bible Snooze

TITLE: Vacation Bible Snooze
AUTHOR: Mike Thaler

ILLUSTRATOR: Jared Lee

PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2010

This is another book from the Tales from the Back Pew series. Mom asks her son if he wants to go to Vacation Bible School. He doesn't think anyone would want to go to school during vacation to study the Bible. His Mom tells him about VBS and why he should go....to learn more about his Best Friend.

Personally, I did not like the cartoon illustration of God at the end of the book and didn't feel like the Mom gave very good description of VBS or reasons as to why the boy should go.

As I mentioned in my review for the other book I feel if you like the Black Lagoon Series you will like these books because they are so similar.

Thank you to Pam at Zondervan for sending me a review copy of this book.

In The Big Inning

TITLE: In the Big Inning Bible Riddles from the Back Pew
AUTHOR: Mike Thaler
ILLUSTRATOR: Jared Lee
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2010

Are you familiar with the "Black Lagoon" series? This book is in a series called Tales from the Back Pew by the same author.

One of the riddles:
How do you know God is a baseball fan? Because he starts
off the Bible “In the Big Inning …”

There are several riddles on each page along with silly cartoon illustrations. The jokes cover things from both the Old and New Testaments.


I think this would be a book enjoyed by elementary aged boys. The jokes will be funny for those who have some Bible background. Otherwise they probably won't make sense. Several of them did make me laugh though. If you are a fan of the Black Lagoon series I would recommend that you check out this series also.

Thank you to Zondervan for sending me a review copy of this book.

Let's Have a Daddy Day

TITLE: Let's Have a Daddy Day
AUTHOR: Karen Kingsbury
ILLUSTRATOR: Dan Andreasen
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2010

Let's go on a Daddy Day, a time for me and you.
Today while you're still little, there're so many things to do!

I'd like to share a book with you I have recently read. This children's book, Let's Have a Daddy Day, by Karen Kingsbury would make a great gift for Father's Day.

In this book the children get to have a special day with their Daddy doing all sorts of fun things together. The message of this book shows the value of quality time spent between a dad and his children. The illustrations add to the enjoyment of this book as well with the realistic expressions on the faces of the children.

My son and I enjoyed this book together.

Thank you to Pam Mettler at Zondervan for sending me a review copy of this book.