Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Creation

The Creation
as retold by Janice D. Green

The Creation is a re-telling of the story of creation, as found in the book of Genesis.  This book covers the 7 days of God's creation as well as a short discussion of Adam and Eve.  A short book filled with colorful illustration in the form of quilt squares, this book is quite unique from others of this sort.  Each page offers a matching illustration and discussion questions to go along with the story for that illustration as well as a scripture reference.

Most appropriate for children ages 5-9, there is plenty to offer for children younger and older within this book.  A very easy way to present the story of creation to young children through pictures and short stories while offering opportunity for depth with older children through scripture reading and discussions.  A great way for parents to share a familiar Bible story with their children with lots of room for growth and learning.

The end of the book offers a parents section with discussion and background in regards to the story itself along with a family activity of making a creation quilt.  A really great book that is engaging, educational and scripturally sound.  A book that is sure to remain a part of our library for years to come and one I recommend.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”I was in no way compensated for this review.

Monday, February 20, 2012

God Gave Us Love


God Gave Us Love
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Another book in the "God gave us..." line, this book is equally as cute and cuddly, filled with a Christian message of loving one another. The story addresses the different kinds of love we might have, depending on who or what it is for, and reinforces the message that God created us to love and that we should always try to love, even when we do not feel like it.

A children's book, this version is a smaller board book. Because it is a board book, I expected it to be simpler in wording and shorter in length, as board books are generally geared toward toddlers and very youg children. This book, however, is fairly complex and wordy for little ones, with concepts more advanced than a board book would generally be. Reading it with my 2 year old became frustrating and we eventually gave up because she lost interest when pages did not turn quickly and the story was too deep for her understanding... And this is a child who usually engages in books easily. Because of this, I would say that a recommended audience is ages 4 to 7. Unfortunately, this audience may be less apt to consider reading it as it comes in "baby book" format.

Still, a great message with a familiar set of characters. Illustrations are soft and warm, inviting and matched to the story. A book I would recommend with the above precUtions as to age appropriateness.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah publishing company's Blogging for Books Program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

To Be Perfectly Honest

To Be Perfectly Honest
by Phil Callaway

Such an intriguing idea that should not at all be foreign to or even strange to hear of, esecially in the Christian community, To Be Perfectly Honest is a refreshing and challenging read that should be taken in by all!

In his book, Calaway humorously yet honestly walks through a year of his live through daily journal type entries, facing the challenge given him that he should go an entire year without telling any lies. His honest report of the experience is thought provoking, yet presented in a way that is easy to read, engaging and even laugh out loud funny at times. Through his journey, he shares stories, life experiences and events he faces and his way of handling them while trying to maintain his truthfulness.

Readers of all walks will find challenge, humor and sobering honesty within this book and will likely find themselves facing the challenge themselves to at least comsider how truthful they really are as well as considering the effects of their responses on others with whom they interact. A highly recommended read, light and fun yet filled with challenge and life changing ideas sure to make an impact.

I was provided a free copy of this ebook through the Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program.  I was in no way compensated for my review or required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.