Legend of the Easter Robin

The Legend of the Easter Robin by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey is the story of Tessa watching a robin build her next then lay eggs and then caring for them.  Tessa worries when the weather turns cold, fearing the eggs will not hatch but her grandmother tells her to "trust the one who watches the sparrow and robins" but it does little to relieve Tessa's concerns.  Dying Easter eggs together, Tessa's grandmother shares the Pennsylvania Dutch legend of how the robin got its red breast and that a robin is a reminder of Easter itself.  What follows is a beautiful reminder of how God takes care of his creatures, no matter how small.

The story appears to be a reprint from 2010 with a different illustrator who also painted the charming illustrations for The Legend of the Candy Cane.  Based on the look of the cover, I applaud the author's choice in reprinting as I think this cover and illustrations more appealing to children.   Centering around Tessa's compassion and her grandmother's contagious faith, this story is destined to become an Easter time favorite for families.  Hardbound with a cover to match, it is sturdily bound and the dust cover can be removed without losing the cover artwork since they are the same.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Following Jesus for little ears

From Creation to Revelation and what heaven will be like, Judah and Chelsea Smith have shared stories from the Bible perfect for introducing your little one to God and his precious son, Jesus.  Each short story is scripture based with the reference, one to two pages in length and is accompanied by a prayer or scripture in some cases.  Interspersed throughout the stories are "I Will Follow Jesus" pages which contain Biblical truths such as how much God loves you and you can talk to him, how you are part of God's family if you love Jesus, and how Jesus knows how difficult it is to do the right thing all the time and is with you to help you.  The volume ends with asking the reader if they want to follow Jesus and how to do it and then share their news with someone else who loves Jesus.

I think this book is perfect for non-readers and young readers alike either to begin or end their day with a reminder of God's love for them.   Used as a devotion, the stories are short enough to keep a child's attention and the artwork adds plenty to look at while they listen.  Of all the stories, Zacchaeus has to be my favorite.  I don't know that I can explain why so make sure you turn to page 128 to see it when you pick up your own copy.  One of the most comprehensive children's Bible story books I have reviewed and definitely the only one I remember that ended with encouraging the reader or listener to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Because it is a children's book, I appreciate the slickness of the pages, making them easier to wipe should sticky or dirty fingers get ahold of it.

Perfect for a birthday or shower gift, this book was given to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive one.

All Aboard the Ark board book

"Sun is high.  Rain is coming.   God calls out.  We come running." begins All Aboard the Ark, a newly released board book by Zonderkidz.  The sing-song rhymes will appeal to small children and the catchy rhymes are sure to have children "reading" along with you. The board book format is perfect for little hands and can withstand the wear and tear sure to come from children ages one to three which is my recommendation as an audience.  My favorite part is definitely the illustrations though--sweet pastel water color whimsical animals and ark.  Even while being tossed to and fro on the ark, the animals are all smiles.  The only part that goes away from scripture is when the animals are all in a tub taking a bath together. Cute, but not scripture.

I will recommend this book as a start to introducing your child to the story of Noah and Ark. However, as your child is able to handle more wording, move on to a book with greater detail of the story. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Adult coloring for cat lovers

Have a cat lover in your list of friends or family?  Adult coloring books are all the rage today and here is one for the cat lover on your gift list.  The subjects (a cat) range from whimsical to realistic and adult to kitten.   As for difficulty, I would have to say that these illustrations range on the easier side of adult coloring.  Not as simple as a child's coloring book but only a few contain the tiny, intricate details that a very steady hand is essential that seem to be in most of the adult copies I have looked at. The pen and ink drawings will bring a smile to your face and make a perfect gift for any cat lover who enjoys coloring.  Who doesn't enjoy coloring though?  I know where this copy is going! Each page is a light card stock weight making it a piece worth framing should you be pleased with your completed work. 

For additional information on the award winning Korean artist/illustrator, Won-Sun Jang:  http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2135229/won-sun-jang/

I did receive this copy free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I am in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Historical fiction that will grab you from the first line

Beyond the Silence opens with six year old Jimmy hearing the screams of his mother and going in the house to find a strange man hitting and yelling at his mother. When the encounter ends with he and his mother falling down the staircase, all she can say to him is that she loves him and to RUN!

Lillian Porter grew up in a loving home with her grandparents.  When her Grandmother died, her Grandfather and only living relative became a hard, bitter man so it was no big surprise that, when she shared her commitment to go west to nanny a mute boy, her grandfather forbade it and, seeing that she intended to follow through with her commitment, fairly disowned her. Lillian is certain she is following God's plan and is convinced by doing so that all will turn out as it should.

Ostracized by this neighbors, Woody Colton, Jimmy's father, has little business with those he once called friends.  The judge may have found him innocent but they towns people still have their doubts.  His olive farm isn't safe for anyone when things begin to happen around the farm.  Rumors rise up quite heavily when their housekeeper is attacked but those rumors and suspicions aren't consistent with the man Lillian has come to know. Will the strength of those rumors and gossip win out?

I have read other books by Tracie Peterson and enjoyed them thoroughly so was anxious to see what she produced the co-author Kimberly Woodhouse.  I wasn't disappointed.  A little bit of love, a little of mystery, and a lot of historical fiction.  Set in the 1880's, Beyond the Silence won't disappoint, especially if you love historical fiction.  The story will grab you from the first page and the characters are ones that you will love and will stick with you after this story comes to a close. 

This is the author's second book written together, the first being All Things Hidden. There is nothing on the book to indicate that this is a sequel to the first and I certainly didn't feel as if I was missing anything so am going to assume this is a stand alone book.  How refreshing!--at least from my point of view. 

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to write a positive one. I am looking forward to other joint efforts by Peterson and Woodhouse. 

Fabulous audio of God's Word

Do you find it difficult to get up in the morning a bit earlier to read the Bible or do you get up and other activities around the house take priority whether you want it to or not?  Do you have a commute to work that you wish were more profitable? Perhaps you are someone or know of someone who doesn't care to read but listens well.  If you find yourself in any of these boats, consider the New Testament (Old Testament also available) recently released by Thomas Nelson.  Many audio books contain one and maybe a few more voices within the whole CD.  Thomas Nelson has chosen a number of very well known men and women to portray the various voices throughout the New Testament.  Included are John Schneider, Michael W. Smith, Lou Gossett Jr., and Richard Dreyfuss among others.  The New Testament is complete in the easy to understand New King James Version in a 20 CD set.


I think this may be the last audio Bible you need to purchase.  Now that I have posted the review, I look forward to listening to each CD in a more relaxed manner, allowing God's word to soak into my head and heart.   What better way to spend my time in the car each morning and afternoon?  The dramatically read Scripture allows me to form somewhat of a movie in my head and I feel that I can see the disciples and Jesus throughout. The set is quite affordable and I think you will be blessed more than you may think.

I did receive this set free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.