Thursday, November 17, 2016

Bible stories a child can help "read"

Product Details

I have always had an interest in rebus stories. Perhaps it is something I remember from my childhood or maybe it is the fact that it is interactive rather than just the adult talking.  What a sense a confidence a child can feel when he "reads" with a parent or caregiver.

Look, I'm Reading! Bible Storybook provides just such an opportunity just in time for the holidays.  The volume contains approximately 90 Bible stories from Creation through Revelation.  Most of the stories are the traditionally read ones such as Noah, Jonah, Joshua, Ruth, and the birth of Jesus.  With each one page story is the scripture reference from the Bible (making it easy to follow up with the complete story if you choose to do so), cute whimsical watercolor illustrations by Steve Smallman, and a key to the rebus pictures to help your child learn the words and help you along with telling the story.

The book is a sturdy hard bound volume, well bound so it doesn't fall apart when you read it day after day.  The font is quite large making it easy to read and follow along with little hands and eyes.  In my opinion, this volume of Bible stories will be one a young child ages 2-6 will ask for again and again. 

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.   

Sunday, November 13, 2016

A timeless classic of Bible stories for children




How I remember my mother reading a children's Bible story book to my sister each night before she went to bed.  While not this version, it is similar and I firmly believe those words didn't fall on deaf ears.  From Creation to Revelation, your child will learn stories directly lifted from both New and Old Testament Scripture and put into words that are easily understood.   Each story contains the scripture reference and a short Bible story in a large easy to read font that can be read to them or that they can read for themselves as young beginning readers.  Vibrant colored illustrations adorn each page of the story and some of the expressions on the people are quite amusing.  I think they will captures the eye of all young readers and listeners.

The only fault I find with the volume is the weight--it is heavy.   Easy enough for adult hands to hold onto but I think young children will have a bit of difficulty holding the book up and open to read.  It is definitely more of a lay in your lap or on a table to read book but easily carried around in a child's arms.  It does have a durable binding and substantial cover which will protect it well.   An added bonus is a dictionary in the back, explaining terms such as leprosy, Passover, and Tabernacle which aren't so commonly used today but will help the reader in understanding.  I would definitely recommend this volume of Bible stories to any child ages 2-8.

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

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Berenstain Bears children's devotional

Product Details

I must be honest and say that Berenstain Bears are special books in our household.  My children first wanted them read to them on a regular basis and then continued to read into their middle school years because they loved them so much so I order this primarily for nostalgia sake.  I wasn't disappointed.

The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional by Mike Berenstain contains 90 devotionals broken down into 10 different topics, including but not limited to being forgiving, being kind and helpful to others, and having faith.  Each devotional contains a brief scripture verse perfect for memorization, a short story based on the scripture then an encouragement/application(something your little cub can ponder or do prior to shutting their eyes for the night) and prayer.  Also included with each is a colorful Berenstain Bear illustration we have come to know and love.  A blue satin attached bookmark holds your place so you know just where to turn tomorrow.

The size of the hardback book is perfect for young children from ages three to eight or so.  I love the fact that it is hardback, making it more durable to be enjoyed for several children or generations.  I am so thankful Mike Berenstain has carried on the work of his parents.

If your child loves the Berstains or hasn't yet been introduced to them, this volume of devotionals will make a wonderful addition to your collection.  Brief enough to be read in less than 3 minutes but meaty enough to make an impression on the heart of your child.

Two thumbs up to Mike Berenstain and Zonderkidz.  I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.