Reviews ~ Kingdom Files: Who was Esther? and Kingdom Files: Who was David? by Matt Koceich

Note: All is well here in coastal VA. Hurricane Florence stayed south and did not affect us as anticipated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those that have been impacted by the storm.

Paperback, 96 pages

Published August 1st 2018 by Barbour Books

About the Book

What do you know about Esther? 
Was she:
. . .the beautiful Queen of Persia?
. . .the woman who hid her Jewish heritage from the king?
. . .the courageous one who risked her life to save her people?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with Esther in a luxurious Persian palace, in the presence of a powerful king, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of Esther, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of the beautiful Queen of Persia, while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about the woman who hid her Jewish heritage from the king and ultimately risked her life to save her people. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of Esther while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter.

My Review

4 STARS

The story of Esther has always fascinated me. Koceich has done a great job making this condensed version rich in detail and characterization easy to read and understand for children ages 8-12. The story flow is smooth and intriguing with plenty of room for notes and questions to be jotted down throughout the book. Quality time can be spent with your child investigating and delving deeper into the story in God’s Word, and if you have an artistic child, maybe even creating their own illustrations. It would make a great supplement for a home school Bible study curriculum as well as a take-home resource for youth Sunday school attendees.

I received a copy from Barbour. No review was required. No compensation received.

Paperback, 96 pages

Published August 1st 2018 by Barbour Books

What do you know about David?

Was he:
. . .a shepherd boy turned king?
. . .a faithful harp player?
. . .a brave giant slayer?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with David in a field of sheep, in the presence of a towering giant, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of David, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of this shepherd boy turned king, while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about this faithful harp player and courageous giant slayer. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of David while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter. 

My Review
3 STARS

This book is targeted at children ages 8-12 but younger readers could handle the narrative too. Home school children and tactile learners might have fun making props to go with the story. My sons would definitely have been trying to make the weapons when they were that age. It could also be a resource for putting on a small play in Sunday school.

I expected this one to be as interesting as Who was Esther?, but the storytelling seemed snail-like and the illustration of David bothered me. I have never visualized him as having blonde hair and a blonde beard. Aside from that, the Power-Up section is great! It has encouragement and memory verses and room to write down a few thoughts.

I received a copy from Barbour. No review was required. No compensation received.

Review ~ My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional by Glenn Hascall + GIVEAWAY

January 1st 2018 by Shiloh Kidz

This fully illustrated devotional explores the heroic characteristics of 50 Bible characters—including Joshua, David, Daniel, Ruth, Mary, and more. Each engaging reading features a full-color illustration followed by “where to find it in the Bible,” a relevant devotion for kids (ages 7 and up), plus a short prayer starter to encourage kids  to talk with their Creator, and “Becoming a Hero” questions to get kids thinking about the Bible and how faith can be integrated into their daily lives.

My Review

3 STARS

hero - a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character

My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional is colorful and easy-to-read, focusing on 50 Bible characters and something heroic about their lives. The format is nicely laid out with a Scripture reference, devotion, and a short prayer followed by five questions to encourage individual introspection.

I highly recommend that parents guide their children through this devotional, making sure that the Scripture associated with the heroes’ story is read. It is of chief importance to gleaning the most spiritual content from each one and gives ample opportunity to expound on God’s Word, answer questions, and pray with your child.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation has been received.

If you would like my review copy, please leave a comment telling me your favorite Bible 'hero' and why you admire them, along with your email address in a non-spam format (jane at doe dot com). US only (48 contiguous states) and book will be mailed media mail. I am not responsible for damaged or lost items.

 ~Happy Reading~

Review ~ Bible Trivia, Jokes, and Fun Facts for Kids by Troy Schmidt

Paperback, 176 pages

Published January 17th 2017 by Bethany House Publishers

What could be more fun than seeing kids laugh and have their curiosities piqued while they learn a thing or two about God's Word along the way? Every page of this book is sure to tease their brains and tickle their funny bones.
Troy Schmidt has been writing for kids for 30 years. He's written children's Bible-based storybooks for the "Their Side of the Story" collection and worked as a creative consultant for children's television programs. This book is guaranteed to entertain children for hours with chapters like "He Stands at the Door and Knock Knocks," "Matches Made in Heaven," and "Are You Smarter Than King Solomon?" A great gift for kids to share with their friends, and moms and dads might even find themselves laughing and learning too!

 My Thoughts

4 STARS!!!

I have never been much of a joke teller but my children became interested in joke books when they each turned about 8. I’ve heard the same old jokes told over and over and obligingly laughed at each one. But I can tell you that Bible Trivia, Jokes, and Fun Facts for Kids has some funny stuff in it! Youngsters will find the jokes amusing and perhaps even sidesplitting. I admit my husband and I guffawed over a few of them; even our 19-year-old son cracked a smile a time or two. I’m hoping my grandsons are going to get many hours of hilarity out of this book. They are always excited to share a new joke with us and sometimes get so excited when trying to tell the joke that they can hardly speak for their own laughter bubbling over. I’m looking forward to laughing at these again and again! 

Learning is a definite plus when it comes to the facts and trivia! I was surprised how much of it I didn’t know. Several things even stumped my husband who is pretty good at Bible trivia. Granted, some of it is kind of obscure but it was still fun to put our old noggins to the test.  

I highly recommend Bible Trivia, Jokes, and Fun Facts for Kids to the entire family! You’ll share hours of fun and laughter and learn together.

Bethany House Publishers provided me a free copy of this book for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

 ~Happy Reading~

Review ~ My First Handy Bible, FIRST Wild Card Tour

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!


You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Cecilie Olesen

and illustrated by:

Gustavo Mazali

and the book:

My First Handy Bible

Hendrickson Publishers (January 31, 2012)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

My First Handy Bible aims to communicate God's character and His love to the youngest of children, ages one to three. Beautifully illustrated in bright full color, My First Handy Bible has a cheerful padded hardcover with 61 child-friendly hardback pages and a handle and clasp that make it easy for small hands to tote and manipulate. The timeless stories are retold in simple sentences by author and artist Cecilie Olesen, illustrated by author and illustrator Gustavo Mazali and designed by Ben Alex, a C. S. Lewis Gold Medal winner author and designer.



Website for Book

Product Details:
List Price: $12.95
Hardcover: 61 pages
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 8772473045
ISBN-13: 978-8772473048

AND NOW...SOME SAMPLE PAGES (Click on images to enlarge):

MY REVIEW

I absolutely adore the fact that this book is made with a carry handle. Toddlers love to carry things and look grown up. With such colorful illustrations, their attention is sure to be captured. There are multiple uses for this book; not only introducing them to Jesus, but teaching them colors and animals!

My biggest disappointment is that not once is Jesus referred to as Lord and Saviour. He's mostly referred to as 'friend'. He didn't primarily come to be our friend but Messiah. I understand wanting to keep it simple but young children absorb so much more than we realize. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 

With some extra discussion from mom and dad, I do believe this book can be beneficial to toddlers. This is my honest opinion. Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy. 

Review ~ The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and NewTestaments

My Thoughts

This is an easy to read format with lots of colorful illustrations that draw the reader and listener right into the bible story. With three simple questions at the end of each story, you have an opportunity to discuss what you've read and you can adjust the wording to meet the level of child you are reading to.

This would be especially good for home educators as they could use the book earlier in the day so there's more time for discussion. I would not use it without using The Scriptures, as well. Nothing replaces God's Word, not even a story bible :)

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Marty Machowski

Illustrated by: 

A. E. Macha

and the book:

The Gospel Story Bible: 

Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments

New Growth Press (December 5, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for twenty-three years. Marty leads Promise Kingdom, the children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. He is also the author of Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and the forthcoming Gospel Story Sunday school curriculum. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.





Visit the author's Facebook Page.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

 I have  never been the best at anything. This has given me the freedom to really enjoy alot of things; perfection is not on the line. So my drawing is not clean, my patchwork corners don’t really match up, and my cooking is always an adventure.  I was raised by a single mom who has an exhausting amount of creative energy.  My  brother and  I were taught how to create our own entertainment  and seek adventure in the everyday.

When I was in Jr High, both my parents remarried and let’s just say things have never been boring. A foster brother, two step sisters, and a half brother were added to the mix. I have aunts and uncles who have been beyond generous and helped raise me in many ways. I have been blessed to travel overseas and even live in Prague for six months. My dad and stepmom run a special needs home in Guatemala where I have spent time and really fallen in love with the culture. My brother and his wife run a shoe company out of Guatemala.  Everywhere I have been, even a dirt floor hut in the hills of Guatemala, there has been art: design and color. I believe as humans we are created in the image of The Creator, and so we all have some creative effort to put forth.

 I have a BFA in Illustration because after all the studio classes one takes to finish an Art Education  degree, I found what I really like to do is draw. I doodle. Alot.

 Presently, I am married with two little ones, living in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. I teach art part time at a sweet little christian school, grow tomatoes and beets, and sew or draw when I get the chance.

My first illustration project is coming out in the fall, 156 illustrated Bible stories in the “Gospel Story Bible” by Marty Machowski, published by New Growth Press.

Visit the illustrator's Website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Sometimes it’s easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles and conflicting priorities. For many Christians, God often becomes little more than an afterthought after days absorbed and depleted by the busyness of life. But the truth is that he is the hero of every story—including the mundane, ordinary ones we experience on a regular basis. That is why Marty Machowski beckons families to take time out from the daily grind to be transformed by the message of the Good News in his latest release, The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments (New Growth Press, November 2011).


Based on the ESV Bible, this uniquely illustrated Bible storybook uses 156 stories to present God’s plan of salvation in Christ from its opening narrative in Genesis to its finale in Revelation. This easy-to-read storybook written for children from preschool to high school introduces readers to many captivating people, places and events from the Bible’s Old and New Testaments. At the same time, Machowski skillfully connects the individual stories to the overall gospel narrative of how God redeemed a broken world through sending his son Jesus to save his people. Each story ends by connecting to Jesus and his gospel of grace. By sharing these Bible stories with each other, young and old will learn together the life-changing habit of recognizing the presence and workings of Christ in every moment of their day.

“The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to change the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read,” says Machowski. “That’s what makes The Gospel Story Bible ideal as a storybook for a preschooler, a devotional for a grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer or an introduction for the new one. Parents and children will learn together to read the whole Bible as one story, with one hero—Jesus Christ.”

Vibrant illustrations by A. E. Macha, child-friendly discussion questions and Scripture references accompany each story to help lead families in exploring the Bible. Parents and teachers will be delighted to discover how easily even a young child can understand the original text of a story that he or she has already come to love. A companion to the family devotional Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and the soon-to-be-released Gospel Story Sunday school curriculum (February 2012), The Gospel Story Bible is also a great resource for churches, Sunday school classes, home-schoolers and Christian schools who want to teach their children to apply the gospel to every situation and make Jesus the most important part of their everyday lives.

Product Details:

• List Price: $29.99
• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: New Growth Press (December 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936768127
• ISBN-13: 978-1936768127

AND NOW...Some Sample Pages (click images to see them larger):

WINNER!!!

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

~ NORA ~

You won There's just Something About a Boy!

 

Thanks to all who stopped by and entered. Stay tuned for more great author interviews, book reviews and giveaways!

Interview & Giveaway, Jenny Lee Sulpizio

 

I'm a sap when it comes to books about babies and little children! I. love. them. After reading this adorable book about boys (review here) by author Jenny Lee Sulpizio, I couldn't resist asking her to answer a few questions and offer a copy of her latest book to one of my blog followers.

Welcome, Jenny! Thank you for agreeing to answer a few questions on such short notice. What do you think makes a good story?

Obviously something that will engage the reader and hold their attention. This is especially true in picture books where the attention spans of our young readers can be questionable and short in duration at best. You have to appeal to such a reader not only with your words, but also with your illustrations in order to keep one's curiosity peaked.

So true! I loved picking out picture books when my children were young. I can't wait to share yours with my grandsons :) As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

What didn't I want to be is more like it? I recollect that I was torn between becoming a veterinarian or fashion designer.

Well, I'm glad you chose author! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Anything and everything creative! My Pinterest boards are out of control with all of the ideas I want to implement in my home.

Oh, I know. Pinterest is so addictive! What is your work schedule like when you're writing? 

All over the place! I write when my kiddos are fast asleep and am a "pantser" if you will. I have no real discipline that I follow when writing-I'm a free thinker and definitely a free writer.

I am that way in life! What’s your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

Just the overall excitement leading up to that special day. There's just nothing like Christmas and even though I'm an adult now, I think it's even better to see it through the eyes of your children.

Our family has been overflowing with excitement and prepping since before Thanksgiving! Does your family have a special tradition at Christmas? If so, do you mind sharing it with us?

This time of year is all about cuddling on the couch, hot cocoa in hands, watching "The Polar Express." After taking a ride on that train with the family a few years ago, it's a tradition to watch the feature film over and over again this time of year!

That is a beautiful memory y'all are making! Our family has a couple of special movies we watch each year, as well, and we participate in Advent. In fact, my daughter wrote a post about it on her blog.  How can readers connect with you on the internet?

I would love to meet new readers! Please visit my website and blog at http://www.jennysulpizio.com. You can also find me on Twitter (@JennySulpizio), and Facebook as well (Jenny Lee Sulpizio, Author). Both of my children's picture books (Mommy Whispers: Isaac, 2010, and There's Just Something About a Boy: Ajoyin, 2011), can be found on Amazon as well.

Thank you again, Jenny, for coming by today!

Readers, leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of her newest picture book, There's just Something About a Boy. Open to US and Canada! Ends Dec 9th. I will compile all the entries from this post and the first post, then announce a winner on Dec 10th.

To purchase a copy, go here.

Review & Giveaway ~ FIRST Wild Card Tour ~ There's Just Something About a Boy by Jenny Lee Sulpizio. Illustrated by Peg Lozier.

My Review
There IS just something about a boy! Most people I have talked to tell me that boys have a special bond with their moms just as girls have a special bond with their dads. This book celebrates that bond between moms and sons.

The illustrations are colorful and funny, poignant and all too real. I laughed out loud when I turned the page and saw the one of the teenager learning to drive! My son, who is learning to drive, got a BIG kick out of that one, too. He said the mom totally looks like me when I am in the car with him :)

I think most moms will enjoy this glimpse into what is an adorable peek at the relationship we have with our boys. There are a lot of "awww" moments in this book!

Special thanks to the author for my review copy. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, just give my honest opinion on what I thought of the book. No compensation, other than being able to keep the book, was received.

Jenny has graciously agreed to send a signed copy of this precious book to one of you! Leave a comment and let me know if you have a boy. Even if you don't, you can still enter ;) Ends Dec 9th! Open to US and Canada!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

 

Jenny Lee Sulpizio

Illustrated by

Peg Lozier

 

and the book:

 

There's Just Something About a Boy

Isaac Publishing, Inc. (September 23, 2011)

***Special thanks to Jenny Lee Sulpizio for sending me a review copy.***

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenny Lee Sulpizio, M.S. is a wife, business owner, and mother of three residing in Boise, Idaho. She is an active member within her church and community, and enjoys tapping into her creative side whenever she gets the chance. There’s Just Something About a Boy is the second picture book released in a series that also includes Mommy Whispers, an ode to mothers and daughters everywhere.

Visit the author's website.

 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Peg Lozier is an award winning portrait painter and illustrator whose work is known for color, whimsy, and a sense of fun. Raised in Boulder, Colorado, she now lives with a plethora of pets in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Visit the illustrator's website.

 

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

There’s Just Something about a Boy is a children’s keepsake picture book celebrating the special bond between a mother and her newborn son as she anticipates the love, laughter, and unparalleled adventure that will surely come from raising a little boy.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.95
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Isaac Publishing, Inc. (September 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609200365
ISBN-13: 978-1609200367

AND NOW...THE FIRST PAGES (click illustrations to enlarge):

Recalling the moment, that special day
Your tiny image took my breath away.
A precious baby with nothing to hide,
My sweet, little son nestled inside.
There’s just something about a boy…

I prepared your nursery
since around month five,
Waiting for the day
you’d finally arrive.
Stuffed animals, blankies,
your daddy’s first glove--
They sat in your room,
awaiting your love.
There’s just something
about a boy…