Sunrise, Easter Suprise review and giveaway!

A lively Easter board book depicting the joy that spread with the news of Jesus' Resurrection

All of creation is alive with the news: Jesus lives! From chirping birds to chattering rabbits to buzzing bees, the pages of this Easter board book spill over with joy. With cheerful verse and lighthearted-yet-reverent illustrations, Sunrise, Easter Surprise! imagines Jesus' Resurrection from the perspectives of those who might have seen and heard of it first: the sun as it rose, a flower as it bloomed, and the first people at the empty tomb. This exuberant Easter book offers even the littlest listener a better understanding of what the Resurrection means to all creation: new life through Jesus. Ages 2-5.

My thoughts: We are enjoying this little board book! My son loves the colorful pictures of different animals. I love how it shows nature as anticipating what is coming after Jesus was in the tomb for three days. This is a fun little book to give a young child for Easter! It's an easy, short read that my child are enjoying time and again.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway! Worthy is offering a copy of this book to one of my lucky followers! Just leave me a comment with your child (or your!) favorite animal and a way for me to contact you if you should win. The giveaway will last one week!
Can't wait for the giveaway to close? Click the link below to purchase a copy of the book.


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That Grand Easter Day review and giveaway!

An engaging picture book about the first Easter Day, with a fun cumulative story structure

That Grand Easter Day!is a cumulative story that begins with the stone in front of the tomb and ends with a new beginning -- the Resurrection of Christ. The lively narrative builds as it progresses, adding people, objects, and animals that may have witnessed the events of that day long ago. Little ones will love the repetition, which adds a pleasing level of predictability and helps to make the story of the first Easter more memorable.

The upbeat, reverent story is accompanied by luminous illustrations which bring the story to life. This engaging picture book will be a read-aloud favorite at Eastertime and throughout the year. Ages 4-7.

My thoughts: This is a fun story to read around Easter time, since I love the illustrations and how the story builds on itself as it goes. My children enjoyed the drive of the story, as it introduced the reader to the tomb, then the guard, and the ladies who went to prepare Jesus' body. I love how it presents the message of Jesus' resurrection! This would be wonderful to read over Easter.
I received a copy of this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway! Worthy has graciously offered to host a giveaway for a copy of That Grand Easter Day here! All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite Easter tradition and a way for me to contact you should you win.
Can't wait to see if you win a copy? Click the link below to purchase your own copy!

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The Stable Cat's Christmas review and giveaway

One night in Bethlehem, a small, dust-colored cat returns to her stable to find that a Baby has been born in the night. As all the animals tell the cat about the gifts they gave the Christ Child, the cat sadly concludes that she is too little and powerless to give a gift to the King. But when the Baby shivers and the cat leaps into the manger to comfort him, she discovers that she can give the best gift of all—herself. This timeless Christmas book celebrates the fact that everyone has a gift they can give the King, no matter their size or stature. Enchanting illustrations and a heartfelt message make this book a Christmas keepsake that can be enjoyed year after year.

My thoughts: This is a darling Christmas themed book of a little stable cat who discovers the simple gift of giving of herself is the best gift of all. My children and I enjoyed reading this story and discussing the meaning of it. We love pulling out the pile of Christmas books this time of year and reading through them, so this one makes a lovely addition to the small stack. This book would make an excellent gift, or would be fun to wrap up and open before Christmas, to prepare for the holiday.
I received a copy of this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway! If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book, leave a comment with what your favorite Christmas tradition. Be sure to also leave a way for me to contact you, if you win!

If you would like to learn more about The Stable Cat, [here it is on Amazon:

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Museum of the Bible books and giveaway!

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Children of the World Storyboook Bible

We have several kid Bibles, but this one might be one of my favorites, since all the artwork is done by children! I love that it connects with kids on another level with the artwork. The Bible stories are a nice length for short attention spans, without being too short for those of us who are older. The recommended age for this is 5-8, but I think it works well for my 4 year old as well.

Wild and Wacky things in the Bible

This book is a great one for kids ages 6-9. It makes the Bible fun, since it shows some of the fun facts in the Bible. My daughter and I are enjoying learning more about talking donkeys, the Egyptian plagues, and all the other fun things that make the Bible so unique. This is a great book to stimulate conversations!

That's So Weird

This one has been a great one to keep in my purse to entertain the kids on trips or a recent recital we had to attend! The pictures are fun, since there are a lot of animals and just interesting stories to go along with facts like what Moses' basket was made out of or who had the shortest reign out of the kings in the Bible. This one if for ages 5-8, but is also great for kids a little younger too, since the facts are short and to the point, so you can tailor things to a younger age.

What's the Bible All About?

I was pleasantly surprised with this little board book! It is a fun way to talk to your children about what the Bible is all about. I love that it has facts about how the Bible was written, who some of the writers were, and what the Old and New Testaments are. This is a wonderful book for young kids!
I received all four of these books from Worthy publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Now on to the giveaway! Which one would you choose, if you win? Worthy publisher will send the book of your choice to you, if you win! Be sure to leave a comment and have a way for me to get in contact with you. I will leave the giveaway open until next Monday, November 13th.

Love You Always Review and Giveaway

A child is a treasured leaf on a family tree, surrounded by love from mom, dad, doting grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends too. This sweet, reassuring picture book from Eileen Spinelli acknowledges the whole “tree”—the many who are invested in a child’s life—with expressions of unconditional love from each. Heartwarming verse and charming artwork will make this book a must-buy for baby showers, birthdays, and other occasions.

My thoughts: This is a beautiful picture book that goes over all the people that love a child, from parents, to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends. My children and I have enjoyed reading through this gorgeous little book! I love the darling illustrations and the lyrical way the text read. It is a wonderful reminder to the child in your life that they are so loved.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Are you interested in a copy of Love You Always for the little ones in your life? Worthy has graciously offered to giveaway a copy to one of my readers. All you have to do is comment and leave a way for me to contact you if you win!

God Loves the World

This touching board book teaches little ones that God’s children are very diverse, and very, very loved. Regardless of age, occupation, race, health, wealth, or location—God cares for and loves each of his wonderfully unique children. Gary Bower’s cheerful verse tackles a potentially challenging topic with ease. Parents and little ones will love the book’s lush illustrations and inclusive message: “God loves all so very much!”


In this energetic board book, author Gary Bower takes children on a tour of God’s colorful creation. Each spread groups objects by color, such as yellow dandelions, a shining sun, and chirping finches; and brown squirrels, trees, and crunchy nuts. Color-soaked illustrations and bubbly, playful text will make the book a read-aloud favorite. Parents will love this educational board book that teaches little ones about colors and the God who created them.

My thoughts: Both of these books are charming! I love how the first one, "God Loves the World", shows how God loves people of all shapes and sizes. In "God Paints the World", the book goes through several different colors and where we can find those colors in nature. I love how both books have lyrical text that is fun to read, and the illustrations are just darling! We are enjoying them immensely!
I received these books from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Retail links

God Paints the World: http://amzn.to/2fJcKNe

God Loves the World: http://amzn.to/2wbHaxO



Book Specs

Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Author/Illustrator: Gary Bower/Tracy Cottingham

ISBN: 9780824916626 (Paints); 9780824916619 (Loves)

Price: $6.99

Format: Board book

Page Count: 20

Ages: 2–5



Author Bio

Gary Bower fell in love with picture books at an early age, while sitting in his mother’s lap. As a youngster he entertained himself for hours by writing his own stories, jokes, poems, and skits. As an adult, his years of professional and volunteer experience ministering to children and teens, combined with thousands of story nights with his twelve children, have helped him polish his storytelling skills.



Illustrator Bio

Tracy Cottingham is happiest when creating pictures and patterns. After finishing her art degree, she began to sell her art for greeting cards and textiles, but creating illustrations for books is her ultimate joy. She can usually be found working at her desk, sipping coffee, and chewing on gummy candy. Tracy lives and works in London.

Let Food Be Your Medicine

Don Colbert, M.D., New York Times best-selling author of The Seven Pillars of Health and What Would Jesus Eat, provides proven tools, based on current research, for good health, an alert mind, and a longer life.

My thoughts: Dr. Don Colbert opens up about his own journey to becoming healthier and overcoming health problems that left his doctors telling him he would never walk again, only to have his muscles heal themselves and prove them wrong.
With the modified Mediterranean diet, Dr. Colbert goes through the basic principles and how changing the way one eats can help promote health and a better way of life. I love that a lot of what he talks about just makes sense, though I don't know that I am totally won over to all aspects of his diet. I do appreciate the recipes that are included in the book to help jump start the diet and give one ideas on what to eat and when.
This is an excellent book to pick up if your new years resolution is to become healthier!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Restoring Christmas

Ariana Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Home Project Network and nothing—not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer—is going to stand in her way. Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and bring about special, almost lost forever Christmas memories?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this novella tremendously! It is such a fun story about two people trying to prove to the world that they have been restored and changed through the power of Christ. I loved getting to know Ariana, Gabe, and Elsie. It was interesting to uncover the mystery surrounding the old home that Ariana is seeking to restore. This is a wonderful story to read this holiday season! I love the theme of restoration. The humor and depth of the story was amazing too!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

A new VeggieTales board book about the true meaning of Christmas
In this festive VeggieTales book, the Veggies are celebrating Christmas—decorating the tree, singing carols, and exchanging gifts. But in the middle of all the activity—though it’s so much fun to give and receive presents—the Veggies all know that the greatest gift of all was God’s gift of Jesus, his Son. Children will love the colorful art featuring their favorite Veggie friends. Parents can use this book to introduce little ones to Jesus’ birth as the reason we rejoice at Christmastime.

My thoughts: My daughter was thrilled to get this book in the mail a while back! She loves Veggie Tales, so we have read this one just a few times.;) I love the message it has, how it is simplistic and easy for young ones to understand. The book is done in classic Veggie Tale fashion, so kids of all ages should love it. Since it is a board book, I think it is geared more towards babies and toddlers.
If you love to give books during Advent, this one would be a fun one to add to the pile!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

FIrst Words of Jesus

If we didn't need a cross, we wouldn't need a manger. This fresh, engaging look at the beginning of Jesus' life and ministry will change the way you comprehend Christ's early years. With unique, thought-provoking insights and commentaries from many of Christianity's leading theologians interspersed throughout, Epperson unwraps, layer by layer, a new understanding of the young boy who was the Son of Man.

My thoughts: This is an excellent book to read this season! I love how it is so much more than just another book to read about Christmas, since the author points our how we had the manger because we needed the cross. He was born to die for our sins. While people like or tolerate the image of Christ in the manger, they don't like to think about His dying for the sins of the world. I thought the parallels that he drew between the two were excellent and enjoyed this different twist. It is a great book for the holiday season without losing the focus of why Christ came. The first recorded words we have of His are that He was to be about His father's work, which is what this book is all about.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

When Jesus was a Green Eyed Brunette

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette weaves heartwarming and miraculous stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary people, revealing that He knows us and is fully present in our everyday circumstances, especially in our difficulties. As best-selling author Max Davis puts it, "When we are born again, Jesus lives inside each of us. He is very much alive today and still does incredible things -- sometimes supernatural things -- through us!"
Davis's own life was dramatically altered when he first came face-to-face with Jesus living inside a green-eyed brunette. That encounter started a forty-plus-year journey where Jesus became his best friend. When we see others as God sees us we will love them as God loves us.
Those hurting and weary from worn-out religion are longing for a fresh touch from the living Jesus. By letting Jesus live through us we become a conduit of His love. Authentic Christianity is not about religion but a relationship with Jesus. Davis challenges us to do more than simply receive His grace -- we need to allow grace to soften, change, and shape us. As you read this book, you will laugh, cry, and come face-to-face with the living Jesus.

My thoughts: Max does a wonderful job of weaving his story of meeting Jesus through a green eyed brunette with the stories of others and scripture verses. I love that there are stories of some heroes of faith one will recognize, like Corrie ten Boom, and then there are the stories of every day heroes who have heard the call to follow God and are doing the best to live out that call in their every day life. This book is engaging and fun to read. Not to mention, it challenges the reader to take a look at how to show others God's love.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

While My Child is Away

Parents and children are separated for many reasons: divorce, school, camp, even work. It might be for just a few days or indefinitely. These prayers give voice to all that you are hoping for your child when you can’t be the one to meet their needs. Prayers of blessings, protection, instruction and grace. Or prayers for those around your child to choose wisely, see their needs, and love them as you would. Prayers for friends, teachers, coaches and mentors to step in and fill every need. Knowing that a loving Father God is caring for your child, even when you can’t, gives you the peace and assurance that all will be well.

My thoughts: I like how this book is set up! Each chapter starts with several prayers that give parents ideas of what to pray for over their children at all different stages. I like that Edie shares a lot of personal stories and experiences, before summing the chapter up in a few key thoughts. She has so many wonderful ideas in this book! I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. Especially the reminder to live in the moment. Being a mother is crazy, but we only have our little ones for a short time before they fly the nest.
I received this book from Worthy publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Berenstain Bears: Book of Prayers

This new prayer book for toddlers features Mama and Papa Bear, Brother, Sister, and Honey. Nearly 50 simple rhyming prayers cover a typical day and the typical worries of a young child. From waking in the morning to going to sleep at night, from thanking God for a meal to praying for His comfort when afraid, the prayers will help little ones see that any moment is a good moment to talk to God. With its soft padded cover and convenient size, the book is the perfect way to teach children about prayer and the ways God cares for us each day.

My thoughts: This is an adorable books for prayers to use from morning until night! My daughter is a huge fan of the Berenstain bears, so she is always grabbing this one (especially when we read a few books before bedtime) and wanting me to read it to her. There are quite a few prayers in here, which I like, since they conver a variety of topics. We don't usually make it through all the prayers in one setting, which I think works well with this book.
The illustrations are adorable and it is a hit with the youngsters at our home!
I received this book from First Look in exchange for my honest review.

God made the sun/ God made the Moon

An engaging die-cut board book that introduces little ones to the concept of sunlight and daytime

God Made the Sun is a celebration of God's gift of daytime to the world. Beginning with the first rays of sunlight and moving through the day, this book reminds little ones that God's love shines on us just as the sun shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty die-cut feature, the book will serve as a welcome reminder of God's presence in our lives.


An engaging die-cut board book that introduces little ones to the concept of moonlight and nighttime

God Made the Moon is a celebration of God's gift of nighttime to the world. Beginning with the first sleepy yawn and ending with a bedtime prayer, this book reminds little ones that God's love shines on us just as the moon shines on the earth. With its lyrical rhythm, sweet illustrations, and novelty die-cut feature, the book will be a welcome addition to any child's bedtime rituals.

My thoughts: My daughter is in love with this set of board books! She loves to have them read to her, in part because of the colorful pictures and also because of the die cut to the pages. I think she likes that the sun or moon shrinks and is on each page. I enjoy the lyrical text and that one features a girl, while the other one has a boy, making them perfect for my daughter and son!
I received these books from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Priceless

The powerfully compelling novelization of the major motion picture by Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band for King & Country.
James Stevens was, at one time, a good man with a great life. After the tragic death of his wife and losing custody of his little girl, James is at the darkest crossroad of his life. Angry, desperate, and unable to hold down a steady job, he agrees to drive a box truck on a shady, one-time trip cross country for cash—no questions asked. When he discovers what he is delivering is actually a who, the questions in his mind begin haunting him mercilessly. James becomes an unlikely hero who must fight to save the lives of two young women and finds himself falling in love with one of them.
Can love, strength, and faith redefine his past and change the course of his future?

My thoughts: This book is heartbreaking on so many different levels! I was surprised by all the twists and turns in the story that I didn't see coming. The story sheds light on some issues that go on right under our noses, human trafficking and modern day slavery. This book shows how a slippery slope can start, but that there is hope and a way to turn things around. I look forward to the movie!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

The Bard and the Bible

I am not usually one for devotionals, since I like to read a book all the way through and then move on, but I have to say that I have enjoyed this one! It is interesting to see the devotions that are a mesh of scriptures from the King James and quotes from Shakespeare. This is such a fun and unique devotional! It would make a perfect gift, especially for English majors.;) Though, this is an excellent devotion for people from all walks of life, as there is something for everyone in its pages.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

Outcry

OUTCRY declares that local churches are at the heart of Christianity and you can make a difference in your community.

The OUTCRY tours were born out of a desire to be the lights and sounds of the greatest movement in the world: the local church. While studies and critics may indicate a decline of the local church, Ryan Romeo's Outcry attests that the movement is only increasing. It's time we band together to empower the local church to influence the surrounding culture. It's you. It's us. Stand behind the church Jesus gave His life for. The part you play in your local church matters. You are an integral part of bringing God's story to all corners of the world. God's church isn't finished! Her best days are ahead.

Includes contributions from:
- David Crowder
- Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music)
- Pat Barrett (Housefires)
- Chris Llewellyn (Rend Collective)

My thoughts: This is an excellent book to get the reader excited about the church. I loved reading Ryan's thoughts on how the church is messy and made up of imperfect people, but it is also incredibly beautiful too. His message is one of hope, which I needed to hear again. I think he is right that the best days are ahead of the bride of Christ.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

God Made You Just Right

Here is a message that every parent will want to share with his or her child: You're brilliantly created and there's no one else like you! With easy-to-understand descriptions and simple, rhyming text, Jill Roman Lord shares the message that God created each of us in just the right way in a manner that even the youngest child will understand. Bright and engaging illustrations from Amy Wummer pair perfectly with the text and enhance the appeal of the book.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter, since it has such an important message in it for little ones to hear! The illustrations are adorable and I love the text and how it flows. The book does a great job of having children from all nationalities in it.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

How to Graduate Debt Free

It is ridiculous the amount of debt a student can accumulate while in college! This book shares easy steps and ideas on how to make the college experience more enjoyable and a lot less expensive, sometimes just by planning ahead. The book is quite engaging and easy to read, Kristina does a wonderful job of blending personal experiences, statistics, and quotes together to encourage the reader that it is possible to graduate debt free. I think that this is a great book to give to students, both high schoolers and college age, so that they will think ahead and not just take on college loans because that is what everyone is doing. As a parent (albeit, my kids are young), I appreciate her ideas. I know that after I went to college (I was able to do it without going to debt), a lot of my friends said they wished that someone had set them down and talked about how college loans look when you break them down into how much you wind up paying when all is said and done.
I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

If in Doubt

Doubt, even mockery toward the Bible, occurs on every front, even from within the family of faith. But many of us have never actually heard answers to the questions that lie beneath the surface. Stenner’s foundational book summarizes accurately and simply the core facts of the Christian faith. Presented in a pastoral tone, If In Doubt covers the grand story of all time, from creation to the forthcoming close of human history and into eternity. Readers will find answer to these questions: Is the Bible reliable? Is Jesus God? Is Jesus coming back? Is there life after death? Did Jesus rise from the dead? Is there right and wrong? Did God make the world?

My thoughts: This is an excellent resource! I thought that Rhys does a fantastic job of breaking down 7 common doubts or questions about faith. So many of these questions, like if there is a right and wrong, have caused society to do a downward spiral.
I think one of my favorites was the chapter on Jesus rising from the dead, since he goes over the different ideas of what really happened before showing that He did indeed rise again.
This is an excellent resource for individuals and churches alike.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.