Tuesday, November 8

Bible Stories for Preschoolers

Tyndale Kids just came out with this great new bible--Bible Stories "for the wiggly, giggly preschooler in your life!"  Each story has three sections:
  • Talk: Simple questions and discussion questions to get little kids talking about the bible story.
  • Do: Fun games & activities that kids can do over and over.
  • Remember: Key bible verses (from actual bible translations) that kids can tuck away in their hearts.
I like Bible Stories for Preschoolers for very little kids, though it's a little bit too cartoonish for my 4 year old.  I like bible story books to have more realistic pics because it makes the bible seem more real.  I recommend this particular bible storybook for 1-3 year olds.  I do love the bible activities that are included with each story & will be using those ideas for my Sunday school preschoolers & for my 4, 6, & 7 year olds at home along with their regular bible time.

Today we read the story of Jacob's Ladder.  The story was good & well-explained for little ears.  At the end, the activity it suggested was to make a ladder out of popsicle sticks & to draw pictures of places your kiddos go on index cards.  Then, they can thank God for going with them to that place.  The memory verse goes perfectly with the activity:

I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go.  Genesis 28:15

Bible Stories for Preschoolers is complete with 49 important bible stories, great memory verses, and unique activities.  I definitely recommend it to any parent of preschoolers!  It also has a section on "Preschoolers and Salvation" that I thought was very important and wasn't something I'd seen in other children's bibles.

I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for a thoughtful and honest review.

Friday, November 4

A Lasting Impression Book Tour & Contest

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Tamera Alexander's most recent release, A Lasting Impression, definitely left a lasting impression with me!  The heroine's story was so intriguing and there was so much mystery that my attention was well held throughout every page.  Claire is an artist who is forced to paint replicas of famous artwork... and to sell them as originals.  After a murder, she is forced to run away... and then her story really begins.  A dashing man, a beautiful mansion, a dash of mystery, and circumstances that open the eyes of someone who sees herself as a forgery but who ends up finding Truth all make for a wonderful story.

Nearing the end, I wasn't sure how A Lasting Impression would end... this is one of those not-at-all-too-predictable books!  And I have a terrible confession to make--I turned to the last page to read it & satisfy my curiosity!  I very rarely do that, but I could hardly help myself.  I went back and read everything I had missed to fill in the little blanks and still thoroughly enjoyed it all.

As Historical fiction goes, this book was spectacular.  As Christian fiction goes, it wasn't as fulfilling as other Christian Historical fiction by authors like Francine Rivers & George MacDonald (whose standards are very high to live up to, I'll admit).  It was great entertainment and I doubt it will challenge you spiritually but I recommend it, nonetheless, for its great story & encouraging message.

Enter to win one of Tamera's fabulous prizes and RSVP for her Facebook Party on 11/15!

This book was provided to me by the wonderful people at Litfuse.