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REVIEW ~ Little Lion AND Little Lamb Bibles

Posted by Professor on January 13, 2012
in Animals, Baby Products, Books, Education, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas

Little Lamb’s Bible and/ or Little Lion Bible is a soft, cuddly Bible that children ages 2 to 5 can call his or her own. Throughout this plush-covered book, children learn that they are loved and cared for by God as they hear about God’s faithfulness in ten stories from the Bible (both Old and New Testaments). With sweet, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this soft and cuddly character storybook Bible is sure to become a classic with preschoolers!

OUR REVIEW:

We received both the Little Lamb bible AND the Little Lion Bible! They are both very beautifully made and constructed! We loved the fact that they had a plush outside and were a board book inside. This construction is unique and was very attractive to my children. My 3-year-old daughter loved the Lamb and my 5-year-old son loved the lion. I honestly thought that the bible would be too young for my fiver year old… but it was not. It had just enough content to hold his attention and the animal exterior tickled his fancy!

The content is great! Just enough text to hold the attention of little ones! The illustrations are wonderful! My children loved the vibrant pictures that accompanied the stories! The illustrations really captivated them and made the book a hit!

This is a wonderful product! I cannot say enough about the products that Zondervan puts out…they have not disappointed us yet!

Look for this product in stores on January 16, 2012. I think this would make a great gift…especially a wonderful gift for Easter! What a supplement to any bookshelf!

The book retails at $15.99…, which may seem high but remember it is a board book with a beautiful plush exterior and it is very high quality and should last for years!

Thank you ZONDERKIDZ for another great product!

To find The Little Lamb Bible AND The Little Lamb Bible or peruse other collections and items available from Zonderkidz please visit: www.Zondervan.com

You can even visit the product specific page here http://browseinside.zondervan.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780310725510

and see a detailed view of the book and get an inside peek at the illustrations!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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That’s My Girl: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on January 7, 2012
in Books, Family Stuff, Parenting

That’s My Girl is a book written parenting expert Rick Johnson, founder of “Better Dads”. This book maps out how dads can develop a healthy, closer relationship with their daughters, and gives moms insight into the important role a father plays in the life of their girls, including her relationship to her father.

The father-daughter relationship is very important in a girls life. According to Mr. Johnson, this is the one relationship that determines how she feels about herself, what kinds of men she is attracted to and how she expects to be treated by other men. I know as I read the pages of this book, I couldn’t help thinking about my relationship with my Dad, who passed away 6 years ago. He was a good provider, active in our lives as little girls (I have 3 younger sisters) but once we hit preteen and teen years he became much more distant.

I agreed with some of the things Mr. Johnson shared, but other things I didn’t. There are always exceptions to the rule and there is the God factor. I believe certain areas of my life could have been disastrous, were not because of God having my back so to speak. I loved the stories he shared about his teenager daughter. She was a character!

Mr. Johnson does a thorough job of showing Dads how to help map their daughters future. Overall I believe this book is a good resource for fathers especially, but mothers will benefit as well.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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A FREE Nativity Booklet

Posted by html404 on December 24, 2011
in Books, Ebooks, Family Stuff, Holidays

If you are observing the birth of Jesus this Christmas, you may want to check out this free Nativity booklet from Answers in Genesis:

Direct link: http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/files/2010/12/nativity-booklet.pdf?utm_source=AiGSuperSpecials&utm_medium=email&utm_content=FreeDownload&utm_campaign=SS12222011

Merry Christmas!

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REVIEW ~ THE POCKET BIBLE DOODLE BOOK

Posted by Professor on December 12, 2011
in Books, Education, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Uncategorized

Young readers create versions of their favorite bible stories with the Pocket-Sized Doodle Book!

Youngsters can put their imaginations to work ~ in an outside the lines ~ with the delightful new addition to the Zonderkiz library. The Pocket Bible Doodle Book! In this new edition, children can draw, color, and doodle their way through the Bible stories in their very own pocket sized book.

The first of its kind, The Pocket Bible doodle Book allows kids to interact with Bible stories in a unique way rather than simply reading them. Unfinished drawings and fun prompts encourage creativity while simple and humorous text relates key Bible stories. Available with two covers (a bright spring blue and an eye-catching green) both include classic stories like the Creation, Noah’s Ark, the Last Supper, and more than 100 Bible pictures for kids to complete.

Click to see a larger image of The Pocket Bible Doodle Book by ZonderKidz

The Pocket Bible Doodle Book is a must-have for traveling, waiting rooms, restaurants, and families on the go, offering hours of creative learning for kids four and older (and their parents.

OUR REVIEW:

We were very excited to have the opportunity to review THE POCKET BIBLE DOODLE BOOK! We received one in each color, which made me very happy, as there would be no fighting as to who got to draw in what when! My daughter picked the green book and my son picked the blue book! My children LOVE to doodle in the books! They were very excited to start drawing in the books! My son (5) was excited to finish the pictures and would frequently as “mom what does this say”…since he is just a beginning reader. However, my daughter (7) was self- sufficient reading the directions and stories …and completed her pages with ease! This has been a great product for us on car rides…this children LOVE to have their Doodle Book on hand to color and create at will! This Book has also proven a wonderful in house activity as well…providing hours of entertainment and learning for my children. As a mother I love that the children are having fun while learning about the Bible and that the Doodle book reinforces key stories that we have taught our children!

There is honestly nothing bad I can say about this product…the only thing I wish is that it came in a third color so that my 3 year old could have her own book too! But I am grateful she is content to share with her sister!

Thank you ZONDERKIDZ for another great product! Look for THE POCKET BIBLE DOODLE BOOK January 2012!

To find The Pocket Bible Doodle Book or peruse other collections and items available from Zonderkidz please visit this link.

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The Beginner’s Bible: Book of Prayers Review

Posted by Professor on December 2, 2011
in Books, Education, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Girl Stuff

Click to see a larger image of The Beginner's Bible Book of Prayers

Arriving in stores just in time for Christmas, preschoolers and parents are certain to love this new addition to the beloved The Beginner’s Bible collection, The Beginner’s Bible Book of Prayers.

This new book presents 20 short prayers as well as Scripture passages that are brought to life with bright and enchanting illustrations. On every page, children will feel the power of God’s will and love. They’ll learn the meaning behind important concepts they encounter every day, like gratitude, forgiveness, patience, and wisdom.

Whether though a lesson in hard work and faith taught through the story of Noah’s ark, an example of courage portrayed by the story of David and the giant, or the Good Samaritan’s shining example of kindness, the simple and colorful nature of this edition will encourage children to make connections between familiar Bible stories and their own lives.

The padded board book fits comfortably in the hands of youngsters, and parents will treasure time spent in prayer with their child.

OUR REVIEW:

I was very excited to receive this prayer book to review! I love the Beginner’s Bible series! This book of prayers is a wonderful edition to any bookshelf! Flipping through the pages was a delight…the stories are wonderful and the illustrations are beautiful.

All of my children were excited to peruse this book of prayers! My 7 year old was delighted to read the stories to the younger ones…the wording was not difficult and she was able to relay the stories with ease! My 5 year old and 3 year old loved the illustrations and listening to the stories! Ultimately it was my 3 year old who claimed this book as her own… she now takes it along with her wherever her day may take her… it is always at her side while she plays! It has even made more than a few car trips with us…and she has enjoyed flipping through the pages and looking at pictures while riding in the car (makes for a peaceful car ride for mom!)

All in all I must say that this is a delightful book! It teaches the stories we all know and love at a level that children can understand and connect with… read the stories over and over and the children will find something different each time! I have also found that while I read the prayers I can open up a conversation afterward about the stories and have a discussion with the children…since the stories are so relatable!

Thank you Zonderkidz for another wonderful book!

To find out more about the Beginner’s Bible Collection or other Zonderkids products please visit:

www.zonderkids.com

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The Mirror of N’de & $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: A Litfuse Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on December 1, 2011
in Books

First, I have to admit that I did not read this book. My second oldest daughter did. Here is her review:

The Mirror of N’de is written by L.K.Malone. It is an allegory about young girl named Hadley Mivana and her journey to find a way to help her persecuted people, the Ramash, from the cruel rulers, the Oresed.

The book starts with strange dreams with a wonderful Being, representing Jesus. In the dreams are strange riddles. They are based on a forbidden tale about how their ancestors were banished from the Glorious city of N’de. There is are strange twists and turns that kept me glued to the book, but then again I am always glued to a book!

After three life changing events come to pass Hadley begins to understand her strange dreams. One of those events is when the Emperor and his son return and change their city…and I was very surprised at the outcome, I was not expecting it!

What I got from the book is to love your enemy no matter what and to stand up for what you believe in even if others are against you. This is often hard, but it takes more character and strength to stand up for your principles than it does to back down from them. I can only hope that I will be strong like that.

I really like allegories, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was thrilling and very interesting to read about a mysteriously forbidden bedtime story coming to life!

Visit Litfuse here.

A Giveaway!

To be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com all you have to do is send a tweet (using @litfuse) about The Mirror of N’de or share about it on Facebook! That’s it!

If you tweet Litfuse will capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email let the Litfuse gals know (ckrumm [at] litfusegroup.com with no spaces)

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here’s an idea:

TWEET THIS: New YA fantasy – The Mirror of N’de – compelling narrative and creative characters! @litfuse RT for $50 to @amazon http://ow.ly/7AWGT

FACEBOOK THIS: Don’t miss this debut YA fantasy story: Crafting powerful narrative and creative characters, author L. K. Malone spins a compelling tale that combines exciting entertainment and the Christian story. In The Mirror of N’de, readers will empathize with the desires of an oppressed people, will anger at the affliction of a cruel adversary, and ultimately rejoice with the revelation of a Savior. Share this for a chance at $50 to Amazon.com http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13440685

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0825426677/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0825426677&adid=19YT611JVE91SRJZHKF3

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Remembering You & Enter to Win!

Posted by html404 on November 29, 2011
in Books, Giveaways

I have to admit that I had a preconceived idea as to what Remembering You would be like – a typical historical romance. I am happy to report that I was wrong. Note to self to insert photo of pie to represent humble pie.

Remembering You is a book with an excellent story line that is more than just about a romance occurring during a historical event. It is about honor, forgiveness, relationships and loving people for who they were, are and going to be.

I love the twists and turns of this tale. I love the honor shown to the veterans and I especially love the grandparent/grandchild relationship portrayed in this book. I love the spirit of adventure this book offers as two war veterans and their grandchildren set out to revisit important places and people representing a time gone by during which they were fighting for freedom from World War II.

Tricia Goyer has provided us with a wonderful story about God’s healing power amidst dark times and spiritual redemption for past wrongs. Thank you Tricia!

Tricia is also hosting a Kindle giveaway which ends today and the winner will be announced at her Facebook party, which you are invited to attend.

One grand prize winner will receive:

~ A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner’s choice!)
~ A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each

Enter today by clicking the icon above. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon TODAY! Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29 5PM PST / 8PM EST. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Visit www.TriciaGoyer.com/contests.html for complete details.

Visit Litfuse here.

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Remembering Christmas – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2011
in Books, Holidays

It is hard to believe we are nearly through the month of November. We have had a beautiful fall here in Chicagoland. Now the holidays are upon us. First Thanksgiving next week and then Christmas within a month. Our family loves the Christmas season and Christmas stories. Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is one of those books that is all about family and what it means to be a part of one. It is a book to be read over and over again as a reminder of being a devoted son or daughter.

Remembering Christmas is not your typical, predictable romance. It does contain a few well placed twists and turns. What I liked about it is that a wealthy, successful, yet selfish son, Rick, comes back to his hometown during his mother’s time of need. He begrudgingly puts all his needs and wants on the back burner to be there for her. I admire his devotion to his mother.

I also liked that Rick’s trip home forced him to face his old hurts and repair broken relationships that should never have been broken in the first place. It is through the healing process he finds unexpected love and devotion of another kind.

This is a lovely story about relationships. Everyone could learn something from this book. It gets a two thumbs up from me!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas ~ Children’s Book Review

Posted by Professor on November 15, 2011
in Books, Family Stuff, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

Click to see a larger image of The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Mike and Jan Berenstain enlighten and inspire the holiday spirit in children with a fun Lift-the-Flap Cook from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights series that teaches readers the story of Christmas!

In this new book the Berenstain Bears arrive just in time for the holidays! The family finds fun and adventure as the bears attempt to assemble the family nativity scene.

The book is from Zonderkidz; a division of Zondervan…this publishing company inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. They are a leader in Christian children’s communications that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family to educators.

OUR REVIEW:

When I initially opened the package I thought…oh another Berenstain Bears book! We have so many of the beloved Berenstain Bears books that I thought it would be nice to add another to our library. I opened the book and found it was a Christmas book…but to my surprise it was not just any commercial Christmas book but a CHRISTIAN Christmas book…complete with nativity scene bile and the mention of Jesus. This was a treat because so many books have been commercialized to remove the true sprit of Christmas and are only about presents and Santa Clause. I was very happy to share this warm book with my children and inspire the true meaning of the holiday!

My children LOVED this book! My children are 7, 5, and 3 and they ALL were very excited about the book! The Lift-the-Flap feature was a hit with all of them…they all wanted to lift the flap as we read the story! My older daughter was even able to read the book to the younger ones … this was a plus! The children understood the themes in the book, which were important…they especially liked the bears putting out the nativity scene, as this is ne of our family traditions!

To find out more about the Berenstain Bears Christmas or other Zonderkids products please visit:

www.zonderkidz.com

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Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North “Poll”

Posted by Brande on November 14, 2011
in Baby Products, Books, Coupons, Education, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids Toys, SALES, Saving Money, Shopping

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North “Poll!” You’ll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!