Tag Archives: children’s Bible stories

Children’s Corner — Two From Zonderkidz

7 Feb

Zonderkidz publishes great books for kids. They offer faith-based stories you can trust for the whole family. Today, I am featuring two books — God, I Feel Scared and The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search And Find. Find out all about them below.

Kids have big feelings, but none of their feelings are too big for God. In this picture book from licensed counselor Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner, young readers will explore what it means to feel scared and discover how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.

Scared is a feeling that can be hard to face, but if we listen to it, we can learn things about ourselves. In God, I Feel Scared, children will discover that it’s okay to be scared and that God is with us in all things, including fear. With simple, accessible text, scared becomes an emotion that kids don’t need to avoid and instead something they can use to better understand themselves and grow closer to God. The bright, emotive art by Nomar Perez will draw kids in, and a note in the back provides tips and techniques parents and caregivers can use to help young children process their feelings in a beneficial way.

God, I Feel Scared teaches kids ages 4 to 8 how to:

  • Identify the feeling of fear and recognize things that can make them feel scared
  • See signs of fear in others
  • Develop techniques to manage fear
  • Embrace fear and new experiences without letting it overwhelm them
  • Talk to God about their feelings

God, I Feel Scared is perfect for:

  • Helping young kids develop positive ways to manage and name their feelings
  • Children dealing with changing emotions, new experiences, or anxiety
  • Family read-aloud time
  • Supporting good communication and mental health habits at an early age

My Impressions:

God, I feel Scared by Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner explores everything about being scared. I loved the comprehensive way the authors talk about this very real emotion. They talk about what makes us scared, how the body and mind react, our responses to fears, and ways to cope. Their emphasis on facing fears with help from family, friends, and God is spot-on. The illustrations go along beautifully with the narrative. This is a book for parents and children to read together. I found it helpful in instructing adults to understand their children’s fears and the best way to go about helping their kids overcome them.

God, I Feel Scared is a great resource for the family library!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their parents.

(I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tama Fortner is an ECPA award-winning and bestselling author with more than sixty titles to her credit, including her latest releases the Everyday Joys Devotional; God, I Feel Sad; God, I Feel Scared; and Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays.

As a ghostwriter, Tama has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for children, teens, and adults. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced he’s people too.

Michelle Nietert has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award-winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls and Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life and soon to be released God I Feel Sad: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God series.

She leads of team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in the Dallas, Texas area. A popular speaker on topics regarding mental health, faith, and parenting, she is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including her own “Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.”

She and her husband Drew have been married almost two decades and have two school-aged children.

Connect with Michelle at www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com. 

Search and find through your favorite Bible stories with the Berenstain Bears! Readers will love exploring each and every page of this interactive book and discovering all the carefully hidden objects. Perfect for quiet time, traveling, summer reading, or any time, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find will deliver hours of fun while also building important skills, such as concentration, reading comprehension, attention to detail and early math skills like counting 1-10.

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find—part of the popular Zonderkidz Living Lights series of books—is perfect for:

  • Children ages 3-6
  • Quiet time, boredom busters, road trips, stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, or other gift giving occasions
  • Kids who love puzzles, games, and activities

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find is an addition to the Living Lights™ series that:

  • Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family
  • Continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain in this Berenstain Bears series of books
  • Is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date

My Impressions:

Kids love the Berenstain Bears! And they will love the Storybook Bible Search And Find book! Eight favorite Bible stories are presented with a brief synopsis and instructions to find and/or count specific images found in the two page spread. What a great way to introduce God’s story, plus stir your child’s imagination with the highly detailed illustrations. This is a sturdy boardbook too, so it will withstand many little hands! I can see this book being used as a family devotional — telling a familiar Bible story and talking about it as the family examines the pictures. Plus it reinforces essential basic skills in reading and comprehension.

This one would be great to include in an Easter basket or as a birthday gift.

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 3-6 and their parents.

(I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tags: , , ,

Children’s Corner — 100 Bedtime Devotions

19 Oct

The tagline for 100 Bedtime Devotions from The Beginner’s Bible is Meaningful Answers to Kids Big Questions. Designed for end of the day prayers and discussions, the book is divided up into topics including Peace, Hope and Patience, God’s Purpose for Us, and Loving God And Loving Others. There are devotions for when a child is scared or hurt, and devotions to encourage gratefulness and kindness — basically, every situation that can come up in a child’s life. The stories are short, simple, and easy to understand, and most importantly taken directly from the Bible. A short prayer prompt can help parents guide their child into quiet time with God. Brightly colored illustrations capture the eye as the truths from God’s word are shared. I can’t wait to share this book with my grandchildren!

Recommended.

Audience: children 4-8.

(I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Snuggle up for some special time with God and your little one! The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions contains sweet, meaningful devotions that are fun and accessible for young children, so you can end the day by reassuring your child of God’s amazing love for them.

The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions is a cozy, faith-filled addition to any bedtime routine. With devotions organized by theme—including gratitude, courage, friendship, peace, and more—it’s easy to find the perfect message for anything that’s on a child’s heart or mind.

The Beginner’s Bible 100 Bedtime Devotions:

  • Is part of The Beginner’s Bible® brand, the bestselling Bible storybook brand of our time, impacting more than 25 million families for over 30 years
  • Features 100 original devotions perfect for sharing with young children
  • Organizes devotions by topic, so you can easily address anything your child is thinking about
  • Is a fun, accessible way to deepen your child’s faith
  • Features vibrant, three-dimensional art
  • Is perfect for Easter baskets, Christmas stocking stuffers, birthdays, and child dedications

Tags: ,

Children’s Corner — Seek-And-Circle Bible Battles (One Big Story)

25 Oct

Seek, circle, and learn!

Maybe you’ve heard about the battle of Jericho and David’s battle against Goliath, but what about the day the sun stood still? Inside this book, explore six of the major battles from the Bible, filled with dozens of items for you to seek and circle! Every battle scene also has something to tell us about God’s plan for His people through His Son, Jesus.

For an added challenge, look for the six pieces of the armor of God as you explore each battle.

Use a wipe-on, wipe-off marker to seek-and-circle over and over again!

To purchase, click HERE.

 

My Impressions:

The Old Testament is filled with battles — battles for freedom for God’s people and battles that were brought about by the people’s disobedience. Regardless of the cause, God’s hand was in the midst of the conflict. Seek-And-Circle Bible Battles captures all the action of six battles and provides an interactive way for your child to engage with God’s word. There’s plenty of action, but nothing gory, as your child searches for specific objects. For example, in the Battle of Jericho, there are chickens, a goose, and a campfire to circle. Each two-page scene vividly depicts the scripture. There is an added bonus as your child learns about the ongoing battle that Christians face in their day to day lives and the way God provides protection through His armor. A Christ Connection ties Jesus to the Old Testament scripture. This book is for both children and their parents, opening discussions about God and can be enjoyed over and over with wipe-off markers. I think boys especially will enjoy Seek-And-Circle Bible Battles, but I recommend it for all kids ages 5-10.

Recommended.

Audience: kids and their parents.

(Thanks to B&H Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Tags: ,

Children’s Corner — Journey to Jericho (The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls)

24 Aug

In this fourth installment of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Peter and Mary find themselves in the middle of the battle of Jericho.

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. In this fourth adventure, the time-traveling trio journeys to an ancient desert and finds the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land. With limited time to solve the secret of the scroll, Peter and Mary join Israelite spies on a reconnaissance mission to Jericho; sneak Rahab to safety; and ultimately face the scheming man in black as the walls of the city begin to crumble. Fans of the series will love this whirlwind adventure that brings the Bible to life. Ages 6-9 years.

M. J. Thomas grew up in Florida playing sports and riding his bike to the library and an arcade named the Cosmic Cowboy. He graduated from Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies.

When his son Peter was nine years old, Mike went searching for books that would teach Peter about the Bible in a fun, imaginative way. Finding none, he decided to write his own series. In The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Mike combines biblical accuracy with adventure, imagination, and characters who are dear to his heart. Peter is named for Mike’s son Peter; Mary, for his niece; and Hank, for the family dog.

Mike lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; two sons, Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.

 

My Impressions:

Bringing a fresh perspective to Biblical stories — that’s what M. J. Thomas’ The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls series does for kids. In the fourth book of the series, Journey to Jericho, Peter, Mary, and their dog Hank find themselves with Joshua and the whole company of the Hebrew people on the cusp of entering the land God had promised them. Peter and Mary soon find themselves in the middle of the action, and your child will be too as they gain insight into the familiar Bible story. This book is a good way to get kids excited about reading the Bible. Recommended.

Peter and Mary are visiting their great uncle Solomon for a month. An archaeologist by trade, Solomon has found a way for his young niece and nephew to visit the Holy Land — back in time. Ancient scrolls take the two kids away to many adventures. In Journey to Jericho, they not only witness history, but are a part of it as they become spies. They encounter Biblical figures such as Joshua and Rahab as they search for a message of God’s truth. I liked the way Thomas brings the story to a kid’s level adding adventure to the historical record. But Peter and Mary’s trip to the past is fraught with danger, and they are guided and protected by the angel Michael. There is also a man in black (definitely NOT Johnny Cash 😉 ) that they are warned to look out for. Satan is always on the scene seeking to thwart God’s plans. That is a good lesson for kids as well. But parents, you may want to read the book first in order to be ready for questions your child may have about the power Satan has in the world. The book opens up all kinds of discussion — life in ancient Israel, the struggles of God’s people, and the promises He always keeps. At the end of the book there is a helpful outline of the book of Joshua to guide the discussion back to God’s word.

All in all, I really liked Journey to Jericho. The book is a good choice for family reading time or for kids to practice their reading skills. Make sure to check out the other books in the series as well.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 6-9.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Worthy Kids for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Tags: , ,

Children’s Corner Book Spotlight — God’s Big Plans for Me

25 Apr

Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, has a new kid-centered storybook Bible, God’s Big Plans for Me. There are 40 days of stories from Genesis to Revelation all with an emphasis on God’s plan for your child. Each day’s reading has an introduction with things for your child to think about followed by a Bible story. I have not read this book, so this post is not an endorsement or recommendation. However, I thought my readers might be interested in exploring it more. Read the blurb and check out a couple of the stories, then decide for yourself whether this book should be added to your library.

God’s Big Plans for Me Storybook Bible illustrates the 40 foundational principles written in the #1 New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life (What on Earth Am I Here For?) by Pastor Rick Warren. With child-friendly language, engaging illustrations, and a chronological approach, Pastor Warren introduces each Bible story with a theme that aligns with one of his foundational principles. He wraps up the stories with a closing thought targeted to early readers. The colorful illustrations and narrative tone bring these beloved Bible stories to life for readers young and old.

 

 

(I received a copy of this book from Zonderkidz. This post is not a recommendation or endorsement.)

Tags: ,

Children’s Corner — Amos Faces His Bully

11 Apr

Amos is targeted by the town bully because he is so small. When word reaches Amos of his friend David’s battle with Goliath, he thinks back to what David told him about putting his faith in God’s protection. Perhaps the same God can help Amos face his bully too.

 

To purchase, click HERE.

 

 

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author, and editor. A 2005 graduate of Long Ridge Writers Group, Cheryl began her career focusing on article writing. She specializes in time management and organization, but has also written about everyday life in the 1800s, gardening, parenting, and women’s health issues. In 2008, she changed her focus to fiction writing for children. Her first picture book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing (GAP).  A Christmas Kindness, an early reader, was released by 4RV Publishing in 2012, with a digital version following in 2014, and Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving (Guardian Angel Publishing, 2016).

Ms. Malandrinos has edited numerous manuscripts in a variety of genres and ghostwritten a Christian chapter book. Cheryl has been a panelist at the WriteAngles Conference that takes place each fall at Mount Holyoke College and offers writing workshops in her local school district. A book reviewer and blogger, Cheryl lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married.

 

My Impressions:

Cheryl Malandrinos has written a clever book that combines a beloved Bible story with a lesson for modern day kids. Amos Faces His Bully, targeted towards children ages 4-8, introduces a young boy who endures name-calling and ridicule from bigger boys in his village of Bethlehem. But his older friend, seventeen year old David, shares wisdom gained from experience. It’s not about being brave or big, it’s about having faith that God can and will protect with His presence. I loved the creative twist Malandrinos brings to the David and Goliath story. The reactions of Amos and the other boys in Bethlehem mirror the awe many probably had at the audacity David exhibited in facing down the Philistine’s giant. While teaching about standing up to bullies, the book also opens the door for reading and talking about scripture — a win-win for parents!

Whether Amos Faces His Bully is part of family reading time, or used to practice reading skills, it will definitely become a favorite with your kids.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tags: , ,

Children’s Corner + Giveaway! — Planet 316 Story Bible

7 Mar

An innovative Bible storybook with a free augmented reality app that brings the characters and stories to life

This innovative Bible storybook features more than 100 favorite stories from the Old and New Testaments. From the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden all the way through the life of Jesus and the acts of the Apostles, the stories are told in kid-friendly, yet biblically accurate, language and accompanied by bright and whimsical artwork. The book is paired with a free downloadable app that brings the stories to life through the use of augmented reality. By holding a smart phone or tablet over the page, the app allows characters, animals, and objects in the stories to spring up in 3-D, with audio that reveals additional character dialogue and sounds. Together, the book and its app are sure to engage children’s imaginations and start them on their faith journey. Ages 4-7.

 

My Impressions:

Wow! What a seriously cool book! Your kids are going to love Planet 316 Story Bible (and you will too)! First the obvious — this Bible storybook contains 100+ beloved stories from both the Old and New Testaments with high energy and cute, cute illustrations. The stories are true to scripture and include the Bible reference. But this book holds a big surprise. With a free downloadable app, the stories come alive with sound and motion. What fun! You hear the lions growl as they surround Daniel, the clip clop of camels as Nehemiah travels back to Jerusalem from Babylon, the wedding guests comment on the marriage of Mary and Joseph, and the interaction of Jesus and children. The app allows kids of all ages to experience the Bible in a great interactive way. Every story in this collection is just waiting to be explored. Planet 316 Story Bible is a perfect addition to family reading time. So gather the kids, read and discuss the stories, and then get ready for oohs, ahhs, and giggles when the stories come to life.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: kids of all ages.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Giveaway!

Worthy Publishing is very generously giving a copy of Planet 316 Story Bible to one of my readers. Just leave a comment with who you hope to share this fun book. Giveaway ends March 14.

Tags:

Children’s Corner: Ready, Set, Find Noah’s Ark

13 Sep

Noah has an important job. He needs to build a huge ark and fill it with animals too. Now there are things and animals along the way he needs your help to find, like the hammer, the hen, and the hedgehog. Are you ready to help Noah? If so, on your mark, Ready, Set, Find! Read the classic story of Noah’s Ark in this engaging look-and-find book for young children.

 

To purchase, click HERE.

 

My Impressions:

Ready, Set, Find Noah’s Ark combines God’s word with a fun picture book for your preschooler. The account of Noah’s building of the Ark, the Flood, and God’s provision for Noah’s family, complete with Bible references, is accompanied by colorful illustrations. As your child hears about this beloved Bible story, he or she can search for the small details within each picture. The pictures are fun and will engage your kids. Be sure to point out what the people and animals are doing on each page. Great for teaching about God and expanding your child’s vocabulary, Ready, Set, Find Noah’s Ark is a recommended read!

Recommended.

Audience: preschoolers.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tags:

Children’s Corner: 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories

30 Aug

Children will love these timeless 5-minute Bible adventures, featuring classic stories of Noah’s ark, Daniel and the lions, the birth of Jesus, and more! With text and art from the bestselling Adventure Bible brand, more than 30 stories come alive with bright, colorful illustrations and fun, interactive elements. Each of these stories can be shared in just five minutes, making this collection perfect for families on the go, children learning to read, and bedtime. 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories features a cover with eye-catching foil.

 

 

My Impressions:

I had a conversation with a co-worker about the challenges of getting children to read. Her son is a visual learner and has trouble with comprehension. Because he is uninterested in what he is reading, he rushes through assignments, losing both the ideas behind the stories and the joy that reading can bring. 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories may just be the right kind of book for those struggling like my friend’s child. Each story is boldly illustrated bringing favorites from the Bible to life. The vocabulary is challenging, but fun, with lots of words that cause a child to visualize the scene presented. For example, in the first story in the book, The Adventure Begins, the water that God created is described as trickling, bubbling, and whooshing. Fun and vivid! There are over 30 stories from both the Old and New Testaments and each takes just a short time to read — perfect for those who are learning to read or struggling to maintain attention. But . . . I bet your child will not be able to stop at just one! There is an added bonus at the end of each story — a truth to meditate upon and a Bible verse to memorize. So whether you are looking for a book for family reading time or a book to help stimulate your child’s love of reading, 5-Minute Adventure Bible Stories is a great choice.

Recommended. 

Audience: children ages 4-8.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tags:

Children’s Corner: Two for The Tiniest of Readers!

21 Jun

Check out two new Beginner’s Bible books! They are great to share with your tiniest readers!

 

The Beginner’s Bible® has been a favorite with young children and their parents since its release in 1989 with over 25 million copies sold. With over five million copies sold, The Beginner’s Bible® is the bestselling Bible storybook of our time. Now there’s a condensed version for active little ones to take with them wherever they go. With a padded cover, this board book is soft, durable, and can withstand any child’s energetic lifestyle. Playfully illustrated, the storybook introduces toddlers to the Bible in an imaginative way. The accompanying text is simple so that children are engaged by and can learn eight cherished Bible stories, including Creation, Noah’s Ark, and the birth of baby Jesus.

To purchase, click HERE.

 

The Beginner’s Bible®, the bestselling Bible storybook of our time, is now in a special carry-along edition with over 30 stories! Children will love The Beginner’s Bible Carry-Along Treasury created especially for tiny hands to carry with them wherever they go. The carry-along edition features a smaller size, a go-anywhere handle, and an easy magnetic closure. Kids will come to know and love the key stories and characters of the Bible with this best-loved Bible storybook. Now updated with vibrant new art, The Beginner’s Bible® is the perfect starting point for children. Little ones will enjoy the fun illustrations of Noah helping the elephant onto the ark, Jonah praying inside the fish, and more, as they discover The Beginner’s Bible® just like millions of children before!

To purchase, click HERE.

 

(I received these books courtesy of Zonderkidz. This post is a book spotlight only.)

Tags: ,

← Older Entries