Tag Archives: children’s Bible stories

Children’s Corner — Brave Queen Esther and Noah’s Voyage

29 Apr

Experts say that reading during the summer helps children retain the skills they learned during the school year and encourages them to develop the habit of reading for pleasure. When my kids were young, I nagged encouraged them to read. They were not always happy with my efforts, but now that they are adults, they all enjoy reading. If you are looking for books to keep the kids reading this summer, then consider Brave Queen Esther and Noah’s Voyage from Zonderkidz. Both are I Can Read! books that feature the stories from the Adventure Bible. True to the Biblical account, both books challenge young readers, develop vocabulary and, best of all, promote Bible reading. Colorful illustrations from David Miles enhance the stories. One feature I particularly like is Did You Know? at the of each book. It provides a little more information and whets the appetite to look more closely into God’s word.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

 

746669Brave Queen Esther tells the story of a brave and beautiful hero of the Old Testament. Written in the I Can Read level two standards, with age-appropriate vocabulary and concepts, young readers read about a young Jewish woman who is chosen to be a queen by a powerful king. When she hears of a plan to hurt all of the Jewish people in the kingdom, she calls on her faith and steps forward, facing certain danger to save God’s people from the evil plan.

Buy this book HERE.

 

 

 

746836Noah’s Voyage tells the story of a brave and faithful hero of the Old Testament. Written in the I Can Read level two standards, with age-appropriate vocabulary and concepts, young readers read about Noah, a simple man with great faith and trust in God. When God asks Noah to follow his directions, build an ark, and put two of every animal on it, Noah and his family do what they are asked, knowing God would not steer them wrong.

Buy this book HERE. 

 

 

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for review copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner — Easter Basket Books

25 Mar

My children are all grown now, but when they were small I liked to add a little something to their Easter baskets that was not candy. Here are two books perfect to include with the eggs and bunnies.

Tiny Bear’s Bible is a board book with rhyming Bible stories written by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This beautifully illustrated book features Tiny Bear and the promises God makes to him (and all of us!). It is targeted at children ages 2-5.

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The First Easter Ever tells the story of Jesus’ adult ministry from His baptism through the crucifixion until his ascension into heaven. I really enjoyed Dennis Jones’ detailed illustrations, especially the facial expressions. The target audience for this book is children ages 4-8 and is perfect for read-alongs or intermediate readers.

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(Thanks to Zonderkidz for review copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Children’s Corner: A Father’s Love (I Can Read!/Adventure Bible)

23 Feb

732404A Father’s Love is a level two I Can Read! based on the NIV Adventure Bible. In it, young readers learn about how great a father’s love can be for his child. At this read-alone level, newly independent readers follow a young man who decides to go out on his own, with his inheritance. He wastes his money and makes bad choices but eventually realizes that home and family are more important than anything. When he goes home to make amends, his father welcomes his son home with open arms and joy.

Written for the newly independent reader, vocabulary and content is at a more advanced reading level, making this series appropriate for children almost ready for their first chapter books.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Words to Treasure”.

Content aligns with the Common Core Standards for informational reading.

My Impressions:

I wish when my children were learning to read, we had had books like this. A Father’s Love is not only an excellent tool to reinforce reading skills, but also a great complement for teaching what God’s love looks like. With its detailed illustrations and vocabulary that encourages and challenges, it is a book kids with love to read on their own.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 6-10.

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

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Children’s Corner: Adventure Bible Miracles of Jesus

7 Jan

732426Miracles of Jesus is a level two I Can Read! based on the NIV Adventure Bible. In it, young readers read about how great God’s love is for all people. At this read-alone level, newly independent readers follow Jesus as he travels, spreading the Good News of his Father’s love. Along the way, Jesus shows in wondrous ways just how powerful God’s love is when he brings health back to a young girl and a long-suffering woman, and how he gives comfort to thousands of believers with a delicious meal as well as the precious word of God.

Written for the newly independent reader, vocabulary and content is at a more advanced reading level, making this series appropriate for children almost ready for their first chapter books.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Words to Treasure”.

Content aligns with the Common Core Standards for informational reading.

 

My Impressions:

Miracles of Jesus is great book for your developing reader. Not only does it encourage children to read in a way that fosters success and continued interest, but it teaches them about a few of the miracles of Jesus. Based on the Adventure Bible, it follows closely the Biblical narrative and includes colorful illustrations by David Miles that bring the scenes to life. The I Can Read! series has been around since the 1950s and has a high success rate in promoting reading among children. A great addition to your child’s library, I recommend Miracles of Jesus.

Recommended.

Audience: developing readers.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The Christmas Story for Children

10 Dec

735982Follow the events of Jesus’ birth as you read this lovely picture book written by Max Lucado with Randy Frazee and Karen Hill and illustrated by Fausto. The Christmas Story for Children tells readers about the birth of a special baby whose story is filled with love for us all. Young readers as well as their parents will appreciate the beautiful words and artwork that convey the message that we are loved and cherished.

A holiday companion book to the award-winning and bestselling The Story for Children.

 

 

max-grande2Max Lucado has the heart of a pastor and the pen of a poet. He is a preacher who writes and a writer who preaches, though none would call him preachy. This unique combination of gifts led Christianity Today to label him “America’s Pastor,” but he prefers to go by “Max” and leave the titles behind.

Since 1985 this Texas pastor has taken pen to paper, sharing his heart and his stories with readers around the globe. And readers have responded, snapping up more than 50 million copies of his 60 plus titles during the last two decades.

Max Lucado is one of the rare authors who can craft memorable books for readers of all ages, races and creeds. He has written bestselling books for both children and adults, from illustrated storybooks to nonfiction and biblical commentary. Though he is known best for his nonfiction books for adults, Max won Campus Life magazine’s “favorite author” designation so consistently that the category was deleted for many years from the teen reader’s annual awards.

Max’s gift of turning a phrase has turned into one of Hallmark’s most popular branded greeting cards lines, selling 6 million cards in just three years. His word and stories have been repackaged in just about every format imaginable, including DVDs, CD-ROMs, music CDs, apparel, giftware, calendars, study Bibles and even plush products. And his books have been translated into more than 28 languages worldwide.

Yet all these books and products find their wellspring in a single source: the pulpit at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. All Max’s books for adults have been birthed as sermons for the congregation at Oak Hills Church—perhaps one of the reasons Readers Digest dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher” in 2005.

Max and Denalyn Lucado celebrated 25 years of marriage in August 2006. They served as missionaries in Brazil before coming to San Antonio, where they have lived since 1998. Their three almost-grown daughters, (Jenna, Andrea, Sara) recall no other home. Both the heart and the pen of this pastor/writer have found fertile ground under the Texas sun.

61wpqjQZ43L._UX250_Fausto Bianchi was born on Lake Como and now lives and works in Varese, Italy. He lives with his wife, child, and a dog and cat. Fausto has done illustrations for several Italian publishing houses and advertising agencies. He especially enjoys working with watercolors and has begun to use digital formats to create the same watercolor effects.

 

My Impressions:

The Christmas Story for Children is taken from the best-selling children’s book The Story for Children. It is a retelling of Jesus’ birth. I like that the story opens with the people of God anxiously awaiting their Messiah. The book makes it clear that the people had been waiting for centuries, but when the time was right, God entered into our world. The heart of the story is the nativity, but also includes Jesus’ early ministry. It definitely makes clear that the story from the Gospels did not begin and end in the stable. The illustrations are beautiful. The detail overlaying the watercolors creates a depth that draws the eye. The Christmas Story for Children would be a  wonderful addition to family story time.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 5-12.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Let There Be Light

8 Dec

733962Let There Be Light combines the extraordinary talents of Nancy Tillman, the New York Times bestselling author of On the Night You Were Born, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this retelling of the biblical story of creation. The pairing of Archbishop Tutu’s lyrical text from The Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman’s wondrous illustrations bring the pages of this board book to life for readers young and old.

 

 

desmond-tutuArchbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. He is the author of numerous books including the Children of God Storybook Bible, God’s Dream, and Desmond and the Very Mean Word. From 2007 to 2013, Tutu was the founding Chair of the Elders, a group of global leaders who are working to promote the shared interests of humanity. In 2013 he received the Templeton Prize for advancing spiritual progress in the world. He lives in South Africa with his wife, Leah. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

 

nancyNancy Tillman created her first book, On the Night You Were Born, to convey to children at an early and impressionable age, “You are the one and only ever you.” Additionally, Nancy has written and illustrated the best selling titles: The Spirit of Christmas, Wherever You are My Love Will Find You, Tumford the Terrible, and The Crown on Your Head. She also illustrated It’s Time to Sleep, My Love, with Eric Metaxas. Together, Nancy’s books have sold in the millions.

Whether she is creating books that remind children of their own unique wonder, or teaching life lessons through an accident prone cat named Tumford, all of Nancy’s books feature one important message. You are loved.

 

My Impressions:

Let There Be Light is a beautifully illustrated board book that tells the story of God’s Creation. The text is written by Desmond Tutu and is easily understood by children. The illusrations are filled with movement and unique and delightful images including exotic animals, children from around the world, and, if you look closely enough, the light of the Creator. Let There Be Light is a great book to introduce your toddler to the Creator and His Creation.

Recommended.

Audience: Toddlers to 5 years of age.

(Thanks to Zondervan for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The First Christmas Ever

2 Dec

740834A simple retelling of the Christmas story, from the angel’s visit to Mary to the shepherds’ joyful praise of the new born Baby, this small format paperback, The First Christmas Ever is sure to be popular with young readers. Using the vibrant and popular artwork of Dennis Jones, families can share this timeless story of God’s love each holiday season.

 

About Dennis Jones, illustrator.

aboutpictureBorn in Mountain Grove, a small rural town in the Missouri Ozarks, Dennis was the fourth of six children. He logged a lot of pew time at the local Baptist Church, honing his artistic abilities by drawing on church bulletins during Sunday morning sermons.

After high school, he attended Southwest Missouri State University and studied art. During the college years, he spent his summers working at amusement parks (Opryland & Silver Dollar City) where he drew caricatures. Dennis graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and stumbled blindly into a career as a freelance illustrator.

After spending the 90s in Texas, Dennis and family moved to Northeastern Indiana where his wife Karen is a professor at Huntington University. His two grown sons now live and work in the Oklahoma City area.

For fun Dennis plays in a recreational ice hockey league where he pretends to be Wayne Gretzky, but plays more like Wayne Gretkowski, the ninety year old store greeter at the local Wal-Mart. He also occasionally plays bass and guitar in the band at his church where he continues to insist that a pyrotechnics show and hydraulic stage for the band would really add a lot to the Sunday morning worship experience.

 

My Impressions:

The First Christmas Ever is a retelling of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus taken directly from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Written in a simple style, this book is perfect for young children ages 4-8. And unlike other books focusing on Christ’s birth, it continues the story allowing for children to connect the baby in the manger with the Savior of the world. Dennis Jones’ illustrations are wonderful. Highly detailed and colorful, they depict the story with scenes of Joseph knocking on doors in Bethlehem, the stay in the stable, and even the arrival of the Wise Men that took place a couple of years following Jesus’s birth. I especially loved the expressions on the faces of the people and animals. You do not want to miss the chickens! This book is a good choice to add to your family Christmas reading.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-8.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below. At $1.99, it is a steal!

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Book Review: Love Letters from God

3 Oct

733843What child does not love to receive mail? What if that child could receive, open and read his or her own personal mail from God? Love Letters from God will invite them to do just that! Accompanying each story in this unique children’s Bible is a very special and encouraging letter, each tucked away in its own lift-the-flap envelope, just for them. Written for children ages four to eight, Love Letters from God includes eighteen of the most popular Bible stories—nine from the Old Testament and nine from the New Testament. Following each story the child will find his or her own letter from God. Children will love the excitement of opening the letters and parents will love how each letter elaborates on the Bible story being told. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words To You will accompany each story and letter. Much more than a mere memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope. This book will culminate in an invitation for the children to write their own RSVP to God.

 

 

glenys_XK8GT5ERGlenys Nellist (from the author’s website) — Author of Love Letters from God. Originally a primary school teacher from England, I came to the United States to serve as Christian Education Director alongside my husband, who is a pastor. We now serve a vibrant, growing congregation at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a writer with a passion for children’s ministry.

 

wpc70dddc7Sophie Allsopp (from the illustrator’s website) –I spent my childhood endlessly painting, sewing, cutting, and sticking – basically making stuff all the time (except when I was off exploring with my sisters). From a young age I wanted to be something creative, and ended up studying for an illustration degree in Bath.

I set up my illustration business with help from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, and in the 20 years since, I have worked for a large range of clients. I worked part time whilst my son was little, but returned to full time work with a new style and renewed enthusiasm. I love being an illustrator, and find it very rewarding.

In my spare time, I have carried on making stuff – jewellery using silver and natural materials, dress making and needle felting (amongst other things!)

Likes: family get togethers, japanese craft books, vegetarian lasagne, standing on the tops of hills
Dislikes: celery, sitting backwards on trains, rubbish women’s magazines, slugs

I still live close to where I grew up in the south east of England, with my husband, son, cat and guinea pig.

 

My Impressions:

In a world of so many children’s Bible storybooks, it is hard to choose just the right one for your special child. If you can only buy one, I recommend Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. Written for children ages 4-9, this book has it all — beautiful and detailed illustrations, well-written retellings of Bible stories in both prose and verse, a Bible verse to reinforce the story, and best of all, a personalized message showing your child how he or she can be part of God’s story. There are 18 stories, 9 each from the Old and New Testaments, all favorites, but not all always included in Bible storybooks. I especially liked the inclusion of the call to Samuel and the parable of the Lost Sheep. At the end, there is an invitation to join Jesus’ team and a blank card for your child to write their own love letter to God. Love Letters from God is a great way to explain God to your child and lead him to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. A perfect addition to your family’s library, I highly recommend this book.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-9.

(Thanks to Zondervan for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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