Book Review :: My Christmas Stocking (Filled With God's Love) by Crystal Bowman

My Christmas Stocking by Crystal Bowman is a children's board book, written in rhyme.  The board book is shaped (cut out around the stocking and gifts on the cover). 

The story is about Saint Nicholas and the origins of the Christmas stockings. The author emphasizes our Gift from God (our Savior, Jesus). The illustrations are cute and colorful and each image covers a two-page spread.

All in all, I think My Christmas Stocking is a cute book with an overall good message and is one that I will enjoy reading with little ones. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Goodnight, Manger by Lauri Sassi, illustrated by Jane Chapman

EDITED TO ADD: The Goodnight, Manger board book is now available and has the same content (pictures & text) as the hardcover book, just with board book pages.

Goodnight, Manger is a children's picture book, written in rhyme. This book by Laura Sassi is a fun, fictional story about the events surrounding Jesus' birth. (Laura Sassi has also written another cute book about the animals on board Noah's ark called Goodnight, Ark.)

Goodnight, Manger is both fun and funny, and I can see this becoming one of our favorites. A few pages are written with the anticipation on one page and the completed rhyme on the next page, giving a good chance for your young ones to join in with their guesses.

Although the title may lead you to believe otherwise, Goodnight, Manger is not a Goodnight Moon-style book (where you are saying "goodnight" to something on each page). Rather, Goodnight, Manger is a story about the animals and events surrounding Jesus' birth. (Just incase it needs to be stated explicitly - this is a fictional story, not to be mistaken with a biblical account.)

The illustrations in Goodnight, Manger are fabulous. Illustrator Jane Chapman has done a wonderful job of creating images that are attractive and fun, giving the reader a lot to look at. The colors are a touch more muted than you might find in many other children's books, which I appreciate. Each illustration covers a full two-page spread.

Overall, I recommend Goodnight, Manger and think it would be a great addition to any family's bookshelf. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Thank You, Lord, For Everything by PJ Lyons, illustrated by Tim Warnes

Thank You, Lord, For Everything is a children's board book, written in rhyme.

Thank You, Lord, For Everything is a great little book that is centered on thankfulness - I think it is really a great book to read with your little ones.

The illustrations in Thank You, Lord, For Everything are really cute. They feature the little bear on the cover and follow him through the day.

All in all, Thank You, Lord, For Everything is a great book and a wonderful choice for your family's bookshelf.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: My Give Thanks Bible

The My Give Thanks Bible is a cute choice for a first Bible book for your little one. The My Give Thanks Bible is a padded hardcover board book, with cute illustrations in a bright color palette. There are 20 page openings (for a total of 40 pages) that each have a title, Scripture reference, a short story, and a short prayer of thankfulness.

The My Give Thanks Bible contains 16 Bible stories:

Old Testament stories:

- "How the World Began" (creation)

- "Adam & Eve" (Adam & Eve)

- "Noah's Ark" (Noah's ark)

- "A Baby in a Basket" (baby Moses)

- "Moses and the Red Sea" (Moses)

- "David and the Giant" (David & Goliath)

- "Wise King Solomon" (Solomon)

- "In a Den of Lions" (Daniel)

New Testament stories:

- "Mary and the Angel" (Jesus' birth)

- "A Star Lights the Way" (wise men)

- "Jesus Is Baptized" (Jesus' baptism)

- "Jesus and the Disciples" (Jesus' disciples)

- "Food for Five Thousand" (Jesus feeds many)

- "Jesus and the Children" (Jesus & children)

- "Jesus' Sacrifice" (Jesus' arrest & crucifixion)

- "Jesus Goes to Heaven" (resurrection & ascension)

The stories and short prayers in the My Give Thanks Bible are the perfect size for babies and small toddlers. I love that the My Give Thanks Bible includes some stories that are not typically found in Bible story board books and has a focus on thankfulness. Focusing on being thankful can never happen too early in life. Overall, I think this is a must have for your little one's bookshelf. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones by Linda Sattgast, illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle

The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones is a cute choice for a first Bible book for your little one. The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones is a padded hardcover board book, with illustrations in a gentle color palette. There are 20 page openings (for a total of 40 pages) that each have a title and a short story (written in rhyme).

The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones contains 10 Bible stories:

Old Testament stories:

- "God Made Everything" (creation)

- "The Floating Zoo" (Noah's ark)

- "Baby In A Boat" (baby Moses)

- "David & Goliath" (David & Goliath)

- "Where Did Jonah Go?" (Jonah)

- "Daniel Prays" (Daniel)

New Testament stories:

- "Who Saw Jesus?" (Jesus' birth)

- "A Tasty Lunch" (Jesus feeds many)

- "Jesus Is Coming" (triumphal entry & crucifixion)

- "Jesus Is Alive!" (resurrection)

With the stories being written in rhyme in The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones, it is fun to read (& to listen to). I think it is a great option for your little one's bookshelf. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Frost Bible, ICB by Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson Publishers

The Frost Bible is the International Children's Bible (ICB) edition of the Bible. The Frost Bible is bound in a hardcover decorated with glitter and teal and silver foil accents. The Frost Bible is an obvious choice for any girl who loves the hit movie, Frozen. (This is NOT an official Frozen item, though. You won't find Anna, Elsa, or Olaf hiding inside the pages.)

The decoration (foil/glitter) is only on the front cover and spine of the Frost Bible. The back cover is just printed in the base blue. The glitter seems to be well adhered - you aren't going to be finding glitter all over your house.

As a bonus, the Frost Bible comes with a free tote bag. The tote bag is made primarily of light blue material (like the material you would see used in the cheap, reuseable bags at the grocery store), but features a front panel of light blue, transparent, glittered plastic so you can easily see the contents. The bag is roomy enough to easily fit the Frost Bible, a small notebook, and some writing instruments.

Inside, there is a pretty presentation page backed with a page for the girl to fill in her family history. This is immediately followed by a "Why Should I Read the Bible?" page and a 4 page Bible time line. These items at the front of the Frost Bible are all in a section of coated, full color pages. Besides two inserts and one section at the back of coated, full color pages, the rest of the Frost Bible is the plain, 2 column, black text (including the words of Christ) ICB version of the Bible. There are a few lightly "highlighted" (gray background) verses throughout the text and some words in bold (defined in the Dictionary at the back of the Bible), but otherwise there are no special study notes and/or decorative accents. The first "insert" of 4 coated, full color pages contains the pages: "How Do I Know Jesus Loves Me?", "Bible Verses to Know", "My Favorite Bible Verses" (a lined page, for the Bible owner to fill in), and "Knowing Jesus Better". The second "insert" of 4 coated, full color pages contains the pages: "How Do I Pray?", "How Do I Forgive?", "How Can I Let God's Love Shine Through Me?", and "How Do I Study the Bible?". After the Dictionary at the back of the Frost Bible, there is another section of coated, full color pages containing the pages: "The Names of God", "The Miracles of Jesus", "The Disciples", "Kids in the Bible", and 4 maps ("Abraham's Journey", "The Desert Wanderings", "Jesus' Last Week in Jerusalem", and "Palestine in Jesus' Life").

Because of the simple and easy to read text of the International Children's Bible (ICB) version and the "frosty" cover and interior accent pages, I think the Frost Bible should definitely be considered for a little glitter (and snowflake) loving girl in your life.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead

Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue is a juvenile fiction novel written by father/son team Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead. This is the second book written in the American Revolutionary War Adventures series by the father/son duo. (The first book was Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies.) The Skeads have family ties to the Revolutionary War, so this series seems to be particularly special for them.

Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue is a 22-chapter, 206-page novel (the actual text of the story covers from page 9 through page 180). There is also some additional bonus material:

• Acknowledgements
• Note from the Storytellers
• Oath of Allegiance
• Discussion Questions
• Historical Characters
• Glossary
• Historical Letters

There are a few black and white/line art illustrations included, as well. (There are 9 total illustrations spread throughout the story.)

As for the story itself, the year is 1778 and teenage twin boys (John & Ambrose Clark) are tasked with getting gunpowder to the patriots during the Revolutionary War. Eventually, John & Ambrose find themselves piloting an early submarine (The Turtle). Their older brother, Berty, gets involved, too.

Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue keeps a good pace right from the start. The book is interesting, start-to-finish.   

I enjoyed reading Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue and have passed it on to my 9-year old son to read. Although there was no official mention of another book in the series, the ending certainly leaves it open for more. We will be keeping our eyes open for the possibility of another book, just incase.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Reviews :: Andi Unexpected, Andi Under Pressure, and Andi Unstoppable by Amanda Flower

Andi Unexpected is the first in the series of Andi Boggs novels. (Hardcover, 215 pages.)

In Andi Unexpected, we meet Andi (Andora) Boggs who is now living with her aunt after the death of her parents. Andi discovers a trunk in her attic that leads her and her friend, Colin Carter, to begin investigating a town and family secret. I won't spoil anything here in my review, but things get interesting. 

My daughter (age 11) enjoyed reading Andi Unexpected. She has already re-read it multiple times. When I asked her what she liked about the book, she said, "the mystery". She did say that it may be difficult to follow at times, but in general she would recommend it to both boys and girls in the 8-12 age range. 

Andi Under Pressure is the second in the series of Andi Boggs novels. (Hardcover, 174 pages.)

In Andi Under Pressure, we meet up again with Andi and her friend, Colin Carter, as they go to Discovery Camp...where things start going missing. Andi and Colin are back to investigating again. (So I don't spoil anything, I'll just stop there.)

My daughter (age 11) really enjoyed reading Andi Under Pressure (even more than she liked Andi Unexpected). She has already re-read it multiple times. When I asked her what she liked about the book, she said, "the adventure". She said she would recommend it to both boys and girls in the 8-12 age range. 

Andi Unstoppable is the third in the series of Andi Boggs novels. (Hardcover, 171 pages.)

In Andi Unstoppable, again Andi and her friend, Colin Carter, find themselves in the middle of a local mystery. It's another investigation for Andi and Colin. (I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just stop there.)

Unlike Andi Unexpected and Andi Under Pressure, my daughter (age 11) did not care for Andi Unstoppable. She felt that unlike the previous two books, the clues weren't scattered throughout the story but rather everything was revealed at the very end, which she didn't care for. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Book Review :: Adventure Bible For Little Ones

The Adventure Bible for Little Ones (formerly titled Adventure Bible for Toddlers) is a padded hardcover book with boardbook pages. Yes, if you have the Adventure Bible for Toddlers - it is identical to the Adventure Bible for Little Ones -all that has changed is the wording on the front cover. 

The Adventure Bible for Little Ones/Adventure Bible for Toddlers is another addition to the popular Adventure Bible line from Zondervan/Zonderkidz. As with the rest of the Adventure Bible line, the Adventure Bible for Little Ones contains many references to "adventure". (It leans toward overkill of the word, in my opinion.)

The Adventure Bible for Little Ones contains 40 boardbook pages (counting front and back side as two pages), featuring 6 stories from the Old Testament and 4 stories from the New Testament. Each story is 4 pages (2 page openings) long.

Old Testament stories:

- "The Adventure Begins" (Creation)

- "Noah's Ark"

- "Moses' Many Adventures" (Moses)

- "Boy Versus Giant" (David & Goliath)

- "Drooling Lions" (Daniel & the lions)

- "Fish Food" (Jonah)

New Testament stories:

- "Jesus Is Born" 

- "Jesus Is Baptized"

- "Jesus and the Children"

- "The Adventure Continues..." (the Gospels)

The art in the Adventure Bible for Little Ones is not like the very cartoon-like drawings you will find in most toddler books, but are rather more on the realistic side. (The illustrations are done by Jim Madsen who also illustrated the NIV Adventure Bible, the NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers, and the Adventure Bible Storybook.) Although in general I appreciated the illustrations in the Adventure Bible for Little Ones, I did find one of the illustrations in the story about Jonah to be a bit graphic for my taste. (The illustration shows an angry looking fish spewing a green liquid, along with Jonah, from his mouth. This is accompanied by the story, which says, "Jonah got up and wiped himself off.")

The text is by Catherine DeVries who also wrote the Adventure Bible Storybook. The stories in the Adventure Bible for Little Ones are just that - stories. (They are not quotes from the Bible.)

The title (Adventure Bible for Little Ones) references this being a book for toddlers, but the back cover says "Ages 4-8". In my experience, kids generally tend to get over board books around age 4, so I would go with the "Toddler" on this, not the age recommendation. The boardbook pages are sturdy and the cover is hardback with a slight padding. 

All in all, I think the Adventure Bible for Little Ones is a good book to have to share with your toddlers. With the limitations of a boardbook (not very many pages), you will also want to have other toddler Bible storybooks on hand to share with your little ones to give a more comprehensive overview of the Bible's stories. 

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Owl Bottle Cap Necklace

Today I have a fun, quick project to share...something wearable using The Twinery's Solid Denim twine.

I love creating jewelry and other wearable items with The Twinery's twine because it is so soft! (It is 100% cotton.)

I started by using a bottle cap to create my necklace base. I then added some split rings to hold that cute little owl charm, which was created using shrink plastic.

First I stamped my image on shrink plastic, colored it in, and then I used my heat gun to shrink it. In the photo above you can see how the image shrinks in size - the first piece is unheated, the second piece is partially heated, and the third piece is completely heated. (And don't worry about all the curling that happens as you are heating it - it doesn't seem like it, but it will flatten out.)

When I had the bottle cap and owl charm all completed, I used three strands of Solid Denim twine to create the actual necklace portion. I tied a few knots in the twine to give it a little added interest, but that is not necessary. (Pun intended.)

Unfortunately for me, my neck model (my daughter) has confiscated the necklace. Good thing they are so simple to create!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Twine: The Twinery (Solid Denim); 
Stamps: Unity Stamp Company (You Are A Hoot);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Markers: Zig;
Other: Kraft Outlet (bottlecap);
Tools: Fiskars (Scissors); We R Memory Keepers (Crop-A-Dile); Ranger (Heat It Craft Tool);