The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

How do you explain the gospel to toddlers and preschoolers?

Often adults are stumped, but Jared Kennedy's focus on the promises of God makes the gospel come alive to the littlest hearts. Through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible highlights God's perfect promises. Every page pops with bright colors, playful illustrations, fun learning opportunities, and, best of all each story points children to Jesus.

Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God's tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God's grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God's love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child's attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children-or letting them read it to you!-even the youngest kids will come to know that God's promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.

Learn more, read a sample, and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts.....

This storybook is very cute! The illustrations are fun and beautiful. When I get a children's Bible or Bible story book I always check to make sure they don't leave out the main theme of the Bible, Jesus birth death and resurrection, and this one had these stories in it and they were very well done. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading the stories in this book. They are very simply stated but not watered down in any way. I am very excited to be able to share this with some of the younger children in my life. This is going to make a great Christmas present for one of them. I received this book from LitFuse Publishing for free. All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls-Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church-Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children's ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com and is also the coauthor of "Leadership Mosaic" and two VBS programs, "Proof Pirates" and "Clap Your Hands," "Stomp Your Feet."

Find out more about Jared at http://www.gospelcenteredfamily.com

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jkennedy

Indescribable 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science By Louie Giglio

Discover the Wonders of the Universe with the Creator
It’s impossible to out-imagine God. He orchestrates time, creates light, and speaks things into existence—from the largest stars to the smallest starfish. God is a powerful, purposeful, personal, unparalleled Creator.
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens tell the glory of God. And the skies announce what his hands have made.”
Indescribable displays the majesty of creation with scientific findings, photography, and original illustrations. These 100 devotions encourage awe at God’s creativity with an in-depth look at
• Space, Galaxies, Planets, and Stars
• Earth, Geology, Oceans, and Weather
• Animals—from Hummingbirds to Dinosaurs
• Our Minds, Bodies, and Imaginations
Each devotion features a “Be Amazed” section with fascinating facts, hands-on activities, and a closing prayer. Based on Louie Giglio’s popular messages “Indescribable” and “How Great Is Our God,” Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science will help kids discover the incredible creation of our indescribable God.

Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories

 Share beloved Bible stories with your little one!

Snuggle up close and imagine the animals entering Noah’s boat two by two, David standing before Goliath with just a slingshot, or Jesus blessing the children. These Bible stories will capture young hearts as they learn about God’s great love.

With classic Precious Moments® illustrations, simple Bible verses, favorite Bible stories, and fun rhymes, Little Book of Bible Stories will help introduce the power of God’s Word to your precious children.

When God Made You by Mathew Paul Turner Illustrated by David Catrow

YOU, you… God thinks about you.God was thinking of you long before your debut.

From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.

Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!

How to eat your ABCs by Theresa A. McKeown

"L" is for Lemon, a fruit oh so tart, it makes your lips pucker and quickens your heart" begins the L page of this clever and witty book for young readers. Kids join BuzzBee the honey bee on an A to Z garden adventure. Thought there was no fruit or vegetable that started with the letter "X"? Well, Buzzbee has one (and here's a hint: "It lives in deserts low and high, where cacti love it hot and dry"). Written entirely in rhyme, the book is one fun way for kids to learn their alphabet!

Charlie the Tramp

Charlie the Beaver wants to be a tramp when he grows up. “Tramps don’t have to learn how to chop down trees and how to roll logs and how to build dams. Tramps just tramp around and have a good time. Tramps carry sticks with little bundles tied to them. They sleep in a field when the weather is nice, and when it rains they sleep in a barn.” Charlie sets off with his bundle. But when he hears water trickling, he can’t get to sleep. Will he be able to resist the urge to make it stop? As Grandfather Beaver says, “You never know when a tramp will turn out to be a beaver.”

An American classic is back in a special 50th anniversary hardcover edition.

Winner of the Boys Club of America Junior Book Award, 1968.
Available on Amazon

Author:
Russell Hoban was the author of A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams.
Illustrator:
The youngest of three children, Lillian Hoban was born in Philadelphia on May 18, 1925. She attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, studied dance for ten years (and danced with the Martha Graham dancers), taught Modern Dance and danced professionally in the 1950s.

She learned to draw still life and began to write her own stories only after having children (Phoebe, Brom, Esme and Julia), and based her tales on their experiences.

Here is what I thought. ....

 This is such a great kids book. I  know my children will love it.  I love how they stayed with the original art work. This will make an excellent gift.  I love old stories like this one. They are simple and well written and have a great message for kids. This classic story is a wonderful addition to entry child's library.  I am so pleased to have been able to read this story and can't wait to share it with my kids. I received this book from FlyBy for free. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.  

Giveaway
To enter to win your own print copy of this sweet story, leave a comment on this blog post. 
Don't forget to leave your email in safe format. 
Must be 18 to enter. US entries only please.
Giveaway ends December 18, 2016

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Seasons of Opportunities is not responsible for distribution of prizes.

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis, Illustrated by Katy Hudson

A new picture book about the Nativity of Jesus, with a lively cumulative story structure.

This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept. From here, the story builds with each spread, adding a new element and explaining the relationships among the participants in and witnesses to the first Christmas. From Jesus sleeping sweetly to the wise men bringing gifts, this charming book reminds readers of the joyous event we celebrate at Christmastime. Children will love the charming illustrations and the engaging repetition in this Nativity tale.

I Have Faith by Davin Whitehurst Illustrated by Tiffany Brown

Are you ready to get your child excited about faith? "I Have Faith" puts your child right in the footsteps of Danny as he begins to learn about faith. Danny and his older brother have been wanting a dog, but both know their parents don't think they are ready for a dog. When Danny's mom begins teaching him what the bible says about faith; he puts his faith into action. After praying and releasing his faith for a dog. Doubt and even his best friend keep telling him that he will never get a dog. Over time Danny never loses his faith in the promises of God and finds that God is faithful and that faith works. Come along on this journey that is a real life event that took place in the author's life as a child.
This book has great illustrations that support a wonderful story about finding faith in God. As you are teaching your child about principles in the bible; this book will help you teach faith. What a wonderful experience it is when we can see our children begin to develop their faith in God, and grow from a tiny mustard seed to a firmly planted tree. The back of the book has a parent/child discussion which will help children gain understanding in faith and some scriptures that Danny's mom used to get him excited about faith.

Return to the Dinosaur Planet (The Young Scientifics) by Cousin Summers

The Young Scientifics... An Exciting Middle Grade Series PETER BAKER has a dream of being the youngest boy scientist by producing his own documentary show called Dinosaur Planet (and getting famous). Which shouldn't be hard because his parents are dinosaur hunters, and he's been working on dinosaur digs ever since he can remember.      But his plans get ruined when his father takes a job at a museum and his mother leaves for Africa. Now, he will not get to work on a dinosaur dig this summer, and must keep an eye on his younger sister every day, too.     Then he meets Casey Tucker, and his zoologist aunt. Here is a boy whose responsibility is to entertain a monkey from NASA (vacationing at the zoo) for several hours a day. But Casey's secret mission is to search for a legendary scientist that went missing years before, while working on a classified space project. At first, it's only fun and games. But it isn't long before the friends discover... How dangerous some games really are.

Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures by Carol A. Brown Illustrated by Nada Serafimovic

                                                                                   

Strange creatures are popping up all over the place on Farmer White's farm! What is a little pig supposed to do? Does she have to be polite? Should she just ignore them? And what if they're scary? How can you tell the difference between dangerous, or just different? That's what Sassy Pants has to learn when she wanders off by herself in places she isn't supposed to. But sometimes she learns the easy way, and sometimes the hard way. Which one will it be this time? And will she learn what's right in time to stay safe? Follow along with Sassy Pants and Friends, as they try to figure things out.

Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design by Susan Hunt and Richard Hunt Jr.

May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace." Psalm 144:12

Boys and girls, from 5 to 8 years of age, will love the fun world of Cassie and Caleb, two energetic and inquisitive children discovering the beauty of God's wonderful design. Through twenty beautifully illustrated short stories, followed by an interactive time between parent and child, your children will learn:

• The creational principle that "God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27) is extraordinary!
• That Jesus is in all of Scripture. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories; it is the one big story of the Triune God redeeming His people.
• God's Word is our authority and His Glory is our purpose.
• That when we belong to Jesus we belong to His covenant family, the Church. 
• A Biblical framework for living and thinking.

The authors do not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of a child. This book intentionally uses the rich language of faith, and then builds meaning around the words and concepts as the stories proceed, providing children the words of life.

Gollywood Here I Come by Terry John Barto

When Anamazie isn't twirling a baton, taking an acting class, or attending singing and dance lessons, she fantasizes about being a movie star. One day, after leading the Wattle View School Band in the 4th of July parade, and a few hard knocks, her dream comes true.
Gollywood, here I come! is a success story through the eyes of a young turkey. Take a journey from the small town of Gobbleville to the glamour of Gollywood, as Anamazie becomes a child star.

Biff and Becka's Stupendous Vacation by Elaine Beachy-- A Review

Biff’s anticipated family vacation takes an unexpected turn. How will he deal with bitter disappointment? Is his summer ruined? Will he be humiliated by his friends?

In interesting twists and turns, the author takes Biff and his rabbit family through a trying time that has a surprising outcome. Engaging questions for each chapter at the end encourage lively discussion between your child or grandchild and you.

The author paints a picture of a godly home to give encouragement and guidance to parents who struggle and kids who hurt.

Biff and Becka’s Stupendous Vacation helps your child know how to deal with disappointment. It also helps children relate to family and friends with honesty and respect.

A Review From My Mini Me

My daughter Elizabeth has recently read a book by author Miralee Ferrell. She was asked to give a review of the book, So I thought I would post it here as well.

A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad … and figure out what’s going on with that horse.

Elizabeth's thoughts: This book is about a girl named Kate who has had to move to a new town and she isn't very happy about. But when she gets there she ends up finding a new friend in a girl named Tori. She has always wanted a horse and this new farm would be perfect for a one. Can she convince her parents to allow her to have one? 
I thought this book was written very well and was easy to read. It kept my attention and I finished it very quickly. I enjoyed all the characters, but my favorite character was Pete. Pete is Kate's brother and he has autism. Pete Doesn't talk much, but he has an adventurous side.  I had so much fun reading this book, that I can't wait for the other three in the series to be released! I would highly recommend this book to any girl who loves to read.  


Elizabeth was given a complimentary copy of this book to review. She was not required to give a positive reveiw.