Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Read with Me Bible NIrV Bible Storybook Deluxe Edition Illustrated by Dennis Jones Book Review



The Deluxe Edition of an Adored Storybook Bible Set to Become a New Classic for Children and their Families 



 
My Review:
The Read With Me Bible has 105 well known Bible stories told in order with Old and New Testament sections.  The stories are short and an advanced reader would be able to follow along or read along with a parent.  The pictures are absolutely incredible. There is so much emotion and character revealed through the illustrations to coordinate with the Bible text.  The audio CD also enhances the reading with each story read by John Rubinstein for kids to follow along.  I read this Bible to my children at lunch time and they are always begging for more!  This would make a great gift!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Zonderkidz.  All opinions are my own.*

For more than a decade, children and parents have cherished the Read with Me Storybook Bible. This year, a whole new generation of families will fall in love with the READ WITH ME BIBLE DELUXE EDITION (Zonderkidz; $24.99; February 2013). This edition comes with the classic original book, paired with two audio CDs narrated by stage, screen and TV actor John Rubinstein.

Best known for his Tony award-winning performance in the 1980 play, Children of a Lesser God, Rubinstein lends his voice to 105 familiar stories from the Old and New Testaments on the accompanying audio CDs.

Enhanced with soothing music and animated sound effects, Rubinstein’s friendly voice will encourage enjoyable and inspirational read-alongs for children ages 4 to 7 and their families.
Based on the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), which has simpler text to read and understand, the READ WITH ME BIBLE DELUXE EDITION is ideal for young children and features bold and playful artwork by illustrator Dennis Jones on more than 400 action-packed pages.

In addition to the visual aspect and the CDs, this new edition includes a comprehensive glossary to help young readers understand the Scripture.

With its resonant biblical messages brought to life in a heartfelt storybook, the READ WITH ME BIBLE DELUXE EDITION is guaranteed to excite children about the Bible as will the book’s eye-catching illustrations. This fresh edition helps encourage meaningful storytime between parents and children as they gush over the vibrant pictures as they read and listen to stories from the Bible.  Plus, it arrives in time to be an Easter basket surprise and a welcomed addition to Sunday school classrooms.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Dennis Jones’ artwork, which includes Zonderkidz’s 2011 I Can Read! book, Jonah, God’s Messenger and the NIrV Super Heroes Bible, can be seen in books, magazines, games, toys and Sunday school curriculums. Jones lives in Indiana with his wife, and he has two grown sons.  www.dj-art.com

Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

My First Lift and Learn: First Colors and First Numbers Book Reviews


My First Lift and Learn: First Colors

This simple 10 page book with vivid colors introduces children to objects of various colors.  Lift the flap and match objects with their shape outline also developing memory skills.  Promotes language development, hand-eye coordination and encourages active recall.

 
My First Lift and Learn: First Numbers

This book also has lift the flap pages to discover numbers.  Children can trace the numerals and count the objects next to them.  This promotes language development, hand-eye coordination and develops numeracy. 

These books will delight little ones over and over with fun and active learning to encourage kids to engage their brain in new ways.

Board Books
10 pages, full color photographic images
Ages 0-3


*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*








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Monday, April 15, 2013

April is Month of the Young Child: Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child's Brain by Sandra Stanton (Guest Post)



Eight Gifts You can Give to your Young Child's Brain
By Sandra Sunquist Stanton

Nothing brightens my day like a baby’s contagious laugh. We can give them what they need to be happy, without breaking the bank. April celebrates the young child. These tips might help you, parents and caregivers, guide your little ones toward healthy brain development.

1. Security
You create his world. If he feels safe, he will be willing to try new things. If he is fearful, he may withdraw, refuse contact and choose to protect himself.

2. Touch
Loving touch soothes the central nervous system for both you and your child. It communicates safety and love. Enjoy snuggles, massage, and rocking while reading to her. These times are short.

3. Fuel Food
His brain doesn't store the fuel it needs to operate. An infant’s brain uses 70% of his body’s energy. Every day it needs water, fresh fruit, and omega 3 healthy fats. These building blocks create and strengthen connections between his 100 billion brain cells.

4. Music
Both sides of her brain are active when she enjoys music. It's a workout for her brain. She forms stronger memories when many parts of the brain are involved.

5. Movement
Your child's vestibular system coordinates sensory input to send to his brain. Dance, skip, clap, and let him help you in the kitchen and garden. These activities provide the movement that gives each experience depth and dimension. His learning becomes multidimensional, richer and easier for him to remember and build on as he grows.

6. Reading and Language
Talking and reading with your child prepares her for reading and learning. Time with you is the best way to help her learn language patterns and support early social development. Does reading the same book over and over again get old? Remember repetition is exactly what her brain needs to learn.

7. Rest and Sleep
During quiet times his brain gets a chance to process his mountain of experiences. When he’s busy, his neurons are busy taking in sensory information. His brain’s original cells still need to be connected to one another. That happens during these breaks.

8. You!
Enjoy your time together. Give her face-to-face practice matching your expressions and language with everyday activities. Electronic media cannot substitute for time with you. She learns that she matters when you respond to her. Enjoy this together time and make some memories. 


Sandra Sunquist Stanton

Sandra Sunquist Stanton Bio:
Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC, BCC, translated, means she is a National and Wisconsin Counselor and Nationally Certified Health/Wellness and Personal/Life Coach. She served as school counselor for 25 years and is nearing delivering her 100th brain coaching program. Her clear descriptions of everyday neuroscience applications help others find their best lives.


This article content is provided free of charge by the author through
Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.

My First Puzzle Set: ABC Puzzle and Book Review



ABC Puzzle and Book

This book and puzzle set are great for young kids to connect letters, sounds, pictures and question clues.  The book is colorful with 2-6 labeled pictures per letter and 1-2 questions.  It was highly interactive with lots of time for discussion and increasing vocabulary.  The puzzle is two sided with one side being just the capital and lowercase letters and the other side with colorful pictures and words. My 4 year old could do this puzzle all by himself.  My little 1 year old was more interested in the book.  What a great combination for learning the alphabet!

Boxed Set/Paperback and 30 piece puzzle 
24 pages, full color photographic images
Ages 3-6
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tiger Tales  for my review.  All opinions are my own.*








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Friday, April 12, 2013

The Passionate Mom Review and Giveaway!!






The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill is a book written for moms who are passionate to parent their children in purposeful ways.  Susan's practical and biblical building blocks come from the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.  There are ten ways a mother needs to cultivate as parent well: perception, pondering, passion, prayer, patience, preparation, purpose, planning, problem solving and perseverance.  Each chapter outlines solid principles with Susan's real life examples, confessions and powerful encouragement to inspire moms to dare to be the parent that God has desired for them.

I thought I was a passionate mom, but after reading this book I feel like I've been given the tools to really be the passionate mom I want to be.  I was very intrigued with Susan's connection of how to be a mom with the story of Nehemiah.  She strategically wrote step by step exactly how to embrace the high calling of a mom and rely totally on God for all that is needed.  She identified so many areas that I need to work on and also addressed areas I hadn't even thought of yet like dating, computers, cell phones and social media (my kids are still very young).  I was very impressed, encouraged and inspired to pursue being a passionate mom.  This book is a definite must have for moms who need biblical, practical and honest truth to pursue God's desire for motherhood in their lives.

Visit Susan Merrill's Blog  for some great blog posts about fabulous giveaways and freebies.
Freebies include prayer printables, 30 day Passionate Mom Dare and a bookmark (from the book).

Also visit iMom.com, a website for moms with tons of great goodies.  Susan is the iMom director.  The site features inspiration, ideas, information and insights just for moms. 




I am having a giveaway for The Passionate Mom.  Giveaway ends Friday April 19, .  US only.

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