Monday, April 30, 2012

The Creation as retold by Janice D. Green

A wonderful retelling of  Creation. Each page includes a beautiful quilt illustration with a summary and verse for each day of creation. The verses are paraphrased, but would appeal well to younger children.
This book would work well for families, churches, small groups or christian education. A simple yet accurate description of the creation of our world. There is also more detail about Adam and Eve and when sin entered into the world through their disobedience to God; as well as the consequence to them and future generations.
At the end of the book there is a note to parents encouraging them to talk to their children about their belief in God and his work in creation and our daily lives.
I was most pleasantly surprised with the family activity...a Bible Quilt. I didn't even realize the illustrations were quilt blocks until I read the family activity. There 8 quilt block illustrations that can be used to make a creation quilt of your own. What a wonderful activity for a family or group project.  More detail about the quilt can be found at www.biblequilts.com
I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to teach a young child more about the days of creation. We homeschool, so on a personal note we plan to supplement this book into a creation unit study and make a creation quilt of our own.
Make sure to visit www.honeycombadventures.com to find out more about the author, the book, quilt and more fun stuff.

*The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book through Bookcrash; in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Sticky Paws Raccoon Gets Caught Red-Handed by Mycol Ray Wisenbaker

 Ever child loves to read stories about animals; especially to one who gets himself into trouble. No animal does that better than a raccoon. The author picked the perfect animal, circumstance and surroundings to portray a power message about the consequences of taking something that doesn't belong to you.
Sticky Paws can't resist the farmers red juicy apples. But one things stands in his way, Shep the German Shepherd. Just like a raccoon he proves true to nature; he is going to get those apples one way or another. The story ends with a wonderful message of honesty.
My kids thought this book was funny, and laughed at Sticky Paws antics. They even grimaced when Shep the German Shepherd caught him red handed with the apples and nodded their heads in agreement when he paid the price for stealing in the end.
This book could be enjoyed by ages 4-12. Wonderful opportunity to discuss stealing and honesty with any child. My kids and I even made up an alternative ending if Sticky Paws would have done the right thing.  
*this book was sent to me by Dorrance Publishing Co. in exchange for my honest review
http://dorrancebookstore.com/index.html

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson

Do you want to teach your children Christian character qualities by using real life examples? Hero Tales uses 45 different readings using real life stories of people like Menno Simons, David Livingstone, Amy Carmicheal, George Muller and more; to explain character qualities such as courage, compassion, joy and etc... Each biography also includes a verse and thought provoking questions. These are perfect for ages 5 and up and could be used in a homeschool setting or as family devotions.
*This book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. 



King of Glory by P.D. Bramsen

"Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King I tell you."
-from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis

The author starts off his book with this quote which emulates the whole theme. "He's the King!" A wonderful tool for children and adults alike. Experience the the story of the prophets with 70 different scenes. This book covers the King from the beginning of the world in Genesis; to his return in Revelation. Each scene consists of a beautiful illustration with a page of story. I love the use of scripture throughout each scene. Not only a wonderful view of the Bible, but a great way to share God's plan for his people.

Caution: a few scenes may be a bit much for the younger set. Great for use in Sunday School, Christian Schools, homeschool or personal use.

* I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, April 2, 2012

The Matthew 6:33 Piano Teacher by K M Logan


Do you have a passion for music? Can you play the piano? Do you love teaching others? If you do this pdf book is a must read. Grounded on Matthew 6:33 this book answers questions about teaching piano for the glory of God.

This book is divided into 4 main parts: 1. Preliminary questions- Do I want to do this? Am I qualified? Advantages and Disadvantages and more
2. Business Aspects- what you should charge,expenses, marketing and more
3. The Piano Studio- type of lessons, kinds of students, where should I teach from and more
4. Appendixes- affiliates, recommendations and more

I found this book clear and concise. My favorite thing about the book was the author's use of Bible verses throughout the sections. By sharing her knowledge and personal experience; she was able to answer questions for those who might be considering  teaching piano.

On a personal level my 12 year old daughter has been taking piano lessons for about 4 1/2 years now; and we have actually been discussing a future career in teaching piano. When she gets a little older I plan to have her read this book. It will be a great tool in helping her decide if she wants to pursue a future in teaching piano and how to go about it.

This book is idea for personal use, homeschooling, or coursework. Anyone currently pursuing or considering a music career should definitely read it.

This book can be purchased from the following links:

http://www.633music.net/p/matthew-633-piano-teacher.html
http://www.amazon.com/The-Matthew-Piano-Teacher-ebook/dp/B007LC6UOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332938030&sr=8-1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-matthew-6-km-logan/1109605441

*A pdf copy was sent to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.