Happy Birthday To You

Birthday's are a special time and more importantly, there are a special time for a young girl or boy. Who can't forget that unmistakable song that we all sing when the cake comes out, the candle are lit and the birthday girl or boy, makes a wish and blows out the candles? Now there is a great gift idea for that special child along with a wonderful option of playing that song again and again with the press of a button, along with a photo pocket to capture that special moment!

Happy Birthday to You by Michelle Medlock Adams is the ideal first board book for the birthday girl or boy. It is study, durable and comes with wonderful illustrations on every single page written in a fun rhyming style that will make this a favorite of your child's to remember that special day. From waking up that morning and realizing it's their birthday, to seeing their guest arriving, and placing hats on their dog and cat too! But what fun is a birthday without games, pinatas, before the special time of cake along with the singing of the birthday song!!! Blow out the candles on your cake, but first, you have a wish to make. Then it's time to open the presents but none more important than a special birthday prayer followed by a dedication page along with a photo pocket for that special photo commemorating that day or even your favorite one of your child! A large push button can be played throughout the book as it contains a special precut section in each of the board books colorful pages. The best part is that the batteries can be replaced so the book is as new as the first day it was given to your child.

I received Happy Birthday to You by Michelle Medlock Adams with illustrations by Sandra Rodriguez compliments of Worthy Kids/Ideal Books, a division of Worthy Publishing Group for my honest review. I did not receive any kind of monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of the book. I wish I had these books for my kids growing up but the fun is sharing them with your family and friends children or even a special birthday boy or girl at church! This is such a wonderful interactive book that will keep those special memories alive! I easily give this board book a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Happy Birthday To You, Michelle Medlock Adams or where you can pick up a copy of this board book today, please click on the links below:

Happy Birthday To You by Michelle Medlock Adams

You can find Michelle Medlock Adams on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Happy Birthday To You, please visit Worthy Publishing Group's website. 

Peter's Perfect Prayer Place

A small boy by the name of Peter is used to seeing his mommy pray in her special prayer room, and now he is searching to find his own special place to pray. You can help Peter begin his search in the delightful, beautifully illustrated hardcover children's book, Peter's Perfect Prayer Place from Stephen and Alex Kendrick, creators of the upcoming movie War Room.

Peter searches and wonders if his perfect place to pray, might be among the pots and pans. Is it up on his swing? Inside his tent? Where can God hear him the best? As Peter begins his hunt, he looks and looks but soon finds himself getting discouraged. But what he discovers is that the place that is the best is anyplace, God hears you no matter where you are. Peter finds help through the conversations he has with his mother and father, and children are encouraged to learn that no matter where you are, God is always ready to listen to your prayers.

Included in this book is a prayer poster and 4 pages of stickers that encourage your child to spend time talking to God, whether praying for their parents, helping them to be nice to their siblings, praying for people in other countries, to bless their best friend and a place for parents to write down their child's prayer. There are even stickers that say "God Answered" so your child can see how God answers those prayers and teaches them that prayer is the best weapon we have as Christians and that God does answer them, sometimes in ways we had expected and often in ways we didn't want.

I received Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Alex and Stephen Kendrick compliments of B and H Kids Publishing Group and Icon Media Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of the book, and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I loved the illustrations because as a child that is what appealed to me the most. As a child is learning to read, their memory will aid them as they look at the pictures to read the story back to you. To bonus of having a prayer poster is amazing because it highlights the importance of journaling our prayers so we can be encouraged when we pray and know God has answered them in the past. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Peters' Perfect Prayer Place, Alex and Stephen Kendrick or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

You can find the War Room on Facebook to stay up to date on the entire film project and be encouraged by the resources available at this site.

You can read more reviews on Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by visiting the Kendrick Brother's website. 

Escape From Sudan

I always love to read debut author's books because I know how important it is for people to know that there are some amazing books out there. I am truly delighted to share with you Amanda DiCianni's children's book, Escape From Sudan. At just 122 pages, she shares the story of a young Sudanese boy Elijah Bwoko and what his life is like living in Sudan along with his best friend Thomas.

Life is typical for two boys who love to play soccer, but theirs isn't your typical soccer ball. It is made of rocks surrounded by rags. When they are playing, they are helping around their village with cooking of local foods like maize and asida, that tasted like rice. It was what they grew behind their hut. Since dealing with the death of his mom, Elijah now lives with his sisters Anna and Reiley and they have adopted Thomas into their household as well.

Most of their time is spent trying to avoid the soldiers or NIF or National Islamic Front, who took the people they found and sold them into slaves or abeeds. The boys would either become soldiers and go to war against their own people or sold into slavery as well. Their goal was to remain hidden and prevent that from happening to anyone in their village. But one day when they were out swimming, they returned to find their village had burned to the ground and Elijah's sisters had been taken by the NIF. Now they have to race against time to find them before they are sold and never seen again.

I received Escape From Sudan by Amanda DiCianni compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own. This would be an exceptional book for a teen looking at what life is like in the Sudan.Their cultures are very different from ours and showcases how the slavery trade is still happening in parts of Africa. It is far from the life many believe Sudanese children face and a great opportunity to learn about another place and the Sudanese people. I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and definitely will be passing this one along to my niece who shares a love of reading like I do to enjoy.

For more information about Escape From Sudan, Amanda DiCianni, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Escape From Sudan by Amanda DiCianni

You can find Tapestry Productions on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest books.

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book ~ Review and Giveaway

I remember growing up and how much I really couldn't wait to be able to read. I would open each book I treasured and look at the pictures, trying so very hard to remember what the letters and words below each picture said or to remember how my mom read them to me. But no matter how much I tried, it would be quite a while before I would be able to put all those processes together of how letters sounded when combined with one another to form words and slowly over time, I grew to love reading so much that I now read more than I ever did before.

That is why I couldn't wait to share one of the most incredible books, I've been blessed to review with you. From Mark Ludy, he created a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book on the story of Noah. So why is this important. Because of what I just shared with you. As a child, just being able to look at the pictures without seeing the words, creates such a lasting impression and provides a level of encouragement to your child as you look at the pictures and create your own story in terms your child can relate to, to accompany the pictures of Noah in this book.

They will feel a level of confidence and satisfaction as they in turn, get to "read" this book back to you so you can understand what they are learning and where you can correct them on the details from the Bible. This one will never grow old. There is even an added bonus challenge in this book as well, to try to find Squeakers the mouse on every single page. You simply have to see this amazing hardcover book to understand how beautiful and vivid the story comes alive in these illustrations.

Mark Ludy has written or illustrated eight children's books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, When I Was a Boy I Dreamed, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman. When he's not immersed in his sketchbooks, you'll find him in schools promoting art and literacy.

I received Noah: A Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy compliments of Propeller Consulting, LLC and Plough Publishing House for my honest review on this book. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. The hardcover book contains 64 beautifully illustrated pages for you and your child to enjoy as you go through the story of Noah together. It will be amazing to see just how your child will interpret the story just by looking at the pictures. I know it will be a book that they will LOVE "reading" to you night after night. I highly recommend this one and think Mark has captured the true essence of incorporating the love of books to children anywhere. Hands down it gets every single one of the 5 out of 5 stars in my book.

Now the best part, thanks to the generosity of Propeller and Mark Ludy, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Mark Ludy's Facebook page and leave him a comment when you stop by.

3. Be a resident of the U.S. or Canada or have a shipping address for either country. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy. Don't forget to include your email address since I will need it to contact you if you're the winner. You wouldn't believe the number of people who would win, but without an email address, I have no way to reach you. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will email the winner once the giveaway ends on November 18th. You can enter as many times as you want.

For more information about Noah: A Wordless Picture Book, Mark Ludy or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book by Mark Ludy

You can find Mark Ludy on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on this book and to find a retailer to purchase this book through, please click here.

"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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The First Christmas Night - Giveaway

We all know the famous story of the Night Before Christmas, and that's why I am thrilled to let you know about another book, I believe will soon be a Christmas Classic as well. The First Christmas Night is a beautifully detailed illustrated children's book read along the same lines as The Night Before Christmas sharing that beloved Christmas story about the night of our Savior's birth.

"Twas the very first Christmas, 

when all through the town

not a creature was stirring - 

there was not a sound. 

The moon, shining bright

in the heavens so high, 

gave the luster of midday 

to the Bethlehem sky."

Written by Keith Christopher and illustrated by Christine Kornacki, I know this will be one book you want to make sure has a treasured place in your home during the Christmas season. Taking the story from Luke's gospel this version is geared for your child to welcome the true reason for the Christmas season. It's simple and straight to the point but what my favorite part of the book is the illustrations. I just know your child will love looking at the pictures and can imagine that during each time this book is read the memories that will be made will last forever. Over time, soon your child will be able to quote the Biblical side of that wondrous night so many years ago. The story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the night of the glorious birth of Jesus Christ.

This book is written for children ages 4-8 and the rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read. There are 32 pages that I know your child will love looking at again and again. I received a copy of The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher compliments of Ideal Books and FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I give this one a 5 out of 5 heavenly stars!!!

Now for the best part....

Thanks to the generous folks at FlyBy Promotions and Ideal Books, they are offering a hardcover giveaway copy to a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Ideals Books Facebook page.

3. Must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes. 

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway by email so make sure to include it with your comment below when it ends on November 30th. 

For more information about The First Christmas Night, Keith Christopher or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click below:

The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher

You can find more outstanding books on Ideals Books Facebook page. 

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Ideals Children's Books, an imprint of Ideals Publications (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824956532
• ISBN-13: 978-0824956530
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches

The Sparkle Box - Giveaway and Review

Ever wonder if there was a way to inspire your children and family to do more this Christmas for those less fortunate? I've got the perfect way to do just that! The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie is a children's book that showcases a unique sparkle box that Sam's parents place on the mantle just at the start of the Christmas season. Sam is more than curious to know what it is, and his mom tells him that he can open it on Christmas morning but that they haven't finished filling it yet. As the days go by, Sam participates with his parents in doing things for others less fortunate, donating blankets and food, helping to finance a well for clean drinking water in Africa among other things.

Besides all the Christmas parties and food, Sam's looking forward to opening the presents most of all. What Sam finds inside the Sparkle Box sheds light on the true meaning of Christmas. This beautifully illustrated book by Christine Kornacki, is what my youngest daughter calls a "classic!" meaning simply that the pictures alone tell a story for those too young to read to enjoy! The best part is the Sparkle Box that is included at the end of the book for your family to incorporate this idea into your Christmas every year. I, for one, can't wait to assemble ours.

I received The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie compliments of Ideals Books and Fly By Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to incorporate this into our Christmas traditions! This enables families to enjoy the Christmas season the way it was intended and to bring about the true meaning instead of simply getting presents. This book is perfect for children ages 3 and up.

Author Bio
Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree was a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The first time they open His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.

For more information about The Sparkle Box, Jill Hardie, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

You can also find more great childrens' book at Ideals Books website.

You can also find Ideals Books on Facebook to enjoy more great children's books to add to your own personal home library.

You can also find The Sparkle Box on Facebook to get more ideas of how to keep the meaning of Christmas close to your family.

Now for the best part...

Thanks to the generosity of Ideals Books and Fly By Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy of this book to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:


1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. "Like" Ideals Books Facebook page.

3. Must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes. 

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway by email so make sure to include it with your comment below when it ends on November 22nd. 

Audrey Bunny ~ Review and Giveaway

If you have ever fallen in love with the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, then you will definitely want to capture this children's book, Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith. It is a beautifully illustrated and wonderful story of a stuffed bunny who used to be one of twelve in the barrel in the toy story but now is only one of two. The bunny is struggling with wanting to find a forever home, but because of a smudge over the heart that she tries to hide whenever someone comes looking for a stuffed animal to take home, she is always tossed back because she is damaged or unwanted because of her mark.

Now that Caroline comes in looking for a birthday present, the bunny hides the mark in order to find a forever home and she succeeds in going home, but she knows that one day Caroline will see it and it's only a matter of time before the bunny, now named Audrey, is taken back to wind up in the barrel forever. Only like all of us, what makes us unique is something worthy in the eyes of those that can see it.

This is a delightful book that demonstrates to children who read it that were are all different in some way, but it's those differences that set us apart and make us special not undesirable. God made us all different and He uses those special characteristics in all of us to show how we are each a masterpiece not an imitation. There is even a great section in the back of the book called Parent Connect that allows parents to ask questions and garner a great discussion for children to learn what it means to be different but not an outcast and it's one of those books that your child will definitely read over and over again. 

I received Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith compliments of B and H Publishing Group and FlyBy Promotions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I only wish I would have had this book when my children were younger to point out the lessons in differences in people and how God view them. We are all uniquely created and masterpieces instead of copies. It teaches them to see those differences in new eyes and creates such a great conversation between parents and their kids that they can refer back to the story over and over again. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and have already gifted mine to a special little angel in my life that LOVES this story.

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

For more information about Audrey Bunny, Angie Smith or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith

Written by: Angie Smith

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages 

Release Date: October 1, 2013

$14.99

Now for the best part, thanks to B and H Publishing Group and FlyBy Promotions, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address below so I can notify you if you're the winner of this giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email when the giveaway ends on October 24th.

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up - Giveaway and Review

I'm sure you all remember the story of the famous whale right? No, not the one about the angry white whale, and no, not the one who swallows a puppet and a cricket. The other story, actually, the first story about a whale: The Story of Jonah! Imagine what it would be like if the whale was the one telling his side of the story!
That's just what you get in a beautifully illustrated children's book, Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Johan in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up! by author Troy Schmidt and illustrator Cory Jones.

The tale has been told millions of times, but people always talk about Jonah and what he went through, but what about the whale? He had some guy stuck in his stomach and I'm sure he didn't taste too good either and this book is his side of that famous story. This one is guaranteed to help your kids laugh and see that there are two sides to every story and one that will help them remember that important Bible story as well.

There are lots of laughs inside that kids will really relate to. I mean if you're a whale do humans even taste good? What do they taste like? How do you get them out of your stomach? Just who does a whale go to see when he's got a human stuck inside him? Is there a whale doctor under the sea?

This story shows just how important it is to follow God's commands and includes a Parent Connection on the final page to encourage a conversation with your children after you finish to dive into the book of Jonah in the Bible. There are some great questions to ask your children along with a fun activity to pretend what living inside a whale might be like.

I received Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Johan in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up! by author Troy Schmidt compliments of B and H Publishing Group for Kids and Flyby Promotions for my honest review. I didn't receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is such a great way to teach your children a lesson in obedience using the story of Johan from the Bible is a fun, creative way! Hands down this is a MUST HAVE in your children's library and well worth 5 out of 5 stars! I love it when you can find a product that drives home the biblical principles we want our kids to understand and would make a great book to incorporate into the children's ministry at your church as well. There are also more great titles to chose from such as the story of Noah and the story of Moses told through the eyes of the animals as well you can find through B & H Publishing Group! This book is perfect for kids age 4 and up!

Thanks to the generous folks at B and H Publishing Group and FlyBy Promotions they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's all you need to do to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US Shipping Address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. If you don't leave an email address, I can't contact you if you're the lucky winner. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols to prevent all those unwanted spam emails.

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on May 9th! Be sure to let your friends know and feel free to post about this giveaway on Facebook and other Social Media sites. The more the merrier!

For more information about Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Johan in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up!,Troy Schmidt, or where you can get a copy of this amazing book, please click on the links below:

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Johan in My Stomach and I Think I'm Going to Throw Up! by author Troy Schmidt.

 You can follow Troy Schimdt on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books by clicking here. 

Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Gift of A Servant

From Author Tamara Amos comes a dream come and the fulfillment of a birthday wish to her father. Gift of A Servant was written to show readers how people can come to know God through Santa Claus. Children, especially, relate to this loving saint who knows them each personally and dedicates his entire life to making and giving them gifts. How like our heavenly Father he is! And how ell he imitates Christ. Parents sometimes worry that children will misinterpret the emphasis that is placed on Santa Claus at Christmas time, but Tamara never had that problem. She understood that he is a servant of God. Years later, she was inspired to write Gift of A Servant. She hopes through this book, that the reader will experience the unfathomable love of God that comes to us disguised as ordinary people and shines through us when we live lives of extraordinary love.

I received Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos compliments of Book Crash and Mystical Rose Publishing for my honest review. This is such a beautifully illustrated children's book that is written as a poem, much like the Night Before Christmas. I love all the pictures and could see this being incorporated into your favorite Christmas traditions to convey the depth of the love that Christ has for each of us. It show cases how the spirit of St. Nick has been commercialized over the years and the spirit of love and generosity is now being placed by the hustle and bustle of buying presents. The father in the story is dismayed by how the sense of what was intended to be something to convey the love of others during the holiday has now been replaced by the objective of buying, buying, buying and he devises a plan to rid let Santa know it's time for his resignation, and that gift of God's son has been replaced.

"Santa Claus, what have you wrought?

Anxiety is our Christmas lot. 

Christmas spirit?

We cannot feel it!

Our peace is gone and it's all your fault!"

Without giving away the ending, this is such a beautiful book to share with your children each Christmas. It reminds us what the true reason for celebrating Christmas truly is! The illustrations reminded me of the ones found in the book, The Polar Express. I just know that any child would love to read this book or better yet, to spend the nights leading up to Christmas, sitting on their parents lap and have the story read. It creates an opportunity to share with our children what Christmas really means and how we can all play our part in keeping the spirit alive not only at Christmas but through the whole year long. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own children this Christmas. Finally a great Christian Christmas Children's book!!!

For more information about Gift of A Servant, Tamara Amos, or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful hardcover book today, please click on the links below:

Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos

You can also follow Gift of A Servant on Facebook to see what others are saying about this remarkable book.

You can see the beautiful illustrations from Gift of A Servant by illustrator David W. Luebbert by clicking here.

Bible Detective

Does your child love those "search and find" books? Like Where's Waldo? How about something a bit more fun and challenging with an amazing message that is geared to young children about the Bible, both Old and New Testaments alike, with a built in Bible Study message? Sound like a great book for your child or one you know? Then this is the perfect book for them.

Bible Detective by Peter Martin and illustrated by Peter Kent, takes your children through animated pictures of some of the most amazing Bible Stories like Noah, the slaves of Egypt, Moses, the Law and the Tabernacle, the Death of Jesus, A Fishing Town on Lake Galilee just to name a few, and create a colorful picture along with a list of things to search for in the bigger picture, like a man chasing a donkey, spot 2 Roman soldiers patrolling the lakeside, find 6 baskets of fish, How many cattle are drinking by the lake? Spot Jesus teaching along with picture illustrating what those objects look like, so it's even for those children just learning to read to have fun with.

Along with each illustrated search and find picture in the book are scripture references so you can take your children on a biblical journey before working on the activity together. It draws a parallel to something your child can relate to and give you more opportunity to discuss what you just read together and draw you both deeper into God's Word. It also provides a time line so you can see how each event relates to the life and times discussed in the Bible so your child can get an understanding of how they are each related to specific times in the Bible.

At the end of the book are the answer guides so if you are struggling to come up with where something is in the bigger picture, this can guide you to provide some encouragement and clues to your child so they can find it themselves and feel a sense of accomplishment along with your help! Also a bonus search is to try and find the wily fox in every scene, much like the Waldo character! I think this is a great book that you can use to introduce your children to Bible study's in a fun and creative way.

I received Bible Detective by Peter Martin compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and couldn't wait to begin finding things on my own when it first arrived. Some things are easy to find and others require a bit more searching, so it's the perfect blend of fun for children from ages 5 and up. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you and your child will become real experts on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible's greatest stories. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my readers!

For more information on Bible Detective, Peter Martin or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Bible Detective by Peter Martin 

Life with Lily

I've been a huge fan of Christian Amish Fiction for many years now and sometimes it was hard to be able to relate to my youngest daughter how incredible the stories are and what life is like for the Amish people. It's a simple life, one free from complications that arise when you have too much going on in your life or with technology overload. So when the opportunity came along to review, Life with Lily, the first book in The Adventures of Lily Lapp series by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher, I knew this was the answer I was searching for to get my daughter involved with the love of reading about the Amish through the eyes of a young Amish girl, Lily Lapp.

This is a beautifully illustrated chapter book designed for your child from 3rd grade reading and up to see what Lily Lapp's life is like as she goes through her day. The book is 270 pages designated into 39 easy to read chapters that would make for a perfect bed time story to read to your child. There are chapters that deal with Lily's birthday, how the Amish celebrate Halloween and Christmas, first day at school, what life on an Amish farm is like, the chores Lily has to do and how she deals with farm animals, new friends and interesting people she meets along the way.

For me one of my favorite chapters was "An Unwanted Schoolhouse Visitor" where the school's superintendent, Mr Wilt comes to visit to see what the children are doing. Since Lily's in first grade, she is working on her Learning Through Sounds book in which she is cutting out pictures and gluing them beside the letters that begin with the sound, something she really enjoyed while trying hard not to get distracted by Mr. Wilt as he walks around their one room school house. He had come to ensure that each of the children were learning what they should at their assigned grade levels which Lily passed with flying colors but not all the children did as well as she did. In fact, what Mr. Wilt wanted them to learn wasn't something that the Amish agreed with such as learning about evolution. You'll have to pick up this book to see what happens when the Amish learn about what has been going on at the school.

I received Life with Lily compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Revell Publishers for my honest review. I am absolutely thrilled that my daughter has enjoyed reading this with me and it gives us an opportunity to talk about the lifestyles that some families have that are different from ours. It allows us to interact more and show how truly educational reading can be and how it really brings us together as a family. After we finished, my youngest daughter realized that while something may be different, Lily is a lot more like her than she first thought. They like the same things and they both still have to deal with school! I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to continue the series with my daughter. It's almost like a Little House on the Prairie series but dealing with an Amish girl named Lily instead! It's a heartwarming and charming book to get your child interested in the love of reading.

For more information about Life with Lily, Mary Ann Kinsinger, Suzanne Woods Fisher, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

You can find Mary Ann Kinsinger on Facebook by clicking here. 

You can find Suzanne Woods Fisher on Facebook by clicking here. 

“Based upon Kinsinger’s own childhood, it’s reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books.” —Romantic Times


Celebrate with Suzanne and Mary Ann by entering their contest and RSVPing to the “Life with Lily” Facebook Author Chat Party on 10/16!

Two fortunate winners will receive:

• Either the new Kindle Fire or new Nook HD


• Signed copy of Life with Lily for you and a young reader in your life.  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 15th. Winner will be announced at the Life with Lily Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/16. Connect with authors Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger for an evening of book chat, Q&A about Mary Ann’s Amish childhood, trivia, and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Life with Lily and join Suzanne and Mary Ann on the evening of the October 16th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!

A Perfect Pet for Peyton - Giveaway and Review

If you have ever heard about the 5 Love Languages for Children, then you will love the introduction that "A Perfect Pet for Peyton" by Rick Osbourne and Gary Chapman gives young children. In this amazing and beautifully illustrated children's book, the story involves the hints that Peyton and his sister Penny have been providing as hints to their parents in preparation for their birthday. Hoping that they will get just the right pet for their birthday, their parents begin their day with a party at The Perfect Pal Pet Emporium. Along the way, Peyton and Penny along with their friends learn about what they each love about how the celebrate their day and in so doing so show what each of the 5 Love Languages are and how they relate to the children.

Besides just a beautifully illustrated story book, there are activities for the kids to do as they are reading through the book, a scavenger hunt of sorts that begins at first page and lasts til the very end. It's a great way for parents as well as their kids to understand the meaning behind what the 5 Love Languages are and how they relate to what the kids appreciate from life and others. In the back are questions for parents to ask their kids as they re-read the story. It helps both parents and their kids to understand what is truly important to speak the language of "Love" to our kids and in return is a great way to share quality time together.

I received this book compliments of Propeller and Northfield Publishing for my honest review. I've read about the 5 Love Languages for adults and knew that ones also existed for kids as well. This takes a step further and brings it to a beginner level for younger children. Perhaps while reading it, they can share what they think different love languages are for each member of their family or even friends. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this to anyone working with young children as well as for parents and grandparents alike.

For more information on this book, the authors or where you can purchase this book today, please click on the link below:

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Rick Osbourne and Gary Chapman

Thanks to the generous folks at Propeller, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky reader of this blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter to win:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. "Like" my Reviews From The Heart Facebook page and leave a comment letting me know you stopped by.

4. Leave a comment below along with your email address telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway on April 3rd via email.

The Three Trees - A Traditional Folktale

Just in time for Christmas, Easter or any day, comes the beloved and beautifully illustrated folktale of The Three Trees by Elena Pasquali.

Long ago, on a hill, three trees reached up to the sky and dreamed of the wonderful things they would do. All were cut down, and each in turn believed that their dreams had come to nothing. Then, when their rough timber played its part in the life of Jesus, everything changed.

This is a wonderful children's book that tells the tale of the fate and dreams of three trees that envisioned a different life that just being mere trees, and each one shares their hopes and dreams in this wonderful book. Little do they know that the men who come to cut them down have other plans. Just when each thinks they have nothing to offer the world, they each realize a greater purpose other than their original dreams and God's greater purpose.

I received this book compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and LOVED it! The message is so beautifully told and that sometimes what we want for our lives and what ends up happening in the end, defines our perspective on God's will in our life, and sometimes we can't always see the greater good until we give it time to sink in. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own kids and grandkids!

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this amazing book, please click on the link below:

The Three Trees ~ A Traditional Folktale by Elena Pasquali

That's When I Talk To God

When do you talk to God?

Like a parent enjoys listening to their children, so does God. He enjoys hearing about what goes on in our days, our fears, our challenges and even our praises and successes.

In the latest children's book, That's When I Talk To God by Dan and Ali Morrow, they take a different approach to other children's books by showing prayer in context, through a child living her life and learning through it all the ways and times that she can talk to God.

Children will learn through the beautiful illustrations and heartfelt circumstances she goes through in her day, just how many different ways she can talk to God. They will learn to go to God with their fears, their joys, their questions and even their desires. This is the perfect book that examples the simplicity of what prayers are and how to discover the intimate conversations we can have with God every day and just how much He listens to us.

I received this book compliments of B & B Media Group for my honest review and can't imagine a more perfect book as an introduction to prayer and reading the Bible for children ages 4-8 years old. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to begin reading it to my youngest nephew as a way to introduce him to our Heavenly Father!

Here even more great information about the author, the book and where to get your own copy today.

That's When I Talk To God by Dan and Ali Morrow

Say Something Giveaway and Review

At this school, there are some children who push and tease and bully. Sometimes the hurt other kids by just ignoring them. The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn't enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid?

Bright, fluid, realistic watercolors illustrate the story, set in a school with lots of diversity. Resources at the end of this book will help parents and children talk about teasing and bullying and find ways to stop it at school. One child at a time can help change a school. (excerpt from inside cover).

In the book, Say Something by Peggy Moss, a child learns a lesson about bullying and teasing the hard way. She isn't willing to say something when she sees it happening to kids all around her at school and on the bus but when it happens to her, she suddenly views it differently.

This is a great book for any parent to read, especially now when this subject is happening to either our own kids or kids we know. This book helps kids realize that they can do something to help and that this type of behavior shouldn't happen to anyone. I can't think of a better way to discuss this subject with our kids than this wonderfully illustrated story that puts it in a way that hits home with our kids.

I received this wonderful book, compliments of Tilbury Publishing House for my honest review and think no home with kids should be without this book. Great for youth groups at church, day care, and schools I can definitely see this as a great way to discuss this topic to our children and those we know. This book rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and has a place in our permanent library!

Tilbury House Publishing is offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Must be a US resident and No P.O. Boxes please.

3. I must have your email address as a way to notify the winner, so please include it with your comment. You can use the (at) or (dot) words instead of symbols.

4. I will close the comments on September 13th and will notify the winner by email. You will have 5 business days to respond. If I don't hear from you by then, I will select another winner.

5. Leave me a comment telling me why you would love to win this book and how you will use it.
The giveaway ends on September 13th so enter today and tell people you know about this wonderful resource and giveaway.

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase your own copy, click on the title of the book below:

Say Something

The Goat Lady

Two children and their mother, new to the neighborhood, befriend Noelie Houle, an elderly lady who raises goats. Her other neighbors bemoan the "Goat Lady's" rundown house and barnyard animals, but the children see how she cares for her goats, they hear her stories, and they come to love her.

For many years Noelie has provided goat's milk for people who need it and has sent her extra goat kids to poor people in poor countries through Heifer International. The children's mother paints a series of portraits of the "Goat Lady," and her art show at the local town hall helps the rest of the community see Noelie's kindness and courage.

In this wonderful children's book, The Goat Lady by Jane Bregoli, children will learn that what they see on the outside isn't always what is going on inside. Looks can be deceiving much like judging a book by it's cover. The children come to learn about the wonderful old lady as well as the whole town and soon things that bothered people in the beginning didn't bother them as much any longer.

I received this book compliments of Tilbury House Publishers for my honest review and have to say, I loved this heartwarming tale of the Goat Lady and why she does the things she does. It's an important reminder that it isn't so much what you have in this world that makes you important as what you do with what you have instead. I rate this story a 5 out of 5 stars and can see this becoming a wonderful classic children's story.

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase your copy, please click on the title below:

The Goat Lady

One of Us

"You are one of us," Carmen tells Roberta on her first day at a new school. Roberta gladly sits with the rest of the straight-up-hair girls - until she hears they don't play on the monkey bars.

Roberta loves the monkey bars and leaps at the chance to swing with the monkey-bar posse, until she hears they don't carry flowered lunchboxes like she does.

Roberta moves from group to group, just trying to be herself, until it seems she doesn't fit in anywhere. Then Roberta discovers some kids just like her - everyone's different and they like it that way. (Excerpt from the inside flap).

I received the book, One of Us by Peggy Moss, compliments of Tilbury House Publishers for my honest review, and must say what a great way to teach children that fitting in at school doesn't always have to mean changing things about you. This book was perfect for my own 11 year old that is struggling all the time to fit it, based on what kids wear or who they listen to, what games they have, or even who their other friends are.

What I enjoyed the most, is that the moral story of this book, is that you can be yourself and show kids what you are all about instead of trying so hard to change to make yourself like them that you lose yourself in the process. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with kids, or even perfect gift for grandparents, youth groups at church and storytime at day cares! This book rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

The illustrations are beautiful and I would recommend this book to kids as early as 6 just entering school. Hardcover and 32 pages makes this a perfect story time favorite!

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase your own hardcover book, click on the title below:

One of Us

Animal Sound Mix Up

What would happen if a cat were to moo? Or a dog croaked like a frog?

This is exactly the questions that are posed throughout the colorful and whimsical pages of the latest children's book called Animal Sound Mix-Ups by Connie Arnold.

The book takes you through domestic, farm and jungle animals with colorful pictures on every page to illustrate how silly things would be if the animals we have come to know and love today really made all together different sounds than they do now.

At the conclusion of the book, we learn as always that God's perfect plan really does work out the very best. I would highly recommend this book to new parents of toddlers that are getting into their first words and sounds as a perfect way to teach them what sound goes with what animal in a fun and biblical way. This book is recommended for ages 2 and up and I would easily rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book compliments of Connie Arnold for my honest review and can't recommend it enough to new parents or perfect for the church for the toddler's. For more information on the author and where you can purchase a copy of her latest book, click on the title of the book below or visit Connie at her website at:

http://www.conniearnold.webs.com/

http://conniearnold.blogspot.com

http://www.childrenbooks.webs.com