The Seek and Find Bible Storybook by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andrea Parker [Review & Giveaway]

 Did you know there is a whole series of "Seek and Find Storybooks"?

Collection of Seek and Find books plus board books and activity books are available!

ISBN: 9781802544503
TheGoodBook.com
$24.99 (specials available)

About this book:  Captivate kids 2+ with the wonder of God as they engage with this seek-and-find-style Bible storybook. They’ll return again and again to pore over 38 fun, visually packed Bible stories and to find all 2,242 things.

Your whole family will get excited to spend time in God’s word together through this resource’s stories, prompts and activities. Each story features…

• A short summary of a classic Bible story
• A key takeaway to remember
• An application point and question
• A prayer to say together
• A large, detailed illustration for seeking and finding
• Amazing fact files for each story also add to the fun and intrigue. Kids learn fun bits of info about biblical history, how the Bible story connects to God’s bigger story and more! 

Draw kids in to explore what God is like and who Jesus is. They’ll want to read the story, seek and find things, chat about it and then do it all again. Along the way, they’ll absorb key truths and encounter the gospel with joy.

This Bible storybook features a mix of stories previously featured in the Seek and Find series, as well as 12 additional stories. There are also sections like application questions, prayers, and fact files.

My thoughts: An amazingly illustrated book that will capture the attention of children and keep them engaged with vivid colors, expressive people, realistic yet fun animals, all the while telling the story from God's Word in a way that young children will understand. Activities that are educational and fun further implant the story in the heart and mind while giving opportunities to find minute details, count, and flex their mental capabilities to find the little in the overall.

This edition is a "Bible Storybook" that takes the young child through the Bible from Genesis (and the beginning) through to Revelation and Jesus' return. Enough of a storyline to begin to educate in Biblical truths with illustrations and fun activities that keep the child on-point and in-tune with family devotionals or storytime.

Read a sampling of The Seek and Find Bible Storybook - Click Here

I highly recommend this edition, The Seek and Find Bible Storybook, as well as the entire line. Perfect for gifting to young families. As a mother of five and grandmother of 13, I think this a perfect beginning Bible storybook as it engages the child's attention and keeps them interested all the while giving reference to the full version of Scripture.

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of Seek & Find Bible Storybook

Begins October 20

Ends November 20 @ 11:59 pm ET

Open to USA addresses only.

Seek and Find Bible Storybook by Sarah Parker

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #seekandfindbibleinthewild @seekandfindbook 

Blueprint for Love (Love in Cloverdale Falls #3) by Penny Zeller

 Blueprint for Love (Love In Cloverdale Falls #3)

Buy on Amazon: Click Here
Kindle version now
Paperback book later

• He’s a grumpy contractor.
• She’s a bubbly interior designer.
• Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love?

Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together?

For those of you familiar with the series, this one is Jeanette's story (Braxton's sister). 

My thoughts: The author has given readers another sweet, gentle read chock full of young adults, old sweet and cute older ladies, a dog you'll love, and impossibly silly town "doings." These books are for when you want a chuckle, a sweet romance, a peek into the lives of genuinely good folks, and all written with Christian values and faith based living.

An old inn needs a re-do. A local  young man has the construction skills for the task at hand. A lovely young Floridian has ventured to this mountainous, middle America small town as the Interior Designer who is to tackle the inn's re-do. Construction's ideas clash with Designer's ideas and the race is on.

Controversy soon begins to break down and friendship begins to blossom into - maybe - something more.

A sweet story and a terrific series.

Find the series: Love In Cloverdale Falls on Amazon - CLICK HERE - E-books & Paperbacks

Please note: These are 

faith-filled contemporary Christian books.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Counting My Blessings: A Rhyming Story of Joy, Wonder, and Gratitude by Seph Schlueter & illustrated by Felishia Henditirto

Counting My Blessings: A Rhyming Story of Joy, Wonder, & Gratitude

Heading into the season of Thankfulness, this is a must have!

About the book: Discover infinite blessings every day. This picture book based on singer-songwriter Seph Schlueter’s viral song “Counting My Blessings” invites children to find joy, gratitude, and God’s gifts in each moment.

God gives us miracles, gifts big and small.

So many in fact, we just can’t count them all.

One, two, three …

up to infinity!

God’s gifts are everywhere—from the smallest kindness to the vastness of the stars. Follow along as a young boy learns to look for the good in every moment. When he feels down, he discovers that blessings can be found in unexpected places: a stray cat in need of a home, the warmth of his mother’s hug, the thrill of a new friendship, and the comfort of community. From the endless wildflowers in a field to the countless waves in the sea, he begins to understand that God’s love is as infinite as the stars in the sky.

This delightful story gently introduces children ages 4-8 to themes of gratitude, faith, and praise to God. With lyrical, rhyming text and stunning illustrations that bring the boy’s world to life (complete with his fun-loving cat!), Counting My Blessings is perfect for:

• Family Read-Alouds: Cuddle up and share a comforting message of hope and love before bedtime or anytime.
• Teaching Gratitude: A wonderful tool to help children recognize and appreciate the small miracles in their daily lives.

God's blessings will show  you how wonderful life can be.

My thoughts:  When I was raising my five children, we taught them Bible verses about thankfulness and tried to instill in their hearts and minds a spirit of thankfulness for the little things as well as the major things in their lives. This is a first step in realizing that they have a Savior for which they should give thanks, forgiveness for which they should give thanks, and a God who loves them for which they should give thanks.

Thanking God for door knobs, shoestrings, bread, clothes, friends, and on and on the list goes is not trite. It is basic.

This beautiful children's book, Counting My Blessings, and the absolutely beautiful song (both by Seph Schlueter) is a new Christian classic in my opinion. Pay attention to the pictures. Pay attention to the words. Feel the warmth and gentle sweetness of the music. It implants itself in the heart. So get the book, learn the words, learn the song and sing along.

The more that you look the more of God's blessings you'll see.

Where to purchase Counting My Blessings
Click Here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #countingmyblessings #blessings #thankful #grateful #zonderkidz #sponsored

The Heart's Most Wanted (Rocky Mountain Marshals #2) by Mary Connealy [Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780764246005
Bethany House Publishing ~ Buy Here

When a mysterious threat follows their every step, can two wounded hearts find refuge and love?

US Marshal Morgan Sawyer rides into the treacherous Rocky Mountains on a mission to find fellow Marshal Tex, who vanished while they were escorting a dangerous prisoner. But ranchwoman Roz Beck insists on riding beside him, despite Morgan's protests. Joined by newlyweds Owen and Delaney, and Roz's young son, they push deep into the wilderness.

Widowed Roz was wounded in love when her now-deceased husband abandoned her, leaving her alone to raise a child. While her heart longs for love, for her son's sake, she'll settle for a man she trusts like Morgan, her childhood friend. When a shadowy figure begins prowling the search party's camp at night, the group realizes that something more than the wilderness poses a threat to their quest of bringing Tex to safety. Will the looming danger strengthen Morgan and Roz's growing feelings and faith in each other, or will it be their breaking point?

With outlaws, a rugged hero, and a spirited heroine, Mary Connealy presents another action-packed Old West historical romance. For fans of second chance romance, frontier journeys, and hijinks in the Colorado wilderness.

Read an excerpt - Click Here

Watch for Vera's review in the near future!

🐎GIVEAWAY🐎

Begins October 13

Ends November 15 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

 Open to USA addresses only.

THE HEART'S MOST WANTED (Rocky Mountain Marshals #2) by Mary Connealy

About the author: Mary Connealy "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 2 million books and is the author of many sweeping Western romance series. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at MaryConnealy.com.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by author or publisher and is mailed directly to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

How will your Cranberries be served this Thanksgiving? (Originally posted Nov. 2015 - Enjoy your berries)

Forgive me, but I just want to share an older post from Chat With Vera for you as the holiday seasons approach. 

On today's version of the Thanksgiving table, there are many choices for adding that bit of red that decorates our plates and tantalizes our taste buds. Versions of cranberry sauce.

At one time, the tradition called for a cranberry sauce made simply with cranberries, sugar, and water. The recipe was on the bag of cranberries and in the tried and true Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. Of course, somewhere along the timeline, canned versions of this traditional cranberry sauce as well as a pureed and jelled sauce were available. But nothing quite matched that cooked at home from fresh cranberries sauce served in Grandma's pretty glass dish.

Through the years, I've varied my own home cooked sauce adding peeled and minced apples, orange rind (I choose to put big chunks rind and remove it prior to serving), pecans, and perhaps even spices. Just whatever strikes my fancy or I happen to have in the 'fridge at the time.

And then there are many versions using jello congealing the sauce for a lovely jeweled presentation at table. And Mom's where she actually ground the fresh cranberries with oranges (this was a grinder fastened to the table and cranked by hand) and pecans. This was mixed with sugar and perhaps jello. I don't know the recipe nor can I find it. But it was made several days in advance and allowed to sit in the 'fridge for optimum flavor merging. This was a culinary delight! Of course, it seems that anything about food that my mother set her hand to the task of preparing was always a culinary delight.

But what will Vera do about cranberry sauce this year? I have a bag of cranberries. I have sugar. I have some apples. I may buy some oranges. Who knows? Will the sauce be plain this year or will Vera choose to add a bit more for flavor variety?

TIP: #I usually use a little less water than the recipe calls for. This makes for a sweet and less runny sauce.

TIP #2: Cranberries are a very healthy food.

NEXT DAY NOTE - AFTER COOKING: Well, the deed is done! Sadly when I opened the bag of "name brand" fresh cranberries, over 1/2 cup were very bad, so I didn't have a "bag" of cranberries. Never-the-less, I used less water, about the amount of sugar for a bag, 1/2 orange (not just rind), and 1/2 peeled and finely chopped apple. Cooked until berries all popped, then a wee-bit more. Removed the orange (this is pretty good to nibble on later). Sauce is Delicious! 

Still Water: The Wonders of Ponds, Pools, Wetlands, and More (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Maciej Michno, Danio Miserocchi, & Valentina Gottardi

Still Water: The Wonders of Ponds, Pools, Wetlands, and More

ISBN: 9780802856593
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

About the book: The vital ecosystems of ponds, puddles, swamps, and more in come alive in this gorgeously illustrated exploration of wetlands.

Human beings love babbling brooks and rushing rivers―but when we see water that stands still, we’ve historically called it unsafe, unhealthy, and even useless. Yet still water ecosystems like wetlands are teeming with life―and they’re critical to our planet’s survival. How? And why? 

Still Water is a lushly illustrated journey through still water ecosystems, inviting readers to learn about their makeup, their inhabitants, their importance, and their future, including: 

• Why are still water ecosystems misunderstood?
• How do they actually contribute to the health of our world?
• What are the important differences between wetland environments?  
• Who lives in wetlands, and how do animals like frogs and birds adapt to them for survival?
• How do places like peat bogs fight climate change?
• How do invasive species affect the balance of an ecosystem?
• What do we need to know about the future of ponds and wetlands? 

Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Still Water includes helpful backmatter with a glossary of terms and a link to the creators’ bibliography. This browsable nonfiction book is ideal for field trips to natural history museums and local ponds, as well as celebrations of Earth Day, World Wetlands Day, and World Wildlife Day. Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.

My thoughts: Living a lifetime in the beautiful very green state of North Carolina, I have enjoyed time along the Atlantic Ocean Coastline of North Carolina, the piedmont and "sand hills" areas sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. And all across this varied land that is North Carolina there is a grand abundance of water. The majestic Ocean, briney marshes, teaming rivers emptying into the Ocean, ponds and lakes, streams, back creeks, and swamps. Fly across the land and you will see ponds and lakes glistening as they dot with abundance the green landscapes.

So how does all that about North Carolina relate to this delightful children's picture book - Still Water?

With a quick look through the book, I am drawn to the stunning illustrations. Plenteous use of ink drawings and watercolor-wash captivate the stunning beauty of the wild and lucious world that abounds around water areas. Be sure you sit and gaze awhile at these drawings.

Cat Tail Plant*

The text is not aimed at the young child's comprehension, though the parent can still read and teach using this book for them. I see the book as one for elementary and younger middle grade reading comprehension. Great for a school room and school library. Super great for homes, too.

Some of the diverse insects, aquatic life (insects, mollusks, fish), and animals are illustrated and defined showing how some are "invasive" and which are native to specific areas. Though  not extensive in explanation, the idea of native versus invasive species is clearly explained. This is true of plant life in and around wetlands.

Carnivorous Pitcher Plant (NC)*

Again back to North Carolina, I recall seeing "Cat tails" growing in abundance along the wet ditches along the highways. Also, I attended a Girl Scout Camp (Camp Pretty Pond - closed now) that was situated on a lovely  pond (lots of plant life along the edges). Growing in the general area (we had to take a hike to find them) are plants native and peculiar to that region of the World - The Venus Fly Trap and the Pitcher Plant. Much of that area of North Carolina has been built upon for homes, estates, and golf clubs. The "bubbling spring" I saw was a natural spring continuously bubbling just above ground. 

Carnivorous Venus Fly Trap (with insect)*

I recommend this lovely book for the perusal, enjoyment, and education of school children and adults alike.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. *NOTE: The pictures of NC plants: Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, and Cat Tails are not in the book. I borrowed them from the internet to show you some of the hidden lovelies in NC.

"Thank You, School" by Louise Borden & illustrated by Paige Keiser from Holiday House Publishing

Thank You, School by Louise Borden & illustrated by Paige Keiser 

ISBN: 9780823455690
Holiday House Publishing
Hardcover $18.99 USD

About the book: How many people make the school day possible? Let's say thank you to every single one, in this picture book of thank you poems from kids to their school community helpers.

THANK YOU

to our custodians

who care for our school

and fix everything.

Join kids across the country as they go to school and thank each person that helps them during their day. Each page of this collection features a poem from a child to someone who helps them during their day. From bus drivers to custodians to librarians to teachers of all kinds, everyone's job is important.

Perfect for back to school or end-of-year gifts, Thank You School celebrates the unsung heroes in children's lives. And for young readers it is perfect for starting conversations about gratitude and focusing on positivity of even the smallest things in their day.

"... The hum of our thinking...."

My thoughts:  After having worked on the administrative team of private schools for over 35 years, it is a joy to see a children's book devoted to thanking all the people in the school that do so much to make schools wonderful educational facilities and experiences. This children's book looks at the many faces in the school that do the work of running the school. Children see that it isn't just the teachers (the face they  most see) that make the school work. It is the janitor, maintenance crew, secretaries, principals, bus drivers, etc. Parents and PTAs need to see and recognize this about schools. It takes a lot of people to bring an education to a child. 

This sweet book is illustrated with watercolor washes of scenes throughout the school. The turn of each page has a different child named and saying his or her "Thank You" for a specific person for which they are thankful. Such charm. Such joyful and delightful illustrations!

I love this sweet book.

"...our custodians...who fix everything"

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.