Bring reverence to your Easter or Resurrection Observance with children's "The Beginner's Bible" & associated products!

NOTE: Amazon prices are less than SRV
Where To Purchase A Copy

The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children's Stories brings a foundation of faith to young children with over 90 classic Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments, with colorful illustrations and text written just for them.

ISBN:  9780310750130
Hardcover $22.99
Where To Purchase A Copy

My thoughts: Bible story books are such a wonderful tool to have on hand to introduce the young child to the Bible and the bare-bones of the Word of God. You can choose to have one or you can choose to have a variety so that your child can experience the many "tellings" and "illustrative styles" of authors and artists as they bring to life what God reveals to mankind in his Word.

Now a Bible storybook is not, nor should be considered to be, the actual Word of God. It is an introduction to and base of study for beginners. Hence the writers, illustrators, and publishers have labored diligently to bring to your home a book worthy of it's title - The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories from ZonderKidz, an imprint of Zondervan.

This new edition of the originally published in 1989 Beginner's Bible just exudes life and brilliance in the attention-grabbing, child centric illustrations in strong, bright colors.

This will become a well-loved book by your child and you will delight that your child loves hearing about the  many wonderful men and women from the Bible. A  great preparation for the years when the real Bible will become an integral part of their own life.

About the Bible: The Beginner’s Bible® has been a favorite with young children and their parents since its release in 1989 with over 25 million products sold. Now it’s redesigned with fresh new art that will excite children for many more years to come. Full of faith and fun, The Beginner’s Bible is a wonderful gift for any child. The easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible. With new vibrant three-dimensional art and compelling text, more than 90 Bible stories come to life. Kids ages 6 and under will enjoy the fun illustrations of Noah helping the elephant onto the ark, Jonah praying inside the fish, and more, as they discover The Beginner's Bible just like millions of children before. The Beginner's Bible was named the 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children's Nonfiction.

The Beginner’s Bible: Amazing Miracles of the Bible Sticker & Activity Book is all about the different miracles Jesus performed, including his death and resurrection. 

ISBN:  9780310141587
Paperback $8.99
Where To Purchase A Copy

My thoughts:  Children absolutely love stickers, and using stickers to implant Biblical stories and truths in their mind and hearts is an enjoyable and effective way to learn. 

For sheer delight alone, the activities and sticker fun make learning a play time activity which elicits so much enjoyment for the youngsters.

I wish these had been available for my children when my family was young, and I am so excited to be able to share their availability with you. Check out the Amazon link where you can find this and a whole assortment of The Beginners' Bible books appropriately designed for specific age groups.

Priced so it "won't break the budget," these activity books will provide many enjoyable hours for the child. 

About the activity book: Bring Bible stories to life for young readers with The Beginner’s Bible Amazing Miracles of the Bible Sticker and Activity Book. This hands-on, interactive children’s book features over 50 stickers and fun-filled games and activities.

Young readers will read, learn, and color their way through miracles in both the Old and New Testaments, including Moses and the burning bush, the miracle of loaves and fishes, and many more. Children ages 3 to 7 will connect with these beloved Bible stories through this playful activity book, which includes:

• 16 pages of fun content & child-friendly text, highlighting different miracles throughout the Bible
• Over 50 stickers featuring classic The Beginner’s Bible illustrations
• Hours of age-appropriate activities, coloring pages, mazes, crossword puzzles, & more
• Easy-to-follow Bible teachings

The Beginner’s Bible Amazing Miracles of the Bible Sticker and Activity Book is perfect for:?

• Kids ages 3–7
• Road trips, Easter baskets, Christmas stocking stuffers, or birthdays
• Children’s ministry small group activity time or Sunday school

The Beginner’s Bible: The Very First Easter - perfect for very young children.

ISBN:  9780310763017
Paperback $5.99
Where To Purchase A Copy

My thoughts: A  small (kiddie size) light weight paperback book written in terms understandable by the very young child and illustrated with kid-charming pictures, The Beginner's Bible "The Very First Easter" is perfect for reverently teaching a young child about their Saviour.

The story is short and understandable and perfect for the young child. The price is perfect for young families' budgets and also for gifting in Children's Church or Sunday School classes.  

About the book: The Very First Easter tells children about the events of Easter in words and concepts they can understand. Using vibrant artwork from The Beginner's Bible, children will learn key events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection, such as the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest, and his death and resurrection, as well as a page on Jesus' return someday. By the end of the story, children will understand the wonderful gift of salvation and why we celebrate this special day. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received a samples of the books in exchange for this review and post.”

The living I've seen

After surfing along the internet highway and viewing second hand and on a screen so many things in our glorious world, I thought of some of the things my eyes have actually seen and I have actually touched. I'm not a world traveler, so I haven't seen the Egyptian pyramids or the Swiss Alps. I haven't seen magnificent buildings in exotic cities. But I have had some grand experiences.

I swam in the Atlantic Ocean many times. I walked the sand dunes of East Coast America and the mountain paths in the oldest mountains on Earth - the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. I've seen the grand Mississippi River and the rolling Missouri River. I've seen the Cape Fear River near its headwaters and where it also emptied into the Atlantic Ocean. I swam in the Gulf of Mexico and walked pristine Florida beaches. I've seen tumultuous winds of hurricanes in the coastal city of Wilmington and the wind's destruction of massive centuries old Oak Trees. I've crossed the great and grand Red/Orange Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California and traveled the winding coastal Pacific highway and looked out over the immense Pacific. I've seen aquariums of the Atlantic Ocean and of the Pacific Ocean and the creatures that live in the depths of both. I've seen wild deer on a utopian golf course on the edge and top of cliffs along the Pacific.

 
I've seen the face of a newborn child and looked into their innocent eyes and soothed their bewildering cry. I've seen and held a squirmy new born puppy whose eyes were not yet open to win the heart of "his human." I've seen the face of a loved one moments before they left their tired body. I've held their hand as it turned cold. I've felt the joy of new life within my own body, and felt the terror when my spouse, who I love deeply, is no longer at my side.

I've seen the glory of a tiny blossom as it opens and brings joy to those who take a moment to see it. I've experienced the privilege of seeing blue skies, white clouds, yellow sunlight, cleansing rain, and pure white snow. I've experienced the joy of a pantry full of food to prepare and the delight of a well made home prepared meal shared with loved ones. I've had the privilege to eat in restaurants both humble and glorious, both inexpensive and quite costly. I have the joy of living a life of comfort, warmth, abundance. A life of love. A life of care and caring. A life of seeing and telling. 

I have lived. And God has provided the living of that life day by day in His gracious caring way.

Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3) by Penny Zeller

About the book: Sometimes evil lurks in plain sight…

What if a random break-in isn’t as random as initially believed? That’s what Oaklee Newbold thinks when a series of forced entries shakes her quiet neighborhood. With seemingly nothing stolen and no obvious motive, the police are stumped. When her own home is broken into a second time, Oaklee is determined to help solve the case...whether handsome detective Grayson Brenneman likes it or not.

No one is prepared when the perpetrators strike again. Only, this time they aren’t targeting houses—they’re targeting Oaklee. When a series of sinister events finds Oaklee held in the deadly clutches of evildoers, Grayson races against the clock to find the woman he has grown to love…before it’s too late for everyone involved.

Subgenre: Christian romantic suspense

Series: Mountain Justice (Book 3, but can be enjoyed as a standalone).

**Please note: Unexpected Target is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 3

Ends April 5 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3) by Penny Zeller

DISCLOSURE: Giveaway uniquely hosted on Chat With Vera. Winner's prize book is provided by and sent to winner by author or author's representative. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is randomly selected using the entry platform. Winner must respond with required information for sending prize to winner within 48 hours of email sending notification time/date. Failure to provide required information within the time allotted will result in a different winner being selected.

How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction, STEM [Non-fiction, Graphic Art Publication]

How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction by Katy Doughty & illustrated by Katy Doughty 

ISBN: 9781536232790
Hardcover $24.99
Age 14-Up, Grades 9-Up
MIT Teen Press 

My thoughts: I have mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, I don't care for graphic novels, etc. As a child I did love the comic books and the Sunday newspaper comics section. But those days are past. However, I do concede that there is a certain attention-grabbing quality to a graphic book or story, and I also acknowledge that the genre is actually "genre spanning" and can be a useful tool to get reluctant readers to read or to educate interestingly about the mundane.

So where does How to Survive the End of the World......" fit into the mold of genre, interest, educate, or entertain? This quality hardcover book begins with early Earth's existence and events that geology has preserved. A look at plagues that nearly wiped out broad swaths of mankind and onto modern man's creation of tools that could potentially destroy mankind and any form of life on Earth. So the book has a bit of history, and bit of education, a lot of caution, some encouragement, and tid-bits of "how to survive" tucked into the pages.

The comics, or should I say "illustrations," are done creatively and will forge images in the reader's mind without terrifyingly raw reality. 

A product of MIT Teen Press, the intellectual quality of content promises to be worth delving into and is such that will engage children with bright, questioning minds. 

Having recently experienced the Covid Pandemic and the isolation, fear, alarm that ensued, readers will appreciate the part of this book that covers pandemics and plagues throughout history and how mankind survived -  often with great loss. They'll get a glimpse into solutions and pros and cons of fighting disease. 

Readers will take a look at current concern many have of machines, technology, robots taking over mankind. Then there is a look at present fears and past events of when huge chunks of rock (meteors and meteorites) fall from the sky and devastate the land. These are very present fears and the book takes a reassuring look at such.

"It takes courage to imagine the end of the world--an even more courage to try to change the ending." [pg. 224, How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction]

About the book: In a full-color debut, a graphic novelist takes an engrossing, gleefully existential deep dive into the many ways that humanity could—and almost did—meet its end.

Since 99.9 percent of all species that have lived are extinct, it’s bound to be our turn eventually, right? So what’s most likely to kill us? A well-timed asteroid? Some new robot overlords? With wit and dry humor, debut graphic novelist Katy Doughty blends science and history to explore our chances of surviving disasters such as plagues, global warming, and alien invasion. Drawing on interviews with experts in fields like infectious diseases, AI, and interplanetary exploration, she combines cutting-edge research with compelling visuals: mugshots of the deadliest microbes, graphs of the winners and losers of mass extinction events, and a whole lot of dinosaur drawings. For apocalypse aficionados, the morbidly curious, and the just plain curious, this is your antidote to existential dread—a timely, imaginative, and ultimately hopeful take on humankind’s ability to survive the odds. 

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

As Spring nears, "Consider the Lilies" - new children's book from Eerdmans' Publishing [Giveaway]

Consider the Lilies by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney

ISBN: 9780802855633
Hardcover $18.99
Eerdmans Young Readers

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely beautiful little children's book that goes though the color-wheel of nature in the varied flowering species that bloom all around us. The book is artistically delightful, flush with beautiful colors, and slightly whimsical drawings of the flowers and insects that enjoy their beauty. 

The lightly rhyming lyrical text walks the reader through this abundance of beauty as we consider the beauty of each flower and its color. The book concludes with the truth that God cares for all these "lilies" and He will surely do the same for each of us.

This is the second book in the "Consider" series. I reviewed Consider the Birds and have found both the Birds and Lilies books wonderful. I look forward to the third in the series: Consider the Night Sky later in 2026.

I recommend this series.

“And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:29

About the book: Consider the Lilies by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney 

Learn about colors and God’s love in this picture book celebration of spring, with lyrical text by an award-winning author and gorgeous art from a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator.

On a bright spring day, WHITE Queen Anne’s lace waves in the breeze. BLUE bellflowers bask in the sun. Hummingbirds dive down into RED poppies, and a ladybug hurries down the fronds of a GREEN fern. Don’t trip on that PINK primrose peeking through the cracks! Consider these flowers of the field—they live and grow just where they are supposed to be. Maybe God knows how to take care of us, too. 
Inspired by the timeless words of Luke 12 and Matthew 6, the second book in the Consider series invites children to discover colors in nature, the beauty of flowers in bloom, and the love of God. Jennifer Grant’s simple text and Julianna Swaney’s endearing art will encourage readers to slow down and marvel at the amazing world around them. A perfect read aloud for the spring and Easter seasons.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 21

Ends March 21 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Consider the Lilies by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney

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

Review: AMBUSH OF THE HEART (Rocky Mountain Marshals #1) by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishing

 

When bandits strike in the wilderness, can love and faith overcome the shadows of danger?

ISBN: 9780764245992
Bethany House Pub. $18.99 USD

My thoughts:  I always look forward to reading one of Mary Connealy's books. I can count on them to be light hearted, sometimes tickle-your-funnybone funny, and always faith based. Her newest release is the beginning of a new series, "Rocky Mountain Marshals," and it has not disappointed.

Set in the rugged steeps of the Rocky Mountains when there was nothing there but the wilderness, factor in bad guys and good guys, some lovely ladies and handsome men, and a few mishaps and a bit of gunsmoke - well, it's a rocky read to be sure.

I found the cast of characters sometimes baffeling to my ability to keep them sorted out betwix the good and the bad, but then they weren't always bad when they were thought to be bad. Campfires. Chases. Accidents that happened. Lostness amidst peaks of wilderness left the reader speechless and bewildered. It all brought to mind the ruggedness of the mountains and the ruggedness of the people that settled and trod those hills.

Again, a delightful read and I am looking forward the the next release. 

About the book: As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch.

After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together?

Mary Connealy presents a riveting historical Frontier series starter of adventure, love, and high jinks in the rugged wilderness of 1870s Colorado. This Western romance features a determined Marshal, a courageous woman, forced proximity romance, and a risky journey of survival.

Read an excerpt - click here

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. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. #MaryConnealy #BethanyHouse Order a copy at: BakerBookHouse.com

New books in The Mystery of the Ancient Map series: "The Brave Queen" & "The Big Fish" [Review & Giveway]

Children’s chapter books that celebrate faith, bravery, and biblical truth in an engaging, family-friendly way:  The Brave Queen and The Big Fish

Personally, I am not fond of retelling of Biblical stories especially with insertion of modern life characters into the story. That being said, I realize that sometimes for children reading these "we were there" type stories do tend to hold their interest. It is the responsibility of parents to clarify any errors in interpretation for their children. I listened to the available preview of the audio version of The Brave Queen and found it an exceptionally well done audio. Plus the story would surely capture the imagination of young listeners. The print copies of this "Mystery of the Ancient Map" series for The Brave Queen and The Big Fish are just the right length for early chapter book readers. I love the large print and the abundance of illustrations. These are NOT a picture books. They are early chapter books for the established reader. Of note in The Brave Queen, at the end of the book young Peter encounters the "Captain" who challenges Peter. Peter "sees" that it is Satan and calls the Captain "Satan." This is a bit mature for this age reader and I don't see the wisdom of its inclusion in the story. Another character insertion that is worthy of note is Michael, the archangel. Children need to learn the role of Angels in God's plan for our lives and how they watch over and protect us. In these books, Michael actually appears to them with wings and a sword. I see both of these books as fun reads for early readers and they will surely promote interest in the Bible and events and people of the Bible. Both stories are from the Old Testament. The Brave Queen is from the story of Esther in the Bible; and in The Big Fish, the story of Jonah being swallowed by the fish. Both stories are opportunities to learn of God's plan and protection for us. I recommend these for families with early chapter book readers (younger read-aloud-to-me listeners, too) but with parental caution to use guidance on some aspects of the stories. The Brave Queen: Book 1 The Brave Queen is the first book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures. Peter and Mary are getting ready for a new school year after a summer of time travelling with Great Uncle Solomon’s hidden scrolls, but life seems very boring after all their adventures. Then they get an invitation to go to Israel where Great Uncle Solomon is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeology. During Great Uncle Solomon’s acceptance speech, a mysterious woman slips Peter an ancient map with red Xs marking different locations. When they investigate the map, the kids discover a new hidden scroll that takes them to Persia, back to the time of Queen Esther, where they meet Mordecai, the evil Haman, and Queen Esther, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. The Brave Queen: Buy on Amazon Follows the events of Esther: 1-10. Reminds readers that, like Esther, God has a plan for their lives. Is the first book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9. Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life. Great gift for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.

The Big Fish: Book 2 The Big Fish is the second book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures. Great Uncle Solomon takes Peter, Mary, and Hank on a train trip to investigate a new red X on their ancient map. It leads them to the sea, where they discover a new hidden scroll that takes them back in time, and they stowaway on a ship. When a huge storm comes up, they meet Jonah and end up being swallowed with him by a giant fish! It’s an adventure unlike any other as they journey to Nineveh, encounter the Enemy, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. 🌈 The Big Fish: Buy on Amazon Follows the events of Jonah: 1-3. Reminds readers that, like Jonah, in times of trouble they can pray to God. Is the second book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9. Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life. Great gifts for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.  👑🦈👑🦈👑🦈👑🦈👑 DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone.  #mysteryoftheancientmaps #mjthomas #secretofthehiddenscrolls #hiddenscrolls @zonderkidz @themikejthomas