Whats In the Bible??

When I was asked to participate in the blog tour for the new DVD series, What's In the Bible?: Battle for the Promised Land - I had no idea what an advocate I would become. I have to just say right up front - ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS series! I have always thought Phil Vischer was marvelous (think Veggie Tales) but this new series, published by Tyndale, is loaded with content that I am so excited about. The series takes individual books of the Bible and teaches our kids history and contextual material that otherwise I am afraid would be lost to most children. We watched just one volume, vol. 4, Battle for the Promised Land, and that covered the books, Joshua, Judges and Ruth. We watched it once with our older kids and then with our younger daughter, age 6. What was amazing was that when we watched it with our teenage sons, we laughed at humor our six year old would not understand, but even our teens said they learned biblical things they had not known before. Then, we watched it with our six year old and she came away laughing at the humor that was definitely prevalent and also said she learned some new things as well. And the best part?? Even my very strong Bible-knowledge husband said he learned some things he hadn't known before either!! What a versatile and useful Bible teaching tool - that is what I love most about it.

Here is my interview with our six year old daughter:

Did you learn from it? YES!! I learned LOTS - I didn't know there were so many judges!

Did you find it funny? (Well, I wouldn't have had to ask her really - she was laughing OFTEN!!) YES!! It was very funny - especially the old ladies!

Would you want to watch more of these? YES! Can we go get one now??

Who was your favorite character? Michael made me laugh! He is funny.

My husband had this to say: (And he's the authority on this sort of thing with his seminary background!!)

I really enjoyed episode 4 of the What's in the Bible Series. It was the first time I had seen the series and I was very impressed. I appreciate the chronological approach to teaching the Bible. There are many advantages I see in this. So often we teach children the Bible in a shotgun approach. We jump from one story to another without connecting the dots. There is a greater story and flow to the scriptures and children need to see the plan of redemptive history as it unfolds.

I also appreciate the emphasis on teaching doctrine along the way. Explaining the "whys" to the stories helps children understand the deeper truths of scripture.

Another great technique is the use of repetition. Stories are told in one format and then often retold in another. This is great in helping children to understand and remember the truths that are presented. The review at the beginning of each series also helps children understand where things fit in and how they are connected. The review of the books of the Bible along with the breakdown or divisions of the books helps children become more literate in their Bible knowledge.

Basically what I am trying to say is that these videos are packed full of great stuff. I hope to get the entire collection not only for myself but also for my kids.

So there you go - and if you needed one more reason to go get these for yourself - my husband and I were even saying what a wonderful family Sunday School curriculum this would make - or any family learning at our church - they are just as enjoyable to adults as children. They really are NOT to be missed!!

Now - for the best part - I actually have a DVD certificate to give away to one lucky reader!! So - leave a comment and we will choose a winner next Monday, December 6!!!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by Tyndale Publishers.

Care for Creation

Christy Baldwin has written a children's book that I think is very worthy of sitting up and taking notice!! Her book, Care for Creation, is just that, a call for us to think about how we care for our Earth. Each page is carefully illustrated and given a scripture verse to show how each mandate can be traced back to the Bible. I really liked this - it is not "over the top" but it creatively shows us how to take care of what we have - as we are called to do. This is a children's book that will be fun to share with our little ones - and may plant seeds while you are reading!!

Here is a little background on the author:

Writing has been a passion of Christy's since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children's titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.

*I was provided an ebook for review purposes by the publisher.

If I Could Keep You Little

Marianne Richmond's If I Could Keep You Little is, in a word, WONDERFUL!! What a tender, touching story for parents and children to share together.

My favorite lines:

If I could keep you little, I'd tell you stories every night.

But then I'd miss you reading the words you've learned by sight.

If I could keep you little, I'd keep you close to me.

But then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be!

Don't miss sharing this one - with your kids, your grandkids and other little ones in your life! Truly a wonderful story!

*I was provided a copy for review by the publisher.

The Widow's Season

I just finished Laura Brodie's The Widow's Season - I am still trying to take it all in. It is a read that kind of threw me for a loop - the ending was not was I was sure was going to happen - although I wondered - just a very interesting read. Now I want to talk to someone about it.....

It is the story of Sarah McConnell - she looses her husband after he is in a boating accident. But what comes next totally kept me guessing. She thinks she is seeing his ghost occasionally - or is it really him??? Oh dear, see why I need someone to read it!!

It is compelling, I will say that. Wasn't thrilled with all of her choices after her husband's death, but then I'm not the author, now am I!?!?!

The Active, Creative Child

The Active, Creative Child is Stephanie Vlahov's work on how to parent a child that is in perpetual motion. I SO enjoyed reading her book - it rang true to me, not only with some of my own children, but also with many children I saw in the classroom - those so quickly labeled ADD - may have easily fit into this category of being active and creative and may have only needed another outlet. Vlahov's degree and background, even her own children, have given her credibility in an area that many just label and move on. Vlahov provides hints for coping with these children, establishing boundaries that will work with them, and avoiding labels and judgments that are so easy to fall into with these kinds of children. Interesting and helpful read.

*I was provided a copy for review by the publisher.

Other Goose

J. Otto Seibold is simply one of the best for taking an old and making a new!! You may remember, Olive the Other Reindeer, which was simply wonderful - but his latest, Other Goose has to be just as good!! How could you even improve on Mother Goose?? Well, simply by making them more "Goosian" says Other Goose. You will love these new-fangled rhymes as much as the old. I was laughing out loud at some of them - what fun!!

I leave you with one of my favorites:

Little Miss Muffet (muf-fay)

Little Miss Muffet

held an insect buffet

featuring curds and whey.

Along came a spider

whit a jug of cherry cider

who said,

"I think I'll join you today."

**I was sent a review copy by Chronicle Books.

The Day Leo Said I Hate You!

Robie H. Harris has written a book that kids just resonate with - The Day Leo Said I Hate You! is truly a book that kids love. I took it to a classroom to share and they begged me to leave my copy with them - and the teacher shared that it was THE BOOK that was asked for day after day. I think kids live this often - we all say things we wish we hadn't said - and we know we can't take them back. So what do we do then to make things alright?? That is the topic that Harris explores on a child's level - and I am telling you - they get it! Molly Bang is the illustrator that superbly gives you the feel of anger that Leo expresses in this book - as well as his repentant heart that comes through in the end. This books is available in paperback this November!!

*I was provided a copy for review by the publisher.

Sea of Bath

The Sea of Bath by Bob Logan is wonderful!! This is a winner for reading aloud together - whether in story hour or just at home with your own kids. I love this little sailor that is sailing away at sea, meeting creatures of all kinds, even soap bars while he passes them at sea - all while not knowing which sea he is floating on!!! Will he ever find out!??! This is a fun one to read together and explore the sea or your own bathtub!!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by Sourcebooks.

The Story of Little Red Riding Hood

The Brothers Grimm gave us this wonderful story that has been handed down from generation to generation. But when Christopher Bing illustrated it- it became a family heirloom! What magnificent illustrations - they just add to the beauty of the story! This edition of Little Red Riding Hood is not to be missed!!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by Chronicle Books.

FOOD - 25 Amazing Projects

Kathleen M. Reilly has written a book that is just a great way to learn a lot of history while not knowing you are learning!!! FOOD 25 Amazing Projects is full of history, science and FUN!! Readers will get to investigate the history of what we eat. Through science experiments and other fun activities, readers will learn about food in ancient times - all the way up to now. The book touches on the route from farm to market, vegetarians, and how modern technology plays a part in food production and more!! Great for a food unit - don't miss this one!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Let's Eat!

Denise Burroughs has written a cookbook of her family favorites called, "Let's Eat!" Coming from an Italian background, Burroughs' cookbook has flavorful recipes that include a wide variety of foods. She has some standard Italian favorites, but also some new recipes that sound like they are sure to become family favorites. I appreciate that her recipes are not overly fancy - they are recipes that anyone can attempt and call for ingredients that you may even have on hand! I haven't made any recipes out of her cookbook yet, but I plan to - they sound tried and true and sure to be favorites!!

*I was provided a review copy by the publisher.

Scholastic Goodies

I was thrilled with the new books for this Fall in my Scholastic Box!!

Will you Wear a Blue Hat? is a Rookie Toddler book. This is a wonderful series of books aimed at Toddlers and the things they are experiencing. This particular title could be used for winter clothes or colors - what a great board book!

Dot and Dash is a new series by Emma Dodd! I can't say enough good about this new series. What fun!! Dress Up and Go To Bed are both fun books with stickers inside. The outlines of the stickers are left blank on the pages for the kids to add them. I LOVE the illustrations on these - they are whimsical and fun! The stories are ones our little ones will relate to as well - WONDERFUL!! Dot and Dash Eat Their Dinner is a fun board book - I love how they name the animals "Tall" and "Small" - the kids will love that! Dot and Dash Meet Their Friends is a board book with flaps - something all little hands enjoy! What a wonderful variety of books and characters Dodd has created in this delightful new series!

**All of these books were provided as review copies by Scholastic Books.

Classic Horse Stories

What more can I say about this wonderful title? Classic Horse Stories compiled by Christina Rossetti Darling and Blue Lantern Studio will be a favorite of all of you horse fans. My daughter saw it lying here and said, "Oh mom, can that be mine??" Yes - it is a superb compilation that horse lovers are sure to enjoy - shortened versions of Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, C.S. Lewis' The Horse and His Boy, and poetry as well - all illustrated with that classic look that brings back such fond memories! Thank you, Chronicle Books, for finding this gem!!

*I was provided a copy for review by Chronicle Books.

Need Nonfiction??

These books are fabulous non-fiction choices for our young readers.
Sterling Publishers has a series the "Inside" series that will capture young readers and excite them about learning. (Reading level ages 9-12)

Inside Hurricanes by Mary Kay Carson
Inside Dinsoaurs by Andra Serlin Abramson, Jason Brougham, and Carl Mehling
Inside Human Body by Dr. Aron Bruhn, MD and
Inside Tornadoes by Mary Kay Carson

FABULOUS books - fold out pages, photograph images, factual information - SURE to PLEASE!!


*I was provided all copies for review purposes by Sterling Books.

Christmas LOVE!

Yes, we take a break from our regular blogging to share some CHRISTMAS LOVE!! I got a box that you need to hear about - Sterling Books - has some great Christmas titles that I am sure your younger readers will ask for over and over!

Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever! is a classic that never fails to delight young readers. In our library, Richard Scarry's books were the ones that I was constantly replacing - kids just thrill to look through them over and over. This Christmas compilation is sure to be another winner! His fans will be thrilled!

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Iowa by Sue Cornelison is a read that us Iowans are sure to put on our shelves!! I mean really, how often do we get books about Iowa that are also about Christmas!?!?! You will love this tale told to "The Twelve Days of Christmas"!!

Little Critter's The Night Before Christmas by Mercer Mayer is another timeless classic told "Critter-style" - I love everything about this one - and there is a CD included with a recording of this holiday classic.

The Toymaker's Christmas by Marilyn Scott-Waters is a book of paper toys that you can make to decorate for the holidays. I groaned remembering all of my attempts at origami - but this book is REALLY very do-able. They are already illustrated, perforated, and labelled - all you have to do is punch out and assemble. My girls are going to LOVE these!!

Merry Sparkling Christmas by Elizabeth Spurr is a board book that sparkles! Kids will love this one - it is told in rhyme and truly is Christmas through a child's eyes!!

Jingle-Jingle by Nicola Smee brought a smile to my face before I even opened it up - Smee is MAGNIFICENT and all of my favorite characters are back in this very fun board book! Poor Mr. Horse - he is always taking his friends for rides and telling them to "hold on tight" but they always seem to bump into trouble!! Another wonderful read!!

*All of these titles were provided by Sterling Publishers for review purposes.

The 13 Days of Halloween

Carol Greene has written a parody on "The 12 Days of Christmas" called The 13 Days of Halloween - it is so fun and kids will truly relate! It's catchy and Tim Raglin's illustrations are SUPERB!! Here is what the publisher had to say about Greene:

Carol Greene wrote her first poem when she was six years old (it was about a spider). To date she has published over a hundred books for children. Tim Raglin brings his wacky imagination and wonderfully odd cast of characters to The Thirteen Days of Halloween. His previous books include Five Funny Fights, Pecos Bill, and The Birthday ABC. He received a silver medal from the New York Society of Illustrators for his book Uncle Mugsy & the Terrible Twins of Christmas.

This is a fun Halloween title - not-to-miss!!

*I was provided a copy by Sourcebooks for review purposes.

Martha Doesn't Share!

Samantha Berger has created a character that is simply a delight! Martha is wonderful - made even more wonderful by the talented Bruce Whatley as he makes her come to life through his illustrations. Martha Doesn't Share! is a treat! She does not like to share and she has a new favorite word, "Mine!" But this doesn't last long because she realizes that if she doesn't share - she will always have to play alone.

This is story that all kids will relate to - it is a wonderful follow up to her first book, Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! Both would make great read alouds!!

Chronicle Goodies

I have to share some of my latest and greatest!

I have gotten a few Chronicle books that I just have to share!

By FAR my favorite: Just One Bite by Lola Schaefer - what a wonderful book! Giant illustrations that come to life so that you, the reader, can see what it is that 11 animals are eating - in LIFE SIZE! What a fun concept - reminiscent of something by Steve Jenkins - this is truly a new children's book not to miss!

Chicken Big by Keith Graves is one for many good laughs!! When the other chickens see this giant egg with a giant chick inside - they hardly know what to make of it. And that is the crux of the story - the chickens are baffled and have to figure out who or WHAT this giant thing really is. It isn't until Chicken Big does something extraordinary that he is one of them!! LOVE this one - the humor is wonderful!!

Oh, oh this one is pretty much another of my favorites as well!! (I know, how many favorites can one have?!?!) A Long Piece of String by William Wondriska is so clever. The story is told all in red and black - red pictures/items in the story and black string tying them all together. But there are no words - just pictures - but here is what I love - it is an alphabet book - yep, the kids will get it - even without any words. It is wonderful!!! And it ends with the only words found in the book, "What do you have on your string?" This was originally published in 1963 and I am SO glad someone found it and brought it back for us!

Day and Night by Teddy Newton is a Disney Pixar book - I like this one because it focuses on how our differences are good and just might bring us together! Yep, Day and Night meet - they find out what one another like and dislike - what fun things they each have to share - and in the end, even what they can do together! Fun read aloud.

Lastly, Shadow by Suzy Lee - and this one may be one of the last we'll talk about but certainly NOT least! Lee is imaginative and inspirational in her work. This books begins with a girl, and a light bulb, in an attic - and ends with a girl, and a light bulb, in an attic - but what comes in between all of that is PURE JOY!!! What fun one can have with shadows and a little creativity! I was enthralled to watch what she comes up with - and kids will be too - SUPER read aloud, and yet even more fun with a child cuddled up beside you! There is SO much to enjoy in this one!

*All books were provided by Chronicle Publishers for the purposes of review.

Our Newest Addition

GOTCHA!! But I sure got your attention, didn't I!?!?

Well - I didn't lie - it really is a new addition - just an inanimate one! (Those are the best kind for the Bilby's!!)

I got an email from Simply-Bags asking if I'd like a bag in exchange for a review - I am always excited to do something like this and so I agreed.

I have been nothing but pleased. The bag is classy and functional - there are lots of compartments - yep, I'm a compartment girl. And it is wonderful for my laptop or other items. I used it to tote some books to a meeting and it was great - thin, lightweight, and easy to take along.

I really like it - check it out for yourself. Embroidered Tote Bags

Extraordinary

Today I am going to gush all over Nancy Werlin. This is a YA author that KNOWS how to deliver! I loved Impossible and now I am thrilled with her latest title, Extraordinary. This book has SO much to offer - friendships, popularity, glamour, and yes, fairies - I know, I was skeptical too - but what a great tie-in - I loved it!

I really appreciate the emphasis on friendships and courage. When Mallory is sent to Earth on a mission to help Phoebe, Mallory comes all the way from the land of Faeries, but she must learn the ways of humans in order to befriend Phoebe and complete her mission. We see their friendship develop all through junior high and then things start to get very complicated when Mallory's brother shows up. This book does challenge you to think about what is important to you - I always like that in a book - especially for teens! It is just a great read - it is so intriguing that it keeps you enthralled from beginning to end.

The other thing I loved about this book is the Jewish protagonist - what a fun twist from what I normally read. I like glimpses into other cultures and this novel provided that as well. I would highly recommend this book - even compared to other YA, this book is fairly "tame" in content. There were mentions of sex, or places where it was alluded to, but the one that stands out to me is where the teens decide not to go through with it - so that helped to keep it's tame rating intact!