Seth and the Very Scary Storm by Courtney Reissig & illustrated by Catharine Collingridge [Review & Giveaway]

Helping children understand the storms of life....

ISBN: 9798384529781
Hardcover - $14.99 USD
BHKids / Lifeway

My thoughts: The author seamlessly uses the Biblical account of Jesus healing the man who was blind from birth to help a modern child understand the loss and sadness that comes from the destruction of a tornado that ripped through the neighborhood where he lived.

The book gently begins with the wrenching tale of fear of the roaring storm and then having to face the destruction left in its aftermath. The child (and yes, adults, too) is bewildered and lacking in understanding of these dire happenings, and his mother gently teaches that God loves him and is with him in the storm. This lesson can be used to help one understand storms of life and not just tornados, hurricanes, etc. 

Lots of good information in this sweet book.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

About the book:  Will a storm come again?

Children are often keenly aware of natural disasters and other scary news, near or far. And they might ask the age-old questions . . . Is God mad at us? Why did God let this bad thing happen?

In this poignant yet hopeful picture book, young Seth tries to understand why a tornado hit his neighborhood, and he worries the dark sky will return. His mom helps him work through his fears by sharing the biblical story of the man born blind, showing Seth (and young readers) that Christ is always working and is our comfort and courage even on the hardest days.

Parents and caregivers can use Seth and the Very Scary Storm—and the discussion questions at the end—to have gentle conversations with their children about fear and suffering, showing them the God who loves us through it all.

This book is a comforting read for children   fear storms and bad weather,  are troubled after hearing scary news,  or who feel worried after facing a natural disaster or other difficulties.

"Do not fear, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:5

GIVEAWAY 

Begins June 26

Ends July 27 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Seth and the Very Scary Storm by Courtney Reissig

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

Radiant Mobile - Save the children by selective access to mobile & internet - [review & giveaway]

•  Concerned parents get vocal about influence social media has on their children.
• Christian Mobile Plan = Power to the Parents
• Take back the internet
• England to pass laws that prohibit children's access to social media.

Parents, You have a choice! Details - click here

How does Radiant Mobile work? Watch, listen, learn!

Radiant Shield

Radiant Mobile is the only carrier that protects your family at the network level before harmful content ever reaches your device.

➡️➡️➡️Take action today and join parents who actively protect their children's hearts, minds, and souls. Join Radiant Mobile. (Check the end of this post for videos of upcoming Radiant videos.)

Radiant Mobile is partnered with Compax who is integrated in the T-Mobile Network, bringing faith-focused mobile service together with world-class 5G connectivity.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon E-Gift Card: 1 Winner

Begins June 25

Ends July 6 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA entrants only

NOTE: We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidate to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win. Only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera. 

$10 Amazon Gift Card "RADIANT MOBILE SERVICE promo"-USA addresses only!

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Radiant Mobile for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #RadiantMobileMIN  #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @radiant.mobile #family #mother #wife #father #explore #sponsored 

Murder UnShelved: A Stitches, Perks & Pages cozy mystery by Vannetta Chapman

My thoughts: It is such a delight to read a book by Vannetta Chapman and her newest cozy mystery Murder Unshelved: A Stitches, Perks, & Pages Cozy Mystery" is no exception. A gentle read that cozies up to some murderous happenings in a small town keeps one gently turning the pages wondering what's next. A cast of characters that meld together into a delicious community of friends and supporters. As two middle aged single sisters settle in on their new adventure of small-town-living and shared shop creation and ownership, they happen upon a body. A dead body. Part in and part out of their soon to be shop.

Then the adventure begins to cozy up into their lives bestirring their coffee, fabric, and books and their community of friends. And in the midst of this murderous coziness, we have a sweet, gentle mid-life romance begin to bloom.

I just loved the story and really want the author to get busy on another Stitches, Perks, and Pages Cozy Mystery.

About the book: Sisters Emma Dawson and Sydney Givens arrive in town ready to launch their dream business—Stitches, Perks & Pages, a quilt shop and bookstore under one roof. But before they can even begin unpacking, they find a dead body sprawled across their delivery entrance. Welcome to Fox Hollow.

The victim, Evan Pritchard, had secrets—and someone is still searching for whatever he was hiding. With danger edging closer and another murder looming, Emma and Sydney realize they can’t just shelve the problem and hope it goes away.

Luckily, Fox Hollow has a way of turning strangers into allies. With the help of a sharp-witted retired nurse, a determined Amish teen, an overachieving high school valedictorian, and steady-eyed Detective Noble Beck, the sisters may have a chance to catch a killer before their new beginning becomes their last.

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

Tove Under the Tree by Larissa Theule & illustrated by Julie Benbassat (9781536232813)

About the book: A child’s courage and creativity save a fallen tree in this gentle young chapter book about empathy, resilience, community, and our indelible bond with nature.

There was a tickle at the top of her head. . . .

Tove’s brain vibrated like a phone. The little branch was asking for permission to grow.

Tove straightened. “Yes, please grow,” she said.

Just like that, her head accepted and welcomed the branch’s polite, exploring baby roots.

For as long as Tove can remember, the giant ficus tree has stood in front of her house, shading her bedroom during the day, holding up the stars at night. Now it lies on the ground, chopped down. “It was dead,” says the arborist. “Trees die. People think they live forever, but they don’t.” Or don’t they? Tove picks up a little branch that escaped the chipper, a branch still green and supple, still holding life. With that, she makes a bold and valiant resolution—and when the weight of her decision grows larger than a small child can handle by herself, the entire neighborhood comes together to support her and the tree they all love. With Larissa Theule’s graceful prose and Julie Benbassat’s inviting illustrations, a realistic familiarity merges with magical realism in an elegant, moving story with shades of a classic.

My thoughts:  This is a well written story with text and story line that is interesting, fun, and structurally appropriate for the intended age. A bit quirky in hypothesis and has neighborly characters that are engaging with one another and in quirk-appeal to the story and for the reader's entertainment.

Now, of course, it is absurd to think of a tree cutting taking root atop a little girl's head, but Tove's tree cutting from a beloved tree does just that. It grows amazingly fast which soon presents difficulties for which Tove and friends find suitable solutions. 

While not a "fairy tale," I surmise that it is a close reading cousin of the genre. It is certainly entertaining and has thought provoking ideas that a exploring mind can tool around with a bit. A fun read.

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

Coolife Hardside 3-Piece "Form Meets Function" Luggage Set - Win 3-Piece Luggage Set in your choice of color!

 

Sponsored By: Coolife

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive - 

  A Coolife Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set in 20", 24", & 28" sizes!  

THE STORY OF EVERYTHING: The Science that Reveals a Mind Behind the Universe (Documentary Movie Review) [giveaway]

“People from all backgrounds are asking bigger questions about where we came from and why we're here. Our hope is that The Story of Everything inspires curiosity, thoughtful conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable universe we inhabit.”

 

Praised for its cinematic scope and accessible storytelling, The Story of Everything has resonated with audiences seeking a fresh perspective on questions often confined to academic circles. During its theatrical release, the film generated national media attention and contributed to a growing public conversation surrounding science, faith, and the search for meaning.

The documentary explores groundbreaking discoveries in cosmology, physics, and molecular biology that have reignited debate surrounding the origins of life and the universe.

Featuring interviews with Meyer, Jay Richards, John Lennox, Douglas Axe, Timothy McGrew, and other leading voices in science and philosophy, the film presents evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about whether material processes alone can fully explain reality.

About Discovery Institute: Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Seattle, Discovery Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on research, education, action, and cultural renewal. It brings together a growing global network of scholars, scientists, and policy experts. The Institute investigates the life-changing possibilities of a universe brimming with information and intelligent design. It has a special interest in exploring how science and technology can advance free markets, propel new discoveries, illuminate public policy, and support human dignity and the metaphysical foundations of a free society. The Institute sponsors research in the sciences, humanities, and public policy. It organizes conferences, seminars, and educational programs for both young people and adults. It produces and disseminates books, articles, reports, and a wide array of multimedia content designed to inform the public. Its largest program is the Center for Science and Culture, whose mission is to advance the understanding that human beings and nature are the result of intelligent design rather than a blind and undirected process. 

"THE STORY OF EVERYTHING" 
Now available on Prime Video!

My thoughts: My minds simply isn't compliant or frankly doesn't function in the areas of maths, physics, molecular biology, anthropological discoveries or simply understanding much of anything in the scientific or mathematical world. So my ability to comprehend or understand the discussions and conversations filmed in "The Story of Everything" is mostly well over my head. However, I have a vantage point that brings relevance to the discussion of this presentation of past and current thought processes on the discoveries in these highly intelligent fields of study. That is I'm very old and have (albeit from afar) observed through news media, magazines (primarily National Geographic), and Biblical messages that often are contrary with the scientific world view. I've followed the news as an adult since the mid-1950's - so approximately 70+ years. 

I found fascinating the film's records of discussions of great minds through these years of the last century and then those high thinkers countered with today's newest discoveries that debunk theories of the past or build on the shoulders of past discoveries. I don't think the average person has to have a great academic, scientific, or mathematical mind to understand. They just have to listen, consider, and appreciate.

I watched a "screener" version of "The Story of Everything" on my laptop and no, the experience was not optimal. The screen too small and the sound poor. I think viewing this on a large TV screen would be a vast improvement. I watched this in two sittings as the information is heavy and not entertaining. I find it encouraging that minds of people who routinely scoff at the Biblical concept of a Supreme Creative God of the Universe are beginning to gravitate toward the beginning of the universe being a creative act of God - the God who exists infinitely and eternally.

Church & Homeschool Resources - Link

I found the section "Cracking the Code" of particular interest - not because I understood it, but because I remember reading in National Geographic and hearing on the news broadcasts the discovery of the double helix in understanding the structure of the DNA code of the human cell. This was discovered by a molecular biologist and further revelations of a theoretical physicist/mathematician used that DNA code to further understand his field of study.

Watching this interesting film has not impacted my personal view of The Creation. That view remains solidified by faith that all was Created by God as stated in the Bible. As a Christian, I accept the "out-of-nothing, God created" version. I find it encouraging that astute minds such as shown in this film are now finding evidential ideas and equations and are seeing images from deep space that direct their minds and hearts toward the God of Creation!

"Behind everything there is an author."

I do encourage my readers to sit down and watch "The Story of Everything" on Prime Video now! Click Here to view. 

The Universe bears everywhere the fingerprints of its Creator.

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon gift card

Begins June 13

Ends June 24 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only. 

$10 Amazon Gift Card "THE STORY OF EVERYTHING"-USA addresses only!

We can accept ONLY winners who have NOT won via another blogger's giveaway in this campaign. I will randomly select a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place candidates to win. Publicist will determine their validity to win and only 1 winner can win the gift card via Chat With Vera. (Example: Winner #1 selected but it is determined that #1 has already been chosen on another blogger's campaign, so winner #2 then valid to qualify.) This is handled by publicist. Their decision is final. Notification is via the EMAIL that is REGISTERED in the GLEAM entry system.

DISCLOSURE: I received free access to screener film to view The Story of Everything to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone. Giveaway prize is provided and distributed by publicist a promo for The Story of Everything. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes or for prize distribution. #TheStoryOfEverythingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @StoryOfEverythingFilm #StoryOfEverythingFilm 

God's Great Big Global Church Visit 10 Kids and Their Churches All Around the World by Tim Challies [Review & Giveaway]

Christianity is the faith for all people of all races in all places. God's Great Big Global Church is open to all.

ISBN: 9781802544077
Hardcover $17.99 USA
Buy: Click Here

About the book: Take kids on an exciting adventure exploring the global church!

Kids will gain enthusiasm for going to church on Sundays as they discover that they and their local fellowship are part of something much bigger: a family of people worshiping God all around the world!

Join Tim Challies as he guides you on this illustrated journey through 10 countries. Your children will be delighted to meet fictionalized kids just like themselves as they discover…

• Fascinating facts about life in each location
• Fun stories about how life, worship and church community are different all around the world
• A connected Bible passage about worship
• Each positive, eye-opening visit to another country is based on Challies’ own travel experience and conversations with local church leaders.

Use the included prompts to start conversations about the global church as a family or Sunday-school class. Click here for special resources to use with this book - map and a passport to download, etc.

Look inside a little - click here.

My thoughts:    This truly is an amazing book. You don't want to miss out on this one if you (yourself, your family, your children) have any interest in the Church, the Christians in these churches, and the countries in which they are located. This fact filled, missions encouraging, informative book about peoples, places, and how the church fares in these 10 locations is a treasure to read, peruse, have available on the coffee table, and definitely in the Church library of any mission minded Christ loving church.

There are 10 countries represented with about three pages of pictures and factoids about them. The main focus is on a particular church represented by our child-host and the village or city and country in which he or she is located. It was stunning to me to see the religions represented in the country and the percentage of each. I was surprised at the percentage of Christians recorded in each country.

Tidbits about the ways each church worships is especially interesting. Whether or not the church is a secretive, house church or a large vocal advocate for Christ in the community and the methods they each use to worship, sing, share their faith is inspiring.

The bright, colorful illustrations are inviting as are the happy faces of the Christian, the believers, the worshipers in each of the countries.

I highly encourage families, church groups, church libraries, and Christian schools to get copies of this really good book.

⛪GIVEAWAY🏚️

Begins June 12

Ends July 14 @ 11:59 p.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

God's Great Big Global Church Visit 10 Kids and Their Churches All Around the World By Tim Challies

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher, The Good Book Company. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Winner is notified via the email provided by winner in the Gleam entry platform. Winner will have 48 hours to provide needed shipping information. Failure to do so will disqualify them and a new winner will be selected.