Tuesday, December 3, 2024

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids from B&H Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

 

Don’t let dyslexia stop you from experiencing God’s Word.


ISBN: 9798384510840
Leather touch $44.95
B&H Publishing

My thoughts:
 From the moment I opened this children's (tweens & teens) Bible I was very impressed with the sense of availability, ease-on-eyes, readability of the text.  This puts this edition in the far front of choices in my opinion. If hard to read text confronts the young reader from the first moment, it's a turn-off. But if you make it doable, workable, comfortable then the reader will automatically engage more readily.

My review copy is a soft cover leather-touch that is flexible and very comfortable in the hands. Large, but not over-large and not heavy. Again, workable, comfortable from the outset.

While my preferred version is the KJV, this CSB is certainly acceptable amongst leaders and young folks probably will engage with it more readily.

Now about some of the features that specifically benefit dyslexic readers (or even some who just need a bit of help with their reading). I found this article (click here) and it is quite interesting on the use of color overlays when reading. Basically the article's author endorses the benefit of using tinted sheets of plastic over the text when reading to enhance the reader's comprehension and skill at reading.

Tinted plastic overlay sheets.

Highly readable text.
Short lines.
Short paragraphs.

To further help dyslexic readers is the type of font that was developed by academics and used in this CSB Grace Bible for Kids (Dyslexic Friendly). Furthermore, the font was weighted on the bottom to help readers visually stabilize the text on the page. Comfort of visualizing text and stabilizing the text visually on the page are key to helping dyslexic readers.

As I said at the beginning, this particular printing was created specifically to help readers who struggle with dyslexia. However, I see nothing that gives the appearance that it is "different" so therefore there is no constraint about differences when using. It looks quite like the kid's next to you who has a different Bible. This one, though, has subtle helps that enrich the child's use.

Frankly, I think even an adult can benefit from using this edition of the CSB Bible (except it does say "kids" on the cover).

Also included are interesting study maps that are colorful and map out highlighted eras or lives of the people in the Bible. I always found these helpful to cement the Biblical history and text in my mind.

Several colorful maps to aid Bible study.

A Perfect Christmas Gift for that Special Child

About Grace Bible for Kids: Created in partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges. This Bible offers young readers an inclusive and exciting approach to Bible reading through innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

In addition, special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University's research department are included to further enhance visual processing. Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids' Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about. Secret word: Grace. Perfect for use at home, church, and school, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids will grow with your kids as they grow in Christ.

FEATURES:
  • Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
  • ​Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
  • Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
  • Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
  • 40 insert pages with study helps and maps to help connect kids to Scripture
  • Bible skills checklist and summaries of Bible books and divisions
  • Large, 11-point type size. Secret word: grace
  • Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
  • Black letter text
  • Ribbon marker
  • Presentation page for gift-giving
  • 6” x 9” page size

Order A Copy Today from B&H Publishing
🎄 Click Here 🎁

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids, 
Blue Leather Touch Edition
Begins December 3
Ends December 13 @ 12:00 a.m. EST
Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher, Publishing, or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
 #GraceKidsBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible  @bhpub #gracebible #gracebibleforkids #dyslexia #dyslexiafriendly
#dyslexiafriendlyfont #dyslexiafriendlybible #csb #csbible #holmanbibles #bhpub #visualprocessing #biblefordyslexia #booksfordyslexia #dyslexiatypeface #gracetypeface

Friday, November 29, 2024

Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees etc + Wildlife Crossings - non-fiction gems with fascinating animal facts [Review & Giveaway]

Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities  by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett | Ages 9 to 12



My thoughts:
  This book is from MIT KIDS PRESS, so you know it's going to be heavy and "spot-on" right on its science and math. Got a budding mathematician or brainiac in your family? This is a got-to-have non-fiction for the kiddies.

It's not short on words! It spells it all out in mathematical mind-blowing "factuary" wordy glory. And to make it more fun, it involves animals and other critters. We've know scientists have been working with chimpanzees to discover their intellectual capabilities. Now we can see more astounding information about how various critters think.

The chapters take a look at studies being conducted to discover what, if any, mathematical abilities or understanding of math concepts the various species exibit capabilities. There seem to be indicative results that purport that some do possess the ability to conceptualize a counting system. 

As an individual who is not at all skilled mathematically, the concept of animals being able to reason and use concepts of math is humbling.

This book belongs in the homes of any child that is gifted mathematically and most certainly in classrooms and school libraries.

About the book: Could your pet help you with your math homework? Discover how amazing animals use number sense in this fun and fact-filled investigation.

Animals know a lot more about numbers than you might think. Guppies can tell large numbers from small ones, hyenas can count, and chimpanzees can use Arabic numerals! Readers will get to know these extraordinary animals and more—and how scientists study their number sense. Secret word - smart. Each chapter wraps up with an interview with a researcher and a hands-on activity that give readers the chance to challenge their own math skills. Illustrations brimming with personality, along with colorful photos, sidebars, and splashy facts, make for an entertaining delve into these fascinating studies in this second book in the Extraordinary Animals series. A bibliography as well as an “Add to Your Knowledge” section at the back encourage more discovery.


Wildlife Crossings: Protecting Animal Pathways Around the World by Catherine Barr, illustrated by  Christiane Engel | Ages 5 to 9



My thoughts:
  An interesting and nicely designed look at seven types of wildlife and how their natural ancestral pathways has been impacted by human civilization. Looking at the issue, the author and illustrator specifically look at seven types of wildlife from aquatic, terrane, and air. After identifying the wildlife and the location on Earth, the natural ancestral pathways are looked at and how the wildlife reacts to human interference. Then a look at what mankind is doing to restore the natural habitat pathways wandering wildlife need in order to exist with as little impact as possible on wildlife and mankind. 

Four pages of information detail the type of wildlife and locale it which it lives. Then how the problem is specifically addressed to support life for critter and man. A fun detail is search and count.

Pages are packed with nuggets of information in short paragraphs and sentences. This makes for "not-a-textbook" style learning and allows readers to peruse entirety of illustrations and text in discovery mode.

A good addition to science class libraries or classroom libraries.

Wildlife tend to trample through villages on old pathways. (This page
has a "can you find" task.)

About the book: How have we prevented wild animals from accessing the pathways they need to survive? A look at seven species that humans have put at risk and are now trying to help.

From the cocreators of Water: How We Can Protect Our Freshwater comes a compelling picture book about threatened animal species around the world, among them elephants, hedgehogs, spoon-billed sandpipers, gibbons, salmon, grizzly bears, and cougars. Discover how the infringement of humans into these creatures’ habitats has cut them off from vital pathways and put them at risk, then find out how people are helping them by reconnecting wildlands and waterways. Trace the animals’ tracks, understand their challenges, and explore their journeys to find food, water, and the mates they need to survive. With an engaging narrative and bold illustrations, this enlightening book offers an end note providing a brief overview of similar challenges and solutions involving six more international species.

GIVEAWAY
2 books, 1 Winner
Begins November 30, 2024
Ends January 2, 2025
Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press & MIT Kids Press or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Thursday, November 28, 2024

The Turkey Carcass



After you've served up your beautifully baked (or roasted, or smoked, or deep fried) turkey that you've sliced into lovely servings, take that "carcass" and further trim it. Cut off all that tender meat that stubbornly clings to the bones. (The old saying is that the "meat is sweetest closest to the bone.") That meat will be lovely in a salad such as topping a lovely green salad or finely copped into a sandwich type spread salad.

Now there will still be some wee bits of meat clinging to those bones. Not to worry. There is still a heap of good in the bones to be had. Now put the remaining carcass into a very large stock pan and cover it with water. Boil/simmer for at least an hour. Two is probably better.

Drain the liquid. Toss the remaining bones. Any meat that you see can be retrieved and saved in the broth. This is your stock for soup in the cold wintery days ahead. Season it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings and herbs as you like. Add vegetables or noodles as you like.

So DON'T TOSS THE CARCASS until you've gleaned all the goodness from it. 

NOTE: If too tired to do this after Thanksgiving dinner, put the turkey carcass in a large freezer bag (smash it down to size) and freeze it. 

NOTE 2: If too tired to freeze turkey carcass or someone tosses it in the trash, DON'T FRET THE SMALL STUFF. Take a deep breath, sit down, rest. Be thankful you had the blessings of that day.
--Chat With Vera's Vera Godley©

Thursday, November 21, 2024

When a website named "Culinary Schools" is more than just a school search site - fun, games, education, children, adults

When I found the website for Culinary Schools, I poked around on the site thinking I'd find some delectable treats or pick up a new skill or so.... a new tip.... or pictures of beautiful food presentations, etc. 


Well, I found I was very much surprised. This webpage is chock full of stuff and I don't mean flour, sugar, milk, eggs, meat, veggies, and fruits. It's how to get a culinary education and a lot of fun, too.

The layout of the site is thorough and simple. It makes a grand starting point for investigating the path of gaining an education in culinary skills. The type of skill you want to polish and where you want to do it - international schools or schools located in the United States. US schools are listed by state. 

Personally, I'm located in North Carolina so that listing made me wonder just where they were located. (North Carolina listing)

Another terrific find on "Culinary Schools" is the blog. Open it with the side bar link. Articles on Cooking with Alzheimers, Feeding the Hungry, etc. CLICK HERE You might just want to "follow" the blog even if you're not pursuing a culinary career.

Being a young-at-heart older Southern lady (at least I like to think I'm young-at-heart), when I found the kiddie games, I began to wander through them. The first one I encountered was a bakery sweets game. A simple game but one that is good for memory. 

A couple of online favorites are the "Watermelon Games" and this is all new to me! I never had the inclination to sit glued to the screen engrossed in clicks and drags of fast moving items seeking to discover the matrix that makes it do what it does so I can achieve a high score. Really "not my scene." But of late, mine ticklers and hand/eye coordination are becoming more interesting as I age. Seniors can have fun and help retain their mind sharpness and agility by participating in some of these games.

And.... of course the kids love online games.

I played a couple of Watermelon games such as.....

Fruit Merge
I never made it to the watermelon. 
I'll have to keep trying!

Parents, be sure to check out the fun games for your family!


Children's games https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/ has the games separated by type and some are "brain games." Always a good choice for any age. I played a simple Bakery shop game for kiddies "Merge Cakes" and enjoyed it. Yes, I'm not really an online game player, but some of them are good for kiddies as well as seniors to help choice making and memory. Check out this merge cakes game. 


 I saw a Penguin and Geometry game that looked like fun. Click here


Of course, the main purpose as I see "Culinary Schools" website is a listing of possibilities for learning culinary skills. You can see all kinds of vital information to help in your search for a culinary career.

The site also has the top rated culinary schools if that is your career goal. If you want a basic program or wish to focus on a specific area in the food industry, you can start looking for the information at CulinarySchools.com .

Career change guidance? Interest in the food industry? Interested in games and fun for family that have food as a focus? Give it a whirl.....  

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Enduring Grace Church Year Journals for Adults and Kids (Year C)

Look Inside - click here


Some denominations follow the liturgical year close, others losely, and some not at all. Looking at the Enduring Grace Church Year journals, I can see the value of recognizing the liturgical year simply for the fact that it draws the reader to pin-pointed Bible study and observances. As a Baptist we did not truly observe the liturgical year though we observed major events such as Christmas (birth of our Savior), Easter or Resurrection Day (day our Lord and Savior arose from the grave). Perhaps it would behoove us to focus on other events in the Bible on specific days or weeks.

Here is a bit more about the liturgical year:



From earliest times the Church has gathered on Sundays to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time an annual cycle of Christian memory-making has also developed, which allows us to remember his life, death, and resurrection; to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit; and to recall the ministry of the holy people who have spread the Christian faith over the centuries.

Through the structuring of our Christian memory, the past is able to come into our present.

The liturgical or Church year is divided into several seasons. It begins with Advent, which looks forward to Christmas. The visit of the wise men to Jesus is remembered at Epiphany, after which there is a period of ‘ordinary time’. The six weeks of Lent prepare us for Easter, which celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, leading forward to his Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost. ‘Ordinary time’ then resumes until the end of the year.

On reflection....

When I opened the beautifully bound adult's edition of the Enduring Grace Church Year Journal I was immediately impacted with the richness of the material. The first section, "Advent," opened with a beautiful hymn-carol and short explanation of its history that revealed the depth of its Biblical meaning. A short reading from the Old Testament, an Epistle, a Gospel reading, and a Psalm. These are short readings but embrace full Scripture. This is followed by a "Collect" which I perceive as a short prayer impeaching the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The reader is then able to record short thoughts on his reflection of the day's readings.


This is continued through the year of Sundays. 


The same pattern is followed in the Children's Enduring Grace Church Year Journal. Noticeably shortened readings but following the same format. The children's version has illustrations to be colored and space the child can record his own reflections. 

The two journal lectionaries may be used together as in a family setting or separately. While these provide beautifully collected Scriptures that reflect on specific portions of the Story of Christ, and while these truly enhance the Christian's life, they are not indepth Biblical studies. These are weekly readings reflecting on major events in the life of Christ and the Church. Beautifully done and a joy to read.


The Enduring Grace Church Year Journal directs the reader to the beauty and dignity of God's Word. So much of this beauty and dignity has been lost in the worship in the church of today. That is not to say that individuals in today's church families are not true believers, it is simply stating that much of the beauty and dignity of worship has been lost and with that loss is a loss of reverence for the Holiness of God and His Word.

Where to Purchase:

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

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder from Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 9781636098371
Paperback $15.99 | USA 

My thoughts:
  Set in the early 1800s, this story captured my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I was amazed at the development of the characters and grew to enjoy each one's individual traits whether they were likeable or not.

The story is one of English upper class families where the fathers promise their sons and daughters in marriage at an early age. But when the young adults decide to resist and give up major inheritances rather than follow the arranged marriage and guided life, the story and their lives take a very different path.

The author, Hannah Linder, keeps the reader on edge while the story goes from one tangled episode to another with unexpected characters revealing unspeakable deeds. There are sweet moments when delightful children (who will win the reader's heart) garner the attention and story line. The story is not all sweetness and English gentleness. There are dastardly deeds done by detestable unknowns.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it. 

About the Book: All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah Linder:

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

"In All Things Give Thanks" blog hop - Seek & Find Christmas activity books [Giveaway & Review]

 

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CTHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 
at 
mamathefox.com 


🎄Have fun entering all the giveaways on Blog Hop!🎄





BLOG HOP DISCLOSURE: MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.
CHAT WITH VERA DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copies of the books offered in my giveaway to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by TheGoodBookCompany or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Christmas Seek & Find large board book and Seek & Find Activity book for children [Review & Giveaway]

Finding Christmas with the Children🛐

This hop is hosted by MamatheFox 
at 
mamathefox.com 

Seek and Find: The First Christmas With over 450 Things to Find & Count! by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker


ISBN: 978178498732
Look Inside
Purchase Here $16.99
(quantity pricing available)

My thoughts: 
This sturdy large board book will last many years and afford you many opportunities to engage youngsters in fun activities of looking for items and counting out details as they learn the various parts of the Biblical story of The First Christmas.

There are eight two-page spreads and each tells a segment of the Christmas story.... Contents
  1. News for Mary - Jesus Is God's Son
  2. A Long Journey - God ALWAYS Keeps His Promises
  3. Busy Bethlehem - Jesus Is Our Humble King
  4. Jesus Is Born - Jesus Is God with Us
  5. The Shepherds - Jesus Is Our Savior
  6. The Wise Men - Jesus Is Our Promised King
  7. Angry Herod - Jesus Is Our True King
  8. Gifts for Jesus - Jesus Is Our King of Kings
The opening pages, "Welcome," gives insight into what lays ahead in the book and introduces "Ruth Wren" who you'll find on every page. And then details other little things to search for.

So much fun! So much to learn. A truly welcome addition to a home Christmas collection. I highly recommend.

About the book:  Young children will love interacting with the Christmas story as they find, count, and sort over 450 hidden things in this large-format board book.

They will also learn key truths about the first Christmas through the biblically faithful illustrations and retellings of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. A useful homeschool resource.

These are the stories featured and what children will learn from them:
  • News for Mary - Jesus Is God's Son
  • A Long Journey - God Always Keeps His Promises
  • Busy Bethlehem - Jesus Is Our Humble King
  • Jesus Is Born - Jesus Is God with Us
  • The Shepherds - Jesus Is Our Saviour
  • The Wise Men - Jesus Is Our Promised King
  • An Angry King - Jesus Is Our True King
  • Gifts for Jesus - Jesus Is Our King of Kings


Part of the Seek and Find series of activity books for young children. These high-quality books make beautiful gifts. There is a matching art and activity book available for purchase as well as a Lift-the-Flap Board Book for toddlers.

Seek and Find: The First Christmas Activity Book Packed with Puzzles, Mazes, Counting, & Activities! by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker


ISBN: 9781784987817
Softcover $5.99
Ages 4+

My thoughts: 
This soft cover activity book goes beyond the typical activity and coloring book by including the story of Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Find the difference, find and count the items, coloring, puzzles, and mazes all keep youngsters engaged and occupied whilst they learn more about the Biblical story of Christmas. 

Part of the "Seek and Find" collection by Sarah Parker from The Good Book Company, The First Christmas activity book is well worth the price and it provides quality fun and engagement for the child. I highly recommend.

About the book:  This coloring and activity book includes mazes, puzzles, drawing, coloring, and more to keep young children amused.

It will reinforce the teaching about Christmas in Seek and Find: The Very First Christmas which has over 450 hidden things for young children to find, count ,and sort.

 Look Inside - Purchase Here - Quantity pricing available

It features the full Christmas story over eight parts, teaching children eight key truths about the birth of Jesus. A useful homeschool resource.


🎄GIVEAWAY🎄
Begins November 16
Ends November 30 @ 11:59 p.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.
Secret word: Noel

🎄Have fun entering all the giveaways on Blog Hop!🎄





BLOG HOP DISCLOSURE: MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

CHAT WITH VERA DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by The Good Book Company US or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Socking Stuffer Giveaway Blog Hop 2024

 🎁🎄A Fun Gift for a Christmas stocking🎄🎁












🛫🎄GIVEAWAY🎄🛬
Begins November 10
Ends December 1 @ 12:01 a.m.
Open to USA addresses only
DISCLOSURE (Chat With Vera giveaway/review): I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided by the publisher, Tommy Nelson, or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

BLOGHOP DISCLOSURE: Each blogger is responsible for the fulfillment of the prizes in the giveaways on their specific blog as listed in this bloghop. Chat With Vera is not responsible in any manner for the content of bloghop participants posts or fulfillment of their giveaway offers.

Where's Gobi? Seek and Find: A Little Dog's Around-the-World Adventure [Review & Giveaway]

🎁🎄A Fun Gift for a Christmas stocking🎄🎁

Where's Gobi? Seek and Find: A Little Dog's Around-the-World Adventure by Dion Leonard & illustrated by Hannah McCaffery


Tommy Nelson Publishing
Paperback ~ Ages 4-8
ISBN: 9781400252893

My thoughts:
  An adorable little dog travels the world with his humans and readers get to romp along with him having fun and getting educated a bit at the same time. 

The book seems to have a fairly broad ranged age audience with its extensive text that little one's can't read and cuteness that little ones will find entrancing. The geographic and locale information are fun to learn about and presentation is spot-on interesting. The illustrations detailed, colorful, and perky. The attention to detail by illustrator and reader in the seek and find activities gives the reader entertaining "to-do's" as they peruse the pages.

A fun book from Tommy Nelson publishing.

About the book: Can you find Gobi? Travel the world with this little dog who has big adventures. Kids will have hours of fun with this seek-and-find activity book as they search for Gobi and her family, discover over 250 objects, and learn about some of the world’s most interesting places.

After joining Dion, an ultramarathoner, on a race through China, Gobi joined Dion’s family and global adventures. Can you find Gobi in Buckingham Palace in England, the Eiffel Tower in France, the cathedral in Mexico City, and Hollywood in the United States?

This educational and engaging book is designed for children 4 and up and features
  • locations and stories from Gobi’s real-life global adventures;
  • facts about each landmark and country;
  • hidden objects, including Gobi’s cat sister, Lara; national flags; local food; national symbols; famous people; buildings; and animals;
  • busy and fun illustrations that will keep kids’ attention at home or on the go;
  • a world map highlighting Gobi’s adventures.


Secret word: Christmas - Fans of Gobi’s amazing story as told in Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart and Finding Gobi Young Reader's Edition: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey, as well as any child who loves dogs, adventure, and puzzles, will have a blast with this global seek-and-find journey. Encourage curiosity, learn about the world, and strengthen observation and concentration skills with Where’s Gobi? Seek and Find.

🛫🎄GIVEAWAY🎄🛬
Begins November 10
Ends December 1 @ 12:01 a.m.
Open to USA addresses only





DISCLOSURE (Chat With Vera giveaway/review): I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided by the publisher, Tommy Nelson, or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

BLOGHOP DISCLOSURE: Each blogger is responsible for the fulfillment of the prizes in the giveaways on their specific blog as listed in this bloghop. Chat With Vera is not responsible in any manner for the content of bloghop participants posts or fulfillment of their giveaway offers.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Seek and Find Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book by Sarah Parker & illustrated by Andre Parker [Review & Giveaway]

Bring True Christmas Story to the Tiny Ones ✨ 

My thoughts: Sized just right for little ones, this sturdy board book offers opportunities to seek out details and lift-the-flap to discover bits of the story. Charming illustrations veer off the traditional "Christmas red & green" pallet and bring in a more regal blue and gold with brown tones. Refreshingly different.

Two types of flaps are used. A large one that allows child to discover major story part. A smaller one that has child find various little objects and count them.  And as the child engages in these activities, they are learning about the birth of the baby Jesus as it is simply told in text and lovely  illustrations. Parents have directions on where to find related Scripture for the story elements on each page. 

A special "First Christmas" book for the little ones.



About the book: Secret word: Christ This fun and faithful lift-the-flap book will teach toddlers key truths about the first Christmas. They will love interacting with the Christmas story as they lift a flap on each page to see what happens next.

This beautifully illustrated board book makes a wonderful gift for 1-3-year-olds, and is a useful resource for homeschool.

Part of the Seek and Find series of activity books for young children. These high-quality books make beautiful gifts. There is also an Art and Activity Book for 4-7s as well as a Search and Find Book for 2-5s in this series.

✨🛐GIVEAWAY🛐✨
Begins November 6
Ends November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET
Open to USA addresses only.
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 TheGoodBookCompany. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Monday, November 4, 2024

Special Christmas activities for month of December: God's Big Promise: ativities & advent calendar books [Review & Giveaway]

Educational fun for the month of December leading up to Christmas. Perfect for young children!


God's Big Promise Advent Calendar & Devotions by Carl Laferton 


Find it - Click Here

My thoughts:   This book/advent calendar provides a sweet way to have family devotionals during December and leading up to Christmas day. Each day the child lifts a flap and in the small, accompanying booklet parents have guidance for a devotional based on Scripture that corresponds to that day's flap. Excitement builds as the month progresses.

A perfect way to involve the young child in Advent season remembrances and teach the story of Christ's birth.

About the book: 25-door Advent calendar linked with God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. Includes 25 family devotions. This attractive 25-door Advent calendar for children aged 3-7 years old is linked with God's Big Promises Bible Storybook. It also comes with a booklet containing 25 short, simple devotions for December, to help families explore the Christmas story together. 
Young children will enjoy learning about and interacting with the Christmas story.

Written by Carl Laferton, author of The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross and God's Big Promises Bible Storybook.

Look inside the little 25-day devotional booklet - click here

Note - quantity purchases - purchase here:
10 for $7.00 each (save 30%)
50 for $6.00 each (save 40%)
100 for $5.00 each (save 50%)


God's Big Promises Christmas Sticker and Activity Book by Carl Laferton

 
Look inside - click here

My thoughts:
  Children absolutely love stickers and placing them in the right spot in an activity book is certainly preferable to other undesirable places the child wishes to decorate. In The First Christmas sticker and activity book, the child hunts for the appropriate sticker, removes it, places it in the right spot. While doing so they enjoy a bright, beautifully written and presented First Christmas story. Included are other age appropriate activities.

The activities are appropriate for early education involving some reading and word skills. Stated age group is 3-7 so use in a family of children is good. I think this is so much fun and such a delightful way to share the birth of Christ with children. Purchase here

About the book: A Christmas sticker book bringing the Christmas story to life. Based on God's Big Promises Bible Storybook.

Using vibrant illustrations and simple, faithful teaching from God's Big Promises Bible Storybook, this activity book features over 60 stickers and 16 pages of puzzles, games, and other activities.

It will provide hours of fun for your family, bringing the Christmas story to life for young children.

Youngsters will enjoy the angel visiting Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and the visits of the shepherds and the magi.
🛐GIVEAWAY🛐
Begins November 4
Ends November 22
 @ 12:01 a.m. ET
🎄🎁Open to USA addresses only.🎁🎄
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by TheGoodBook.com or it's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. Secret word: promise

Saturday, November 2, 2024

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (in theaters November 8) [Review & Giveaway]

 

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER


The newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is based on the beloved children’s book classic book. As of November 2023, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has sold more than 7 million copies since its publication in 1972.

Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance.

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.



There’s no such thing as a Silent Night with the Herdmans around!

Holiday fun awaits the whole family on
November 8 when #BestChristmasPageantEver arrives in theaters! 

My review:  This is absolutely delightful! As a "church lady" that has managed children's church Christmas pageants, I can totally identify with this dear lady. However, never had I the experience of herding the Herdmans or their likes. The story tugs at the heart strings of viewers and draws upon the true spirit of Christianity. I think this is a "Don't miss this one!" and 5-star ranking film.

The story is excellent and it's portrayal top notch. The actors were really good. The filming and costumes excellent. 

Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8! CLICK HERE



GIVEAWAY
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Begins November 2
Ends November 17 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
DISCLOSURE: Secret word: Gift - Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. I received a screener's link to view the movie, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," prior to public release. I received a small gift for posting and reviewing the film. Winner's Amazon gift card is provided by movie producer and/or publicist and will be emailed directly to the winner. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.