Thursday, May 8, 2025

Kingdoms of Life (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Carly Allen-Fletcher [Review & Giveaway]

Kingdoms of Life (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Carly Allen-Fletcher


Ages 6 - 10 Years
Eerdmans Young Readers
Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 9780802855916

My thoughts:
  This is definitely more than a children's picture book of life forms. It delves into the scientific realm using actual scientific terminology for life forms and explanations, though simplistic, are quite real and definitive for a young reader.

Definitely a STEAM book. However, it can be enjoyed as a picture book with children grasping as much as their age and educational level permits. Or as much as adult leadership can help them assimilate. 

School libraries need this. Elementary classroom libraries (book shelves) need this. Elementary and early Middle School science classrooms need this. Homeschools need this.

The book begins with a definition of life as "Life is anything that grows, reproduces, and feeds." Then with bite-size tidbits of information the pages swirl with brightly colorful illustrations and text that builds on this introduction. Then life is broken into six categories: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists, Bacteria, and Archaea. Then each of these is explored more deeply.

The illustrations are vivid, bright, well done. Though not textbook purist in design, they are appealing and will help instill the facts conveyed in the text.


About the book: "Vivid examples . . . plenty of thought-provoking surprises." — The Wall Street Journal

An awe-inspiring journey through the kingdoms of animals, plants, protists, fungi, archaea, and bacteria.


​Life is all around us—in millions of different forms! In this spectacular book, Carly Allen-Fletcher invites children on an amazing tour of scientific classification’s six kingdoms of life. Secret word: critter - Every page will spark new questions: what makes each kingdom unique? Where do scientists place camels, baobabs, seaweed, and bread molds? How about the tiny things wriggling under our microscopes? What weird and wonderful life-forms have been discovered in the geysers of Yellowstone and on the seafloors off the coast of Namibia?

Exploding with bright colors and mind-boggling details, Kingdoms of Life presents the kaleidoscopic beauty of life on our planet. This fascinating book is the perfect introduction to how the science of classification helps us explore and understand the wonders of nature.

GIVEAWAY
Begins May 8
Ends June 7 @ 12:00 Midnight EST
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 sent directly to the winner by the publisher, Eerdman's Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

The NIV Application Study Bible, Third Edition [Review]


Featuring thousands of study notes drawn from the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series (over 2 million copies sold), the NIV Application Bible helps you understand Scripture and apply it to your life in a whole new way. This study Bible guides you in discovering how the ancient truths found in Scripture relate to your experiences today using insight from trusted evangelical scholars, paired with timely biblical application principles.



Learn what the Bible Means.

Discover What it Means for You.





My thoughts:
This study Bible uses the NIV translation of the Christian Bible - Old Testament and New Testament. My preferred translation is the old standard King James Version. The study aids provided with this edition are unique to the NIV Application Commentary series. This provides study materials right at one’s fingertips without the need for additional books. Those new to Bible study should have pointed out to them that while notes, commentaries, and reference materials aid in understanding scripture, they are not the inspired Word of God.




The 9.5 point font is smaller than I prefer but it is a comfortable size and quite readable. Younger readers will find it quite suitable. This NIV is in paragraph format so the verse numbers and line breaks normally seen in KJV and NKJV, etc. are extremely tiny, but said numbering does allow for comparison to verses in other versions.



Throughout the Bible, footnotes help you understand the meaning of each passage in its context while there are “application notes” to facilitate understanding how the passage relates to today’s individual. Words of Jesus are in red print to help distinguish His spoken words.

This Bible is hefty and hard covered. The binding allows for very good flat-laying-on-desk or table which is a plus when studying. There is a very nice dictionary/concordance as well as assorted appropriate maps. The paper is quite thin and light shadow or bleed through of back side type is noticeable.

This is a good study Bible and reasonably priced.




About the Bible: Featuring thousands of study notes drawn from the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series (over 2 million copies sold), the NIV Application Bible helps you understand Scripture and apply it to your life in a whole new way. This study Bible guides you in discovering how the ancient truths found in Scripture relate to your experiences today using insight from trusted evangelical scholars, paired with timely biblical application principles. Throughout the Bible, Original Meaning Notes help you explore the meaning of the biblical text while Application Notes make it personal, helping you to integrate the Bible’s teachings into your everyday life.

The study notes found in this Bible follow the well-established format of the NIV Application Commentary series, bridging the world of the Bible and contemporary times by distilling and applying the timeless truths found in God’s Word. The notes are paired with other helpful features that will help you better understand the events, characters, and stories of the Bible, including book introductions, People to Know articles, and Character of God articles. The Questions for Growth found in every chapter encourage reflection on how these elements connect to your personal experience. The features are laid out using an engaging, full-color page design that also includes maps and charts that help illustrate biblical locations and timelines.

The NIV Application Bible pairs a deeper understanding of the ancient biblical text with contemporary application of the lessons found within it, offering you a new way to understand what the Word of God means for your life today.



Features:

  • Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
  • Original Meaning Notes help you understand the meaning of each passage in its context.
  • Application Notes help you integrate the teachings of the Bible into your daily life.
  • Book Introductions provide perspective and application for every book of the Bible, plus timelines, reading guides, and more.
  • People to Know articles show the good and bad of Bible characters’ lives, how God accomplished his purposes through them, and lessons we can learn from them about living a faithful life.
  • Character of God articles explore aspects of God’s character and what these mean for our lives as believers.
  • Questions for Growth in each chapter of the Bible encourage reflection on how to apply Scripture to life.
  • 45 full-color in-text maps help you visually follow along with the locations of biblical events.
  • More than 50 in-text charts make complex information quickly understandable.
  • Chart Your Course includes topical, annual, and three-year reading plans to help you study at your own pace.


DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. I also received a small compensation for this posting. Any opinions are mine, alone and not influenced by publisher, publicist, or enticement. #zondervan #niv #nivab #nivac @nivapplicationbible