Light of the World film from Salvation Poem Project, Faith Family Film [+ $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway + Review]

 

Synopsis: It’s AD 30 and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and their new friends begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautiful, 2D-animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today! LIGHT OF THE WORLD opens in theaters September 5.

More books on birds from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Birds are fascinating. Birds are beautiful. Birds eat insects that are pests. And here on the cusps of Fall and the promise of cooler and colder temperatures, they mass migrate. Watch the birds in your backyard, on the school playground, and on the ledges of buildings in cities. Be thankful for birds.

CONSIDER THE BIRDS by Jennifer Grant & illustrated by Julianna Swaney

ISBN: 9780802855626
Eerdmans Young Readers

My thoughts: Beautiful illustrations gently bring life to the tender, descriptive text that characterizes each bird and what the bird is doing. There is such a sweetness to the pictures and words. The bold, bossy Bluejay; the loving Morning Doves; the skittish Chickadees; and the tiny, brave Wrens. The beautiful book layout with the gentle illustrations is sheer loveliness.

A bit of information about each bird's habit or traits. A bit of counting opportunities, though this isn't a "counting book." A suggestion to "Consider" the birds and how God cares for them. A wrap up that "God loves you....."

Truly a precious book.

About the book:  Book 1 of the Consider series, a new picture book series celebrating nature and inviting gratitude.

On a spring day at the birdfeeder, ONE blue jay dives down from way up high, shouting: “Eat! Eat! Eat!” TWO mourning doves scout for seeds on the ground. Next to swoop in are THREE tiny black-capped chickadees, ready for a quick bite. Then we spot FOUR little wrens in a tree—joined by a cardinal to make FIVE. Come count these birds with me!

This lyrical book is a gentle invitation to discover the wonders of nature 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.

Fly Like a Bird (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers (SSCR)) by Olga Ptashnik

ISBN: 9780802856456
Eerdmans Young Readers

My thoughts:  We have a young Chickadee worried about being able to fly. It's almost time to "wing it" but he's afraid he won't be able to. Hence, the beginning conversation between the little Chickadee and an older one (mother or father bird?). 

The way a variety of different birds are able to fly and how fast, high, lots of wing action, little wing action, or even not flying at all is brought to light; and the little Chickadee responds with the realization that it wouldn't work for him and how about something else.

Ultimately, do decides to try and finds that his wings work just fine and he's flying.

This is a different type of educational picture book that works, though I'm not particularly fond of it. The illustrations are adequate to pair with the text though the style is not a style I favor. All-in-all, a good book for libraries and I am sure many will love it.

About the book: A playful tour through the flight patterns of pelicans, peregrine falcons, and other incredible birds.

“What if I never learn to fly?” a baby chickadee asks. “You will when the time comes!” an adult answers. “Let me tell you about how our friends fly.” Will the chick fly like a hummingbird—moving its wings at top speed and sipping nectar from flowers? Will it fly like an Andean condor—using air streams to soar through the mountains? Will it fly like a penguin—flapping its wings like fins underwater? Maybe this tiny chickadee can find its own way to fly.

With vibrant illustrations and incredible facts about each feathered friend, Fly Like a Bird is a thrilling introduction to life on the wing. This warm, conversational book is perfect for nature lovers, aspiring birdwatchers, and anyone who’s ever wondered how to soar into the future.

Other books about birds I've reviewed from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers:

• The Birds of Christmas - My review There's a Giveaway ending Sept. 16. Please visit review & enter giveaway.
• Home by Isabelle Simler - My review 
• The Blue Hour - My review

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate their review from Candlewick Press. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given.

"The Short Game" movie releases in theaters August 29 [Review & Giveaway]

 

 Release Date - In Theaters August 29th, 2025

🏌🏻Get Your Tickets To See The Short Game⛳

In Select Theaters August 29 - Click Here

Faith Based - Family Film

Synopsis: Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan. These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, leads Jeremy on a journey of discovery both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother. 

At the Window by Hope Lim & illustrated by Qin Leng [Candlewick Press]

My thoughts:  At the Window is a beautifully illustrated encounter of a young girl that daily walks the dog in the neighborhood and passes a house at which the window is not curtained and is always occupied by a lady occupied with tasks at her desk or table. Eventually, a casual "hello" relationship develops until..... then the "story" begins to develop depth.

Written with easy flow text the "take aways" for me are....

• Daily responsibilities carried out with delight and faithfulness
• Attention to detail of surroundings
• Encouragement to encounter others with gentle friendliness
• Awareness of surroundings
• Grasp of another's view
• Understanding of vastness a different view can give one when you look at surroundings from another vantage point.

Of course, that isn't all "spelled out" in the story, but I do find these ideas in the theme of the story and the beautiful illustrations.

I think this an ideal book for all libraries and personal collections for children that are given the privilege of walking the dog.

About the book: Spare, layered text and soft, shimmering watercolor illustrations reveal how curiosity—and a change in perspective—can light up the world and forge surprising friendships.

Every day, a child walking a dog around the block passes a woman seated in her wide front window. What is she doing? What does she see? Days pass, and the two neighbors exchange smiles, nods, and waves. Soon they’re calling out “Hello!” But one day, the child finds the wide window empty and a For Sale sign on the lawn. When the opportunity to look out through, instead of up into, that now-lonely window arrives, the rewards ripple out in heartwarming ways. This wondrous and beautifully illustrated picture-book ode to intergenerational friendship invites readers to reflect on how a different frame of reference can utterly transform the familiar and lead to completely new delights.

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

MOVIE: "The Short Game" in theaters August 29 [Gift Card Giveaway]

 Release Date - In Theaters August 29th, 2025

🏌🏻Get Your Tickets To See The Short Game⛳

In Select Theaters August 29 - Click Here

Faith Based - Family Film

Synopsis: Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan. These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, leads Jeremy on a journey of discovery both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother. 

Praise God, All Creatures: A Doxology for Children by Dr. Jason G. Duesing & illustrated by Andrés Landazábal [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9798384517306
Board book $14.99
B&H Kids

My thoughts:  Growing up, it was a regular part of Sunday worship to sing "The Doxology." That instilled a reverence in my heart and a desire to worship God in His full Triune Being and to stand in awe of His Holiness. Today's children should also have the privilege of learning to praise God from the depth of their being. Praise God, All Creatures: A Doxology for Children is a good start for children.

Delightful illustrations aid the child in recognizing the beauty of God's creation, and how he should praise God as one of God's creations for the beautiful world in which he lives. As the book opens we read "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!" --Psalm 150:6.

THE BIRDS OF CHRISTMAS by Olivia Armstrong & illustrated by Mira Miroslavova [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: When we think of Christmas our thoughts go to the reason for observing the day or the season - that is, the birth of our Saviour, the Christ Child. We don't stop to think about what was going on in the natural world, other than the flocks of sheep on the hillside and possibly the animals housed in the inn's manger. All of nature may have played a role in rejoicing that The Christ Child was born. But the  Bible does not tells us anything about this. It is silent. Even so, through the years there have been stories, legends, or fables about the animals of Christmas. In this sweet book, The Birds of Christmas, there are birds that sweep and flit, chirp and flutter, and bring their gift to the babe in the manger.

Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller [Review]

 

Buy on Amazon
ISBN:9781957847375
Paperback $16.99
Kindle E-book $3.99

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

My thoughts: The story opens with a woman and dog walking in a bitterly cold, snow covered landscape far off the beaten track but near her home nestled in the woods. The dog discovers a man unconscious, badly hurt, and in need of immediate moving to a safe, warm place. So the struggle begins and she drags him home where she and her mother tend his wounds. He eventually awakens to full blown amnesia.

The mystery of his situation and the warmth and care of this household are the gold thread woven though this novel. Mariah has two young children whom she homeschools and who bring delight to the story.

Eventually the plot thickens and the criminal element takes the focus. 

Zeller has written a good book that is squeaky clean (even with the budding romance) and has Christian focus. The book is not "preachy." At times the story takes an intense, fearful development that moves at an exciting pace. At other times the sweetness of a family home with gentle, kind, caring children is the focus.

I found the book to be a joy to read. A good story. A good bit of crime and suspense. A good bit of good folks and the "bad guys." 

About the book: Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Secret word: danger. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

More Romantic Suspense from Penny Zeller:

• Unexpected Witness (Mountain Justice #1)
• Unexpected Danger (Mountain Justice #2)
• Unexpected Target (Mountain Justice #3)

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

Our Friendly Farmhouse (picture book, ages 4-8) [Review & Giveaway]

Tommy Nelson Books
Hardcover $18.99
ISBN: 9781400250523

My thoughts:  This is a delightful picture story about a young family that reaches for and achieves a wonderful goal of family life - building their own home in a location they cherish. Beautiful and charming illustrations bring the story to life and set the tone of happiness and joy they experienced each step of their journey.

I love that they are all involved from the initial step of acquiring the land to the planting of wildflowers and getting little chicks. Tiny ducklings swimming in the sink, kittens in the blanket, wildflowers abloom. Lovely. Charming. Sweet.

What is totally surprising is to reach the end of the book and see that this is the story of a real family and the reality of their friendly farmhouse. Love it! 

About the book: Breathe in fresh, country air and dream of a slower, simpler, sweeter life in this poetic story about building a homestead with heart from bestselling novelist Melissa Ferguson.

Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel [Candlewick Press]

 

ISBN: 9781536229448
Candlewick Press
Hardcover $17.99 US 

My thoughts:  I absolutely love this cute book. It's about a little girl whose glass isn't half full or half empty. It is totally empty as one "bad thing" after another happens to her. In short, life as she experiences - or perceives it - is devoid of anything good and just bad things happen to her.

Until.....

She happens across a little gift box for her. Good! But alas not so good after all. Inside are socks and again she perceives this as a bad thing. That is until she gets chilled and puts them on her feet. Then the good begins to explode around her. And then she finds her friend and shares a sock with her friend who, too, is cold.

Good shared is amazingly wonderful.

I love this sweet book for it's cuteness, it's genuine take on human emotion, and its joyous application of goodness shared in the human experience.

I highly recommend.

About the book: In need of a bad day remedy? One girl’s terrible day takes an unexpected—and extraordinary—turn when she comes upon a pair of magic socks.
Blah. Nothing good ever happens to me.

This morning a little girl wakes up with a chicken on her head. (Ouch.) Then she finds worms in her cereal (after she’s had a few bites—yuck!). Then she realizes, too late, that her boots are full of mud. Ack! Then her best friend ignores her, a big hole appears where it wasn’t yesterday, and it starts to rain—cold rain, of course. Could this day get any worse? When a mysterious gift shows up out of nowhere, wrapped in a bow, the girl dares to wonder if it could finally be something good. Get ready for a high-flying tale as the beloved creator of Wild Honey from the Moon brings his signature deadpan humor, quirky charm, and appealingly simple text to a fantastical adventure sure to turn even the worst days around.

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