Mostly What God Does Is Love You by Savannah Guthrie & ilustrated by Morgan Huff (ZonderKidz Publishing)

Share God's love at Easter time (Resurrection Sunday)

Mostly What God Does is Love You

ZonderKidz Publishing
Hardcover $19.99
Purchase Here

My thoughts:  As I look at these beautiful illustrations and read these gentle words, it leaves me, personally, as an adult in awe that God's love is in everything. And then to know that this book will teach a child how much God loves him, how infinite His love is, and how much above all else He is loving them in everything He does.

A beautifully illustrated and sweet look at the vastness of God and what He does. And yet, in all His greatness He focuses primarily on His love for you. On each of us.

In Mostly What God Does Is Love You an inkling of the significance of the individual, you, in the mind and heart of Almighty God is presented in the contemplative thought that He loves you. While doing all the huge, magnificent, and wondrous things He does in the World and Universe, He focuses His love on each of us.

About the book: What if we shared this simple, beautiful, Biblical truth with our children from the youngest of ages—how different would we be? How wonderfully could this shape our perspectives from childhood on, knowing that the God who made all the wonders in creation—who hung the stars in the sky, who tells the wind where to blow—knows your name and loves you oh so very much?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, this beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the wonders of nature, the beauty of God’s creation, and most importantly, how very loved you are by God. Mostly What God Does is Love You reminds children (and adults) of God’s great love for them, how very cherished they are by the creator of the universe, and how in turn, they can share that same love by being kind and compassionate to others.

With its awe-inspiring and charming illustrations and a poetic, relatable and age-appropriate message, Mostly What God Does is Love You is the perfect way for adults reading Savannah’s bestselling book Mostly What God Does to share this all-important reminder with the children they love—that the vastness of God’s love is all for them and how they can share it with others as freely as God shares his love.

Mostly What God Does Is Love You:

• Reminds children that God is always with them, loving them unconditionally.
• Is perfect for family reading, bedtime story, school or daycare story time.
• Makes the perfect gift for birthdays, Easter, graduation, and other celebrations and gift-giving occasions
• This sweet, uplifting book is sure to leave a lasting impression on children and adults alike, reminding them of the most important thing in the world—God’s enormous love for us—and how we, too can spread love and kindness, just like God does.

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

#MWGD #Easter @savannahguthrie @zonderkidz 

The Easter Storybook by Laura Richie (40 Bible Stories Showing Who Jesus Is) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  I thought this was going to be a  children's book focusing on the week prior to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. However, it is basically a children's book of main events in the life of Jesus culminating in the resurrection.

The illustrations beautifully and realistically depict the times, the people in the pictures are true to Jews and others populating the area at that time.

The stories are Biblically sound and well written. They are, however, on a level for ages 7 to 12 rather than the stated ages 4 to 8.

Produced in association with David C. Cook Publishing who has long had a sterling reputation for producing high quality and well written Biblical products, the book's text, illustrations, binding reflect well for this company. I found this to be a very good storybook.

Each of the 40 stories has a question pertinent to the story the answer to which involves having a grasp of the story, drawing conclusions, looking at a broader scope of what is being told in the story.

I did have one objection and that is the short, one-page allegory in the back. This is quite out of place in a book based on the Bible that is written to educate children in Biblical concepts, theology, and the person and life of Jesus, the Christ. My opinion is that a man's allegory, even if the concept is on the right path, has no place in a book that is suppose to be the truth of the Bible retold for the young.

About the book: Starting with Jesus’ time in the temple as a boy and ending with His appearances after the resurrection, The Easter Storybook invites readers into the big picture of God’s love. Each of the 40 full-color, beautifully illustrated stories includes a Bible passage and a conversational question to guide families through the Easter season together.

Unlike other children’s Easter books, The Easter Storybook focuses not just on Jesus’ last days but on the journey of His whole life leading to the joy of Easter morning. Every story will give children a glimpse into Jesus’ identity—as Teacher, Good Shepherd, Savior, and King—making this a rich book to read throughout the year.

The Easter Storybook explains who Jesus is, what He did, and why His death and resurrection matter, in a simple way that children ages 4–8 can understand and remember. As a fitting companion to the bestselling The Advent Storybook, this book is a wonderful way to discover as a family why Jesus came to earth as Rescuer, Redeemer, and Friend.

About the author: Laura Richie is a homeschooling mom and registered nurse. A missionary kid for several years, Laura confesses she didn’t truly understand her need to be rescued until later in life. Now she delights in sharing the beauty and grace of her Rescuer. Laura lives in Oklahoma with her husband and children.

About the illustrator: Ian Dale is an illustrator and designer who has created art for World Vision, the American Bible Society, Compassion International, and the Bible App for Kids, which has been enjoyed in more than thirty languages. Ian and his family reside in Los Angeles, California.

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Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and shipped directly to the winner by publisher, publicist, or author.

Jesus Rose for Me by author Jared Kennedy (The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series)

ISBN 9781645070450

My thoughts:  The publications from New Growth Press that I have had access to have always been theologically sound and provide uplifting education through enjoyable reading.

Their children's books typically do not cater to the flippant telling of Biblical stories. In Jesus Rose for me the author retells the final week in the Earthly life of Jesus and breaks it out into four "chapters."

As a board book, it is directed to the younger child who typically handles books roughly. The text and the length of this book is geared, in my opinion, more to older "young" children. The illustrations are cute with the front and back covers of modern children and the prerequisite lamb and bunny. The interior of the book, though, reflects totally upon the Biblical recount often depicting with darkness facilitated by deep, dense colors expressing the emotional and spiritual portion of the story.

So while the book is longer than the typical board book might be, breaking it down into "chapters" and reading each at a different time, facilitates understanding on the young child's level. The vocabulary is fine. The four chapters include:

1. Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem
2. Jesus' Last Supper
3. Jesus Dies For Us
4. Jesus Lives

Opportunity is presented for discussion with pertinent questions at the end of each chapter. Not a "study format" simply along the lines of "think about" or "have you.....?".

I highly recommend.

About the book: Every Easter, we celebrate that Jesus is more powerful than death. But what does that mean for your little one? Jesus Rose for Me by author Jared Kennedy helps toddlers and preschoolers understand the true meaning of Easter in a personal, memorable way.

This board book is a part of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series. For children ages three to seven, this beautifully illustrated book begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter, when Jesus rose for us. Children will learn that Jesus is our king, and that everyone who trusts in him is part of his forever family.

Help your kids understand that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is alive!

This conversational book simply tells the story of the gospel and invites children to respond. Jesus Rose for Me helps toddlers and preschoolers celebrate that every day is resurrection day.

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

THE QUIET/CRAZY EASTER DAY by Jill Roman Lord

My thoughts:  This is a board book with padded cover, lively illustrations, rhyming text. It is all about praise to God. Scripture tells us in Luke 19:40 when Jesus was being praised the pharisees wanted Jesus to hush them. Our Lord said.... "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The author of this young children's board book is giving an "I imagine" take on what might have happened on the morning of our Lord's resurrection. Suppose everything rejoiced - animals, fish, people, at this joyful occasion. Surely in creation's own individual ways, they praised God their creator. So this is supposition, but it takes the reader to a place where realization that all of creation rejoices.

Scripture at the end of the book..... I Peter 1:3 

New International Version (used in book)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

New King James Version (my preference) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

A cute book that directs the heart and mind of young children to the real reason of Christ's resurrection and our celebration of it.

About the book: You might think of the first Easter as a quiet, peaceful morning. But with all creation celebrating the risen Lord of Lords, it may not have been so quiet! The Quiet Crazy Easter Day imagines the crazy celebration that might have occurred when Jesus arose . . . a festive day filled with chirps and croaks, shouts and coos and loop-de-doos. Join the rejoicing as we follow along with the Easter story and learn how we too can shout and sing and spread the news that Jesus is alive.

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

Easter is Coming by Tama Fortner & illustrated by Wazza Pink

My thoughts:  Little ones get so caught up in the worldly frills of "Easter" with the beauty of Spring blooming all around them, new outfits, Easter baskets, egg hunts that they actually know little, if anything, about the reason there is an Easter (or rather, Resurrection Sunday).

So we try to tell them the beautiful yet horrific story of the betrayal, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour. But it is a story that is hard for young minds to comprehend. So it is normally presented in a sweet, very short version that ends with the joy of the Resurrected Christ and an empty tomb. All well and good, yet somehow still missing the point in its brevity.

The author of Easter is Coming does a fabulous joy of taking young listeners from original sin to the Resurrected Christ at the empty tomb. The story of Easter in anticipation.

Throughout the book a bit of a Bible story or event is told and it ends with "Those people didn't know, but we know... Easter is Coming!" Joyful! Anticipation! Even at the Last Supper, when Judas left the room.... "Judas didn't know, but we know.... Easter is Coming!"

I highly recommend this lovely book and its lovely treatment of the joyful anticipation and fulfillment of the Resurrection of our Lord - Easter is Coming.....

About the book: Mommy and her little ones are settling in for story time, and this time it’s the biblical story of Easter that she’s telling. As the youngsters hear God’s tale unfold with its sometimes somber notes about sin and death, they are softly and continually reminded, “But Easter is coming!” By the end of the book, the anticipation has built and the children can celebrate the ending and the glory of Easter Sunday.

In a time when children’s Easter excitement often focuses on only egg hunts and candy, this book offers a different—and true—reason for joy and expectancy. It's designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, telling the greatest story and building a sense of anticipation and celebration in little hearts.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B & H Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

Easter Love Letters from God Bible Storiews By Glenys Nellist Published by Zondervan

ISBN: 9780310760658
Zonderkidz Pub. - Ages 4-10
Hardcover $16.99

My thoughts: As we enter into the time leading up to the time we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is is appropriate that we focus our minds and direct children's minds to remembrance of this special time.

In Easter Love Letters from God: Bible Stories the author and illustrator have developed an insightful rendering of the week prior to the death and Resurrection of Christ. The seven "stories" are written for the "older picture book reader" as I see the depth beyond that of the small toddler. However, families with younger children can read appropriate sections to these very young so they, too, can begin to appreciate these events.

The "Love Letter from God" has a line for insertion of a child's name. Families with multiple children can also insert more than one name on the line. Don't leave anyone out. And at the end of the book, there is a blank letter that the child can write to God. (Mommies and Daddies, you'll surely want to tuck these special letters away in a safe place to keep as a treasured item.)

Each story has a "lift the flap" Letter from God in which the reader is directed to know God's heart as it relates to the story. Children love hidden messages and lift-the-flap enables a bit of excitement and fun whilst reading.

Each story has a Bible verse associated with it that children might be led to memorize. Associating a memorized scripture verse with a specific story will enable later recall.

Beautifully illustrated, these stories and letters from God will become a treasured book in many homes and hearts. I encourage families to obtain their own copy and get it prior to "Good Friday" if possible.

The Gloomy Garden - Jesus was betrayed and taken by the soldiers

About the book: Jesus came to teach people how to love. He came to heal us from everything that hurts us, and to fill our lives with joy, hope, forgiveness, and peace. And the more you get to know Jesus, the more you’ll discover that this can be your life too.

Easter Love Letters from God, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp, guides children and families through Holy Week with seven beautifully illustrated Bible stories. Following each story the child will find his or her own letter from God. Children will love the excitement of opening the letters and parents will love how the letters elaborate on the Bible stories being told. Each message gives the child a sense of wonder as they discover what happened leading up to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words to You will accompany each story and letter. Much more than a memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope.

Find it on Zondervan's Website - click here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Booklook Blogger Review Program on behalf of Zondervan Publishing and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.