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. 

Jesus Loves You More by Hunter Beless & illustrated by Amy Grimes ❤️ [Review & Giveaway]

What better way to celebrate Valentine's day than to teach children about the Love Jesus holds for them?

ISBN: 97983384503514
B&H Kids/Lifeway
Boardbook | $14.99 USA

My thoughts:  This sweet board book presents the infinite depth of the love of Jesus for the child. Instilling a sense of such depth of love early in the life the the child provides a wellspring of comfort that endures through the years.

In gentle rhyme, all sorts of scenes are presented in which this love is measured. I remember my own children expressing their love by "the whole sky full" because they sensed the vast expanse of the sky was immeasurable. Or perhaps, "to the Moon and back" because they realized it was far, far away. They were saying how much and how vast their love for us was. In this sweet little book, the lines tell the young child that Jesus loves them more than is comprehensible.

The book not only speaks of Jesus' love in relatable and measurable terms, it also has a strong message of Jesus dying on the cross because of His great love for us and redemption.

So while this is a good book for Valentine's Day celebration of love, it is invaluable in teaching the story of reddemptive love. Perhaps a good choice for Easter gifting, too.

About the book: I love you to the moon and back, but Jesus loves you more.

In this beautiful board book, children are asked to imagine the biggest and farthest and deepest parts of creation—as high as eagles soar and as loud as lions roar. That’s how much we love them! But their hearts will also hear the more important message that Christ gave His life for them because He loves them even more!

Perfect for bedtime or anytime, the book’s whimsical art and rhyme create a reading experience that children (and parents) will treasure, taking them up to the clouds, into outer space, and down into the sea, but never away from Jesus’s love. 

❤️ GIVEAWAY ❤️

Begin February 10

End March 12 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

JESUS LOVES YOU MORE by Hunter Beless & Illustrated by Amy Grimes

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher 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 or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.View a Sample - click here 

Your Worth Never Wavers by Laura Wifler 🎄Review & Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop🎄

HOLLY JOLLY GIVEAWAY HOP sponsors: https://mamathefox.com & https://momdoesreviews.com & are not responsible for other blogger's giveaway fulfillment. Scroll below for many opportunities to enter giveaways. Have fun!

My thoughts:  On pages awash with soft pastels, a beautiful mix of mother-daughter duets grace the pages of this lovely book as it explodes with exuberance and truth that God sees our worth and it never wavers. Not intended to teach a selfish sense of importance but to instill a root base of one's individual importance to God in His heart and in His mind, the steadfastness of God's faithfulness is expressed in ingenious terms throughout the book.

CSB® Illustrator's Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition from Holman Bibles [Giveaway]

CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition, from Holman Bibles

ISBN: 9798384518266
Holman Bibles
$64.99 USA

About CSB Illustrated Notetaking Bible: Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible. This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

My thoughts: Not being a Biblical scholar, I will simply address the physical attributes of this beautifully presented copy of the Word of God. The binding is sturdy with flexibility that affords ease of use by nicely laying flat on desk or tabletop. Paper is adequate to prevent much visual bleed through of text from reverse side. Type font is easy-to-read for most readers. Visually impaired who need really large print will still struggle to read it, though. As a senior-adult, I find it quite adequate. 

The single column style seems to accommodate the marginal illustrator and notetaker space. Some publications overly long column lines can prove difficult to follow, but this CSB Illustrator's Notetaker Bible hits a good median between two-column width and an overly-wide single column.

The concordance in the back is adequate and easy to use. Providing a simple reference and research tool for Bible study. I always love looking at maps in the Bible to find where the events actually took place. Perhaps this goes back to my childhood days and love of geography class. The one-year-reading plan affords guidance for those who like to stick with directed reading.

The look and feel of this Bible is top grade and would be a treasure to gift someone or to obtain for your own personal use. It is perfect for those who want to put a few of their own notes alongside the text so they can treasure moments of personal revelation they experience in their reading of God's Word.

The CSB is a widely used and respected version of the Bible. My preferred version is the old King James Version, but I am always happy to encourage the reading of God's Word in versions that present Him in Truth.  

FEATURES:

• Over 600 line-art illustrations, including filigree, text, and other Scripture art
• Wide, two-inch lined margins for journaling and notetaking
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
• Single-column text format
• Topical subject headings
• Large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type size
• Black-letter text
• Two ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages
• Concordance
• One-year Bible reading plan
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• Full-color maps
• 7.25” x 9.375” page size

The CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Learn more about this beautiful Bible - click here

Purchase a Copy - Click Here

Explore the Holman Spring Gift Guide - click here

GIVEAWAY

1 CSB Illustrator's Notetaker Bible

Begins April 10

Ends April 21 @ Midnight

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 If this item is won on another blog or giveaway in this promotion, the publisher/publicist determines eligibility. Only one prize per name/address.

⛪

DISCLOSURE: Secret word - Christian. Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed to the winner by publicist or publisher. Prize will be sent to the winner's name and address as provided in entry form. Chat With Vera is not responsible lost or misdirected prizes.

New Scripture study aid: The Old Testament Handbook authored by Holman Reference Staff [Gift card giveaway USA]

The Old Testament Handbook (Charcoal Cloth Over Board) by Holman Reference Staff (Author)

This Old Testament Handbook is an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship. Find it - click here - B&H Publishing

What Am I Feeling? by Dr. Josh Straub and Christi Straub

My thoughts: Cute illustrations simply drawn with generous use of "calming blue" and the "tranquility" of soft green. The characters (children, mostly) stand out in stark primary colors. And Alex, the angry child, is appropriately dressed in bright, dark red.

This book is about children's emotions and how they can learn to control them. The children are encouraged to do this by recognizing their specific distressing emotion - anger, fear, doubt. This is done by recognizing the emotion and the cause of the emotion but not letting it control you. They are encouraged to pray about how they are feeling and for help to control how they feel.

There is a nice chart/poster tucked in the back of the book that can be posted on the wall for appropriately recognizing emotions and dealing with them.

This is a nice book and can serve a good purpose. The author, Dr Josh is a  professor of child psychology and certainly qualified to help parents and teachers know how to help children deal with their emotions that often run amok.

About the book: It’s show-and-tell day at school, and Sam and his friends are feeling lots of emotions. He wonders why he feels flippy in his tummy. And why is Alex stomping his feet? And does Hudson usually have such a big grin?

After several unchecked feelings threaten to ruin the big day, Sam and his friends start to learn how to give each emotion a name and ask God to help them remember that “a feeling is just a feeling—it’s not in charge of you.” In a world where kids are dealing with everything from sibling rivalry to bullying, divorce to tragedy, What Am I Feeling? offers a biblically grounded way for children to verbalize their feelings, develop empathy and self-control, and understand their wonderful God-given emotions.

BONUS! Also includes a pull-out feelings chart for your wall!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from B & H / Lifeway Publishing 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.

Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth by Brian Dembowczyk

Age 6 - 12
Hardcover 160 pages
BH Kids Publishing
ISBN: 

My thoughts:  Some churches teach catechism which is a system of questions and answers about God, sin, the church, etc. These churches require or encourage learning the catechism prior to attaining membership into the church. While Baptist and other churches don't require or encourage the learning of catechism for membership it is not wholly a bad idea to learn these basic doctrinal  facts and ave them fixed in one's mind.

My thinking is that the introduction of the content of the children's book Cornerstones: 200 Questions and Answers to Learn Truth has the potential to utilize the concept of "catechism" without the formality. It is somewhat akin to a devotional guidebook. It provides an opportunity for children and parents to take time to address, one at a time, the truths each question/answer brings forth. They have supporting scripture.

The book's "chapters" are topical and include: God (30), Creation (20), Sin (20), Jesus (20), Salvation (20), The Bible (30), Discipleship (40), The Church and Last Things (20). The colors are basic background colors for each "chapter." (numerals refer to questions in each topical chapter) Example of material:

"In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

1. 
Q.What is God?
A.God is creator and ruler of everything.

2.
Q.Can we now that God exists?
A. Yes, we can know that God exists from evidence in nature and in the Bible from an inner sense that tells us He does.

3.
Q. How many Gods are there?
A. There is one true God, and only He deserves worship.

The illustrations are done in beautiful "tiles" and also have a look of stained glass. The Middle East where the Bible originated is known for it's beautiful mosaic art and I think it is quite fitting to illustrate this children's book in this style. The colors are strong and yet softly hued. There is a soft intensity to the illustrations. This is a beautiful book.

Cornerstones is a wonderful introduction for children to understand theology in a simple yet with a good deal of depth.  I highly recommend this as a treasure to use in the home of Christians.

About the book:  How can parents teach kids to know God's truth? By asking and answering the right questions.

For centuries, parents have used the ancient method of learning and reciting questions and answers to teach the core doctrines of the faith. This beautifully designed book uses this regular rhythm of asking and answering to introduce children to spiritual truths and spark a hunger within them to know God even more.

Through 200 questions and answers, Cornerstones covers such principles as God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, sin, redemption, the church, restoration, and more. The whole family can use the book together, or children can use it on their own since each question and answer is written to make these foundational doctrines accessible.

Ask these right questions, and give your children the right answers on how to truly live their lives for God.

DISCLOSURE:I was provided a complimentary copy by BH/Lifeway Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own are are freely given.

Worldview Study Bible - CSB Version from Holman Bibles [Bible Review]

NOTE: It would take a Biblical scholar to truly evaluate the content of a version of the Bible verse by verse and also to evaluate the study notes included with said version. I do not purport to have such qualifications.

BIBLES/Christian Standard Bible/Reference
ISBN: 9781433604348
Navy Leather touch©
$69.99 USD

My thoughts: Study Bibles have basically two portions.... 1) The Biblical text or "The Bible," and 2) The study aids including cross referenced Bible verses, essays, commentary on specific subjects or verses, and maps. The most important of the two is the Biblical text or holy scriptures. While I prefer the King James Version, I understand today's readers often prefer a version such as the Christian Standard Version of the Bible for its readability. Scholars conclude that the CSB stays true to the original. I leave that interpretation and evaluation to scholars.

This is a beautifully appointed bible that has a soft leather-touch cover with great flexibility. The print is pretty standard in size though some might wish for larger typeset. I don't care for the comments sections that have grey background and smaller text. This presents a hardship when reading. I would opt to remove the grey background. For a modern version, the CSB is probably top ranked. The wealth of essays included present a variety of topics that are great for reading, referencing, and formulating a Christian Worldview.

Review by my son:

Pros:

• CSB Translation is very readable.  Flows well.  
• CSB Translation and publishing company are very reliable and true to scripture.
• Maps are in color and easy to understand. 
• I like how verses are separated by the paragraph or by train of thought.  
• The New Testament has each portion of a chapter titled or headed by subject. (See Matthew chapter 6 for example)
• The world view notes are excellent for studying different world views held up against God’s word.

Cons:

• I wish this edition had red lettering for the words of Christ.
• The map with Paul's missionary journeys has two colors that are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
• I wish the typeset was slightly larger.  This Bible reviewed is of the standard font edition, and it is difficult to read if you are beyond middle age.

Conclusion: Overall I am excited to receive this Bible and will cherish it.

Version

The Christian Standard Bible Worldview Study Bible is first and foremost a Christian Bible including all 66 books of the Bible - Old Testament and New Testament. The version is Christian Standard  which "features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with other." (from the promotional material of this Bible)

What is the "Worldview Study Bible"?

Verse commentaries help understand and interpret meaning (at bottom of pages with greyed background).
Center column references direct readers to other similar or associated portions of the Bible.

My thoughts: First of all one must understand what a "worldview" is and specifically what a "Christian worldview" is. A worldview is the basis by which one interprets each and every event and action that happens in the world or the method by which one makes decisions about how one will live their life. A Christian Worldview entails a person's looking at events and actions in the world from a Christian perspective and making his or her decisions about life and how they react to events and actions from a Biblical viewpoint.

From the product: The CSB Worldview Study Bible features extensive worldview study notes and articles by notable Christian scholars to help Christians better understand the grand narrative and flow of Scripture within the biblical framework from which we are called to view reality and make sense of life and the world. Guided by general editors David S. Dockery and Trevin K. Wax, this Bible is an invaluable resource and study tool that will help you to discuss, defend, and clearly share with others the truth, hope, and practical compatibility of Christianity in everyday life.

Study aids or materials (not actual Scriptural text) are included in this edition of the CSB Worldview Study Bible 

Hefty Bible but nice and flexible

• Extensive worldview study notes
• Over 130 articles by notable Christian scholars
• Center-column references
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Presentation page
• Two ribbon markers

My thoughts about the Bible's layout of notes and study helps. 

The extensive study aids, essays, etc. are no doubt quite valuable and would benefit new believers as well as those established in their faith. For a study Bible this would be highly beneficial. 

Some well-known verses comparing CSB and KJV (borrowed from https://www.eden.co.uk/blog/csb-side-by-side-comparison-p128899)

John 3:16

[CSB] “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

[KJV] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jerehmiah 29:11

[CSB] “For I know the plans I have for you” ?— ?this is the Lord’s declaration ?— ?“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

[KJV] “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Psalm 23:1-2

[CSB] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures”

[KJV] “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”

Romans 12:12

[CSB] “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”

[KJV] “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”

Genesis 1:1

[CSB] “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

[KJV] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Find it on Lifeway - click here

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this CSB Worldview Study Bible was provided by the BH Blogger Review Program on behalf of Holman Bibles/BH/Lifeway to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are mine and my son's and are freely given.