My Ready, Set, Find Bible by Jacob Vium-Olesen engages children in fun learning experiences [Review & Giveaway]

From The Creation in Genesis to Christ's Resurrection, Children will delight in this book 

ISBN: 9780825452826 
Board Book $16.99
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts:  This children's board book is larger than one would normally expect. It is 8.5" x 8.5" and is 1.5" thick. It has a lightly padded cover. It is sturdy and well designed. It is NOT too hefty for the average toddler to handle. I can visualize little ones going to their own book shelf and selecting their "Bible," toddling across the room with it lovingly grasped in their arms, and sweetly beginning to enjoy it's contents. I really wish this had been available when my children were young.

The "story" on each two-page spread is brief, yet insightful. The picture appropriate for the story is bright, charming, and engaging. The "Can you find?" activity for children will bring repeated searches through the picture for objects that delight. Beloved Bible stories are featured throughout and bring truths gently to the heart and mind of the child. 

Kregel produces some wonderful children's products, and the My Ready, Set, Find Bible is a delightful addition to their selection.

About the book: Parents know how challenging it can be to find resources about the Bible that are both age-appropriate and engaging for your kids. Small aren't always interested in sitting still and listening to a story; they want to be a part of making the story come to life!

Introduce little ones to Bible stories in a memorable way. In My Ready, Set, Find Bible, children ages two to four will experience a game of spotting 190 different objects throughout twenty-two Bible stories.

Children will learn about Bible characters like Noah, Abraham, Ruth, and Jesus, as well as about some of Jesus's parables. Through the seek-and-find design, each story will interest little ones and improve their Bible knowledge and vocabulary. Interact with every page and the stories will come to life!

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

✝️🌈GIVEAWAY🌈✝️

Begins March 14

Ends April 15 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

My Ready, Set, Find Bible by Jacob Vium-Olesen - Kregel Children's Books

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publisher's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

From Kregel Children's Books: "My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark" by Jacob Vium-Olesen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825452093
Board Book $12.99
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts: I have found that the children's books published by Kregel Publications have never disappointed me. The delightful illustrations, engaging story-telling, the educational and involvement-based format plus sturdy binding and pages make these worthwhile and choice acquisitions for the young child's use and enjoyment. 

In My Bigger Search and Find Noah's Ark the Old Testament story of Biblical patriarch Noah building the Ark to house two of every kind of creature (more of some), the delightful imagination of author, illustrator, and publisher have all designed a rather unique book. The "bigger" part is that when you turn the page, you don't get a two-page-spread. No, you get a 4-square. It unfolds (or expands) into a big page with lots of items to engage the vision and attention of the young child. The child can further engage in the story by finding items as they appear in unexpected places on the page.

Each spread is different and the focus is on BIGGER. So not only are the pages of the book bigger than expected, the child will learn that

• Noah's task was bigger
• The boat was bigger
• The flood was bigger
• Their trust in God was bigger
• God's rainbow promise was bigger

So not only is this a cute, fun, interactive book, it is also introductory theology for the little ones in your family. And...... mom and dad can learn just how big it all was, too.

I highly recommend this book. Remember to enter the giveaway below.....

About the book: Seek-and-find books are fun, but what if they were . . . bigger? This one unfolds to four times its original size to make for an interactive experience kids will love.

Children ages four to six will discover the story of Noah's ark while spotting hidden characters, animals, and objects on every colorful and jam-packed page. Kids will also learn how to apply the Scripture to their lives. Each page includes verse references as well as truths about God's love and care for little readers to remember.

A perfect road-trip companion, church-service entertainment, or everyday activity that will keep children engaged while teaching them God's Word and the truth about their importance as His children.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

Take a peek with Granny Godley ~ Sound on!

⛈️🌈GIVEAWAY🌈⛈️

Begins January 17

Ends February 16 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

My Bigger Search & Find Noah's Ark by Jacob Vium-Olesen - Kregel Children's Books

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 Kregel. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Ethan's Challenge: A Family Story of Paul's First Missionary Journey by Arnold Ytreeide [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825448751
Kregel Publications
Juvenile Fiction/Religious
$19.99 Softcover

My thoughts:  I'm not a fan of fictional stories set around Biblical themes and especially with people and incidents from the Bible. That is my personal preference for my own reading. However, I can see it as an opportunity for immersive reading for a child or teen to empathize with the characters when this is done. In Ethan's Challenge we have a teen involved in a missionary journey with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark. The hardships of the time are experienced and Ethan is right there. The story concept reminds me of a series my children enjoyed as young teens - the "We Were There" historical fiction books.

The book and story is fictional and the intent is to encourage spiritual grown in readers. Each short chapter has a devotional thought at the end. So this spiritual growth/devotional emphasis would make this a good family read-aloud book for older elementary and young teens.

The book is not a picture book. Format is a square book and the print is smaller than I like. 

Read an excerpt - click here

About the book: Gather the family for an exciting read about Paul's first missionary journey!

Thirteen-year-old Ethan is happiest when he's hiding between sacks of grain in his mother's storeroom. There, he's safe from the world and doesn't have to be brave or clever like his grandfather Jotham or his father, Amon. But with his famous relatives, Ethan seems destined—or maybe doomed—for adventure.

Before long, Ethan is hundreds of miles from home on a journey with the most famous Christian missionary, running from an angry mob wielding clubs and axes and wanting to kill them. How in the world did he end up here? As a reluctant Ethan travels with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark, he begins to learn the importance of courage in the face of trials and of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the real events and places of Acts 13-15 from the relatable perspective of thirteen-year-old Ethan, who is the descendant of the beloved characters from Arnold Ytreeide's hugely popular Christmas and Easter series. This is the perfect read for families at any time of the year. Purchase a copy: click here

GIVEAWAY

1 copy: Ethan's Challenge

Begins November 12

Ends December 10 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

Ethan's Challenge: Family Story of Paul's FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review from Kregel Publishing. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

My First 100 Bible Words by Jacob Vium-Olesen [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825453502
Board book $12.99 US
Purchase: Kregel

My thoughts:  This is a delightfully engaging board book and it's use will extend into lower elementary grades for reading skills or word identification. However, it is first a book to help little ones identify objects, persons, as well as critters. Emotions are also pictured so words to express feelings and facial expressions come into play. Counting. Colors. Shapes.

All this is within the construct of a Bible story. Each two-page spread presents a Bible story - Creation, David & Goliath, Noah's Ark, etc. Each has the appropriate scriptural reference and a simple one or two sentence "story." Then the activity with words begins.

These are simple, every day words. The wording is not particularly "Bible" words but the words connect to every day life and the story presented.

I love this board book and highly recommend it. Kregel Children's books have never disappointed me and I encourage you to check them out.

About the book: A way for toddlers to learn their first words through beloved Bible stories

My First 100 Bible Words introduces children to Bible stories and language at the same time. Little ones will learn words for colors, animals, objects, shapes, numbers, emotions, and more!

Toddlers will discover language and faith through memorable Bible scenes like Noah's ark, Moses and the burning bush, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, and more, all the way to Jesus's birth.

The bright colors and simple stories will capture a toddler's attention and guide them from creation to Jesus.

Author: Jacob Vium-Olesen is the CEO of Scandinavia Publishing House and has authored several children's books, including My First Memory Verse Bible and Good Night God.

Other Kregel Children's Books I have reviewed - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 21

Ends October 20 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

My First 100 Bible Words (board book) - Kregel Children's Books

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided by and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Christmas-themed activity book "I Spy Christmas" from Kregel children's books

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

ISBN: 9780825455605
Hardcover $13.99 USA
Ages 3-6

My thoughts:  Charming! Brightly illustrated "stories" each on a two-page spread. The story is a simple 4-line text that tells one portion of the traditional Christmas story about the birth of the Christ child. Each "story" has search and find activities that engage the child to find objects and to count. While not a "counting" book, it still involves counting. Attention to detail is enhanced by using books like I Spy Christmas to find the small, obscure details.

The book's story is true-to-Scripture and is progressive from the angel's visit to Mary to the Wise Men bringing their gifts to Baby Jesus. Simple. Direct. 

I highly recommend. 

About the book: Can you spot the doves? What about the angel's trumpet? Point to the girl holding a rug!

Children and parents alike will have hours of fun experiencing the Christmas story in these colorful and bustling illustrations. Samantha Meredith has created eleven bright and beautiful scenes kids will love. Each page not only follows the holy family on their journey, it also includes special pictures for kids to point out. Secret word: angel

It's an interactive book children will want to come back to again and again--all while learning the story of Jesus's birth!

🛐GIVEAWAY🛐

Begins October 28

Ends November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

🎄Open to USA addresses only.🎄

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 Kregel Children's Books or it's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

I DREAM A DREAM OF YOU by: Bob Hostetler & Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti from Kregel Publications [Review & Giveaway]

Kregel Publications
ISBN: 978-0825448584
Board Book $11.99

My thoughts:  A board book for the little ones that is written from a parent's heart to the little one. The sweet rhymes speak of the adult's desires for the little one to grow into adulthood and achieve many things. But not only do they want material success, they mostly voice the desire that the little one will be kind, generous, forgiving, loving.

A tender way to share with the little one's in your life the desires of your heart for them, and to tell them that God is watching over them in all.

Delightful. I recommend.

About the book: A charming read-aloud bedtime book for toddlers

With its sweet bedtime rhymes, I Dream a Dream for You resembles the classic title The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton. A family of red pandas make their home in the forest. When it's time for bed, Mom and Dad tuck in their three kiddos, and as they all drift to sleep, dreams come to life through the vibrant pictures and story. Parents or grandparents will enjoy reading this sweet bedtime rhyme, filled with dreams and aspirations for their little ones. With amazing, colorful illustrations, this read-to-me story richly shows the love of a faith-filled family with creative, interesting scenes that kids will love to see over and over--and those who read it to them will experience the blessing of God's love, which is meant to be shown and shared with families.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 30

Ends July 30 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

Secret word: dream

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 Kregel Publications. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Kregel's Bible centric books help toddlers & preschools understand Scripture [Review & Giveaway]

My Toddler Bible (Timeless Stories for Little Ones) board book ISBN: 9780825448669

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  An adorable little one's board book with a convenient handy handle for their ease in carrying about. The illustrations are attention grabbing, fun, brightly colorful, and aid in understanding the story.

The text is lengthy enough to tell the story adequately for the intendended age audience with a vocabulary that is not "dumbed down for age." 

Kregel Publishing's children's books have always been winners for engagement, accuracy, design, and lasting quality. I highly recommend.

About the book: A perfect Bible for little hands

Filled with rich and colorful illustrations and simple text faithful to the Bible, My Toddler Bible is perfect for children ages 1 to 3. The twenty-eight Bible stories include Scripture references and are taken equally from both the Old and New Testaments to form a complete arc of God's story.

Toddlers will love the built-in handle to carry their Bible with them everywhere--including church! And parents and grandparents will love that its compact form and bright pictures will inspire their little ones to engage with Scripture from an early age.

My Bigger Search and Find Bible ISBN: 9780825448478

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  Children simply love search and find books and educators (and parents) love them, too. They engage the child with the book and the content of the book. True, some of the items the child is to find have very little to do with the story, it keeps them engaged. In My Bigger Search & Find Bible children journey quickly through the Bible with brief encounters with characters and stories. While doing so, they learn of God's being bigger than their problems. As an aside, you'll note that each story page opens out to four times the book's size. Again "bigger." 

I highly recommend this engaging search and find Bible story book for children. Again Kregel Publications has a winner.

About the book: Fun-filled way for kids to learn how BIG the love of God is...

From the very first page, this fun book is designed to help kids ages 4 to 6 understand that God's love for us is bigger than we can imagine!

Each page expands to four times its size. And in every colorful Bible scene, a child can search and find Bible friends, animals, and other items for even more interactive fun. Secret word: Bible

Packed with cheerful illustrations and a world of play, children will want to come back to this unique Bible over and over, fostering a love of God's Word and a new understanding of his expansive love.

GIVEAWAY

2 Children's Bible books from Kregel Publications

Begins May 3

Ends June 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinons are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

All Things Bright and Beautiful illustrated by Jean Claude [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825447655
Hardcover $14.99 (sale $10.99)
ChristianBook.com

I am strongly encouraging parents to focus their child's attention on the wonders of God and His creation and the love of Christ in His sacrifice during the days leading up to our celebration of Christ's resurrection. Consider a child's book such as All Things Bright and Beautiful......

My thoughts:  I just love this beautiful old hymn. Introducing it to children is the right thing to do. It teaches the Creation of all things. It teaches the power of God who "made them all." And it is truly lovely.

Colorful with minimal details, the illustrations have lots of items and discussion points. I would suggest that the beautiful melody of this hymn be played (YouTube or some other online version is an option.) so the child can learn to sing it.

The only fault I find in this book is that on some pages the text is rather dark and against a dark background. This makes it difficult to read. Truly though, this is a book I highly recommend.

About the book: Rich and lively illustrations bring to life a classic song for today's kids and families

"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful--the Lord God made them all."

In this stunning book, birds soar, bugs burrow, elephants dance, plants grow--the whole world sings in praise of their Creator God. With the lyrics to this well-known classic tune, kids and parents can sing along. Jean Claude's charming illustrations are lush and lively, filling each page with interesting, creative characters and scenes. Every time kids open the book, they'll spot something new! They may even spot someone who looks like them gardening or picnicking with penguins.
All Things Bright and Beautiful offers a multi-sensory experience of sight and song, designed for young readers, but enjoyable to all ages. It's the perfect baby shower or birthday gift--and it will make any Easter basket complete.

Enter to win a hardcover copy for a special child in your life.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 23

Ends March 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open for USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: Secret word: Joy - I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Kregel Children's Christmas Books to treasure and bring joy [Review & Giveaway]

I have found through the years that Kregel Publishing has an excellent selection of children's books. Be sure you visit their website to look through their selection. You can also search my blog for Kregel books I've reviewed. 

Kregel's Christmas Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories by Matt Lockhart

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This small book is a true treasure and keepsake that can be brought out yearly for use and display at Christmas. It is a book that will be handed down to the next generation as well. It is a book that will introduce children (and adults) to more classical art and book illustrations of Biblical texts. 

Each two-page spread has a Bible story from the  prophesized coming of Christ to His birth, and other events surrounding His birth.

This is not a "cutesied" or toned down retelling of these accounts. An assortment of Bible versions is used to recount the stories. This is a book to draw you and your family closer to the Christ as you remember His birth. 

Art work is by Cleveland Woodward (1900-1985) and Otto Stemler (1872-1953).

I personally would prefer the KJV for the Scripture portions. This is a lovely book and will serve families well for many years. I hope it is a blessing to families and  I recommend this book.

About the book: Scripture with classic artwork for a keepsake families will read every Christmas...

Like Kregel's Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories, this new volume combines actual Scripture with stunning, high-quality traditional artwork, here bringing the timeless Christmas story to life in a presentation that will delight young and old.

Matt Lockhart gathers classic illustrations to illuminate eighteen passages surrounding the advent of the birth of Christ, including the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the revelation to the shepherds, Simeon in the temple, and much more.

A beautifully illustrated book, this treasury also includes an Advent Bible reading plan, ideas for celebrating the season, and an invitation for children to receive God's gift of Jesus.

This beautiful keepsake is the perfect present for Christmas and for generations to come.

Author: Matt Lockhart has been a part of bringing wonderful Bible-based books and resources to life throughout nearly three decades in ministry and Christian publishing. He has a heart for engaging children and adults with the life-giving message of God's Word. Matt and his wife live in Colorado in a nearly empty nest.

I Spy Christmas by Deborah Lock & illustrated by Samantha Meredith

Buy it here

My thoughts:  This is such a cute book for little ones during the Christmas season. It shares the story of the birth of the Christ child and gives the little ones an opportunity to engage in some seek and find searching on the pages. This gets the little ones focusing on the details of the illustrations to find little items.

It gives the opportunity for adults to share the story of how Christ was born with their little ones, too.

I recommend this book for families.

About the book: Interactive Christmas fun for children ages 3 to 5 - Secret word: Christmas

Can you spot the doves? What about the angel's trumpet? Point to the girl holding a rug!

Children and parents alike will have hours of fun experiencing the Christmas story in these colorful and bustling illustrations. Samantha Meredith has created eleven bright and beautiful scenes kids will love. Each page not only follows the holy family on their journey, it also includes special pictures for kids to point out.

It's an interactive book children will want to come back to again and again--all while learning the story of Jesus's birth!

Author: Deborah Lock is the author of many children's books over her twenty-year career. She is dedicated to developing products that engage and inspire children, instill a life-long love of reading, and share the Christian faith.

Contributor: Samantha Meredith is the illustrator of I Spy Christmas.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 27

Ends November 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Away in a Manger illustrated by Jean Claude from Kregel Children's Books [Review & Giveaway USA]

ISBN: 9780825447662
Price: $15.99

My thoughts:  This old, beloved Christmas carol is illustrated with dark scenes that capture the night when stars shone brightly and the Christ child was born. The words of the classic hymn-carol, "Away In a Manger," flow across the pages as illustrator Jean Claude deftly recreates the Biblical narrative drawing the young child's attention and bringing him delight.

Not too cutesy nor truly realistic, there is joy and delight in the scenes. And as the sweet song ends, a blessing is invoked for "all the dear children in Thy tender care."

Truly a classic every child should learn. A treasure.

About the book: A classic carol reimagined in a beautiful picture book

This delightful, full-color picture book brings "Away in a Manger" to life for three- to six-year-olds. Filled with characters and animals from the nativity scene, this Christmas book for kids illuminates the wonder of the Christmas story through the lyrics of the beloved carol.

With stunning illustrations from artist Jean Claude, this book is ideal for reading together, or singing along, as a family. Parents and kids alike will discover afresh the joy of one of the most well-known Christmas tunes in the world. It's also a wonderful tool for introducing young children to the Christmas story in a way that's easy to remember and is utterly engaging. Buy it: Amazon.com Christianbook.com

Illustrator: Jean Claude is a self-taught illustrator from the UK, currently living and working in Lisbon, Portugal. His previous work includes Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies and Albert Einstein from the “Little People, Big Dreams” series.

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 13

Ends November 7 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given.  Giveaway prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Kregel Publications. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Charming toddler's padded board book: "God Made Us Just Right" by Allia Zobel Noland [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780825446634
Kregel Children's Books

My thoughts: This is a charming and sweetly illustrated toddler's board book that addresses differences and how they don't matter because God Made Us Just Right. With lyrical rhymes the sweet questions from little ones and the replies by parent don't have a particular cadence but are nice and certainly express a conversational tone with some rhymes.

I just love this little book and there will be lots of look and see moments as the book is read and re-read to little ones who will easily learn to accept how God has created them and also to appreciate how God has created differences.

Highly recommend.

About the book: No need to compare--God has a reason for creating everyone just the way they are!

How come puppies get to bark, but kittens can't? Why do elephants have such long trunks when other animals don't risk tripping over their noses? What's the point of all these differences?

Through playful illustrations of animals and warmhearted words in rhyme, young children will see God as their loving creator. God Made Us Just Right helps them realize that God has a reason for creating us just the way we are.

Kids who are always asking, Why, Mom? and How come, Dad? will easily relate to the back-and-forth question-and-answer format. It's a book the whole family will enjoy.

FUN TIME: There are four free downloadable activity pages that accompany this book and that are fun for both children and parents to do together. Just go to author's website: www.AlliaWrites.com and on the opening slider, you'll see how you can download these fun games and puzzles. 

GIVEAWAY

May 18 to June 11 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.