"Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind" by Gary Ross & illustrated by Matthew Myers (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN: 9780763649203
Hardcover $17.99

About the book:   Bartholomew Biddle’s life has always been pretty ordinary, but when a huge wind blows past his window one night, he feels the call of adventure -- and he can’t resist the urge to grab his bedsheet and catch a ride. Soon he’s soaring far above his little town, heading wherever the wind takes him! After spending time on an island full of pleasure-seeking pirates and at a prep school that boasts a hundred shades of gray, Bart finds himself in a mysterious cove where the wind doesn’t blow. Stuck, Bart is forced to face the fact that his flying days might be over. Will he ever get home again?

A soaring bedsheet carries a young boy on three incredible adventures in this compelling debut by acclaimed film director Gary Ross.

My thoughts:  This is a magical book of adventure filled with bold, boy-loving pictures by artist Matthew Myers who wields his oil filled brush boldly on canvas to create images to bring the most adventurous boy's fancy to life.

I love the poetic story format and while lengthy it will capture the imagination and interest of readers and listeners alike. Example: After he lands in pirate paradise...

"So, you thought we were all

just some nasty marauders,

larcenous thieves, 

and petty defrauders?

"But nothing, you see,

could be further from true.

I mean, why do we all

do the things that we do?

"The rings in our noses,

the parrots, the rum--

we just do that stuff

because it is fun!"

Children will  build learning and listening skills by engaging in a story written in rhyme and this one is lengthy which will aid in their development of a learning attention span.  Their vocabulary will be challenged and increased and it will stick because it comes to them in the poetic format.

The book is about imagination and the worlds of adventure our imaginations can take us on.  It is also about parents realizing that their child will eventually take off on his/her own adventures as the child grows into maturity.

My concerns:  In the book are the use of "Oh, my gosh! Oh, my God!" which I find offensive and entirely uncalled for - especially in children's literature.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Just enter via the Rafflecopter links below.  (Please be patient as Rafflecopter is sometimes a bit slow to load.) This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins Jan. 2, 2013 - ENDS January 19 at 12:01 a.m. EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway  
DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind by Candlewick Press on behalf of the author for the purpose of my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.  Another copy is being provided by Candlewick Press for the purpose of the giveaway and will be shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press. 

"The Story of Silk: From Worm Spit to Woven Scarves" by Richard Sobol (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN:  9780763641658
Hardback $17.99

About the book:  Join author and photographer Richard Sobol as he picks up his camera once more and travels to a small village in Thailand for an in-depth exploration of the story of silk and the labor-intensive process of making it. From nurturing the silkworms to weaving the fabric and photographing the children as they proudly model the finished product, this first-person narrative, illustrated with richly detailed photographs, chronicles the amazing process of creating one of history’s most desired textiles. 

What does worm spit have to do with the world’s most luxurious fabric? Travel to Thailand for a close-up look at wrigglers, weavers, and wearers of silk.

My thoughts: Author/photographer Richard Sobol has written an interesting book for the young reader of non-fiction about how silk is made. His photographs give us a glimpse into life in Thailand and the village life of Thais who are involved in the making of silk - from the youngest to the oldest.

This is not a picture book for story-telling purposes. It is not "entertainment" and should not be viewed as such. This is a book to learn about another part of the world (if you are not from Thailand), and to learn a little about the process of silk production.

It is enlightening to learn that it takes about 5,000 silk worms to create one silk dress and that these must be boiled (alive) to unravel the silk prior to weaving. The involvement of the very young child in nurturing the silk worms and tending them is interesting and shows that in Thai culture the young must work so all may eat.

This book will be a good addition to a classroom or school library for the children to read to learn about silk production or life in another part of the world. It could potentially launch wonderful classroom discussions.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Just enter via the Rafflecopter links below.  (Please be patient as Rafflecopter is sometimes a bit slow to load.) This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins Jan. 1, 2013 - ENDS January 15 at 12:01 a.m. EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Story of Silk from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review with my honest opinions. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to give positive remarks.

The Genius of Ancient Man: Evolution's Nightmare by Don Landis (Review)

About the book:  What if Satan is real and actively perverting God’s plan? What if man really did gather at Babel, build a tower, form a religion, and instigate a worldwide government? And what if God really did confuse man’s languages, forcing the people to scatter across the earth, taking their religion and practices with them? In other words, what if the Bible really is true.

The Genius of Ancient Man: Evolutions Nightmare reveals evidences and commonalities explored from ancient man around the globe. This real data, including archaeological findings, all point to an intelligent ancient man, not the evolutionary “monkey to caveman” paradigm.

All over the world there are similar findings of ancient religions, cities and towers, world travel, advanced astronomy, and civilized government. Over the course of two years, a team of researchers from Jackson Hole Bible College has worked to bring together the different pieces of the convoluted mystery and history of ancient man.

Hours of researching, trips to various sites around North and Central America, visits to museums, and meetings with experts have provided the team with an overwhelming amount of evidence for the intelligence of these early innovators. A jumble of anomalies and magnificent structures continue to confound archaeology and anthropology today, yet as the dots are connected, one finds history as described in the biblical record.
  My thoughts: I found the book The Genius of Ancient Man" interesting.  Being a believer in creation by God of the world and all that is in it, the premise of the book holds to my beliefs.  It will lend support to others who believe accordingly and support, with actual discoveries supported in the scientific world, our Biblical beliefs and arguments.  I do not purport to be a scientist or understand any level of science.  I do, however, respect those whose fields of study are directed this way and who also are believers in the God of Creation.  

The book being review brings to the lay person an understanding that discoveries support the believe that ancient man (early man) was indeed highly intelligent and did not need to "evolve" into an intelligent being.  Chapters in the book relate to the mechanical devices utilized by early man and also to the fact that ancient man was able to have sophisticated plumbing and sewer disposal systems.  

The book purports that the Tower of Babel after which man was separated and scattered because of the confounding of languages is structurally echoed throughout the world in various cultures and civilizations of history.   

The structures on various islands and mainlands indicate that ancient man had a knowledge of building that supports utilizing tools and methods to create and maneuver large stones and to create advanced interlocking methods to hold together his structures.  Methods that far surpass that which an "evolving" man could have know.

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of The Genius of Ancient Man by New Leaf Publishing Group on behalf of the author in order to render my honest opinion.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review and I received no monetary compensation.

"The Impossible Rescue: True Story of Amazing Artic Adventure: by Martin W. Sandler (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN: 9780763650803
$22.99 Hardcover

About the book:   The dead of an Arctic winter. Whaling ships full of men, stranded in ice. Follow three rescuers in a race against time - and all odds - in this heart pounding true adventure.

In 1897, whaling in the Arctic waters off Alaska’s coast was as dangerous as it was lucrative. And in that particular year, winter blasted early, bringing storms and ice packs that caught eight American whale ships and three hundred sailors off guard. Their ships locked in ice, with no means of escape, the whalers had limited provisions on board, and little hope of surviving until warmer temperatures arrived many months later. Here is the incredible story of three men sent by President McKinley to rescue them. The mission? A perilous trek over 1,500 miles of nearly impassable Alaskan terrain, in the bone-chilling months of winter, to secure two herds of reindeer (for food) and find a way to guide them to the whalers before they starve. With the help of photographs and journal entries by one of the rescuers, Martin W. Sandler takes us on every step of their riveting journey, facing raging blizzards, killing cold, injured sled dogs, and setbacks to test the strongest of wills.

My thoughts:  When so very much of our reading takes place in the realm of fiction - young and old, it is refreshing to read a non-fiction accounting of a true adventure involving insurmountable difficulties and incredible hardship and accomplishment. 

In 1897 three hundred crewmen from eight whaling ships were trapped in the Arctic ice and then a winter storm entrapped them further locking them in the throes of ice.  Rescue of the trapped men was ordered by President McKinley, but he would not order individuals to attempt the dangerous mission. However, there were three who volunteered to try. The quick planningof these men is awesome and mind-boggling. Acquisition of and planning for survival gear, means of transportation over treacherous terrain, food for the team and the whalers when they reached them, medical needs, shelter, etc.

Scurvy. Starvation. Sanitation. Sanity. Sheer will. In today's modern world with special equipment and better cold weather wear, this expedition of rescue would be nearly impossible.  But to have occurred over 100 years ago makes it an unbelievably daunting task of determination, perseverance, and skill. This book should be read with awe and admiration.

Working with the native Alaskans, they arranged to acquire two herd of reindeer and lead them across the vast Alaskan ice and snow to reach the stranded 300 men.  The native Alaskans worked wonderfully with the rescue team to make this work by giving of provisions and knowledge. 

The pictures included in this book are wonderful and are possible because one of the team had a camera - though very early vintage in the era of photography.  The pictures are in black and white as was the means of recording photographs of the time.

I recommend this book for middle-readers through adult and know that even readers who do not normally enjoy non-fiction reading will find this book informative and enjoyable.  It is truly an adventure.  Little known but worth knowing about.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Just enter via the Rafflecopter links below.  (Please be patient as Rafflecopter is sometimes a bit slow to load.) This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins December 29 - ENDS January 12 at 12:01 a.m. EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Artic Adventure by Candlewick Press on behalf of the author for the purpose of my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.  Another copy is being provided by Candlewick Press for the purpose of the giveaway and will be shipped directly to the winner by Candlewick Press.

Christmas Red

The decorations of Christmas are simply beautiful - though extravagant and often times simply commercially driven.  They do brighten the days and nights during these cold, darker days of the year.  However, I like to remember what of some of these beautiful decorations bring to mind for me.

When I see red in the decorations, I remember that the Christ was born as a babe to ultimately shed his precious blood for sinful man on the cross of Calvary.

When I see gold in the decorations - gold bells, gold spheres, gold glitter - I remember the kingly aspects of Christ and that He lowered Himself to become that babe in the manger setting aside His kingly crown and deity to redeem us.

When I see the green, I remember that we have the opportunity to live forever with Christ the King of Kings, Christ the Redeemer.

What will you be thinking of this Christmas as you see the decorations?  What will you think when you see packages for yourself and for others?  What think ye of the Christ of Christmas?

Purex Baby Detergent: Review - GIVEAWAY - Sweepstakes

Let's face it.  The days of a house full of babies and spit-ups, and food spills, and slobbers are over in our household.  But for many of you, it is your way of life right now and keeping baby's laundry done without costing a fortune and doing it where it doesn't irritate their skin; where it gets those annoying baby stains out; where it is safe for your machine as well as baby; and where you can actually feel good about accomplishing that chore that is more an act-of-love than an act-of-chore is a real challenge.

Ta-da-da-da-....... Purex is on the scene with a new BABY detergent that is designed to be adequate, inexpensive, good smelling, safe, good for your washing machine and good for your pocketbook (oops I think I indicated that already).  It is even beautifully designed to say "baby" and "pure."  Look at the adorable baby peeking at you.  Look at the baby pink and baby blue of the package.  Look at the pure white of the bottle itself.  Then when you look inside, it is clear - that's right not pink, not blue, not green or aqua - just pure clear.

Now when my 5 were little ones running (or creeping) around getting all dirtied up and I had to tackle those stains, there was only 1 (I said ONE) "baby" detergent on the market.  It came in a pink box, began with a "D", and cost a fortune.  I bought as much as I could, but those boxes of "D" were purchased few and far between.  The powered soap (detergent) did the job, protected the baby skin, and helped with freshness and some stains, but it really hurt my pocketbook.   I just wish there had been a Purex Baby detergent available then.

 Gentle on Baby's Skin
Tough on Baby's Messes

Picture property of Chat With Vera

Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist-tested formula
Bright, white clean with a gentle baby-inspired fragrance

I HAVE used this baby detergent for regular laundry and found it works fine in my machine and leaves the clothes fresh.  I would not hesitate to use it for my fine dedicates (instead of that very expensive cold water fine hand-washables detergent in the stores).  I will be sharing one of my free coupons with a family member who DOES have a baby.  The other two are going as prizes for my dear Chat With Vera readers to vie for via Rafflecopter.

Here on Chat With Vera I have a little giveaway of 2 coupons and 2 winners who will each get 1 FREE PRODUCT COUPON for PUREX BABY detergent.  Just enter via the Rafflecopter links below.  (Please be patient as Rafflecopter is sometimes a bit slow to load.) This giveaway only open to USA addresses. Begins December 23 - ENDS January 8 at 12:01 a.m. EST
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oops! You might not find the Purex Baby Degtergent in every store. 
Check here to locate it: http://purex.com/products/detergents/baby

DISCLOSURE: Purex provided me with a bottle of Purex Baby detergent in exchange for a product review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

"A Promise for Miriam" by Vannetta Chapman

ISBN: 978-0-7369-4612-4
Harvest House Publishers
$13.99

In the summer of 2012 I received a beautiful signed copy of A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman as a courtesy from the author.  I sorely regret that it has taken me so many months to sit down and read this delightful story of the Amish of Pebble Creek.  What a joy I missed by not reading it early after receiving it.  Well, here is what I thought.....

Ms. Chapman has woven a beautiful tale of the Amish in their gentle ways.  In developing Miriam King, she shows that even though the Amish usually marry young and raise large families and their lives are centered on family, Miriam has waited to marry and is the "spinster" school teacher in the Amish school house.

Into the Pebble Creek community there is a new arrival, Gabriel Miller and his young daughter, who moves to this settlement of Amish from another in a different State.  Both are old order Amish with similar guidelines and rules for their people.  Gabriel is a widower having lost his wife three years prior.  His young daughter is smart, artistic, and mute.  Her ability to speak has not always been lacking, though. Just since losing her mother.

Miriam has a definite talent for working with children.  And Gabriel has a definite desire to devoid himself and his daughter of interaction with the others in the community as much as is possible.  However, the bucolic scene of country life and the Amish is not always a constant.  Sorrow, danger, and a spirit of community mingle to break the shell of the hardest nut.

I heartily recommend this as an I-must-read book for those who especially love stories of the Amish, and an I-think-I-should-read this book for others who simply want a really good read.

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of A Promise for Miriam by the author in exchange for my honest review with no obligation for a positive review. Opinions expressed are solely mine.