Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, & Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You by Jennifer Szymanski a Nat Geo Kids Books STEM book [Review & Giveaway]

The fun and games and parties of the holiday are over. Winter has really settled in meaning more inside time. All that means it is time to break out the things that will entertain the kids, grow their minds, and occupy them during those dreary winter days.

Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You will provide that STEM fun and learning that you love for your kids to have.

ISBN: 9781426334436
Ages 8-12 | Paperback $16.99
National Geographic Kids Publihing

My thoughts:  Computer programming or coding is a complex science and/or language (or languages) that take highly skilled people to write. It is also the basis for everything technological that we use, enjoy, and rely upon on a daily basis. So a book for kids ages 8 to 12 titled "Code This!" certainly compels. But does it actually enable kids to write computer code?

No. Simply no.

It does, however, engage the readers in concepts that enable understanding the complexity of writing code and the necessity for order of execution. Activities are included where the young reader writes down the step-by-step, turn-by-turn movements or actions that are involved in executing an activity. It is likened to following the recipe or instructions for cooking. Only with coding you actually are instructing when to pick up the spoon, insert the spoon into the ingredient, lift the spoon, etc. The details of coding are minute in order to execute rightfully.

Or simply stated, the use of sequencing logic is paramount to coding.

The games in "Code This!" include writing code such as word ciphers. Sure this isn't computer coding, but it is a puzzle and the mental exercise prepares for more advanced coding.

All-in-all the book can be a lot of fun and can certainly enable the readers to think in a highly detailed method to execute the variety of activities.

Back material is provided which is interesting. Also, pictures of three types of computer languages used in coding are shown. And, of course, the answers are tucked away in the back of the book.

A fun, educational book.

About the book: 

“The writing is crisp and clear throughout…..Appealingly, this positive, highly accessible coding guide needs no computers.” - Kirkus 

"Concepts such as algorithms, optimization, constraints, cryptology, and binary code are introduced with fun and workable hands-on activities...A strength of this title is its clarity. The conversational tone is perfect for the intended age range.  -  School Library Journal

Programming concepts come to life in this kid-friendly intro to the basics of computer science and coding, with puzzles, games, and quirky characters.  As part of the Coder Crew and with the help of Cody the Robot, readers are “on a mission” to write algorithms to find hidden treasures, decode ciphers to read secret messages, create loops to program an expedition, and dive into concepts like constraints, debugging and binary code.

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 28

Ends January 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

The Rebel Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower) by Shannon McNear [Giveaway 3 Winners]

My thoughts:  The author continues the Daughters of the Mayflower series with a look at a woman of the South during the Civil War. The author's presentation takes a look at the issues of the north and south and in this story primarily focuses on that of the MacFarlane family who owns a home and land in Tennessee. They don't believe in slavery nor own any slaves to work their land or home.

After a major battle between the Union and Confederacy near their home, Pearl MacFarlane is confronted by her cousin who desires to marry her, with a bevy of Union soldiers gravely injured in the battle and tells her she is to care for them. Sorely lacking in provisions for themselves, they now must undertake the care of wounds and save the lives of the enemy. For truly they are the enemy of their beloved State and Confederacy even though the MacFarlanes don't own slaves.

The story examines the inner conflict of Pearl, the emotional and mental deterioration of her father, the issue of intermarriage, and the dangers that await a young woman during wartime. A sweet, conflicting romance develops between Pearl and a Union officer in her care and keeping. 

This is a carefully crafted fictional story of the lives of those involved in the Civil War and gives readers an opportunity to explore the feelings of those on both sides of this war that nearly ruined the United States.

About the Book: Setting - 1863, Tennessee, Civil War

Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War?
​
During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.

Daughters of the Mayflower series:

• The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
• The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
• The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
• The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)?
• The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
• The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
• The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)

GIVEAWAY

3 Winners Receive A Copy

Begins December 1

Ends December 30 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Barbour publishing to facilitate a review, though a review is not required. Giveaway contest is held by Chat With Vera and prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Barbour Publishing or its publicist.

For unto us a child is born.....

THE PROMISES OF GOD STORYBOOK BIBLE (The Story of God's Unstoppable Love) Jennifer Lyell

ISBN: 9781535928328
B&HKids Publishing

My thoughts:  Typically, young children's books are quite limited in the scope of the promises found in the Bible with which children are made familiar. The rainbow promise. The never leave you nor forsake you promise. The promise of a Saviour Redeemer. Just a few.

But in The Promises of God Storybook Bible the child has the opportunity to see how God has loved his people and his creation throughout time. How He has made promises and kept them throughout the ages in many ways to many people.

I think the content, layout, and method of story telling suitable for ages 5 to 10.  The basic stories will be recognized by many children, but the application of how each is related to a promise of God may require some extra parental interaction.

The story telling tone is conversational and relaxed yet holds steady with the teachings of God's Word. The book takes the reader from the Genesis or beginning, through the fall of man, and on through the Old Testament and New Testament ending with our Returning Redeemer in the Revelation.

This is a storybook and it is not a Bible though it does take one through much of the Bible with each story section showing the general area of the Bible from which it is taken. There are a few discussion questions at the end of each story to enhance understanding.

I think this is a very good storybook of Bible stories and the emphasis on the Promises of God sets it apart from the usual Bible storybook.

About the book: God’s love is unstoppable. And that’s a promise.

Noah’s ark. Joseph’s dreams. Jesus’s miracles. The Bible is rich with stories for our children to hear and enjoy, but when those stories uncover the thread of God’s promises, our children learn much more than individual Bible stories. They discover how God has demonstrated His love for us, from the first promise in the garden to the promise of the new heavens and earth.

A conversational, whimsical, biblically faithful retelling of more than fifty key Bible stories, The Promises of God Storybook Bible lets your child hear favorite stories with new ears, repeatedly assuring them that each word is proof of God’s unstoppable love and unbreakable promises to His people.

This title is available to request for review through January 3, 2019 while supplies last. Check out digital tools for your review for cover image and author biographies.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the B&H/Lifeway Blogger program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

Set of 5 Picture books from Candlewick Press & imprints Nosy Crow & Templar Books - FLASH GIVEAWAY - 2 winners each 5 books - USA & CANADA

FLASH GIVEAWAY OF A SET OF PICTURE BOOKS FROM CANDLEWICK 
BEGINS Dec. 15 & ENDS Dec. 21.

All of the books are fun to read aloud. Under the Milky Way and Under the Southern Cross are cute informational books.

The Tooth Fairy in Training is a cute imaginary tale about a tooth fairy.

My two favorites of the set of five books are "By the Light of the Moon" are beautifully written rhyming fun story of critters at the pond. And the "Knight Who Said "No!"' is a cute story.

Under the Milky Way https://www.candlewick.com/under-milky-way author/illustrator: Frané Lessac

Beneath a blanket of stars, crowds cheer at Little League games, campers share fireside stories, bull-riders hold on tight, and sled dogs race through falling snow — all under the Milky Way. Vivid artwork, engaging verses, and facts about the United States and Canada will captivate readers of all ages in a joyful offering from Frané Lessac. This celebratory picture book from Frané Lessac shines a light on beloved nighttime traditions under the starry skies of North America.

Under the Southern Cross https://www.candlewick.com/under-southern-cross  author/illustrator: Frané Lessac

After nightfall in Australia, families watch movies as bats flit overhead, mysterious orbs of light bounce across the outback, a staircase to the moon appears reflected at the ocean’s edge, and a Ferris wheel offers a citywide view — all under the Southern Cross. Bright and colorful artwork, fascinating natural phenomena, and shared experiences connect people across the country in Frané Lessac’s fascinating tour of Australia at night. This celebratory picture book from Frané Lessac shines a light on beloved nighttime activities under the starry skies of Australia.

Tooth Fairy in Training https://www.candlewick.com/tooth-fairy=training  author: Michelle Robinson, illustrator: Briony May Smith

Tate’s tooth-fairy training starts today, and her big sister, May, is taking her out on her very first tooth-collecting mission. After practicing at home, Tate is ready to test her skills, and May leads her to their first stop: a herd of hippos in a lake! After all, human children aren’t the only young creatures that lose their teeth. In fact, being a tooth fairy is a dangerous job, and Tate must visit all kinds of toothy predators before the night is up. Will she be able to collect the teeth from narwhals, anacondas, and more — all without waking a single creature? Author Michelle Robinson and illustrator Briony May Smith introduce two brave fairy sisters with a whimsical, rhyming read-aloud. When it’s time for Tate to start her tooth-fairy training, she learns that there’s much more to the job than just leaving coins for sleeping children.

By the Light of the Moon https://www.candlewick.com/Light-of-Moon   author/illustrator: Frann Preston-Gannon

A little frog is singing to himself in the swamp one night. His song doesn’t seem complete, so he invites other animals to join in. Nothing sounds right until they are joined by the littlest voice in the swamp — that of a tiny firefly. This wonderfully illustrated picture book carries the important message that small voices need to be heard, too. A lyrical picture book from renowned U.K. artist Frann Preston-Gannon

The Knight Who Said “No!” https://www.candlewick.com/knight-who-said-no  author: Lucy Rowland, illustrator: Kate Hindley

Ned the knight always does exactly what he’s told. When his parents ask him to pick up his toys, dig up the cabbages, or go to bed on time, he does it all with a smile. And when the dragon swoops into town every night, Ned always runs inside just as he’s asked. But one morning Ned says "NO!" He will not help his dad find his shield, his arrow, or his bow, and that night, he refuses to go inside. After a surprising encounter with the dragon, will he change his tune?

GIVEAWAY

Begins Dec. 15

Ends December 21 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of the books. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given. Giveaway prizes are provided and shipped directly to winners by Candlewick Press publicist.

Penguin & Moose by Hannah C. Hall & illustrated by Anna Chernyshova from WorthyKids Publishing

My thoughts:  Charming.Sweet. Cute. Two friends are out at play. Penguin knows he is a bird and birds fly. Right? But.... Penguin can't fly. So he asks Moose, his playmate, to help him. Penguin devises several "tools" to help him with his goal to fly. Each time, failing.

Playtime. Naptime. Snacks. And a sweet lesson in friendship are beautifully brought out in this cute book.

Worthy Kids Publishing is a Christian publishing house so the lesson "A friend loves at all times" is straight from the Bible. A perfect little book for libraries (especially church and Christian or Parochial schools) and homes with little ones developing friendships.

About the book: Penguin has a problem--he doesn't know how to fly. He and his friend, Moose, try everything they can think of to get him airborne: balloons, treetop starts, cocooning like a caterpillar. But no matter how hard they try, Penguin remains firmly on the ground. At the end of the day, a tired and disappointed Penguin realizes that he has something better than the ability to fly--a friend that supports and loves him no matter what. Written by best-selling author Hannah C. Hall, this series debut celebrates the power of friendship. Children are sure to fall in love with the adorable Penguin and Moose.

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

NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls [Review & Giveaway]

Created especially for girls ages 8 to 12, this beautiful Bible provides ample space for young artists to express themselves through coloring and journaling.

Girls can get creative with the detailed, ready-to-color line art surrounding the hundreds of inspiring verses in the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls. This Bible is a perfect gift for a special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith.

Features include:

• Hundreds of verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
• Thicker white paper for enduring note-taking
• Lined, wide margins for notes, reflections and art
• Complete text of the accurate, readable and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Easy-to-read black letter text in single-column format
• Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
• Ribbon marker
• Beautifully designed Leathersoft-over-board cover featuring screen-printing and other cover embellishments
• 8-point type size

Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world.

My thoughts: Today's publishers are providing a wonderful choice of Bibles that had added appeal to children and teens as well as adults. A variety of versions, such as the NIV, provide readability for young folks. I personally prefer the King James Version but am glad that God's Word is proliferating.

In this Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls young girls will find a joy and pleasure in studying God's Word and focusing on key ideas and key verses via the drawings which they can color. So this Bible is illustrated, but the girl provides the colors. A good design and one to capture a girl's heart just as we wish for her heart to be captured and fall in love with God's Word.

An opportunity to win a copy of this Bible. Check it out. ENDS Dec. 16.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here to download coloring pages of your own.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls from Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) for this review. This post is sponsored by Zondervan.”