Our Country’s Presidents 2020: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency from National Geographic [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  This beautiful collection of information on the Presidents of the United States of America has a short biographic sketch of each individual that served as The President and also a plethora of information on government, processes, issues; and it is all presented in a respectful, engaging manner by the writers of National Geographic.

I was so impressed with the 2017 edition and here I am again totally impressed with this newer 2020 edition. It provides information about our newest elected President Joe Biden. But it isn't just the Presidents. Such a lot of information about our system of elections and government. The achievements of each president and how they fit into the ongoing scheme of American history is interesting and so well presented. Sure to impress readers of any age.

Sequenced chronologically, the reader can follow through how the country developed under the leadership of each of these Presidents. From our Country's inception and formative leadership, through years of discovery and expansion and on into the atomic age, America has grown guided by our governing principals and leaders who strove for America's best.

As with any publication about political figures, there is controversy. I am not delving into whether the book's narrative is biased for any political view. I am simply stating that this is a wonderful book that gives the publisher's and author's material. The photographs and other images are fabulous. This is a superb piece of educational material.

I highly recommend this book for school classrooms and libraries, public libraries, and home libraries. Invaluable for homes where homeschooling is done.

About the book: A completely updated edition of National Geographic’s Our Country’s Presidents 2020 is released every four years, timed to the inauguration.  

As the nation and world watched as events surrounding the pandemic, the election and the peaceful transfer of power unfolded, author Ann Bausum and the Nat Geo Kids Books editors raced to complete Our Country’s Presidents 2020: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency (ages 10+, hardcover, $24.99, January 2021),  which profiles the 45 individuals who have served as President, plus includes extensive coverage of the 2020 presidential campaign as well as America’s newest commander in chief.  The teamwork and coordination behind creating this book is remarkable, but the results prove that it is well worth the effort.  I am so pleased to announce this latest edition's debut. 

Our Country’s Presidents has become THE gold standard as the most complete, timely encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency available.  This edition is fully up to date, featuring spreads that will fascinate the budding historian as well as the pop culture fanatic.  Timelines and descriptions of crucial events that occurred while each president was in office lay the foundation, while thematic spreads run the gamut of issues surrounding the presidency —including an explanation of the electoral college, the security and media that surround the president, a deep dive into the role of the vice presidency, presidential perks, the incredible challenges of choosing a president during a pandemic, campaign strategies, party politics, first ladies and so much more. 

Key features include: 

• Information about President Biden and the 2020 election results 
• A brand-new thematic spread on the impeachment process and its history
• Revised terminology around the language of slavery and analysis of early presidents who benefitted from and relied on enslaved labor
• Comprehensive profiles of all the former presidents along with timelines and descriptions of crucial events during their terms
• Twenty thematic spreads covering a variety of topics, including the history of voting rights, the role that cash and conventions play in the election process and to how to write a letter to the president
• Full-page portraits, famous quotes, and fascinating facts to help kids get to know each leader
• More than 400 illustrations -- from period artwork to iconic photography

Our Country’s Presidents serves not only as an excellent reference but also as a singular volume that illustrates how the presidency has morphed over time.  

GIVEAWAY

A Copy to a Chat With Vera Reader

Begins February 28

ENDS March 25 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA Addresses Only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from Media Masters Publicity on behalf of National Geographic and the author. Opinions are my own and are freely given. I was not compensated.

Sleep, Cat, Sleep! by Antje Damm (ISBN: 978-3791374482; Board Book $9.95; Ages 2-5)

My thoughts:  Originally published in Germany, this board book is a tad old in attitude for babies that are normally the target for board books. The book reeks with humor and cat-attitude. 

Children who are early in their own reading careers and who are developing a sense of humor, will surely love this cute book.

Prestel Publishing in association with Penguin Random House have a reputation for bringing humor, European thinking, artistry a bit different from what we usually see here in the States. I delight to see just what Prestel Publishing is going to come up with next. 

Sleep, Cat, Sleep! will have your toddlers giggling at the cat and reader exchange in this sturdy little book. So be careful as you open the book..... cat wants to sleep.

About the book: It can be hard to fall asleep because who wants to stop playing, talking, and just having fun. Sometimes, it's just as difficult to stay asleep. There can be noises, lights, and many other distractions. Cat has this very problem in Sleep, Cat, Sleep! He's calmly resting until you open the book and wake him up. Every time he thinks it's safe to fall back asleep, you flip the page and bother him again! All he wants is for you to close the book so he can start dreaming away. Author and illustrator Antje Damm has created an uproariously funny book to help young children fall asleep. They will be delighted with all the different ways Cat can come up with to get kids to let him sleep. A new surprise awaits with every turn of the page, but we don't want to give away who falls asleep at the end of this book!

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

NIV Verse Mapping Bible is available in youth and adult versions for Bible study [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  This study Bible uses the NIV translation of the Christian Bible - Old Testament and New Testament. My preferred translation is the old standard King James Version. In the study aids provided with the verse mapping system in this edition, specific verses are referenced in the NIV with specific words for study underscored. These verses and words are then looked at in two other versions or translations. 

The readers can then analyze the verse and make application for his- or herself.

The pages of Scripture only have wide outside margins allowing for the reader to pen his own thoughts and application to verses as he reads along. 

The 8-point font is small for my old eyes though younger readers might find them quite suitable. The font type itself is somewhat easy to read though very small to me. This NIV is in paragraph format so the verse numbers and line breaks normally seen in KJV and NKJV, etc. are extremely tiny, but said numbering does allow for comparison to verses in other versions. 

I have circled the study aids or notes. Helpful, but not extensive.

There are virtually no study notes or aids for Bible study to direct the reader. So aside from the specific verses laid out with comparative translations to the verse, the reader has virtually an unadorned Bible with which to study. Ideal for some and hard for some. 

I once knew a college professor from a Bible College who studies Scripture by diagraming the sentences. That is really difficult. Whilst this Verse Mapping system is not diagraming the verses like a sentence is diagramed, it is looking closely at the verse, comparing it, applying it to the context, and application for oneself as well.

These Verse Mapping Bibles will work well for some. Others will do well to procure something different. I would suggest that you look at the Verse Mapping Bible Facebook page (Click Here) and follow along as the editor, Kristy Cambron guides those interested. You can use a composition book to start out and following the guidance she gives. This will introduce you to the concept of Verse Mapping and perhaps you'll see that one of these special Verse Mapping Bibles is just what you need in your quest to study the Bible.

Description:

Go beyond just reading the Bible. Verse mapping means getting real about studying the Bible. More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping means using Bible study tools to research what you’ve just read in the Bible—to learn more about what God is saying to you and how you can apply his Word to your life today. 

In the NIV Verse Mapping Bible, author Kristy Cambron expands her verse mapping curriculum series to include verses from the entire Bible, showing you how to compare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and delve into the true meaning of each verse using starter verse maps and prompts. Verse mapping will help you study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse. This unique study technique includes exploring Hebrew and Greek word studies, finding connections in Scripture, comparing Bible translations, and learning as much as you can from your time in God’s Word. 

Verse mapping involves five steps:

1. Choose: Select a verse and write it out.
2. Compare: Record this verse in two or three other Bible translations and underline key words that are the same or different between translations.
3. Research: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the underlined words and record it.
4. Consider: Ask questions of the verse. Imagine what it would be like to have experienced what’s happening. Read the verses surrounding this verse and use other study tools to dig even deeper, if you prefer.
5. Apply: What is God saying to you? How does this verse relate to your life today?

Features:

• Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Guided instructions on how verse mapping works, how to start, and how to get the most from your mapping
• 350 partially completed verse maps with pre-selected verses in multiple Bible translations and helpful Hebrew or Greek word studies
• Includes directions on how to use the Reverse Interlinear feature on BibleGateway.com to research the Greek and Hebrew translations for these 350 verses for free
• More than 70 blank verse maps for your own inductive Bible study journey
• 66 book introductions
• Presentation page
• Topical index
• Satin ribbon marker
• Cloth over board cover lays flat when open
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
• 8-point print size

Purchase a Verse Mapping Bible - CLICK HERE

You have an opportunity to win a copy for yourself or for gifting to someone you care about. Enter below..... #GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 9, 2021

CLICK HERE TO ENTER VERSE MAPPING BIBLE GIVEAWAY - Ends March 9

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Giveaway is hosted at www.blessedfreebies.com and they or their publicist or publisher of Bible is responsible for provided and shipping winner's Bible directly to them. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Settle in with some Candlewick Press picture books that entertain and educate [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

Over the Shop by Jonarno Lawson & illustrated by Qin Leng (Hardcover ISBN: 9781536201475, Ages 3-7)

My thoughts:  A wordless book that tells a wonderful story. A story of a joyful little girl. A tired, grumpy older lady (aunt, grandmother, old-before-her-time mother), a struggling general store, and an empty apartment.

Daily the tired, grumpy lady gets up, cooks breakfast for herself and the little girl. Then the routine of the day begins with opening the shop, setting out on the sidewalk various displays.

The imagery is touching, telling, compelling. The lady and child are struggling. The empty apartment is in ruinous state. But they put a sign out "Apartment for Rent." And then the parade of "no's" begins. So disheartening.

But then a bi-racial couple arrives and says a positive "yes" to the apartment. The old lady is not so sure. But time passes......

And the ending is glorious in showing what a bit of love, joy, paint, kindness can do to change so much.

I highly approve this book. 

About the book: A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the quarters above their store will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space—until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl’s big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways. In this bustling wordless picture book, JonArno Lawson’s touching story and Qin Leng’s gentle illustrations capture all angles of the building’s transformation, as well as the evolving perspectives of the girl and her grandparent. A warm and subtly nuanced tale, Over the Shop throws open the doors to what it means to accept people for who they are and to fill your home with love and joy.

The Boy Who Loved Everyone by Jane Porter & illustrated by Maisie Paradise Shearring (Hardcover ISBN: 9781536211238, Ages 3-7)

My thoughts:  This is a lovely book about love shinning through. About blindness to differences in people of color, ethnic difference, nice-to-you, not-so-nice, old, young alike. 

It is also a story of hurt and disappointment when genuine, freely shared love is looked down on, ignored, brushed-off.

It also a story of giving love a bit of time to grow.

A very nice story.

About the book: Dimitri may be small, but his heart is as big and as open as a cloudless blue sky. “I love you,” Dimitri tells his new classmates at preschool. “I love you,” Dimitri tells the class guinea pig and the ants on the ground. “I love you,” Dimitri tells the paintbrushes and the tree with heart-shaped leaves. So why doesn’t anyone say “I love you” back? Could love also be expressed in unspoken ways? In a familiar story of navigating the social cues of new friendship, author Jane Porter and illustrator Maisie Paradise Shearring offer a thoughtful tribute to the tender ones—those who spread kindness simply by being, and who love without bounds.

So You Want to Be an Owl by Jane Porter & illustrated by Maddie Frost (Hardcover ISBN: 9781536215212, Ages 5-9)

My thoughts:  Oh my! I so very much enjoyed this book. I know my great-grand-child who is now reading will totally enjoy it. 

It is funny. It is cute. It is simply packed with owl facts. And it also has comparisons between owls in general and people. What they eat. How their eyes and ours are made different. 

Delightfully entertaining and educational.

About the book: Welcome to Owl School! Professor Olaf Owl is here to tell you everything you need to know about being an owl, from hunting to camouflage to seeing in the dark. Study hard, and soon you’ll be a first-rate member of Team Owl! This engaging nonfiction picture book is full of vibrant, humorous illustrations and owl lessons that will have readers eagerly practicing their hoots, toe swivels, and alertness (even if they can’t grow feathers).

GIVEAWAY

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Begins February 21

Ends March 16 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

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No P.O. Boxes & Canadians must provide phone number

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate reviews of these books. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' copies are provided and shipped directly to the winners by Candlewick Press or its publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

The King James Version Study Bible, Full Color, Leathersoft™ Brown/Red cover from Thomas Nelson Bibles [Review & Giveaway]

God's Word is precious! It should be handled with care and respect. And the printing of God's Word should reflect this respect. When I saw this beautiful King James Version Study Bible from Thomas Nelson, I was immediately drawn to it. The binding is beautifully done and the Bible lays flat for easy reading or laying upon one's desk. 

The cover is flexible two-toned LeatherSoft™, has beautiful gold foil page edging, and convenient thumb index.

The text is quite readable for my tired old eyes. That is very important! The print is consider a "large print" but not so noticeably large as some large print text. The paper, while thin, does not have text bleed-through or shadow-through to interfere with reading.

I am not an authority or qualified to review the study aids in this printing nor any other. But I can share my personal insights in the quality of Bible, ease of use, beauty of presentation, and prolific articles on people, places, history, organization, archeology. I do find that the numbering system developed for this study Bible which connects the words and their meaning quite useful and clearly illustrated and explained at the beginning. The system utilized is different from my KJV study Bible that I have had more than 30 yeas and much more extensive.

Note the woman icon which indicates personality/bio information and the shovel icon which indicates archeological information pertinent to this section.

This study Bible has maps, photographs, and illustrations in full color. There are extensive archeological notes, biographic or personality studies of men and women of the Bible, outlines of the books of the Bible, and doctrinal studies. All this brings a strong impact on the reading and understanding of Scripture.

This is certainly an impressive Study Bible, and I love that it is in the beloved, and tried-and-true King James Version. 

I do have concerns, though. As we all know, the Bible containing the Old and New Testaments is in itself alone a very large print book. Adding some reference notes or cross references adds to that largeness. To add the great quantity of additional information that this Bible printing has creates an extremely large, heavy Bible. Frequent use, handling, page turning, carrying about will definitely create wear and tear making this "life time" Bible wear out early. A heavy Bible is hard to hold in one's hands for reading so placing atop the desk or table for reading is most likely a must do.

Bible Description: Standing apart from all other KJV study Bibles on the market, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is the only Bible featuring extensive commentary, doctrinal notes, archaeological insights, and time-tested study aids developed exclusively for the King James Version. Now available with stunning full-color designs, Holy Land images, classic works of art, charts, and maps, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition guides you through the vivid beauty and authority of God’s Word as you grow in your biblical knowledge.

For over a quarter of a century, Thomas Nelson has earned the trust of millions with the best-selling King James Study Bible, offering the standard of conservative KJV scholarship. Our tradition and commitment to KJV study continues with the release of the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition.

Features include:

• Beautiful full-color throughout
• Easy-to-read 10-pt type large print
• 5,700 authoritative and study notes
• Center-column references with translation notes
• Hundreds of color maps and charts
• Over 100 archaeological notes
• Over 100 personality profiles
• Over 200 notes on Christian doctrines
• Easy-to-navigate topical indexes
• Book introductions and outlines
• Word-study concordance
• Time-honored KJV Bible text

Learn more and purchase the Bible - CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to enter. Giveaway ENDS March 1, 2021. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible in order to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. I received the Bible from publicist Front Gate Christian on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishers. https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/kjv-study-bible/  

Dead Broke (Agatha's Amish B&B #2) by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  Reading one of Vannetta Chapman's books is always a pleasure. She portrays the Amish as real people, living real lives, and who stay true to their faith. 

In this story the author revisits a favorite character, Henry, "the Bishop," who was the focus of a series. I loved that series and really wanted to hear more about Henry and his special gift. I was not disappointed even though he was not the main character of this book.

On the whole, the characters each had their individual roles to play but none stood out to me as being truly primary.  Not having read book one in this series, I didn't already know Agatha who is the owner of the Bed & Breakfast which the story seems centered around.

The story starts off with a bang that is heard from the locale of the Bed and Breakfast and Henry (remember, he's the Bishop) and his wife plus Agatha (remember she owns the Bed and Breakfast) with Tony, who is a close non-Amish friend of Agatha's set off to see the source of the gunshot "bang."

From there we meet other characters who seem minor players, but who surprise us in the end. The mystery gets solved. We see more of Henry's gift. We see the gentle involvement of the Amish in sordid mysterious events. And we see the grace with which the Amish approach the hard facts.

Again, Vannetta Chapman doesn't disappoint but entertains the reader with good, clean fun sprinkled with goodness and grace.

About the book: Why would someone kill Nathan King?

The peace of a perfect November afternoon is shattered when Agatha hears the frantic bleating of goats across the river from her B&B. Agatha kayaks over with retired detective Tony and two guests--Bishop Henry and his wife Emma. They find the goats huddled together in a terrified group and Nathan lying face up beneath the Live Oak trees, lifeless eyes staring at the Texas sky.

Then one of Agatha’s guests goes missing. She delves into Joey’s past and learns he was Dead Broke, so what was he doing vacationing at her B&B? And why was he pretending to be Amish when in fact his permanent address was Dallas, Texas? Most importantly, did Joey have anything to do with Nathan’s death? Agatha and Tony are at a dead end before the investigation has properly begun, but this time they receive help from unexpected places. Bishop Henry has a gift, and he’s no longer afraid to use it, even if doing so may put them all in danger as they work together to catch a killer.

Dead Broke is a story about family secrets, rare gifts, and the joy of unexpected friendships.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 8

Ends March 6 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy of provided and shipped directly to the winner by the author.

Mexique by Maria Jose Ferrada & Songs for our Sons by Ruth Doyle [Review & Giveaway]

Songs for Our Sons by Ruth Doyle & illustrated by Ashling Lindsay

My thoughts: An unusually thoughtful book that speaks to the potential of a young son with encouragement to embrace the lively spirit and inner sense of being within himself. Encouragement to never fib, follow, fit in. To be proud, free, happy as himself.

How to control anger, to not be afraid to cry, to explore, to discover. To keep an inner compass - home. To be a tender-defender.

Now, while the majority of the book is absolutely wonderful, I do find exception to a couple of things. One being "don't change." I firmly believe that if this idea is planted in the young mind, the possibility of personal behavior/opinion absolutism is being endorsed. We all need to change from behavior contrary to that which civil and moral acceptable. 

So for that reason, I give it a 4-star rating. 

About the book: What hopes do you have for the future? Who do you long to become? This warm, inspiring book encourages boys to shape a world so much gentler and brighter than before.  Playful rhymes and tender illustrations invite them to notice nature, embrace their emotions, and use wise words as their weapons. Whether they’re dynamic dazzlers or marvelous mud sculptors, this book is an opportunity to imagine all the incredible adventures up ahead. 

A perfect gift for baby showers, graduations, and other celebrations, Songs for Our Sons is a book boys will treasure throughout their lives.

Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War by María José Ferrada & illustrated by Ana Penyas 

My thoughts: Based on a true story, this is a unique book. Artistically stark and dreary, the illustrations are truly appropriate for the brutal reality and darkly scary experience of the child-refugee story portrayed.

I was not aware of the boatload of children sent to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War. I was barely aware that Spain had a civil war. So this was an eye-opener for me.

War is terrible. Children who have to be around war have terrible life. Even trying to escape a war as a refugee is a terrible time and experience. This book aptly tells the children's story in sparse text and dark illustrations.

I recommend.

About the book: On May 27, 1937, over four hundred children sailed for Morelia, Mexico, fleeing the violence of the Spanish Civil War. Home was no longer safe, and Mexico was welcoming refugees by the thousands. Each child packed a suitcase and boarded the Mexique, expecting to return home in a few months. This was just a short trip, an extra-long summer vacation, they thought. But the war did not end in a few months, and the children stayed, waiting and wondering, in Mexico. When the war finally ended, a dictator—the Fascist Francisco Franco—ruled Spain. Home was even more dangerous than before. 

This moving book invites readers onto the Mexique with the “children of Morelia,” many of whom never returned to Spain during Franco’s almost forty-year regime. Poignant and poetically told, Mexique opens important conversations about hope, resilience, and the lives of displaced people in the past and today.

GIVEAWAY

1 copy Mexique: A Story from the Spanish Civil War

Begins February 8

Ends March 3 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only 

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Eerdmans Young Readers Publishing.