God's Gift - A Children's Book Review

What better gift to give a child this Christmas than a book.  Even better a book that shares the message of God.  God's Gift is a children's book in the Adventures of the Sea Kids series.  It is an award winning series that seeks to help children build a strong foundational relationship with Jesus.

God's Gift shares the message of Christmas.  Christian and his sister Mary believe they get more presents at Christmas.  However, Jacob and Jeremiah believe they get more presents on Hanukkah.  The children learn that Christmas and Hanukkah are about celebration the gift God has given to His children.  It's not about how many presents are under the tree at Christmas or the eight days of presents for Hanukkah.  It's about God's provision for those He loves.  God gives the gift of the Messiah to the Christians and the Gift of Light to the Jews.  The true gift from God is learned in this colorful holiday story!

This is a very cute book.  I love the colorful images that remind me of both Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid characters.  The story itself is great because it teaches children of both Christmas and Hanukkah.  As with the other books in this series, there are two new hidden objects in this book that children can find hidden within the pages.  I like this addition as it gives an extra entertainment level for kids as they are learning about God's love.

***Thanks to Book Crash  for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Child of the River - A Book Review

I love to read a good fiction novel that is rich in history.  I was instantly drawn to Child of the River by it's beautiful cover and the back of the book drew my interest deeper.  I am so glad I picked this book up.  It led me into a piece of history that I knew little about and it was a book that I didn't want to put down.

The Author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing fiction.  Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail.  This is exactly what I love in a book.  Child of the River was the first book I have ever read by this author, but it won't be my last.  She made me an instant fan.

Persomi is young, white, and poor, born the middle child of illiterate sharecroppers on the prosperous Fourie farm in the South African Bushveld.  Persomi's  world is extraordinarily small.  She has never been to the local village and spends her days absorbed in the rhythms of the natural world around her, escaping the brutality and squalor of her family home through the newspapers and books passed down to her from the main house and through her walks in the nearby mountains.

Persomi's close relationship with her older brother Gerbrand and her fragile friendship with Boelie Fourie - heir to the Fourie farm and fortune - are her lifeline and her only connection to the outside world.  When Gerbrand leaves the farm to fight on the side of the Anglos in WWII and Boelie joins an underground network of Boer nationalists, Persomi's isolated world is blown wide open.  But as her very small world falls apart, bigger dreams become open to her - dreams of education, a profession, a native country that values justice and equality, and of love.  As Persomi navigates the changing world around her the tragedies of war and the devastating racial strife of her homeland, she finally discovers who she truly is, where she belongs and why her life, and every life, matters.

I would highly recommend this book.  Especially if you are a history buff like myself.  On top of the great historic accuracy there is a strong message of faith and staying true to yourself.

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Storm: Stone Braide Chronicles

As Selah and her companions mourn the loss of those who died in the Mountain, they are faced with a new threat, Selah must complete the Third Protocol before she fractures and loses herself completely.  All clues lead to the West, but what will they find when they get there?  The other side of the mountains holds unknown perils - volcanic ash, dangerous storms, and strange new settlements that could hold the keys to Selah's quest...or lead to her destruction.

The clock is ticking and Selah's abilities are growing - along with the list of those out for her blood.  Selah must find the strength within herself to keep going and complete the mission for which so many have sacrificed so much.

But have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a legend?

Storm is the 3'rd and final book in the Stone Braid Chronicles.  I should have paid more attention when I picked this book to read.  Had I known that it was part of a series I would of passed.  It is definitely a series that needs to be read in order.  I was missing so much story line and struggled to connect with the characters.  I was never able to even get partially involved in the book.  It did not spark my interest to go back and read the first book.  So for me I will be saying goodbye to this author and this series.  If you would like to check it out I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning and maybe you will connect better than I did.


***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Servant Like Jesus - A Children's Book Review

On the first day of school, Charlie is too shy to come out from his hiding spot behind the cleanup sink.  But when Miss Stella Starfish asks him to become her teacher's helper, Charlie acquires a new confidence in the special abilities God has given him.  by helping his teacher and classmates though, Charlie learns something even more important - the value of serving others just like Jesus did.

Adventures of the Sea Kids is a multiple, award-winning series seeking to help children build a strong, foundational relationship with Jesus.  Each book focuses on a character that struggles with issues such as bullying, shyness, bragging, being different and more.  parents, grandparents, teachers and especially children will enjoy reading these delightful and beautifully illustrated books.

A Servant Like Jesus is a softback children's book that is geared for children 2-8.  The book is great for reading aloud to your little one. Some of the words would be hard for a new reader.  The story has a great message.  The illustrations are so vibrant.  The sea life creatures reminded me of a cross between Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.  Such cute characters.  An extra little fun activity is that on each page there is "the hidden word" for you to find.  It is just a small illustration of the Bible hidden within the pictures. This adds a unique touch and a fun activity for little kids to participate in.  Kind of like I spy.  A very clever thing to include.

I would definitely recommend this book for parents, grandparents or anyone who has little kids they like to read to.  Reading is such a rewarding activity and what better than a book that teaches good morals and the love of God.

***Thanks to Book Crash for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.