Meet Humble Honeybee and his virtue friends in this wonderful children's book of virtues. The pictures are bright, bold and colorful; the cover is hardback with a soft cushion front cover. The characters will help reinforce those character traits that you are longing to instill in your child. Each virtue is defined and then the story will go into detail showing how the virtue is carried out or experienced in the characters life. At the end of each character trait there is a page that asks the reader if they have ever experienced a time when they put to use this virtue. Good way to get your child to talk and reinforce the virtue. There is also a scripture verse that corresponds with the virtue as well. The character lessons are very simple that a two or three year old would benefit from this book. 7-8 year old might be a little bored with it. Your young children will fall in love with the animal characters.
Be sure to visit Humble Bumbles web site here for fun things to do .
Check out Humble Heart page here for more information
A copy of this book and dvd was provided in exchange for this review by...
Are you thinking about Christmas yet?? Well, Hermie the Worm would delight any youngster on Christmas morning and all year long. Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado is a excellent book. I totally fell in love with Hermie from day one of reviewing him. Your child will learn that being common isn't always a bad thing. We all are special in God's eyes. God is working on them and isn't finished with them. These themes are much needed to help any child gain a healthy self-esteem. The illustrations are beautiful too. I haven't come across a Max Lucado book that I haven't fell in love with yet. Just can't go wrong. I'm sold.
Chuck Swindoll's DVD series Paws & Tales is a wonderful way to present good Christian morals and values with young children. These animated stories with character traits and values are excellent. I'd share them with any young child that visited in my home. Right at the beginning of each story Chuck Swindoll does about a 2-3 minute talk about what the lesson will be about, this may lose the youngest of viewers, but if they can get through that they will be captivated by the animated characters and the story and lessons that are presented in these dvds. The stories are sound Bible lessons with wonderful values for our children today to learn they aren't getting it from Hollywood that is for sure.
For more information about this dvd and others in this series visit Tyndale Publishing
I copy of this dvd was provided for this review by...
The Boy who Changed the World is a child's version of Andy Andrew's book, The Butterfly Effect. In this book your child will learn that everything they do has an effect on others. What a powerful message for kids to learn. This is one message that every person needs to know and realize as a true fact. They can make a difference. They do make a difference. Everything they do makes a difference.
The illustrations in this book are bright beautiful and very colorful. Even the littlest of kids will love to look at the pictures. Can even play eye-spy and see if they can find the butterfly on the page or count how many they can find on the page.
Think Christmas. It's coming. What better gift to give an something that teaches you make a difference. I very highly recommend this book. The message is great you can't beat it.
Watch a video trailer of this book at CBD.
The Boy Who Changed the World
By Andy Andrew
Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?
The Boy Who Changed the World opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing in his family’s cornfields with his sisters. One day, Norman would grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver?
This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver. Through the stories of each, a different butterfly will appear. The book will end with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to the child that they, too, can be the boy or girl who changes the world.
This book is very good book to teach kids the importance of work for something you want. Kids these days think we owe them everything. Little bit a work doesn't hurt anyone. Makes them value and respect it after they get it then. Amos in the story has fun while he works for a bike. There are discussion questions at the end of the book you can use with your child after reading the book. Good important memory verses to memorize too.
Book Recap
Amos McCool doesn’t own a bicycle, but he desperately wants the bright red bike hanging in the hardware store window. As he works to earn money for his dream bicycle, Amos learns important lessons about being responsible. Faced with an unexpected choice to give his new bike to someone less fortunate, Amos discovers the joy of showing generosity.
Author Bio
Michael McNeilly is the director of content development at Crown Financial Ministries, an international nonprofit ministry that teaches biblical financial principles.
A resident of Gainesville, GA for more than 35 years, Michael and his wife, Amy, have two daughters. Their 10-year-old was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age 3, and in the ensuing years, the family has learned to live each day God gives them with purpose.
They are active in CF fundraising and parent support groups.
The author of Guide to College Majors and Career Choices and contributing writer to
the new film learning experience, God Provides (both from Crown Financial Ministries),
Michael is involved in financial coaching ministry in his church and community. He enjoys
cycling, running, triathlons, hiking, camping, and remote control airplanes. Visit Michael
at www.amosmccool.com, or his blog at www.michaelmcneilly.authorweblog.com/.
Your book’s main character, Amos McCool, originated in your own family over 30 years ago. Tell us about how Amos was created.
Yes, more than 30 years ago, my grandmother made up Amos McCool when she told my brother and me bedtime stories at night. When my children were old enough I passed on this tradition and began telling Amos McCool stories too. The kids instantly liked Amos and asked for more stories each night - so I began writing them down. Many of the stories come from my childhood, friends, and good times we've had as a family.
What makes Amos McCool so cool?
Amos is cool because he has fun, isn't afraid to try new things, but more so because he does the right thing when opportunities arise. Often kids are made fun of or teased because they are nice, treat others with kindness, obey their parents, or when they make good decisions. Amos shows kids that it is cool to do the right thing - even if people don't understand or make fun. God is pleased with them and they don't have to give in to the peer pressure kids often face.
In The New Bicycle, Amos uses an Idea List to brainstorm ways to earn money so he can buy a bike for himself. What is an Idea List and how can kids use it?
Amos’ Idea List is a tool used to identify four major things:
1.Jobs I can do
2.Things I can sell
3.People that can help me.
4.People who I can help.
Parents and kids can use this simple tool to begin brainstorming about ways to earn extra money to purchase the things they want. They can also identify people they can help along the way.
How can the Adventures of Amos McCool serve as conversation starters for parents to discuss important issues with their children?
One good way is through bedtime stories. The book has discussion questions designed to help parents engage their children about the lessons they just read in the story. I let my kids talk openly and "dream" about things they want to do or what the story meant to them. There are several key Bible verses in the discussion times too that are good to focus on.
Our family also does "Family Fun Night." We will make dinner, tell stories (such as Amos McCool), discuss for a while, and play games. It's a lot of fun and kids learn too!
What tips can you share to help parents creatively instill values into their children?
1. You have to act. Do something memorable that take kids out of their comfort zone. For example - visit nursing homes, go Christmas caroling, give money/items to a single parent, homeless person, or volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Let your kids take part in it.
2. Look for simple teaching moments in every day life. Examples are:
Look at the moon/stars and say “Wow, God is a really cool creator huh?” What do you think is His greatest creation?
Around the dinner table – say “We are about to eat more tonight than some families eat in an entire month.” We are truly rich aren’t we? What can we do to share with others in need?
Read the Bible together. Example - Hebrews 4:12 – explain how the Bible is living and active. That's cool isn't it? What does that mean? Explain how it is the only book that actually “reads us.”
3. Share stories of your youth with your kids. Kids LOVE listening to stories of their parents when they were kids. Share things you learned, how you failed, what you did as a boy/girl. How you became a Christian. What you felt. Things that were hard for you to grasp. Be open and vulnerable.
4. Have recurring moments that you share as a family. Bedtime stories, dinner time rituals – i.e. name one thing God did for you today that made you happy?
Bottom line – Instilling values takes action on a parent’s part – it just doesn’t happen all by itself. We must lead kids to experience the moment on their own - often allowing them to get out of their comfort zone. God gives us great teaching moments all around us. We just need to be sensitive to Him and look for ways of sharing in a genuine way.
One of your daughters has a serious illness. How has her illness impacted your family?
When Grace was 3 years old she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. CF is a genetic disease that seriously affects the lungs and digestive system. Medically speaking the average lifespan of those with CF is 30 years of age. It can be a difficult condition to manage with the constant medications and respiratory therapy required.
God has been very close and tender to our family. He continually shows us that He is in control. We walk with Him daily and are putting our trust in Him to heal our little girl. We are teaching our girls to have a strong faith in God and to enjoy every moment to its fullest.
This condition has influenced my writing style in the stories as I seek to share lessons "that truly matter."
How has your 15 years of employment at Crown Financial Ministries influenced the creation of the Amos McCool series?
I just ended a wonderful 15-year career at Crown Financial Ministries. I was blessed to start work at Crown at the age of 23 years old. I was mentored by people such as Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, Howard Dayton, Lee Ellis, and Crown’s new CEO Chuck Bentley. These godly men have impacted my life in a very positive way and I take serious the verse that says “to whom much is given, much is required.”
The teachings of Crown are straight from the Bible. There are over 2,350 verses in the Bible dealing with money and possessions. I have been a budget coach and speaker for Crown for many years. I have personally seen the joy in working hard, living on a budget, and putting God first through giving. I have a strong desire to teach this to kids (and parents) through the Amos McCool stories.
Are more Amos McCool books in the works?
Yes, I have 5 stories written so far and several other ideas for future Amos McCool stories. Future stories are about Amos exploring the outdoors and camping, the value of having a best friend, dealing with bullies, and having to learn responsibility. I think kids will like one story in particular about one of Amos’ pets. Amos has a special pet (a snake named Harold) that accidentally goes to him to school – hidden away in his backpack. All sorts of things happen when the snake gets loose and Amos has to take responsibility and apologize.
You and your princess are going to love this book "Love Your Heart" by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas. It is set for the littlest princess in your life, anywhere from ages 3-6 or 7. She will love this book. The pictures bounce off the page as Katie bounces into your heart. Katie shows what it truly means to put others before yourself and gain great joy in your heart. She doesn't think of herself but of her friend, Sophie. Sophie and in they end they both win. What a true picture of friendship. Let Katie dance into your little ones life and she won't be the same. I give this book two smiley faces from ear to ear.
Don’t Let Relationships Suffer Because of the Economy
Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean relationships have to suffer, too. The Value Non-Fiction Line (September 15, 2009) offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives. Titles include:
More Than A Match by Michael & Amy Smalley
Fool Proofing Your Life by Jan Silvious
How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong by Leslie Vernick
What Women Don’t Know and Men Don’t Tell You by Michelle McKinney Hammond & Joel A. Brooks, Jr.
More Than A Match by relationship experts, Michael & Amy Smalley, marriage and family counselors who demystify the science behind compatibility tests to help singles in search of love recognize when the right relationship comes along. They also reveal the specific skills that can transform an ideal match into a lasting love. My Review of More than a Match: Finding your life's mate is more than just a match, being compatible; it's more than just a click of the mouse and you found your soul mate. Authors Michael and Amy Smalley have done an excellent job on this book. There is no PERFECT match in the game of love. Compatibility tests are tools to gain insight, but finding the right mate isn't in being compatible; there's more to it than that. Just because you are compatible there are other considerations to look at says the authors. The key to a perfect match is not compatibility, but commitment and being a servant to your spouse. This book should be a must read for anyone that has marriage on the mind now or way down the road in the future.
There is also a chapter in the book for those who thought they have found the perfect match and then as the wedding day approaches they have deep concerns about the match. Yes, it's hard to call things off but much better in the long run. Amy was in this boat and she shares her heart and tips on how to end a relationship correctly. It is possible to find that there was a computer glitch in the compatibility test and you just weren't meant for each other. It's better to be sure of it before saying "I Do". Remember: Just because a computer tests says your compatible in many areas-much prayer should be given in the matter of becoming a match for life. Taking personal responsibility in the way you act and talk is the key to a lasting relationship; serving and seeking the best for your mate makes things go smoother. Thinking of self is a sure way ticket to divorce. Couples need to learn the concept of LUV talk and practice it in your relationship using the drive-thru method of communication. (Ah, now you have to get the book and find out what I'm talking about)
This book is a very easy read. The book goes back and forth between Michael's and Amy's thoughts but it isn't hard to keep on track. It is actually neat seeing the two different views-one after the other. I think it is a must read for any couple with marriage on the mind. At the end of each chapter there are questions concerning what was discussed in the chapter for the couple to think about and talk over. I'm going to have my teenage daughters read it.
In this book the Smalley's give some important issues that should be discussed by any couple thinking of marriage. They also discuss how to handle breaking off an engagement correctly, how to handle conflict and stay married-4 risk factors to watch for that my head you into Splitsville.
It is evident that Michael and Amy have shared their hearts with the readers of their book.
What Women Don’t Know and Men Don’t Tell Youby Michelle McKinney Hammond, best-selling author, speaker, singer and co-host, with Joel A. Brooks, Jr., senior pastor of Christian Life Center, clears up misperceptions, providing women with the information they need to succeed in a lasting male-female relationship ─ both while waiting and after the wait is over.
How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrongby Leslie Vernick, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience, reveals how God uses the imperfections, difference and sins of a spouse to help anyone become more like Christ.
Fool Proofing Your Life by Jan Silvious, Precept Ministries (Kay Arthur) radio co-host discusses how attempts at coping with difficult people often fails, because they are what the Bible refers to as “fools.” Silvious provides tools to help readers get along and conduct relationships in a way that honors God, while preserving their own sanity.
The Value Non–Fiction Line provides readers with invaluable resources at a low cost, and offers priceless insights to help build meaningful relationship. Get more information about these books here.
The book More than a Match was provided for review by
In tough times discover…99 Ways (times six) to thrive!
The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group introduces 99…times six…practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book (WaterBrook Press, July 21, 2009). These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget. 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget by Cheri Gillard, nurse and mother of quadruplets. Practical ideas on how families can save money around the house.
My Review : With all the talk these days being bailouts, Cheri Gillard is here with her book 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget (BAILOUTS for your Family). Who better to give us some tips than a mother of quadruplets. If anyone should know, she should know how to stretch the budget. Gillard claims following these tips could save your family hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars in a year's time. So now that a new years is approaching why not give some of her tips a try.
Here are the chapter breakdowns in her book:
1. Food for Thought ~ 16 budgeting tips for feeding the crew.
2. Passion for Fashion ~ Gillard gives 16 tips on building a pracital wardrobe within the budget.
3. On the Go ~ You'll find 14 car care and vacationing tips.
4. About the Home ~ 15 tips on keeping up care around the house at a minimum.
5. Plug & Play ~ 13 ways to save on family fun activities, with electronics and media included.
6. Style Wiles ~ There are 12 tips on cutting the cost for personal needs: hair cuts, massages, nails, etc.
7. General Hospital ~ 13 physical and emotional health care tips are presented these include: dental, chiropractor, insurance, prescriptions and more.
Other Titles Include:
99 Ways to Entertain Your Family for Free by Mack Thomas, bestselling author of The First Step Bible and father of five. Offers activities and events sure to entertain and educate family members of all ages.
99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stressby Elsa Kok Colopy, Associate Editor for Focus on the Family Publications.Presents skills to guard rest, dream a little, and dive into truth and more.
99 Ways to Increase Your Incomeby Frank Martin, successful entrepreneur and author of over sixteen books.Provides tips to generate more cash, and rebuild or supplement an income,while hanging on to existing dollars.
99 Ways to Build Job Securityby Gary Nowinski, veteran in corporate management and downsizing. Introduces key strategies to help employees keep their jobs during economic cutbacks.
99 Bible Promises for Tough Timesby Randy Petersen, seasoned author of more than fifty books and Bible studies. Gives encouraging and wise words found in Scripture to mediate upon.
Written for families and individuals who are hoping to not only survive but thrive, during tough times. These value-packed, applicable resources offer relevant and reliable insights to endure the current economic downturn, and are sure to appeal to families in all stages of life. Get more information about these books here.
A copy of 99 ways to Stretch your Home Budget was provided for review by
"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." -C.S. Lewis
