LET'S BE REAL

“Let’s Be Real” was sent to me by Zondervan Publishing, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.

“Let’s Be Real” is a Christian non-fiction book, written by Natasha Bure – the daughter of the well-known actress, Candace Cameron Bure and NHL All Star, Valeri Bure.  She is an actress in her own rights, starring in shows like “Make It or Break It” and “The Heart of Christmas”.  She also has the voice of an angel, as seen on “The Voice”, talent show.

In this book, Natasha relays personal stories in encouraging young ladies to live a pure life.  She also encourages in beauty facts, peer pressure, and talking to parents about difficult things…among other relevant topics for today’s youth.  She uses lots of Scripture, includes many tips, and is a big proponent of journal use.

I really like this book.  In fact, the whole time I was reading it, I was wishing I had a book like this when I was growing up. I would definitely recommend this book to girls from middle school on up. ENJOY!!

THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR

“The Legend of the Sand Dollar – An Inspirational Story of Hope for Easter” was sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.

“The Legend of the Sand Dollar” is a children’s fiction picture book, written by Chris Auer.  The gorgeous illustrations were done by Richard Cowdrey.  I love his artwork!

This story is about a little girl, Kerry, who goes to visit her aunt and her cousin, Jack, before Easter.  Jack takes her on his boat to a little island where she finds a sand dollar.  Jack told Kerry the story of Jesus seen in this little creature’s shell.  The holes being the nails and the Roman spear.  The Easter lily is etched on one side and the poinsettia on the other, symbolizing Christ’s birth and death.  And, inside are little doves symbolizing peace.  When they get home, Kerry shares the story with her sister.  On the last page of the book it tells a little about the creature, the sand dollar.

I believe I would recommend “The Legend of the Sand Dollar” to any young readers, and those who read to them.

BERENSTAIN BEARS EASTER ACTIVITIES

“The Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker and Activity Book” was sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.

This Sticker and Activity book was written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain…the son of the late Stan and Jan Berenstain, who introduced the Berenstain Bears series in 1962. It is full of fun puzzles and activities and over 50 reusable stickers.

I would say that some of these puzzles are a little more difficult and children may need to be a little older to understand them…maybe second to about sixth grade.  There are spot the difference, fill in the blank, color by number, mazes, hidden objects, etc. that may be a little more difficult.

I feel this would be a fun book for elementary age children and I would recommend it.

ONCE UPON A TIME STORYBOOK BIBLE

“Once upon A Time Storybook Bible” was sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.

“Once upon A Time Storybook Bible” is a children’s picture book illustrated by Omar Aranda.

There are thirty-three well-known Bible stories in this book, written for a young reader to understand.  Included from the Old Testament are the story of creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, and many more.  From the New Testament are Jesus’s birth, Zacchaeus, Lazarus, Peter Walking on Water, Jesus’s death and resurrection, among others.  Each story begins with a verse and a “Once upon a time…” story, then ends with a “Happily ever after…”admonishment, along with the verses where the story is found in the Bible.  The pictures are frame-worthy, in my opinion…GORGEOUS!

I would recommend this to young readers and to those who read to them.

THE BEGINNER'S BIBLE ACTIVITY BOOK AND COLORING BOOK

“The Beginner’s Bible Activity Book” and “The Beginner’s Bible Coloring Book” sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.

I received two books from the Beginner’s Bible this time.  The activity book has all sorts of puzzles and color pictures, like learning to write letters and numbers, mazes, word searches, matching puzzles, etc.  The coloring book has pictures of different stories throughout the Bible.

These are pretty cool for any little one, especially early elementary school.  I would recommend them for a fun learning tool.

READY. SET. FIND. - EASTER

“Ready, Set, Find – Easter” was sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.  

“Ready, Set, Find – Easter” is a children’s picture book, written and illustrated originally by Scandinavian Publishing House.  This is a board book, and thus, appropriate for little sticky hands…LOL.

This little board book, with adorable illustrations, tells the story of Jesus from the time He rode into town on a donkey, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, to His death, burial, and resurrection.  I love how there are six hidden object pictures, which makes this precious book interactive.

I would highly recommend “Ready, Set, Find – Easter” to the tiniest ones, to young readers, and to those who read and teach little ones.

BERENSTAIN BEARS BLESS OUR PETS

“The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets” was sent to me by Zonderkidz – a division of Zondervan Publishing – in exchange for my honest review.

“The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets” was written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain…the son of the late Stan and Jan Berenstain, who introduced the Berenstain Bears series in 1962. It is a children’s picture book.

In this story Preacher Brown decided to have a blessing for all the pets in his church.  The cubs were so excited to bring their cat, dog, bird and fish to the service.  Other children brought many different kinds of pets.  Of course, no one thought of the mayhem that would happen when you put dogs, cats, birds, mice, etc. together in one place …and happen it did! As always, there are verses and prayers to remember and beautiful pictures. And, at the end of this particular book, Mike included a word search puzzle.

As always, I highly recommend this and all of the Berenstain books to young readers and those who read to them.