"The Little House That Stood" (VeggieTales DVD)

About The Little House That Stood  - When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation - following the wise plans from the Master Builder's Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses - and their lives - on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God's blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

Review:  This video, Veggie Tales, Building On A Firm Foundation, has lots of fun music and humor that references the nursery rhymes that all kids are familar with.  Kids and adults will find themselves laughing and singing along while being taught the basic christian principal of building our faith on a firm foundation.  Kids are saying:  

"The three pigs are so funny." 
"I like the town of Cabbageville."  
"I like to sing the silly songs."

 Watch the cute trailer

Link: VeggieTales - Little House  

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that we would mention it on this blog. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. This is being disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Adverising."

“… And Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them” and “To Secure Essential Liberty” by Michael Taylor

The two books by Michael Taylor “… And Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them” and “To Secure Essential Liberty”  have had a cursory review by a Social Studies teacher on our staff.  This teacher found these books to be profitable for someone that enjoys little known interesting stories and facts as they relate to history and the events that shaped America.    

The books will be a nice addition to our library shelves for students' research for reports or for those students that love reading about history.  The information in these books is not that which you would normally find in your average textbook.  I find it interesting in that it gives insight on some of the lesser known people that had a role in the events of our nation’s development. (rev. by C.Delorge)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary  of each of these books was provided by the author in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely our own.

"The 5 Love Languages for Children" by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell

“The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell is a must read for every parents as well as anyone that deals with children on a regular basis.  This book provides insight on how to deal children in their own individual way.  The 5 love languages as stated in the book are easily understood and can be put into practice very quickly.  Learning to use each of these 5 languages with all the people you come in contact with will enhance your ability to develop relationships that are lasting and healthy.   

Using these languages with children is of upmost importance as we model for them different ways to express love so that they can then use these techniques in their own relationships as they grow and mature.  Knowing the 5 love languages helps each one of us to understand ourselves better as well; and as we understand ourselves, we are better equipped to pour our lives into others for the glory of God.   

The authors do a wonderful job of explaining the principles and guiding the reader in implementing them into your everyday life.  Clear examples of each of the 5 love languages are given as well as examples of how to deal with children that speak each of the different languages.  This is a very encouraging book that will prove to be a great help to parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone else that deals with children. (rev. by C.Delorge)

Another staff review of this book can be found HERE.  Another 5 Love Languages book review can be found HERE.

DISCLOSURE: Complimentary copies of The 5 Love Languages for Children was provided to Alamance Christian School for staff development by the publisher in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

Our Earth's Oceans series: by Doreen Gonzales

Author Doreen Gonzales is an elementary school teacher and she has written a series of marvelous resource books for upper elementary - Our Earth's Oceans.  Each book is less than 50 pages with additional resources at the back of each book.  So much information packed into a few pages.  These books are well laid out with beautiful pictures.  Each page also has a short side bar attached a picture with wonderful tidbits of information. I highly recommend these books even for general reading.  A student cannot go wrong using these books for any type of school report!

 

Today's review features three of the Our Earth's Oceans books:  The Huge Pacific Ocean, The Mighty Atlantic Ocean, and The Frigid Artic Ocean. Each book shows the distinctively different attributes of these wonderful resources on the Earth - oceans!  The books focus on the ocean's resources, the floor, life of that ocean, and exploration of that particular ocean. 

I particularly like that while the books are obviously written to be resource and informational books for elementary children, they have research attributes for elementary students who are just learning to use and will use throughout life as life-long learners: glossary, fact sheet, bibliography, and index. (rev. P.Howard & V.Godley)

DISCLOSURE: Complimentary copies of these books were given to us by Enslow Publishers, Inc. in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed were solely our own.

"DarknessBefore Dawn" by Ace Collins - Story of grief, teen drinnking and driving, and restoration

Description: On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards's husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He's a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life---and Meg's future---forever.

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court's decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

Review:  Well written and easy to read, this book tells the story of  losing a loved one and the grieving process.  This particular book deals with drunk driving and the consequences of driving under the influence.  Even more important, it deals with the subject of teen drunk driving, which is a problem in our society.  Even though this book is Christian fiction, no doubt it is very real to many families.

Meg Richards is the young woman whose husband is killed by a drunk teen driver.  She is full of bitterness and basically turns her back on God.  “How can a God of love allow such a thing to happen?”  She makes it her personal goal to destroy the young man responsible for her husband’s death.  In addition, she receives news that she is expecting their first child within just a few hours of her husband’s death.  This only adds fuel to her bitter spirit.

Ultimately she does destroy the young man.  But God in His grace gives her an opportunity to save the young man and restore her own heart and faith in God.  The author also introduces a character who is instrumental in Meg’s life.  Nancy shows Meg that even though bad things happen, God is still on the throne and in control.

While I felt that the author dwelt on the “bitterness” side a little long, the ending was good.  I appreciated the spotlight being put on the subject of teen drunk driving and how the decision of someone to drink and drive can have devastating and irreversible consequences.  This is a book that is easy to recommend for reading.

Meet Ace: Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels "Swope's Ridge" and "Words of the Father," as well as the nonfiction "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas"; and "Lassie: A Dog's Life". His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.


More reviews on this book
Learn more about Ace at: http://AceCollins.com
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Darkness Before Dawn was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher, Abingdon Press in exchange for our honest review.

"Can You Find These Butterflies? by Carmen Bredeson & Linsey Cousins

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3980-3

Description: So many butterflies! This beginner's nature guide is perfect for new readers. Learn how to identify many common butterlies by reading about their traits and seeing photos of the insects in nature. Readers will be excited to start naming the butterflies they see in the world around them.

A wonderful elementary book on butterflies.  Very short, approximately 25 pages, with great pictures.  At the back of the book is a list of additional books to read on the subject of butterflies, as well as a list of websites on the subject.   This book would be especially helpful for any elementary student having to complete a “bug” project.  I even learned a few things about butterflies and the differences.  Highly recommend for any child wanting to learn/know more about butterflies. (rev. P.Howard)

This little book offers the young reader the opportunity to read non-fiction without intimidation and affords a good tool for beginning to learn basic research skills.

We are privileged to review books for Enslow Publishers, Inc. producers of educational materials. Can You Find These Butterflies? is a guided reading level: E book based on the guidelines recommended by Fountas and Pinnell.  Word count for the books is 325. The book is indexed in the back giving young children the opportunity to learn the basics of research in a book. Can You Find These Butterflies? is one title in the All About Nature series.  

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Enslow Publishers, Inc. in exchange for our honest review.

Brighten your day with Ace Collins’ Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway!

In his latest novel, Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press), Ace Collins leads readers on an emotionally charged ride from revenge to forgiveness.

Ace is celebrating the release of Darkness Before Dawn with a Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway!

Go {HERE} or click the button for all the details. Follow along for a new giveaway each day. (Moleskin journal, books, Starbucks gift cards and so much more!)