NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Hardcover, Full Color Interior

Is there a new Bible out for kids? Isn't there a new Bible every day? What's so different about this one? Why do I need to buy it? Good questions!

The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible, for ages 8–12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they’ll want to explore.

Features:

Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
Full-color design
Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
One-column format with sidebar study notes for ease of reading
Presentation page
The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible

(Spoiler's Alert)

I gave it to one of my neighbor's kids and even though their children were not Christian, they loved the illustrations. It was their favorite book for weeks. They even brought it to school to share with friends. It's a win-win situation. The good news is spread, but it doesn't read like a normal Bible.

Dinner Recipes

There is nothing more like home than a home-cooked meal. Amen? Everyone, whether young or old enjoy a good comfortable meal now and then to disrupt the unhealthy eating habits adapted to their work life.

Even students have to turn to eating ramen noodles or mac and cheese from the box as a staple food when studying for exams.

This is where this book comes in handy. Of course, you do need a kitchen and some cooking utensils like pots, pans and stirring spoons. But the recipes can be made in one big pot and can last several meals.

Dinner is all about options: inventive, unfussy food with unexpected flavor. Clark’s mission is to help anyone—whether a novice with just a single pan or the experienced home cook—figure out what to make any night of the week without settling on fallbacks.  These inherently simple recipes can turn anyone into a better and more confident cook.

Love Letters from God to Girls!

There's something so sentimental about love letters to girls especially. Girls and women all over the world are exploited for heinous crimes, but here, these letters are made for our daughters to read.

So to sum it up, girls are important to God. There's a saying out there: behind every man is a woman on her knees.

I have reviewed all the other books in this series and I think this is the best because it is specified to girls who need this extra confidence boost in today's world.

In this heart-warming picture book designed for girls, author Glenys Nellist tells the inspiring stories of incredible women in the Bible. With beautiful illustrations by Rachel Clowes and sweet lift-the-flap envelopes, each story delivers a special message for children to open as they read their own personal love letters from God. Full of warmth and love, this picture book will fill girls’ hearts with the wonder of the Lord. The stories of Eve, Miriam, Esther, Mary, and much more will delight children and remind them of the bond they can share with God, just like th
e women of the Bible.

Coloring Devotional Book

Have you ever wanted to be your own illustrator? Now's your chance! This devotional book let girls be their own illustrator while reading the Bible. Each page is printed on high-quality, thick paper stock that won’t bleed through. And when you’re finished coloring with markers, metallic pens, or colored pencils, you will have a chance to reflect and journal about each promise from Scripture, and find inspiration for every day. Perfect for girls 8-12.

Even though this book was received for free from Book Look bloggers, I still wanted to receive this devotional for my cousin who is 13. Even though she is now a teenager, her passion is coloring and making designs on paper. As an older cousin, who can resist thumbing through those black and white pages without designing the flowers and patterns while reading God's word?

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

The Legend of the Sand Dollar tells the story of Kerry, as her cousin Jack reveals to her the deeper meaning of Easter hidden within something as small as a sand dollar. This Easter tale reminds everyone everywhere that when Jesus died for us and was resurrected, he promised hope for all.

I loved the full-colored illustrations and the story itself about the legend of the sand dollar. I never knew it had such a deep meaning to it.

But all in all, the book felt rushed. When I was reading it, the story didn't flow as well as it could have flowed. I didn't understand where the cross was in the sand dollar, and there was little characterization.

It seemed that the author wanted to tell the story of the sand dollar, but didn't know where to put it in the story. It started in a nice way but ended abruptly.

Children will love the pictures, but probably won't understand the depth of the story as much.

When God Made You

When God made you, He knew the number of hair you would have and the achievements you may grow up to achieve.

Even adults in this day and age need to hear the above sentence from time to time. Because this society has become a 'me' society, many other people are feeling that no one cares about them.

Even more so, children nowadays need more encouragement than ever about growing up and knowing that someone cares about them all the time.

Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew
That the world needed someone exactly like you!

The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.

A Little Thing Called a Conscience

Have you ever heard of the angel and the devil? Those two little voices that make you choose wise choices or bad choices? Most of all, the devil wants to do things you want to do, but the angel holds you back from making unwise decisions.

It has been depicted in a variety of shows and movies. It's another little thing called your conscience. The thing that tells you not to do something even though you want to do it.

In the book called, Your Magnificent Chooser, John Ortberg addresses the ability to choose in a whimsical way by inviting children to use their “magnificent chooser” that God gave them to make right choices daily. It's a great teachable moment for children that is depicted in a very down-to-earth kind of way for visual illustrations.

 For kids, those choices can include whether to be obedient or disobedient, to share or be selfish, to have a good attitude or not, and more. This is not a one time read-aloud, but a book that can be revisited more than once as you point out real live examples in your child's life as a parent or an educator in your classroom.

Wit's End is Real!

The Story Traveler's Bible is what I think modern Bible stories would look like in real life. The pictures are more vibrant and more intune with today's illustrations for children. No more are their heads wrapped and the pictures seem old.

This new book has updated pictures to make it seem more of a graphic novel than a Bible, so others may pick it up, accidentally read it, and accept Jesus into their heart more readily than before.

I read that book and relished the illustrations as I knew all the stories already, but seeing the illustrations really put me into the Bible stories, more so than before.

The Story Travelers Bible teaches kids that the Bible is more than just a bunch of tales told by parents and Sunday school teachers, but the Bible documents God’s work in and for His people from the beginning of time. The Story Travelers Bible will take kids on a ride through 85 Bible stories.

Old McDonald Had a Farm...

Remember Old McDonald? That farmer had all those noisy animals making so many noises. They appeared in this book again, but with a new cute look. The animals are cute, so even if they are noisy, children learn that God made all these animals and we should love them for who they are!

I love that it's a nearly indestructible board book so my future children will be able to read them without the pages ripping when they are 6 months old. (You can tell I'll be a homeschool mom.)

Baa! Oink! Moo! God Made the Animals, written by award-winning author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by David Walker, is set on a farm like Mr. McDonald. I wonder why we call him old. My 3rd graders last year said that calling anyone old was rude.

In the end, children learn that God is responsible for creating sheep, cows, pigs, horses, goats––all the animals on the farm… including puppies! Together, parents and children will discover the wonder of God’s creation when they open Baa! Oink! Moo! God Made the Animals.

Dumpling Book

"This is the best book ever!" Those were the words I heard when I gave this book to a fellow co-worker. She loves making "Asian" food and fell in love with this book. She even willingly gave up her lunchtime so she could take her time to read it from cover to cover.

She could not fathom why anyone would part with such a book, once it had been received. But now, she is cooking up something for her hubby and planning to visit the author at her restaurant in New York City.

I myself scanned the book before passing it onto her and I don't remember being too amazed. Maybe it was because I am Chinese and my mom makes dumplings all the time. To my co-worker, maybe it was different and she now has a book of secrets to share with her family.

Here is a blurb that was found online with this book: From the restaurant where adventurous foodies get the freshest dumplings in New York City, comes the ultimate Chinese cookbook with 60 recipes for classic and unexpected dumplings and dim sum-like side dishes. 

Whatever the lure is, read this book to find out! 

Go Veggies!

Have you ever asked yourself if you could be a vegetarian for the rest of your life or how someone can go without a steak for life? I have def. thought about it and pondered on how someone can just stop eating meat.

Don't get me wrong. I love vegetables, but it's not the same without my meat: a nice juicy steak. When I reviewed this book, I was surprised.

The editors of Lucky Peach have colluded to bring you a portfolio of meat-free cooking that even carnivores can get behind. Designed to bring BIG-LEAGUE FLAVOR to your WEEKNIGHT COOKING, this collection of recipes, developed by the Lucky Peach test kitchen and chef friends, features trusted strategies for adding oomph to produce with flavors that will muscle meat out of the picture.

Bible Stories for the Little Ones

Bible Stories for God’s Little Lambs is a storybook Bible written just for little ones. With a padded cover and simple, accessible text by Julie Stiegemeyer, children will learn about God’s love through stories such as Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Big Fish, and Jesus Welcomes the Children. With soft brushstrokes and warm colors, Qin Leng provides illustrations readers will love to cuddle up with at bedtime or any ti

I was quite suspicious of this book when I ordered this book for review. I thought the illustrations would seem too 'Asian', but my fears were quelled when I received this book. Even though the illustrations don't pop as much, I'm giving it away as a prize in my treasure box at work.

The students I work with are not Christian, but because their parents value the advanced academics, their child is also learning about Jesus. Also, because I'm not a core teacher, I do not have the opportunity to talk as much about Jesus as I would like to.

Therefore, some of these books that I review for free on booklookbloggers will help me out in spreading the Word of God.

A Minute a Day for Men

In these days, I have met many young men with no purpose or goal in life. It's already frightening that they have graduated from college with a degree in their non-paying interest, but now they are becoming an adult that cruises along from job to job because of their lack of decision-making.

How does this relate to this devotional book? Plenty! I reviewed this book from Tyndale for free because there is a coworker's son that is going through the same above problem. I have never personally met him, but have seen him from afar. He needs God to push him in the right direction. I feel this book would make a great after Christmas gift for him. 

A Minute of Vision for Men is an investment in a different sort of life—one with vision, purpose, and integrity. This book will help you connect with your purpose. It’s written so that you can start your day on the right foot, focused on what matters the most.

Start each day with a potent, daily dose of vision for your life.

The only reason I didn't give this book a 5-star rating was because the book is not really in-depth about the characteristics of God and it doesn't talk in a way that Christian men would expect, but it does take a secular approach to talking to our young men about God. 

Love is all Around

Where does love hide? Love hides in all different kinds of places. In this heartwarming board book, children will come to find that there are lots of different ways to show love.

Love is hugs and kisses or love is in the form of helping hands. Love is volunteering and love is also comforting those around us or making friends.

Each page includes a memory verse and an example of a way to share God’s love. In life, children hear the words “I love you” repeatedly, often beginning before birth. However, because love is an abstract concept and young children are concrete thinkers, they must gradually learn to understand love by what they experience. In Where Does Love Hide? Children
are given the opportunity to see love in action and learn what love looks like.

I got this book for free at Tyndale Blog Network.

Girls to the Rescue

Does your daughter or niece want to be a superhero? This is a great audio series just for girls! Listen at home or in the car for high-flying adventures with great sound effects and more!

Batgirl has always hidden in the shadows—but does she have what it takes to stand in the spotlight at Super Hero High?

Barbara Gordon has always been an off-the-charts, just-forget-about-the-test super-genius and tech whiz, and then she gets the offer of a lifetime when Supergirl recognizes that Barbara’s talents make her an ideal candidate for Super Hero High. Donning the cape and cowl, Barbara Gordon becomes Batgirl, ready to train at the most elite school on the planet, next to some of the most powerful teenagers in the galaxy. She’s always had the heart of a hero . . . but now she’ll have to prove that she can be one. Good thing she loves a challenge!

Award-winning author Lisa Yee brings mystery, thrills, and laughs to this groundbreaking series that follows DC Comics most iconic female Super Heroes and Super-Villains. Move over Batman™ and Superman™—the DC Super Hero Girls are ready to save the day and have fun doing it!

Lots of Love

It's the perfect read-aloud for children, parents, and educators everywhere. It's an especially good read if helping others is your underlying character that the child is studying.

Lots of Love celebrates all the ways we show love—from hugs and kisses to sharing and helping others. The sweet rhymes and whimsical artwork in this board book illustrate the special bonds of love between families and friends. Perfect for young children, this book will make you want to snuggle with your little one as you two explore the greatest blessing of all—love!

The book can be read at school because it is not easily damaged and lots of students would benefit from reading a book that doesn't tear when the page turns.

Available on Amazon for purchase on Dec. 27th! 

Leather-Bound Grace

The devotional that has touched millions of lives with inspirational thoughts for every day
is now available in a gorgeous new package, and large, easy-to-read type.

Grace for the Moment offers inspiring devotions to grow in your faith as you embrace the hope of the Lord every day. Each daily reading features devotional writings from Max’s numerous bestsellers as well as a Scripture verse selected especially for each day's reading.

This deluxe, large edition of the classic devotional makes a beautiful gift to commemorate a special occasion. It offers a leather flex cover, beautifully designed pages with large type, and a ribbon marker.

Whether you already know and love Grace for the Moment or you’re looking for a new way to draw near to the Lord, this gorgeous, deluxe version will inspire your heart.

When the first thought entered my mind, I brushed it off as a coffee book to be looked at, while sipping a small teacup, but after looking at it again, I feel this would be a timeless treasure that should be passed down from generation to generation.

It has the feel of a family Bible, worn from handling and read over and over again. I initially thought to give it away after reviewing it, but on second thought, I will just keep it in my family to ensure that we are instilling wisdom and grace on our future generations.

Unlocking Your Dream

Many college graduates are now chasing after their dream. They don't know what their dream is, but they want to find it. I have seen this evident in this new generation as they go into college.

Dreams have long taken place since the immigrants of past, present and future have come to realize America as. This is the promised land for the young and the old as they escape their old lives.

In Unlock Your Dream Philip Wagner will inspire you to engage in life’s greatest quest: discovering and reaching God’s purpose and dreams for your life. You’ll be empowered, equipped, and freed to give life to your dreams and to live with joy and expectation for an adventurous future.

“God gave you a specific desire, an assignment to complete, and it’s something that will be larger than you, but it’s something that will fulfill you completely. He allows us to be a part of His redeeming work, bringing a lost world back into communion with Him. God has a dream for our world, for humanity, and He has a dream for you and me. We have the capacity to reach those dreams, but it’s crucial that our desires lead us to the God-dream for our lives... Our greatest pursuit will be that dream.”   —Philip Wagner

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy will be done in earth, 

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive them that trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

But deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, 

The power, and the glory, 

For ever and ever. 

Amen.

This timeless prayer is now available for kids as it illustrates what the prayer means. It's a great book to get for this Christmas season as so many youngsters have lost the true meaning of Christmas as Santa comes to town. 

This iconic prayer is paired with flowing illustrations by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson and thoughtful insights by bestselling author Rick Warren, resulting in a book that rejuvenates the familiar prayer for a younger audience. Using poetic scripture from the King James Version, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also presenting contemporary illustrations and insightful words that make this beautiful prayer come alive.

Shaken for Life

Are you in a slump or a rut and you don't know the next step? Fear not! Tim Tebow knows how you feel. 

You may be scoffing now. How does Tim Tebow know how I feel? He's famous and I'm a nobody. I've been rejected over and over by many people and Tebow has friends to support him everywhere he goes.

But have you heard that saying? The further you are promoted, the further you fall? No!? I will let you in on a little secret. I actually made that saying up. BUT, there is a saying like that somewhere else. 

In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season.

In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways.

Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!

You may still be skeptical, but because I'm a member of Tebow's launch team, I have a freebie for you: a download of his first chapter! 

AND.... his book is on sale TODAY! Two reasons why you should buy a copy (or two) of Shaken today:

1) Shaken is a great read! Get the scoop on Tim's time in the NFL...some of the challenges he's faced...and how his identity has stayed grounded in in God and not in this world!

2) Shaken makes the perfect gift! Give the gift of faith, hope, and love to your son, daughter, mom, dad, grandparent, coach, teacher, pastor, minister, neighbor, or friend!

 

What people are saying about Shaken:

“Tim Tebow is not an athlete—athlete is what Tim fills in on his tax return. That does not begin to tell the story of who he is. Tim is a role model, an inspiration to those who have a dream and are willing to accept life as a journey full of ups and downs.”

—Jon Bon Jovi, singer-songwriter

“Shaken shows us a side of Tim Tebow that we’ve never gotten to see before. In this book, Tim comes alongside his reader and says, ‘I’ve been there too,’ and proceeds to show us how God is faithful even when our entire lives feel shaken to the core.”

—Mark Batterson, pastor and author of Chase The Lion

“Tim is a remarkable example of one who combines strength and boldness with kindness and compassion, and I’m always encouraged to hear of how he is using his tremendous platform to share the love and truth of our Lord with those who need it most.”

—Ravi Zacharias, apologist, author, and president of RZIM

“Tim has always inspired me with his dedication to grow and improve in all aspects of life, especially his faith. With this book, Tim encourages readers to keep moving and stay strong while battling life’s obstacles.”

—Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers

“Whether or not you’ve followed Tim’s career, Shaken speaks to something we’ve all had to deal with—trusting God when the plans for our lives don’t work out as we expected. Tim shares his journey from the Broncos to the Jets to the Patriots and beyond with refreshing honesty. He comes alongside us as a friend and gives us hope for the days our lives take an unexpected turn. I am so grateful to call Tim my friend; his life and passion constantly inspire me! Whatever Tim does he does with all his heart, and this book reflects that incredible commitment! I love Tim, and by the end of this book, you will too!”

—Judah Smith, lead pastor of the City Church 

“Shaken is everyone’s story. All of us know what it is to experience the best of days and the lowest of days. For Tim, he’s lived those days in public. I have the privilege to call Tim my friend and can tell you that with him, what you see is what you get, which seems rare these days! I appreciate how real and raw Tim is with his own struggles. In Shaken you will find great encouragement for your own life and faith.”

—Chris Tomlin, worship leader and songwriter

I got this advanced copy free of charge and I am not paid to endorse this product.