Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Owls: Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell


Owls: Our Most Charming Bird by Matt Sewell is a newly published gift book featuring cheerful water colored inspired art of a variety of owls.  Organized as a field guide of owl species, each entry depicts a full color illustration of an owl as well as brief, yet lively descriptions of the species.  The lively descriptions are perfectly paired with the animated art depicting each owl.  Although this is not necessarily a scientific field guide for identifying owls, it is entertaining nonetheless.  The minimalist, yet modern design of this book will appeal to owl enthusiasts and owl collectors everywhere.  The owl is becoming a popular accessory  in fashion, especially as clothing and jewelry are designed in the likeness of the owl.  Just about everyone knows someone who loves owls- depicted in kitchenware as well as home decor as well.  This pocket sized gift book will be a welcomed gift for an owl lover who is hard to shop for.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by 10 Speed Press, an imprint of crown publishing, for the purpose of writing this review.

Monday, September 21, 2015

God's Good News Bible Storybook Devotions From Billy Graham

God's Good News Bible Storybook with Devotions From Billy Graham combines excerpts from the bible and pairs them with adapted selections taken from Billy Graham's writings.  Unlike other bible storybooks for children which oversimplify the stories of the bible to such a great degree that they conflict with scripture, this new children's book integrates scripture text.  For example in the story "Sermon on the Mount", not only is there a scripture reference, the story itself is taken from the wording of the bible.  Added words used for clarification are italics.  This is to allow a smoother transition or greater clarity for children who are reading the story.  This is a refreshing approach to the bible in contrast to the liberties many authors take when they talk about Jesus or the apostles  being "happy" rather than "blessed". Scott Wakefield's illustrations are bold and colorful.  The art is intended for children- with the simple and expressive faces, yet not too oversimplified as many of the hastily drawn cartoon figures seem in many bible storybooks on the market.  The bold use of color within the art and the pages draw in younger readers as well as parents.  Nevertheless some purists may not appreciate the free-styled artwork in favor of something more traditional.  Overall for those parents looking for an accurate, reliable children's bible- this is it!  This is best choice on the market that I have seen so far.  The added devotional selections help children as well as parents apply spiritual principles to real life.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book published by Tommy Nelson for the purpose of writing this review.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

I Want to be Just Like Jesus by Steven Elkins

I Want to be Just Like Jesus Bible Storybook by Steven Elkins is more like a devotional rather than a bible for preschoolers and toddlers.  Although the sub- title states "Bible Storybook", the reader will find that this is not a traditional book of actual bible stories but rather a book of stories based on Jesus' character traits such as honesty, generosity, thankfulness and faith.  These traits are discussed in light of biblical events taken from the gospels during the life of Jesus' ministry here on earth.  For example the story on thankfulness is based on the story of feeding the crowds the loaves and fishes. On the other hand, some of the concepts are more abstract, such as the trait of dependency. This is the first story in this book.  Without some familiarity of theology and faith, some parents or adults might question the inclusion of a story based on being dependent.  This is based on the spiritual concept that Jesus is one with the Father.

The art is cheerful and inviting, and will appeal to toddlers and pre-schoolers.  Colorful graphics leave children visually engaged.  This is a perfect book to reinforce bible stories and to apply the events of the bible to real life situations.  This book would make a perfect pair to go with a children's storybook bible.  As a blogger I recieved a copy of this book published byTyndale Kids for the purpose of writing this reviw

Saturday, September 12, 2015

The Message 100 Devotional Bible: The Story of God in Sequence, hardcover By: Eugene H. Peterson

The Message 100 Devotional Bible: The Story of God in Sequence, By: Eugene H. Peterson is a new hybrid devotional styled bible that uses the modern, lively Message translation.  This paperback book contains the full bible text, but re-ordered chronologically and divided into separate bite sized, digestible, spiritual chunks. This book makes the perfect bible for any new bible reader or truth seeker.  The font is easy to read and the text format is comfortable for reading.  This book is perfect- except for the possibility that it may present some confusion with the traditionally formatted bible.  No where on the cover is it explicitly stated that this is a bible.  Yet it is described as a "devotional bible experience"  inside the opening page.  It seems to defy categorization. 

The modern, minimalist design will appeal to a new generation of readers.  The cover is active, vibrant, yet soothing.  It incorporates nature and the abstract at the same time. It is general enough to appeal to any reader.  The only thing that I would change about this bible is that I prefer the bible to maintain its traditional sequence.  I personally don't feel comfortable with reading a bible that has the books of the bible and passages taken out of sequence and re-ordered.  Nevertheless for a reader who wants to take a chronological or historical approach to bible reading- this order might bring the bible into a more historical perspective.  There are many bibles on the market as well as bibles formatted for daily devotional use.  The main difference with this bible is that it features the lively animated Message translation which I feel is a great outreach opportunity for new bible readers in a less formal presentation.  I believe many will feel this translation is an eye opening experience which draws them closer to the good news.  Sequential order may make this bible easier to follow for some readers, while possibly confusing other readers as to the actual order of the Holy bible.  For that reason alone I would prefer this book to have retained the traditional order of all the bible books.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by NavPress for the purpose of writing this review. 

Friday, September 11, 2015

Classic Human Anatomy in Motion by Valerie L. Winslow

Classic Human Anatomy in Motion by Valerie L. Winslow is unlike any art instruction book I have ever read.  This full color book is a hybrid between an anatomy text and an instruction book on figure drawing.  This book is for anyone who takes the art of figure drawing seriously.  It is like a life drawing course in a book.  

Having had taken college anatomy less than two years ago, I found the anatomical, skeletal  and muscular illustrations and captions to be accurate.  I was surprised at how well artistic drawings were melded with anatomical landmarks.  This book goes beyond an introductory level as it goes in depth into muscle groups and body movement. This book will satisfy any artistic phase and level- it is a book that an artist will not outgrow and worthy as a lifelong reference for the professional artist.

This book is perfect for the beginner or for the advanced artist.  This is the type of book you can pick up and immediately apply to practice.  This would make a wonderful gift for any artist.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book Watson- Guptill, an imprint of Crown publishing Group.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Archie Preston is a new picture book for children that would make a perfect story for Thanksgiving time.  The cover depicts a simple cartoon of a fall scene with children playing in the leaves. The abstract, non distinct cartoon leave much to the imagination.  The two playful children are not obviously human as they resemble cute little critters.  Upon closer scrutiny, the reader sees these are in fact human children and not personified animals with personalities.

The story is unexpected in its multiple meanings.  Without the illustrations, the words would take on an entirely new meaning,  Yet the illustrations depict these children in adult roles and scenarios as if they are play acting.  This book will be certain to encourage children to use their imaginations when role playing.  Yet on a deeper level, even the adults and parents will read this book and realize that they too take some blessings for granted,  In the end both parents and children alike will close this picture book feeling a little more appreciative and thankful for the ordinary aspects of life that are often overlooked. As a blogger for booklook I received a copy of this book published by Zonderkidz for the purpose of writing this review.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Elementary Zoology (Curriculum Pack) Master Books

Elementary Zoology (Curriculum Pack)



World of Animals - Fascinating facts about the world of animals  published by Master Books, is a fully illustrated, exhaustive fact filled book of Animals for students. The quality presentation of this book rivals that of many popular science themed books for children. From the cover that features a holographic image of a tiger  that changes when you reposition the angle of the book, to the graphics, photos and text- this book is sure to capture the attention of any young reader interested in science and animals.

The beginning of the book features an introduction about the oprigin of animals in general, based on the biblical creation account of genesis.  The book is further divided by chapters based on the complexity of the organism and animal, starting with simple animals in chapter one which features a suprising and diverse array of both well known and lesser known unique creatures.  Even though this book is intended for students and children in general, I found many chapters of this book very informative and thorough.  The format and layout of the book presents the animal kingdom in such a way as to give the larger picture to the reader.  Animals are not listed in a haphazard alphabetical format which makes no scientifc fact, but rather they are organised based on complexity, species and habitat.  I don't think a better presentation or arrangement could be made.

The title in of itself is rather broad- including a variety of animals grouped by species.  This book, although not a scholary text book, provides a well rounded background for Animals- superior to that of a text book. The superior organization and presentation of this book of animals rivals the quality of any animal encyclopedia.  Basically no living creature is left out, from the floating portists, mosss and fungi to the comples antelope and elephant.  Presenting science and the study of animal life in such an appealing format makes is more obtainable for students in general.  The format and presentation of this book makes the study of animals comprehensive.  As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved this book, published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.

This book was an unexpected surprise as it not only is an educational resource on dinosaurs but an activity and coloring book as well.  I believe any young fan of dinosaurs will enjoy reading about dinosaurs as well as coloring pictures.  The art is detailed- and much more than simple cartoon art. The detailed images will hold the attention of older children who want an outlet for creativity as well as younger readers.  In fact my teenager snatched this book up and wasted no time in finding some pages to color.  Not only is this book a great resource about dinosaurs, it is consistent with biblical creation as well.  What a wonderful outreach method of sharing the gospel message to younger readers in the context of an engaging activity book on dinosaurs.  As a blogger for Moms of Master Books I recived a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. 
The Complete Aquarium Adventure by Merilee & Bill Clifton, is literally a "A field trip in a book" as declared on the front cover.  This spiral bound, interactive full color book has color coded tab divided chapters for each animal category including birds and fish  as well as a hands on tool kit, containing fact cards, and even bingo cards for the readers/ participants.  This book is educational as well as interactive.  This book is the perfect guide to transform any summer trip into an educational field trip.  And for those readers who are not actually going to an aquarium, , this book is the next best thing.

This book makes the perfect summer time reading- great for the those interested in marine science and ocean life.  In our school we have a special marine themed week.  This book would have been the perfect resource my my grades schooler.    This is a bold book, and the authors are not ashamed of the gospel message and find effective ways to promote the gospel in of all places- a book going on an aquarium adventure!  The photos are sharp and vibrant- this book is beautiful! As a blogger for New Leaf creations I received a copy of this book published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.  I wish this book would be available to the mass market in book stores everywhere as its message is essential.  This publishing company produces many great books that tie in science with biblical creation so that the readers get the whole picture.

The Complete Zoo Adventure by Mary & Gary Parker, is literally a "A field trip in a book" as marketed on the front cover.  This spiral bound, interactive full color book has color coded tab divided chapters for each animal category as well as a hands on tool kit, containing field fact cards, biome cards, field journal cards and name badges for the readers/ participants.  This book is educational as well as interactive.  This book is the perfect guid to transform any zoo trip into an educational field trip.  And for those readers who are not actually going to the real zoo, this book is the next best thing.

At first glance this might seem just like a very good resource in animals and the zoo.  But when you actually read the text of the book and not just the full color photographs of animals, the reader will find it is actually an educational book on biblical creation.  Sadly, so many readers- and parents who read this book, will probably will look at the photos and stop there.  But the actual text of this book is even more impressive!  In the section "Before the zoo", there are "devotional" pages which give the biblical background of creation starting from Genesis.   This book provides a simple, yet very well written background on the theology of creation and sin, the garden of Eden, and the flood.  Issues of creationism vs evolutionary theories are discussed.  Furthermore, within the text of the animal sections themselves, the authors do not hesitate to include biblical based commentary.  For example, when commenting on a monkey exhibit at a zoo, they critique the fact that a diagram was depicted which implied than men evolved from apes.  This is a bold book, and the authors are not ashamed of the gosepl message and find effective ways to promote the gospel in of all places- a book about zoo animals!  As a blogger for New Leaf creations I recieved a copy of this book published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.  I wish this book would be available to the mass market in book stores everywhere as its message is essential.  This publishing company produces many great books that tie in science with biblical creation so that the readers get the whole picture.

Perfect for any homeschooling parent or educator, this resource ties the elementary zoology curriculum together with lesson plans and work sheets.  Discussion ideas, lesson plans and worksheets can guide even a new homeschooling parent into becoming an experienced educator.  This is just the tool needed to provide guidance and direction as well as organization in producing a quality home school program for your grade school aged child.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Things I've Said to My Children by Nathan Ripperger

Things I've Said to My Children by Nathan Ripperger is a newly published gift book that would be perfect to give to any parent for a birthday or baby shower.  The full color, mixed media graphics of this book resemble the well known children's author/ illustrator, Erik Carlise. Each illustration is accompanied by something funny- such as "We do not poop in books." or "Why is there a toilet seat on my coffee table/" (Ripperger, 2015).  This book is quick to read, and ironically, perfectly suited for any parents' coffee table.  This book shows the lighter side to parenting for any parent who needs a little laugh.  It is no surprise that the author has a background in graphic design.  As a parent to five boys it seems only natural he might pair some parenting humor with his background in art.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Ten Speed Pres, an imprint 0f Crown Publishing, for the purpose of writing this review.

available at www.barnesandnoble.com