NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible: Explore the Story of the Bible—People, Places, and History

NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Hardcover, Full Color Interior Explore the Story of the Bible—People, Places, and History is a brand new study bible published by Zondervan.  Unlike other bibles published for kids- this bible actually includes full color graphics, diagram, illustrations and photos to accompany the bible text.  Each page includes side bars featuring simplified study notes on selected verses and bible concepts.  Most bibles for kids on the market may advertise that they are kids' bibles.  In reality they are nothing more than the standard basic bible text in small font with colorful color and maybe a few pages of colorful inserts. I feel like those themed bible are nothing more than standard pew bibles with a kids' cover.  This bible is completely different and true to the title it helps the young reader explore the bible.  I feel this bible is suitable for kids even up to teenaged years as the study features are flexible and adaptable to appeal to older children.  Younger readers will need guidance with this bible as it is the complete NIV text and the standard sized font is small.  I'd even say that anyone new to the bible will find this as a suitable bible. If it were not for the cover with the word "Kids" in bold, that all ages would find this to be a great bible.  Personally I feel they should remove the word "Kids'" from the title and rename this bible "The NIV Visual Bible" to reflect its versatility. rather than to exclude older adolescent readers or adults.  This is the best kids study bible I have seen in a long time.  It's format is similar to the NIV Quest bible which is marketed to adult readers with the study helps and notes delegated to the color blocked side bars distinct from the main text.  As a blogger for booklook I received a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review.

David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions Holy Moments in the Presence of God By David Jeremiah

David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions  Holy Moments in the Presence of God By David Jeremiah is a new devotional book that is certain to address the spiritual needs and challenges you face day to day.  Whether facing the daily day to day stresses of work and family to the tragic experiences and crisis of illness and death, the author provides spiritual strength for each day.  This beautifully bound hardcover book is pocket sized; small enough to read while holding it in one hand whether you are reading in bed before sleep or carrying it in your purse.  The two toned pages and embossed cover make this an inviting book to read or to give as a treasured gift.  Each day has two devotions, side by side- one for morning and one for night.  This devotional is versatile enough that you do not necessarily have to follow a structured 365 day a week daily reading plan.  The passages are quick to read and easy to understand.  Even those with busy life styles or those entrenched in grief will be able to find the time or muster up the strength to read a devotion each day.  This devotional is general enough to be applicable to readers of all ages, as well as men and women.  There are so many devotional books on the market.  What makes this one special is that it is written by a spiritual authority- a well known Christian author and writer, who has proven to be guided by the Holy Spirit and is faithful to the bible.  Anyone can say they have written a devotional book- but David Jeremiah writes with biblical authority and faithfulness.   As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of the book published by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing this review. 

The Book of Greens A Cook's Compendium by Jenn Louis

The Book of Greens A Cook's Compendium by Jenn Louis with Kathleen Squires is an encyclopedia of every green vegetable and edible plant.  From, the well known and commonly used iceberg lettuce, to the infamous lawn pest- the dandelion,  this book contains unexpected recipes as well as staples to accompany any meal.  This book is a hybrid between a field guide of edible vegetation and a cook book in one volume.  This hardcover book, filled with vivid photographs is perfect for the new beginning cook as well as for the expert who wants to trey something new and exotic.  This volume contains basics and complicated recipes in addition to background information about the various featured edible greens.  I'm not sure I will use this book to cook any recipes but it was an eye opener as to the wealth of recipes that can be created using leafy greens.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by 10 speed press for the purpose of writing this review.

The Berenstain Bears 5-Minute Inspirational Stories By Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears 5-Minute Inspirational Stories  Read-Along Classics by Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain  Published by Zondervan is a new compendium of stories for children.  Based on the original series of books and the television show, young children will love this volume featuring their favorite characters Brother bear and Sister bear.  As soon as my two youngest saw this book, they eagerly sat down and listened to the stories.  Don't let the title "5-miniute" make you think these are short abridged stories.  These stories are full length stories, not simply quick one or two liners that you may see in other "5-minute" story books.  With my youngest who is two, I abridged the stories a bit more as I found they were a little to lengthy for her to sit through. For older kids or preschoolers, the story length is perfect.  This collection includes 12 full length books from the Berenstain Bear book collection, including God Loves You, The Gossip Gang, and Blessed are the Peacemakers.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book published by Zonderkidz for the purpose of writing this review. 

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal by Tyndale

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal by Tyndale  a beautiful little gift book that cannot easily be placed in one single genre.  Although its title mentions "coloring" and "journal", this book is a hyrbid devotional first and foremost with a number of beautiful and intricate illustrations perfect for coloring with colored pencils.  In some form or another, illustrations and even serene photos adorn each page. Unlike other coloring books or devotionals which can seem monotonous or repetitious, there is a lot of original content and variation from page to page to keep the reader engaged.  There are a lot of unexpected little details in this book.  On some pages, they span across a full page or even a two page spread like a traditional adult coloring book.  On other pages, small decorative illustrations are used either as a border or a decorative accent- which can also be colored.  Some pages feature full color graphics and art.  Most pages feature a short devotional entry based on a scripture or theme making this a devotional book.  There is also lined space for journaling as well as blank page space for free writing or free drawing and doodles.  This book allows for a great amount of creativity.  This is a beautiful keepsake for yourself or to give as a gift to a loved one.     As a blogger I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.  This book is part of the Living Expressions collection.

Chazown, Revised and Updated Edition Discover and Pursue God's Purpose for Your Life Craig Groeschel

Chazown, Revised and Updated Edition Discover and Pursue God's Purpose for Your Life Craig Groeschel is a book that will change your outlook of life long after you have read it.  If you are discouraged, disappointed, depressed or simply looking for a new perspective in life, this book will motivate you.  This book is the revised edition of the original- published for today's generation of readers.  Much has changed even in the past few years of this modern day era- with the fast pace of today's society what held true last year may be obsolete today when navigating the problems and obstacles faced in every day life.  This book isn't difficult to read, with unique diagrams to illustrate basic concepts.  The eccentric and unfamiliar expression in the title, "Chaztown" might scare off potential readers, but this book is relevant and useful for all readers.   But from the introduction, to the first page of the first chapter- the reader will be intrigued.  Even the most apathetic of readers will find inspiration and motivation in this book. As a blogger I reviewed this book published by Multnomah for the purpose of writing this review.