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Vicky S. (vickylynn) - - Reviews

1 to 15 of 15
Bilingual Practice Pals Manuscript Letters
Bilingual Practice Pals Manuscript Letters
Author: Practice Power
Book Type: Spiral-bound
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 4/10/2012


With the help of a dry-erase marker, this is a great tool to help young ones practice writing their letters.


Christian Education for My Second Grader: 32 Pages Easy to Follow Lessons, Lists of Materials, Discussions, and Hints for Making This Time with Your C
Review Date: 4/10/2012


This is a thin guidebook that has easy lessons to follow for each day of each month. Each lesson consists of a passage to read in the Bible, a memory verse, and a suggested activity. A one-year Bible reading plan is also included for older children and/or adults.


The Dragon and the Turtle
The Dragon and the Turtle
Author: Donita K. Paul, Evangeline Denmark
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 9/19/2012


This is a cutely illustrated, and uniquely descriptive picture book about Padraig the dragon and his new friend, Roger the turtle. I think most children in the age range of 4-10, would enjoy this book - although it seems my 8 year-old son enjoyed it more than his older sister, probably due to the fact that it includes 2 boys (one of them a dragon), and a pretend pirate adventure.

For a brief synopsis, two completely different boys meet and become friends, Padraig realizes his new friend is lost and does everything he can to help Roger get back home. The boys use the senses of sight, sound, smell and taste to finally find the right house.

Unlike other picture story books Ive seen, this one has a couple of pages that come after the story to help a parent or caregiver delve deeper into the meaning of the book. It offers a Bible verse (Proverbs 17:17,) as well as discussion questions regarding friendship. It even gives a recipe on the last page for Chocolate Chip Snappers, the special kind of cookies mentioned in the book.


The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari
The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari
Author: Donita K. Paul, Evangeline Denmark
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 9/19/2012


This cute childrens book is the second one from The Dragon and the Turtle series. Quite honestly, I liked the first book a little better than this one, as I think the story line had more to offer its readers, and more things to discuss about it. However, aside from this second book having a few awkward words to read outloud, my 8 year old son found it interesting. He really liked the way imagination is used in the book, and enjoyed the sound effects I threw in every now and then. (You gotta have sound effects to make a book come alive!)

In a nut shell (or maybe it should be a turtle shell in this case), the book was about 2 boys who decided to go on an imaginary safari, including an overnight camp-out in one boys backyard. While they were camping, the unfamiliar, and sometimes spooky, sounds caused them to start imagining what types of animals the sounds came from - safari animals, of course! For example, an owl was a monkey, a squirrel was a giraffe, a raccoon was an elephant, and a dog was a rhinoceros. They eventually heard a cat (a small leopard) and decided he needed to be rescued from a tree. By early morning, they had not gotten any sleep and were heading back to home base. They realized a nap was in order before they could have any more fun and exciting adventures.

As with the first book, there is a page in the back that includes a Bible verse and some discussion questions to go over with your child. The first book dealt with friendships, and this second book deals with being courageous, as well as with showing concern for others. Overall, a good book to share with your little boys.


Review Date: 9/19/2012
Helpful Score: 1


This is an interesting little book. There is no specific author mentioned, although, an inner page says it is compiled by Keith Wall and edited by Andy McGuire.

The book is basically a compilation of Bible verses (in various translations) that point us towards prayer. Topics include things like praying with boldness, elements of effective prayer, and Jesus teachings on prayer.

It is not a book I would necessarily just sit down and read, but is a good little resource to have when looking for verses on the subject.


Fruit of the Spirit: Love: Cultivating Spirit-Given Character (Fruit of the Spirit)
Review Date: 4/22/2011
Helpful Score: 1


This book about LOVE is one in a series of 9 books written by Calvin Miller. The series is based around the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 - love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To quote the author on page 104 of this book, Love is the first fruit of the spirit. It is well-placed at the head of the list, for it permeates everything. Somehow if we live a life of love, the other virtues will attend us all the days of our lives. Love is the key that unlocks the entire fruit basket of Galatians 5:22-23.

Recommended for use in a small group, this is not the kind of book you would just pick up and read, just to read it. As a small group study guide, it is to be studied over a 6-week period. There is a page or two each person reads on a daily basis for the first 6 days of each week: Day 1 covers the introduction of the chapter at hand. Day 2 teaches about the purpose of God in our lives. Day 3 talks about our relationship with Christ. Day 4 covers our service to others. Day 5 is about personal worship. Day 6 goes into a character study of a person in the Bible. Then, on day 7, the group meets together for discussion, encouraging all members of the group to participate and learn together.

Topics over the six weeks include the characteristics of LOVE, and how it can be cultivated in our own lives. Included are things like giving, forgiveness, the definition of God, Gods love for us - which is an unconditional love, how to love and serve other people, and how to love and worship God.

Overall, the book is a good one to get. However, it does seem to be rather simplistic and may need to be supplemented with more in-depth discussion questions, depending on the needs of the group. A good small group leader should have no problem using this book as a basis for a deeper study if needed.


Getting Started: Kindergarten
Getting Started: Kindergarten
Author: Jan Black, Pat Smart
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.3/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 4/10/2012


Nice book to do some quick Bible lessons and activities. However, the book does not go into much detail as far as instructions. You are basically left to figure it out on your own. Would be good for a quick lesson, or for "filler" when needed, or as a supplement to another lesson.


God Gave Us So Much: A Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury
God Gave Us So Much: A Limited-Edition Three-Book Treasury
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 4/22/2011
Helpful Score: 1


This is a limited edition treasury of three books in one. In the eyes of a curious little polar bear girl, these three sweetly illustrated books give answers to a little ones questions.

Book one in the treasury is God Gave Us the World. It explains about the differences in animals (and people) around the world and how God made us all special in our own ways. It also tells of the importance of taking care of our world.

God Gave Us Love tells about the different kinds of love, and the importance of loving others the way God loves us.

God Gave Us Heaven gives answers to a little ones questions with just enough information to satisfy a young mind. The book does not involve heavy theology, but could possibly encourage deeper conversation when a child is ready to know more.

If you get a chance to read these books to your children, I'm sure you would enjoy the experience.


God Gave Us Two
God Gave Us Two
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren, Laura J. Bryant (Illustrator)
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 4/22/2011


This book is about Mama polar bear being with child, and the questions that Little cub comes up with:

Why do you need a new baby?
If we dont like the baby, can we send it back?
Will she go iceberg hoppin and puffin pouncin with me?
Will the new baby look like me?
Will you forget about me?

All of these are questions that a young child might ask when mommy is expecting number 2. It is a good book to share with little ones to help them accept, love and appreciate their new siblings.


God Loves Me More Than That (Dandilion Rhymes)
God Loves Me More Than That (Dandilion Rhymes)
Author: Dandi Daley Mackall
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 4/22/2011
Helpful Score: 1


I first read this childrens book on my own, to get a feel for it and see what its all about. Then, I read it to my children to get their opinion of it. We were all pretty much in agreement that the book is worth keeping.

God Loves Me More Than That is a thin, hardback, rhyming book with simple words, and only one sentence per page. It is filled with extraordinary, colorful illustrations that almost make you feel like you are inside the book. There is a page for many different interests, including nature, astronomy, outer space, treasures, trucks, cowboys, the circus, football, weather, kittens, and treehouses. The content is special, as it helps readers feel more connected to God as they discover that His love is bigger, wider, higher, and deeper than anything they could imagine. (Quote taken from the back of the book.)

When I asked my children what they liked about the book, my oldest (a 12-year old girl with autism), said she liked the words; and her favorite picture was of a sneezing kitten. My son (age 7) loved the last page with a boy in the treehouse and profoundly described how the boy was resting there, just being close to God. In his funny way of trying to be a judge (as he called it), he said the book was spiritful. I'm not exactly sure if thats even a word. But, what I think he meant was that the book is spiritual in nature, and can really reach a persons heart - no matter what their age is.


I Can Add (Wipe-Off Activity Book Reusable, Ages 5-7)
I Can Add (Wipe-Off Activity Book Reusable, Ages 5-7)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 4/10/2012


A good tool to help practice and/or review simple addition. Fun for the kids.


Mom to Mom:  Confessions of a 'Mother Inferior'
Mom to Mom: Confessions of a 'Mother Inferior'
Author: Elisa Morgan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 4/10/2012


Short devotionals to encourage moms.


Safety Learn 8 Important Safety Rules: Protecting Our Precious Children (Early Childhood Series)
Review Date: 4/10/2012


Fun tool to help kids learn about safety. Includes a cassette tape with songs to help them remember safety rules, such as having a "buddy" to go somewhere, checking with parents before going somewhere, recognizing good and bad touches, what to do when lost, etc.


What in the World is Going On?: 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore
Review Date: 4/22/2011


Im not big on reading books about prophecy and the End Times, but this book was definitely an informative and interesting view on what is happening in the world today, and what things are still to come.

The author uses everyday language to help explain certain events that have happened already, or are currently happening, and how they play a roll in our future. He also uses Scripture through-out the book to back his views.

Some people believe learning about the End Times and Christs return is a useless waste of time. However, a quote at the end of the book gives an explanation of why its important to learn about these things: The signs that tell us the second coming of the Lord is drawing near should motivate us as never before to live in readiness.

The author goes on to say that, As we anticipate His return, we are not to foolishly set dates and leave our jobs and homes to wait for Him on some mountain. We are to remain busy doing the work set before us, living in love and serving in ministry, even when the days grow dark and the nights long.


What In the World Is Going On?: 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore
Review Date: 9/19/2012
Helpful Score: 1


Im not big on reading books about prophecy and the End Times, but this book was definitely an informative and interesting view on what is happening in the world today, and what things are still to come.

The author uses everyday language to help explain certain events that have happened already, or are currently happening, and how they play a roll in our future. He also uses Scripture through-out the book to back his views.

Some people believe learning about the End Times and Christs return is a useless waste of time. However, a quote at the end of the book gives an explanation of why its important to learn about these things: The signs that tell us the second coming of the Lord is drawing near should motivate us as never before to live in readiness.

The author goes on to say that, As we anticipate His return, we are not to foolishly set dates and leave our jobs and homes to wait for Him on some mountain. We are to remain busy doing the work set before us, living in love and serving in ministry, even when the days grow dark and the nights long. Good words, indeed!


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