The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible by Peter Martin & illustrated by Len Epstein

My thoughts: Children love picture puzzle books because they are fun, intriguing, and provide more to do than just read a story. In The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible the author Peter Martin tells short stories beginning in the Old Testament with Noah and ending in the New Testament after the Cross with telling the good news. To these short re-tells, Len Epstein brings his delightfully humorous drawings that show a two--page spread image jammed full of people and activities that tell the story.

Factor into this the opportunity to find specific images that are hiding in the maze that is the whole illustration, and you have fun combined with learning a little more about those wonderful events and people that are in our Bible.

Some might say that these types of books make too much jest of such serious topics and happenings. I can agree with that but I also see it as an opportunity that lets the kids know that Christians do have a sense of humor and can see a bit of fun in much of life.

So I think Bible Picture Puzzle books have a place, albeit limited, in the homes of Christians.

About the book: Are you a super sleuth? Have you got an eagle eye? This book is a treasure trove of wonderfully detailed pictures from the world of the Bible. You will have hours of fun trying to find people and objects from ancient times. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you will also become a real expert on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible’s greatest stories. Watch out for the wily fox. He’s hiding somewhere on every page.

DISCLOSURE; I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson Publishing to facilitate a review of my honest opinion which is freely given.

Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus & Candle Day by Day Bible from Kregel Publications

ISBN: 9781781282915 | $9.99 Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus The Story of Jesus Retold in 40 Days By Juliet David & Jane Heyes About the book: beautiful gift book makes a wonderful addition to the award-winning Candle Day by Day collection. The story of Jesus' life is told over forty days, and presented in the elegant day-by-day styling with page borders and richly colored pictures. Includes an introductory note to suggest how the book could be used. My thoughts: Such a treasure of a little book. Comprised of 40 stories about Jesus from His conception to his ascension. Each page is designated for a day - Day 1, Day 2..... Day 40. Each day has a side bar with a verse.. "All who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Then there is a "thought" question... "What did Jesus' answer to Mary mean?" On the page there is a picture illustrating the simply told story....  Nobody seemed to have seen Jesus since they had left Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph felt worried. "We need to go back," said Joseph. So back they went to Jerusalem.......... This little book will make a great story book for the child to tuck away in his treasured spot or in a backpack to travel (or just ride in the car about town). While varied versions of the Bible are used for the Scripture text, the meat of the story is present. It is wise to always remember that these are Bible story books prepared to be entry level studies for the young child. I love how this book ends.... Then a cloud took Jesus away, Suddenly, two angels appeared. "Why are you staring at the sky?" asked the angels. "Jesus is with God in heaven. One day he will return. Now do as Jesus told you." A clear message that Jesus is with God in heaven and He will return to us. Also, a clear admonition to do as Jesus has told us. I highly recommend the Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus as it will give the child the opportunity to walk with Jesus throughout his Earthly ministry.

ISBN: 9781781282816 | $16.99 Candle Day by Day Bible In a Year By Juliet David & Jane Heyes                                                                                        About the book: The award-winning Candle Day by Day Bible is now available in a spiral-bound desk calendar format. All of a child's favorite stories and illustrations are easily accessible and on view all day long. One story per day.  My thoughts: What a great design and presentation style for this children's 365-day Bible story book. Bible verses rephrased and explained in short format tell the story just as though you were reading "through the Bible in a year" style. The difference? It is in child-format for easy understanding and in a desk or table top style that can remain standing throughout the year.  The child can pick it up and easily flip through to re-read the stories. This is another example of the fine quality and dependable Bible story books from Candle that are authentic.  The illustrations are vivid with a sense of realism and yet have a slight modern or abstract feel to them. Children will love them. I just love Noah on the cover with the two zebras.  I can easily and heartily recommend this for your child or to gift to another during this special season. DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from Kregel Publishing on behalf of Candle and Lion Hudson to facilitate this review of my own opinions.

Forgotten Bible Stories by Margaret McAllister & illustrated by Alida Massari

Grade Level: 2 - 4

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lion Hudson
ISBN: 978-0745965208

My thoughts: This is a beautiful book by Margaret McAllister who seems to have a true story-teller gift as she verbally draws word pictures of the events of the often neglected people in the Bible. Having been a long time attendee to worship services with good, indepth preaching, I learned about many often overlooked Biblical people. But as time progresses, we do tend to forget. So this book is a treat because it is a reminder to those older (well, mature) readers as well as for youngsters who have not yet heard about Balaam, Mephibosheth, Naaman's Servant, and many more (even new to me).

Illustrated by Alida Massari whose books I have previously reviwed, Forgotten Bible Stories comes alive in gentle hues rich with reds and blues and designs particular to ancient times and the lands in which these stories took place.

I love the story of the "The Widow" whose cruse of oil kept filling the many large vessels or jugs. She had nothing but ended up with much. And then the story of the "Naboth's Vineyard" is wonderful because it teaches the greed consumes the greedy.

The stories encompass both the Old Testament and New Testament.
As with any retelling for children the wonderful truths from the Bible, care must always be taken to not embellish with additional people, words, or actions. I did feel license was taken in some, but essentially the book is a delight and a wonderful opportunity to share these stories with the young.

My rating: 5-stars for illustrations and writing; 2-stars because I think the stories incorporated people, words, and actions not Biblical.

About the book: An elegantly illustrated collection of 13 lesser-known Bible stories. Margaret McAllister imaginatively retells these tales of often-forgotten people, specially chosen for their care and compassion towards the vulnerable, and their (sometimes unexpected) strength of character.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel and Lion Hudson Publishing to facilitate a review of my opinion which is freely given.

My Advent Activity Pack (age+) by Juliet David from Candle Books

ISBN-13: 9781781282342

As we approach the holiday season (yikes, we aren't even at Thanksgiving yet!), I'll be reviewing lovely books and products that will make nice gifts for you to share. Today, we're looking at the My Advent Activity Pack (age 3+) from Candle Books which is an imprint of Lion Hudson. I always enjoy their children's publications.

The My Advent Activity Pack makes a lovely little gift for the small child so they can "count down" the days until Christmas and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. In this pack there is a small activity storybook in which they can place stickers (inside the pack).

There is also a "pop up book" that is the layout of the nativity scene. On the "floor" of the pop up book, there are flaps that the child can lift one-per-day. Also, some of the flaps are tucked into the straw roof of the scene. Underneath the flaps are figures and items involved in the story.

The little accompanying storybook provides opportunity for coloring, sticker fun, and story time.

This is perfect to have on hand so that December 1st the child can begin to enjoy and anticipate.

About the activity pack: My Advent Activity Pack by Juliet David, and illustrated by Lucy Barnard, is a fun activity pack that includes a beautiful pop-up stable scene---just peek inside and see Jesus in the manger! The scene has 24 windows set into the base to open throughout advent. Also included is a 16-page Christmas coloring book, and two sheets of fun and festive stickers. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Candle Books to facilitate this review of my honest opinions. I was not compensated for this review.