If You Were Me and Lived in … Cuba

Title: If You Were Me and Lived In … Cuba
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator: Kelsea Wierenga
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1545100769

“If you were me and lived in Cuba (Cue-ba), you would live on an island located in the northern Caribbean (Ka-rih-bee-an) in the western hemisphere,” Carole P. Roman writes in her children’s book, If You Were Me and Lived On … Cuba – A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World.

~ What ~
Part of the international series, this thirty-four-page paperback targets preschool to early elementary school-aged children and readers who like learning about other countries. With no profanity, scary scenes, or violence, it would best be read to beginner readers based on some complicated words that usually include pronunciation. Typically, colorful illustrations cover one side of the page with a nicely sized font wording on the opposite side. Several pages at the end of the book reiterate how to pronounce certain words and their meanings.

Although Cuba is a small country, its capital of Havana is well-populated. This book discusses the capital’s bay location, the Castillo del Morro Spanish fort with its ceremonial show, the beaches of Cayo Coco, and the carnival at Santiago de Cuba.

Favorite foods are bocodillo, café con leche, cumpleanos, tostones with garlic and sour orange mojo, arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, Moros y Cristianos, papas rellenas, and tres leches cake. The people enjoy participating in baseball games, boxing, and exercising.

The reader learns names for mother and father. Also taught are common names for boys and girls, as well as words for money and school.

~ Why ~
Not written as a fictional story, this educational book is a simple way for a young child to learn about a foreign land, especially if he or she knows someone living there or is planning a trip to visit. I love how the author explains a country’s characteristic, famous sites, food dishes, and people in an easy to understand manner.

~ Why Not ~
The book contains many multi-syllable words, some in foreign languages that may frustrate beginner readers, but it also is a way to learn new words from another country.

~ Who ~
Award-winning author, Roman has written complete series for children of books based on countries, civilizations, and pirate genre as well as non-fiction for adults. She lives in New York with her husband and close to her children and grandchildren.

~ Wish ~
I wish there were books like this on every country so children could see and learn about the vast array of different cultures throughout the world.

~ Want ~
With so many countries in the world, one looks forward to future books in the series to learn more about a particular location.

Thanks to the author for furnishing this complimentary book that I am reviewing freely.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

Do Baby Bears Have Mommies?

Title: Do Baby Bears Have Mommies?
Authors: Crystal Bowman & Terry McKinley
Illustrator: Ailie Busby
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-4964-1740-4

“God made your mind amazing. There’s so much you can know. Learning is a lot of fun. Get ready, set – let’s go!” Crystal Bowman and Terry McKinley write in their children’s book, Do Baby Bears Have Mommies.

~ What ~
This thirty-two-page hardbound targets children ages four to seven years old who are inquisitive about animals. With no scary scenes, the illustrations cover both sides of the pages with wording on the left side of the pages against a white background. There are a few references to God and His creations that include animals and insects.

Part of the I’ve Got Questions series, this fun rhyming read helps promote questioning characteristics of animals and how they act, eat, and interact with others. Beginning with bear cubs being fed berries, nuts, or bugs by their mothers, answered topics cover ladybugs, elephants, worms, eagles, monkeys, kangaroos, skunks, cows, mice, giraffes, and ducks. The ending reminds the reader that all creatures God has made are in His care.

~ Why ~
I love a book that teaches young ones, especially about nature and our interesting world. Explaining in rhyme that there are boy and girl ladybugs, monkeys eat vegetables plus bananas, skunks spray their bad scent when they sense danger, and giraffes have long necks to reach high tree leaves, it educates and stimulates observing things around us. I like that there is enough detail in the illustrations to keep a young one engaged.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God may not be interested in this book. Due to the three and four syllable wording, it may be hard for beginner readers.

~ Who ~
Author Bowman has written over eighty children’s books. She lives in Florida with her husband. Author McKinley has coauthored several books; she and her husband live in Texas. No information is provided on the illustrator.

~ Wish ~
I wish pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence, but this issue did not affect ratings as it is something I always recommend if missing.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an educational rhyming book about animals and their features, this is a keeper.

Thanks to the Tyndale House Publishing for offering this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

The Captivating Lady Charlotte

Title: The Captivating Lady Charlotte
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
ISBN: 978-0-8254-4451-7

“He had to trust both God and Charlotte. Trust that God truly did have good plans as promised in the Bible, and trust Charlotte would learn to love him …,” William considers in Carolyn Miller’s novel, The Captivating Lady Charlotte.

~ What ~
Second in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series, this three-hundred-and-twelve-page paperback targets those interested in a Christian romance involving a relationship between two individuals of different ages, backgrounds, and status. The book includes notes and acknowledgments at the end.

Set in 1814 in England, beautiful eighteen-year-old Charlotte Featherington expectantly begins her coming-out season to find a husband. With a dotting, over-bearing mother, she loves the attention of the opposite sex, allowing herself to be infatuated with one of them. When she meets, Duke William Hartington, she shows no interest due to the rumors and gossips about his past wife, their relationship, and her death. After being prompted into an arranged marriage, the naïve girl wants to only marry for love, while her betrothed has a fear of trusting another woman.

~ Why ~
If you enjoy romantic tales from the eighteen-hundreds in England where propriety, manners, societal norms, and appearances are of utmost importance, this short story covers the gambit of life in England between a flirtatious, naïve girl coming of age and a cautious, untrusting widow. With a few characters from the prior book in the series, it furthers a past story as its characters deal with their trials through relying on God. I like the details of the country life and living in a small town and appreciate the author adding the importance of praying to the Almighty.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have or want a personable relationship with Jesus Christ may avoid this book. Some may not like a predictable read of two main characters who are years apart in age and misunderstand each other as they figure what is important in life.

~ Wish ~
I wish both main characters’ situations and ending were not so predictable. As with the prior book, sometimes I had trouble understanding who was speaking.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a series of romances in England two hundred years ago, this second in a trilogy that involves love and trust between two opposites is a quick, stand-alone read.

Thanks to the Book Club Network, Kregel Publications, and the author for this book that I am reviewing freely.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

 

Tricked into Sickness

Title: Tricked into Sickness
Author:  Lola Hardaway
Publisher: Here’s to Your Health
ISBN # 978-0-989916-0-8

“When we submit ourselves to God, we invoke His divine protection, closing the door to all of satan’s entries into our affairs, and that includes our health,” Lola Hardaway writes in her book, Tricked into Sickness.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-fifty-four-page ebook targets readers looking for relief and healing from sickness via God and His natural herbs, plants, and fruits that He created. Sixteen chapters cover the topic, ending with endnotes and the author’s contact information. Using mainly the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the NKJV and NIV are also referenced.

Written by a vibrant Christian health food practitioner who has operated a health food store for decades, Hardaway pens how satan tricks us from focusing on God, attacking us with illness. Explaining that the devil is powerless but only performs if given permission, she encourages us to claim God’s power of healing. A few of the topics range from the spiritual aspects of having childlike faith, ardently praying, resting in Christ, dealing with pride, and loving others to holistic healing using whole and green foods, MCHA calcium, and CoQ10.

~ Why ~
I loved how much Scripture was quoted throughout the book and especially that it was from the King James Version. With so many concepts about health, sin, and healing, the writer offers a no-nonsense attitude of faith in God and His power. While there was some content of the author’s personal healing experiences of buying a house, accidentally drinking bleach, being paralyzed, and quitting smoking to name a few, it was not overdone, exaggerated, or the main focal point of the book. Also appreciated is that she never capitalizes satan as does not respect the being.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have or want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not be interested in this book about calling on God to cure health issues such as depression, stroke, heart attacks, and other health issues.

~ Wish ~
Not being a charismatic Christian, I appreciate the obvious deep love and compassion the writer has for God yet minorly disagree with some of her ideas. I wish the book written in 2014 were rechecked for grammar/punctuation errors so have marked it down a half point.

~ Want ~
If you are seeking a closer walk with God through prayer as you are challenged to speak sickness away, this book that promotes God’s ways are not our ways may help you on your healing journey that includes holistic treatments.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Blessings to the author for this purchased book that I am reviewing freely.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

A Giving Heart: A Coloring Book Celebrating Motherhood

Title: A Giving Heart: A Coloring Book Celebrating Motherhood
Illustrator: Stephanie Corfee
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 978-1-4789-4741-7

“Enjoy moments of peaceful creativity while being reminded of your special place in the hearts of your loved ones and your wonderful God-given purpose …” the back jacket states in Stephanie Corfee’s A Giving Heart: A Coloring Book Celebrating Motherhood.

~ What ~
This ninety-six-page paperback targets mothers who enjoy down time coloring. With forty-six illustrations, the right side of the pages have black and white artistic designs to color. The left side is usually left blank so that the art medium does not bleed through the pages. While focusing on motherhood, the designs celebrate the topic with a Bible verse or saying often incorporated into the drawings. The NKJV, NLT, NIV, MSG, and NLV versions of the Holy Bible are referenced.

Including a verse from Psalms, Proverbs, Matthew, or Romans to name a few, also added are quotes from well-known individuals such as Lincoln,  Graham, Mother Teresa, and Chapin. The drawings involve lovely patterns of mothers, flowers, leaves, hearts, birds, foods, objects, and mandalas as a few examples.

~ Why ~
Moms who love to draw, doodle, or fill in coloring books will love this book that concentrates on them. I like that the written words are short and to the point, while the charming illustrations are clear, crisp, and creative.

~ Why Not ~
Those who are not mothers or do not have time on their hands may not appreciate this book. Others may not care for coloring or doodling.

~ Wish ~
I wish more coloring books were available like this that had one side blank in case the paint or markers bled through and that they could be removed and framed.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a special gift for a mother or to give to children to color, cut out, and frame as a gift to give, this would be a keeper and appreciated greatly by a mom.

Thanks to Hatchette Books for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

Grammarly was used to check for errors in this review.

Joyful Inspirations Coloring Book

Title:  Joyful Inspirations Coloring Book
Illustrator: Robin Mead
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 978-1-4555-3934-5

“Reinvigorate your spirit through the hopefulness of these pages,” the back jacket states in Robin Mead’s Joyful Inspirations Coloring Book.

~ What ~
This ninety-six-page paperback targets those who enjoy a coloring book devoted to mostly Biblical inspirations within its illustrations. With bold and beautiful drawings in black and white on all the pages, there are Bible verses from the Old and New Testaments as well as various quotes from Emerson, Stevenson, and Gandhi typed on a majority of the pages.  The KJV, NIV, NLT, And NKJV versions of the Holy Bible are referenced.

~ Why ~
Those who love to draw, doodle, or fill in coloring books will love this book that promotes God and the beauty that surrounds us on Earth. I like that Bible verses and sayings are written out and to the point. The designs have detail that will reduce stress as one colors flowers, animals, birds, insects, buildings, cities, fields, children, and a plethora of other things. It is thoughtful the illustrator added tips and tricks at the back of the book.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with the Almighty may not be interested in this type of coloring book. Others may not care for coloring or doodling. Some may wish the cardstock used were thicker to avoid ink or markers bleeding.

~ Wish ~
Since the illustrations are on both sides of the pages that are not thick, colors may bleed through to the other side. I wish the book had one side blank so the artist could cut out and frame the finished design.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a creative coloring book of delightful and joyful depictions of God’s creation, this one that includes Bible verses and famous quotes will make an artist happy.

Thanks to Hatchette Books for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

Grammarly was used to check for errors in this review.

The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book Devotional

Title:  The Parables of Jesus Coloring Book Devotional
Text: Katara Washington Patton
Illustrator: Laura James
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 978-1-4555-9642-3

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-ninety-two-page almost ten-inch square paperback targets those who enjoy a devotional abut Jesus while coloring matching-the-story designs. With forty-six devotionals based on the parables of Christ, the right side of the pages have a devotional that starts with a written out Bible verse followed by a short discussion and question to answer or prayer. The next page includes a corresponding black and white artistic design to color with a promise of God highlighted on the left side. The Bible versions used are the AMP, AMPC NLT, MSG, NIV, NKJV, ERV, MEV, NCV, ESV, and NRSV.

With no table of contents, the parables cover being the light of the world, anticipating the Master’s return, and the mustard seed to lost sheep, wise stewards, and the prodigal son to name a few. While the illustrations include people, animals, food, and scenery, a climbing vine is located on a corner all the devotional pages.

~ Why ~
Those who love to draw, doodle, or fill in coloring books while focusing on Jesus and His parables will appreciate this coloring book. I like that there are often questions or challenges at the end of the devotions with space to write or draw. Using cardstock paper, the right side of the pages are left blank, so the medium such as felt tip paints or markers will not bleed through to the other side.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not be interested in this type of coloring book. Others may not care for the dark black thick lines or that most of the drawing include people often with the same facial expressions.

~ Wish ~
Because there are so many human depictions in the book, it may not interest those who prefer designs of nature that are more colorful. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a Biblical devotional about the parables of Jesus with pages to color, this will make a thoughtful, retrospective approach to connecting with God.

Thanks to Hatchette Books for this complimentary book that I am freely reviewing.

Grammarly was used to check for errors in this review.

Big Look Bible Book

Title: Big Look Bible Book
By: Thomas Nelson
Illustrations: Dawn Machell
Publisher: Make Believe Ideas
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9428-7

“Bible characters pop in these stories with big art and shaped pages,” the back jacket states in Big Look Bible Book.

~ What ~
This twenty-page hardbound with a cut-out front cover, rounded corners, and shaped pages targets children four to eight years old who enjoy board books with simplistic pictures. Even though it has a picture of a teethy Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, and three crosses when Jesus died, the abbreviated nine stories retold from the Holy Bible are not too frightening.

As young readers view five stories from the Old Testament of the Garden of Eden, Noah, Joseph, David and Goliath, and Daniel, the four stories in the New Testament stories include Jesus’s birth, angels visiting, the three wise men, and His resurrection. Each story is told on the left side of the page in six lines while the colorful illustrations cover the open pages.

~ Why ~
I like how the short stories are written in paragraph format with brightly colored designs to view. I appreciate that the stories follow the Word of God and mention Jesus’s death for our sins and resurrection.

~ Why Not ~
Those who have no personal relationship with Christ may not want to promote Bible stories to young children. Beginner readers may struggle with some of the tw0- and three-syllable words. Some may think the drawings are too sophomoric.

~ Wish ~
Although there is no plan of eternal salvation, the book is a good start for young ones to see the Bible’s importance through several retold stories.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a rudimentary book for a child learn Bible stories, this one may delight your little one.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am evaluating by choice.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

Who Told You That You Were Naked?

Title: Who Told You that You Were Naked?
Author:  William E. Combs
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
ISBN # 978-1-942587-68-2

“If we recognize the root of sin is our mental capacity to discern good and evil, then we can begin to understand we are incapable of overcoming this antagonist,” William E. Combs writes in his book, Who Told You That You Were Naked? A Refreshing Reexamination of the Garden of Eden.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-forty-two-page paperback targets readers looking for an updated viewpoint of the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. Using the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, verses are written throughout the text and discussed in detail. After an introduction, ten chapters with discussion questions cover the topic, ending with endnotes.

Written by a retired Presbyterian minister, the book concentrates on possible scenarios of Adam and Eve in the Garden after they had eaten of the tree of good and evil, became shameful being naked, and felt guilty disobeying God. Also using examples of Cain, Moses, David, Paul, John, and Jesus in the Bible, added are the author’s personal experiences, interjections, and other interpretations of Scripture.

~ Why ~
Since we were not in the Garden of Eden when the first couple sinned, we do not know explicitly what each was feeling when partaking of the tree of good and evil. The writer’s creative vignettes force readers to think how it may have happened and why. I appreciated the mentioning of touching verses eating the fruit, exegesis versus eisegesis, and contemporary and alternative interpretations of the historical, life-changing event.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have or want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will not be interested in this book about the inception of sin and path to eternal salvation. Some may not like a book with a pastor’s experiences or analogies such as outhouses, an earth-swallowing event, or his wife’s challenges. Others may notice the highlighted repetition of statements which are meant to stop the reader and consider its content.

~ Wish ~
Although I felt parts of the book got off topic and included personal references, I was reminded that Jesus dying on the cross for our sin reestablished God’s direct relationship with us.

~ Want ~
If you do not mind a retold version of Adam and Eve that takes ample liberties regarding our inherent knowledge of good and evil, this may bring it to the forefront of your thinking.

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book that I am reviewing freely.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.

 

My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories

Title: My Lift-the-Flap Bible
Retold by: Michael Berghof
Illustrator: Gill Guile
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9428-7

“My Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories is a wonderful introduction to the Bible and a perfect gift for the children in your life,” the back jacket states in this book.

~ What ~
This twenty-page hardbound with rounded corners targets children four to eight years old who enjoy board books with hidden flaps. Even though it has stories of Daniel in the lions’ den, Jonah in the large fish, and that Jesus died, there are no scary visualizations in the thirteen stories retold from the Holy Bible.

As readers view five stories from the Old Testament of creation, Noah’s ark, Moses leading the exodus, Daniel, and Jonah, the nine stories in the New Testament stories include Jesus’s birth, His miracle at the wedding in Cana, healing of a man, feeding the five thousand, walking on water, having His last supper, resurrected, and being with His disciples. When the thirty flaps are opened, children can visualize the joy and happiness that God gives to the scenes.

~ Why Not ~
I like how the short stories are written in paragraph format with brightly colored illustrations that cover the page. The flaps are of all sizes, entertaining a young child as they peep under them. I appreciate that the stories follow the Word of God.

~ Wish ~
Although there is no plan of eternal salvation or Jesus’s dying on the cross for our sins, the book is a good start for young ones to see the Bible’s importance through several retold stories.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an interactive book for a child to lift flaps and see what is underneath, this one that focuses on well-known Bible stories will delight your little one.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for this complimentary book that I am evaluating by choice.

GRAMMARLY was used to check for errors in this review.