Jesus Helps Me

Jesus Helps Me
Knowing My God Series

Callie Grant

Jesus Helps Me is a board book about God and birds. The book begins with a Bible verse and a question about birds. Then each page has a picture of a specific bird, part of the Bible verse, and a fact about the bird pictured. The book ends with a page for the grownups, and some questions that the reader can ask the young child.

This is a fun, interactive book. Toddlers will enjoy the book that is just their size. The colors are bright and the Bible verse is in a large font. The pictures and little illustrations will keep them engaged while the book is being read to them. While the book isn't geared towards older children, my 1st grader enjoyed reading about the birds. I loved the way the book was tied with a Bible verse that illustrates how Jesus can help. It was beautifully done.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Bash and the Chocolate Milk Cows

Bash and the Chocolate Milk Cows

Burton W. Cole

Beamer is visiting his cousin Bash on his farm in Ohio. But Bash is a little crazy. He's always coming up with pranks and jokes. Beamer isn't always sure if he's willing to suffer the consequences of those pranks. But when there is a robber on the loose the cousins stick together to help find clues about him and other things they are thinking about.

 As an adult I enjoyed the story, but also appreciated the way the author brought in discussions about the Bible and faith. My son (8 yrs old) enjoyed the funny illustrations, crazy boy adventures, and the entertaining story. This is the first book we've read by this author, but it won't be the last. The author did a great job of getting into the head of a little boy and creating something he would love to read about.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

To The Sea

To The Sea

Callie Grant

 

God is at the ocean. Beautiful illustrations and a poetic style of writing tell the story of a little boy who spends the day at the beach. The story points out God's gifts in the ocean and sand as the child plays. It ends with a Bible verse to tie the story with the message. Parents will love the message and the beautiful way it is portrayed. Children will love the hard pages in a board book that is just their size. They will also enjoy looking at the pictures and hearing the rhyming flow of the words. It's a wonderful way to introduce God and how there are His blessings in everything. The book would make a great addition to any household with small children.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

The Diva Diaries

Catie Conrad: How to Become the Most Unpopular Girl in Middle School

The (Desperate) Diva Diaries

Angie Spady

Catie has a lot on her plate. She's not exactly popular at school, her brother is completely gross, and she's really stressed out. But as Catie attends her youth group at church, the pastor shares things that helps her cope with her stress and be more compassionate towards others.

The style of the book is similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The main character confides in her diary and adds notes and pictures. The author was able to bring in spiritual lessons without them coming across as preachy or too heavy. The book showcased a typical child and made her interesting and her journal entries engaging. Middle school children will love the story and be blessed by the spiritual insights. This would also be the perfect book for the reluctant reader.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

10 Steps to Your F.I.T.

10 Steps to Your F.I.T.

Faith Inspired Transformation

Healthy, Happy, & Fit God's Way

Kim Dolan Leto

There are tons of diet books out there, but this one is different. The author takes a multifaceted approach to fitness and health that includes every aspect of life. To truly lose weight and stay healthy a person needs to make sure they are following a Christ centered lifestyle that will help them not only make the changes necessary, but turn them into healthy habits. Each chapter contains a lot of scripture, encouraging stories and thoughts, and positive bulletin points. The chapters end with a discussion guide of sorts that has reflection questions and strategy tips to incorporate the information learned in the chapter. Bright colors and glossy pages help enhance the visual aspect of the book.

I've read a ton of diet books and reviewed several as well. But this one is by far the best. It's laid out well, inspiring and encouraging, and actually feels like something I want to do. It's not a huge book, but each chapter is in-depth and well thought out. The author clearly knows her information and believes in it enough to share. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to lose weight, create good fitness habits, and become a healthier person.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Your Core

Your Core

Callie Grant

Lots of things have cores. Those cores serve a purpose. We have a special core inside of us that serves a purpose too. Our core is where God is. This little board book will delight young children with its colorful pages and rhyming words. It will delight parents with its message of God in our hearts.

The illustrations fit well with the theme and help tell the story.  The spiritual message that is being presented will be understood by the young children, but is full of depth. The book ends with a Bible verse. I noticed that the book helped start a conversation about our hearts with my young daughter. My son, while a bit older than the intended audience, enjoyed the book and wanted to talk about what the words meant. This book would be a perfect start to a young child's library or would make a wonderful gift.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

A Christ Centered Wedding

A Christ Centered Wedding

Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Wedding Day

Catherine Strode Parks & Linda Strode

A wedding can be one of the most beautiful moments in a couple's life. For Christians the stress and financial burden of the wedding can overshadow the emphasis on Christ in the marriage and the faith that the couple hopes to bring to their union. The authors have taken some time to share ideas, thoughts and stories with couples planning their wedding to help make it less stressful and more Christ centered.

I was very impressed with this book. The focus of the book was on Christ and how to show Him to not only the couple getting married, but also to the wedding party and guests. The book was filled with helpful suggestions, meaningful thoughts, and stories from other couples who've been down this path already. It touched on so many aspects of the journey to the alter. The layout was simple and easy to read. And while this is an instructional book, I also enjoyed reading it. The authors clearly put a lot of time, research, and effort into making this a must read book for every Christian couple getting ready to get married.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Raising a Princess

Raising a Princess

8 Essential Virtues to Teach Your Daughter

John Croyle

We often talk about the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman. But how does that woman become so virtuous? The author draws from his experience as a parent and founder of a home for girls to bring 8 essential virtues that we can teach our daughters so they grow up to become the Proverbs 31 woman.

I wasn't aware that this book was geared towards fathers until I started reading the book. But despite that fact, I still learned from it. The layout of the book is easy to read and the author brings stories and experiences into the writing to make his points more relevant. His writing style is simple, yet profound. He is able to bring a point across without sounding preachy. I also liked the fact that 100% of his proceeds will go back to the Big Oak Ranch to help more girls.
 

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Restless

Restless

Jennie Allen

Do you ever find yourself wondering who you really are or what your purpose is? Allen as taken these questions and more and turned it into a Bible Study for women. Drawing from the story of Joseph the author exposes those "restless" feelings we all seem to have and gives the Biblical answers to calm our anxieties and hurts.

The kit comes with the dvds, the study guide, the leader guide, and a box of discussion cards. The books are easy to use and the kit is formatted to bring out discussion. The DVDs are aesthetically pleasing in addition to being well thought out and put together. They inspired me as well as convicted me. At the beginning of each lesson different women answered a question relating to the topic. It showcased how different we all are, yet still searching for the same thing. I loved the different perspectives it gave. Will be recommending this study to my Bible study group.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Close as a Breath

Close as a Breath

Callie Grant

"Why does water freeze?" "Why do leaves change colors?" A father patiently answers his daughter's questions as they walk through nature together. Each of his answers point his little daughter to the wonderful Creator who loves and cares for her.

The pages are bright and colorful. The answers are simple enough for a young child to comprehend, but leave room for reflection. The Bible verse and thoughtful answers of the father will draw the child closer to their heavenly Father. The board book is just the right size for small hands to hold. My daughter loved this book and it prompted her to ask some of her own puzzling questions. This book is definitely a keeper.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Knowing My God

Knowing My God Jesus Saves Me

Callie Grant

A delightful board book that is perfect for the family just starting out, or for a family with multiple children. Bright colors, colorful photography, and multiple levels of writing make this book captivating for all ages. The top of the page has a simplistic script for the younger child. At the bottom is a more detailed story to explain the picture and concept of how Jesus saves us. Bible verses and an instruction page for grown-ups round out this fun little book.

Both of my children (5 & 7) enjoyed this book. We were able to discuss the pictures and words. The book provided the perfect opportunity to discuss salvation. Perfect for giving away at baby showers or at church.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Little Seed: A Life

Little Seed: A Life

Callie Grant

A little seed falls from the tree and slowly begins to grow in the rich soil. Follow the growth of the little seed as it grows full cycle and returns more seeds to the earth.

Every space in this board book is filled with bright, colorful illustrations. The story is told simply enough for the young children, but was thorough enough to explain the steps of seed growth. The Bible verse at the end of the story pulls the thoughts of seed growth and growth in our own lives together. It provides an opening to talk about praise and spiritual growth on a small child's level.

My 5 year old enjoyed the illustrations, story, and our conversation after the story was finished.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

I Like Giving

I Like Giving

The Transforming Power of a Generous Life

Brad Formsma

Giving generously can transform your life and the lives of those around you. It has a ripple effect that can be felt by people around the world. The author started a website to encourage people to give generously. He gives practical advice on how to teach your children generosity, how to give every day, how giving isn't just about money. There are also stories sprinkled throughout the book that will inspire and encourage.

I was really impressed with this book. My husband and I are currently helping out with the Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey) at our church, and I think this book should be part of the curriculum. It is so inspiring. The author was able to break down the different ways to give so that even the poorest person realizes they have something to give back to humanity. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to change their outlook on giving.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Experiencing God at Home

Experiencing God at Home Day-By-Day

A Family Devotional

Tom Blackaby & Rick Osborne

This little devotional is designed for the family devotions. It would work well for those who already have this practice in place and would also be perfect for the family trying to establish this routine. The devotions are set up so that families can pick and choose what they are going to use that day based on the age of the child.  It begins with the scripture for the day and a question to get the discussions going. The devotional is based on the first two and is followed by prayer time and quiet time sections. There are several different ways to read through the devotions and a quick chapter at the beginning explains the way the authors set the book up.

I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to sharing it with the kids. The topics will interest them even though they are young, but we can still use this again when they are a bit older. The authors bring out several great points about establishing the habit of daily devotions and the effects it has on the children. The subjects are relevant to families today and are well thought out.  My favorite part is the little devotions called Parent Connection that are the devotionals just for parents. I've enjoyed everything I've read in this series and this one didn't disappoint. It's a book I'll be adding to my library.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

All of Me That You Can't See

All of Me That You Can't See

Callie Grant

When you look in the mirror what do you see? Colorful illustrations and fun rhythmic words help children see that inside of them is something far more important than what they can see in the mirror. The words describe how our minds, heart, and love reside inside our bodies where we can't see them. And it also talks about how we can use the things we can't see to show others about our love for God.

My children really enjoyed the illustrations and were able to easily relate to the words. The message is beautiful and the presentation is superb. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone with young children. 

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Jesus Invites Me

Jesus Invites Me

Knowing My God Series

Callie Grant

The colorful board book uses bright pictures and Bible verses to explain the plan of salvation that Jesus gives to everyone. Each page opens ups to a picture on one side and a Bible verse and thought about the picture on the other. The invitation that Jesus gives all of us is made simple and easy to understand with this fun little board book.

The message in the book, while simple, was beautifully explained. My kids enjoyed reading the book and understood everything I read. The message on each page ties in perfectly with the picture and helps the child to grasp whatever is being read to them. I would recommend this book as a great gift to anyone with small children. 

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Jesus Shows Me

Jesus Shows Me

Knowing My God Series

Callie Grant

 The colorful board book uses bright pictures, Bible verses, and facts about animals to show little children how much their heavenly Father loves them. Each page opens ups to a picture of an animal on one side and something about the animal and how it relates to Jesus on the other side. 

My children and I really enjoyed this book. The verses and thoughts are short enough for their little attention spans. The pictures are captivating and entertaining. The author has done a great job of bringing the love of Jesus to a simple level that they can understand.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Mud Puddle Hunting Day

Mud Puddle Hunting Day

Callie Grant

Follow a young child as she goes hunting for mud puddles in the rain. Bright colorful pictures and rhyming words will grab a child's attention and keep their interest. The little story takes children through a wet and raining day and shows them what can be found in God's nature. It ends with a scripture verse from Psalm. The board book is perfect for little hands and will keep even a non-reader interested.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Steps to Knowing God

Steps to Knowing, Doing and Experiencing the Will of God for Teens

Experiencing God at Home Series

Tom Blackaby, Mike Blackaby, Daniel Blackaby

 God wants you to know Him. He wants to have a very important part in your life. The Blackaby family has written another book in the series, this time directed towards teens. The book will guide teens toward a better understanding of how to bring God into their lives and experience His presence every day in their homes.

I'm not a teen, but I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interactive, refreshing, and insightful. The graphics are fun. The note section will be useful for anyone wanting to add their thoughts to the book. The practical and useful suggestions will resonate with teens wanting to do more than just listen while being preached at. I look forward to sharing this with my children when they get a little bit older.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Ever After

Ever After

life lesson learned in my castle of chaos

Vicki Courtney

As little girls we are told that someday our handsome prince will come and take us away to a castle. And we will live happily ever after.

But real life isn't really like that. If we believe the lies that society and our story books tell us, we are in for a very rude awakening when we reach our little castle.

The author takes the reader through different scenarios and tells the story of her prince and her castle. She's funny, realistic, and authentic. I really enjoyed the insights into the author's life. The life lessons spoke to what every wife and mother goes through as she passes each stage of life. The thoughts were well put together and will reach every woman regardless of what place she happens to be residing at. While definitely a book that I will be recommending to young wives and wives to be, it also hit home for this "old" married woman.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.