101 Bible Adventures

101 Bible Adventures – The Ultimate Quest For Truth!
Written by Carolyn Larsen
Published at Tyndale

About the book

101 Bible Adventures offers kids a high-energy, adventure-filled approach to reading, interacting with, and learning life lessons from the Scriptures. It takes 101 favorite adventure-filled stories from the New Living Translation and puts them into one amazing book. Each Bible story has a brief overview so kids can get a bird's-eye view of the story, a key verse that sums up its meaning, and a Read and Learn application section that challenges kids to make their faith active. 101 Bible Adventures gives kids a great way to explore the Scriptures while highlighting concepts such as building good character; the importance of having good role models; and themes such as forgiveness, love, and God's wonderful plan for our lives.\

Who is Carolyn Larsen?

Carolyn Larsen has written more than 40 books for children and adults. She is best known as the author of the Little Girls Bible Storybook line of products, which have collectively sold more than one million units. In addition, Carolyn is a speaker who has taught and spoken extensively in the United States and overseas. She is the cofounder of the performing group Flashpoints, which is comprised of five women who share a God-ignited passion to encourage women and girls to know God better through drama, creative movement, signing, and humor. Carolyn is the mother of three and lives with her husband in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Our Thoughts

This interesting book will help your boys to read some of the most incredible adventures lived in the Bible in a two page setting.    Learning about God and the events in the Bible can’t be done only on Sunday.   It is a day to day process that makes you discover who God is and what happened in the past.    Reading regularly in the Bible is a skill that we are trying to instill to our kids.   

In a way I see the 101 Bible Adventures as a devotional for boys where they not only will read a part of the Bible in the NLT translation but will also be encourage to memorize a key verse as well as apply it in their own life by reading the Now What? section.   Each adventure is also accompany by a little funny cartoon illustrating the main idea of the story.   

The stories are taken from the various books of the Bible:  Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Nehemiah, Esther, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jonah, Luke, Matthew, John, Mark, Acts, and Revelations.   

You can use these adventures anywhere you want but ultimately it would be good for you to sit down with your child and go through them together.    I have three boys ages 6, 8, and 10 and a girl age 4.   I think all of my kids would enjoy these stories and devotions together.   During the school year, the kids participate to Awana where they learn numerous scriptures.  Our time of learning from the Bible is concentrated on the Awana verses.   But when Awana is completed in May, I will pack this little book with us as we go camping and we can read through it until the fall season.    I’m sure we will learn quite a bit and we will have interesting discussions between us.

Carolyn Larsen also wrote a devotion book for girls.  

101 Bible Adventures is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I have received a copy of the book from Tyndale. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

You’re Already Amazing

You’re Already Amazing – Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be
Written by Holley Gerth
Published at Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

About the book

Psst . . . pull up a chair and I'll tell you a secret. You'd better lean in close for this one.

Ready?

You don't have to do more, be more, have more.

I'm sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over.

But it's true.

It's the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that's what it did for me. . . .

So watch out, sister. If you keep reading you just might be next.

With this heart-to-heart message, Holley Gerth invites you to embrace one very important truth--that you truly are already amazing. Like a trusted friend, Holley gently shows you how to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds you and instead believe that God loves you and has bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined.

Who is Holley Gerth?

Holley Gerth is an award-winning writer, licensed counselor, certified life coach, and speaker. She is cofounder of (in)courage, an online destination for women, which received more than one million page views in its first six months. She also reaches out to readers through her popular blog, Heart to Heart with Holley and through her partnership with DaySpring, a subidiary of Hallmark. Holley lives in Arkansas with her husband, Mark.

My Thoughts

Have you ever wondered if you were important in someone’s life?   If what you do on a daily basis matters?   If anyone cares about you?   I know I did – even though I am happily married and trust God for more than fifteen years now.    It’s the kind of lie that many women and homeschoolers have a tendency to believe unfortunately.

So when the opportunity arose to review a book titled You’re Already Amazing, my curiosity was picked.   I wanted to read it to discover what the author would say.  Even though I know that I matter and that God is there for me, there are times when I wonder if what I do really matters whether it is for my family or just for fun (like being a reviewer in the blogosphere…).  

What did I discovered?  An amazing book that stir your soul and makes you realized that God created you for a purpose.  The problem is that sometimes we don’t see our gifts and where we can be a blessing.    This little gem of a book will guide you on a journey of discovery of who you are, on how you feel, on where you are going, and much more.    The book also contains a deeper guide to use individually or in groups during a book club or a women’s study. 

I realized from the beginning of the book that I needed to work on my self confidence and follow the steps the author provided in its pages.    I take the time to read, underline, ponder, react and do the exercises.   I am discovering the things I do that most people don’t do – like homeschooling or blogging and reviewing products.   It matters for my kids, my family and also people who are looking for reviews on various things.   I am taking the time to find my strengths, my skills, and explore who are part of my social circles. I am discovering the lies that most women will believe – and I fall in this category when I compare myself to others sometimes. 

The author has a way of writing that will touch you in various ways – it will open your eyes, it will make you smile, it will help you to discover who you are and how important you are.    Honestly it has been a while since I read a book destined to help me that was so good… 

Am I suggesting that every woman out there should go through this book?   Absolutely.   It is a great reminder of who we are and how gifted God made us.   Each and every single one of us is loved, accepted, chosen, and have something to give to others.   We need to go through the process on discover ourselves to stop believing the lies we might have encountered and fly out of this cage of lies to be free.  

As I am reading this book and advancing in the discovery of who am I, I am also going through a healing ministry for wounds I have experienced in my past.    Recently while we were singing a song during the worship time about being free, I pictured a cage that was opened with a bird flying away of it.    I sensed it was me.   Going through this healing ministry and this book at the same time is simply amazing.  Not only am I learning to let go of my wounds but at the same time I am on a journey of discovering who I am and becoming everything that He has created me to be.   

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13, it says

You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

I know I can.   God is with me all the time.   I just needed the guidance on discovering myself.   You’re Already Amazing is a great book to do so.

You’re Already Amazing is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, including amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I have received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Tanda mē

Not too long ago, I saw that a fellow blogger received an interesting device to review.    After looking into it more, I saw potential for this mē device and decided I should try to review it as well.   It took some time to receive an answer but they agreed and yesterday the package was waiting for me on the porch when we came back from swimming lessons.

What is this device?  Presenting the mē elōs professional hair removal system which is the first and only at-home device that combine Intense Pulsed Light and Radio Frequency energies to deliver a permanent hair reduction.    When I was a teenager my mom suggested that I go to an esthetician to get rid of unwanted hair on my legs using wax.    Should I mention that this thing wasn’t without pain?   Anyhow, when I went to university, there was no way I could pay for this on my own.  Instead, I purchased a similar device (wax) at the pharmacy I was working at – hey being an employee has advantages like reduce price!   Doing it yourself still bring pain by the way but it was cheaper.    Then one day I bought an epilator which has since stopped working.   So to make a story short, I have experienced various things to rid myself of leg hair since I was a teenager.    The hair is still there believe it or not and honestly I have considered the laser treatment but just can’t justify the price attached to it and I am not totally comfortable with laser treatments for personal reasons.

Enter the mē in my life.  

According to their website, the benefits for this device are:  safe and effective, fast and convenient, immediate hair removal option, save money on the long run as you won’t have to go see a professional to do it anymore, and visible results as fast as 4 to 6 treatments. 

How does it work?

When an elōs pulse is emitted from the mē device the energy is deposited in the skin, selectively targeting the hair follicle. If the energy reaching the follicle is high enough it can permanently damage the hair follicle and that specific follicle that was damaged will not be able to grow hair any more.

How to use mē

Tanda mē can be used anywhere below the neck, the Tanda mē facial hair removal attachment is apparently coming soon.

Step 1 - If you are using the mē epilator or shaver accessories – there are no preparations needed.   However, if you are not using the epilator or shaver accessories then shave or shortly trim the treated area prior to using the mē

Step 2 - Select your elōs level based on your skin type.

Step 3 - If you have fair hair, it is recommended that you use the epilator and elōs cartridge simultaneously for best results

On their site, someone was asking a question on how this device is working.    They answered that the person need to remove the hair from the treatment area before using the mē.  So essentially, you proceed as usual to remove the unwanted hair and then you use the device to prevent the growth.   After a few treatments, you will see a tremendous difference.  

So since I have received the device, I will test it and get back to you in a few weeks.    I am curious about the results it will give me.     One thing is interesting though – the company believes so much in mē elōs professional hair removal system that they offer a 60 days money back risk-free guarantee.   The product is only available in Canada for the price of 395$.   Yes it’s expensive and because of this the quality should be good.    So my challenge is to try out the product for a period of time and write again to let you know what I think about it.   

If you are curious about how it works, check the videos at http://trytandame.com.

Follow Tanda on facebook and twitter.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tanda for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Clever Dragons–a site for boys only!

There is one thing I am certain these days…. my boys TOTALLY love the Clever Dragons site.   And to be honest, mom agrees with them.

What is Clever Dragons?   A few weeks ago, I have blogged about the easy process to register and setting up an account with this website.    Essentially, Clever Dragons is a learn and play platform for young boys. 

Every single day, my boys ask permission to be able to go on the site and learn more about the world, music, mathematics, writing, history and geography as well as the Bible.   Through games the child is set to learn whether he likes it or not.    My boys love to play with the geographic games as well as the one about identifying the parts of the human body.   

With their Grade Bar as I call it, you can select the games specific to a level from grades K to 8th.    The boys can also “purchase furniture and decorations to enhance their rooms as well as get eggs that will hatched in some sort of animal that they need to care for.

What I particularly like about the Clever Dragons site is that I can set up our account to either allow or restrict the “social media” part of it.    Right now, our account is limited since I have not activated the social media allowing the boys to interact with others on the site.   Other parents would choose to let them use it but we have mixed feelings about it.   So having this flexibility for us is a bonus.

My husband has organized our living room with a computer plugged on the big screen television.  So when the kids play on the internet, I know exactly what they are doing and I can check the quality of the website at the same time.      I am very impressed with the Clever Dragons website and I am pleased to say that this site is an absolute must for any homeschoolers!   Every time he see the boys playing with the Clever Dragons site, he is impressed with the quality of the games and how they are learning.

Not only your son will learn quite a bit using this website, but you can be guaranteed that the educational content will also be of higher quality.    Clever Dragons offers drills in core academic subjects while promoting a safe environment for children of all ages.    Parents also have the flexibility to choose to incorporate Christian education content if they select this option for the account.  

The whole process of learning via education games will also provide motivation by allowing the child to accumulate gold coins so that he can purchase things as well as provide awards for the efforts he has done during the games.  

With the quality of the games, the safety and the flexibility to set up the account the way you want it as well as the fact that the site is always adding new challenges for the boys, this website is perfect for homeschooling!  It is a great way to let your son explore and learn while having fun.

Wondering what the price can be?    Here’s the details…  A monthly subscription will cost you 5.95$ per month with the first month being 99 cents. A two months membership is 11.90$ while an annual membership is 47.40$ per year for a price of 3.95 per month.    Finally, the lifetime membership is 119$.     According to the website, a lifetime membership for an entire family for $259 is suppose to come soon as well.

There is also a site for girls called Always Ice Cream.   I know a little girl who is looking forward to be able to access it when she turns five in December.    For the meantime she observe her brothers playing with the Clever Dragons website.

Disclaimer: I have received a lifetime membership to Clever Dragons as a member of the Always Clever Blogging team. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Clearasil Perfecta Wash

Clearasil Perfecta Wash

www.clearasil.ca

About the product

The right amount of the right product is key to visibly clearer skin without overdrying. Introducing Clearasil® Perfecta Wash™. The Automatic Face Wash Dispenser delivers the perfect dose* for visibly clearer skin without overdrying. Clearasil® Perfecta Wash is dermatologist tested and provides visibly clearer skin in as little as 12 hours. Ultra Rapid Action Face Wash refills are available in Superfruit Splash and Soothing Plant Extracts.

*1 dose = 1 activation of dispenser

Our Thoughts

Ever wondered how to treat your greasy face so that you don’t have pimples showing up when it’s not a good time?    Recently, I was informed that I had been selected to participate in a blog tour on the new Clearasil Perfecta Wash.   I received a Clearasil Perfecta Wash with two refills in Soothing Plant Extracts and Superfruit Splash so we can experience the system first-hand.   When I say WE I am talking about my son, who is a pre-teen of almost 11 years old, my husband and myself.    We are three people to try out this new product.  

While being in a Wal-Mart in NY State a couple of weeks ago, I have seen the Clearasil Perfecta Wash Face Wash System on the shelves.   However, so far I have not seen the product in Wal-Mart or at the pharmacy in Canada.    Even if I go to the Canadian website, I can’t seem to find any information about it.   The US site does contain information on the Perfecta Wash.

Essentially, the Perfecta Wash will provide the perfect dose of the right face wash.   This perfect dose will help to get a clearer skin without overdrying. Washing the face on a daily basis also helps to keep the skin on looking its best.     The fun dispenser makes face-washing convenient and easy and ensures that you get the perfect dose.  

There are two Ultra Rapid Action formulas available for use in the dispenser: Superfruit Splash and Soothing Plant Extracts.   Both are formulated with maximum strength acne medication and are dermatologist tested.  For a luscious scent and energizing feel, the Superfruit Splash formula features raspberry and cranberry extracts. The Soothing Plant formula includes ingredients that are known to calm and help reduce redness. The refills are also available for purchase individually.   Each refills will provide approximately 100 doses.

We received the Clearasil Perfecta Wash about a week and a half ago and already we see the benefits of this system.    One day as I felt my skin to be quite greasy in the afternoon, I decided to wash it with the Clearasil Perfecta Wash and I was impressed with how rapidly I sensed the difference in my skin.   I personally like the fact that the dispenser gives you the perfect dose.    Honestly I find it reduce the quantity that could get lost if you put too much in your hands – especially with children if you see what I mean.

My son doesn’t seem to see a difference but I know that his skin looks fresher than usual as he is using it every morning.    My husband has told me that he liked the product but would love to know how much the refill would cost before determining if it would be a product worth buying or not.     It is suggested to use it twice a day but at this point in time, every users in this house are using it at least once a day (and sometimes the adults would skip some days…).  

Apparently this product cost about 1/3 of the price of a popular acne product mentioned on the box.   Knowing how much the other product cost, I am not surprised about this.  However, since I have never experience the other product before, I can’t compare both products on this blog post.  

The only disappointment I would have is that you can’t put the dispenser in the shower and get the bottom wet as the batteries are located there.   It is clearly indicated at the bottom of the dispenser not to leave it in water.    So our dispenser is currently on the floor next to the bathtub since we would use it while taking a shower.   I would also suggest that you switch the dispenser off after every time you use it as it would help to avoid have some unscheduled delivery of the soap if you pass under the spout by accident (yes we experienced this little accident…).

If you are a mom with a pre-teen/teen in your household, you can have the chance to test the new Clearasil Perfecta Wash too!    All you have to do is signup at the Mom Central Canada website as they are looking for Canadian moms to participate in a product testing opportunity for Clearasil Perfecta Wash who have pre-teen/teen-aged children who suffer from acne, or moms (who suffer with blemishes) who would be willing to try it out themselves.   If you are curious about this new product, I would strongly suggest that you apply for a chance to try it out for free.   

Our family – two adults and one pre-teen tested the product -  is very satisfied with the results of Clearasil Perfecta Wash.    However, we wonder how much the refills will be sold.    Knowing this bit of information could be useful to determine if it is worth it or not.   The starter kit was sold for about 14$ US when I was at a Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago.     I suspect that the product will be available everywhere in Canada in the weeks to come.

Note that the dispenser come with 3 x AA batteries which will eventually need replacement.

* Do not use if allergic to salicylic acid or any other ingredient in the product
Medicinal Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, 2%
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Sodium laureth sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Coco-glucoside, Sodium chloride, Laureth -4, Fragrance, Tocopheryl acetate, Propylene glycol, Polyquaternium-43, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth -9 , Rubus idaeus (raspberry) juice, Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit extract, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Citric acid, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, D&C red no. 33, FD&C yellow no. 6

Disclosure – I am participating in the Clearasil Perfecta Wash program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Reckitt Benckiser. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

One Thousand Gifts–Weeks 40, 41 and 42

401. The smell of spring in the air.

402. Going to pray for the kids at our church with the pastor’s wife even though the evening wasn’t schedule in March.

403. An appointment with a specialist to get a test done at the hospital instead of having it done at a private clinic like back in August last year where I went in shock.   

404. Having my appointment schedule for said test for September but also knowing that I will be called if there is a cancellation…  Getting called twice last week because of cancellation.  The first day offered wasn’t working but the 2nd call offered me two dates with one working perfectly.   New appointment is on April 16th at an hospital about 40 minutes away but it’s worth it.

405. Seeing God at work in our lives.

406. An opportunity knocking on our door – though to be honest we don’t know if we should go for it or not.

407. March Break where we took it easy during the week.

408. A birthday party for the kids to go in the middle of March Break.

409. Time for my husband and I to spend together while shopping for a new cell phone for me.

410. The fact that I can hear the new cell phone better (I have hard hearing –>   There are hearing aids in the future for me just not now!).

411. The nice sunshine and warmth when we go outside.

412. Shedding the winter clothes.

413. Shorts!

414. Crocs.

415. Turning 43 on the first day of Spring.

416. Last minute day trip to go shopping in the US with the in-laws – in two vehicles.

417. US KFC – cook in the oven instead of dipping in oil.    Delicious!

418. The kids switching vehicles so they can spend time with grand-maman and grand-papa.

419. An opportunity to get involved in our church with the grades 5 & 6.

420. My husband going out of the house for a contract which meant I could bake chocolate.

421. Trying a new cake for my birthday – Thanks to Pinterest!   

422. Being able to go to a new restaurant for lunch time alone while my oldest babysat.

423. Trying to figure out God’s will in our life with a specific thing.  

424.  Food testing activity – we definitively don’t do this often enough… LOL

425. Fun products to review with the family!

426. Receiving a YES when requesting a product – even though it takes time to get the answer or you don’t get the answer but are surprised by a package one morning (That’s how I got the Handbook of Nature Study from Anna Botsford Comstock last week which I requested three weeks ago and never heard from the publisher.   I was debating if I should purchase it or just use the free version I had found on the internet on the iPad.  But to be honest I couldn’t see myself carrying the iPad in the forest all the time…)

427. My son’s team winning the first place at AWANA Quizzing competition.

428. In-laws willing to babysit and bring the kids to an activity while we have to attend another event.

429. Knowing that camping season is just around the corner!

430.Seeing how many clips my daughter can put in her hair…

KleenSlate

Back in February, I literally discovered an ad about KleenSlate and thought the idea was ingenious.  I decided to see if it could be possible to review one.    They were trilled to agree to this request and I received the package within a couple of weeks.    Imagine my surprised when I saw not one or two KleenSlates but four of them.  One for each of the kids!   Sweet!   And not only that but I also received two microfiber cleaning cloths , a packages of 24 black pens as well as a package of colorful ones too.     

Though this was originally designed for classrooms I quickly started thinking on how I could use them in a homeschool environment.    Having four kids that are spread in ages – 4, 6, 8, and almost 11 – it is a bit hard for me to do drills between them.    However, I could easily test them on math and spelling.    

Rectangle paddle with marker/eraser – Price 7.25$ each

One (1) 2-sided, dry erase response rectangle paddle with integrated marker and eraser in the handle. Dry erase writing surface is 8 x 10 inches. One side is blank and one side is a graph. Comes in 8 vibrant colors.  Back side can be either a graph, lines, music sheet or venn diagram.   The also have a round version of the KleenSlate!

We received four rectangle paddles (all in different colors) – two with the graph side and two with the lines side.    It is perfect for various things whether to practice your writing, do bar charts for mathematics or simply draw.    I find it ingenious that the marker fits perfectly in the handle of the KleenSlate so that it can’t get lost or misplaced.   

Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – Price 2.50$ each

Microfiber cleaning cloth. Perfect for cleaning white-boards and paddles.    The ones we received had a little hole in it and you can insert a ring to attach on the KleenSlate.   Great idea which once again help not to misplace the microfiber cleaning cloth.  

10 Pack colored markers with erasers – Price 15$

Ten (10) dry erase colored markers with eraser cap. Small barrel and medium point. Low-odor, non-toxic, kid-friendly with points that don’t push in. Conform to Consumer Product Safety (CPSIA) standards.
Colors included are red, blue, sky-blue, purple, pink, orange, light-green, forest-green and 2 black.

This was a nice surprise…  Having the colors is helpful for other things in our homeschool.   I have transparent sheets in some workbooks where the kids can write their answers on top of the page.  Sometimes they need to color so they use the color markers.     I also use these to write on our big white board if I need to explain something to one of the kids.   Very useful!

24 pack of black markers with erasers – Price 33$

By the time I arrive to this package of black markers, I was speechless.   Not only these markers have the felt erasers on the top of their caps but it is non-toxic, don’t smell much, and extremely kid friendly.    The points won’t push in if your child writes hard with it.   Fabulous!

 

How to Use the KleenSlate

The KleenSlate can be used in numerous ways whether you decide to drill your child with spelling, reading comprehension, mathematical drills and/or graphs and much more.   These can also be a blessing when driving on a long trip while it occupies the kids.  They could play games on it like TicTacToe or list plates from various provinces/states or do some sort of scavenger’s hunt while watching outside (this one requires preparation as you will have to list the things to spot on the KleenSlate!).

As soon as we got ours, the kids were excited and selected their own colors. 

While Jasmine was practicing her AWANA scripture with me, Jérémy asked Alexandre to write something on his KleenSlate and proceeded to encourage her.

Jasmine also wanted to do the same thing but this time giving a a sweet message…  (and yes she asked me to write it!  *grin*)

A few days later, I caught Dominic, age 8, drawing on one of them.

The KleenSlate is not only good for school – whether in the home or outside the family unit.   I could see numerous advantages for this product like using it in business meetings,  rehabilitation centers, sunday schools, and even the AWANA Quizzing Competition.

The past two years, my son Alexandre has participated to the Awana Quizzing Competition (the competition this year is today which will be his third year!)   They usually have two drills – a multiple choice questions and a rapidity one.    The KleenSlate products could be used in the multiple choice questions.   However, it would be better to have separators between the participants so that they don’t see what their neighbors are writing on their KleenSlate.      Having one slate per participant with a marker/eraser would more than likely be a bit faster than having an envelop with the multiple choices answers (usually A to D) that the child has to put back in place when done answering the question.   

The KleenSlate is a fabulous product that I would recommend to anyone, whether you are a homeschooler or a teacher in a classroom or simply want to encourage the people to have fun in a meeting.    This product is very versatile and it could be use in various ways.  Thinking about it, it is also perfect to use as a drawing board when playing a drawing game like Pictionary for example.

The KleenSlate products can be purchased directly from their store at http://kleenslate.com/shop/.

Disclaimer: Thanks to KleenSlate for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

NIV Faithgirlz! Bible

NIV Faithgirlz! Bible
Published at Zondervan

About the Bible

Packed with exciting features that help tween girls better understand themselves and Scripture, the Faithgirlz Bible teaches girls that the Bible is real, relevant, and, best of all, that the story of God and his people is also their story. With in-text features written by tween expert Nancy Rue, the Faithgirlz Bible uses the bestselling New International Version (NIV).

Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz! sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz! Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime.

Features include:

• Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book.
• Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story.
• Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself.
• Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common.
• Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing.
• What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words.
• Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about.
• The complete NIV translation
• Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue

My Thoughts

My daughter is still a bit young to have a complete Bible in her hands but I know that she will delights in discovering this one when she is old enough to read by herself.    Not only will it guide her to discover her Father in Heaven and how she can become a princess of the true King but she will enjoy having a Bible that has frilly designs in it.  

Each book in this Bible starts with a full introduction of what your daughter could find in it.   She will learn more of when the story took place, who are the characters in it, the main point of the story, how it connect with the Bible in general as well as who wrote it and when it was written.    The Bible also features  that will highlight special messages or important scriptures.

• Dream Girl will help your daughter to imagine by herself some of the Bible stories.   In a way it is a little devotional that will get the imagination of your daughter runs free.
• Bring It On! is similar as if you would take a quiz.   These circles are always in pairs.   In the first one you will have a situation with three choices.   Each choice is link to a scripture reference in the second circle.   For example if she read “Whe I fee; frustrated and jealous, I…  A. Keep it to myself – and maybe pout.   B. Vent to somebody – or at somebody.  C. Try to get back at someone.”   The second circle will guide her depending of what she answered to go to a specific scripture.  In our example, she would have to go to Ephesians 4:25-27 if she answered A, James 3:3-6 if her answer is B and Luke 6:27-31 is the answer is C.    Very interesting I find!
• Oh, I Get It! will provide answers to your daughter on questions like “How did God create the world?”, “Who is a direct descendant of Ruth?” and “What kind of freaky stuff happened to Ezekiel?”.
• Treasure This! are verses that will help your daughter to store God’s word in her heart. 
• Is There a Little _____ in You? will highlights in your daughter how special she is in God’s eyes and how she also has a little bit of the traits found throughout the Bible.
• In Your Own Words is a special section that will encourage your daughter to recapitulate the information she read in a specific passage of the Bible. I particularly like the fact that the girl can writes her own recap for the verses she read even though I found the space a little bit small…

I find it interesting that this Bible is completely different than the NIV Boys Bible.   The Faithgirlz! Bible is more geared toward relationships I find and help your daughter to develop a feminine way of discovering God’s Word.    I really like the cover of it.

The writing in this Bible is purple for the text and pink for the title and the highlights.    Personally, I am uncertain of the colors as I don’t know if this could be annoying or not.  But I have a little girl who will more than likely adore the colors included in this Bible as she loves both of them!   I only wish that there was dedication page at the beginning of the Bible so we can personalize it for our daughter.     Also Zondervan indicates clearly the size of Bible covers behind this Bible.  I find this quite useful as it is sometimes difficult to figure out which one will fit the Bible you have in your hands.   

To introduce your girl in reading regularly in her Bible, I suggest that you consider the Faithgirlz! Bible which is packed with interesting tidbits of information about God and the main characters in it.    While using this Bible she will have a great foundation on how to spend time daily with the One who cares so much about her.  

The NIV Faithgirlz! Bible is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan and B&B Media for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland
From Tabtale

About the app

This interactive storybook provides endless hours of pleasure, through its beautiful storyline, fascinating animated scenes, as well as its vivid and colorful animations and engaging interactions.

What's Inside:

* Includes Puzzles as a Free Bonus! * Watch as Alice falls down the rabbit’s hole - interactive animated activity.
* See Alice shrink and become as tiny as a mouse - pure magic.
* Join a colorful birds race where all are winners - fun activity.
* Meet the smiling cat & the Queen of hearts - animated characters.
* Join the Mad Hatter in a marvelous tea party - a joyous celebration.
* Fun Puzzle activities on many pages.

My Thoughts

Who doesn’t know the story of Alice in Wonderland?   I personally remember the Disney cartoon.   Tabtale has a very colorful app telling the famous story to children in the 21st century.   Using an iPad, your kids will be able to discover the beautiful story of Alice in Wonderland.

As I mentioned, the pages are very colorful and bright.   No wonder it would attract the eyes of any kid watching and listening the story.   

Numerous features are included in this app.   Not only your child will have amazing illustrations on each page read but he/she will also have engaging and fun animations in them.   

Three ways to read the story are provided.    The Read to Me option will automatically read each page of the story to the child while the Read it Myself will allow the child to control the reading.    An auto play option is also available to automatically read the entire story to the child.  

Though this app is fabulous, I am disappointed with one aspect of it – the fact that there are ads at the bottom of each pages.    I am not keen in having my child clicking on an ad which will open the website of the advertiser in Safari.    I understand that whoever wants to pay for the ad-free version could do so by purchasing it for 99 cents.   I am questioning the fact that it is offered for free in the first place because honestly little ones can’t help but clicking on the page here and there and eventually stumble on the ad at the bottom.   How frustrated a child can become when something else opens!   Trust me it’s not fun when your child will start yelling and saying “Hey where did it go!” – think of this happening while you drive….    ugh!

So I am not rejoicing when I see apps that says FREE and then realize that there are some ads in it.    No thanks.   Because of this, I will remove the app from my iPad.   I am not motivated enough to pay 99 cents for this story.    I sure hope that this won’t become an habit from the app developers out there.   My child has enough exposure to ads in the regular world, I don’t want her to have more while she uses the iPad.

Free version available on iTunes.  Beware that it contains ads.  If you want the ad-free version you will have to pay 99 cents.

Disclaimer: Thanks to TabTale for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Franklin’s Bumpy Buggy Race-Off

 

Franklin’s Bumpy Buggy Race-Off
By Watch More TV Interactive Inc.

About the app

Show off your soap-box skills in this race to the finish line. Fly through the air using your favorite Franklin bumpy buggies by collecting special boosts and combos and avoiding pesky obstacles along the way, to be declared champion of Woodland.
• Select from six bumpy buggies.
• Race 10 unique tracks.
• Save and watch your favorite races.
• Upload your favorite races to Treehouse TV for other kids to watch.

Our Thoughts

Franklin, Benjamin in French, has been part of childhood stories for many years now.   Everyone in Canada knows about this adorable turtle who have adventures whether on television or in books.    Did you know that Franklin has made a debut on the iPad?   The Bumpy Buggy Race-Off game will keep your preschooler entertained and busy while you wait at the dentist or while you drive around for errands.

This adorable app was discovered by my daughter not too long after I had uploaded it on the iPad.   She immediately played with it with eagerness.   She played by herself and enjoyed selecting her own vehicle.   In all there are six vehicles to pick from:

• Sam the dog with his airplane car.
• Tinka the ladybug with her flowerly vehicle.
• Snuggles the rabbit with a car that reminds me a c bed with its cushion in it.
• Winky the owl with his dune buggy.
• Buster the mole with his vehicle.
• Camilla the duck whose vehicle is partly build for the water and partly build for the land.

Personally I prefect the ladybug but I must admit that I am biased as I adore the little creature.   On each side of the iPad, you will have controls that will allow you to drive the buggy as well as make it jump.   Every now and then roadblocks will appear as well as jump or special tracks.    You can even get some speed by grabbing special bottles during the course.

My daughter loves this game and she goes back to it quite often.    You also have the possibility of saving the races and also include the name and age of the child who played when doing so.

Available for purchase on iTunes for 1.99$.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Corusent for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse
From Smartoonz and Tabtale

About the app

The Lion and The Mouse interactive book, is based on the successful TV children show "Little Fables" that’s broadcasted worldwide in more than 50 territories, illustrated in black and white shadow puppetry animation with original beautiful soundtrack of world music.   This fable, tells the story of the small helping the BIG. watch the famous fable come to life like never before with fabulous interactive activities your children are sure to enjoy!

This Thrilling App includes:
★ Meet the Lion for the first time and hear him roar - interactive activity
★ Help the mouse gather food & climb on a big “Rock” - interactive activity
★ Help the Lion lend a hand to the little mouse - interactive activity
★ Watch how the Lion gets trapped in a thicket of vines - interactive activity
★ Send the Mouse to help the Lion - interactive activity

My Thoughts

At first I wasn’t too sure about the images in this story were mostly black.   But after I watched the story and ponder on it, I see the tremendous advantage of not putting too much colors in it.   Why?  Because it helps the child to concentrate on the moral hidden in the story.  

The app possess a rich narrative on every page of the story.    Three options are available on this app.   The Read to Me will let the app read automatically the pages to your child.   The Auto Play will read the entire story to the child without waiting for him/her to turn the pages.   Finally, you also have the possibility to record the narration of the story yourself for your child.   What a great way to personalize the story!   This could be done when the child goes to a sleep over at the grandparents or if one of the parent are going away for a business trip!

The app also contains numerous engaging and fun animations which will entertain the child after listening to one page.    Sounds effects are also included on the soundtrack.

This app is perfect to keep your child busy while waiting in line at the bank or in the doctor’s office.   I particularly like the fact that there is a moral to the story and hope that more fables will find their way on the iPad.

Available for purchase for the price of 99 cents on iTunes.    *** Special Discount - For a limited time only ***

Disclaimer: Thanks to Smartoonz and Tabtale for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.