Tuesday, September 30, 2014

NIV First-Century Study Bible

_225_350_Book.1344.coverNIV First-Century Study Bible – Explore Scripture in its Jewish and Early Christian Context
Edited by Kent Dobson
Published at Zondervan

About the Bible

Experience the Bible through the eyes of a first-century disciple by exploring the cultural, religious, and historical background of the Bible. This Bible allows you to understand God’s Word in its original cultural context, bringing Scripture to life by providing fresh understanding to familiar passages, beloved stories and all the Scripture in between. The NIV First-Century Study Bible invites you into the questions, stories, and interpretations—both ancient and modern—which introduce you to a world vastly different from your own. Let us read with an eye on the past and with our feet planted in our present questions and circumstances.

Join Kent Dobson as he unpacks the culture of Bible times, and illuminates Scripture passages while asking thoughtful questions along the way. Kent is the teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, where he initially served as the worship director. He has been featured on Biblical programs for the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Kent fell in love with Biblical studies in Israel and had the privilege of learning from both Jewish and Christian scholars. After his time in Israel, he returned to the States to teach high school religion and Bible before responding to God's call to the pastorate. Today, he keeps his connection to the Holy Land strong as he leads tours to Israel that combine study and prayer, inspired by the ancient discipline of spiritual pilgrimage.

Who is Kent Dobson?

Kent Dobson is the teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, where he initially served as the worship director. He has been featured on Biblical programs for the History Channel and the Discovery Channel.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Kent lived and studied in Israel where he earned a Masters Degree in History and Geography of the First Temple Period from Jerusalem University College. He also studied Comparative Religion at the Rothburg International School of the Hebrew University.

Kent fell in love with Biblical studies in Israel and had the privilege of learning from both Jewish and Christian scholars. After his time in Israel, he returned to the States to teach high school religion and Bible before responding to God's call to the pastorate. Today, he keeps his connection to the Holy Land strong as he leads tours to Israel that combine study and prayer, inspired by the ancient discipline of spiritual pilgrimage.

Kent lives is Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and three children.

My Thoughts

I love putting the Bible into perspective and discover more about the times when the events happened.    I find it important to learn more about the culture and the history behind the words of the Bible.    So when I saw that this Bible would allow you to explore the Scripture in the Jewish and Early Christianity context I was excited.   

This Bible is packed with maps, charts, models as well as word studies and day in the life articles.    You can access the books of the Bible easily and quickly get an  introduction which will give you more information on the book itself – authorship and date, background, interpretation, literary characteristics, as well as an outline.  It is perfect to deepen your own understanding of the culture existing when a specific event happened and to grasp a better understanding of Word of God.

My only disappointment with it is the fact that I received an epub version of the Bible.  I personally prefers the versatility of accessing whichever page I want when I read the Bible.  Consequently, I still prefers a paper version of the Bible over a digital edition.    That’s my own personal preference because my husband on the other hand would prefer a digital edition of the Bible.   However, throughout the readings I have done in it, I could quickly click on links that would bring me to a word study or a map.  I could go back an forth between the links and the place where I was originally when I clicked on the said link.  I also learned a few things – like for example the meaning of the name Jonah which means dove or pigeon.   Considering that doves and pigeons have been used as messenger throughout history I think it is fascinating that God used someone whose name meant dove to be a messenger to Nineveh.     I’m sure there are many other little things that I can learn from this Bible – I just wish it was much easier to navigate the digital edition…

This bible would make a great gift this Christmas to someone who loves to learn more about life during the Bible times.   It would be a great gift as well for a graduate, a baptism or simply to bless someone.

The NIV First-Century Study Bible is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Hardcover

  

Imitation Leather

   

  

Available on Kindle as well

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan for sending me the above mentioned product in EPUB format 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.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

My Incredible Body

imageMy Incredible Body – Guide to Learn About the Human Body for Children
By Visible Body

About the App

Wouldn’t it be mind-boggling to look inside the human body and see how the heart, lungs, muscles, and bones work? Wouldn’t it be astonishing to see what swallowing, breathing, and digesting look like from the inside? With My Incredible Body, both children and adults can learn all the pieces and parts of human anatomy in an incredibly fascinating human body guide.  Learning the parts of the human body becomes visually engaging with this uniquely precise virtual guide.

* Zoom inside the skeleton, muscles, organs, nerves, and blood vessels to learn where everything is and how all the parts of your body function!
* Take rocket rides through the human body to experience how blood flows, what lungs look like when breathing, and how the body does its swallowing and digesting. You can even stop and look around!
* Learn how the skull bones fit together, what the busiest muscle in your body is, and other cool science facts like how the iris got its name!
* Watch short movies that show you how your brain works, how your muscles work together, and how your heart functions!
* New in-app purchase features fun quiz questions so kids can test themselves on what they’ve learned!
* Hey parents and teachers: Need help starting the puberty conversation? We've added the Reproductive System as an in-app purchase. It shows basic male and female anatomy and introduces the concepts of puberty and human reproduction at just the right level.

Parents, here’s what you need to know:
My Incredible Body is designed to be both engaging and educational, appealing to the natural curiosity of kids. It’s designed for experimentation, experience, learning, and discovery. And best of all, it’s really fun to use! Medically accurate 3D models and animations of anatomical structures are the hallmark of My Incredible Body. Content includes coverage of the following:  brain and nerves, digestion, lungs and air, bones of the skeleton, kidneys and urine, seeing, swallowing, digesting, breathing, and smelling, muscles, circulation and the heart, puberty and human reproduction

Content is served in a variety of ways to help kids learn about the human body.
* Immersive 3D models allow kids to see inside the body, identify organs and other anatomical structures, and learn amazing anatomy facts about how the body works.
* Children can use their fingertips on their iPad or iPhone to virtually “dissect” 3D models. They can rotate and zoom in and out to see what their insides look like and how the structures work together.
* Children can read and hear fun science facts about each anatomical structure—either with or without a virtual guide for exploration.
* Children can virtually fly through the different body systems.
* Short animations provide educational explanations of the body’s functions.

You’ll be well on your way to becoming an anatomy rock star!

My Thoughts

I learned about My Incredible Body app this week.   Someone mentioned it to me because we will be studying the human body as part of our homeschool coop.    After checking it out, I was very impressed with the quality of it and decided to see if I could review it.    Visible Body agreed and within a day the app was installed on my iPad.

Right from the first time we looked at it, I knew this app was a gem.   Seriously, the kids kept looking at it, learning from the various systems inside our bodies and watching the videos included in it.   The 3D view as well as the videos as simply stunning and permitted them to visualize the various part of the body.   And the use of colors within the app help to better understand the way our body works.

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The kids enjoy using the app to learn more about the human body – which is the theme for our next session for our homeschool coop in October.   In the meantime, they will have this app to explore as well as our weekly lessons on the human body which is part of our science curriculum this year.   I have mentioned that the app also uses videos as part of the learning process.   Well these videos are more like simulation on how the body works.  Let’s take the digestive system for example, the simulation will present you how a slice of pizza will travel through the digestive system.   You might think that it will a bit gross but not really.  Seeing the slice of pizza travel through the digestive system is a great way visualizing how food is digested.    

I am very impressed with the quality attached with this app.  If you are planning to study the human body with your child, this is definitively an app that you should consider purchasing on your device.   It is incredibly well done, contains precise information without going in too much details and will allow your child to visualize how his/her body works.   I am particularly please with the fact that when a specific part of a system is presented to the child, the part as well as its name is highlighted in blue. 

Two purchases can be made within the app itself.   The first one, would be the quizzes which will test the knowledge learn after watching the videos, learning how a specific system work and so on.  The second one is about the reproductive system – not all parents would like to have this included in the app without their knowledge so you have the option of adding it if you desire.   I have watched the information of the reproductive system.   The information contained in it is pretty clear.  Two videos explain the puberty for each boy and girl.  Another video also indicates how a baby is conceived (without going through too much details.   Both can be purchased for the price of 99 cents each.

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My Incredible Body app is available for purchase on iTunes for the prices of 4.99$.   The app is also available for Android and Windows Touch.

If you have a child who studies in university and would need an anatomy app on his/her device, check out the other apps for college/university students that Visible Body offers.  They are stunning!   With a child who would like to become a doctor in the future, I will know where to look when comes the time for him to get a special app to learn more about the human physiology during his studies.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Visible Body 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.

Bring in the creativity with K’Nex

Recently I have received new products from K*Nex to present to my readers.    I am always eager to see what’s new on the market and this time around there is a few surprises for kids who enjoy specific video games like Super Mario 3D World and Plants VS Zombies.    Though I am not familiar with the video games from which some of the packages come from, I think that K*Nex has shown creativity in creating these special toys.

Let me present you the products I have received.

91ZifzKTkDL._SL1500_Cat Mario Building Set91 7yyijgxL._SL1500_

Go on a brand new adventure with Cat Mario as he battles a Mouse! Featuring K'NEX's all new jump disk and launcher that allow Mario to run and jump, like he does in the game. Build Cat Mario use the moveable jump launcher to enter the course. Look out for a Mouse - he could smash you! Defeat the mouse, then use the next jump launcher to reach the high platform and collect the spinning coins! Make your way though the clear warp pip, then pop-up the goal flag and you've cleared the course! Combine your Cat Mario building set with the rest of the K'NEX Super Mario™ building set line to take Mario on an even BIGGER adventure! For ages 8+.

Features:

  • Buildable course from Super Mario™ 3D World
  • Includes multiple jump panels to move Mario throughout the course
  • Buildable Cat Mario figure included
  • Mouse figure
  • Includes a clear Warp Pipe, pop-up Goal Flag and coins
  • EXCLUSIVE to this set: Cat Mario figure, Mouse figure, clear Warp Pipe
  • Ages 8+

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52 Model Building Set81xqYo2q1DL._SL1500_

Build anything you can imagine for a year with the 52 Model Building Set! Includes instructions/ideas for 52 unique models - 1 for each week of the year! Loaded with over 600 K'NEX rods and connectors you can build trains, planes, animals, and tall structures. Parts can be stored in the convenient plastic storage tub. Perfect for builders ages 7+. Made in the U.S.A.

Features:

  • Includes ideas for 52 models - 1 for each week of the year!
  • 600 Pieces
  • Convenient plastic storage tub
  • Ages 7+
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91HZS2tdtlL._SL1500_Football Mech Building Set

Beat the zombies, save your brains...with the Football Mech Building Set from the Far Future level! This set includes 1 zombie figure plus a buildable Football Mech that walks with motorized action, just like in the game! Battery-powered motor included plus easy to follow building instructions. For ages 7+. Batteries not included.

Features:

  • Buildable Football Mech
  • Includes 1 future zombie figure
  • Battery-powered motor included (Batteries not included)
  • Walking action just like in the game
  • Easy-to-follow building instructions
  • Ages 7+

71UVnNCeOcL._SL1500_

 

91Gd6J3mrAL._SL1500_IMC Pilot Strike Building Set

Grow your army and establish the warzone with the K'NEX Titanfall™ IMC Pilot Strike Building Set! Use the IMC Pilot included to battle the Spectre in one-on-one combat. Includes 80+ pieces including an exploding wall to recreate the features of the Titanfall™ game. Combine with the Militia Pilo91BdqLTwBlL._SL1500_t Attack Building Set to grow your K'NEX Titanfall™ collection. For builders ages 8+.

Features:

  • Recreates the Titanfall™ game
  • Includes 2 figures - 1 IMC Pilot and 1 Spectre
  • 80+ Pieces
  • Exploding wall
  • Ages 8+

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My Thoughts

I love K*Nex because it allow my kids to develop a different site of creativity.  However, I will admit that I personally present kits that will develop that creativity over kits that are based on popular video games.   Probably because my kids don’t play much video games as we have very controlled time over this.   

So my heart is more pleased with the 52 Models Building set as it will allow my kids to use the pieces for personal models as well as models offered in the box.   However, I must admit that the Plants VS Zombies kit as well as the Super Mario Kit are very colorful and attractive in some ways.    The TitanFall kit is not as interesting as I don’t see the point of it.   Yes you can pretend fighting against an enemy but the colors of the pieces are not bright like the other kits.   I like color and having a kit that promote mostly great pieces feels a bit depressing for me.

If you are looking for a fun construction toy for a child in your life this Christmas, check out the K*Nex kits to see which one would be interesting for them.   It promotes creativity and coordination as they build the sets.    It would be money well spent.

All these toys are available at your favourite toy store, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

  

  

  

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

9780800722883What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days – 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To
Written by Holley Gerth
Published at Revell, a Baker Publishing Group Division

About the book

We all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.
Thankfully, Jesus said we don't "live on bread alone"--that includes cupcakes--"but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.
If you're tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you'll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.
Remember, you're not alone, my friend.

In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we're all in this together.

Who is Holley Gerth?

Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, and Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Hang out with her at www.holleygerth.com.

My Thoughts

As a woman, I know that there are days harder than others.   And sometimes we need to be reminded that we matter and that God cares deeply for us.  Holley Gerth has a way of bringing into writing the truth about ourselves and about God.   This time, she has gleaned precious wisdom from the book of Psalms which will remind us of God’s goodness.  This little book is a companion of Holley’s book You’re Going to Be Okay.  However, the book can easily be use without it and bring healing in your heart.

This book can be used as a weekly devotional or during the span of 52 days.   You can also opted to read one devotions every once in a while in order to slowly advance in it and be touched by God – going back on the devotion and ponder on the words of Scripture.   Slowly but surely as you progress in this book, read the Scripture associated to the devotion, take the time to respond and personalize your prayer you will go through the book of Psalms.

One particular devotion has touched me more than the other ones so far – it was about how God wants to exchange the pain for joy.  When going through a painful experience, it is important to remember that it takes time to feel joy again.  It’s a process.  Still we are not alone in the midst of the pain.  God is there – always.

This book could be a great little gift to someone you know who is going through a difficult time or simply to bless someone in their stocking at Christmas.    What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

It is also available for Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 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.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

The Case for Christ Student Edition

_225_350_Book.1258.cover (1)The Case for Christ Student Edition – A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
By Lee Strobel, with Jane Vogel
Published by Zondervan

About the book

There’s little question that he actually lived. But miracles? Rising from the dead? Some of the stories you hear about him sound like just that---stories. A reasonable person would never believe them, let alone the claim that he’s the only way to God! But a reasonable person would also make sure that he or she understood the facts before jumping to conclusions. That’s why Lee Strobel---an award-winning legal journalist with a knack for asking tough questions---decided to investigate Jesus for himself. An atheist, Strobel felt certain his findings would bring Christianity’s claims about Jesus tumbling down like a house of cards. He was in for the surprise of his life. Join him as he retraces his journey from skepticism to faith. You’ll consult expert testimony as you sift through the truths that history, science, psychiatry, literature, and religion reveal. Like Strobel, you’ll be amazed at the evidence---how much there is, how strong it is, and what it says. The facts are in. What will your verdict be in The Case for Christ?

My Thoughts

I remember when the original edition of Case for Christ came out in bookstore.   I read it avidly and still have my copy to this day.   So I knew that this book will be a great read for my now teenage son even though his faith is quite solid.   

This book is divided into three sections:  Who is This Jesus?, How Reliable is the Information about Christ?, and Can a Dead Man Come Back to Life?   Strobel has put together a student version of his first book in such a way that he will present the evidence of his own investigation following his own wife becoming a Christian while he was an atheist.   He took the time to interview prominent Christian personalities in order to slowly being won by Christ himself.   Yes, Strobel became a Christian while writing The Case for Christ.  Today, he is presenting this same evidence that make him realized that Christ was indeed the Savior to a generation of youth who might be struggling with the same issues he had.

The book also contains tables, personal messages between Lee Strobel and his interviewees, as well as answers to questions your teen my be wondering about Christ and Christianity.   Personally, I think that this book, along with The Case for Faith and The Case for a Creator, would be a great way to engage one-on-one with your own youth in such a way to deepen his/her faith as well as have a great discussion between the two of you.

The Case for Christ Student Edition is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

It is also available on Kindle.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan 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.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

DK Back to School Boutique

September has arrived and with it many kids going back to school.   DK Canada has a special Back to School Boutique and offers 30% off for a limited time.  

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We have received some of their titles from the Back to School Boutique to present you.

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9781465419569HHelp Your Kids with Computer Coding

About the Book

Take your kids from browsing to building the web with the latest in DK's award-winning Help Your Kids series: Help Your Kids With Computer Coding. Computer programming is one of the fastest-growing industries and highest paid college degrees, and learning to code promotes a way of thinking helpful for every budding brain. Yet 9 out of 10 schools don't even offer computer science classes to students, according to code.org. Help correct this disparity by introducing your kids to the world of computer programming early, with a fun and approachable method. This book begins by introducing the essential concepts of programming with simple instructions, and without specialized computer lingo. Fun projects throughout let kids start putting their computer skills into practice and build their own code using Scratch programming and Python, the two most popular languages. Also included are profiles on coding stars and insights in technology such as the Raspberry Pi mini computer. In typical DK fashion, colorful graphics and step-by-step instructions assist readers in starting to think like their computers.

My Thoughts

Not everyone is married to a programmer or is fluent in programming languages.  So what do you do when you are a parent with kids who need to do homework in programming.  Well, you get the tools to help you in order for you to be able to help your child in return.   DK Canada has a unique step-by-step visual guide that will help you provide support to your child whether it is for binary code or building games.   Help Your Kids with Computer Coding has been developed in order to make the art of coding a bit clearer and enjoyable for parents.

From coding basics to fun projects, this guide will inspire children and parents alike to use their imaginations and problem-solving skills to build games and animations using two different programming languages – Scratch and Python. 

I think this book could be a great way to spend time with your child – both learning something new – and having fun together.

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Computer Coding Made Easy9781553632542H

About the Book

The perfect guide for kids interested in computer programming and how computers work, Computer Coding Made Easy uses illustrated explanations that make the complex art of computer programming clear for kids. Starting with simple explanations of programming basics, this playful, hands-on book progresses to more advanced projects where children can build their own games. This programming book ideal for kids looking to take their first steps into programming.

  • Features over 100 illustrations
  • Teaches the basics of code using Python

My Thoughts

Coding.   Something I always dreaded when I was studying in IT.   Yeah I know I am bizarre.   I was better at analyzing and identifying the problems.    But I want my kids to be able to do better than me.   After all, I never know what work they might do in the future.   So here’s a small workbook that will introduce them to a beginner level of coding.   It introduces the basics of working with code using Python.    The book provides a step-by-step guidance to build key skills and includes solutions and a glossary of terms.  

Beware however, that this book contains only 40 pages.   There is an introduction about the language used in the book as well as instructions on how to install it in order for your kids to use the book.    Then the book provides plenty of exercises for your kids and/or yourself to code and learn at the same time.

This small workbook is definitively perfect for beginner coders and will introduce your kids to the world of programming.

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9781553632443HFrench Made Easy

About the Book

Packed with interactive exercises and engaging activities, the latest addition to the bestselling Made Easy series guides children through French words, grammar and pronunciation. Perfect for any child who enjoys French or needs some extra support in class or to prepare for French immersion, French Made Easy strengthens learning and understanding in areas such as how to spell, perfect pronunciation and grammar rules to make it easier to master the language.

  • Contains a progress chart and fantastic reward stickers to encourage children
  • Supports French language curriculum taught in Canadian schools

My Thoughts

This specific workbook is geared for kids in grades 4 and 5 (ages 8-10).    It is a small workbook that has for mission to reinforce the knowledge and understanding of the French language.   It provides practice in the gender of nouns, plural and negative forms, and simple verb conjugations among other things.    This workbook will also encourage the building up of the French vocabulary through language use in every day situation.  

The topics covered in this workbook are: introduction, asking how it is going, numbers from 1-20, asking how old a person is, adjectives, months of the year, time, colors, human body, family, animals, numbers from 20-60, weather, days of the week, where do you live, verbs that finish with er, house, clothes, numbers 70-100, food, and more.   A certificate is also available at the end of the book as well as golden stars to encourage the child as they complete a section. 

I am a bit disappointed with the size of the book as it contains only 31 pages and the lack of color through the book.   But essentially, it can be a great way to review the French at the beginning of a new year for your child to revise the previous year notions.  

The book includes the parent’s notes and answers.

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DK First French Picture Dictionary9781553631088H

About the Book

Learning French is as easy as A,B,C with this new paperback edition of this appealing colour dictionary. With over 2000 words and phrases and hundreds of eye-catching full-colour photographs of familiar themes and objects, this is an easy and fun way for elementary school Canaidan children to get started with French.

  • Over 200 photographs
  • Includes useful phrases and pronunciation guides

My Thoughts

This book is an ideal introduction to vocabulary with more than 2000 words and phrases.   It includes an easy-to-follow pronunciation guide as well as numerous pictures to enhance the learning experience.    Essentially, it is a visual dictionary which will guide your child in learning the French name of things.

The table of contents covers:  All about me, Clothes, Kitchen, Bathroom, My bedroom, Garden, City Life, In the park, Hobbies, Food, Shopping, At the party, Free time, Transport, Jungle animals, World animals, On the farm, Ocean, Nature, At the beach, School, Sports, Pets, Colours and shapes, Opposites, Weather, English to French A-Z, French to English A-Z, Speaking French, Verbs, Usual phrases, Numbers.  

Using the book is quite easy too.   For the topic pages, you will get the French word in bold and then the French pronunciation below it.  You will also get the English translation.    Extra words are also included in the page as well as a question for language practice and simple sentences based on the topic.   In the dictionary part of the book, you will get the words in the first language and then in the second language as well as the pronunciation in French.  ii

The photos are stunning on each pages from in this resource.   The book can be use on a theme you cover with your child or on a daily lesson of French with him/her.

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9781465420381H1000 Inventions and Discoveries

About the Book

From making fire to building the gadgets of the 21st century, uncover the stories behind the remarkable ideas and devices that have shaped our world in 1,000 Inventions and Discoveries.

This revised and updated edition brings this comprehensive review of humanity's greatest ideas up to date. Innovations in science, space, technology, transportation, medicine, mathematics, and language are covered, along with a timeline of history highlighting all inventions and discoveries from the airbag to DNA, lie detectors to hormones, and money to the signs of the zodiac. Feature boxes delve into the details of the lives of Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and more, while amazing images and archive materials bring their achievements to life.

Covering over 3 million years of ideas, 1,000 Inventions and Discoveries will amaze and inspire a love of history in kids.

My Thoughts

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Thomas Edison

This fascinating book will allow the reader to go through the years and view all the achievements made through time in the order of their discovery.  Through all the pages of this book, you will also get a timeline which highlights the historic events that happened.   Over 1000 inventions and discoveries that have shaped the world as we know it today as covered in this book.

The book is divided into ages

  • Learning the basics C 3,000,000 BC – 500 BC
  • The age of authority C4999 BC – 1400
  • New worlds, new ideas 1401-1750
  • Revolutionary changes 1751-1850
  • Science takes control 1851-1900
  • Inventions for everyone 1901-1950
  • Information & uncertainty 1951-2014

The book is packed with facts, images, drawings and illustrations to explain all the discoveries and inventions made since the beginning of the world.   Each discovery or invention has a small paragraph explaining how it was created/discovered.  For example, pineapples were discovered in the 1500s.  Europeans began to transport the fruit and grown the plants themselves.  By 1502, Portuguese explorers had found pineapples in the West Indies.      I’m sure glad that pineapple was discovered because it is one of the most delicious fruits I enjoy eating!

Every now and then, you will get a more detailed presentation on a specific invention.   This is presented on two pages and concentrate on a specific theme.  For example, you will find one on Isaac Newton and how he discovered gravity.  

This book has been made in collaboration with the Smithsonian.   The Smithsonian is a fabulous place to visit if you ever go in Washington, DC.   We were blessed to be able to visit the Smithsonian numerous times this summer when we were in Washington, DC.  We saw a notebook from Thomas Edison as well as the plane of the Wright brothers.

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This book is definitively a great reference to have in your personal library for learning more about inventions and discoveries made through the ages.

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Super Human Encyclopedia9781465424457H

About the Book

Children are astounded at the human body and are eager to learn about the processes that are going on inside them. Super Human Encyclopedia offers a new perspective on the human body for kids by highlighting the truly extraordinary processes behind the body's everyday functions.

Packed with interesting facts, from how we keep cool and how memories are made to how we fight infections and how many muscles we use to smile, Super Human Encyclopedia reveals the extraordinary facts about the human body from the strength and flexibility of the human skeleton to the incredible way the brain works. Featuring real "superhumans", including memory champions, contortionists and free divers, the book features the characteristics that take them to human extremes and showcases their remarkable records of speed, power, acceleration, heart rate and a host of other fascinating facts.

With artwork and text appropriate for children 10 and older, Super Human Encyclopedia showcases from head to toe how extraordinary the human body is.

My Thoughts

This year as part of our homeschool coop, we will study the human body.    So imagine my delight when I say this book available in the Back to School Boutique.   This Super Human Encyclopedia will help the kids to better visualize the inner workings of the body.    They will discover how eyes are able to see millions of colors, find out how many bacteria live in the intestines and what they are doing there, meet the people who can jump the farthest, learn how the brain memorizes thousands of facts, what happens when we get excited and why we need sleep.

This book will allow the child who is reading it to better understand how the human body works.  Packed with detailed information, stunning images and illustrations as well as weird facts, Super Human Encyclopedia will grab the interest of the reader and guide him deeper in the understanding of how the human body works.   And to make it even more interesting, you might have to flip your book sideways to read the information sometimes.

Right now we are studying the bones and the book shows a variety of ways the joints works, how the bones heals themselves, as well as how the skeleton provides body support.   Having athletes demonstrating some of the information included in this book makes it even more visual I find.  

This book is an amazing reference for anyone who is interested in learning how the human body works.   I strongly recommend it to everyone!

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9780756689025HThe Big Idea Science Book

About the Book

Take science to a whole new level!

Created in partnership with Prentice Hall, The Big Idea Science Book is a comprehensive guide to key topics in science falling into four major strands (Living Things, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics), with a unique difference — a website component with 200 specially created digital assets that provide the opportunity for hands-on, interactive learning.

My Thoughts

Science.  It is part of our lives and our kids need to learn a bit of it in order to understand how the world works.  This fascinating book about science will engage them in a learning experience above anything they have experience before.  This book not only will encourage them to read the information but they can also visualize it by visiting a special website and interacting with it by answering questions.   

Packed with information about almost everything related to science, this book has numerous illustrations, images, and information for the reader.   Also you will find plenty of Did you Know? tidbits of information that will picked your interest.   For example,  did you know that one company improved the fuel efficiency of a car by modeling its design on the shape of a fish or that honey bees visit about two million flowers to make one pound (0.5 kg) of honey?     And I also learned that bright moonlight can cause a “Moonbow” or lunar rainbow.   However it is hard to see the moonbow’s colors because the refracted light is dim.    I didn’t know that there was such a thing as a lunar rainbow.  Fascinating.

At the beginning of the book, you will be introduce to 24 big ideas of science.    Essentially, these big ideas are basic principles which connect and help explain everything you need to know.   The book is divided in three big categories: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. Each of these categories are color coded so it’s easier to find a section depending of the interest of the child.     Each topic presented in this book is clearly linked back to the big ideas of science presented at the beginning of the book.   One subject often demonstrate a range of scientific principles.  For example when studying human digestion you can rapidly see that  your learn structures in living things are related to their functions, living things get and use energy, and living things maintain constants conditions inside their bodies.

You can also watch science come alive with an interactive website that was created specifically for this book.   This site not only provides interactive lessons but will also challenge the child in answering questions in order to better understands the notions learned.     That website definitively encourage active learning from the children.

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I think this book can be a fabulous item for any homeschool families.    It is packed with information and will bring science studies to a new levels with it’s interactive learning with the website.  

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There are more books available at DK Canada in their Back to School Boutique.   You will find books for Math, Science, Geography and more.    Whether your child has a special interest in snakes, sharks or frogs or simply wants to learn more about science or history, you can be certain you will finback-to-school-boutique-button-185x185d something interesting in the Back to School Boutique.   And for a limited time DK Canada is offering 30% off on your order in the Back to School Boutique

All these books are available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

  

  

  

  

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned books 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.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Have a Happy Family by Friday

9780800719135Have a Happy Family by Friday – How to Improve Communication, Respect & Teamwork in 5 Days
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman
Published at Revell, a Baker Publishing Group division.

About the book

You really can have a happier home in just 5 days!

Every member of a family plays a vital role in the health and happiness of the household. Everyone is important, deserves to be treated with love and respect, and needs to know that when they make mistakes they will still be loved unconditionally. And when every member of the family is pulling for each other and on the same team, everybody wins.

Is this kind of family life even possible?

Parenting expert and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman says it is, and he's ready to show you exactly how you can make it happen in your family--in just five days. He shows families how to

  • communicate honestly and kindly
  • prioritize the right things
  • maintain great attitudes and behaviors
  • determine the role each person plays in the family structure
  • make family time count

As always, Dr. Leman's outstanding advice is laced with humor, great stories, and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience.

If you've had it up to here with bickering, hurt feelings, and emotional exhaustion, Have a Happy Family by Friday is just what the doctor ordered.

  • Does any of this sound familiar?

    You're sick of the word whatever.
  • You'd have a coronary if you ever walked into one of your kids' rooms and it was picked up.
  • You remember way back when you and your spouse paid attention to each other.
  • A good day is when you only send your kids to their room once.
  • An exciting evening with your spouse is no yelling and no trips to the ER.
  • You'd like to ground your kids for life . . . somewhere else.
  • Everybody wants a piece of you, and there's nothing left to give.
  • The only family member who listens to you is the dog.
  • You spend a lot of your time wishing things were different in your family.

Well, wishes can come true. You can be on your way today to a happy family by Friday. Is it really possible? Yes! Embrace the truths and suggestions in this book, practice them, and watch them last a lifetime.

I guarantee it.

My Thoughts

Let’s face it.  Living with different types of people in a home can be difficult at times.  Not every one is the same and emotions can cause problems.    After all we are not all cut from the same cookie shape right?   But don’t desperate because Dr. Kevin Leman has written a book to help you get a happier home within a week.    Every member of a family plays a vital role in the health and happiness of a household.    And the book Have a Happy Family by Friday will help your to improve life under the same roof.

On Monday you will learn to choose your words in order to change your family.   Essentially, what you says and how you say it has everything to do with how your loved ones respond.   And trust me when I say that it is completely true.   I have seen how my kids respond on how I say things and I definitively know how I personally respond depending on how things are said to me.  So this chapter was a great reminder that I need to be careful on how I say things to my kids and even my husband.

Tuesday is all about time, priorities, activities, work and finances.   Bottom line you will learn what to do, what not to do, and why.  This chapter was great and I did grab a few things but our family is already very careful in how much activities are done during a week.   We do swimming on Wednesday afternoon and the kids have Awana on Thursday night.   Every once in a while during the school year we will also have the homeschool coop.  Our oldest son is also attending youth once a week.  But apart from that we are very careful not to overschedule our calendar and prioritize the time as a family.  Finances is also another thing we have been straightening up for the past few years.    

Wednesday I have learned how to navigate the teenage years with chaos.   Oh!  I know there will be though times but this chapter was wonderful to read for me as our oldest has turned 13 this year.   His three siblings are slowly coming closer to this age and I hope that God will pour patience over me for the years to come.

Thursday will be the day where you will read more about how your role as a mom/dad and your marriage can affect the family as well.   Having attended numerous marriage conference and training since our engagement, we have continued to seek advices from various sources through the years.  

Friday will encourage your to make time together as a family and make lasting connections.

After going through each of these chapters, the reader might have questions.   Included in this book, you have a whole section titled Ask Dr. Leman where you can go through the days of the week and see topics and advices on communication and family dynamics, time/priorities/activities/work/finances, discipline and attitude, dad/mom/marriage, and family connection.   Dr. Leman takes the time to answer specific questions and will encourage you at the same time.

Finally, the book concludes with a whole chapter on the secrets of birth order for those who have not read the Birth Order book.

I think that every family can benefit in reading this book.  I even read some tidbits of it to my oldest son.    I hope that one day my kids families will be joyful and thriving as the years go by.    If you are tired of the bickering, the feelings being hurt, and the emotional exhaustion, this book might help you to turn your family around and transform it from the inside out.

Have a Happy Family by Friday is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 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 Case for a Creator Student Edition

_225_350_Book.1259.coverThe Case for a Creator Student Edition – A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence that Points Toward God
Written by Lee Strobel and Jane Vogel
Published at Zondervan

About the book

Has Science Discovered God? When Lee Strobel was a high school freshman, science convinced him that God didn’t exist. Since then, however, incredible scientific discoveries have not only helped restore Lee’s faith, but have strengthened it. Lee is not alone. More and more scientists, confronted with startling, cutting-edge evidence from many areas of research, no longer believe the universe just “happened” or that life arose by mere chance. Behind a universe of staggering complexity, they are seeing signs of a Master Designer. Are your science textbooks still telling you the same “facts” that Lee’s did years ago? Prepare to be astonished by what some of today’s most respected experts have to say about: The birth of the universe Darwinism and the origin of life The astounding fine-tuning of the cosmos Amazing molecular machines and DNA research Weigh the evidence for yourself. Then consider this question: Could it be that the universe looks designed … because it is?

My Thoughts

  Another great book from Lee Strobel.   I have never read the original edition of The Case for a Creator and the student edition is a great introduction on the subject.  In this book, Strobel explore the evidence of cosmology, explores evolution, take the time to look at the evidence of a creator in physics and astronomy, goes on with biochemistry, dig into the DNA and the origin of life before bringing you to the decision time and affirm that a creator is definitively behind all this.

With is personal touch and his investigative skills, Strobel will guide your teenager and encourage him/her to think and reflect on the evidence he presents through these pages.   There is a scientific evidence that points toward God is we take the time to look at it and learn at the same time.  

I find that Lee Strobel’s books are definitively a must read for teens whether they are struggling with their own belief or not.  It will give them a solid ground to defend their faith and be able to stand strong in the midst of criticism.

The Case for a Creator Student Edition is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

The book is also available on Kindle.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Zondervan 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 Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic

platetectonics_cvr_webThe Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic – The Adventures of Geo, Vol. 1
Written by Kanani K.M. Lee & Adam Wallenta
Published at no starch press

About the book

An Amazing, Earth-Shattering Adventure!

The Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic is a wild adventure in earth science. Follow Geo and his robot dog, Rocky, as they travel back in time to Pangea, surf a tsunami, and escape an erupting volcano—all in time for Geo’s first-period science test!

The journey starts 200 million years ago and takes you to modern-day Hawai’i, the ocean floor, and deep inside the Earth.

You’ll learn:

  • How scientists developed the theory of plate tectonics
  • Why the Earth shakes
  • What’s in the center of the Earth
  • How volcanoes can form islands

The Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic will teach you about geology in a fun, lively, and visual way.

My Thoughts

What an ingenious way to present earth science to kids!    In this wild adventure you will follow Geo and his robot dog, Rocky, as they travel back in time to Pangea, surf a tsunami, and escape a volcano.   In this comic book, your child will learn more about tectonic plates and how it affects our planet.    They will start with learning that tectonic plates are like giant puzzle pieces.  Slowly throughout the comic, they will learn about how the seafloor can spread, discover about magnets, take a journey to the center of the Earth, learn about earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis and discover what a geologist do for a living.

Below are some examples of the comic pages.

TECTONICS_sample_06-07_thumbTECTONICS_sample_10-11_thumb

TECTONICS_sample_16-17_thumbTECTONICS_sample_26-27_thumb

But that’s not all.  At the end of the comic, you will have pages which give more information about the things covered in the comic.   And the last page of the book offers geology activities – which can also be found at http://www.nostarch.com/tectonicsactivities.

This comic book is a great way to introduce your kids to tectonic plates and how they affect our planet.   I wish I had this comic book when we studied geology last year.  But it can be a good revision for my kids to read this.

The Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to no starch press 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.