I will admit that I am a book-aholic. I love to read and have collected a huge amount of children's books over the years for my kids. But I am pretty choosy. I want great illustrations, a positive or useful lesson, and entertaining reading. This can be kind of difficult to find in children's books, especially Christian books!
When Tommy Nelson offered to let me become a reviewer of their books I was very excited. My love of books made this a fun opportunity! The books they sent me for review are all children's books for the very young to age 10 or 11.
Tommy Nelson, the children’s division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., was created to place into the hands of children of all ages a wide variety of high quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Our products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while pointing them to a personal relationship with God.
My 9 year old daughter and 10 year old son's favorite is the God and Me 365 Daily Devotions Book. I enjoy using it during our home school time at breakfast when all the children are sitting down together. I have been wanting a good family daily devotional for some time, but needed something that appealed to my youngsters and would be understandable to them.
Each day has a focus such as friendship, cleanliness, emotions, etc. Then it directs you to a section in the bible that applies to the subject. Following that is a short prayer about the subject. I have the older kids look up the verse and it has helped teach how to locate them in the Bible. This has also started some great conversations at the table and sets our day up right with a focus on a relationship with Jesus. This book is a good fit for ages 4 to 11 and I find it great as a mom because a short daily bible time is just as important to me!
My 5 year old sons favorite book Tommy Nelson sent is the little book of bedtime. Every nap time (yes he still takes a two hour nap, is falling asleep by 8, and wakes up around 6:30) we cuddle in my big comfy bed and read a few pages together. This little cardboard book is full of lovely poems about sleep, night-time, and God.
Each poem is accompanied by a verse or sweet quote. Viking Boy calls this his bedtime book and asks for it every naptime and bedtime. It is illustrated in precious moments and would make such a great baby shower gift or toddler gift. The poems are just long enough to hold a toddlers attention. As a mom these moments with my youngest and probably last child are priceless!
Jesus and Me Bible Storybook is a great way to introduce a young child to who Jesus is, why He came, what He did, and why He died for us. Really explaining who Jesus is to young children can be challenging, but this book makes it so simple and fun for kids. The illustrations are colorful and flowing, and the stories which cover Jesus's birth, life, lessons, death and resurrection are short and informative enough that you don't loose the children's attention. Each story of Jesus's life is accompanied by a Jesus and Me devotion that explains how the story is important in our own lives. There is also a short prayer and a listing of the versus used so that you can look them up for further discussion thus extending the use of the book for older children. This is such a neat little book! It is well thought out as to the needs of small children and their relationship with Jesus. It keeps Gods word engaging without loosing it's way and shows children how even though they are young Jesus still cares for them and wants to be part of their lives. This is a great book for preschoolers up to age 10 in my opinion! I would love to read it to every child I meet so they can know about God's love for us!
The last book I reviewed is being used by my 16 year old daughter. One God, One Plan, One Life is an excellent daily devotional for a busy teen, which my daughter is! Max Lucado is the author and has written many books and this one is very good. It is not an in depth bible study or something that's going to take your teen an hour to finish. This is a good thing I think because most teenagers are so stretched doing different activities and school that they need something that is not going to require a huge time commitment but still offer a real biblical perspective (I've been reading it too!)
Daily devotions address such topics as faith and obedience but also offer wisdom on topics that teens battle, such as purity, bullying, alcohol and drug use, and self-image. Each day includes a short devotion and accompanying scripture as well as a take-away application that will inspire and challenge teens to trust in God and His plans for them.
This is not an in depth study, but will give your teen the knowledge that we walk with God every day and every minute and can turn to Him in every situation.
The selection and prices of Tommy Nelson is excellent and I love the books they sent me! I would recommend them to anyone!
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The Giveaway!
Tommy Nelson has generously offered to give all four books I was sent to one lucky Thrifty Housewife Reader! Use the Rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, all winning entries will be verified to see if they are completed. Good Luck!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb979/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This post may contain affiliate links. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website. The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org. Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end. Winner has 24 hours to respond to the email. Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen. Open to US only. All winning Entries are verified.