I Need My Monster – Amanda Noll

I Need My Monster is a great new read-aloud.  This one turns fear of a monster being under one’s bed upside down.  Ethan actually finds having his very own monster under his bed reassuring.  When Gabe the Monster goes fishing for a week, poor Ethan has to suffer thru a variety of substitute monsters.  Sadly, none of them are quite right.  This one is a fun read!

Bible Stories: In the Beginning – 4 Movie Collection

Bible Stories: In the Beginning includes movie adaptations of the lives of four different Bible characters – Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and Joseph.  These movies have been restored and remastered, but they still clearly feel like they were produced in a different time. That being said, the stories are faithfully presented and feature a number of notable actors. Although the video is rated “family approved” by the Dove Foundation, I would caution parents to preview the video first.  The treatment of animals is a particular concern.  The images are realistic for the time period, and I believe young viewers could easily be disturbed by them. 

While this complimentary video was provided for review by FishFlix, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Christian Movies that the whole family can watch together are available from FishFlix.  You can get a $5 coupon for a movie at FishFlix.com by joining their email list at: www.fishflix.com/5gift

The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia is an amazing fantasy series with strong Biblical themes.  It can be enjoyed by children as well as adults.  Our daughter has been reading thru the series with Dad at bedtime and loves it.  I highly recommend partner reading these book aloud with your child and discussing them.  There is a lot to take in for the reader on every page.  This particular edition of the series includes beautiful illustrations and would make a terrific gift.

52 Creative Family Time Experiences: Fun Ways to Bring Faith Home – Timothy Smith

52 Creative Family Time Experiences: Fun Ways to Bring Faith Home is a great resource to use to enhance family time.  Whether you use the activity ideas weekly, monthly, or during special celebrations, you will not be disappointed.  The activities range from games and crafts to do together as a family to watching movies together followed up by a guided family discussion.  Our family has enjoyed many of the activities and looks forward to doing more.

 

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts – Susan Cain

If you have a tween or teen who has a quiet temperament in your home, this is a must read!  Cain does an outstanding job of not only explaining the differences between introverts and extroverts but how both types have tremendous gifts to contribute within friendships as well as groups.  I especially liked how she provides chapters specifically focused on challenges tweens and teens deal with in the classroom and in social situations.  This one is truly a winner!

Way Back Wednesday ~ Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking – Susan Cain

This post was originally published on February 25, 2013.  Keep an eye out for my post about the new kid’s version of this book on Monday, July 11th!

Quiet is an outstanding book that explores the culture of extroversion that defines our country and the hidden power within introverts.  This book was fascinating and provided a tremendous degree of insight regarding introverts and extroverts. One cannot help but recognize situations which Cain describes from his/her own life experience and no doubt will see them a bit differently after gaining greater understanding from her work.  Introvert or extrovert…This one is worth reading!

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Random House, Inc., no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

FREE 14 Day Trial Is Now Available for the Odyssey Adventure Club!

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Think of ways you can enjoy this summer for free:

  • Hiking
  • Visiting parks in your area
  • Swimming
  • Camping in your backyard
  • Visit a public museum or library

Now, add more fun and imagination to your summer through the Odyssey Adventure Club!

The Odyssey Adventure Club will give you streaming access to more than 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes plus a sneak peek of exclusive audio and video stories, on-line activities and daily devotions you can’t find anywhere else.

Start a free 14-day trial for your family today and make the summer even more fun!

Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s ‘Dwelling Places’ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Drown out the busyness and noise of everyday life and find a deeper faith with something as simple as a single word in Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s new book, Dwelling Places. Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word—such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace—to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

Join Lucinda in celebrating the release of Dwelling Places by entering to win her Season of Refreshment giveaway.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Dwelling Places
  • Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
  • A kit full of goodies you’ll need to make refreshing lemonade this summer

One second place winner will receive:

  • A copy of Dwelling Places
  • Dwelling Places necklace handmade by Lucinda
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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 5th. The winner will be announced July 6th on Lucinda’s blog.

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