Book Review: Love Your Heart

Love Your Heart, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., is the story of Katie, who can’t decide what to do for the School Talent Show. After a few quite humorous trials and mishaps, she decides to bring her amazing dog, Palio, into the act for a one-of-a-kind, never-before-seen performance! The night of the talent show finally arrives, and Katie is waiting backstage when she sees her friend Sophie crying. What happens next is a sweet, selfless surprise – an act of kindness that leaves Katie’s dad saying: “I love your heart.”

Each page is richly illustrated with fun fonts and whimsical illustrations by Abigail Marble, and Katie’s sweetly boisterous spirit sparkles and bounces right off the pages – showing that the very best of you lies not in what you can do, but in who you are.

In Love Your Heart, Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas once again capture the heartwarming father-daughter relationship that delighted readers in My Little Girl.

Another bonus for our little one is the fact that the book is richly illustrated with lots of purple and pink – even the title on the front cover and the large emphatic fonts throughout are in varied shades of those favorite little girl colors!

The brown paper package from Thomas Nelson Publishers, containing this sweet story especially suited for Daddy to read to his little girl, arrived in our mailbox just in time to wrap for a fourth birthday party. We love the celebration of the father-daughter relationship and the emphasis on the reality that true beauty is on the inside. We like to conclude the story by emphasizing that we need Jesus and His grace to give us clean hearts so that we can be truly beautiful on the inside. A real princess is a daughter of the King of all kings!

At a list price of $16.99 this beautifully illustrated jacketed hardcover book makes an extra special birthday or Valentine’s gift for little girls, ages 4 to 10.

A flip version of the book is available here.

Disclosure:
A complimentary copy of the book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. in exchange for today’s blog tour.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Thomas Nelson, Inc. for the opportunity to enjoy and review this wonderful book!

Book Review: The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers

The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2, by Carla Barnhill, uses the (cute!) Little Blessings characters (Kaitlyn, Zoe, Parker, and Jack) to help children through easy-to-understand devotions. Each reading pairs a Little Blessings illustration with a short Bible verse and devotional thought that gets you and your child talking about the simple truths of Scripture. A fun, rhyming prayer or application completes each devotional. This book is a great way to get young children interacting with Scripture daily – to learn about God’s wonderful promises and timeless truths. Put out by Tyndale House Publishers, it was previously published as Blessings Every Day.

The back cover of the book states that the idea is “do-able, daily devotions” for preschoolers:

• Do-able: You and your child can just pick up the book and start on today’s date.
• Daily: Kids can learn about God and what’s really important, a little bit each day.
• Devotions: Kids can experience firsthand how to connect with God.

The book is intended for three to six year olds, but my initial impression was that it is too simplistic for that age range. The more I read, however, the more I realize that there is a mix. Some entries are very simple, illustrating one verse or principle for very young minds; others are more developed, requiring more thoughtful application.

After perusing the book on my own, I started at the beginning with my toddler, reading through most of January in two sittings – for the sake of this review, of course! We then jumped right into the middle of the book, reading at random.

The lesson from Psalm 139 is definitely a favorite; because we have an avid little “painter” and “builder” at our house, I love the connection made between activities she understands and loves – communicating in terms she can grasp the wonder of the Creator’s delight in making her:

“When God made you, He picked out all your parts and put them together. So He knows and loves everything about you. You are His special creation.”

Another favorite is A Solid Rock, in which the qualities and uses of rocks are explained in terms little ones can appreciate:

“[Rocks are] really strong. Big rocks are great to stand on when you want to see higher or to sit on when you need to rest… God is incredibly strong, and He’s always there when we need Him.”

I do find myself fleshing out the more simple entries, sometimes substituting stronger vocabulary and more often adding in the message of salvation through Christ. For example, the entry on King David states: “He knew God loved him, even when he made bad choices and big mistakes.” I added: “Because God loved David and because He loves you and me, He sent Jesus to die for David’s sins and for your sins and my sins, too – so we can be forgiven!”

The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 can be a good tool in the hands of discerning parents who desire to teach God’s truths diligently to their children. (See Deuteronomy 6:5-7.) And it might help to make a noble New Year's Resolution a reality. Measuring 5.75 x 7.25 inches, the book has 384 beautifully laid out and illustrated pages in a hardcover binding. Because it is a book that will be used every day, all year, the list price of $14.99 seems very fair.

My almost four year old is delighted with the endearing artwork by Care Bears artist, Elena Kucharik. The cute Little Blessings characters at work and at play illustrate beautifully the principles being communicated and provide opportunity to discuss those truths further. We're looking forward to reading together!

Disclosure:

A complimentary copy of the book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for today’s blog tour.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to review and enjoy this wonderful book!

Book Review: Christmas Cheer

My almost four-year-old and I have had opportunity to review Christmas Cheer, a Custom Designed Project Pack from Hands of a Child, a premiere lapbook provider since 2002. This was our first experience with the idea of lapbooks, and I enjoyed exploring the concept. I have a vested interest since we’re planning a four-month trip for next summer – and I’m intensely interested in projects that can be done in a car seat!

The philosophy behind the idea of Project Packs (and lapbooks) is that student learning improves when lessons incorporate hands-on projects or crafts. Children learn by doing, and Project Packs put learning into their hands!

The possibilities are endless when a student begins a lapbook with a Project Pack from Hands of a Child. There are no age or skill limits, and any topic or subject can be worked into a Project Pack. All the work is done for the parent/teacher, but not for the student. In addition, Project Packs are easy to store and are an instant review tool, scrapbook, and ready-made portfolio of all the student’s studies.

The Christmas Cheer Project Pack includes instructions and reproducibles for 15 hands-on activities for a Pre-K through 1st grader to work on over a 5-day period. Each day has a different theme including snow, Santa Claus, reindeer, and various decorations. My one complaint is that a book about “Christmas Cheer” does not include the main Reason for the Season – the birth of Jesus, the Savior. (In the publisher’s defense, I must add that other Christmas Project Packs do include HIM.)

The 51-page Christmas Cheer e-book contains:

• Poem: “Christmas Cheer”
• Supply List (comprehensive, for all 15 activities)
• Day 1 Activities
• Day 2 Activities
• Day 3 Activities
• Day 4 Activities
• Day 5 Activities
• Recommended Reading (to supplement hands-on activities)
• Folder Instructions (to make a lapbook from a file folder)

I like the e-book format because pages can be easily printed instead of photocopied.

Although we did not complete all the activities, our favorites so far are:

• Mini Book: Decorating the Tree
• Puppets: Snow People
• Shapes: Santa Claus

My little one and I enjoyed some real quality time, working on the projects together, looking forward more than ever to the joy of the Christmas Season.

The price depends on whether an e-book, printed book, CD, or combo, is purchased. The cost for Christmas Cheer (Pre-K through 1st grade) is $12.00 for the e-book. In my opinion, the price seems a bit steep for a pre-school packet that has no research included. Having taught in various settings for over fifteen years, I’m accustomed to making my own worksheets. However, because doing so can be time-consuming (and time is a most precious commodity to a teacher-parent), I can also appreciate the value of having reinforcement activities pre-made and ready to go!

Because of the hands-on educational value it represents, I think the Christmas Cheer Project Pack would be a great addition to a young family’s Christmas library. It can also be a tool for teaching little ones the much-needed lesson of giving at Christmas (instead of just getting) by having them make the projects for others – grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, neighbors, etc.

Disclosure:
A complimentary e-book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Hands of a Child in exchange for today’s blog tour.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Hands of a Child for the opportunity to enjoy and review this fun Project Pack!

Product Review: The Ultimate Cloth

The Ultimate Cloth is an eco-friendly solution for homes – as well as a money and time saver. The Ultimate Cloth is a brand new technology; in fact, it is the only cloth to receive a new patent in the last 25 years. It is a simple, green, and effective one-step cleaning process.

The Ultimate Cloth cleans any hard surface – glass, wood, granite, stainless steel, and many more – with just water! No longer do you have to use harsh chemicals in your home, nor do you need to spend hundreds of dollars per year buying them. The Ultimate Cloth has been lab tested to remove 96% of bacteria, without the use of chemicals. And, it can cut 50% off your cleaning time. The Ultimate Cloth is truly the ultimate in green cleaning.

When you first remove The Ultimate Cloth from its packaging, you will probably be surprised (like I was) to note that it looks and feels like a paper towel. However, it’s really a MiraFiber™ cloth that is far stronger than a mere paper towel! Following the instructions, I simply wet The Ultimate Cloth thoroughly with warm water, wrung it out thoroughly, and went to work!

How does it work? Exclusive MiraFiber™ technology picks up dust, dirt, and grime.

One of my favorite uses for The Ultimate Cloth so far is cleaning the bathroom mirror – it removed all the splash marks (including water spots, hairspray, toothpaste bits, etc.)! The key to a streak-free finish is to wring out The Ultimate Cloth thoroughly.

Another favorite (and pleasantly surprising!) use was cleaning the bathroom baseboards. (Think: Old house, picture molding style!) Our use of hairspray complicates that "normal" dust that settles on baseboards. But the icky dust was no problem for the Ultimate Cloth, and it even removed the black scuff marks left from shoes – with just a little extra rubbing!

I was also pleased with its performance in and around the bathroom sink – shining the faucets and getting rid of the grit in the sink itself. In spite of the claims that it traps and removes a high percentage of bacteria, I did still use disinfectant wipes on and around the toilet, however. Being a cautious type, I hesitate to do anything else!

I'm very pleased with the performance of The Ultimate Cloth so far. I would say that with its guarantee to last five years of general usage, the $6.00 price is a real bargain!

BUT there's even better news! All readers of this blog can receive a FREE Ultimate Cloth! All you need to do is follow Ultimate Cloth America on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Details on how to get the FREE Ultimate Cloths will be revealed via Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure:
A complimentary Ultimate Cloth was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Ultimate Cloth America in exchange for today’s blog tour.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Ultimate Cloth America for the opportunity to review this great product!

Book Review: The Story of Christmas

The Story of Christmas, written by Gwen Ellis and published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., is a colorful retelling of the birth of Christ and the events surrounding it. Based on the Read and Share™ Bible, the book begins with the birth of John the Baptist. Next comes the appearance of the angel first to Mary and then to Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, the arrival of the wise men bringing gifts, the flight to Egypt, and finally the return home to Nazareth. The “Can You Retell the Story?” activity at the end of the book is a great way for children to learn to tell the story themselves.

The very first time I read the book to my three-and-a-half-year-old, I was impressed by the clarity and simplicity with which these Bible stories are retold in language she could readily understand – and without extraneous embellishments! As I read aloud the truths I’ve known and loved since early childhood, I was gripped once again by the reality of Christ’s humble birth and the fact that the King of Kings was laid, not in a crib in a palace, but in “the box where the animals were fed” when HE was born!

Besides the reinforcement activity at the very end of the book, each two-page story also concludes with a thought-provoking question. For example, having recounted the angel’s message to Joseph (“Name the baby Jesus. He will save people from their sins.”), the follow-up is: “The name Jesus means “savior.” What does a savior do?” As we endeavor to communicate the message of the Gospel to our little one on a daily basis and as we work to explain the true meaning of Christmas amid our culture’s abundant distractions, I’m thankful for the opportunities this book presents to highlight these Bible truths.

Although designed in a cartoon style, the illustrations by Steve Smallman appropriately capture the realities of the biblical accounts. Watching my little one’s reactions as she listens and looks at the drawings, I appreciate the care that has been taken to produce an excellent teaching tool for little ones like her. The suggested age range for this book is four to seven. Because of the book’s simple yet engaging style, however, I would even recommend it for two-year-olds or younger.

The book comes in a hardcover format and is 24 pages long. The version I received also includes an animated DVD with six stories from the life of Jesus (approximately 17 minutes total length) as well as coloring pages and other bonus features. Two stories on the DVD (John the Baptist and Jesus Is Born) complement the book. The price for the hardcover book is $7.99 and $10.99 for the hardcover book with the DVD. Based on the quality of the materials and the content and educational value, I would say those prices are fair, and I think The Story of Christmas would be a great addition to a young family's Christmas library!

Disclosure:
A complimentary copy of the book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. in exchange for today’s blog tour.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Thomas Nelson, Inc. for the opportunity to enjoy and review this wonderful book!

Book Review: Girl Talk

It's a book full of practical and frugal tips and amusing anecdotes!

Girl Talk, compiled by Gigi Garner and published by Five Star Publications, is a collection of useful tips, confidences, and anecdotes like the ones we women might share with our girl friends over tea or coffee. It's the kind of book that can be picked up and then easily set aside when the next duty calls – and it’s full of both useful and amusing tips.

Advice and/or anecdotal categories include: Friend Talk, Career Talk, Clothes Talk, Beauty Talk, Health Talk, Home Talk, Kitchen Talk, Mommy Talk, Pet Talk, and Travel Talk. For example, wise advice for young Type-A moms (like me!) includes: “Housework will always be there waiting for you, whereas a child will grow and the sun will set…”

One of my favorite anecdotes is The Secret Dish. As the mother of a K-3 student, I often have to choose my battles; therefore, I could appreciate the creativity of this approach in persuading little ones to eat vegetables and other healthful foods. And I’m especially eager to try out some of the recipes included in the book – such as, Gigi Garner’s Guacamole Dip and “a variety of personalities” for one of our favorite comfort foods – Deviled Eggs. Yum!

Girl Talk is also full of practical and frugal tips. For example, did you know that putting an avocado pit in the middle of freshly-made guacamole keeps the dip from turning brown? Or that a homemade tomato facial can tighten pores and make your face glow? Or that putting some Sweet N’ Low in hair dye keeps it from irritating sensitive skin? Or that lemonade flavored Kool-Aid can act as a stain remover? Or that cereal box liners can work great as freezer bags? And that gift-wrapped cereal boxes can make great (frugal!) shirt boxes? Or that some leftovers (including used tea leaves and coffee) can make specific plants in your garden really flourish? Etcetera! Etcetera!

The book currently sells for $15.95 online; however, there is currently a 24th anniversary promotion for a 24% discount, making the book $12.12 (when you order through Pay Pal). My rule of thumb for what I’m willing to pay for a book is an average of $10.00, so I would say the price is fair – especially if you’re looking for a coffee table or waiting room type of book.

Disclosure:
A complimentary copy of the book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Five Star Publications in exchange for today’s blog tour.

Thank-you to the folks at Five Star Publications for giving me the opportunity to enjoy and review this book!

Review of the Rapelli Game

Using a giant piece of bamboo as the game board, Rapelli – manufactured by HaPe International – works on color matching, counting, and even rudimentary logic! It’s terrific for the youngest budding mathematicians (aged 3+). The list price is $29.99, but the game is currently on sale for $21.50 (a savings of almost 30%) on the Timberdoodle website.

The game comes in a sturdy cardboard box – complete with a bamboo handle for easy carrying. Included are: one large bamboo tube (the “game board”), eighteen caterpillars in six colors, one action die, and one color die. The Rapelli “game board” and pieces are made of eco-friendly bamboo with water-based paints. (Specific materials are listed in detail on the Timberdoodle website.)

My three and a half year old was immediately drawn to the colorful caterpillars. “They’re so cute!” Not until after we had placed the caterpillars in the bamboo tube and started playing, did I realize that this was Elizabeth’s first real opportunity to play a board game that involved rolling dice – and taking turns! She’s an avid little learner and caught on quickly.

When she saw the game box the very next day, she begged to play it again. Later that same evening, she was eager to show it to her Tío Matías and Tía Tini, who were visiting for the evening. She has asked to play it every day, and we’ve been enjoying it as our schedules allow.

Basically, depending on the number of players (from two to six), each one chooses one to three colors of caterpillars which start out with only their cute little smiling faces showing on the outside of the bamboo tube. The first player rolls both the color die and the action die to determine which color of caterpillar and how many sections of that caterpillar he will move either forward or backward. There is also a “wild card” allowing the lucky player to pull out the specified color of caterpillar completely! The winner is the first to collect all his caterpillars. We did end up making some additional rules as we went along. For example, if the color die specified a color not currently in play, that player got to roll again to try for another color option.

Basic addition skills can be developed as the youngest players realize that when the action die has three forward arrows, it means that three segments of the caterpillar must be advanced – in addition to however many segments of that caterpillar have already been emerged from the tube. For us, this new game is reinforcing basic mathematics Elizabeth is learning in K-3. “What do two and three make?” and so on. She’s enjoying the new learning adventure!

The Timberdoodle website states: “While Rapelli is a great game to review and reinforce colors and counting, the element of strategy makes it an engaging game for all ages.” And I agree. It quickly becomes apparent that the choice of color to advance will very probably not be your own! Consequently, if you get opportunity to move an opponent’s caterpillar backward, you’ll want to choose the one that has emerged the farthest from the tube. If you have to advance an opponent’s caterpillar, you’ll want to choose one that is just beginning to show rather than the one that is almost out of the tube, etc.

I think an added bonus is the fact that the instructions are in five languages, including Spanish and French – of great interest to our family! Here’s a tip for those learning and teaching foreign languages to children: Say the colors and numbers in the target language(s) as another way to reinforce that vocabulary!

We like educational games at our house – games that teach critical thinking skills to little ones – and we are pleased that Rapelli fits that bill. With Christmas less than two months away, I heartily recommend Rapelli as a great addition to any young family’s wish list. While I personally would not pay the list price for this game, I think the sale price (a savings of almost 30%) is a fair one, given the game’s high quality and educational value.

Disclosure:
A complimentary game was provided by Timberdoodle to Mama Bzz reviewers in exchange for today’s blog tour.

I was very happy when I received the email stating that I had been selected by Timberdoodle to review Rapelli! My 3½ year old is an avid little learner who loves games, building things, and learning in general. Thank-you to the folks at Timberdoodle for the opportunity to review this great product!