Some Board Books

Life has been very busy around our house, but I wanted to make sure to post about a few of the great board books I found somewhere I never expected...the local library. We (Madelyn and I) were visiting the library for various other reasons and I just happened to stumble across these biblically based books.

A Time For Everything

Written and Illustrated By Susie Poole

Appropriate for ages infant to six

This vibrantly colored board book is based on Ecclesiastes 3. It beautifully displays the simple yet complex idea that there is a time and place for everything. The author covers a variety of situations from saying hello and goodbye to loving and being loved.

The book clearly communicates that our actions can and sometimes should change based on the "time" and "season". This idea can often be confusing to children: Why is it okay to be noisy sometimes but not all the time? Our response should reflect God's sovereign plan over everything including time, seasons, and all other matters. God has created many different situations, emotions, and responses and there is a time for them all. It is important to check our hearts and see that they are responding to all circumstances in a way that brings God the glory and honor (and teach our children to do the same).

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under the heaven:"

Does God Know How to Tie Shoes?                                          

Written by Mancy White Carlstorm

Illustrated by Lore McElrath-Eslick

This book takes a unique format as it follows Katrina, a young girl, as she explores her world. It is set up in a question answer format between the Katrina and her parents. Katrina asks a question as all young children do and her parents respond with an answer based on the Psalms.

One thing I loved about this book is the curiosity that is displayed in the young girl. What a great reminder of  the inquisitive nature of a child. 

Katrina's interpretations of her parents responses are a fun reflection of a child's thinking. Here is a great example of the text:

                "Mama, does God have any pets?

                 The animals and birds of the forest are his, and every cow on a thousand hills.

                 Maybe God would like us to get a puppy.          (Psalm 50: 10-11)"

Inevitable we have all been in a situation where a child has asked a countless number of, what seems to us, insignificant questions: Why is the sky blue? Can God count? How do we all look different? Why did God make colors?  And the list could go on and on I'm sure. Those questions can be a great springboard for declaring the goodness of God in our lives. This book was a reminder to me to take every opportunity to teach my children about God and reflect with them on His involvement and care about things that seem small or insignificant.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Luke 18: 16-17

That is all for now. I hope that you are encouraged to think deeply about the goodness of our God and truths he has given us!

Marvels of Creation: Sensational Sea Creatures

Marvels of Creation: Sensational Sea Creatures

Written By: Buddy and Kay Davis

Appropriate for Ages:

5 years old through middle school

Did you know a starfish can have 50 arms?

This book is full of facts that show God's thoughtfulness and creativity!

While most nonfiction books discussing issues of science and creatures of the earth take a look at things through a lense of evolution this book gives all the credit to the true Creator. The introduction states, " This book is meant to give God the glory for creating these wonderful creatures of the sea."

The book indexes 31 creatures of the sea. Each page features a particular sea creature and includes a full page color picture with an accompanying page of text. The text gives several paragraphs of information including location, description, diet, and God's special design. Also included is a fact box with some basic information about the creature for quick reference.

Having taught fifth grade for 3 years I appreciated the variety of text features (index, titles, fact boxes, diagram, etc.) represented in the book. As I read the text I noticed great technical vocabulary and description. To accompany this language the authors include a comprehensive glossary in the back of the book. Along with the glossary is a detailed diagram of basic fish anatomy.

One thing I was suprised by and a little disappointed about was the limited number of reference to God as the creator in reguards to each individual animal. The book opens up with an overarching introduction using scripture to point us to the Creator. There is also a wonderful page titles "Intelligent Design". This page takes a closer look at some of the special design features that reflect God's glory in sea life. On these two pages the authors look at some broader characteristics of sea life and how God purposed each minute detail in creation to point to its Creator.

Did you Know...

God created a Walrus with skin that can be up to 3 inches think with another layer of fat under the skin that can be up to 6 inches think. These layers keep the Walrus warm in the Artic.

God certainly knew what he was doing!

I hope that you are able to see God's design for creation in this book as it teaches about the amazing sea creatures He has created. These authors have also written similar illustrated guides on mammals and birds.

Take time to treasue God's creation all around you!

Questions for discussion:

How do the special characteristics of each sea creature reveal God's thoughtfulness and care?

How do these creatures point to their Creator?
What is our responsibility in caring for God's creation? Specifically to these creatures?

Modern Parables: Prodigal Sons

Prodigal Sons

By Compass Cinema

Length: 21 minutes

                                                                                                                                                                                    

This film follows the lives of two sons from their start in the family business. Andrew is a hard working asset to the business. He finds great pride in his work and the contributions he has made. Jake does little for the buisness and is a self proclaimed "lazy fool", looking for money to pursue the thrills of life. Their father decides to grant Jake's wish and give hime his share of the business. Andrew is glad to get rid of the dead weight.

After spending foolishly on fancy cars, elaborate homes, and fun thrills Jake finds himself without money and working a very undesireable job. He decides even begging his father for a lowly job would be better than his current situation. His father welcomes him home with a lavish celebration, new job, and loving embrace. Andrew on the other hand is not so welcoming.

The story parallels the parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32. One brother humbly comes before the father recognizing his failure and simply desiring to serve him. The other brother's pride in himself keeps him from truely enjoying the blessings from his father. How easy it is to take pride in the "works" that we do, fogetting that all our Father wants is a humble submissive heart recognizing His splendor and authority.

Compass Cinema seeks to recreate the feel and relevance these parables had on Jesus' audiance with a modern day audiance. The story line closely parallels the Biblical text in a way that brings it to life. The intent is not that the viewer leaves knowing the story, but instead that their heart is changed and their mind is prepared to apply Godly principles in practical ways. To further study the parable the producers have created a leaders guide, student study guide, and application video to accompany each of the films. These resources are availible through Amazon (the title is linked) or directly through the link below. http://www.modernparable.com/

The link above currently will allow you to view any of the six Modern Parables free of charge. The DVDs are also cheaper than Amazon and you can purchase a digital download for $10 or a hard copy for $12.

There are five other great videos. In the near future I will review my favorite of the series Hidden Treasure.  I hope that you are able to check out the site. Please let me know what you think!
Take time to treasure our Lord today as you remember  the blessings he has given and the sacrifice he made for you.

Read Across America Celebration: March 2nd

If you did not already know March 2nd is the birthday of a very special children's author. Dr. Seuss is one of our family's all time favorites! So to show our enthusiasm for this creative children's author we all wore Seuss attire.

What did you do to celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday?