A Review of The Read and Share Toddler Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Read and Share Toddler Bible is a perfect addition to your family library if you have children up to the age of four years. My three and half year old and I have really enjoyed reading it together at bedtime since it arrived in the mail. I've also been including my 9 month old in our bedtime readings and I think she is having fun with it, too.

The stories, retold by Gwen Ellis, are written and designed to hold the *short* attention span of my wiggly littles. At the end of each story, a suggestion is given for a discussion or activity to help further implant the heart of the story on your child's heart. For example, after reading the story of how Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel, parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about how we eventually get what we give. To tell our little ones about how to be kind to others and to let them know that God is happy when he or she is kind. After the conclusion of several stories (all re-telling the tale of Joseph; his brother's jealousy, being sold into slavery, sent to jail, rise to ruler in Egypt and saving the country and his family from famine) parents are encouraged to help their littles understand that God can make even bad things turn out to be good things - because He loves us.

This book does a good job of pointing the need for and the way to Jesus through the stories chosen to re-tell from the OT and the NT. Each story is simplified for the kids understanding without losing the impact, importance or value. This is an excellent tool for parents to utilize in building up the foundation of their kids' faith through familiarity. It's also great time spent during family reading time.

I also wanted to mention that the DVD that comes along with the book is excellent -- even my 8 year old loved watching it. The DVD version goes a little more in depth and I really enjoy watching it with my kids - that's right, we're going to keep on watching the DVD and reading the book. Well done!

A review of The Noticer, by Andy Andrews for Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Noticer by Andy Andrews is an uplifting, inspiring, quick read that has the ability to change, well . . . your perspective. Ten chapters lead the reader through a series of vignettes that cover all sorts of seemingly 'hopeless' situations.' The main character, Jones, a blue-eyed, white-haired elderly man, encourages those he comes across in the midst of crisis or desperate circumstances to take on a different perspective . . . one illuminated by hope.

The narrator of the story begins the first chapter by sharing his own first experience with Jones and then follows him on his path to helping others. The nebulous Jones never ages and appears to take on the appearance of whatever race or nationality of whomever he is helping at the moment. He has a way of showing up when hopelessness and despair creep up in one's life. No one knows how he gets there or where he goes once he leaves. He leaves a trail of hope and new perspective behind. The author mysteriously alludes to the possibility of Jones being . . . whomever you think he might be.

This was a highly enjoyable book, a great pick-me-up in the form of a quick read. I definitely recommend it and I think you will enjoy it as well.