Review: Bless Our Pets

In 2008, following the death of his father, their son, Mike, took over writing the books. He has released quite a few that are overtly religious/Christian in nature during the years that followed. This is one of them. This book even mentions the name of Jesus at the end of a prayer which was incredible! 

Bless Our Pets is a paperback book and presents the bears that we all know and love. This time, the pastor of their local church, Preacher Brown, has invited them to bring their pets to church for a blessing -- and cacophony results when the animals all start going after each other. As always Brother, Sister, (and the more recently added Honey bear) are along for the ride. And this time they bring their pets: Little Lady, Gracie, Swish, and Cutsie.

I have to say that I find the idea of a "pet blessing ceremony" a little bit "odd." However, I believe the whole book was simply a fun adventure, and my children just loved seeing all the pets and reading the book together. 

This book is exactly what you'd respect from the Berenstain family: fun, simple, and supposed to leave you feeling good. 

And for just $3.99, it's affordable too!

wwww.booklookbloggers.com provided me with a free copy 

of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: Strong Learning, Inc.: Bessie's Pillow

I cannot say enough good things about Strong Learning, Inc. and their book Bessie's Pillow. What an outstanding book! I recommend it vehemently and whole-heartedly, and have no doubt you'll read it as fast as I did -- three days -- or as fast as my mother-in-law who read it two! It was that good. I just did not want to put it down.
What I love even more about this is how wonderfully it is set up to be a part of a homeschool child's history lessons. Because my children are a little too young to enjoy having this book read to them, I read it, but kept in mind how I might be able to use it with them as they got a little older. To be honest, the book was clean enough that I really do think they could almost handle it now. But some of the concepts (including the death of children, etc.) might be a little too heavy for their hearts. I definitely think that middle school children are able to handle this book, and that it would be a wonderful inclusion in the history unit of your homeschool curriculum.
As you read on the website for Bessie's Pillow, twenty million immigrants came to America between 1880 and 1924. TWENTY MILLION! This book represents just one of those immigrants stories. Written by her granddaughter, this story chronicles the journey of just one of these immigrants: Bessie Markman who left Lithuania in 1906 completely alone and only 18 years old. Bessie's Pillow was based on conversations between the author's grandmother, Bessie Markman, and her mother, Ann Bress around 1950.
I cannot even fathom the idea of saying good bye to your family for what you know will probably be FOREVER. I do not think in our modern era, we cannot even comprehend what that idea means as it is so easy to stay in touch or hop on a plane and fly across the world. Written in the first person, this book truly did grab me from the first page. It was an easy, steady read, and it was filled with emotion as you watch tragedy and celebrations unfold in this Jewish woman's life. 
Check out this video of the granddaughter sharing a few details from the story:

At the conclusion of the book there are quite a few pictures and more information about immigrants there is a website with TONS of fun information on what life would have been like during this era. From lists of famous people to food and recipes and even sample radio programs that they might have listened to. You can truly allow yourself and your student to immerse themselves in this pivotal time in our country's history and the life they lead.

In addition, you can also visit them on Facebook or Twitter @Bessie'sPillow. I strongly suggest you take a look at this book, if not just for yourself, for the student in your life.

Review: Zonderkidz The Beginner's Bible

It is time for my first Homeschool Review Crew Review for 2017! I am so incredibly honored to have a second year to "work" for this awesome of group. I consider it such a privilege, and I also consider it a huge responsibility. It allows me to receive amazing products for free in exchange for my honest and fair review. This allows us to keep our homeschooling costs down, allows me to share what products I love with all of you, and allows me to have some fun too. And today's review is a great one. Our family has loved the opportunity to review The Beginner's Bible from Zonderkidz and I can't wait to share this post with you.

As always, if you have questions about a product I review, do not hesitate to leave a comment, email me (flakymn@hotmail.com) or send me a Facebook message. I can always answer more of your questions personally about a particular product and go into even more detail.

The Beginner's Bible from Zonderkidz is packed with 511 pages and bound by a hardcover to keep it safe while in little hands. This Bible includes an introductory page where your little one can write his/her name. It also includes a Table of Contents in the front and a dictionary in the back.

The rest of the pages are jam-packed with stories that include awesome colored pictures and stories. Take a look at some of the awesome samples of pages included in this children's Bible below:

This Bible is perfect for children from ages 2-8. I think parents can really start reading this with their 3-6 year old and then kids ages 6-8 can start reading it themselves as they learn to read more and more. The stories are short and sweet, include a scripture reference, and allow the newly reading child to get the words and pictures that they desire so much when first beginning to love reading. 

I have four children ages three to eight. My second grades boys (they eight-year-olds) can tackle this book by themselves, and they are zipping right through it. My five-year-old is just starting to read so she looks at it a little bit, but depends on me to read it to her. The three-year-old of course brings it to me often to read it to her and is constantly saying "Is this my very special Bible?"

In addition make sure you take the time to visit their website and check out all the other incredible products that this company has to offer. There are so many wonderful things that you can look to purchase for the child in your life. In our family we do four gifts at Christmas: something for the body (clothing), mind (educational), soul (Christian literature) and sprit (fun gift). This is the perfect SOUL gift, and so are a lot more of the products that they offer.

If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to contact me. In addition, you can find Zonderkidz on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Review: Ready, Set, Find Christmas

This book allows your little reader to follow Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. They are in a hurry, and they need your help to find many things along the way. For example on page 1, the scripture: Luke 2:1-5 is presented as "Mary and Joseph traveled far away to Bethlehem. Mary was going to have a baby. This baby was very special. He was God's Son." You are then asked to help them find items in a picture like a lamb, lizard, donkey, bag, water bottle, palm tree, bird, and shepherd. 

This book is sturdy and will take a very good beating from a little child. It is a really fun Christmas activity book for the little one in your life! The illustrations are sweet and fun, and your little one will enjoy hearing the Christmas story with these fun things to do along the way!

There are 48 objects hidden on the pages, and the activity is presented while hearing the Bible story -- accurately retold with scripture references.

Perfect for the 3-6 year old in your life!

I received a copy of this book from www.booklookbloggers.com in exchange for my honest review.