Say and Pray Bible Review - First Words, Stories, and Prayers

The first words they recognize have to say something, so why not make sure they are Bible-themed words? I had the opportunity to review the  Say & Pray Bible First Words, Stories, and Prayers  from Diane Storts and Illustrated by Sarah Ward, from Tommy Nelson publishing. I received the Bible from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange only for my honest opinion.

This is the most adorable board book Bible for toddlers and early readers.

This is a hard-cover, toddler board book, 40-page Bible story book. It is intended for children, pre-readers or early readers.

The book contains 20 Bible stories. 10 Old Testament and 10 New Testament, including:

In the Beginning

Noah Builds a Boat

A Happy Promise

Joseph's Colorful Coat

Baby in a Basket

A Happy Family (Ruth)

Samuel Listens

David Sings

Jonah and the Big Fish

Brave Queen Esther

Jesus is Born

Jesus Grows Up

So Many Fish

Jesus Heals

Jesus Teaches About God

The Good Samaritan

Jesus and the Children

Jesus and Zacchaeus

A Big Parade

Jesus is Alive

Each new 2-page story contains a little 3-line summary of the biblical account and a scripture, followed by a prayer.

The illustrations of the corresponding story have pictures that are highlighted with about 5-7 words from the biblical account.

For instance, the story of Noah has pictures and words that include:

'Giraffes'

'Boat'

'Lions'

'Turtles'

'Noah'

'Elephants'

WHAT DID I THINK?

This book is very well-made, gift quality. It feels sturdy and durable when you hold it in your hands, so no worry about little ones tearing the pages. And, it's just the right size to hold in your hand, and curl up in a reading nook with baby. It's also a great size to hand over to an early reader, learning new words.

It is a fantastic way to start a child out with familiarizing them with the Bible. It is not just stories and beautiful illustrations, but it contains vocabulary words that he or she will encounter when they actually begin reading the full Holy Bible. What a fun way to learn the words while learning about God's love.

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The Barbour Children's Bible Review

I was given the opportunity to review The Barbour Children's Bible in exchange for my honest opinion. I was thrilled when it arrived, as it was even better than anticipated.

There are many children "Bibles" out there to choose from. Many, however, are really more of a Bible storybook and not word-for-word biblical accounts.

This Children's Bible is  NLV New Living Version using a limited vocabulary of 850 easy-to-understand words. The interpretation choice is intended to make the Bible easy to understand and more readable for a child or young reader while not in any way attempting to wash over or take away from original manuscripts of the Scriptures.

The scripture behind The Barbour Children's Bible is:

But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me. Do not stop them. The holy nation of heaven is made up of ones like these."

Matthew 19:14

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The Bible is hard-bound with 931 fairly thin, but thicker than onion skin, pages. There are no pictures or illustrations throughout the book at all, but all of the scriptures are broken apart into bite-sized segments with headings that make it easy to quickly know what your child is reading about.  Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are included, with the New Testament highlighting Jesus' own words in the color red.

Retails for $19.99

This Children's Bible seems to be written at approximately a 4th Grade reading level (my guess), but a younger or older child could still very well enjoy it. If the words are still a bit challenging to read, an adult could read aloud with the child until the reading comes easier.

The Bible also has an inside Presentation Page, making it a really nice option as a baptismal, confirmation, or First Communion gift.

Hermie, A Common Caterpillar: An Essential Addition To Your Child's Early Reading Library

Hermie is a classic Max Lucado book for children.  Now, released in a Level 2 Reader, your early reader can read it all by herself.  A wonderful book in many regards:

• Great message of God's purpose for your child's life
• Easy to read (for you and your early reader)
• A lesson of science (caterpillar to butterfly)
• A lesson of change
• Reading Lessons
• Religious Studies (Christian Lessons)

I was allowed to download a free e-reader version of the book from the BookSneeze program, in exchange for my honest review.  I am not required to give a positive review, and have received nothing in return other than the e-book.  All of my opinions in this review are 100% my opinion.

The story of Hermie is about a common, everyday, caterpillar who hangs onto hope that God has something more in store for the unsightly "worm".  As Hermie continues throughout his day, he encounters many beautiful friends, such as the lovely-spotted lady bug, a snail who carries his home with him, and others.  He, and his friend, continue to believe God has something more in store for the two of them.  However, they struggle to believe.

One day, Hermie falls asleep.  When he wakes up, he is a beautiful butterfly.  As for his friend, well, I'll let you discover what happens to him as you read this book, with a classic message, to your child.

The story of Hermie leaves you feeling important and beautiful, as God created you.  Now, with this Max Lucado book in a Level 2 reader version, your early reader can read the message to himself.  Of course, it's fun to share a little snuggle time with your child reading along.  So, if you prefer to read it aloud, the message never gets old.