Disclosure: I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.
Have your kids stopped reaching for books on the shelf because there isn’t anything new there? Here are some fresh titles to read with your kids this weekend!
My daughter is headed into 6th grade this fall, and her tweenness might just be the end of me. I’ve taught 6th grade for 18 years, and I can safely say that the grass is NOT greener on the parental side. The book 101 Things Every Girl Should Know might just save me from this angst. Each chapter is *just* long enough to keep a tween’s attention without being preachy, but also gives the perfect dose of essential information. I love that the topics are perfectly balanced for a girl’s lifestyle. From dealing with Aunt Flo to baking a chicken (no kidding), girls are going to appreciate this resource. Each full-color page is visually stimulating, too.
I didn’t like the fact that they used the word “ya” so much, but that’s just a personal preference. There are lots of girls featured in the book who looked REAL – not photoshopped or airbrushed. I didn’t see any overweight girls, though, which is something I specifically looked for and was disappointed not to see. Overall, it really is an attractive book, and definitely worth the $10-something price tag. I’m ordering a copy for my niece, who will also be entering middle school this year. These sweet girls will encounter lots of new information during their school year – I would much prefer it be from a conservative standpoint first! There’s nothing evangelical in it; instead, you’ll just find wholesome advice that will benefit any girl at this stage in her life.
Although Believe Kids’ Edition is supposed to be appropriate for kids 8-12 years old, it’s also great for this 40 year old who just wants the meat-and-potatoes version of the Bible. The chapters are brief and to the point, covering everything from Abraham and Sarah to King Jehoshaphat. The reflection questions at the end of the chapters are somewhat abstract, which leads me to think that the book is best suited for those in the upper range of the 8-12 age band (if it’s being read independently). This would be an outstanding resource for Sunday School teachers. The “lessons” are set up with chapter features that guide the leader through each chapter. With key questions to direct the lesson, and discussion questions to make it relevant, this book is a great way to develop a closer relationship with each other and Jesus. The “What Do I Believe?” list on page 13 has a set of truths for followers of Jesus. I did not see any mention of baptism in this list. When reading this with my own child, I would add that very important message of immersion as it relates to our family’s beliefs. It’s just a doctrinal difference but is something to note when using this in a church class; you don’t want to inadvertently miss an important part of your church’s core beliefs.
I’m a big fan of the Jesus Calling devotional. My BFF sent it to me for my birthday one year, and I’ve purchased several copies for friends and family. My children like the Jesus Calling For Kids version as well, which I bought at Easter to share daily with them. If your children are preschoolers, though, that edition might not be as easy to understand. For the youngest in your crew, I highly recommend Jesus Calling for Little Ones. This board book only has 13 pages with short verses, so it’s doable at bedtime. The whimsical illustrations are adorable, like the one with the curly redhead blowing dandelion fluff, but it’s the passages that really touched my heart. Sarah Young has such a talent for making Jesus feel right-here-right-now. This book is no exception. For those little ones who have trouble with separation anxiety, this book reminds us that Jesus is always with us. You may need to remind them that the book is written in Jesus’s words, so that they don’t get confused with who the narrator is. Jesus Calling for Little Ones is only $3.99 on Amazon right now, which is an absolute steal. This would make a fabulous baby shower gift, too!
What books have been in your hands lately?
No, I’m afraid my daughter doesn’t know Jesus as personal friend. Perhaps this would help her to get to know Him better.
I don’t know what my kids think Jesus looks like or if they talk to him like a friend, I know they pray sometimes.
They say their prayers and will do little talks/prayers throughout the day. Giving thanks and asking for watching over. Occasionally for a dog, too. 🙂
I don’t have kiddos yet but I’m hoping to win this for my bestie. Her daughter is just getting old enough to read but you could almost call Jesus her “imaginary”, technically real!, friend. She’s adorable talking to Him, no idea if she’s imagined what He looks like or not.
My granddaughter believes in Jesus and prays every night before bed. She thinks Jesus is a dark skinned man with long hair and a beard.
No kids.
Thanks for the contest.
I think my children thought of Jesus as we see Him in so many pictures and books. The longer brown hair wearing a white robe, typically with lots of people and children around Him.
My son prays and also wants to make gifts for Jesus. He is 4 and I bet he would love this book. thanks for offering and spreading the word. GOD BLESS good luck everyone
My son believes Jesus Christ looks like what is often illustrated in books and art, but I tell him that no one on this Earth truly knows what Jesus looks like. He does have a good relationship with him, though. 🙂
Mine are teens now, but when they were little, they pictured Him as He appeared in their Bible story books. Since they’re older, I don’t hear them talk to Him so much anymore. I hope they do inside their minds, though.
My granddaughter prays every night before bed. She believes Jesus is a friend with dark skin and a beard.
After reading this I realize that praying for my nephew and niece every day is necessary. Thanks for the great inspiration and reflection.
No not yet but she does pray when she gets a bit older I’m sure she will
My youngest talks to him all the time. They imagine him to look like all the pics of him and saw that movie (cannot remember name right now) where the little boy went to heaven and told his family just what Jesus looked like. They enjoyed that and now have the image captured in their head.
We were just talking about this last night. Most pictures portray Jesus looking frail and thin but since he was a carpenter he would be strong
My niece is too little right now to talk about Jesus, but I would love to win this so that I can read it to her.
They imagine Jesus to look like Grandpa
He’s too little to describe Jesus but he knows how to pray. Before meals, he bows his head and clasps his hands together.
My boys say thanks for different things in nature such as thanks Jesus for the big blue sky
This appears to be a great book. I can barely wait to read it.