Category: KidMin Families

CSB Explorer Bible for Kids {Review and Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment

I was recently invited to review Lifeway’s new CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. I always enjoy taking a look at Bibles designed for kids because it’s one of the most-requested asks of parents at my church.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Front of Bible
Back of Bible

With fun facts, timelines, photography, and more, kids will see the Bible as real, exciting, and life-changing truth. QR codes even bring engaging videos, discussion questions and activity pages to life, applying the truths and imagery of the Bible to kids’ real world experiences! Available in hardcover and (4) leathertouch editions.

Some unique features include:

• Easy-to-read 8.5 pt text and full-color design connect with kids’ natural curiosity and help them experience the wonder and truth of the Bible.
• Two Table of Contents — one in order and one sorted alphabetically — as well as the topical concordance and index of Bible stories give kids the tools to find their way around God’s Word.

MY THOUGHTS

Bibles designed for kids are easy to spot. They usually have fun, color pictures, interesting facts, in-depth information about people and places and background information on each book. This Bible definitely has all of those elements. Each book is color-coded by type (i.e. Genesis – Law). I think that’s a cool feature to help kids strengthen their Bible literacy skills.

I also really liked the QR codes located throughout the Bible. Once scanned, you’ll see a full-color, quality video and discussion questions. This great for kids studying on their own. It’s also helpful for parents or Sunday school leaders to further engage the children in faith conversations.

Some features I didn’t like were the font, font size, and the amount of white space on the pages. It seemed to be a lot of white space, which made the words run together. I also thought the paragraphs were a bit boxy – it really wasn’t pleasing to my eye.

If you are looking for a Bible that will grow with an older elementary child, this is a good option. The content is mature and the full-color pictures and graphics aren’t too babyish. It’s perfect for kids in 4th grade and older.

ENTER TO WIN

Enter to win a copy of Lifeway’s CSB Explorer Bible for Kids by emailing me at kidminspiration@gmail.com. All entries should be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022. One winner will be randomly selected on Friday, December 16, 2022 and notified by email.

SAVE 50% ON YOUR PURCHASE

Get 50% off your copy of the Explorer Bible for Kids today off at Lifeway.com using the code EXPLORERGIFT50!

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

The Wonder of Creation {Review and Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

I’m reviewing another devotional for kids – this time, it’s science-themed!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Well-known for his powerful messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and be in awe of God’s creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God’s creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

  • Animals–from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
  • Space–from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
  • People–from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems
  • Earth–from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers

And much, much more!

With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer. With a brightly embossed cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation:

  • Is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith.
  • Continues a well-loved devotional series that has sold more than half a million copies.
  • Makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine.

As kids dive into this awe-inspiring devotional, they’ll be amazed at the many wonders God has made!

MY THOUGHTS

As I have reviewed several devotionals for elementary-age children recently, one thing I’m noticing is that the themes are really broad enough to capture the attention of a wider range of readers. It seems like there’s a thematic devotional for kids to suit many different interests. This is a great way to engage kids who may not like to read or who may like to read material that isn’t too ‘churchy’.

I also love that the book comes with a downloadable parent discussion guide to help parents facilitate faith conversations at home.

If you have a science lover in your life, this is a resource you should check out and recommend!

ENTER TO WIN

Enter to win a copy of The Wonder of Creation by emailing me at kidminspiration@gmail.com. All entries should be received by 11:59 pm on Monday, December 6, 2021. One winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 and notified by email.

Disclosure:
Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

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Family Honor Plate and Table Thyme Discussion Cards {Product Review}

Kathie Phillips

I recently had the privilege of reviewing a fun keepsake product and discipleship tool with the help of two of my favorite people: my daughter (Kennedy, age 18) and my niece (Raigan, age 10).  It was definitely a sweet moment to watch the two of them work together on this project.

PRODUCT DETAILS

The Family Honor Plate, created by Michelle Weber, starts as a DIY ceramics-painting project you get to create and bake at home.

The plate can be used in two ways:

~As a family craft:  Paint and bake your plate and use it to create your new family tradition.

Family Honor Plate

~As a parenting discipleship tool:  

Step #1 MOM AND DAD – BE THE EXAMPLE. BE THE ROLE-MODEL:

The virtues are listed in the center of the plate for mom and dad to use as their anchor, their moral compass to guide them in how they need to show up for and to their children (based on the Fruit of the Spirit as written in Galatians 5:22).  This is how our children learn what character (Christ’s character) is, what it looks like, what it feels like. Our children are watching us and learning from us.

Step #2 BE ON THE LOOKOUT:

Look for the good choices and attitude your kids/spouse are making and showing throughout the day. Track it back to the virtues and character it shows.

Step #3 CELEBRATE THEIR CHARACTER:

Turn dinnertime into a celebration when you catch someone making good choices and showing good character and present their meal on the FAMILY HONOR PLATE.  This is when you:

  • Talk about the choices they made and the virtues and character that it showed (Be specific).
  • Talk about how they made everyone involved feel and the impact they had on people and how that is POWERFUL and BEAUTIFUL.
The Family Honor Plate can be used with Table Thyme Discussion Cards.  Table Thyme Discussion CardsThese cards take conversations to a deeper level and teach everyone in the family how to articulate and share special memories, learn how to voice their opinions, and for some, how to even have an opinion. These are skills required for success in relationships and careers.  This is a fun way for children to learn these skills in a relaxed environment.
Some of the questions included are:
  • What is your favorite thing about your best friend?  Why?
  • Do you prefer to play inside or outside?  Why?
  • If your friend were upset, what would you do to help them feel better?  Why?

Every question is followed up with “Why?” to take everyone’s answers to a deeper more intimate level.

GETTING STARTED

Just about everything you need to complete the project is included in the box, with the exception of Isopropyl Alcohol (which is used to remove any oily residue from the plate before you paint it).

The kit includes: 

  • 1 ceramic honor plate
  • 8 paint pots
  • 3 paint brushes
  • 7 discussion starters
  • Painter’s palette
  • Plate stand

 

 

The instructions for painting are pretty simple:

  1. Clean the Honor Plate with the alcohol to remove oily residue.  Protect your work space with craft paper or newspaper.
  2. Paint the plate with whatever design your choose.  (There are suggestions on the product’s website). It is recommended to keep designs to cover just the plate’s rim.
  3. Place the plate in a cold oven, turn it to 350 degrees, bake for 30 minutes, turn the oven off and let the plate cool.

THOUGHTS ON THE PRODUCT

My daughter and my niece worked on the painting part together and they offered some feedback.  They felt the paint was very thick and that made it more difficult for them to use.  They thought more rounded paintbrushes would’ve worked better instead of the square tipped brushes provided.  My niece also mentioned that it would have been better if the plate rim was wider so that she could paint more.  Lastly, the paint did not come off of our hands easily; we had to wash at least twice for it to be completely removed.

All in all, I loved the concept of the plate as a craft and then as a discipleship tool for families.  I love that it comes with discussion starters to aid in this.  I think it’s definitely something for families to check out.

LEARN MORE

Here is a video that walks you through it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKmFVPbyfCg

Here is another video from the owner, Michelle Weber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwLlnS3t0LI&t=3s

Find out more about Michelle: (https://honorplate.com/pages/about-us)

This is a great item to give (or purchase) for Christmas!  There are discounts available of 10-20% off in their online store.  Check it out!

*The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.  I was not compensated in any way.

Night Night Farm {Book Review & Giveaway}

Kathie Phillips

Recently, I was asked to review a bedtime book for preschool-aged children and it brought back many precious memories. When my children were younger, either my husband or I read to them…every night.  It was woven into our nightly bedtime ritual and it was one of my favorite times of the day to snuggle with my little ones (who are not so little anymore!).

Night Night Farm

About the Book:
Moo moo, cows! Baa baa, sheep! When the sun sinks low down on the farm, the animals are all tuckered out from the day’s adventures. Join these adorable farm animals in pajamas as they say night night to the farm, to their mommies and daddies, and to God. Your little ones will sleep until the rooster crows knowing that the God who made them loves them too.

Night night, farm!

About Amy Parker:

Amy Parker’s children’s books have sold more than 800,000 copies including two Christian Retailing’s Best award-winning books and the bestselling A Night Night Prayer. She lives outside Nashville with her husband and two children.

My Thoughts:
The pictures are fabulous and the striking colors are captivating. Because it’s a board book, it’s sturdy and easy for little hands to hold. The animals and words are familiar and encourages interaction (with animal sounds). The rhymes are fun and simple for young children to understand.
Night Night Farm is a great read to end the day with your preschooler.  It’s sure to capture the attention of the preschooler in your life and become one of their favorites!
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SOCIAL • CORNER
Official website to purchase: http://bit.ly/Blogging-NNF
Facebook: @AmyParkerAuthor

Facebook: @TommyNelsonBooks

Twitter: @AmyParker

Twitter: @TommyNelson

Instagram:  @TommyNelsonBooks

Pinterest: Tommy-Nelson-Books

Enter to win a copy of Night Night Farm!!
I am giving away one copy of Night Night Farm to one of my readers.
Here’s how you can enter (3 ways to win):
1. Email me and tell me your favorite children’s book to read at bedtime.
3. Leave a comment on our Facebook Page.
The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm on Thursday, September 8th.
The winner will be announced on our Facebook Page on Friday, September 9th.
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**Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.