The Story of Christmas

When I received "The Story of Christmas", retold by Gwen Ellis and illustrated by Steve Smallman, I initially set the book aside, thinking I would pick it up later in the day to read and review it. However, it sat on the counter for over a week until I saw it last night as I was cleaning. I sat down to read it and immediately regretted not reading it as soon as it arrived. It is a jewel of a Christmas book for children.

Starting with the news to Elizabeth and Zechariah that they will have a son named John and continuing through the birth of Christ and the journey back home to Nazareth, this book highlights the main points of the Christmas story in a way that all children can understand and appreciate. Although written in the author's words, every page has a reference to where the actual Bible text can be found, which is great for discovering the story with older children.

I especially loved the last couple of pages where they have taken pictures from the story and mixed them up so that you can have the child point out the correct order that they should be in. What a superb way to test understanding!

And as if the book is not enough, there is also a DVD included that is 17 minutes long and includes six stories from the life of Jesus: John the Baptist, Jesus is Born, Where is Jesus?, Jesus tempted by Satan, Jesus' Life, and Jesus loves Children.

I will definitely be passing this sweet book on to the little ones in my life.

Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook

I wasn't sure at first glance how to review a cookbook. I mean, you can read the recipes and think, "Oh that sounds good." But shouldn't you make everything in it before you can feel good about giving that thumbs up?

However, I was quickly fascinated with the book itself. This cookbook gives a Tennessee history lesson within the pages. With pages dedicated to subjects such as "Southern Hospitality", "Tennessee Hills" and "Tennessee Walking Horses" you can learn a great deal while baking a Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie to finish off a meal of Turkey and Cornbread Dressing.

Also, I like the section on various drinks. There's a lot you can do with a little Jack Daniels, and I'm excited to try.

As a homeschooling mom of a kid who is passionate about cooking, I love this cookbook. He can learn some Tennessee history while he makes my dinner!

The Noticer

The title and the cover of this book drew me in right away. I knew it was something I wanted to read. And I am glad I read it. Andy Andrews' book The Noticer is a very easy read, and as I was reading, I wanted nothing more than Jones, the main character, to be my best friend.

The book is about the people of a small town and a man who comes in to this town and changes all of their lives, simply by noticing them and caring about them. He teaches them how perspective is everything and shows them that by changing their perspective, they can overcome their problems and become the people that they want to be.

I finished this book in an evening, but it's not because I was dying to know what happened next. The story jumped around a lot, and unlike some stories that do this, it never really came together in the end. And by the way it is written, I am not sure if the main character is supposed to be Andy or Jones. I love short allegorical stories. This one wasn't bad, but I am sure it's not one I will ever read again. Overall, the character of Jones is one the reader immediately identifies and loves. It’s just too bad the rest of the book didn’t follow as well.

Take Your Best Shot

I just finished reading the book Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard. I was initially drawn to this story after learning that it was written by a 14-year-old boy who decided to do something to make a difference. The story is written to teens but should be read by everyone. It's a very easy read about a boy who followed his heart and used his passion to allow God to work through him to touch the lives of tens of thousands of people.

I was immediately drawn in to the story and wanted to know how Austin was able to start something so big. (However, in the first chapter, the cynic in me came out when I read that he was a member of Rick Warren's - of Purpose Driven Life - church. I thought, "well there ya go, he has connections and that's how he was able to do this and get a book published about what he's done. But I kept reading anyway and I am glad I did. Although I am certain that knowing Rick Warren didn't hurt, especially in his book publishing endeavors, it seems that knowing God was what brought this boy true success.)

Anyway, I enjoyed reading of the inspiration and the work and the joy that came from Hoops of Hope. As a homeschool mom, I plan to use the book as curriculum for my 13-year-old son. I love the short, easy chapters and the questions at the end of each chapter, which also incorporate verses from the Bible. I know that this book got me to thinking about things I can do to change my corner of the world, even if that's just by changing my relationships with the people I am in direct contact with. I can do my part and support those around me in doing theirs. Overall, I give this one a thumbs up, especially for teenagers who might need a little encouragement and reminding of how much they matter and what a difference they can make if they let God use them.