Archive for the ‘Book Reviews’ Category
So That’s Why! Bible with Libronix Library Review
I bought this Bible for my son, but I’ll wait to give it to him. I want to read it first!
Right now Christianbook.com is selling the So That’s Why! Bible for $8.99. For the price, I didn’t think I could go wrong, and I didn’t. The Libronix Bible CD alone is worth the money.
This chronological NKJV Bible is full of notes and articles that give insight into the historical context of biblical events. It has timelines, maps, and the notes are about everything from agriculture to economics, geography to science.
One caveat about the timelines is the comparison of secular history to biblical history. I don’t like those labels, but I understand the context. The first timeline places creation somewhere before 2500 B.C., and the secular side begins with stone tools c. 26,000 B.C. It is interesting to compare the two, so I do not discredit this resource because of that issue.
Also, I recommend covering the Bible with contact paper. It is a large volume, and the cover doesn’t feel sturdy enough to withstand a lot of use.
The eBible CD is amazing. The Libronix Digital Library System enables numerous Bible resources to be searched at the same time. The library includes:
- Various Bible translations
- New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words
- Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
- Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts
- Where to Find It in the Bible A-Z
The charts and maps can be printed for notebooks. Topical studies can be completed easily. I look forward to discovering even more about my favorite book, the Bible!
To find out more details, or to purchase, click here.
What good books have you added to your library recently?
Acknowledging Her Gifts
Prowling the used book store, Bug grabbed a copy of Magic Treehouse something or other. That was fine, but we had read a few books from the series and my excitement was as thin as our decade old towels. It would be destined for the rag bag after a few hours.
I hunted through the other selections. Old Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess looked like an enduring book; a classic. Bug wavered. He was familiar with Magic Treehouse, but agreed to try a new theme and author. When he began elucidating the habits of rock chucks, squirrels, and foxes, I knew it was a good decision.
Since then we added Big Book of Animal Stories to the shelf, and even though Bug hasn’t read it in awhile his sisters delight in the discovery now. Tonight we read Why Grandfather Frog Has No Tail:
…And from that day to this every Frog has started life with a big tail, and as he has grown bigger and bigger his tail has grown smaller and smaller, until finally it disappears, and then he remembers how foolish and useless it is to be vain of what nature has given us.
Of course, I discussed the moral of the story with my spirited, four-year-old Sunshine. She understood the foolishness of Frog’s pride. We acknowledged that our gifts come from God. Then I added,
God gave you big, beautiful eyes. What else did he give you?
She exclaimed,
A big mouth!
It is a whole new adventure reading big brother’s books to this audience. The frog’s mouth was made as wide a door. Sunshine’s isn’t that large, but her personality sure is.
Looking at the Future
Gazing down the path of homeschooling, I see only 1/4 mile ahead. The road bends and twists through the mountains and plains. I’m not sure what to expect when I turn the corner.
Another student begins formal lessons this year. Sunshine yearns to read. This change seems simple enough. Teach Sunshine phonics, give Bug more independent work, and keep Sweet Pea busy. Yet I wonder, is this really how I want to proceed?
Preparing lessons for one child allowed me to rely heavily on curriculum. At the beginning of the school year, I cried out for grace to use curriculum as a reference rather than the method of education. Now I want to act on that plea. I want to research, plan, and create my own lessons.
My children need different instruction in certain subjects, but some learning can be combined. Some learning has to be combined. I cannot add another pile of textbooks and finish them with joy and peace.
A hint of life around the corner appeared last month as we studied the life of Johann Sebastian Bach. I read while my kids ate lunch. Then the kitchen filled with dancing as we listened to minuets and gavottes. The reading was simple for Bug, but we researched German castles, discussed Bach’s character, and marveled at God’s providence. Bach, The Boy from Thuringia delighted all my children. May our future studies do the same.
Visit more homeschoolers Looking Forward at Home Education Week
And the Winner Is…
Debbie won my book giveaway! Congratulations!
Thank you to each one who entered. I enjoyed reading your sweet stories and visiting your blogs. Blessings to you and your families. Tell them, “I Love You More!“
I Love You More
Every night I curl up next to my Sunshine on her bed. This simple, repetitive act created the opportunity for the sweetest, most important affirmation.
Mother, (yes, she calls me Mother) I love you wider than the sky.
I love you wider than the sky, too.
Gazing at my face, then glancing at my mussed up hair, she asked,
Do you love me bigger than your hair?
Yes, honey, I love you bigger than my hair.
The conversation continued as I insisted my love is bigger than my ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.
I Love You More captures a similar interaction. A mother tenderly answers her son’s plea, “Mommy, (I need to keep reading this to Sunshine) just how much do you love me?”
I love you higher than the highest bird ever flew. I love you taller than the tallest tree grew…
The son’s response is found by turning this innovative flip book upside down and around.
I love you higher than the longest lollipop ever lasted. I love you louder than the loudest rocket ship ever blasted…
This delightful story reinforces the peace and strength of unconditional love already planted in my children’s hearts.
Now is your opportunity to enjoy a sweet moment with your little one. In the spirit of the season, I am giving away my review copy of I Love You More. To enter the drawing, just leave a comment. The winner will be announced November 30. Best wishes!
*Update* Due to my comments not working the deadline is extended until December 1.
