You Are A Child of God - Michelle Alisa Fritch

The holidays are just around the corner, and You Are a Child of God is a thoughtful gift for someone who loves creative, faith-filled activities. It’s not just a coloring book - it’s a way to reflect on God’s love and create wonderful memories. It’s also a perfect stocking-stuffer for Sunday school students or a unique addition to a family’s faith journey. Give a gift that inspires and shares God’s love this season!

"You Are a Child of God" brings together many of the most important messages in the Bible. Highlighting verses from both the Old and New Testaments, the author helps people understand what the Scriptures teach about our unique creation and God's involvement in our lives. This book is fun for kids to color and invites adult readers to meditate on Scripture while engaging their inner child through coloring. Author Michelle Fritch is a child of God, a mother of three, an ordained Episcopal Priest, and a counselor who fiercely believes that love can change the world.

ORDER in time for Christmas: https://tinyurl.com/27kby2ez

MY REVIEW: This is a beautifully illustrated book, but it isn't quite what I expected. In my opinion, this is more of a keepsake for an older child. Even adults will appreciate the Scripture and the ability to personalize the illustrated pages. I can see it being included in a Bible Study for beginners or an introduction to journaling. While it's most likely not something you would pick up for a 4 year old, an older child, teen, or adult who likes to add artistic touches will love it. 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full name and email address by 12/15.

Disclosure: Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 

CSB Grace Bible for Kids

 Check out the CSB Grace Bible for Kids! Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

 Order your copy of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids today! LINK
There is also an adult version available!

Features

• Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
• Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
• Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
• Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
• Large, 11-point type size
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
  
  
  
  
  The special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University's research department are included to further enhance visual processing. Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids' Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about.
  
  Go to BH Publishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-grace-bible for more information on how these overlays work.
  
  
  
  
  MY REVIEW: I love this Bible. I reviewed a blue LeatherTouch that was soft and easy to handle. The print is comfortable to read, and I especially loved the special pages that shared more information about the intended audience for each book, added info on topics that are vital for basic knowledge, maps, etc.
  
  No one in my family is dyslexic, so I don't entirely understand the colored sheets included to make this Bible "Dyslexia-Friendly" but I have read the reviews from those who have remarked on the difference it makes. That encourages me to recommend it to others.
  
  The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a version that I like, and believe will be easier for kids to understand. Comprehension is vital in Bible study, so this is another point in this. I definitely recommend this Bible for elementary school aged children.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids
  (Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full name and full mailing address by 12/14/2025.
  
  Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
  

Light of the World trailer

It’s 30 AD and everyone is expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, there is something special about this man. Soon, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and others begin to follow Jesus on an unexpected adventure. This beautifully animated story of Jesus is told through the eyes of his beloved young friend, the Apostle John. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever and still changes lives today!

LIGHT OF THE WORLD is a powerful animated film about Jesus that is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 5, 2025. Watch the trailer below:

A movie for the entire family, LIGHT OF THE WORLD powerfully illustrates how Jesus of Nazareth changed the world forever … and still changes lives today! The story of Jesus is brought to life in beautiful 2D animation through the eyes of John, his young disciple. 

I am very excited about the film and the entire project. Be sure to find out more of the film and the heart of the Salvation Poem Project. Be sure to follow their socials for more info during the months leading up to the release of LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

lightoftheworld.com 

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A Gingerbread House by Julie Lavender

A GINGERBREAD HOUSE by Julie Lavender

A little girl and her grandfather make sweet memories creating and decorating a gingerbread house.

But wait – something’s missing!

Will the pair of bakers figure out what’s missing from their masterpiece? 

 Written in rhyme, the rollicking story takes the creation from dough to completion in a tale that tantalizes all five senses and brings joy to the two bakers, as well as the readers!

MY REVIEW: The holiday season is almost here and this is a wonderful new book to add to the family library. Julie Lavender's latest is a durable hard cover book with delightful illustrations by Kim Barnes.The recommended reading level is for 6-10 year olds, which coincidentally is an age when kids like to help in the kitchen. I see "A Gingerbread House" as part of a new family tradition of making gingerbread, and reading the book while you wait for your cake or cookies to bake. There's something special about making sweet memories with your children or grandchildren while making sweet treats to enjoy. Having the book to enjoy anytime keep those memories fresh.

Disclosure: I received a copy from the author for review purposes with no guarantee of a good review. All opinions are my own.

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LINKS:

Buy Book on Amazon

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End Game Press website

 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully...and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. 

Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

The newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is based on the beloved children’s classic book. As of November 2023, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has sold more than 7 million copies since its publication in 1972. Get ready for Christmas by watching this film with your family in theaters starting November 8! BUY TICKETS TODAY!!

Want to see this with a group of family and friends? Check the website for GROUP TICKETS! The more the merrier!!

My Review: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" has been a family classic for 50+ years, beginning with the book by Barbara Robinson. I also remember how much my family loved the made-for-TV movie in 1983. If you loved those, you want to see this latest version directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen). It's a timeless story that any age can relate to that brings both laughter and tears.

The rowdy Herdman kids only come to church for the snacks, but their curiosity opens the opportunity to share the story of the birth of Jesus and why Christians celebrate. We sometimes forget that others around us may not know the real meaning of Christmas. This film is highly entertaining, and a reminder that Christmas is a time to share...not just tangible gifts, but the message of the love of Jesus for all people. Don't miss this one!

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your FULL name and email address by 11/16/2024. via THIS LINK.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:
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The Carpenter

 

THE CARPENTER is a powerful tale of transformation and redemption. Set in biblical times this film showcases a life-changing journey of becoming a carpenter’s apprentice to none other than Jesus Christ. Through the timeless skills of carpentry, a path of compassion and redemption is found.

This story does bring a more unconventional take on a man who was influenced by Jesus. Oren (Kameron Krebs) is a Viking who was orphaned as a child, but adopted by a couple living in Cana. Oren grew up to be a skilled fighter and his [adopted] brother Levi (Kaulin Krebs) coached him. When their father died, Oren was encouraged to go to Jerusalem for more fighting opportunities. He soon met Jesus (Jeff Dickamore), and became a carpenter's apprentice, too.

THE CARPENTER is currently in theaters: TICKETS

 MY REVIEW: "The Carpenter" does bring a unique look at the life of Jesus just before the beginning of His ministry. There were a couple of things that didn't quite line up with my idea of life in 1st Century A.D. Jerusalem, but I could overlook most.

I can see the appeal for teens and adults who love MMA, wrestling, and any other related sports. I didn't think the violence was overboard, so it depends on the child when it comes to viewing age. There are lessons learned throughout and Oren is certainly influenced by his time with Jesus. Sometimes seeds are planted or conversations started, but it's also a clean film with no bad language or sexual innuendo to distract from the message. I didn't love it, but I do see merit in it for others. Directed by Garrett Batty and written by Kameron Krebs and Kenny Krebs.

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card
(Note: This is limited to US winners only.) Please submit your full name and email address by 11/9.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Three Coin Productions for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:
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IMDb

Lost on a Mountain in Maine

Lost on a Mountain in Maine - The inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again. 

Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters starting November 1st! Tickets

Watch the trailer:

 

My Review: This is a wonderful film for the family to watch! A true story from July 1939, 12 year old Donn Fendler Jr. along with his twin brother and their younger brother, went with their father to hike Mount Katahdin in Maine. Due to bad weather, Mr. Fendler, the guide, and 2 of the boys turned back, but Donn stubbornly moved forward, eventually losing sight of the trail markers. This recount of his remarkable journey alone, without food or adequate clothing, for nine days is almost too incredible to be true. Yet his disappearance captured the attention and prayers of the nation and has been taught to Maine schoolchildren for decades. I was drawn into the story and hope to see this film become a classic.

There were a few instances of mild language during interviews of actual people who were interviewed, but barely noticeable. I loved the documentary style these interviews gave to the film. I especially love the actual black and white footage included at the end. All of the actors were wonderful, but I especially enjoyed Paul Sharp as Donn Feldner Sr.

(On a side note, I saw Paul Sharp's name listed on a video clip from "The Crown" on YouTube last night. His performance as Rev. Billy Graham was outstanding! I will be watching for more of his films.)

LINKS:

Website

Tickets

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Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card (limited to US winners only).
Please submit your full name and email address by 11/2/24.

Disclaimer: Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

BONUS: Donn Fendler reflects on the 75th anniversary of his being ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine’