Three great new releases for kids

📗 Becoming You for Boys... Books about puberty are often very frustrating for parents. I've checked so many of them! It often seems that the more modern books contain content I don't agree with but the older ones often include body image negativity, illustrations I find inappropriate, and more. Some are too vague and some give way too much information. Every parent should of course check for themselves but I was truly completely happy with this book. I also appreciate that it briefly goes over the changes that girls will experience while encouraging young men to be respectful about it all, and also goes over technology safety including never sending someone certain pictures of yourself. Finally, a quote I think parents will appreciate so they can get a feel for the worldview here: "The world says a lot of confusing things about what it means to be a boy or a girl, but God is clear and kind. You don't have to like everything people say boys should like. You don't have to love sports and be tough all the time to be a boy! But you can trust that God chose your body and who you are with love."

📕 Becoming You for Girls... I have tried several puberty books for girls and this really is my favorite! Along with an approach that repeatedly reminds a young lady that her changing body is good and God-designed, I found it to be informative and appropriate. While it's full of color illustrations, there aren't any that I find to be inappropriate in any way.

📘 God and Me... I absolutely loved this first Bible study! This is exactly what a kid needs to prepare them for a life long habit if thinking and reflecting on their Bible reading. It starts by actually explaining the Bible- how it's broken up, what are those numbers all through it (chapters + verses), and how to study the Bible. Then it's truly fun- Bright, colorful, a few games, lots of questions to make your kiddo really think about what they've read. I'm so excited to do this one with my toddler in a few years but I think my 8-year-old is going to enjoy it in the meantime. 

* I received a free copy of each of these from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review. 

4 New Releases

Blades of Eternity #2: The Curse of the Black Saber* (Christian, middle grade, fantasy, fiction)... This second book was just as engaging as the first. I'm truly not a fantasy fan I'm the slightest but most of my children are so here I am! There is some really great imagery on this one but of course parents should be aware of standard fantasy battles (good vs evil) as with most fantasy. I like this series more for the upper middle grade-middle school group. This series is a new smash hit for my oldest and we'll eagerly await book 3. 

The Heart Who Needed a Friend* (Christian, fiction, picture book)... This was a cute little wintertime picture book focused on friendship from a Biblical perspective. I thought it was sweet and I know it'll be a fun read for a lot of families!

 

Worthy* (Christian, nonfiction, Bible study material)... This is a Bible study commentary on Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. It's exactly what I want in a Bible study! I want to understand the Bible, not just hear about how this relates to your sister's husband's cousin. Right at the beginning of each section is a Bible Background Check to help me understand genre, key verses, author, audience, historical context, and cross-referencing. I have been loving this and will absolutely be saving it forever for my family and I to reference down the road.

Your Life Signature* (Christian, nonfiction)... What a book! This book made me think and reflect so much, which I always love. The author uses a lot of imagery and illustration to express his points so it was really jam-packed with gold that led me down some wonderful paths, my favorite being the story of Sir Nicholas Winton in the beginning or middle of the book. I have thought a lot about my purpose for years and this book only made me that much more excited to see what else God has planned for me and my one little life.

* I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.