Book Club: Book Review of Kit and the Missing Notebook

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you. 

Do you have a child who gets worried? Feels anxious? Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety by Chris and Lindsey Wheeler and illustrated by Carmen Saldaña is a children's book that teaches how to calm worries. It can help kids discover, through a charming story, how they can deal with their own fears and anxieties. 

About the Book 

Kit and the Missing Notebook is a 32-page hardcover book for ages 4-8. Kit is a young kangaroo who just moved to a new town with her family. The story starts with Kit wondering where her belongings are, as she is surrounded by boxes. She goes through the boxes, looking for her notebook. As she takes things out, like bubble gum and an extra pair of socks, she puts them in her pouch. 

After she finally finds it, she goes outside and makes a list of the pros and cons of her new home. She meets two bouncing hamsters—Buddy and Bella—and promptly loses her notebook. If your children look closely while you are reading the story, they will even see when the notebook bounces out of her pouch. 

Kit discovers the missing notebook and begins to panic. Buddy and Bella help her look, but they can't find it. Mrs. G, her neighbor, arrives and suggests soup. Mrs. G asks Buddy, Bella, and Kit to help make the soup. Kit hears the rice, feels a squishy tomato, smells the yummy aroma of the soup, and tastes its deliciousness. By the time she has had a bowl, she doesn't feel so anxious anymore. 

Our Thoughts 

I love the illustrations in Kit and the Missing Notebook. The colors are just bright enough to make the story pop. The text was easy to read, and the story was easy to read aloud. One of my favorite pages was where Kit is holding the tomato and cloud bubbles surround Kit with "chop chop chop" and "sizzle sizzle." 

At first, I was concerned that the story would put the idea of anxiety into our children's heads. There are some children who hear of a problem and then suffer from it themselves. But the story is told in a way that really puts the anxiety on the character of Kit and not the reader or listener. But yet, a child could relate to Kit if the parent brings the idea to them. 

I would have preferred to see both Kit's mom and dad. The book says she moved with her family, but it is not clear who that family is. I think it is very important to share with children stories where mom and dad are the parents, when so many stories, television shows, and movies depict single-parent homes. I understand single-parent homes exist, I came from one myself, but I also want my children to see families that look like their own. 

I liked the authors' note at the back that explained how preparing Mrs. G's soup was actually one that helps those with anxiety. It's a great sensory activity that allows Kit to identify a sound, scent, tight, taste, and touch combined with a breathing exercise. And there is even a recipe for Mrs. G's Magic Soup! 

I would recommend this book to families with children ages 6-9 who suffer from worry or anxiety. The only thing that would make this book perfect would be the inclusion of asking God for help when dealing with the worry. 

Read More Reviews 

• Book Club: Book Review of Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt
• Book Club: Book Review of Operation: Happy
• Book Club: Book Review of I'm So Glad You Were Born

Book Club: Book Review of Kiki Finds Her Voice

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Finding inspirational books for children can be daunting. There may be a lot of children's books available, but do they all align with your worldview? It's not easy to find ones that align with our Christian worldview, so I am always happy to see children's books published by Zonderkidz™. We were lucky enough to receive Kiki Finds Her Voice: Be True to You and Embrace Your God-Given Gifts to read and review. 

I am not too familiar with music after the late 1990s. The little that I do know tends to be what is in pop culture on social media, as I don't listen to the radio or watch a lot of television anymore. So, I will admit to not knowing Kierra Sheard-Kelly before taking a look at Kiki Finds Her Voice. 

About the Book 

This hardcover book is geared towards ages 4-8. In the story, we meet Kiki and her "kinda-sorta" friend, Brittany, and her friends, Sophia and Ashley. The four girls are preparing to audition for the Bates Elementary Talent Show. 

When the girls audition, everyone is very happy except for Kiki's mom. Her mom feels that she is not old enough to be singing a song with those lyrics. Kiki shares that the song is everywhere, but her mom reminds her that they follow Jesus and not everyone else. Her parents remind her that she needs to do her own thing and not worry about fitting in. 

The book continues with the rest of Kiki's story and closes with an author's note. The story is based on a real-life event of the author. She wanted to share her story "because I want you to always remember God gave you your passions and your purpose for a reason. You were not made to be everyone else." 

Our Thoughts 

From the cover of the book to the colorful illustrations inside, Kiki Finds Her Voice is a warm and inviting book. And even though the book is written for ages 4-8, I think any child who is familiar with the Grammy Award-nominated gospel singer would enjoy the story. 

I love that the book allows Kiki to be upset, but her parents help her understand why she doesn't need to fit in with the rest of the world. It is her chance to lead – even if the other girls aren't happy with the song change. It is very encouraging and refreshing to read a book where a character is different because they are following God.

Our daughter really enjoyed Kiki Finds Her Voice. I think it is a great addition to our bookshelves! 

Interested in more from Zonderkidz™? 

Book Club: Book Review of The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find

Book Club: Book Review of Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional

Book Club: Book Review of Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt

Book Club: Book Review of Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

What an adorable book! Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt is one in a series of children's books about a real-life hippopotamus born at the Cincinnati Zoo. In this hardcover book by Richard Cowdrey, children follow Fiona and her prehensile-tailed porcupine friend, Rico, on the journey to create, hide, and find colorful Easter eggs. 

Who is Fiona? 

Fiona was born prematurely on January 24, 2017. She received around-the-clock care from Cincinnati Zoo's animal care staff and even help from nurses at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital to help her during those first years. While the average newborn hippo weighs between 55 and 120 pounds, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds. She is the smallest-born hippo to ever survive. Fiona is now a big sister to Fritz, who was born on August 3, 2022. 

About the Book 

Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt is a fantastical tale of two friends seeking to give their other animal friends a fun spring experience. When Fiona and Rico see that the zoo will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt soon, they decide to create one for their animal friends. 

This dream to create an animal Easter Egg Hunt is the theme of the story. Fiona and Rico both decorate and fill the eggs before they set off to hide them. Fiona, wearing bunny ears and carrying the basket, and Rico hide the eggs in trees.

At one of their first stops, Mrs. Swann requests their help so she can gather grass and leaves to make her nest cozier for her six swan eggs. Both Fiona and Rico agree to watch the eggs. During their time watching the eggs, the basket of eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt get dumped out and must be retrieved. If your child is very observant, they will see that one of the white swan eggs finds its way into the basket of Easter Eggs. 

In the rest of the book, we follow Fiona and Rico as they hide the eggs. And then Mrs. Swan finds one of her eggs missing. Now all the animals help to find her egg. But Fiona is the lucky one who spots it as it is hatching. And the little cygnet thinks Fiona is his mama! 

Our Thoughts 

While it might be helpful to have read others in the series prior to reading this book, I don't think it is necessary. I did explain a bit about Fiona to our children prior to reading the book. I have enjoyed watching videos of her and her brother as they play together and do hippo things. 

This is an adorable children's book. While it focuses more on a secular aspect of Easter, the message of bringing joy to others, helping others, and perseverance is a good one for any children's book. As long as you are okay with Easter Egg Hunts, I think this would be a great book for families with young children. 

I love that it allowed us the opportunity to talk about the different animals in the book, such as the

• prehensile-tailed porcupine 
• swans
• koalas
• polar bear
• tortoises 
• giraffes
• and more! 

And because the baby swan first sees Fiona when it hatches, we discussed baby birds and imprinting, too. 

Our son and daughter just loved the book! They thought it was very cute. And now our daughter wants all the books in the series. 

Book Club: Book Review of Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional: Shining God's Light in the World by Joanna Rivard and Tim Penner is a very cute hardcover book for children! I was very happy to receive this book from Zonderkidz™ to review on my blog. 

The hardcover book is 155 pages long and printed on shiny paper. When I first opened the book, it had that wonderful new book smell! Each devotion is split between two pages and includes expository text, a Bible quote, and very cute illustrations of children engaging in the light shining described. 

The main focus of Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional is that God gives us his unending love, and we can pass that along to others. Thus, our children can shine their own light and demonstrate God's love in simple ways. They can help share God's message without having to worry about how to do it. 

Some of the examples of how to shine their light include: 

• Being joyful 
• Following the example of Jesus 
• Including those who have been left out 
• Sharing God's love 
• Helping others 

The book also shares many examples of how we see God's love all around us. From the wonder of nature to small acts of love like sharing gentle words, Tiny Truths Little Lights Devotional provides concrete and simple examples for our children. 

My Thoughts 

This would make a great gift for a 5 to 9-year-old child. They could read it with their parent or on their own and start to dig into God's Word. There is even a place in the front of the book to inscribe it to the child with the date it was gifted. 

I really like that you can read two pages a day and focus on the love of God with your children. I started out reading the book by myself so I could review it, but my daughter spotted it and wanted it read aloud. We read several devotions a day because they are short and easy to read. After finishing the book, I have no concerns about giving the book to my children to read on their own.

I would recommend this book to families and churches, as it is a cute book that focuses on the light of God.  

Interested in More Books Published by Zondervan? Check out these reviews! 

• Book Club: Book Review of The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find
• Spending Time with the Bible: A Review of Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women from Zondervan
• Book Club: Review of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls
• Book Club: Book Review of Sunny Days Ahead

Book Club: Book Review of The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

There are many storybook-style Bibles available to purchase for your younger children. With all these resources comes debate, too. Should we provide a watered-down version of the Bible for our children? The Bible is not a fictional story, so why create a "storybook" Bible? If you are a family planning to include storybook bibles on your bookshelves, or if you already have one or two, I have a recommendation for a new book to add to your collection. 

From the beloved Berenstain Bears of my own childhood, there is a new book for my own children. The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find is a relatively new publication from Zonderkidz. This hardcover, colorful book presents several stories from the Bible with short text and graphics featuring bears in place of the humans. 

If your children are already familiar with the Berenstain Bears, this will provide a fun way to bring the Bible into your reading time. In a typical search and find, children will be on the lookout for a number of images within the larger picture. As this is a hardcover, the idea is not to circle the pictures when found but merely to point them out to the parent or grandparent reading the book. 

Stories include: 

• The Creation 
• Noah's Ark
• Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt
• David as a shepherd
• Daniel in the lion's den
• The Birth of Jesus 
• The Storm at Sea
• The Last Supper (Passover supper) 

Ways to Use The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find

In addition to reading the text aloud with your child(ren) and searching for the objects listed, there are several ways in which you could use this particular storybook Bible. For example, find the story depicted in The Berenstain Bears' book with the one in your copy of the Bible. Look for passages or quotes from the Bible itself to share with your child. 

For the first set of pages depicting the Creation, create a mini-book with your child to depict the first seven days based on the Bible. Add the pictures from the Search and Find book to the mini-book on the appropriate days. Encourage your children to copy the pictures from the Search and Find book in their own mini-book to create a strong connection. 

On the pages that ask children to find certain numbers of objects, such as the ones showing David as a young shepherd, you could expand on the math lesson. Bring physical representation of the objects to the table. Do you have six mini apples or four toy ducks? You can collect the objects and work on addition and subtraction with them. Ask your child to add all the birds or all the plant objects (apples and flowers). 

Can you think of any other ways you could use this fun book in your home? Please share in the comments!

My Thoughts 

I really appreciate that the Search and Find included stories from both the Old and New Testaments. My only recommendation would be to add a few more. For example, maybe something from Proverbs and the Psalms from the Old Testament. And I would be very happy to see the Crucifixion and Resurrection depicted from the New Testament. Or maybe something from Acts or one of the letters. I understand that the Crucifixion is a heavy topic for 3 to 6-year-olds (the recommended age), but it is a very important part of the "story." 

For the pages illustrating Noah's Ark, I would have preferred the rainbow to have all the colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). This is something we personally emphasize in our household to distinguish God's rainbow from other depictions. And some may have problems with the fact that the book illustrates it in a typical storybook fashion and not based upon Biblical research. 

Our eight-year-old daughter was very happy to see this book arrive. She still reads the copies of The Berenstain Bears' books we have collected over the years. So even though this book is recommended for ages 3 to 6 years old, those who enjoy the Bears will also enjoy this Search and Find book. 

I would recommend this book to families with young children who wish to introduce the Bible to their children in a fun way. It is also a great supplement to the Bible readings you may already be doing with your children. 

Book Club: Book Review of Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I enjoy a good historical fiction novel, especially those that involve a mission. I was very pleased to read and review Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller. Her latest adventure is set in 1837, telling the story of four sisters seeking the woman who helped their father. 

About the Book 

We join four sisters—Rosemary, Juniper, Faith, and Lorelei Collins—in July 1837 at a trapper-trading rendezvous in Green River Valley (future Wyoming). They have traveled to the locale with the trading wagons. They are seeking the Piegan Blackfoot woman who helped heal their father years ago. On their father's deathbed, he asked his daughters to seek her out and return her beads to her. Even though the trip and the mission were dangerous, all four sisters agreed to try and find Steps Right to honor their father. 

When they arrived at the camp, they met Riley Turner when the coyote pup Lorelei was nursing escaped. Riley took it upon himself to escort and protect the girls. The men at the rendezvous had not seen a white woman - especially one from the East - in at least a year or more. So Riley wanted to protect the girls' virtue and honor. The Collins sisters hired Riley and, eventually, his campmates to help them on the journey and mission to find Steps Right. 

In addition to the dangers at the camp rendezvous, the Collins sisters and Riley also faced dangers in the wilderness and from the different tribes they questioned regarding the whereabouts of Steps Right.

 

My Thoughts 

Misty M. Beller has crafted another well-written and intriguing work of historical fiction. Her words in Rocky Mountain Rendezvous brought the location to life. While reading the book, I really felt like I was on the trail with Juniper (the Collins sister the story focuses upon) and Riley.

"The sun beat down on Juniper relentlessly as they rode past the morning hours and into early afternoon. Dragoon's tracks—and those of the horses he'd been following—had been winding around several mountains, staying to the lower rocky terrain" (218). 

I also felt like Beller did a good job of being respectful of different groups and beliefs. With recent anger towards other Christian authors telling stories set in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, I can only hope critics will read Beller's book before making a decision. 

At no point does Beller write disrespectfully of the Native American tribes that the main characters come across on their mission. I am eager to see how Beller continues the story in the series as the Collins work more closely with the tribes in the area. 

While Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is published by Bethany House Publishers, the story focuses on the journey and mission and less on God and His hand in the Collins sisters' lives. God is still present but not as central as He is in some other Bethany House publications. 

I would recommend Rocky Mountain Rendezvous to those who enjoy historical fiction and Christian Romance. The pace of the story is excellent, and the characters are well developed and interesting. 

Read my review of Hope's Highest Mountain, too! 

Book Club: Book Review of Can Science Explain Everything?

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I received Can Science Explain Everything? as a gift after my husband and I watched John C. Lennox on Takeaways with Kirk Cameron. I mentioned that I wanted to read a book by Lennox or learn more about his ideas to my husband, and he surprised me with this introductory book.

I think I did Can Science Explain Everything? a disservice by not reading the front flap before digging into the book. I thought I would be walking away from my time reading with a firmer set of arguments to share with those who think science and God do not belong in the same sentence. I ended up disappointed as I read through the book, but that was my own fault. John C. Lennox states in the very beginning: 

"I hope you enjoy reading this introduction to the question of science and the Christian faith, and that it stimulates you to approach this question in a scientific way; that is, open to what the outcome may be and prepared to follow the evidence where it leads." 

He even addresses this idea in the preface, stating the book was written for young people and adults who asked for a more accessible book than God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? I can allow thinking that I was distracted by real-world problems when I failed to take into account Lennox's explanation for the book.

This book is meant to be a primer for your studies in science and Christian faith. And the author even suggests other works, including his own, where you can find out more information. He does a great job providing an introduction demonstrating that science and religion can mix.

About the Book 

Can Science Explain Everything? is a 127-page paperback book with ten chapters, a preface, an introduction, and a list of books for more reading. Each chapter moves through different arguments as to why science and religion can mix and why the common viewpoint that you can't be a scientist and believe in God is wrong. 

Lennox provides quotes and examples discussing C. S. Lewis, Galileo, Hawking, Newton, and more to examine worldviews and reconcile how scientists can believe in God. He tries to correct people's incorrect viewpoints of historical events and people. Lennox also provides real-world examples of conversations he has had with atheists and others during his lectures and travels. 

In the book, there are also definitions of faith and science and a look at how Daniel uses the scientific method in the Bible. Lennox looks at the beginning of the world and the miracles of Jesus to help his readers better understand the connection between science and the Christian faith. 

My Thoughts 

After taking a step back from my mistake, I really enjoyed this introductory book. I think it is very well-written and highly accessible. And it makes me want to read more by Lennox. I loved the points he made, such as the one refuting that the world of the early Christians was pre-scientific. 

"To suppose that Christianity was born in a pre-scientific, credulous, and ignorant world is simply false to the facts. The ancient world knew the law of nature as well as we do, that dead bodies do not get up out of graves. Christianity won its way because of the sheer weight of evidence that one man had actually risen from the dead." (79)

I think it is very sad that in today's world, people are ready to believe in psychics, haunted mansions, luck, and coincidences, but the idea that miracles happened as described in the Bible is easily dismissed. Why? "When a miracle takes place, it is the laws of nature that alert us to the fact that it is a miracle" (81). Why is the Christian faith so easy to dismiss? 

I would recommend Can Science Explain Everything? for those who wish to start exploring how science and faith actually are "good friends" and that we can "enjoy and benefit from both of them." 

Book Club: Book Review of What Happens Next

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I share often about extremely good books. Books that I can't put down because they are page-turners. I recently had this same experience with What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson. I received the book in the late afternoon and started reading it that night. By the next day, I had finished the book. Such a great novel!

"Everyone has a story, and maybe everyone needs a little help toward healing." 

What Happens Next tells the story of a popular podcaster, Faith Byrne, who is suffering. She may feature individuals on her podcast who have overcome tragedies, but she is facing a number of difficulties herself and struggling with how to overcome them. She is facing a summer without her daughters as they are going to Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife. She is also facing tragic news. She learns of the disappearance of Heather Crane. During the summer of 1987, Faith and her family stayed in Deep Valley. She was befriended by Heather during the summer. They were inseparable until Faith and her family moved before the start of the new school year. It was shortly after that move that Heather disappeared. And Faith was never told of her friend's disappearance. Sadly, she thought Heather refused to answer any of her letters. 

Faith is approached by Heather's older sister, Brooke, to assist in putting closure on the disappearance. Dora Crane, the girls' mother, did not handle the disappearance of her daughter well. In fact, it tore the family apart. By the present day of the book, we learn that Heather's brother, Greg, has moved away and not returned home. Heather's father, Paul, has left Dora. While Dora keeps Heather's room as it was the day she disappeared, the rest of the family is trying to move on with their lives while still being respectful of their lost family member.

We learn about Faith and Heather's friendship through flashbacks shared from Heather's point of view, as well as Faith's own memories shared with the other characters. The details are also filled in by Dora, Nathan (who had been a friend of Faith and Heather during that summer), the original detective on the case, and Faith's grandmother.

The novel is written from three different perspectives. The chapters of What Happens Next change from Faith, Dora, and Heather as we learn more and more details about the night Heather disappeared. This is done in an easy-to-follow manner as the title of the character is featured at the end of each chapter. 

What Did I Think? 

This was another book I picked based on the cover. It looks like an ideal summer day. A purple child's bicycle is tossed in the path. Perhaps its owner is enjoying a hike through the woods or a swim in the nearby stream. As a reader, you don't know that the bike belongs to Heather until many chapters into What Happens Next.

I felt that Christina Suzann Nelson provided a wonderful sense of suspense as I read from chapter to chapter. I wanted to know what happened to Heather. I felt her come to life in the book. I was eager to know if she had come to harm or had merely gone off on her own. The title of the novel is very appropriately named! 

The characters were all very believable. I felt the sorrow and agony of Dora, the hurt and pain of Paul, as well as the hope of Faith. The hope was that she would be able to help the Crane family. They made her welcome during that summer. She wanted to return the favor to them by providing closure. 

I would recommend What Happens Next to those who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. While the characters' relationship with God was not central to the story, we can see how each reached out to God to find their way. This would make a great gift for those who enjoy mystery and suspense Christian novels. 

Read my review of More Than We Remember here: Book Review. 

Book Club: Book Review of Britfield & The Return of the Prince

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Do you enjoy suspenseful fiction? Perhaps you are looking for a new series of books to read fall under action-adventure and juvenile fiction. In 2019, I reviewed the first in the Britfield series. This book was a hit with our oldest (who doesn't really enjoy reading). Last summer, I reviewed the second book, Britfield & The Rise of the Lion. And now I am sharing my thoughts about the third book — Britfield & The Return of the Prince.

Background Information 

In the first book, we meet Tom and Sarah as they escape from an orphanage, travel in a balloon, and move through different parts of England. Just like the second two books, Britfield & The Lost Crown is packed with action and adventure. There is intrigue and mystery as we discover that Tom is actually the Britfield heir and the Britfields are the rightful heirs to the English throne. 

Britfield & The Rise of the Lion is set in France. Again Tom and Sarah, along with the other characters who are attempting to help them (the members of the Resistance) face danger as they fight their way through the cities and countryside of France. 

The Plot of Britfield & The Return of the Prince 

During the second book, the Resistance releases information regarding the evil organization known as the Committee that is trying to maintain its power and control over the world. The Committee is trying to get a hold of Tom so they can maintain their control over the English throne. They do not hesitate to use force and violence to try and succeed. 

At the very beginning of Britfield & The Return of the Prince, we see Tom and Sarah learning and working alongside Fontaine at an elite school. All does not remain well as the Committee strikes the school in an attempt to kidnap Tom. At the same time, they are attacking Devonbury Academy in Switzerland, the Committee hits numerous Resistance operations, computer systems, safe houses, and more. The Resistance is left attempting to keep their men and women safe. 

We follow the main characters in the third book as they travel from safe house to safe house in Italy, attempting to find the second Britfield Codex and Tom's parents. They are also trying to reconnect, but a team of assassins and others in the Committee are making that near impossible. The Committee is no longer afraid to operate in the open to some extent, as they are using the police for blockades throughout all of Italy. 

What Places Do We See? 

There are many famous locations shared in Britfield & The Return of the Prince. This leaves homeschool parents with the opportunity to dig deeper into European history, especially that of Italy and the Roman Empire. 

Some of the cities and locations you can study include: 

• Lake Como
• Genoa 
• Pisa
• Florence 
• Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo 
• Rome
• Colosseum
• The Forum 

What Art Is Mentioned? 

As many of the famous locations and art pieces are merely mentioned in the story, you could spend time studying them in greater detail with your children. A few of the artworks mentioned include: 

• Rogier van Der Weyden's Lamentation of Christ 
• Michelangelo's The Holy Family 
• Leonardo da Vinci's Adoration of the Magi 

My Thoughts 

I am going to be completely honest. While I read both the first two books rather quickly – being unable to put them down – I did not feel the same urge to keep reading Britfield & The Return of the Prince. With the three main groups of characters separated for the majority of the book as they ran from the Committee, the chapters jumped back and forth between scenes. And we also meet new characters - both good and bad.

I felt that, at times, the descriptions were too verbose. I did not need to read how each individual fight and skirmish took place especially since the Committee was often on the heels of the Resistance members in each chapter. Another specific example of something that seemed to bog down the speed of the action and adventure was the lengthy discussion of how Kate, the technical/computer expert, was trying to hide the various Resistance members' journeys through Italy.

While I understand that the book is not a work of Christian fiction, I felt that maybe that is what was missing. Perhaps that is why it was difficult to read through the constant struggles of Tom, Sarah, Gowerstone, Henry, and the others. If the good characters had expressed their faith in God, their belief that He would see them through, it might have been easier for me to read Britfield & The Return of the Prince. 

Even with my reservations, I do think this was a good addition to the series. Fans of the first two books will want to know what happened to Tom and Sarah. And they will definitely want to meet the new characters introduced. I would recommend parents read at least part of the book prior to handing it over to their children. There are assassins hunting Tom who will stop at nothing to get him. And if the assassins do not succeed, the Committee has no problem executing them. So, there is a lot of violence in the book.

Read my reviews of the first two books here: 

Book Club: Book Review of Britfield & The Lost Crown

Book Club: Book Review of Britfield & the Rise of the Lion

Book Club: Book Review of Farmyard Faith

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

I am fortunate enough to receive many homeschooling resources in my position as the Social Media Manager for the Homeschool Review Crew. I don't write many reviews of the products anymore, but I felt I had to share my experiences while reading Farmyard Faith by Kinsey M. Rockett. Of the three books the Crew is reviewing from Whatsoever Stories, I picked this one to read first as it detailed the experiences of the author over the course of ten years on their family farm.

About the Book 

Farmyard Faith is a work of Christian non-fiction that shares stories of the Rockett Family Farm. It starts with a funny but scary story about bees and takes readers on a journey through ten years of taking care of goats, geese, chickens, barn cats, and other animals. 

In Farmyard Faith, the author shares two poems, a glossary, and 101 things that most farming books don't tell you about, in addition to the stories about the animals and the farm. While their farm did not resemble the storybook farm with cows and sheep, the farm provided many valuable lessons about animals and about one's relationship with the Lord. In just over 200 pages, one will read about two potential fires, a goat with a scary but curable condition, three geese that shared a tight bond, and pigs who thought they were in control. 

To accompany these stories, Rockett shares how these experiences can further one's relationship with God. For example, in the chapter "Who's in Control?" the family tries to move several pigs into the trailer with great difficulty. They ended up calling the mobile slaughter in the end, which they could have done at the beginning of the ordeal but they decided to do it their own way first. She closes the chapter by reminding the readers in this work of Christian non-fiction that "If you will face life in God's strength rather than trying to get through it on your own, it will spare you a whole lot of trouble too" (151).

How Did I Use the Book in our Home? 

Initially, I was reading the book because I wanted to preview it before sharing it with our younger children. I thought it would be interesting to read as I had worked at a zoo and cared for the goats and sheep in the children's zoo for a while. Most often, I would read a chapter or two at the end of the day. But then, I decided to read a chapter aloud to my mom during mealtime. 

My mom moved in with us in 2019. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in January 2021. While we have been taking care of her during all this time, her daily needs intensified in February of 2022. My husband and I found it necessary to feed her meals as she could no longer feed herself. 

In addition to reading the Bible aloud to her, I decided to read Farmyard Faith aloud because she had also worked at the same zoo as me. I felt she would enjoy the stories about the animals and that the devotional parts would provide encouragement for all of us. 

I was only able to read three chapters aloud before her care intensified again and then she went to the hospital, but I really feel like those three chapters were just what I needed to read on those days. It is amazing how Christian fiction and non-fiction provide just the encouragement, inspiration, and solace we need. 

In the one chapter I read aloud to my mom, Rockett asks: "What kind of example are you setting for those who are watching you? If someone were to imitate you, what would their life look like?" (55). These questions went through my mind a lot as I was taking care of my mom. Through all the sacrifices our family was making to take care of her what were my children learning? What were they seeing? When I was too tired to play games with my children, would they understand? Was I setting a good example for them? 

I think I was answered in a later chapter about heavy rains and the potential for damage to their barn. Neighbors came to the Rockett family's aid. Rockett reminds us that "Jesus set the ultimate example, and He calls each of us to follow Him in serving others" (73). In those moments when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing by sacrificing our family time, space, and experiences, I was following the example set by Jesus. I was loving the Lord and my neighbor. I was loving my mom. 

What Do I Think? 

If you can't tell, I really enjoyed Farmyard Faith. I feel blessed that the author chose to have her books reviewed by the Homeschool Review Crew. I can't wait to read the other two books, which are Christian fiction.

I will be adding Farmyard Faith to our children's list of books to read. I believe both our son and daughter will enjoy reading about the animals, especially the goats and the cats. I think they may also find some of the same encouragement that I did while reading Farmyard Faith. 

I finished reading Farmyard Faith after my mom died, and I found the closing chapters to be of great solace. Our journey was very long and difficult, and like Rockett speaks of in "Cancel That Prayer," it was "painful and unrewarding" at times, but Jesus never promised that it would be easy. Taking care of my mom was not easy but it was worth it. I am thankful for the reminders in Farmyard Faith of that. 

I would recommend Farmyard Faith for homesteading families, homeschooling families, and families who enjoy funny and uplifting stories. I think it would make a lovely gift for the animal lover, mother, father, or young teen who wants Christian non-fiction to read. 

Do You Want to Learn More? 

Please visit the Crew Website to learn about the other two books and see what the rest of the Crew shared in their reviews. You can also read more about all three books by Kinsey M. Rockett by visiting here: Products.

Book Club: Book Review of The Bible Recap Journal

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Do you enjoy Bible journaling? Perhaps you are looking for a new way to journal with your Bible? Bethany House Publishers has released a new book by Tara-Leigh Cobble to accompany The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible. The Bible Recap Journal: Your Daily Companion to the Entire Bible is based on a chronological reading plan for you to record what you learn as you read the Bible. 

About the Journal 

The Bible Recap Journal is a 384-page paperback book where each day of the year has one page devoted to it. It opens with instructions on how to use the journal and additional tools you can use while you journal through the Bible.

It is recommended to start at thebiblerecap.com and then complete the following steps each day: 

1. Complete your daily Bible reading. 
2. Use the journal during your reading – write down where you see God's attributes in today's reading. 
3. Use The Bible Recap Study Guide (find my review here: Book Review of The Bible Recap Study Guide).
4. Listen to the podcast or read The Bible Recap book (read my review). 
5. Use the weekly discussion guide.

I don't think you need to follow all these steps to be able to use the journal, but the more steps you accomplish or complete, the deeper you can dig into the Bible each day. I think the two most important steps are reading your Bible and using the journal. Those things alone will help you as you read God's Word.

Each day in the journal provides you with space to focus upon three parts: 

• Things I loved/learned/noticed 
• Questions/things I want to research 
• God Shot (where you see God on display in your daily reading) 

There is also space for you to write the date. And each page has either a quote from the Bible, a short prayer, or something to encourage you on your Bible journaling process. There are also a few pages of additional journaling pages in the back to write down more ideas and thoughts. 

My Thoughts 

I really like the idea of The Bible Recap Journal, but I am not sure if it is the right book for me to use as a Bible journal. I like the idea of looking for how God is on display in each day's reading. I do not know how easy it will be for me to fill in all three parts each day in the journal. Instead of being so open-ended, I would prefer to have more direction in the journal or none at all. But that really isn't the focus of The Bible Recap Journal. I think the journal will meet the needs of many who wish to dig deeper into the Bible on a daily basis. As you work through each day using The Bible Recap Journal, you will spend more time in God's Word.

Book Club: Book Review of Britfield & the Rise of the Lion

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

We have been eagerly awaiting the release of Britfield & the Rise of the Lion by C.R. Stewart as we really enjoyed the first book in the series. From the concise recap in the prologue to the exciting ending, I could not put the book down. In Britfield & the Rise of the Lion, we join up with Tom and Sarah as they have washed up on the shores of France after the end of the first book. 

The Plot 

Where to begin? There are so many wonderful details in the 471-page paperback book, as well as a few key twists and turns that I hardly know where to start. Should I start with the amazing locations, the characters that come to life, or the exciting plot points? At the heart of the story are Tom and Sarah, who escaped from Weatherly Orphanage in the first book, so let's look at the characters. 

Characters of Book II 

• Tom – A "scrappy little orphan" with a "brash attitude and obnoxious behavior" (quoting Sarah) who is probably the most important figure in the Britfield series 
• Sarah – A young orphan from Scotland who helps support Tom and inspires him to keep going 
• Professor Hainsworth – While he was a key figure in the first book, we only spend a few pages with the professor as we follow his journey back to health in France. 
• Detective Gowerstone – A former member of a secret British military/police organization and Scotland Yard who has spent the last ten years looking for the lost child of the Britfields 
• UK Prime Minister – A man that was once a trusted friend to Gowerstone who is sadly involved on the wrong side.
• Detective Fontaine – A member of Interpol who was contacted by Gowerstone to look after Tom and Sarah in France 
• Detective Gustave – Fontaine's partner who continues to work at Interpol for a brief time in the novel. 
• Allistair – A key member of an organization that helps keep Tom safe in France. 
• Oliver Horningbrook – The son of the UK Prime Minister who helped Tom and Sarah in Book I and will play a key role in Book II. 
• Sir Henry Horningbrook – The uncle of Oliver and brother to the UK Prime Minister. Henry also holds an important role and position in keeping Tom safe. 
• Strauss – An imposing member of the secret organization that is trying to find and capture Tom. 

Locations of Book II 

While Book I took readers across the countryside of England to Oxford, Canterbury, and London, Book II is set in France. Once again, homeschoolers could spend time researching the locations and learning more about the places as they exist in real life. 

• Monastery at Mont-Saint-Michel 
• Notre Dame 
• Eiffel Tower 
• Louvre 
• Chateaux Chambord 
• Lyons 

Main Plot Points 

Without giving away too many of the twists and turns, I want to share a few of the main plot points with you. All of these actions within Britfield & the Rise of the Lion are well-developed and give readers the impression that you are right beside the characters. 

• Tom and Sarah getting to Paris. 
• Tom and Sarah escaping the clutches of Marcel and the others who are attempting to kidnap or eliminate them for the Committee. 
• The fight of good versus evil and how organizations across the world are involved in it.
• The rescue of the kidnapped. 
• The attempt to get to Italy and thus leave France. 

My Thoughts 

I feel like this book was published at exactly the right time. Woven into the tale of Tom and Sarah is a dark story of secret organizations that are really controlling the governments of the world. This secret Committee is behind the problems Tom - and possibly - Sarah faced from the moment they were orphaned. The Committee would do anything with their limitless resources of weapon power to remain in control and get Tom. 

We see a struggle between good and evil as Detective Gowerstone tries to protect Tom and Sarah. Sir Henry Horningbrook takes his years of research and uses it to bring light to the evil of the Committee. As a world, we need to see good triumphing over evil. Our children need well-written stories that can inspire them to follow God and do good in the world. 

What Should You Know as a Parent? 

Britfield & the Rise of the Lion is a story where your children will read about the forces of good and evil. There are chase scenes across the streets of Paris and through the levels of the Eiffel Tower. Gun battles take place in several locations across France, and there is a kidnapping as the sinister group that operates clandestinely tries to remain in control of the world. The action moves quickly in this novel, which has a lot of history sprinkled throughout. While there are accidents and deaths, none of the violence is gory or drawn out. Many preteens and teens who would enjoy this book will have already experienced similar violence in video games or popular television shows or movies. 

I would recommend parents read at least a selection of Britfield & the Rise of the Lion, if you aren't going to read the entire book before giving it to your preteen or teen. Our oldest, who does not enjoy reading, thoroughly enjoyed reading Britfield & the Lost Crown and picked up that copy several times to see when the next book was scheduled to be released. Now that I am finished reading Book II, I will be passing it along to him to read. 

I think many will enjoy this novel and I can't wait for the next book!