I Can Be Kind by Amie Carlson

"I Can Be Kind: My first manners book" by Amie Carlson is a fun lift-the-flap book for toddlers and preschoolers to learn kindness and manners!

It features actual examples of how children can learn to share and show kindness. It also includes Bible verses from the NLT Bible on
 almost every page.

The pictures were adorable and eye-catching and there were just the right amount of words on each page. I would say it's aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 5, but older children could benefit from it as well.

My only complaint is the quality of the book itself. Although it is a lift-the-flap book, the pages are not "board" material as you might expect. They are actually just very thin pages. Unfortunately after handling the book for just a few minutes, my 4 year old and 2 year old managed to rip one of the pages and flaps. I loved the colorful photos and the lessons, but I would be wary purchasing if you have a young child who might accidentally tear a page. I rate this book as 4 stars.

I received this book for free from Tyndale Book Publishers in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni has faced a lifetime of hardships throughout her adult years. From being resigned to a wheelchair, to finding out she has breast cancer, Joni has dealt with so much heartache. But as readers will find out after reading "A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining Through Me Every Day", she doesn't let her circumstances define her. Joni wants others to see Jesus through her and her actions.

This devotional contains 365 short daily devotions. They are each dated and include a key Bible verse, prayer, and a short message.

Many of the devotions have to do with suffering, hardships, and heartache but they are very uplifting! God created us to live for Him each and everyday. To enjoy Him, display Him, and demonstrate His presence. We need to be able to live out our faith in good and bad circumstances.

I honestly did not know much about Joni Eareckson Tada before reading this book, but I was greatly encouraged after reading her story and the beautiful words she has written here! Her writing really makes you think and take a hard look at how you are living your life. There is nothing going on in your life that God can't handle. If we just gave all our worries and problems to God, we would be amazed at what he would do! One of the devotions really stuck out to me:

"Here's an understatement: Battling stage III breast cancer is no fun. One day when my husband, Ken was driving me home from chemotherapy, we discussed how sufferings are "splash-overs of hell" -gritty, gut-wrenching reminders of the horrors Christ rescued us from. As Ken pulled into our driveway, we then wondered, "What are splash-overs of heaven? Are they easy, bright times when everything's going right?" After a long silence, Ken looked at me and with wet eyes whispered, "No, Joni. It's when we see Jesus in our splash-over of hell."

I would definitely recommend this book to others, whether they're dealing with hardships, or feeling completely at peace. I rate it as 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Drop-dead Easy Knits

If you're looking for those knitting projects that you can just work on while on the go, then I'd highly recommend "Drop-dead Easy Knits" by Gale Zucker, Mary Lou Egan, and Kirsten Kapur." Their book is perfect for the novice or expert knitter!

Each project lists the difficulty level, materials needed, sizes of project, and stitches used. What I think is awesome about these patterns is that they are distinguished by how much you have to pay attention to complete it. For instance, many of the patterns are created specifically for the knitter to be able to just pick it up, knit for 5 minutes if need be, and to be able to pick up where you left off.

Other patterns require more concentration but are still very user friendly.

Patterns include shawls, socks, cowls, arm warmers, sweaters and much more! All in all, this book includes some amazingly beautiful patterns. I would definitely recommend to all my fellow knitters! I rate this book as 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.