The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari-Donita K. Paul

Donita K. Paul, a former schoolteacher, is the author of the popular Dragon Keeper books. The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari is just one in a series of books that teach children Biblical truths in an accessible and entertaining manner. My 8 year old daughter realy enjoyed reading this book and she delighted in the lovely illustrations. As a mother I appreciated the important lessons that the book taught about friendship, cooperation and overcoming ones fears. Each volume is built upon solid biblical teaching and this particular edition is built upon Deuteronomy 31:6. The verse reads "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid....God goes with you; he will never leave you." The story demonstrates this truth gracefully. The book also includes a section at the back to aid parents in an active discussion to help children understand times when it is important to be brave or encouraging to others. If you are looking for an entertaining and engaging way to not only teach your children important bible based lessons but to also connect with them on a deeper level this series of books is a wonderful tool. The books are absolutely appropriate for all groups and mayhaps even a few adults could learn a lesson or two from these stories.

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark,
illustrated by Vincent Nguyen
Waterbrook Press, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-307-44645-9

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

“While the World Watched” -Carolyn Maull McKinstry

“While the World Watched” written by Carolyn Maull McKinstry is a powerful read. It is a unique look into this country's darkest, most shameful period of history. While it hurts to read this book Carolyn manages to remind the reader that God is always working for our good. Even when we can't possibly see it He has a plan for our lives. He is faithful even when we are not. I love the part of her story when, Carolyn at one of her lowest moments, reaches out to God for comfort she hears His words; “...I need you to tell people that this is not about skin color or ethnicity or religion. It is about love....Just lift me up.” That is such an essential truth. Love thy neighbor. Regardless of the color of their skin. Regardless of their background, education or political beliefs. Regardless of their religion or lack therof. Just simply love like Jesus loves and we will surely be a hammer for God's Kingdom here on Earth.

“While the World Watched” has so many lessons that we can learn from. Social responsibility lessons. We must not sit idly by complacent in our comfortable lives while those around us suffer. Even in our own families hearts break and we as parents, children, aunts, brothers, sisters have a deep responsibility to reach out to our own loved ones that need to be heard and their pain acknowledged.

Mrs. McKinstry's beautiful book will touch you in many places...part history lesson, part morality tale and part family counseling. She takes you to all the dark places that we are intrinsically afraid to go but she takes us there with the light of God's eternal promise.

Read the Press Release Here 

List Price: 17.99 

ISBN: 978-1-4143-3636-7 

Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding: Hardcover 

Release: February 2011 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book 

Soul Print-Mark Batterson

“Soul Print” written by Mark Batterson is yet another Christian self-help book, though notably one that puts God firmly in the center rather than the self. In this aspect it is a book that I find could be most helpful for anyone seeking direction...anyone searching for the path that God intends for them to be on. It is so easy for us to become lost in the jumble of our daily lives that we forget entirely that we were created to be so much more. We were created in God's image to be creative and magnificent people...to do meaningful and fulfilling work for our creator. Why then do we spend the bulk of our lives looking for 'the perfect mate', working at jobs to buy yet another 'thing', struggling to just breathe in a world that seems to be moving at ever faster speeds? Is this hustle and bustle, go and do, glorifying to God?

Mark Batterson's book will have you asking yourself, “What was it that God called me to be?”. Because the answer to that question you already know. You've probably just forgotten. This book is not a quick fix...it won't answer any of your big questions. Neither will it magically define your destiny. It will, however, guide you down a path of self discovery that is simply enlightening. Mr. Batterson writes in a clear and engaging tone that is at once friendly and informative. I found myself really enjoying this book and yes, it has helped me rediscover who God intended for me to be. Thank you Mark Batterson for this invaluable, wonderful book.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.