Reading, Writing & Pondering

  If you are looking for a book with an activity that just may change the dynamics in your family, you need to look at The Giving Manger Boxed Set by Allison Hottinger. I love how this book changes the focus from getting to giving at Christmas. The Giving Manger is a nice large book, measuring about 10 inches square, with a 32-page story to inspire a family to focus on the joy of giving and the true meaning of Christmas based on Matthew 25:40b. I could see where this could be great fun in any sized family--and as I shared this story with my family, we are ready to make it a new Christmas tradition for us. The story encourages family members to be kind to family members, neighbors, strangers, anyone that you can think of. I was just thinking if everyone made a practice of doing this, just think of the effect this could have on others!  I received a copy of this boxed book set from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.

The Marvelous Mud House is a beautifully illustrated and well told story of children in two cultures and how they came together to create a lesson in joy and contentment. Ben and his family live in America. Like many American children, Ben is always wanting more and better things. Then Ben and his family visit George and his Mama in Kenya. Mama George is often telling her son that God will provide and He cares for them in their small grass hut limited mainly to essentials. The Marvelous Mud House is a story of two different cultures and how change can happen with those cultures collide. The Marvelous Mud House has fun, bright illustrations. The writing is well done and the story is one that should be easy for children to relate to. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 years, but it would make for rich discussions in families with a variety of ages. I like how there is a Parent Connection page in the back with Bible verses to read and questions to ask. This is a good book t...