Elizabeth Raum

Do you remember the "Choose Your Own Adventure books"? Crossroads in Galilee is a "Choose Your Journey" book. It is the same idea where the reader chooses a character and then within the journey, makes a decision that determines what direction the story will take. You can be A Boy From the Vineyard, The Fisherman's Sister or The Tax Collectors Brother. Each character has a different story, so I would recommend that you read the book as each of the characters. Depending upon the choice you show more make, you can read this book over and over learning something different each time. Some endings are happy and some not so happy. The goal is that the reader will learn something about the life and lessons of Jesus as well as gain more understanding of the Bible stories, and an increase in Faith and Trust in Jesus. The stories were accurately retold from the Bible, with a fresh new twist.

This is a great concept to teach the stories of the Bible. Kids will love exploring life in Jesus' time and all the choices the people could have made. It is a fun way for kids to learn Bible history without even realizing it. I liked the sections at the end of the book. There is a section that could be used for discussion; Real Life Decisions, a glossary, a list of bible passages that compliment each of the journeys as well as a section that might answer questions called What Bible Experts Say. This is a wonderful book for a church library, Sunday School classrooms and Christian family libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. show less

Cedric and the Dragon is a sweet fairy tale about a gentle prince that is a little different than everyone is used too. Although everyone loves him they are a little disappointed in his lack of skills. His father wants him to be a dragon slayer. Cedric brings down the terrible beast but not the way everyone thinks he should.

This captivating story has a message of kindness and peace. It also teaches that everyone is special in their own way with their own talents and skills.

Nina's beautiful show more illustrations are done in pastel colors and brings a calm and captivating magic to the story. Her whimsical characters help bring life to this fairy tale. Your children will not only love to hear the story but will want to study each illustration in detail.

My daughters loved the book. My four year old wants to watch the "cartoon" (there is no cartoon). She giggled at the pictures and I had to wait to turn the pages until she was done inspecting each one. This book has it all. A wonderful story and charming illustrations that are sure to make this a favorite in your home.

This book was given to me for a free and honest review. show less

What a nice way to liven up a dull subject. Play to the students' sense of disgust. Nicely done.

Pages: 110
Reading Level: 4.1

Although this book is not your typical, factual nonfiction book, its interactive qualities make this activity book a great thrill for students. With different story paths, 65 life changing choices, and 16 different ending students get the choose how their character ends up. At the end there is a brief account of what happens at the end of the war. There are also factual dates and accurate information scattered throughout the different scenarios, making this book a show more great place to start. I could use this book as either a classroom or group activity, or I could allow students to explore the paths on their own. show less