Gwen Ellis

An inspirational compilation of reflections, quotations, scripture, and prayers, all related to America. Divided into sections, the entries in this heartfelt collection are sure to touch the hearts of readers. Here are the thoughts, the ideals, the values of the nation’s founders as well as from presidents, world leaders, and people of faith.

Each section includes prayers, reflections, and scripture references.

Section I – Prayer: One Nation under God

Section II – Freedom: One Free Nation

Section III – Leadership: Leading with Integrity

Section IV – Worship: Guarding Our Foundation of Faith

Section V – Stewardship: Blessings of Integrity

Section VI – Justice: Honoring a Commitment for All

Section VII – Community: Of Many People, One Nation

Section VIII – Service: United in Loyalty to One Flag

Also included are a listing of sources, some background information and the words to the Star Spangled Banner as well as some contextual information about the Flag Folding Ceremony, including the meaning of each of the twelve folds.

Highly recommended.… (more)

My daughter and I read through the Read and Share Stories about Jesus book by Gwen Ellis, illustrated by Steve Smallman today. This is a large board book written for Children ages 1-4. It has 13 Bible stories about Jesus and after each story one or two questions are asked. Also, under each title, the Scripture reference is listed of where the stories are located in the Bible. The stories that are included in this book are:

God's Baby Son Grows Up John Baptizes Jesus
Jesus Heals a Sick Boy Jesus Brings a Girl Back to Life
Jesus Walks on the Water Jesus Loves Children
A Very Short Man A Blind Man Sees Again
Jesus Stops a Storm One Lost Sheep
A Coin in a Fish One Man Says Thank You
Jesus Goes to Heaven

I think the illustrator did a great job with the art for this book. His art was appealing and captured the attention of my lively two year old. I like the fact that it is a large board book since little ones have a hard time being careful with thin pages. The pages are really easy to turn for little hands, and the book should hold up for quite a while. The questions at the end of the stories are a great idea to get children thinking and not just reading another story. Many of the questions make them think about what it would be like if they had been right there with Jesus.
Some of the stories and questions could be too old for the intended reader. The second story in the book is about Jesus' baptism. The question then asked is, "Have you been baptized?" Children ages 1 to 4 will have a hard time comprehending the full impact of baptism. There is also no mention of belief in Christ before one can be baptism. I would rate it as okay, but not outstanding.

***I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (more)

First off, let me just say this book deserves more than 5 stars! My 5 year old HAD a favorite bible out of the 3 kids bibles she has. She really loved her bible and it would honestly take alot to top that favorite bible. But The Ultimate DVD Bible did just that! The DVD is fantastically done, my 5 year old would rather watch it again than watch nickelodeon! Personally, the only fault I can find with the DVD is the narrator's voice is not the perfect choice in my opinion, but its really not that bad. I'd still give the narrator 9 out of 10. Even my teenagers will sit down & watch the dvd!

The bible stories in the book are typical of what would be found in a story bible for an older toddler or preschooler. But what I really loved about the Ultimate Bible is that there is a little blurb at the end of each couple pages with thought provoking questions and topics to further discuss with your child. None of her other bibles have this.

The combination of the great DVDs and hardcover book makes this a must have in my opinion. I know I will be purchasing more copies to give as gifts!… (more)