Ashley Spires has written and illustrated an adorable, simple book with big impact and a message that matters.
Who doesn't experience feelings of failure, frustration and insurmountable obstacles? The author knows this is a universal feeling and she does something amazing by not naming her main character but instead introduces her as "a regular girl". She could be any of us. We can all relate. This simple detail makes us root for her and (in rooting for her) we root for ourselves and subtly learn a life lesson in innovation. The main character just wants to build the most Magnificent thing. She makes plans. Her dog assists. However, when her plans go awry she has a decision to make. Will she quit her goal or succeed against all odds? This is an excellent book for children and sets an exceptional example especially for young girls. Take a minute to watch the book trailer:
Aren't the characters just precious? I love her spunk. I have classified this book under both character and life skills categories because I believe it teaches the importance of perseverance, a crucial character trait that is very valuable in life. Perseverance and flexibility are life skills worth teaching at a young age and The Most Magnificent Thing is a sweet way of doing it.
Order your copy on Amazon ($4.49 Kindle/ $15.18 Hardcover) and then be sure to check out the free Teaching Guide that uses the book to teach students (grades 1-12) how to identify and organize their goals, observe social barriers and push through, apply perseverance strategies, think creatively and operate like engineers. Assignments are created at different age levels and vary in difficulty. It's a very good resource for expanding the learning opportunity of this book. The author also encourages children to create something of their own and invites them to use #makesomething to show off their creations.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Most Magnificent Thing from Kids Can Press via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I give this book five stars 
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In the Beginning DVD
Books of Torah DVD Digital Downloads Torah Puppets B’nai Torah Ministries 301 W. Pecan St. Coweta, OK 74429 918.949.0988 I’d like to tell you about a great resource for parents who would like to share the Torah with their children in a fun and memorable way. Now, I have to say upfront that this is absolutely not a review. I’m not partial at all. You see, Torah Puppets is a ministry that my entire family takes part in. Through the use of puppets, we teach the value of the Torah with attention to basic Hebrew Roots principles. If you’ve been told that the “Old Testament” is archaic or irrelevant, we hope to challenge those beliefs with scripture in a non-threatening way. Current DVDs include:
Check out this FREE episode on Youtube and tell us what you think. 
 One aspect of homeschooling that I sincerely treasure, is my ability to talk freely with my children about God and point them to His Word as issues pop up. This review features Bible Learning Cards, an exceptional resources for training children to seek out answers in the context of scripture. Bible Learning Cards are the work of children’s illustrator, Vicky Enright. Vicky has visible talent as well as a heart to share God’s Word with boys and girls. With careful thought, she created gorgeous, full color illustrations and paired the images with relevant scriptures to inspire parent/child discussions about Biblical concepts. Each card is designed to lead children to seek out answers to their problems in the context of scripture. Words 2 remember 4 kids created Bible Learning Cards to be a fun resource that leads families into a habit of applying scripture in every day life. Words 2 remember 4 kids currently offers three varieties of Bible Learning Cards. Each set features 20 5×7 flash cards plus a cover image that tops the deck. Each boxed set also includes a ring so you can keep all your cards together so none get lost. Scriptures are written in the NIV translation. I received all three sets for my family to try out. I immediately put each set on it’s ring, then combined the three rings onto my own larger ring. I keep them hooked onto the handle of our bible basket located on my book shelf. This makes them easily accessible and shows them off at the same time.  These cards are beautiful! You’ll want to show them off.My favorite set is the Preschool Bible Learning Cards. This set is intended for children 0-5 years old. Each of the 20 cards in this set feature adorable animals illustrating important concepts like . . .
 The Children’s Bible Learning Cards are the next step up, featuring 20 cards for the 4-11 age range. My oldest is twelve (almost 13) and she found cards in the deck that really spoke to her as well. This one was her favorite:  What child facing algebraic equations doesn’t look like this sometimes? Honestly, sometimes I look like this. The Children’s Bible Learning Cards contain concepts like:
The other cars that stood out in this deck was this one . . .  The scripture is about laying your life down for your friend. Though the friend is noble to help his friend out of the tree, there could be wiser choices made. For instance, the child could have sought help from an adult. At first I thought this concept and the image may send an inappropriate message to children causing them to take unnecessary risks that could endanger them in their attempt to help others. As my children and I discussed this, I began to see this card as a very valuable teaching tool. We talked about how laying down your life doesn’t always mean risking your safety. I gave an example of how I stop work and my “life activities” to let my friend’s dog out every afternoon. Essentially I lay down my life for my friend and it blesses her that I do this for her everyday. We talked about choices and ways of helping those in trouble. The discussion this card brought out was priceless. The final set, Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards, were designed with kids 6-13 in mind. The 20 cards feature topics like:
 Another notable detail about the Comfort & Courage set is that multiple cards contain illustrations of children facing handicaps or health challenges. One card features a bald little girl in a hospital bed (presumably battling cancer). Her pleasant smile is powerful. Another card shows a baseball team in wheel chairs. I love how this set visually notes children who are living in spite of challenges and doing so with grace and dignity. What a powerful message for children and adults. Each set is available for $14.99. Cards are laminated and durable and the perfect size for little hands. With repeated practice, each set could be used as a memory tool. However, I prefer to use them as conversation starters and reference tools. My children and I went through each set one card at a time and discussed the concepts on each card. Then, I refer back to them as similar issues came up in their own lives. Order your own cards here. Watch the promotional trailer Here. You can read other reviews of these products Here. Disclosure: I received the above items to review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  |
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