God Gave Us the World – Lisa Tawn Bergren

A delightful young children’s book for ages 3-8, this story is about a young polar bear, named Young Cub, who learns there are different bears in other parts of the world. He wonders why. Mother bear begins the explanation by pointing out the differences in the snow that is falling. From there Little Cub learns that God is creative. Different bears look different, live in different parts of the world and eat all different foods than he does. As he learns about the world and the differences found there, Little Cub also comes to see that we must take care of this world we live in. Best of all he has a special place in this world.

An easy to follow story with beautiful artwork, I believe this book will hold the attention of any child who reads it or has it read to them.  

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

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400074488

Curiosities of the Civil War

Curiosities of the Civil Way by Webb Garrison is a unique and different view of the Civil War and those who were touched by it. While today these events cause no concern and may seem to be useless information, at the time they took place they held importance and had an impact on the outcome of many of the battles.

Name changes that some people did have lived with them through history. We don't even know their birth names now. Mr. Garrison tells us why many of these changes took place.Wives who followed their husbands into war and became nurses, spies or even soldiers are mentioned. The place of Negro soldiers in the war is also brought up - both the pros and the cons. Would you believe the most valuable item was the soldier's horse? How about newspaper men who traveled as doctors or even farmers just so they could get a story? These are just a few of the curiosities you will find in this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaug

It finally arrived and true to my sense of curiosity I thumbed through the book, skimmed many of the chapters and developed a sense of excitement. My assessment – I can’t wait to sit down and begin at the first page.

A beautifully written book which actually had its beginning before these two women met face-to-face in 2002. While respecting the Amish desire for privacy, Cindy gives a good idea of the life, joys, frustrations and peace of an Old Order Amish woman. Full of stories that will make you laugh and some that will almost make you cry, lessons to be learned about how we face our lives are also evident. Cindy and Miriam have shared from their heart experiences that have shaped who they are today. We can all learn from them. And as if the stories were not enough, Miriam includes many recipes she would like to share with us, her readers. One recipe in particular, the Christmas Salad, I ate as a child and have been looking for it ever since.

I recommend this book to every woman who has been curious about the Amish lifestyle, who has been frustrated with life, who is still raising her children.

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