A Bug Collection DVD Box Set ~ Vol. 3

By Max Lucado

A Bug Collection ~ Vol. 3 is a boxed set containing 3 DVDs from the Max Lucado Hermie & Friends Series. The DVDs are beautifully animated with memorable characters that are consistent on each DVD. Each DVD is a story with a biblical message that children can relate to. 

The three topics addressed in this set are Prayer, in "Milo the Manis Who Wouldn't Pray;" Behaving, in "Buzby and the Grumble Bees;" and Getting Along, in "Hailey and Bailey's Silly Fight."

Each story begins and ends with Max Lucado and Hermie the catepillar having a discussion about the problem/theme in the upcoming story.  I think the animated portion of the DVD would hold a child's attention, but younger children may get restless during the initial exchange between Lucado and Hermie on repeated viewings.  Each DVD also contain bonus materials including a read-a-long story book, games, sing-a-longs, information of the making of the movie, trailers, ect. and additional materials like games, coloring pages, wallpaper, and screensavers that can be accessed on a computer.

Though children will like these characters and parents will find the message of the videos appropriate, I was a little disappointed with all the "talking" between Max Lucado and Hermie.  The games on the computer portion of the DVD  were trial versions without much instruction and once again long introductions diminishing my desire to try to play them. Overall, this DVD set was good, but did not overwhelm me. 

I received a complementary copy of this DVD set free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 



Deeper into the Word ~ New Testament

by Keri Kent

Words are important. They convey thoughts and bring understanding. But words sometimes can take on a richer meaning if you know the background or original meaning of the word. This is especially important when the words were originally written in another language or in an earlier period of time as in the case of the New Testament. In her book, Deeper into the Word, Keri Kent takes 100 of the most important words in the New Testament and does a word study that explains in more detail each word including it's original Greek form, biblical passages to give examples of it's usage, as well as background information for it's use in biblical times. These things, along with commentary gives the reader a better understanding of the word in a New Testament context.

This book can be used as a reference book to aid in the study of the New Testament. The words are listed alphabetically so users can easily find a word they are looking for. The research and writing style is academic, but not overly indepth so it is easily understood by those who have no knowledge of Greek. This book can be used as a catalist for further study. Keri also includes, in the Appendix, a list of helpful websites available if further study is desired. The book also lends itself to devotional readings if the reader chooses to take one word a day to meditate on.

Overall I found the book to be a helpful resource as one chooses to go deeper into the Word as the title suggests.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an unbiased review.