Book Description

Welcome to the exciting world of SPRIGGLES, a uniquely fun "lift-the-flap" way to motivate, educate, and inspire readers of pre-school age and older!! Through innovative stories, playful rhymes, and colorful illustrations, SPRIGGLES instills a positive outlook in children, along with increased self-esteem and self-awareness.

By combining "spirit" and "giggles," SPRIGGLES: INSPIRATION enables loving parents and devoted educators to inspire their young ones with sentiments such as "Reach for the moon, Baboon," "Keep on tryin', Lion," "Study hard, Saint Bernard," and many, many more.

Titles in the Spriggles Motivational Book Series:

Inspiration
Health & Nutrition
Activity & Exercise

*** A portion of the proceeds from these books will be directed toward the establishment of a Spriggles Fund which will be utilized to create and/or support avenues that enhance the emotional and physical well-being of children everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Everyone's right...this is GREAT!
How refreshing it is to finally see some motivation andinspiration aimed in the direction of young children.While our adultworld gets inundated with a barrage of self-help books, seminars, and infomercials, it's curious to wonder how much of this self-help would actually be required had some basic motivational principles been taught us in our formative years."Spriggles - Motivational Books for Children" does just that, in a most fun and unique "lift-the-flap" fashion.Initially, we are welcomed into the Spriggles family by a darling group of animals who remind us that "It's great to be you, Kangaroo." From there we individually meet the entire Spriggles family, each with a simple story that any child can relate to.Each story is brief and to the point, and each accompanying rhyme offers a positive, uplifting message that a child will find himself repeating over and over.

The lift-the flap concept works perfectly here, allowing the child's natural curiosity to be satisfied by a playful rhyme. And the illustrations, penned by the authors' father, are bright, bold, and colorful, with enough detail devoted to each animal to make them as educational as they are fun.

This outstanding book is clearly both an interactive and educational tool.As well, the authors and publishers have created a Spriggles Fund, designating a portion of the proceeds towards avenues that will enhance the physical and emotional well-being of children everywhere.If that's not motivating to all of us, then what is?

Spriggles Motivates on Many Levels
The concept of Spriggles is terrific -- from the easy read, the fun illustrations, to the ease of use, to the messages imparted. Watching the grandchildren anticipate the "answers", use the flip-ups to findthem, and actually learn from the inspiring thoughts motivated me as well.The book not only held their rapt attention, but they wanted to read itover and over -- memorizing the catchy slogans and learning abouts lots ofanimals. And now they're even trying to create their own Spriggles"sayings". The messages imparted are thoughts that I would likethem to learn, so I truly look forward to the new Spriggles books which Ihope will be as enchanting, educational and as effective as this one. Iwholeheartedly recommend Spriggles for children, parents and grandparents.

The kids love it and it works
Spriggles is a wonderful book and a great idea! My children both love it, laughing at the illustrations and begging me to lift the flap so we can say the motivational phrases together. It's become one of their favoritebedtime books. The cool part is now they've taken to running around thehouse repeating the phrases, telling each other "Don't say can't,ant" and "Keep on trying, lion." It's proof that teachingpositive, encouraging, motivational ideas to your children can be fun....andthat it works! As a bonus, it's helped their vocabulary, teaching them newwords and new animals. They love going to the encyclopedia to find out moreabout some of the animals that are in the book. I heartily recommendSpriggles to all parents. These days children need all the encouragementand motivation they can get and Spriggles is a great way to help supply it. ... Read more

Book Description

The wit and wisdom of Charles Swindoll, communicated in warm, personal letters to high school and college graduates-addressing issues that will help to shape their marriages, careers, and families.

Reviews (4)

a little too cheesy
Not only is the writing in Dear Graduate trite and overly idiomatic, the message the book portrays is narrow-minded and often confusing. As an example, the opening of the letter on Godliness reads: "If you are a 'Sunday Christian,' you will not be alone when outnumbered. Apart from a personal and vital faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to wage a winning effort against the system called 'the world.'" Swindoll urges his graduates to rub shoulders with people to gain a panoramic view of the world (although friends "must be screened"), stay away from the magazine rack, and to guard our leisure time (from what?). This book is a sweet gift idea and is very visually pleasing, but unless you thrive on lists of cliches and obvious metaphors, it doesn't have much real-world relevance.

A wonderful reading experience
This book is a small but powerful tool. The language is simple and the messages compeling.Swindoll created an excellent compilation of the issues that one faces in life.I especially like chapter 20 on guidance.

Great Book!
This book is an awesome book with lots of wisdom in it! All of the letters are encouraging and I recommend this book for anyone that is graduating. The best thing to do is read it one letter at a time and think about what Chuck Swindoll is saying in them. This book was a real blessing to me as I read it after I graduated from high school and got out into the real world. I pray that it is a blessing to anyone who reads it. God Bless!

"a must have for any graduate"
I would like to give this book a 5 star rating based on the response of the people I have given it to in the past years.I love to gift this book as it has excellent quotations for the new graduate, great advice and ithas beautiful illustrations.Last year my godson wrote me a special thankyou regarding this book and said, "he would treasure this bookalways" and went on to say that it was "his most prized andcherished" gift.And, he's not the type of kid to get sentimental. Once again, I'm placing an order for 6 more of this book and know it willtouch the hearts of many new graduates once again this year. I hope all whoorder this book will enjoy it as much as I have. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Faith development frominfancy to adulthood
Dr. Stephens has written an important book about the developmental process of faith, not only for parents, or those working in children ministries but for everyone interested in the factors critical for strong faith foundations.My interest is in mid-late adult development and the factors that contribute toresilience at this stage in life. What Dr. Stephens writes aboutfaith development in the early stages of life is critical to our understanding of faith and its rolelater in life. His work, coupled with that ofJohn Westerhoff and James Fowler, creates a critical framework for understanding both the context and construct of faith at the various stages of human life-span development

Sadie Burton-Goss
President Goss Associates
1-877-208-9995 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It is a very good book for guiding children in Godly ways .
There are very good sayings to help little children who are growing to learn to respect their friends and themselves also regarding their identity in creation as individuals. It also teaches them to live in fear of the Supreme God they learn about in the verses and wisdom verses printed in the little book. It enhances respect for elders also. When I read it from a student who was sent that book as a gift, I wanted it every moment to be able to teach my children the bible in a more interesting way and illustrations given in there. They are quite interesting for young minds who cannot accomodate heavy and more deeper meanings of the Bible. ... Read more

Book Description

We're not just living for today. But today matters a lot more than many of us may have thought! As young adults encounter Bruce's life-changing teachings on the relationship of now to the afterlife, they will find out what they can do to change things for all eternity...starting right now! Bruce speaks straight to teens, using their own true stories supported by scriptures and interactive questions. Teens will find the ultimate best reason to seize the day and serve God with all their heart for all their life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

GOOD FOR NEW CHRISTIANS, NOT FOR OLDER ONES
I am a teen and I read this book, thinking it would be as good as the previous two in the series. Don't get me wrong--this book is very good! But it is not worth your time if you are a Christian--and have been for some time. (In my case, 6 years.) Bruce Wilkinson talks about the rewards you can get in Heaven. He also talks about living your life for eternity and not for just now, and gives a really good example of it. He does make you rethink who you are living for--God or the world--but other than that, this book had no surprises for me. I would not recommend it for the older Christian. If you are active in a Christian church, chances are your pastor has spoken volumes on the subject. I would recommend this book for new Christians, though. If you have been a born-again Christian for more than two years, chances are you will find this book boring. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Solid, ready to use ideas, easily adapted
If you want to make the most of your resource budget this year, be sure that you add the "HELP" Series from St. Mary's Press to your library. I am always looking for materials that motivate my volunteer teachers to design their own programs and processes. The HELP ( Heads up, Easy, Low cost, Purposeful) series does just that.

The HELP book series contains a broad range of activities. They are great filler material for current curriculum or better yet, use them as my teachers did to create your own meetings, classes and retreats. There is plenty of commentary and advice on creating prayer and community in each book.

Even the most experienced among us willprobably find some surprises as they read along.In the "Prayer" bookwe found the creative and inexpensive"God Can" prayer which was a fine closing service where we could use all those empty aluminum cans we had collected after lunch at a recent retreat. And for my older teens I will be using the"Post Card Journals" found in the same book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for kids and adults
My neice and I read this a-page-at-a-time while on vacation. Now I'm buying it for her birthday. We enjoyed a daily chuckle and an occasional laugh out loud as we considered the musings of these insightful children. I have three babies of my own and my niece is a pre-med pediatric student. She and I identified with these letters and we wondered how God might answer. Our favorite: "Dear God; Maybe people in this world wouldn't kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works for my brother and me." If you have children under 10 and woder just what is going on in their busy minds, you HAVE to have a copy of this. If you don't have children and enjoy hearing the voice of innocence, you'll like this book too. ... Read more

Book Description

From one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, an inspiring audiobook that provides young adults and their parents with a game plan for leading a better life.

This inspiring, upbeat, life-affirming book shows teenagers and their families how to navigate through the moral minefields of contemporary life and how to truly enjoy the opportunities and blessings that the modern world has to offer.

Drawing upon his faith as well as his personal experience, Gordon B. Hinckley provides his readers with a game plan for discovering and embracing the things in life that are valuable and worthwhile. He shows how our lives are shaped by the decisions we make every day about personal behavior -- and he shows how to make the right decisions with the help of nine guiding principles.

With its vivid anecdotes, invaluable precepts, and timeless wisdom, Way to Be! will be a source of both inspiration and practical advice for young people everywhere who want to lead better, fuller, more satisfying lives. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

"Be" Attitudes!
This is quite a friendly book. It has very soft and relaxing pictures that match its soft and reassuring message. Admittedly, this book has a pastoral feel to it, and isn't a deep theological work. Some people see things work in practice, and wonder if they can work in theory. This book is very practical.

It is directed to the youth of the world, primarily pre-teen and teenagers, but I believe it works for anyone of any age. In it, President Hinckley outlines nine "Ways to Be." In this sense, it is a youth edition of this "Standing For Something," which lists ten virtues for adults.

The nine "Ways to Be" are:

Be Grateful.
Be Smart.
Be Involved.
Be Clean.
Be True.
Be Positive.
Be Humble.
Be Still.
Be Prayerful.

Each chapter discusses why these virtues-or "be-attitudes"-are important, and how we can live these virtues. President Hinckley's strength is that he uses homespun examples, and simple language, much like the Bishop Bienvenu in "Les Miserables."

Sometimes, getting to heavy with doctrine, such as Elder Bruce R. McConkie or Thomas Aquinas taught, can put people off and be counter-effective. However, President Hinckley keeps the language simple, clear, and very prophetic.

I found his chapter on "Be Still" to be intriguing. It is said that religion is the opiate of the masses, except in Utah where it is an amphetamine. The opening ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Olympics was done by local volunteers. However, President Hinckley encourages us to seek the quieter times and places in our lives. It reminds me of Jesus Christ seeking places of solitude during his ministry. It sticks in my mind because it is so unusual.

I think the most enchanting thing about the book is that it is affirming. There isn't any negativity, doom and gloom, or hellfire and damnation, but a clear message of what we individually do within our spheres of action and in life.

"Simple Truth Miscalled 'Simplicity.'" Sonnet 66
This book is geared towards the youth and teenagers, and is a companion volume to President Hinckley's "Standing For Something." So don't expect the King Follet Discourse when you read this book. Instead expect straight talk and simple language about what the youth can do about improving the world.

I found this book to be refreshing in that it focuses on the way youth need to be, and what they can do to themselves to improve. It doesn't advocate the type of "Superman" activism, where people go off to other lands for a certain amount of time and solve everyone else's problems. Nor does the book rely on political-governmental solutions to the world's problems. Instead, President Hinckley suggests nine habits, or virtues, that the youth can incorporate in their lives to help change themselves.

This is a quiet book. It doesn't advocate a new government bureaucracy, or tax cut to solve the problems the youth are facing. It suggests the simple and soft things we can do to make a difference. Much like the three servings of leaven that filled the whole loaf.

over-rated
Mr. Hinckley certainly seems like a nice man, but the book is pure fluff. Nothing of substance is said, it contains mostly trivial banalities.

this book turns my stomach
If I had not lived in Utah and sen the double standards of Mormons first hand. I might believe the author of this book is sincere,

But the so called prophet of a Church that believes humans become gods, women must be called into ehaven by men and that the temple of a church is for those who are "worthy"
is only the beginning of the many divisive tactics used by Mormons through out history.

The Prophets knowledge of the Talmud is almost vacant and his knowledge of Christianity leaves alot to be desired,

he has not given a true answer to why minorities ahve been chastized by his Caucasian creators and prophets . I point to the examples of "The Mountain Meadows Massacre and the Murder of teh Fancher aprty and the continued cover up by the Mormon, LDS Church or whichever they are now calling themselves.

In 1859 in an interview with a nyc newspaper polygamist prophet Brigham young said it was okay for Utah to have Black slaves because Black people had the "curse of Ham".

You can look it up as you can "letter day lepers" Something the prophecy referred to (...) mormons as.

The Mormon Church has many questions to be answered. Teh author of this book has refsued to examine his own faith. But has continued the Mormon March to divisiveness

Advice across generations
"Way to Be!: Nine Ways to Be Happy and Make Something of Your Life" is by Gordon B. Hinckley and has a foreword by Steve Young. This is basically an advice book directed towards young people. The text is structured around 9 "Be's": Be Grateful, Smart, Involved, Clean, True, Positive, Humble, Still, and Prayerful.

Although Hinckley has risen to the position of President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (i.e. the Mormon church), the book has virtually no Mormon-specific content. Nevertheless, the book does have a Christian-specific orientation, so while Hinckley seems to go beyond the Mormon community to embrace a Catholic and Protestant Christian readership, non-Christians may find some of the book's content to be a subtle barrier.

Religious orientation aside, the book does include commonsense advice. I found the text most interesting when Hinckley, who was born in 1910, talks about his early life. He paints a vivid and appealing portrait of his boyhood and young manhood in the early 20th century.

Yes, at times Hinckley sounds grouchy and ranting, and some of his advice seems vague and disconnected with contemporary events. But overall the book is enjoyable and interesting--at times it's genuinely inspiring. ... Read more

Book Description

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise...to silence the foe and the avenger" Psalm 8:2

Where is the most potential among the untapped resources in our churches? A leader in the worldwide prayer movement, Esther Ilnisky heralds good news about children and their prayers: (1) praying children get results and (2) praying children become praying adults. Now parents and teachers can learn how to release kids to pray with power, love and devotion-and join a growing, victorious army of young warriors who are audaciously praying for a return to biblical morality in our homes, our schools and our nation. Read these remarkable testimonies about how God responds to the faith of a child. ... Read more

Book Description

When it's time to snuggle down and say their prayers, little ones canjoin the bunnies, mice, and other woodland creatures from the magicalworld of Holly Pond Hill(r) as they prepare for nighttime. Featuringfavorite prayers that children will recognize, as well as originalpoems aboutpillow fights and imaginative dreams, this charming collection of bed- time verses is illuminated by Susan Wheeler's detailed watercolors.This warm treasure of a book, with its enchanting artwork,sophisticated design, and special gold-edged casebound cover, is sureto become a bedtime favorite. ... Read more

Book Description

Help children (ages 5 -9) take their first steps in a walk with God with this interactive read-to-me devotional primer. 75 devotionals taken from Bible stories and each divided into four parts:

The Thinking Step - questions to set the stage for today's subject

The Listening Step - Bible story with full-color illustration

The Talking Step - questions related to the story

The Praying Step - ideas for prayer related to the devotional topic

Reviews (1)

A "Must-Have" for Every Christian Family with Young Kids!
This book has proved to be an indispensable tool in helping to lay the foundation of regular bible study for my 6-year-old daughter.Eachdevotion provides a very practical "Thinking Step" with questionsto spark the child's interest.From there, you go to the "ListeningStep" which is a short, easy-to-understand bible story.Next, the"Talking Step" stimulates honest discussion.The devotions endwith the "Praying Step" which lists suggestions for prayer. Also, each devotion has a memory verse.The structure of the devotions hasbeen very helpful in training my child in how to have daily quiet times andhow to think spiritually.I know the fruit of these devotions willcontinue to be seen in her life as the years go by.This book is a MUSTfor any parent interested in training their child to love God and meditateon His word! ... Read more

Book Description

While Leah slept, the angels visited her in a dream.They told her they were taking Grandma Mowie to heaven to see Jesus.Leah's dream occurred the same night that Grandma Mowie unexpectedly died.Leah's gift gave her family comfort knowing that Mowie was now in God's care. Hopefully by sharing this story, others will also experience God's awesome love.

My Grandma's Angels is a true story about the strong bond of love between a four-year-old girl and her adoring grandmother.It's also a story about the strength of a childlike faith and the peace that comes from trusting Jesus. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Refreshing and inspiring
My 7 year old loved My Grandma's Angels. We believe in Jesus Christ and we teach our children daily the importance of reading God's word and serving Him. When Morgan started reading the book she was really into it. Then when we read and found that Leah was only a child and wrote such a wonderful book, well needless to say, Morgan is ready to write one for herself. She lost her mom when she was only five. Her dad and I have been married for a year and a half. She has asked alot of questions about death and we have really prayed that God would give us the words to give her some comfort. And He has, and we give Him all the praise for the work He has done in our lives. We loved My Grandma's Angels.

Not "general"
This book was written by a little girl who lost her grandmother. Unfortunately, although I'm sure theraputic for that little girl, becasue it's about thier personal experience, it's message is difficult to apply towards anyone else. I was thrilled to finally see refenence to our God and Jesus, so praises go the author and her mom for that alone! But I was dissapointed in that there is reference to "pets" in Heaven, as we learn from the Bible, there is no statement that our pets go there, and that is misleading to children. Other than those little things, the book is a good tool to use in the sensative subject of death. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Awsome stories
This is the best book I have ever read. It brought me back to reality and what is going on in this Christian world. It shares his testimony and other stories. If you are a Christian get this book. If you aren't get it anyways. It is such an incredible book.

An honest, easy to read, inspirational book!
I bought this book after hearing Ken Freeman speak last year. I have seen him a total of three times now, and I think I learn something new each time. This book is the same way - you will read it over and over. I couldn't put it down! Its a great read for anyone - Christians, non-believers, or anyone who is just starting out in their faith. I highly recommend it to EVERYONE! Two thumbs way up!

THIS BOOK IS THE REAL DEAL THE WAKE UP CALL FOR AMERICANS
This book hits you over the head with a two by four. it's a wake up call for all people who suffered in there past and need to be healed through the power of Jesus Christ. A must for parents and educators as well as pastors this book needs some press it's an awesome book!!

Ken Freeman tells you how to step into God's Purpose
After reading this book, i took a long look at my life and saw that even though i was saved i was not living up to what God had intended. Because of this book, I have a closer realtionship with Jesus Christ. I hope that you will read this book and allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into God's Purpose for you and your life. ... Read more