God Returns For Me

God Returns For Me by Kristen Wetherell is a book for young children about Christ's Second Coming. Hebrews 9:28 says, "So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." At Christ's return believer's will be resurrected. There will be no more sorrow or suffering. Neither will there be pain or suffering. Sin and death will be no more. Christ's return will bring about a new era of peace and harmony, transforming the world into a place of joy and righteousness. All creation will be restored, and the earth will be filled with the glory of God. Humanity will live in perfect unity, free from the divisions and conflicts that once plagued it. The hymn writer, Charles Wesley wrote a hymn called Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus which beautifully tells of Christ and His return.

Come Thou long-expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the saints Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Chorus:
Come Thou long-awaited Emmanuel.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

When Jesus comes, my eyes will see his glory and his grace. When Jesus comes upon the clouds, at last, I'll see his face!

Children can relate to these themes by understanding the concepts of hope and renewal through simple analogies, like the changing of seasons or the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. These ideas can help them grasp the promise of a brighter future and the joy of living in a world where love and kindness prevail. By imagining a world without fear or sadness, children can find comfort and inspiration in the message of Christ's return.

Christ's return promises a future filled with peace, joy, and unity, where sorrow and suffering are no more, and all creation is restored. This message offers hope and comfort, encouraging believers to look forward to a world transformed by love and righteousness.

Grace Habib has produced incredible artwork that perfectly compliments Wetherell's books. Besides being colorful and engaging, her artwork is also age-appropriate. Upon reaching the final page, little ones will be delighted with what they discover. Rhyme and the rhythmic style of the text appeal to young children. Rhythmic patterns such as those found in this book can help young children learn to repeat and memorize what they hear. At the end of the book, there is a Note to Parents. 

Check out Crossway's website to see all of Kristen Wetherell's books.

God Changes Me

God Changes Me is a children's book about the doctrines of sanctification and the Holy Spirit. We need to be rescued from ourselves and from sin. The Bible tells us that change is possible only when a stronger power transforms us from the inside out. The Holy Spirit makes that change within us. Heart change leads to behavior change. In this book children will see examples such as temptation to disobey parents, the struggle to share, and the many big emotions that we all feel. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing is the perfect hymn to go along with this book. 

The hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" beautifully complements the book's message by emphasizing the need for divine assistance in our spiritual journey. It highlights the themes of grace and transformation, underscoring how God's love and guidance can lead to personal growth and change. By pairing the hymn with the book, children can better understand the concept of seeking God's help to overcome challenges and embrace a life of faith.

Teaching the doctrines of sanctification and the Holy Spirit to children is crucial because it lays the foundation for their spiritual growth and moral development. Understanding these concepts helps children recognize their own capacity for change and the role of divine assistance in shaping their character. By learning these doctrines early, children are better equipped to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come Thou fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love

Here I raise my Ebenezer

Here by Thy great help I've come

And I hope by Thy good pleasure

Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He to rescue me from danger

Interposed His precious blood

(Precious blood)

Oh, that day when freed from sinning

I shall see Thy lovely face

Clothed then in blood washed linen

How I'll sing Thy sovereign grace

Come my Lord, no longer tarry

Take my ransomed soul away

Send Thine angels now to carry

Me to realms of endless days

Oh, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be

Let Thy goodness like a fetter

Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

Here's my heart

Oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

Songwriter: Robert Robinson 

Grace Habib has produced incredible artwork that perfectly compliments Wetherell's books. Besides being colorful and engaging, her artwork is also age-appropriate. Upon reaching the final page, little ones will be delighted with what they discover. Rhyme and the rhythmic style of the text appeal to young children. Rhythmic patterns such as those found in this book can help young children learn to repeat and memorize what they hear. At the end of the book, there is a Note to Parents. 

Check out Crossway's website to see all of Kristen Wetherell's books.

Maze-O-Rama

Maze-O-Rama Delta Flow by Fun Squared Games is a lightweight, handheld marble maze game. The goal is to get all the rose gold colored marbles into the center triangle. The marbles move very fast through the maze making it a bit difficult to get all of the rose colored marbles in the center. The maze game is portable and can be played over countless times over. One of the most appealing features is that it's screen-free play. The game is for ages 5 and up and for one player.

Screen-free play encourages creativity and imagination, allowing players to engage in problem-solving without digital distractions. It also promotes cognitive development and fine motor skills as players physically manipulate the marbles through the maze. Additionally, screen-free activities can reduce eye strain and improve focus by providing a break from electronic devices.

It challenges players to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they guide the marbles through the intricate pathways. The fast-paced movement of the marbles requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking to successfully navigate the maze. Additionally, players must remain patient and focused to achieve the goal, making it a fun yet mentally engaging activity.

To increase the game's difficulty, consider adding timed challenges where players must complete the maze within a set time limit. For an added challenge, players could also try guiding the marbles through the maze using only one hand.

Maze-O-Rama is a fast-moving marble maze game. Individuals of all ages will have fun challenging themselves as they move the marbles through the maze.

 

Prime Suspect: At the Campground

Prime Suspect: At the Campground is by Fun Squared Games is a fun logic game that challenges your deduction skills. The game is intended for ages 8 and up and can be played by one person. The game comes with a set of nine double-sided suspect tiles. On the front of the tile is the suspect's picture and on the reverse side are the suspect's characteristics. The player follows the clues to the correct 3x3 grid using the directional clues on their suspect cards. The correct answer is on the flip side of the case cards.

To solve the grid, start by examining the directional clues on each suspect card carefully. Identify any obvious positions for certain suspects and place those tiles first to establish a baseline. Next, use a process of elimination to narrow down the possibilities for the remaining tiles, ensuring that each clue aligns with the position of the placed tiles. Finally, double-check your arrangement before turning the case card over to reveal the prime suspect. The prime suspect is the person in the middle of the grid.

For particularly challenging clues, consider the relationships between multiple clues, as they often intersect and can provide additional context for placement decision-making. It can also be helpful to temporarily place tiles in potential positions and adjust them as you gather more information.

While logic is essential in solving the grid, intuition also plays a crucial role. Sometimes, a hunch about a suspect's position can guide you to a quicker solution, especially when clues seem confusing. Trusting your instincts can help you see patterns that aren't immediately obvious, leading to satisfying "aha!" moments.

Balancing logic and intuition in puzzles like Prime Suspect: At the Campground is essential for an effective strategy. Logic provides a structured approach, allowing players to methodically eliminate impossible options and narrow down possibilities. Meanwhile, intuition can offer unexpected insights, guiding players to explore possibilities that might not be immediately apparent through logic alone. Together, these elements create a dynamic problem-solving experience, where measured analysis and instinctive leaps work in harmony to uncover solutions.

My daughter enjoyed playing Prime Suspect: At the Campground. The game is similar to other Prime Suspect games from Fun Squared Games. She particularly loved the challenge of piecing together the clues and the satisfaction of figuring out the correct arrangement. The interactive nature of placing tiles and uncovering the prime suspect kept her engaged and excited. Additionally, she enjoyed the mix of logic and intuition required to solve the puzzle, making each game feel like a unique mystery to unravel. I would highly recommend this game.

Deluxe Prime Suspect

Deluxe Prime Suspect by Fun Squared Games is a fun logic game that challenges your deduction skills. The game is intended for ages 8 and up and can be played by 1-4 players. The game comes with four sets of nine double-sided suspect tiles. On the front of the tile is the suspect's picture and on the reverse side are the suspect's characteristics. Also included are forty-five case cards composed of three levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Each player gets a set of suspect tiles. Everyone playing picks a card of the same difficulty level. Players race to place the nine tiles on the correct 3x3 grid using the directional clues on their suspect cards. When a player is confident that they have solved all the clues correctly, they yell, "SOLVED!" If solved correctly, the tile in the middle of the grid will be the Prime Suspect. The correct answer is on the flip side of the case card. If the player is correct, they will score points based on the skill level. The beginner level earns one point, the intermediate level earns two points, and the expert level earns three points. If the player does not correctly solve the case all the other players will receive points for the case.

To solve the grid effectively, start by examining the directional clues on each suspect card carefully. Identify any obvious positions for certain suspects and place those tiles first to establish a baseline. Next, use a process of elimination to narrow down the possibilities for the remaining tiles, ensuring that each clue aligns with the position of the placed tiles. Finally, double-check your arrangement before declaring "SOLVED!" to minimize errors and maximize your chances of scoring points.

When faced with particularly challenging clues, try breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts to better understand their implications. Consider the relationships between multiple clues, as they often intersect and can provide additional context for placement decisions. It can also be helpful to temporarily place tiles in potential positions and adjust as you gather more information, allowing for a dynamic approach to solving the puzzle.

To efficiently manage time while solving the puzzles, set a mental timer for each phase of the process, ensuring you don't spend too long on any single clue. Stay focused and avoid overthinking by making quick initial decisions, then refine your placements as more clues become clear. Additionally, practice regularly to improve speed and familiarity with common patterns, which can help you solve puzzles more quickly in future games.

My daughter and I had so much fun playing Deluxe Prime Suspect together. My daughter is able to solve cases quickly. I, on the other hand, had a hard time solving some of the cases. Playing together allows us to learn from each other. It gives me the opportunity to see her problem-solving skills in action. Plus, it's a great way to unwind and enjoy quality time together. I would definitely recommend Deluxe Prime Suspect to others. 

Code Lock

Code Lock Ninecode Game by Fun Squared Games is a think fast puzzle game. Players must quickly match a series of codes using a combination of numbers and symbols before their opponents. Each level presents increasingly complex puzzles that challenge players' problem-solving skills. The goal is to unlock all levels by solving the codes faster than your opponents. The game is for 1-4 players. There are forty challenges and four difficulty levels. The first player to crack the Ninecode symbols yells, LOCKED, and all other players must stop. All 3x3 grids are now locked. The solution to each Ninecode challenge is on the reverse side of the challenge. If the player that called LOCKED is correct they earn ten points. If they are incorrect they lose ten points. All other players earn one point for each correctly placed tile on their grid. Players choose a set number of rounds to play. The player having the highest score at the end of the game wins! The game is intended for ages 8+.

As players progress through the difficulty levels, the puzzles become more intricate and require quicker thinking and sharper attention to detail. In the higher difficulty levels, players might encounter more complex combinations of numbers and symbols, forcing them to strategize and adapt their approach. This escalation in challenge keeps the gameplay exciting and ensures that even seasoned players remain engaged and tested throughout the game.

Playing the Code Lock Ninecode Game can significantly improve cognitive skills such as critical thinking, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning. As players work to quickly solve the complex puzzles they enhance their ability to process information under pressure which can be beneficial in academic and real-life situations. Additionally, the game encourages strategic thinking and decision-making, as players solve each puzzle efficiently.

I would definitely recommend this game. This is a fun game to play with your child, teen, another adult, or by yourself.

Flipingo

Flipingo is a flipping bingo, word recognition, vocabulary building, matching game for children ages 3+. The game consists of 36 recognition cards and flipping cards. This is a fun way to play a game but at the same time, it works on a child's educational skills. To play the game you deal nine Flipingo cards to each player. They then place the cards in a 3x3 grid pattern. You can either assign a card flipper or let each child flip a card on their turn. Players can decide on a winning configuration such as three in a row, a diagonal, or a full board. When a card is flipped over players look to see if they have that picture. If so they flip that tile over on their grid. If a free space card is drawn each player gets to turn over one card of their choosing. The game ends when a player has the given configuration and yells Flipingo.

Playing Flipingo helps children develop essential skills such as word recognition and vocabulary expansion. It also enhances their memory and concentration as they flip cards tiles and match them to their grid tiles. Furthermore, the game also promotes social skills, as players must communicate and interact with each other. Additionally, the game fosters patience and turn-taking, essential skills for cooperative play and teamwork.

I played this game with my 2-year-old granddaughter and 4-year-old grandson. They loved playing the game. I switched up the game a bit. I placed all thirty-six tiles in rows facing up. We took turns drawing cards. The player then had to find the matching tile in the rows of face-up picture tiles. The player then gets to keep the matching tile and card. There is no real winner because everyone takes turns. I like this approach because in the end everyone wins.

This no-winner approach encourages collaboration and reduces competition, allowing children to focus on learning and having fun together. It fosters a supportive environment where participants celebrate each other's successes and work as a team. This method also helps build self-esteem and confidence, as children feel valued and appreciated regardless of the outcome.

To make the game more challenging, you can introduce additional rules such as requiring players to spell the word or use it in a sentence before flipping their tile. Another option is to incorporate a timer, giving players a limited amount of time to find and flip the correct card. You could also add a memory component by having players memorize the positions of the tiles before they are flipped back over. Finally, you can include bonus challenges, such as finding multiple tiles with the same initial letter in a single turn.

Flipingo is a delightful game for young children to play. Even though the game is intended for ages 3 and up my 2-year-old granddaughter was able to play. 

Squzzle Cookies & Milk

 

Squzzle Cookies & Milk by Fun Squared Games is a brain teaser puzzle where the player has to arrange the 3"x3" card tiles into a 3x3 grid. I started by focusing on the corners and edges which helped me identify their correct placement more easily. Look for patterns that align between adjacent tiles to guide your arrangement. Finally, work systematically from the outside in, ensuring that each piece fits with its neighbors as you build towards the center. This is a brain teaser that may take hours, days, or even weeks to solve.

Engaging in puzzles like Squzzle Cookies & Milk can enhance cognitive abilities by improving problem-solving skills and boosting memory. These activities stimulate critical thinking, encouraging the brain to make connections and recognize patterns. Additionally, they can improve focus and concentration, as the player must pay careful attention to detail to solve and complete the puzzle.

Patience is crucial because the puzzle requires careful observation and trial-and-error to find the correct arrangement. Rushing the process can lead to frustration. Taking your time allows you to approach the puzzle methodically, increasing your chances of successfully completing it.

Completing a challenging puzzle like this brings a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It’s the reward for your persistence and problem-solving skills, offering a moment of triumph when all the pieces finally fall into place. The feeling of success is not just about finishing the puzzle but the patience it took to solve the puzzle.

Tile Tango by Fun Squared Games

 

Tile Tango by Fun Squared Games is a fast-paced puzzle game where players match colored and/or patterned tiles to create patterns. The objective is to create the pattern shown on the card. As players progress, they will encounter more challenging patterns.

The game comes with four double-sided tile sets of nine cards and a stack of forty-five match cards. To successfully navigate through the levels, players should focus on creating the patterns shown on the match cards. There are three levels of difficulty. Green striped cards are easy cards, yellow striped cards are medium level, and red striped cards are hard cards. The game is intended for ages 5 and up and can be played with 2-4 players.

The game is over when all forty-five cards are completed or players can choose to stop at any given number of match cards. Players earn points by successfully matching tiles according to the patterns shown on the match cards. Each completed match card rewards a different number of points based on its difficulty level. Green cards yield one point, yellow cards earn two points, and red cards earn three points. The player who creates the pattern first and slaps the match card claims the card and points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

The tiles are made of thick cardboard for longevity and repeated use, ensuring that the game can be enjoyed over and over again without wear and tear. This durability allows players to focus on the challenge of the game rather than worrying about damaging the tiles. Furthermore, the sturdy tiles make it easier for younger players to handle and manipulate them during fast-paced rounds. The game is convenient for travel due to its compact size.

Tile Tango enhances cognitive skills by encouraging players to improve their pattern recognition and spatial reasoning abilities. As players match tiles to create the required patterns, they develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically under time pressure. Additionally, the varying difficulty levels help players gradually build their concentration and attention to detail.

Tile Tango also fosters social interaction and teamwork as players engage in friendly competition and communicate with each other throughout the game. It encourages participants to share strategies and tips, enhancing camaraderie. Moreover, playing in a group setting helps build interpersonal skills and communication. Players will learn to celebrate victories together and support each other during challenging moments.

In summary, playing Tile Tango offers a wealth of benefits beyond entertainment. It sharpens cognitive abilities, enhances problem-solving skills, and promotes strategic thinking. Additionally, it fosters social connections making it an enjoyable and educational experience for players of all ages.

The Women

The Women by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel that follows the journey of Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a young nursing student from a privileged California family who volunteers to serve as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War. Raised to believe that heroism belongs to men, Frankie is inspired to enlist after her brother heads to Vietnam. Once overseas, she is thrust into the brutal realities of war, where she witnesses devastating injuries, overwhelming loss, and the extraordinary courage to the soldiers and medical personnel around her. The novel vividly portrays the chaos of battlefield hospitals and the emotional toll of caring for wounded service men. 

As Frankie growth through her experiences, she form deep friendships with fellow nurses who become her chosen family. Together, they rely on one another for strength as the endure exhausting work, constant danger, and heartbreaking sacrifices. These relationships help Frankie develop resilience and confidence while revealing of often overlooked contributions of the thousands of women who served during the Vietnam War. The author highlights both the physical and emotional challenges these women faced while honoring their bravery and dedication. 

When Frankie returns home, she discovers that the battle is far from over. Instead of being welcome as a veteran, she encounters a society divided over the Vietnam War and unwilling to acknowledge that women served in combat zones. Struggling with trauma, grief, and a lack of recognition, Frankie must find a way to rebuild her life while confronting the invisible wounds left by war. The novel explores themes of post traumatic stress, identity, healing, and the importance of being seen and heard. 

The Nightingale

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a powerful historical novel that explores the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of two sisters living in France during WWII. The author brings history to life through vivid descriptions and deeply emotional storytelling, drawing readers into the hardships faced by ordinary people during the Nazi occupation. The novel balances historical events with personal struggles, creating a story that is both compelling and unforgettable. 

One of the book's greatest strengths is its richly developed characters. The two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, respond to the challenges of war in very different ways, yet each demonstrates extraordinary bravery. Their contrasting personalities and choices highlight the may forms that courage can take, from quiet endurance to bold resistance. As the story unfolds, readers come emotionally invested in their journeys and the difficult decisions they make to protect the people they love.

The author's writing is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to experience both the beauty of France and thee devastating realities of war. The novel explores themes of family, love, hope, survival, and the lasting effects of conflict. While many scenes are heartbreaking, they also reveal the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion even in the darkest moments. The emotional depth of the story makes it difficult to put down and leaves a lasting impression long after the final page. 

Overall, The Nightingale is an exceptional novel that combines historical accuracy with unforgettable storytelling. If offers an inspiring tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII while reminding readers of the incredible sacrifices made by ordinary people. Whether you enjoy historical fiction or simply appreciate stories of courage and resilience, this novel is a highly recommended read that is both thought-provoking and emotionally moving.