Toddler Bible...and a Giveaway!

My Mommy And Me Story Bible

by Tracy L. Harrast
illustrated by Gloria Oostema

The cover was so inviting that I wrapped it up for Alaine (16 months) for Christmas even though the book was thick and had far more words on a page than I knew she would allow me to read.  Like my other children, Alaine loves to be read to, but  five or ten words is her limit before she turns the page, ready to move on.  Still, I reasoned that she would grow with this book, maybe look at the animals and the pictures of people, and gradually grow to love the stories.  

I remember reading this book to my littlest sister a time or two when she was younger (she's almost 11 now), and I think I even borrowed it once or twice when Gavin was a toddler, yet somehow I had forgotten how engaging it is to even the smallest listeners.

While we were still gathered around the tree on Christmas morning, Alaine brought the book to me and I casually flipped open the pages.  Each double-page spread is an independent story so reading in order is not necessary.  We  first turned to the story of Daniel in the lion's den.  I read a few words and  she didn't turn or budge.  Then we got to the part where we had to growl like lions and she smiled wide and growled with great toddler gusto! 

You see, the key to this book for toddlers is that it doesn't simply feed them words and expect them to engage and remember.  Instead, it involves them in the story!  Once Benjamin (3) realized how fun this book was, he joined us over the next few days and weeks as we read a page or two at a time.  We told Adam and Eve, "No, no," when they wanted to eat the fruit from the tree.  Then we waved "bye-bye" when they were forced to leave the garden.  We imitated Noah's rain, picked wheat with Ruth, counted the loaves and fish, and stirred dinner with Martha.  

Picking and eating the grapes from the Promised Land

Maddie told me that one morning Alaine brought the book to her while she was still in bed.  "Mama, she wanted me to read it to her, but it was too hard."  We talked about how all  Bible stories are new to Alaine and that no matter whether we get all the words right or not, we have the privilege of sharing these things with her for the first time.  We are helping Alaine to hide these things in her heart. 

*****

On a trip to the Goodwill last week, I spotted another copy of My Mommy and Me Story Bible and I couldn't let this gem sit on the shelf so I brought it home to offer to one of you!

There are 3 ways to enter to win:

1) Leave a comment, telling me why you'd like to win this book or who you want to read it to.

2) Blog this giveaway (and leave me a separate comment telling me you did).

3) Tweet this giveaway or share with your friends on Facebook (and don't forget to let me know!). 

Giveaway runs now through  Sunday, January 22 at 9 pm ET. 

     

{Why not take a minute, too,  to visit Elise, originator of Children's Book Monday?}