"Really Woolly Bible Stories" By Bonnie Rickner Jensen

"Really Woolly Bible Stories" by Bonnie Rickner Jensen is an adorable children's book of Bible Stories. I really love how the simple rhymes flow so well while reading out loud. There are several poems, each giving one Bible story. For example, Noah;

"His name was Noah, his heart was good.

He built an ark of solid wood.

The animals entered, two by two,

The cockatoo, the kangaroo.

For forty days the rain came down,

Then God sent wind to dry the ground.

He placed a rainbow in the sky,

His colorful promise, way up high!"

Each poem is short enough to keep the attention of even the littlest listener. Each is also accompanied by colorful, beautiful, and sweet illustrations of the story. I also really liked that under each illustration, there is a little blurb that tells you where to find the story in the Bible.

The book itself has chunky "board" pages, and a sturdy but padded cover, making it appropriate for babies or toddlers. It is a very appropriate gift for children or parents for any occasion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

KT Tunstall's newest album "Tiger Suit"...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I have always been a bad news first kind of girl...so here goes. The thing I really liked about KT was that she is very "folk-pop" which is refreshing in this era of synthesizers and limited singing ability, a la Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. I love her sultry voice coupled with her amazing composing and writing ability. Unfortunately, with this album, KT has gone the way of Jewel with "Intuition." This album is more "pop-folk," which to me, is an utter tragedy. I disliked that on this album, the sound is much more "electric" than her previous albums.

HOWEVER, even though I did not love this album as much as the previous ones, it is still phenomenal. I love KT's unique writing style. Her rhymes are not forced, and not always obvious. A good example of this is the chorus to the song "Lost."

If I choose to go with the way I'm feelin

Does it really mean that's the way it is

Is it just a trick that my eyes are

playing on my mind

Following the passage of least

resistance

Following the pack just to pass the gate

It's a little late for a change of plan

Don't you think

I got lost following you

KT also has a unique perspective and an interesting way of expressing this perspective. She can put into words things that we have all felt. An example of this comes from "(Still A) Weirdo."

I'd always thought

It was automatic

To grow into

A soul less static

But here I am upon the same spot

Attempting to lift off

Into space

I don't always get it right

But a thousand different ways

And I just might

I continue to be impressed with KT's writing and composing style and talent. Her songs, especially the US single, " Fade Like A Shadow," are catchy and memorable. Preview the album here, http://bit.ly/KTpreview

Overall, I enjoyed "Tiger Suit." If you like KT Tunstall, you will probably like this album. I would like it to be a bit less "commercial" feeling, but you can't deny that the girl's got talent. I have been listening to it again and it is growing on me more and more. If I had never heard of KT Tunstall previous to hearing this album, I would have been thoroughly impressed and not had a negative thing to say about it. It is only because I had a preconceived notion of how I thought this album should sound that I am being super critical. I am not unhappy with this album, I honestly enjoyed it. I just hope that with her next, KT returns to her more "folky" feel. Ready to check it out for yourself? Order it here... http://amzn.to/KTamazon

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this album for free from One2OneNetwork in exchange for an honest review. 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

Wednesday Wit

12 year old boy to his mom: I want to start shaving.

Mom: Well you don't really have any hair to shave yet.

Boy: Maybe if I shave it, it will grow.

Mom: It doesn't really work like that.

Boy: Oh, I just thought...well...because your legs are so hairy all the time and you always say "I just shaved!"

Fall recipe!

Is it seeming like fall at your house yet?? If not, you need to try this delicious Butternut squash and apple soup. Even if the weather hasn't turned chilly yet, your house will smell so good and your belly will be full of warmth and yumminess, you won't mind the weather!

*Butternut squash soup

2 butternut squash 4 Tbs olive oil

8 cups broth 2 small onions, diced

3 small apples, peeled and cubed 2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground fresh ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cut the squash in half lengthwise. (Microwave whole squash for 2 to 5 minutes on high to soften skin first.) Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Brush olive oil on inside of squash and roast in the oven cut side up at 400 for 15 minutes, or until skin peels away from the flesh. Meanwhile, plug in slow cooker and turn onto high. Add broth, onions, and apples. Stir in the salt, pepper, and spices. Cover to let heat. When the squash has finished roasting, add to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 hours. Carefully transfer to a blender and blend, or blend in slow cooker with an immersion blender.

Want more great fall recipes?? Check out Gooseberry Patch for their fun and yummy recipes, and their simple and beautiful crafts. Their cookbooks are fun and casual, making you feel like you are reading a note from your grandma. This recipe is from my head, but they have several that will leave you wondering why you haven't been making them all your life!