Ever notice that the most beloved playthings in your home aren’t those that offer close-ended play opportunities (branded dolls for example), but rather every-day items that lend themselves to a variety of imaginary scenarios? Children seize the most mundane articles in order to recreate the world around them through play, which is indeed the work of a child.

Wiggle Giggle Tickle Train captures and celebrates this tender developmental stage by interspersing colorful photographs of life alongside soft illustrations of children relating to those images through play. Sharon Jennings’ rhyming text uses action-filled words to describe these flights of fancy.

Jennings’ rhyming scheme is not always uniform throughout the book, however, and sometimes the rhyming words are a bit of a stretch, “fast” and “laugh” for example. Due to this, the rhyming stanzas on each page aren’t as rhythmic or engaging as they could be.

There can be no doubt, however, that the delicate artwork of Wiggle Giggle Tickle Train appeals to preschoolers. From the moment my three-year-old spotted the cover she cried, “Can we get that book mommy?” Nora Hilb’s cheerful watercolor and colored pencil illustrations of children engaged in common acts of creative play resonate and appeal to all of the children in our home.

My toddler loves to sit on my knee as I read her this charming title, and I even find my six-year-old peeking over at the book from time to time, taking delight from the depictions of common childhood play. My little ones don’t seem as interested in the words I’m reading to them as much as they are captivated by the sight of a variety of children of varying genders, skin tones, and sizes immersed in the world of play.

As an adult, I’ll admit that I don’t quite find Wiggle Giggle Tickle Train as appealing as they do (though it is cute), but Hilb and Jennings obviously know what they’re doing, because they’ve certainly won the interest of my little ones.

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When Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 I was 11 years old. It was difficult for me to understand the scope of the event, what it signified in the history of South Africa’s people, and what the impact would be worldwide. Still, despite the fuzziness of childhood memories, Mandela’s face has remained an icon of liberty, a symbol of the breaking of bonds, of reconciliation, and of freedom.

It is only natural then, that Mandela should be counted amongst the Lives That Changed the World in Smithsonian Networks release this month of their 2007 documentary of his life on DVD. Lives That Changed the World: Nelson Mandela is a 45-minute homage to the man who was so instrumental in building peace in the apartheid-torn country of South Africa.

Having inspired countless individuals with his journey from terrorist to Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Mandela’s personal influence on ten people is explored alongside historical footage in this exploration of his life’s impact. Among these individuals are his daughter Zindzi, who spent her formative years apart from her father due to his imprisonment, his former prison guard, a South African musician who was influenced by Mandela’s revolutionary vision, a Canadian schoolteacher who shares about the impact of Mandela’s release on his teaching, and others. Perhaps the most touching however is the testimony of Adriaan Vlok, former minister of law and order during apartheid rule.

Vlok shares his experiences seeking forgiveness and reconciliation for his sins both publicly and privately – the only apartheid-era minister to do so. His humble and heartfelt thoughts on the process of reconciliation brought me to tears.

The DVD features a standard scene selection menu, stereo and surround sound audio options, and optional English subtitles. The compact running time of Nelson Mandela makes it an easy-to-schedule supplementary learning opportunity for Black History Month for junior and senior high students. Younger children may be disturbed by the historical footage of the civil unrest and violent governmental retribution that took place in South Africa.

How can such a man’s life be measured within the span of a brief documentary? Simply put, it can’t be. Nelson Mandela does not touch upon Mandela’s early life, nor does it speak to his relational ties with any apart from those interviewed in the film. As such, the DVD can’t be considered a true biography. What we can glimpse however, is a part of what Nelson Mandela has meant to this world, and pass on his vision of peaceful equality to our own children.

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Having long been a fan of Regency-era costume dramas that tend toward the romantic, my journey into the small English town of Cranford, circa 1842 — with a passion for the smaller domestic dramas of life — was a fresh and uncharted voyage. Based upon 19th century novelist Elizabeth Gaskell’s work, this BBC mini-series is a conglomeration of Gaskell’s adapted novellas; not only Cranford itself, but also My Lady Ludlow, and Mr. Harrison’s Confessions.

The town of Cranford in the North West of England in 1842 is poised on the brink of change. Long governed by an unusually high population of older, single women, its culture revolves around propriety and social calls. The slightest hint of change in fashions, residence, or circumstance prompts a torrent of talk. Still, despite the oft-times virulent stream of misunderstandings and troubled times, Cranford is a town with deeply held friendships and strong loyalties.

Cranford: The Collection is a beautiful two-volume boxed set that includes both the original Cranford with five parts on two DVDs, and the two parts of Cranford: Return to Cranford on a single DVD. With each episode running approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, this is no lightweight drama; Cranford: The Collection boasts a total running time of 468 minutes, excluding each volume’s “making of” segment with insights into the writing process, filming, period costumes, and more.

Performed by an absolutely dazzling cast of British talent, Cranford fairly soars on the wings of its talented ensemble. Peopled with many well-recognized actors – Eileen Atkins, Alex Jennings, Michael Gambon, and many others – the centerpiece of Cranford’s heart is Judi Dench’s portrayal of Miss Matty. Dench is absolutely luminous in her tender portrayal of the uncertain, loyal, and incredibly tender Matty

When a new, young, bachelor doctor arrives in Cranford, the residents are atwitter with flights of romantic speculation both actual and unfounded. Dr. Harrison is certainly a central focus of the original Cranford but the complex and rich sub-plots involving Captain Brown and his daughters, the plight of Harry’s impoverished family, Matty’s losses and discoveries, and the lively antics of Mrs. Forrester and Miss Pole create a vibrant tapestry of the timeless concerns of life.

Return to Cranford further explores the lives of the town’s beloved residents though some characters seem to be missing with little explanation. A new set of troubles besets the residents with the rapidly approaching railway, the demise of Lady Ludlow, and the troubled courtship between William Buxton (son of the local salt mine owner) and Peggy Bell. Featuring much of the core cast of the originalCranford some favorites are now missing due to demise or supposed relocation. This second series is somewhat darker than the first, with less outright jollity and absurdity – nothing can replace or supersede the original.

While the core of Cranford’s life is a core of spinsters and widows who thrive on propriety, stability, and social niceties, it would be a misconception to believe that the series is anchored in the lives of the town’s older citizens. Rather, a broad spectrum of players are present from the youthful and romantic to the passed by and disappointed.

The emotional depth of the series encompasses both fresh undertakings and bittersweet reminiscences as seen through the town’s wealth of female citizens. This balanced, broad perspective prevents Cranford from becoming a period Grumpy Old Men for women, and dramatically transcends it, becoming a deeply felt, authentic drama that appeals to all ages; it is truly excellent family viewing.

I regularly discard DVD packaging in order to save shelf space, but Cranford: The Collection is so beautifully packaged that I doubt I’ll be able to part with this sturdy box set. Not only is the box itself sturdier than most, but each DVD case resembles a hardcover book – truly lovely.

A voyage to the reclusive town of Cranford is a richly rewarding experience. The combination of jaunty humor, small-town community spirit, and thrumming emotional undercurrents result in a captivating small-screen experience that rivals that of any large-screen production. It is in the details that Cranford truly comes to life, the small yet meaningful gestures of kind-heartedness, historical authenticity, and care for the smallest nuances. I highly recommend you to experience this special community for yourself.

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If you squirm a little inside when you read the title Pure Pleasure, you’re in good company. As the subtitle of Gary Thomas’ accessible treaties on the biblical role of pleasure in a believer’s life suggests, many of us have –- perhaps unknowingly –- adopted an attitude of ascetic martyrdom that is never suggested or recommended in the word of God. However, if you’re willing to put your discomfort and hesitations aside for a moment, Thomas is ready to redirect misguided pleasure avoiders into a balanced and godly understanding of the delights God has in store for us in this life and how they can draw our hearts closer to His.

Pure Pleasure arrived in my life at a time when I had begun to question the lack of joy, the lack of laughter, the lack of, yes -– pleasure -– in the lives of many of my brothers and sisters (and myself in some areas.) Not only was there a desert, but there was actually fear surrounding the prospect of allowing delight into the Christian life. Where was the room for rejoicing? For the jubilant celebration that Jesus calls us to? Not only was I asking this question about others around me, but of myself as well.

I’m always naturally cautious when a book so vigorously defends a certain aspect of the Christian life, and not having read any of Thomas’ work in the past I wondered if perhaps his was a new form of Christian hedonism -– I’m so glad that it’s not. In fact, Pure Pleasure is hands-down the most balanced, biblical perspective on the proper role of delight that I’ve ever encountered, whether by book, sermon, or informal times of fellowship.

Thomas writes accessibly, peppering his ponderings with personal illustrations from his own life’s journey and the thoughts of respected Christian thinkers from times past. He turns to the word of God apart from man-made, extra-biblical legalisms to examine what it truly says. Watch out -– Thomas realizes that he’s likely stomping on some toes, but he trudges forward in any case. I greatly appreciate his courage.

One’s response to the title of this book can easily enough determine if you would benefit from reading it (I believe most Christians would.) If you shy away from the prospect of pleasure or delight as having a positive, healthy role in your life and the title makes you wince -– even a little bit, on the inside –- I highly recommend you read this work. If you shout in acclamation, “Yes, I’m all about pleasure, there’s nothing I can’t do now that I’m redeemed, it’s open season on sensation!” I also recommend you read this work. Neither extreme is a healthy condition; Thomas helps to gently guide us back into joyful moderation through honest, tradition-free examination of the scriptures.

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You can find more about Gary Thomas at his website.  Read more reviews from other tour participants here.

Originally published in 1944, historical novelist Margaret Irwin’s Young Bess is slated for republication in early March through the Sourcebooks Landmark imprint which resurrects notable vintage titles. Having been reprinted several times since its original publication,Young Bess remains an exquisitely captivating look into the life of the young Princess Elizabeth.

Since my first viewing of Cate Blanchett’s moving portrayal of the young Queen in Elizabeth (2001) I have been unable to shake a growing interest in the life of this incredibly memorable woman. Young Bess gives readers an immaculate researched look into the life of this unforgettable woman from her young childhood through to the age of 19, when her brother, King Edward, died. This first installment in Irwin’s trilogy focuses mainly upon Elizabeth’s life between the ages of 13 and 16, highlighting the many political and romantic tensions that shaped her coming of age.

From the first few pages of Young Bess it immediately becomes apparent that this is not a contemporary novel – I’ve never read historical fiction like this from a modern author. Readers are plunged into an intricate cast of characters from nobility through to tutors, governesses, and whipping boys. Those not intimately familiar with the time period will need some time to adjust to the cast, and indeed, a second read-through may be in order once everything is sorted from the first time through.

Irwin clearly delights in the nuances of the not-yet stabilized English language of the 1500s, and is quick to include quotations from period songs, poetry, and selections of actual correspondence between the historical characters as appropriate. Though I’m no Elizabethan historican, Young Bess bears all the markings of a faithful portrayal of girl who would be queen.

Irwin’s desire to include the political and religious conflicts, alliances, and issues of the day also leads her to do much expository ‘telling’ rather than the ever-vaunted ‘showing’ that is so valued in contemporary fiction. There can be pages of these explanations, and yet, she also captures the imagination and sweeps readers into the intimate world of Elizabeth’s very nature, and those whose lives most affected her own young one.

With growing inclusions of explicit sensuality and occult references in general market historical fiction, some readers may be leery of the genre in general. While romantic tension (some kissing), and some small amount of period-appropriate cursing and oaths are included in the text, this is a clean but passionately written novel. Parents looking for an Elizabeth novel for their children should be aware that much of the content revolves around the budding love between the young Princess and the Lord Admiral, Tom Seymour – an older (mid-thirties to her mid-teens), and at times married man.

I’m thankful to Sourcebooks Landmark for keeping Irwin’s work in print; her portrayal of this complicated, old-before-her-time girl child is striking and unforgettable.

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It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

and the book:

So Long Insecurity: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 2, 2010)

***Special thanks to Vicky Lynch of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

Over the past decade, Beth Moore has become an internationally known and respected Bible teacher, teaching over 250,000 women annually in Living Proof Live Conferences and regularly sharing God’s Word with an interdenominational community at her church in Houston; teaching the Bible on the nationally syndicated Life Today with James Robison; and through her best-selling books and Living Proof radio program.

Visit the author’s website.

Product Details:

List Price: $24.99
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414334729
ISBN-13: 978-1414334721

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER: