Stories of the Bible

Here is a wonderful Bible story book for children, called A Child's First Bible. This hardcover bound book is great for introducing bible stories to your toddler. The book is wonderfully illustrated and contains 125 Bible verses. The pictures and text weave a wonderful timeline starting with the creation story in Genesis and ending with Revelation.

The noted author, Kenneth N. Taylor, easily translates the scripture passages to simple and easy to understand words for your young children. This book is aptly titled A Child's First Bible because it is perfect for young listeners. Each page can be used by parents to discuss the important truths which they want to instill in their children. Many parents read one or two pages a night, thus continually bringing the word of God to their children.

Your children will never tire of the charming artwork, which greatly enhance the simple passages written in this delightful book. The large size of this book also makes it easy for young hands to manipulate on the floor as they turn each page, becoming mesmerized by the vibrant illustrations.

So pick up your copy over at Amazon. Your children will love everything about their first Bible. This is also a perfect gift the grandparents to give and will be enjoyed for years to come.

Why Family Friendly Books

Just wanted to drop a quick note about why we chose to be a 'family friendly' publishing company. There are far too many books out there which feed our children garbage. Books written for young adolescents that touch on suicide, intimacy, and violence are not proper for that age group (in our eyes anyway). Sadly, many parents do not check over books before they buy them, especially now that e-books are so widely available and popular.

Let me give an example. We were in a bookstore looking over children's books. Sandwiched in between some classic "Golden Books" was a story about seals. It had a very attractive cover picture with a beautiful harp seal. My kids loves stories about animals so I picked it off the shelf and gave it a quick scan. I was astonished at the content. Full of violent language and graphic pictures about hunting these seals. Both the written and graphic material would surely give little 4 - 5 year-olds nightmares. The book was actually written for this young audience and was not placed by accident in the children's section of the bookstore. I brought it to the attention of one of the clerks who quickly ushered it off the shelves, with apologies galore.

There are other stories I could share where my wife and I have come across other books written for children and discovered less graphic, but more subtle attempts by the authors to undermine the innocence of our children. Stories where the parents are made to look like idiots and the children behave disrespectfully or often times, violently against them. It all looks funny and harmless, but the subtle messages are being sent.

So with that, we decided to publish books on Amazon, like The Adventures of Bob and Joe, Volume 1 . There is nothing subversive or violent in these delightful stories. Emma Ward does a great job of putting together stories which teach the importance of friendship and fair play. Obviously we'd love for you to buy this book as we are invested in it and the author, but we think you will get a treasury of wonderful, safe, family friendly entertainment for your children. Please enjoy this story and many others that we have listed on this blog.

The Curious Little Kitten

Well, we're finally here, the number one book in our top ten list. First of all, let me say there are hundreds of books we could have put in this top ten list. I'm sure, everyone has their own top ten list of books and stories. The wonderful thing about reading to your children early in life, is the way you are able to discover so many wonderful books and authors.

But since this is our top ten list, we have our own number one book. It may come as a surprise to some of you, because I'm guessing this book isn't as well known as some of the others in this list. Our numero uno book is "The Curious Little Kitten" by Linda Hayward and illustrated by Maggie Swanson.

It's the story of a curious little kitten that doesn't get out much. She has a wonderful backyard which she explores, but as time goes on, she begins to wonder what is outside her known universe. There are walls and fences all around, what could be found on the other side? Does she dare investigate? Yes, she does.

She finds adventure and surprise in the yards surrounding hers. She is not a happy kitten, but she remains curious. The curiosity drives her to further discovery. Undaunted, she continues to explore and seek out the mysteries beyond her own existence. Okay, that may sound a little too dramatic and you're right. She basically goes looking around because she's a kitten and that's what they do.

That natural curiosity which little children and kittens share is the draw for the book. Linda Hayward knows this angle and continues to frame the story in a way that hooks the little reader (and parent). You begin to wonder what lies on the other side of the fence. Will it be trouble or joy?

Eventually, the little kitten's curiosity is rewarded with a wonderful surprise as she looks in the last yard. Third time is the charm for this little kitty. If you want to know what she finds, you'll have to get the book and "discover" it for yourself.

This is yet another example of good clean wholesome reading for your child. This book never disappoints and children love to have it read to them over and over again. The illustrations are also done in such a way as to lead the child through the story, as if no words were ever written on their pages. We would find our three year old daughter looking through the book, turning the pages one by one as she would retell the story to herself by simply looking at the pictures. This is a great little book and should be in every parent's or grandparent's home library.

Mo Willems -- Knuffle Bunny

In keeping with the theme of books you read to your younger children, our #2 book in our top 10 list is a cute story of a little girl and her stuffed animal. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems, has lots of charm wrapped up in a relatively simplistic book.

One thing that strikes you immediately is how Mo Willems combines real life photography with illustrated, cartoonish characters. This was the first story we saw using this concept, but we envision this to become a standard technique for storytellers in the future. It does bring an element of realism and identity, not typically found in most children's stories. It really works in helping to tell us the story of early (mis)communication between daughter and daddy.

Trixie is a typical toddler who is in that stage of life where communication between kid and parent can be somewhat challenging. She speaks just enough words to please the parents, but not enough words to be clearly understood, especially by Dad who probably isn't around her 24/7, like Mom. In the end, it's the Mommy who serves as translator for the Daddy, as an exasperated Trixie looks on.

Knuffle Bunny will be enjoyed by your children, even beyond their toddler years. Parents around the world will give each other the "knowing nod" as they read through this story. Each page represents life with toddlers in such an insightful way. Mo Willems just nails this stage in parenting.

Only one book left to go. I'm sure you all have your ideas, as well as your own top 10 list. Feel free to comment about which books would be in your top ten. Also, see if you can guess what our #1 book will be. There are lots to choose from, so try out your luck, give it a shot. Or if you think we missed out on some classics, then let us know that too. We'd love to hear from you.

Ferdinand the Bull

Ah, we're getting closer to number one. This week, we discuss our 5th all-time children's story. The jacket on this one got worn out in our house to be sure. The Story of Ferdinand is a classic tale about a bull who operates outside the boundaries of expectation. He is not a ferocious bull, he does not snort or stamp his feet. Rather, he just likes to sit in the shade of a cork tree and smell the flowers.

Ferdinand the Bull makes our list for several reasons. First of all, it is just a great story, with a wonderful plot line. The circumstances that draw Ferndinand into the bull ring are simple, yet ingenious. Who knew that sitting on a bee could turn a passive, gentle male cow into a rip snorting, matador-mangling, devil? Well, obviously Munro Leaf did. His story, coupled with Robert Dawson's drawings make this a masterpiece of children's literature.

The next reason we like this book so much is how Ferdinand the bull stays true to himself. There is so much emphasis on how children should be raised. Some parents feel pressure to do this or that with their kids because of what society is telling them. But in this story, his mom quickly realizes that her son is no ordinary bull, destined for the sting of the matador's blade. And she doesn't let pride or prejudice change her approach. Now granted, this might be a reach of analysis; but still, I think it's a wonderful element to draw out of this timeless story.

Finally, our kids loved this story. I can't tell you how many times we've read this story. Ironically, we just watched the Sandra Bullock movie, "The Blind Side" the other day. It is the modern retelling of the famed story, but Michael Oher substitutes for Ferdinand the bull. It is no peculiar coincidence that Munro Leaf's book is actually read in the movie.

So #5 in our countdown is The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Dawson. Enjoy!

Goodnight Moon

There are so many amazing children's books. Take Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This used to be my children's favorite bedtime story. There is just something very sweet and innocent about this little rhyming story which makes it our #8 all time children's story.

This story is about a little toddler bunny who says goodnight to just about everything in the room. I know we can identify with the premise of this cute story. How many times have you told your young toddlers to tell the dog good night or the chair goodnight? I know we sure did.

It was a great way to introduce words to our children and the gentle rhyming sequencing just seems to work. As you read this book you can ask your child to point to the different items on the pages as you call them out.

I'll go back to it every time, there are few authors who can write cute little stories that pass the test of time. But some how, these older stories continue to amaze new parents with their characters and storylines.

So get your copy of Goodnight Moon today. Your children will love you for it.

If you love the Goodnight Moon story, then be sure to check out the loveable Bob and Joe Turtle series of books by Emma Ward.

The Going to Bed Book

Okay, who doesn't like a top 10 list. Especially when it comes to books. Our focus will take a slightly different approach. We will focus on our favorite children's books. These books will have a focus on language, learning, characters, and overall enjoyment.

We'll stay in the age group of 3-8 year olds.

#10 - The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton.

What makes this book so great is the rhythm. Perfect for developing toddlers who are trying to master the english language. Sandra has a great feel for rhyming and language development. Often times our children would finish the line in the book after their mother and I would start.

Our kids loved this book and thought the pictures were great too. I personally love the artistry. It's both simple and descriptive. Perfect for conveying the meaning behind the words. You really couldn't ask for a better start-up book for toddlers.

So that is our first installment of our top 10 list. The next 9 are sure to be some of your favorites as well.

Welcome to Tim's House

Welcome to the launch of Timothy House Publishing (THP). You will find a diverse array of stories and ebooks available from THP. But there is one common theme running through them all, a family friendly approach.

Our first author is Emma Ward, who writes a series of children's books known as "The Adventures of Bob and Joe". These are great stories for children between the ages of 3-10 and take about 15 minutes to read aloud.

Bob and Joe are identical twin turtle brothers who love to race. They have racing adventures with their animal friends, like Arnold the Alligator, Sammy the Squirrel and many more. Each adventure teaches children the value of friendship, family and fair play. These stories embody the concept at Timothy House regarding family friendly content.

If you don't want to read the stories aloud, then don't worry. These are perfect early readers, written between a first and third grade level.

There are currently six stories available at Amazon.com, however, there is a Volume 1 Edition  which includes all these stories in one discounted package.

Here are the titles...

Bob and Joe in Our First Race
Bob and Joe in Abandon Ship
Bob and Joe in Skating with Penguins
Bob and Joe in The Chariot Race
Bob and Joe in The Serious Badger
Bob and Joe in Photo Finish
The Adventures of Bob and Joe, Volume 1