In the Crook of the Oak

D.S. Foster's mystical allegory, In the Crook of the Oak, revolves around Lee and his struggles with temptation.  When a mesmerizing beetle lures Lee into the forbidden forest and a beautiful black fox promises enticing rewards, Lee chooses to follow the fox, even though he should return home to his aunt and uncle.

The fox tells Lee a sad story or friendship and betrayal. Lee is moved and decides he should help the fox by taking a charmed leaf  and keeping it away from a deceptive girl who appears in the form of a ghost.  Lee climbs the old oak tree and steals the silver leaf before the little ghost-girl can persuade him to give the leaf to her. Every now and then, Lee feels a flash of remorse, but then he remembers all the wonderful treasures the fox has promised.  In order to get his reward, Lee must burn the leaf  when he returns home.  However, before he can burn it, a cardinal wakes him up and convinces Lee to follow her.  The longer Lee follows the cardinal, the better able he is to hear her voice.  She brings Lee to the Water Spirit, who directs him to the Oak Tree.

The Water Spirit and Oak Tree explain the true natures of the little girl and the fox to Lee, who realizes he was wrong to believe the fox's smooth lies.  Lee races to give the leaf to Miria, the ghost-girl, before it is too late.  When it looks as if all is lost, the noble stag, Milthorn, intervenes, and assists Lee.   Plot Spoilers Ahead:   Milthorn loses his life in the process, but Lee still has time to give Miria the leaf.  The "leaf" turns out to be Miria's missing feathers, and she is restored from a ghost to an angel.

Full-page pencil sketches are scattered throughout.

What I Like:  Lee's struggle with temptation is very believable.  The fox is beautiful, friendly and speaks warmly.  He compliments Lee and appears to help him at the beginning of the journey.  Lee's uncle is strict and punishes him for staying out all night.  These situations would be excellent points for parents to discuss with their children.  It is important to realize people may sound nice but not have good intentions, and people who discipline us actually do so for our own good.

I also like the way the cardinal functions as Lee's conscience.  As Lee follows her more and more, he can hear her better, but when he ignores her and goes his own way, her voice becomes fuzzy and gradually fades out.  

What I Dislike:  I was confused about Miria.  She was portrayed as a child, a ghost, and an angel who was missing part of her wings.  I don't understand how she was captured or what the significance of freeing her was. At first, she was a bit creepy, so it was hard to shift my attitude and like her in the end.

I also was disappointed we were given so little characterization of Milthorn.  He was the true hero, and the Christ-figure in this allegory, but we didn't get to know him well at all.  I felt like I knew and understood the black fox much better.  I would rather spend more time thinking about Jesus (portrayed as Milthorn) than Satan (the black fox).

There were some distracting grammatical errors.  Also, the reproductions of the pictures blurred some of the shading and lines, and made many of the pictures indistinct.

Overall Rating:  Ho-Hum. This is a great start, but could use some polishing.

Age Appeal:  8-12

Publisher Info: ShadeTree Publishing, LLC, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-98226232-4-2; Paperback, 114 pages, $12.99

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365 Great Bible Stories: The Good News of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation

365 Great Bible Stories, written by Carine Mackenzie, actually has 366 stories. The final installment ties all the themes and stories of the book together by highlighting the Bible as the inspired word of God.

Each page contains the following:
* Heading- gives a title for each story and a Scripture reference.
* Story- one page in length, approximately 250 words.
*Picture- illustrated by David Lundquist, most about the size of a credit card, realistic and accurate.
*Thinking point or prayer- red text, usually a few brief but poignant sentences in length that reinforce the main idea of that day’s story.

In addition, the book offers a unique feature: Readers can flip through it to locate stories associated with a key Biblical theme. These stories are easily identified by finding certain images, which are as follows:
* Lamb - Jesus Christ and Salvation
* Winding Road - Traveling and Journeys
* Open Scroll - God's Word* Sword - Wars and Battles
* Dove - The Holy Spirit

The author selects stories from both the Old and New Testament with care. In easy to understand and concise wording, each one helps the reader understand the history of the Christian faith and it’s most important doctrines. The book itself is divided into six segments, or chapters. It places the Old Testament stories into three groups. It likewise divides the New Testament stories into three groups.

The hardcover book also features a slender blue bookmark, just like you might find in a regular Bible.

Here is an example of a thinking point based on a story about Hezekiah trusting in God: “When we have a problem it is best to take it to God in prayer and ask him for help.”

Here is an example of prayer that follows the Beatitude passage in Matthew: “Ask the Lord God that you will know these special blessings from him and value them.”

What I Like: I found the stories to be both straight to the point and Biblically sound. They hold a certain “richness” that make interesting. Not only that, The format lends itself well to kids of all ages. Younger kids can read a page a day without getting the wiggles. Older children can read several pages in one sitting if they like. The book could also be used for family devotions. The thinking point serves as a great springboard for discussion.

What I Dislike: Nothing. However, remember these are brief stories. Parents may want to read the full story from Scripture for themselves first so they can provide background or more details to their children.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: All ages

Publisher Info: Christian Focus, 2011; ISBN:978-1845505400; Hardcover, 384 pgs., $19.99
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Mix and Match Bible Stories

With books of Bible stories everywhere you turn, one might think all the possibilities have been exhausted. But Mix and Match Bible Stories by Sally Ann Wright and Toni Goffe offers something a little different. Fifteen stories--from Moses to Paul--are covered. Each story's "page" is broken into three panels on both the left and right sides for each part, hence the mix-and-match aspect. On the left, you put together the picture of the person whose story is being told, then when you've matched it up, their story is revealed on the opposite side for you to read.

If your kids like mix and match pictures and stories, they'll enjoy this book.

What I Like: The stories are pretty well encapsulated in just a few sentences, although in a few, I felt it misled the reader. For instance, for brevity, the story of Joseph is abbreviated at the end, saying: "I helped Egypt and my family through a seven-year famine." While this is true on the most basic of levels, it leaves out the fact they didn't even recognize him, or that the brothers had told their father, Jacob, that Joseph was dead. Also in this story, God's hand in the Joseph's situation is completely left out.

Toni Goffe's illustrations are engaging and very colorful.

What I Dislike: Most of the mix and match books I've seen in the past have the associated stories in the same order. And while the same order is used, each is skewed slightly so you have to hunt to find the second and third panels for Noah's story (or any other story.) They're not all on page 1; you might have the top panel be page 1, the second be page 6, and the third be page 12 to make a complete story.

Most Christians will be familiar with all fifteen stories shared, but it would have been nice to have references for where to find the stories in the Bible.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: 3 - 5

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7586-2796-4; Hardback, 32 PGS., $12.99

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Good Manners for a Little Warrior

Good Manners for a Little Warrior takes knight training to a new level. Good knights don't just understand honor and courage; they also understand that manners matter.

Continuing the series, author Kelly Chapman maintains a consistent format with the first book. During a baseball game, Luke gets knocked out cold. His slumber sparks another dream of he and his buddies attending Warrior Prince Academy with Sir Britmore. As the boys journey through different challenges within their royal drills, they discover four levels of manners and how each contributes to being a good knight.

1. Power Words: Phrases like please, thank you, I'm sorry, excuse me, your welcome, yes, ma'am and yes, sir
2. Code of Honor: This includes -- first and foremost -- loving God and loving others. Knights exhibit this, for example, by making eye contact, being respectful, taking turns, sharing and speaking truthfully.
3. Table Manners: The knights-in-training learned about appropriate behavior at dinner and how to properly set the table and use the utensils provided.
4. Sportsmanship: It's not all about winning the game! Wise knights follow the coach's directions, play fair, encourage teammates and treat their opponents with respect.

Of course, Luke wakes at the end of the book excited to share all he has learned with all of his friends.

Readers will find a "Whiz Kid Manners Quiz" at the back of the book along with a "What Do Jesters Do?" poem reinforcing the main points of the text.

The illustrations by Jeff Ebbeler feature bold colors, exaggerated characters and lots of action and expression.

What I Like: It's great to have a book for boys that talks about proper manners! This one goes beyond the basics of "power words" to include character traits as well. This encourages a spiritual connection between faith and actions. I also like that the text is divided into chapters. Even though the book is small, it holds a lot of information. I liked having good stopping points where we could pick it up again later. Both my son (age 6) and my daughter (age 8) found this book attractive.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really. But I do wonder how many families still set the table with multiple forks. Aside from weddings, I don't know when my kids would need that information or encounter that situation.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 3-8
Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2011; ISBN: 0736937242; Hardback; 32 pages; $12.99
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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author. You may be interested in additional resources available through Royal Purpose Ministries which include activity books, CDs, DVDs, curriculum, and even camp programs suitable for your church's VBS program. Their goal is "to teach, equip, and encourage others about their true identity in Christ so they can walk in freedom as they seek to live out God's purpose for their lives." Learn more at http://www.royalpurpose.com/.

Golden Tassel's Graduation

Golden Tassel’s Graduation, written by Kay Michaels, is a story about stalks of corn growing in a field. Golden Tassel is the name of one of the stalks. He is the tallest stalk of corn and can see all the others in the field. Some of the others are Minigold, Big Ears and Kernel King.

The four stalks of corn, along with all the others, are in Farmer Kern’s field. Their survival is depends on the weather and the care Farmer Kern gives them, and sometimes they feel as though the end is near. But, they look forward to “graduation day” as they dream about their contribution to the harvest.

But it is more than that. It is a story about farming. It is a story about believing in God. It is a story about using what we have and not wasting it.

The author includes different types of corn in the story and tells how each one will be used. Some are for humans to eat, some are for animals to eat, some are to use to make baskets, some to use as fuel, some for corn oil, some to burn in furnaces, and some to use for seed for next year’s crops.

There is a black-and-white sketch by Kathy Hoyt at the beginning of every chapter and at the end of nearly all of them.

Isaiah 64:4 is given as a Bible reference for the story: “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”

What I Like: I like the way the author ties in the many uses of corn as she weaves her story around the stalks growing in the fields.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-9 years.

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 9781616631352; Paperback, 73 pages, $8.99.

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Special Info: Visit the author’s Facebook page. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Kathy Hoyt. The publisher, Tate Publishing, provides an audio download of the book. The web page and code for the download are given at the end of the book.

Undercover Angels: Kayla's Big Move

Since her father’s death in a school shooting, twelve-year old Kayla’s life has been full of changes. First, she has to help her mom manage a single-parent household. Then she moves to a new home. Now she has to start a new school—private this time instead of public—and make new friends.

Despite her fears, Kayla soon meets two sets of students who welcome her to the school. One group is active in the church youth group, and shares a carefree banter Kayla enjoys. The other group seems popular and fun, but doesn’t always make choices Kayla feels comfortable with—like cheating on a test or toilet papering a teacher’s house. For various reasons, both groups appeal to Kayla. She must decide which direction she wants her life… and faith… to go.

Undercover Angels: Kayla’s Big Move, by Angela Dusenberry, is book one in the series. The characters are likable, and the challenges and choices Kayla faces are realistic.

What I Like: Kayla’s struggle to give in to peer-pressure seems genuine. I really enjoyed the character named Sara, who seemed like a faith-filled, caring person. She served as a great role model for Kayla (and readers). I think pre-teens would enjoy the book. It had enough drama to hold my interest.

What I Dislike: The twelve-year-old girls in the story look for and want boyfriends. As a parent, I don’t want to support dating-type relationships at such a young age. I was encouraged when at one point, Sara said (in reference to a boy), “We are all friends, and I think we should keep it that way.” But my cheer was short-lived by this addition from Kayla: “…she didn’t sound too convincing.” However, I suspect that some of these issues will clear up as the series continues and the characters mature in their faith.
Also, sometimes the dialogue/ scene descriptions were a little choppy for my liking.

Overall Rating: For me, it was in the good to very good range, but I suspect teens might rank it higher, so I'll go with VERY GOOD.

Age Appeal: None is given, but I'd say ages 10-13.

Publisher Info: Ano Klesis Publishing, 2009; ISBN:978-0978856403; Paperback, 112 pgs., $9.95.

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Wreath: A Novel

Brave, resourceful, and determined, Wreath Wisteria Willis is still vulnerable enough to be believable.  Judy Christie's sixteen-year-old heroine in Wreath:  A Novel is growing up alone since her mother died.  Instead of turning herself in to the foster care system, Wreath runs away, hoping to bury her grief, as well as her identity.  In order to survive, she also must steer clear of her mother's boyfriend who committed a crime only Wreath can prove.

Wreath writes lists, overcomes her fears, and even gets a job.  Her book smarts and quick wit make living in an abandoned junkyard bearable.  With the help of her boss, a teacher at school, a town lawyer and a boy in her class, Wreath may be able to make a new life for herself.  Eventually, though, her stories start to unravel.  As she gets closer to people in her new town, they realize not all of her claims add up. 

When her mother's boyfriend shows up in town, will Wreath be able to continue with her plans for Prom, graduation and college, or will she be derailed and have to run again?

What I Like:  I like Wreath a lot.  She is a lovable girl, with lots of talents, but she is afraid to stand out, or let herself hope things will get better.  She is believable whether she is fixing up the abandoned van she lives in, rummaging for "vintage" hand-me-downs,  crying because she can't take a shower on the first day of school, or giving her real name by mistake, in a flustered moment.  She is a girl readers will alternately identify with,  feel sorry for and admire.

I also like the gentleness of the book.  Although Wreath's mother's boyfriend was abusive, nothing disturbing is described.  Also, as Wreath and Law (the cute boy from school) begin to become attached to each other, their interactions consist mostly of him trying to get her to go to youth group or go to his grandparents' for dinner after church. 

Gentle writing doesn't mean the book is slow, however.  On the contrary, Christie keeps us turning pages long after bedtime just to solve the mystery of Wreath's past and learn what the future holds for her.

What I Dislike:  Nothing about the writing.  One of my pet peeves, however, is when publishers put a photograph-style picture on the front of teen books.  In my city, we have large Hmong, KaRen, Somali, Indian, Hispanic and African-American populations, as well as teens from other groups.  The girl on the cover has auburn hair, hazel eyes, and white skin.  She is beautiful, but many teens prefer to read books if they can identify with the characters. I would find it much easier to use the book in a classroom library if there were symbols or graphics on the cover, instead of a photo.  The book mentions Wreath's hazel eyes, but the rest of her appearance is not emphasized.

Overall Rating:  Excellent, despite the cover image

Age Appeal:  12 and up

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-61626-45209; Paperback, 282 pages, $9.99

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They Stood ALONE! 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference

Since readable, engaging nonfiction for eight- to twelve-year-olds is hard to come by, parents and teachers alike will want to have a copy of They Stood Alone:  25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference. Sandra McLeod Humphrey's volume of short biographies spans Christopher Columbus to Neil Armstrong, and includes innovators of science, technology, charity and peace.

Every chapter begins with a black and white photo, a large-print quote, and the words, "Imagine this. . . ."  Readers are instructed to put themselves in the hero or heroine's shoes, and imagine life from their perspective.  Humphrey's clever questions give us a perfect introduction to the person, and provide a natural break to allow students to write out a response imagining themselves in various situations.  The next four and half pages of each chapter are devoted to a biographical sketch of people such as Nicolaus Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Henry David Thoreau, Booker T. Washington, Marie Curie, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, and Jackie Robinson.

Humphrey's choice of heroes and heroines reflects her belief, "In every age there are courageous men and women who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths."  She ends the book with Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Less Traveled," and an admonishment to readers to ". . .always follow your heart and never give up your dream."

What I Like:  I especially like the beginning question in each chapter. The questions provide an excellent hook to get readers interested and convince them to continue reading.  I also like the fast-pace of the  biographies, and the short chapters.  Young people will read the stories before they even realize they are reading non-fiction!

I also like Humphrey's eclectic mix of subjects.  They are all admirable, interesting, and willing to stand up for their beliefs despite societal expectations.
 
What I Dislike:  There are a couple of minor typos, but nothing too distracting. 


Overall Rating:  Very Good

Age Appeal:  8 and up

Publisher Info: Prometheus Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-61614-485-2; Paperback, 176 pages, $14.00

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Special Note:  Humphrey includes a biography of Margaret Mead because she influenced the women's movement of the 1960s by publishing anthropological studies showing gender roles were based on societal expectations, rather than genetics.  Though not mentioned in the book, Mead, an Episcopalian, had a very  liberal view of marriage and sexual expression.