His Little Princess

If you have a little girl - even if she's only an infant right now - you'll want to buy her His Little Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd. Yes, yes, I know. You're probably sick of all the princess stuff that's everywhere for little girls these days. But trust me; this book shouldn't be missed.

The premise of His Little Princess is simple. On each two-page spread, one side features a "letter from God," while the other side features a "letter from the princess." The letters from God are biblical, while the letters from the princess are really model prayers. Here's how the book begins:

"My Chosen Daughter,

You are not a pretend princess, my child. You are a real princess, and I am your God, the King of all kings. I chose you before you were even born to be my princess. You are very important in my kingdom. I have chosen you to do something special that only you can do. I have amazing plans for you, both now and for when you grow up. Remember, a crown and a palace do not make you a true princess - it is your love for me and for others that will make you special. If you read my words every day in the Bible, I will teach you all you need to know about living like a daughter of the King.

Love,
Your King and Father in Heaven."

And the princess' prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be your princess. I feel so special knowing I belong to you. Help me to remember to act like I am yours, because I need help. I'm glad you are my King who can make me shine for you! I pray in Jesus' name, amen."

Elsewhere, God tells the princess that he's her Daddy in Heaven, that he made her just as she is and she's beautiful that way, that he will always love her no matter what, what sort of attitude a true princess needs, how important respect is, that he will always forgive her, that words must be chosen carefully, that she should never be afraid because the King is with her, how to deal with disappointments, that she should have the courage of Queen Esther, how important love is, how to deal with anger, how to learn to apologise, how important it is to resist temptation, how to deal with rejection, how to be thankful, how to honor the elderly, the importance of dressing modestly, how important perseverance is, how to avoid jealousy, how to be patient and truthful, how important it is to tell people about Jesus, and much more.

Each letter is written in loving, beautiful prose, and each of the princess' prayers is an excellent example of how to pray.

Each page is full color, with feminine backgrounds and small illustrations by Lisa Marie Browning throughout.

What I Like: I cried when I read this book, because even though I'm over 30, there are parts of me that are still an insecure little girl. This book is an excellent way to help your daughter learn timeless truths about who she is and what God wants from her. It's also an excellent way to instill true self-esteem (which is the knowledge that God created your daughter just as she is, and loves her just as she is...no matter what).

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Multnomah, 2006; ISBN: 1590526015; hard back, $13.99.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99.

Or buy at Amazon.com for $11.19

Special Info: You may wish to take a look at the author's website. And if you know a little boy who could use a masculine version of this book, take a look at our review for the author's His Mighty Warrior.