God's Wisdom for Little Girls

Written by best-selling author Elizabeth George, God's Wisdom for Little Girls has a lofty goal: To help children understand Proverbs 31 and how it applies to their life today. Each page of this book (charmingly illustrated by Judy Luenebrink) deals with one character trait; through pictures and rhyming text, it shows little girls how that trait might apply to their life. The last page of the book breaks down some of the bigger words used in the book (like "diligent" and "gracious"), saying what they mean, and where moms can find the corresponding text in the Bible. God's Wisdom for Little Girls says that "God's little girl is:" priceless, kind, eager, helpful, cheerful, busy, hearty (giving it our all), diligent, caring, prepared, creative, prayerful, artistic, confident, gracious, careful, thoughtful, and cherished.

What I Like: The concept; Proverbs 31, while an important passage to all women, isn't always easy for grown-ups to understand. But the author does a fine job breaking down each concept and applying it to modern life. (Moms may learn something, too!) These virtues are things we should try to instill in our daughters from an early age, and God's Wisdom for Little Girls really help mothers do that. The illustrations vary in color intensity (some are vivid, some are pastel) and are quite detailed. They depict little girls playing, working, and loving.

What I Dislike: These aren't dislikes so much as cautions. I think it's important for mothers to tell their daughters they may not be able to live up to all these virtues - especially at first. It's also important to stress that we can only be a Proverbs 31 woman (or girl) if we lean on the Lord. Initially, I also questioned some of the named virtues; for example, "artistic." I couldn't recall a Bible passage that said Godly women should be artistic. But when I checked the last page of the book and saw how the author defined artistic ("a skillful expert"), my objection disappeared. Some parents may also object that God's Wisdom for Little Girls is sexist; it doesn't depict little girls romping around with cars and tools; they are mostly shown doing traditionally feminine things. There is certainly room for romping in every girl's life, but romping isn't one of the virtues mentioned in Proverbs 31. (There is a little girl shown digging in the garden, however.) Yet, overall God's Wisdom for Little Girls takes a pretty difficult subject and makes it approachable for preschoolers.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 5 - 8

Publishing Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2000; ISBN 0736904271; hardback; $15.99.

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Special Info: To get an idea what the illustrations are like in this book, check out the artist's website.

Thank You Prayer

Thank You Prayer by Josephine Page is a simple way to teach young children about prayer and thankfulness. The rhyming book doesn't have a storyline; instead, it's a written prayer that contains thanks for food, "for loving me," "the world so sweet," birds, family, and children everywhere.

What I like: The illustrations, by Caroline Jayne Church, show friendly animals in vivid color. The cover of the book is padded cardboard, and the pages are thin cardboard - more durable than regular paper pages, but more like an adult book than the thick cardboard of a board book. (My 18 month old hasn't destroyed the pages yet!)

What I dislike: The prayer does not begin with a salutation (like "Dear God"), nor does it end with an "amen." Parents can easily add these on, though. I do wish the text were a bit more "deep," but the wonderful illustrations really help make up for this; my daughter's attention is held rapt when I read this book to her.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 8 and under.

Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 2005; ISBN 9780439680998; hardback; $8.99

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Special Info: You may wish to check out the illustrator's website.

My Little Library of Bible Stories

This collection of 12 books is conceptually wonderful. Each of these three inch by three inch board books covers an important aspect of the Bible. There's one book for baby Jesus, another for Jesus' adult life, a book for various Bible heros, one devoted to the creation, one for The Lord's Prayer, and books for Daniel, David, Esther, Jonah, Joseph, Moses, and Noah.

What I Like: The concept. The small size is also nice for infants and toddlers.

What I Dislike: The illustrations are unimaginative, for the most part. Some are colorful, others are pretty bland. The text is clunky, dry, and often very wordy for young children.

Overall Rating: Poor.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: McGraw-Hill, 2004; ISBN 1588452328; set of 12 board books; $12.95

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My Bible Storybook

My Bible Storybook, written by Mindy MacDonald and illustrated by Melanie Mitchell, is part of the God Counts series. Other books in the series focus on specific points of Scripture such as the twelve disciples or the nine fruits of the Spirit, but this book covers 10 different Bible stories: "The Very Beginning" (creation), "A Very Bad Apple" (Adam and Eve), "A Big, Big Boat" (Noah), "The Littlest Ruler" (baby Moses), "A Giant Fight" (David and Goliath), "No Lion's Dinner" (Daniel), "Something's Fishy" (Jonah), "The King in the Barn" (Jesus' birth), "Fishes and Loaves" (feeding of the five thousand), "All for Us" (Jesus' death and resurrection). Each story is told in rhyming verse, four stanzas of two lines each. Biblical references are given throughout.The pages, thinner than most board books, are die-cut to reveal 3-D plastic molds of key elements of each story. Colorful and bright, the book begs to be touched and read.

What I Like: Everything! The short stories are simple to understand and easy to repeat. Perfect for early readers. More importantly, the text is accurate with biblical accounts. I appreciate the references provided. It makes it a natural connection to a real Bible. The illustrations are vivid and bold. My kids love touching the different characters and sticking their fingers through the die-cut holes.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8, but my kids have loved this since age 1

Publishing Info: Mulitnomah Kidz, 2005; ISBN: 1590524101; board book; $14.99

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Just In Case You Ever Wonder

Just In Case You Ever Wonder is a delightful book by Max Lucado, illustrated by Toni Goffe. It follows a child from the very beginning, before she was born, filling her with reassurances of how special she is and how much she is loved by her parents and by God. It points to creation and the power of God in lines such as "The same hands that made the stars made you ... That's why you are so special." It points how the uniqueness every child possesses; the creative design of our heavenly Father. The text continues to explain God chose "just the right home" and parents for this child, "where you would be warm when it's cold, where you'd be safe when you're afraid, where you'd have fun and learn about heaven." As the child in the book grows, she is continually reminded how her parents will always love her and hug her. It ends with a wonderful, yet simple description of heaven.

What I Like: The text in this book is amazing! The author gives heartfelt descriptions that could not be more sentimental and filled with love. It offers sound theology; an excellent foundation of doctrine and security in God's existence, love and divine intervention throughout creation and life. I have yet to find another book that so well solidifies a child's individuality by purpose. Each child is unique -- different from all the rest -- and this is a wonderful thing! Mr. Lucado does a beautiful job teaching that truth in this book.

What I Dislike: The illustrations are so-so. Because the words are so touching, I would have preferred more vivid and detailed pictures as accompaniment. Also, the illustrations only show a girl - not a boy. It would be nice to have both genders featured.

Overall Rating: Good (I would like to give an Excellent for the text and a Ho-Hum for the illustrations, but ... overall: Good.)

Age Appeal: 3-7, but my children have loved this book since about 14 months of age

Publishing Info: Tommy Nelson Publishers, 2000; ISBN: 0849975093; board book; $6.99

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Special Info: This book is also available in hardback for older children. The board book version (described here) is ideal for younger ones who are teething or a little rougher with their books.

~ Also, some readers have taken offense at the first illustration which shows a mother bottle-feeding a baby. They feel this gives an anti-breastfeeding message.

~ Finally, this may not be the best book for a child of a broken family. The text and illustrations both point to an in-tact and loving home with a mother and a father present and involved in the life of the child.

Inside Noah's Ark

Inside Noah's Ark, by Charles Reasoner (author and illustrator), is a jumbo board book filled with animal fun. It features vivid colors and die-cut doors and windows for peeking ahead and behind. Children can explore every level of the ark and dozens of different pairs of animals. The text is simple and short, only two rhyming verses on each two-page spread, leaving the focus on the crazy chaos that must have been. This book gives hardly any details, but it is a wonderful introduction to the biblical story of Noah inviting curiousity and sparking great interest in learning more.

What I Like: The illustrations are friendly and full of activity. This book features many animals frequently neglected in the story of Noah. It shows more than just elephants, monkeys and lions; readers also find turkeys, yaks, pelicans, polar bears, flamingos, walruses and more! Every time I read this book to my children, it turns into a game of "can you find this animal" and "what sound does he make". It's wonderful for kids' curiousity and discovery. They also love poking their little fingers through the windows and doors and seeing what is in front and behind. The pages are super thick and sturdy. My copy has survived three years, two toddlers and thirty-six teeth to date. It's still holding strong. :)

What I Dislike: There really is nothing that I dislike, however, this book does not give the complete story. There is no mention of why Noah and the animals are on a boat or Who put them there. It does mention the rainbow and say "God brought them back to land", but it fails to tell of the wonderful promise God made. While I very much like this book, it definitely requires supplements to fill in the blanks -- be that a parent explaining further or another book on the subject.

Overall Rating: Good!

Age Appeal: 0 - 3

Publishing Info: Price Stern Sloan, 2002; ISBN: 0-8431-4885-3; board book; $7.99

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Special Info: Two pages of this book (only 12 pages total) are devoted to Noah's wife. They read: "Mrs. Noah keeps things clean, On top, below, and in between." Some may find these comments sexist because there is no mention of anyone helping her and no mention of Noah doing any work on the ark.

Bedtime with Night-Light

Bedtime with Night-Light, by Susan Lingo, is a "get 'em to bed" board book. With cute, vivid illustrations by Kathy Parks, we see Night-Light (a bug) take a bath, put on his slippers, brush his teeth, get his blankie, read a "Bible story," and say his prayers. The book ends with the lyrics to a bed time song sung to the tune of "Jesus Loves Me."

What I Like: The illustrations are just delightful; this little bug (who could either be a girl or a boy) is cute and surrounded by colorful things. The text is in rhyme, and offers several Christian messages, including the idea that "God is here with us all through the night." The song at the end of the book fits a little awkwardly with the suggested tune, but repeats that reassuring message.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 - 5, but I'd say infant to preschool.

Publishing Info: Standard Publishing, 2004; ISBN 0784715203; board book; $8.99

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Little One's Bible Promises

Little One's Bible Promises is a delightful board book written by Stephen Elkins and offering basic Biblical principles every child should know. Each page features a concept, with corresponding Biblical passage. For example, the first page reads: "Genesis 1:27. You are a special and unique creation of God. You are created in God's image and He loves you." Other pages cover how God loves us; how we can pray to him at any time about anything and he will hear us; that we shouldn't be afraid because God will guard us; that God's son, Jesus, came so we could have eternal life; that we can sleep without fear because God never sleeps; that God will love us always, no matter what; and that "God is the best friend you will ever have."

What I Like: Good, solid Biblical principles, covered (mostly) in easy to understand language.

What I dislike: Some pages are a little complex for youngsters. For example, the book says that God always answers our prayers; in a child's mind, this could easily be misunderstood to mean that God always gives us what we ask for. Therefore, parents will need to talk with their children about this topic. While fodder for conversation isn't a bad thing, I would personally prefer that complex issues be broken down just a little bit more in this book. Also, the illustrations by Ellie Colton could be more colorful.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: infant - 4.

Publishing Info: Broadman & Holman, 2003; ISBN 0805427562; board book; $9.99

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Special Info: This book comes with a CD of biblically inspired lullabies. The tunes are soft, mellow, and quite listenable.

My Grandma and I

My Grandma and I is a fun book by P.K. Hallinan about a boy and a girl's relationship with their grandma. The book describes and pictures them playing hide and seek, playing with crayons and clay, playing counting games, working in the garden, fishing, watching movies, playing at the beach, eating a picnic - all with grandma. Grandma is also shown comforting a little one after he's fallen off a bike, giving the kids a bath, and putting them to bed. Christianity plays a backseat role in this book and only comes up at bedtime (prayer), and when Grandma comforts a child (by "showing compassion and God's tender ways').

What I Like: The illustrations are colorful and fun, showing a gray-haired, but young-at-heart grandma. The text is in rhyme.

What I dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but my baby has enjoyed this book since she was about 9 months old.

Publishing Info: Candy Lane Press, 2002; ISBN 0824942205; board book; $7.95

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Special Info: Oregon Ducks sweatshirts and hats are featured in this book! Also, you might want to check out P.K. Hallinan's website.

My Little Book About God

My Little Book About God, with text by Jane Werner Watson, is a Little Golden Book classic. First published in 1956, the book has seen several revisions. The most popular edition is, like the current one, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. As the title suggests, the book is designed to teach small children the basics about God.

What I Like: The concept is a good one, and teaches Biblical principles such as "God is great," God "was there" at the world's creation, "God is good," God gives us everything, "God is love," and God is with us. The illustrations show beautiful children (Caucasian and black), beautifully drawn.

What I Dislike: The text is a bit wordy for many toddlers. There are also spots in the text that Christian parents may find objectionable. For example, the author writes: "Think of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Those peaks were crumbling away with age before the first people lived on earth." This does not fit with a literal view of biblical creation. Later, the author says: "When we're hurt or sorry or lonely or sad, if we think of God, He is with us there." But God isn't with us if we aren't feeling these things?

Overall Rating: Ho-Hum.

Age Appeal: 2 - 5

Publishing Info: Golden Books, 2002; ISBN 0307203123; board book; $4.99

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Special Info: Single parent families take note: This book mentions the "love of a mother's arms" and the "strong hug of our daddy's arms," while showing a child being hugged by her mother and another child being hugged by her father.

Little One, God Made You

Written by Amy Warren Hilliker (daughter of Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life), Little One, God Made You is short and simple. The theme is that every child is a unique creation of God and that "God made you to love you, little one."

What I Like: The illustrations by Carol Thompson show babies and toddlers of various ethnicity playing, sleeping, cuddling...often with a parent. The illustrations are playful and colorful. The message will inspire good self-esteem and a loving feeling toward the Lord. The book is only 10 pages, which means even the youngest child should be able to sit through a reading

What I dislike: The text is in rhyme, but the rhyming isn't perfect in one spot.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 and under.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2004; ISBN 0310709598; board book; $6.99

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Special Info: To hear an interview with the author, visit the Zonderkidz website.

AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS

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1. The book(s) must have a true Christian or biblical message. This may be subtle, but it must be present. Books with a "good moral" only, but no actual Christian or biblical message will not be considered for review

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