Love Your Neighbor

Loving our neighbor is a difficult commandment to follow. But, Love Your Neighbor, by Melody Carlson, makes it seem easy. With cheerful illustrations by Susan Reagan, how could you not love these characters? The author and illustrator work wonderfully together in teaching children to love your neighbor as yourself. That's hard to do when your neighbor is not very nice to you. The text is rhythmic; the pictures are bright and cheery; the story is both realistic and imaginative - much like the minds of children.

What I Like: I especially liked the whimsical illustrations. Children have a creative imagination, and these pictures will keep them glued to the pages. I also liked they rhythmic text. Children are somewhat mezmorized with words that rhyme.

What I Dislike: I don't necessarily have any complaints. This is a cute book, and children love it! But, as a mom, I prefer stories with stronger lessons.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publishing Info: Broadman & Holman ; ISBN 080542383-4 ; $12.99 ; Hardback.

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For God So Loved the World: My John 3:16 Book

For God So Loved the World: My John 3:16 Book was written by Dandi Daley Mackall, award-winning author of more than 400 books. Starting with creation and all its wonders, this book tells of the gifts God has given us. Each rhyming stanza of four lines ends with "For God so loved the world." The author then lovingly tells that God's greatest gift was Jesus. She clearly explains the Gospel message in a way little hearts can understand. This book highlights a global theme. Each page features the title phrase in a different language including Spanish, Tahitian, Nigerian, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Portugese, French and English. The book concludes by quoting John 3:16.

Russian artist Elena Selivanova fills the pages with beautiful illustrations. Children from around the world are shown in many different environments. Spectrums of color delight the eyes while sweet expressions tickle the heart.

What I Like: Everything! This book is beautifully written with a strong Scriptural foundation. The illustrations are fantastic. (The picture here appears pastel, but the book is not.) My kids love this book and I do, too.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8, though I would say 2 and above

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2007; ISBN: 1591455243; Hardback; $12.99

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