My Thankful Heart

If you’re looking for a book to make your young child aware of praising God, try My Thankful Heart by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

The book begins:

“What can we say thank you for?
Loads of things...and then some more!
(Saying thanks is what you do
When someone’s been kind to you.)"

The author then goes on to explain that God made everything...and he made it for people. She then encourages children to thank God for making the world, clothes, food, the ability to run and play, and everything else we need. She also encourages them to thank God for making them. She goes on to explain that God loves us unconditionally.

The book ends:

"Happy or sad, wherever we go
Here is something that we know:
God we love you! Yes we do!
ALL WE HAVE, it comes from...YOU!"

The illustrations by Patricia Jennings shows lots of small children in a sketchy, but colorful fashion. We see falling leaves and pumpkins, which makes this book especially great for the Thanksgiving season...but the message is good any time of the year!

What I Like: This is a simple introduction to God’s gifts to us, and our ability to thank him.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: Infants through preschoolers.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2004; ISBN: 1414300646; board book, $8.99.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $7.49.

Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift

Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift is another of Max Lucado's books in the "Wemmicks" series.

It is "Maker-day" in Wemmicksville, which looks a lot like Christmas. Red and green lights are everywhere, bows and wreaths decorate buildings, and snow blankets the town. Everyone is going out of their way to show Eli, their maker, thanks for creating them. Hans the Baker creates a seven layer cake, Violet the flower lady makes an enormous wreath, Dr. Marvel plays a special song on his amazing new instrument, and Lucia is busy directing the Maker-day concert, "the most important part of Maker-day," she says. Punchinello is concerned, though. He can't make fancy cakes or wreaths. What can he do for Eli? He made up a song for Eli, but no one seemed to notice it. What could he give that would be worthy?

But Dr. Marvel needs a helper to run his magnificent new instrument; he chooses Puncinello. Unfortunately, the instrument blows apart, mid-performance, wrecking Violet's beautiful wreath and Hans' special cake. The celebration is ruined. After the commotion is over, there is silence. Then Punchinello begins to softly sing his song. Soon, the other Wemmicks join in. The book ends: "As Eli listened from his home on the hill he said, 'What a most marvelous song! It's a most marvelous gift!'"

What I Like: The illustrations, which look like computer animation, are bold, and almost 3-D like. The text, adapted by Karen Hill and based on Lucado's characters, is simple. It hints at meaning, but doesn't hit readers over the head with it. And in the bustle of Christmastime, it's important to remember what the day is really about: God. Too, sometimes the best gifts are the most simple and humble ones. After reading this book, and with a parent's help, even small children will understand this message clearly.

What I Dislike: The story seems a little bit derivative of How the Grinch Stole Chirstmas, but not in such a large way that it spoils the book.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 2 - 7.

Publishing Info: Tommy Nelson, 2004; ISBN: 1400304490; board book, $8.99.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $6.99.

A Gaggle of Geese & A Clutter of Cats

While there is certainly a need for children's books that lay out the Bible and theology in a strong fashion, I really enjoy children's books that teach non-biblical things alongside simple biblical truths. A Gaggle of Geese & a Clutter of Cats, by favorite children's book author Dandi Daley Mackall, does just that. The book begins:

"When God made the world,
he formed all kinds of creatures,
Fashioned in families of similar features.
Everyone knows there are kittens in litters.
Packs, flocks, and herds, common names for our critters.
But animals groups go by fancy names, too.
In jungles, a pet store, a pasture, a zoo."

The rhyming text then goes on to teach all kinds of wonderful names for groups of animals. Some, most of us have heard of. But others will undoubtedly be a surprise. For example, did you know a group of peacocks is called a "muster?" That a group of crows is a "murder?" A group of bears is a "sleuth?" A group of owls, a "parliament?" Fun stuff, here! The book ends:

"Now here's a fine group. What's the name?
Please keep guessing!
A big group of kids?
Why, we call them a BLESSING!

The last page of the book is a quote from Genesis 1:20 -25, stating how God created all creatures. On every page of this book, gorgeous illustrations by David Hohn make reading a feast for the eyes. There is such depth, and detail, and color in these illustrations!
What I Like: Everything. This book teaches a bit about most children's favorite subject (animals), while readily acknowledging God's wonderful creativity. The illustrations are superb; I think this book will quickly become a favorite in many households.
What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 - 12, but I assure you toddlers on up will enjoy this one.
Publishing Info: Waterbrook Press, 2007; ISBN: 1400072042; hard back, $9.99.
Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99.
Special Info: Check out illustrator's David Hohn's website, which includes many examples of his art. Also, take a peek at author Dandi Daley Mackall's website.

When Daddy Goes Away & When Daddy Comes Home

If you know a child with a father in the military, When Daddy Goes Away and it's companion book, When Daddy Comes Home, may be just the books they need.

When Daddy Goes Away, written by Kristie Algeo (a military wife), is the story of a little boy who's nervously excited about beginning kindergarten. He's eager to start school so he can learn to read and write...so he can read his Daddy's letters and write back. But he's sad, too, because Daddy won't be able to send him off to school. In fact, when Daddy's away, there's a lot this little boy doesn't like. Gone are the fishing trips and bear hugs and bed time prayers with Daddy.

These thoughts bring the little boy to tears. So his Mommy plays a recorded message from his Daddy. In the message, Daddy says he feels many of the things the little boy is feeling just now: Excited, scared, worried, sad. The boy takes great comfort in knowing this; if Daddy can get through it, then the boy can, too. And there's more. Daddy's left a special prayer on the tape. The boy kneels and prays along. "I am so happy that Daddy says my bedtime prayer with me tonight," he thinks. In the end, he closes his eyes and dreams "about my first day of kindergarten and about an even better day - when Daddy comes home."

The book also includes a friendly introduction by the author, as well as a section on helping children deal with a parent's deployment. In addition, there are ideas on making "little ones feel an extra measure of love during deployment."

When Daddy Comes Home, by the same author, introduces us to a little girl named Sally. Sally explains that she's had a busy summer visiting with her grandparents. Rules were different at her grandparent's cabin, which was sometimes no fun. Her grandparents, at first, seemed like strangers. And "my grandparents didn't spend all their time with me, either. Every morning, Grandpa closed his door to spend time in prayer." But Sally soon learned to have fun. "I wanted to stay and stay at the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa until I remembered another special person that I hadn't seen for a long time - my Daddy."

Sally makes a welcome home banner for her Daddy, then describes her father's arrival home. Mommy cries and thanks God for keeping Daddy safe. But it takes time for Sally to feel comfortable around her Daddy again. He feels like a stranger. Sally explains how things change when Daddy comes home. Some of the rules have changed, and Daddy and Mommy want alone time, too. She concludes: "Some things are new and different now that Daddy is home, and every moment may not be perfect. But that's okay, because we belong together, and we love each other."

This book also includes a warm introduction by the author, and a couple of pages of ideas on how to help children with post-deployment homecomings.

What I Like: Undoubtedly, there's a need for books like these. Although a professional writer might have produced tighter books, the author clearly knows whereof she speaks, and that makes up for any flaws. The illustrations in both books are cartoonish, bright, and kid-friendly. I especially like Ron Wheeler's illustrations for When Daddy Comes Home.

What I Dislike: Brandi Neighbor's illustrations for When Daddy Goes Away are a little amateurish, although most kids won't find them disagreeable.

Overall Rating: Because these books deal so honestly with the issues faced by "military kids," Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Lightning Source, 2006; ISBN: 1414106432 (When Daddy Goes Away and 141410667X (When Daddy Comes Home); paper back, $21.99 each

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $14.95 each.

One Baby Jesus (A New Twelve Days of Christmas)

One Baby Jesus by Patricia A. Pingry is an illustrated version of the classic song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but with a Christian bent. (If you're thinking, "But 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' already has symbolic Christian meaning!" you might want to read this Snopes article on the topic.)

With attractive watercolor illustrations by Wendy Edelson, each two page spread shows one aspect of the nativity, using little children in the place of Joseph, Mary, the wise men, the shepherds, and the angels. The text mirrors the classic song, beginning:

"On the first day of Christmas
my mama gave to me
one baby Jesus sleeping peacefully."

The accompanying illustration shows a mother and small child near a "baby Jesus" in a manger. The book goes on to include "two parents smiling, three wise men giving," and "four camels plodding," stars, donkeys, shepherds, angels, lambs, cows, and doves, ending with "twelve hugs and kisses" (from mama).

What I Like: The illustrations are lovely, and really capture my two year old's attention. She also loves to be sung to, so this book is ideal for introducing the basic concept of Christmas to her. Too, she enjoys counting out the animals with me. In addition, I like that this book could easily be made into a countdown to Christmas. Twelve days before Christmas, read the book with your child, then set out the nativity stable and the baby Jesus. Then, as each day passes, read the book again and set out an additional part of the nativity scene.

What I Dislike: I wish there was a stronger ending to this book - something about the true meaning of Christmas. I also wish that instead of multiple stars, the text could have somehow made it clear it was one, especially bright star that marked Jesus' birth.

Overall Rating: I would probably give this book a "Good" review, except that my daughter really adores this book, so clearly it has kid appeal. Therefore, it gets a "Very Good."

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 1 to 4, but infants will like this, too, and preschoolers will enjoy singing along with you.

Publishing Info: Candy Cane Press, 2002; ISBN: 0824941381; board book, $6.95.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $5.49.

Your Special Gift

Max Lucado provides another wonderful tale of Wemmicks in his book Your Special Gift. All the Wemmicks books emphasize the truth of God's love for those He created. Each book explains how God made each of us special, just the way He wanted us to be. This book expands on those truths by exploring the gifts God gives His children.

A bright red package greets Punchinello one morning. He opens it to find a hammer. He loves hammers, but wonders who gave it to him. Several citizens of Wemmicksville receive a package that day. Lucia gets a new paintbrush; the baker a new spoon. Woody's box holds sewing stuff and Splint's box a new guitar. Each brings their gifts to the village hoping to find the giver, but instead encounters a weary, sad-looking family. Their wagon wheel broke as they crossed the bridge. The river washed away their clothes, and the rain soaked their food. They are tired, hungry and dirty. Everyone drops their gifts and rushes to help. Unfortunately, nothing seems to work. Not until they consult with Eli, the Wemmick maker, do they know what to do. "Each of you do the most what you do the best." He encourages them to use their gifts to the best of their ability. When they do that, everything turns out just as it should.

This is the first book of this series not illustrated by Sergio Martinez. David Wenzel steps up to the plate nicely! He continues the work Martinez began with the same creative characters and classic warm colors. His drawings are less sketchy than the previous books making for smoother illustrations.

What I Like: I love this series and this is one of my favorites. It clearly illustrates Ephesians 2:10 which says we were created "to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NAS) The book does a beautiful job teaching Christian service and proper use of spiritual gifts. It's a wonderful book!

What I Dislike: Absolutely nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: 4-8, but I love it, too, and I'm 31!

Publisher Info: Crossway, 2006; ISBN: 1581346980; Hardback; $15.99

Buy it Now at ChristianBook.com for $11.99!

Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in the Wemmicks series or visit the author's website.

When God Made the Animals

When my two year old daughter saw When God Made the Animals sitting on my desk, she thought I was the meanest mommy in the world because I wouldn't read it to her. (Sorry, dear girl! This book is for a reader giveaway!) Like many young children, my daughter adores googly eyes books...and like most children, she also loves animals. So this neat little board book is right up her alley.

Each two page spread of this short, eight page board book features either sea creatures, birds, "big land animals," or a variety of animals with Adam and Eve. These are rendered in a vivid way by Warner McGee. Each spread also includes a four stanza rhyme, written by Jill Roman Lord. A Bible reference is included with each of these stanzas, but this is not a biblical account of how God created things. Instead, it's a simple reminder that God made all creatures. The last page reads:

"Creating was fun. But God still wasn't done.
He had one more thing up his sleeve.
He took dirt from the land and created a man,
then created a woman named Eve.

What I Like: All of Multnomah's googly eyes books have strong kid-appeal. The illustrations are eye-catching and interesting, the googly eyes irresistible, and the rhyming text very good.

What I Dislike: I wish all the googly eyes books by Multnomah were a bit longer, even though their shortness may appeal to restless readers. Also, for some reason, in this book Warner McGee's illustrations aren't as crisp as they are elsewhere. Still, none of this should keep you away from this fun book.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 2 - 5, but many younger (and slightly older) kids will enjoy it, too.

Publishing Info: Multnomah, 2006; ISBN: 1590527143; board book, $7.99.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $5.99.

Special Info: Check out our other reviews of Multnomah's googly eyes books.

Jesus Loves Me (A Picture-Me-Book)

Children's books featuring a photograph of your own little pum'kin have been popular for quite some time. Jesus Loves Me, a Picture-Me-Book, is one of the few offerings with a Christian slant.

In this book, a girl's body is shown doing typical childhood activities: getting out of bed, playing jump rope, refusing to eat vegetables, getting (temporarily) lost at the mall, having a birthday party, pretending to be a princess, praying, and the like. Where the girl's face should be is a die-cut hole. Tape a photograph of your little miss on the back cover of the book, and viola! Suddenly your little one is the star of the show.

The rhyming text explains that Jesus loves the pictured girl no matter what she's doing throughout the day.

What I Like: The concept is a good one. Kids usually like looking at photographs of themselves, and the novelty of being the leading character in a book has strong appeal. Too, the truth that Jesus loves us - no matter what - is one we can't emphasize too often.

What I Dislike: The text (written by "Dandi," the back cover says) fumbles around with awkward phrasings. For example:

"If I fuss when I see
on my plate broccoli,
even then - totally
Jesus loves me."

More troubling are sections that seem to suggest bad things will never happen. For example, the little girl argues with her friend, and her cat runs away...but both the cat and the friend come back - because Jesus loves our heroine. And when she gets lost in the mall, "Jesus never lets me down. Before you know it - I am found." I also find the illustrations by Bill Wilson a little odd. The leading lady looks awfully hulky, with manlike hands. Some parents will also object to the cover illustration, which includes a depiction of Jesus.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Playhouse, 1995; ISBN: 1571515267; paper back, $5.99.

Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $1.99.

Special Info: The illustrations in this book feature a Caucasian-looking family for the leading character. Other pictured children have different skin tones, but if your girl's skin isn't fair, this book won't really work for you.

My Thanksgiving Prayer

It's time to celebrate Thanksgiving again, time to remember all the things we should be grateful for. We, as adults, have had the opportunity to celebrate the season many times. Our little ones haven’t. Each Thanksgiving is a new experience for them.
Make this Thanksgiving special for your very little ones by sharing this book with them: My Thanksgiving Prayer, written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Claudine Gevry. It is a Thanksgiving prayer from a child’s perspective. Written in rhyme, the verses give thanks for things children think about and can appreciate: food, family, and nature. The text is short and simple, with words and images children can understand and relate to.
Here’s a sample:

Thank you, God, for birds that sing
and mountains standing tall.
For rivers, trees, and bumblebees –
Lord, you have made them all.

The illustrations in this book are painted with bright, bold colors and project a very child-like quality. Every double-paged spread, except one, contains a single picture. The other two pages contain three pictures that are painted to look like photographs. The book itself is a boardbook, cut roughly into the shape of a cornucopia.
What I Like: Everything. The shape of the book captures your attention since, as mentioned, it is shaped like a cornucopia. The bright illustrations, with a decidedly orange theme, are cute and heart-warming. With only two sentences on each page, youngsters won’t need a long attention span to enjoy this book. And the fact that it's a boardbook will make it easier for little ones to turn the pages by themselves. This is a great book to introduce your youngsters to all the things we have to be thankful for.
What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: 4 and under.
Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2007; ISBN: 0310711622; Boardbook, $6.99.
Buy now at Christianbook.com $5.49.
Special Info: Visit the illustrator’s website.