Books We Wish We In Print: Adeline and Adeline's Porcupine

The Adeline books are definitely among my favorite in children's literature. I actually reviewed both of them here on CCBR well over a year ago. Unfortunately, since then they have both gone out of print. Both books feature the sweetest little girl using effortless, lyrical rhyme. In Adeline, the first book, she discovers and exemplifies God's love; in the second, Adeline's Porcupine, His grace.

Here are links to my full reviews of these two fabulous books:

• Adeline
• Adeline's Porcupine

Adeline is now available through Amazon for $2.59 and up.

Adeline's Porcupine is now available through Amazon for $2.69 and up.

Special Note: La Puercoespin de Adelina, Adeline's Porcupine in Spanish, IS still in print! You may purchase this Spanish version from Amazon for $5.99.

Books We Wish Were in Print: Adam, Adam, What Do You See?

Adam, Adam, What Do You See? was written by the writing team of Bill Martin J. and Michael Sampson, who co-authored the popular children’s book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This book uses the same rhythmic verse as the original. The difference between the two books is Adam, Adam, What Do You See? has a Biblical theme, the original does not.

The books starts out like this: “Adam, Adam, what do you see? I see creation all around me?” The text continues in this manner using different people from the Bible, like Noah, Moses, Ruth, Peter and Paul (among others). Each rhyme is referenced with corresponding text from the Bible. For instance, the first one cites Genesis 2:4-25.

The illustrations by Cathie Felstead are bright, colorful and kid-friendly. They cover full-page spreads throughout the book.

What I Like: Everything! I like the idea of a book about the Bible that is also a book for early readers. What a great way to encourage young readers to read about the Bible. I also like the Bible references given at the end of each verse.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: None is given, so I’ll just list it as being appropriate for early readers of any age.

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2001; ISBN: 08449976146; Hardcover.

Buy at Amazon.com $7.88.

Special Info: Visit the authors website.

Books We Wish Were In Print: Stories Jesus Told

Here at CCBR, from time to time we like to feature books a little beyond our normal focus. With that in mind, we're featuring out of print books we think deserve to still be in print. Perhaps, if parents and kids are fortunate, some publishers will take note of our postings. But even if they don't, we hope this feature will give you the opportunity to explore some terrific books that can still be purchased used.

And so, without further ado, let's get the ball rolling!



Sadly, there aren't many good children's books featuring the parables of Jesus. But Stories Jesus Told by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen not only covers this topic, it does it exceptionally well.

Very young and older children alike will relish the story of the lost sheep, the precious pearl, the two sons, the house on the rock, the ten silver coins, the camel going through the eye of the needle, the good Samaritan, and the rich farmer. Each story is told in simple yet engaging language, making use of humor where appropriate. While each story is closely based on the biblical parables (and, in fact, each story not only includes a Bible verse reference, but also a complete biblical quote of the parable), the authors are not afraid to flesh out the stories to make them more interesting to children.

For example, in the story of the ten silver coins, the woman enjoys counting her money occasionally. But one day, her cat jumps off her lap while she does so, scattering the coins. We see her search high and low for a missing coin, creating quite a ruckus, only to discover it's been hiding under the sleeping cat.

The illustrations in Stories Jesus Told are also unique. They are realistic, and show people in Bible-era attire, but aren't afraid to mix things up for extra interest. The woman who finds her missing coin, for example, calls her friends on the telephone, and the man who sells all his possessions in order to buy a precious pearl ends up selling his refrigerators. This may sound odd, but it works beautifully.

What I Like: Absolutely everything! This is an outstanding children's picture book. My daughter has loved it since she was two years old, and it's one of the few Christian books she requests over and over again.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really. But it's good to note there are some British-isms in the book. Mostly, this is in the spelling of a few words, but in the story of the good Samaritan, we do meet a very British-looking judge (white wig and all) and bishop. It doesn't bother me or confuse my daughter at all, however.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: There is no recommendation from the publisher, but I'd say 2 - 8.

Publishing Info: Gold'n'Honey Books, 1994; ISBN: 0-88070-633-3; hardback

Buy NOW as a hardback from Amazon.com for $10.90 and up

OR order a different edition for $5.93 and up.

I've Got a Job to Do!

Part of the My Favorite Verses series, I've Got a Job to Do! was written by Dandi Daley Mackall and features The Great Commission in the New Living Translation. Using rhyming verse, the story follows a young girl as she shares the love of Jesus and the story of salvation with everyone around her: friends, family and neighbors. The full text of Matthew 28:18-20 is given on the last page.
The illustrations by Jenny B. Harris are very colorful. The style is somewhere between paper-piecing and air brush creating a playful effect.
What I Like: The Biblical foundation, of course, is wonderful. I like that the book offers children ownership in this "job" of evangelism. The book does a great job encouraging kids to share their faith with others who need to know God.
What I Dislike: My kids (ages 3 and 4) liked the book, but they didn't really get it. The main character repeatedly says "I've got a job to do!" but it's not completely clear what that job is. Older kids may catch it the first time, but younger children, even though within the age range, may need further explanation to fully understand The Great Commission.
Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: 3-7
Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2005; ISBN: 0784716528; Hardback; $9.99
Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99!
Or buy it at Amazon.com for $9.99.
Special Info: This book features a variety of ethnicities. The main character appears to be African-American. Readers will also see Indian, Asian and Caucasian characters.
For those who prefer not to have the face of Jesus depicted in children's books, please note that in one illustration the main character is reading a Bible picture in which a man and woman are shown. While it is not entirely clear, it appears to be the resurrected Jesus with Mary at the tomb.
See our reviews of other books in this series.

Psalms for Young Children

The idea behind Psalms for Young Children is an excellent one. Author Marie Helene Delval hand-picked 40 Psalms and paraphrased them in simple words young children can easily understand.

She was careful to choose Psalms on topics children can relate to, but never dilutes the powerful emotions found in the original biblical text. For example, here is her paraphrase of Psalm 4:

"God, when I'm in my bed at night, I think about you. And then I'm not scared of anything. I can fall asleep quietly and in peace."

And Psalm 51:

"When I do something wrong, forgive me, God. I want to feel like I've just been washed in clean water. I want to be like brand-new snow. I feel so happy when you forgive me."

And Psalm 69:

"When I am sad, it feels like I'm underwater, like I'm stuck in the mud, or at the bottom of a dark hole. Pull me from this dark place, God! Save me! I need your help!"

What I Like: The concept is a good one; Psalms are out of reach for most younger children, but Delval does a great job making the ups and downs of the Psalms relatable for kids. I also appreciate that children of many ethniticities are depicted.

What I Dislike: The illustrations by Arno. The overall style does not appeal to me; the illustrations are crude in their rendering. Too, they often rely on fantasy, so that when I'm reading Psalm 51 to my daughter, for example, she's too busy asking what the child in the picture is doing laying on top of the very large flower to really pay attention to the Psalm. In other words, the illustrations detract from, rather than enhance, the text.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: William B. Eerdmans, 2008; ISBN: 0802853226; hardback, $16.00

Buy NOW at ChristianBook.com for $11.99

OR buy at Amazon.com for $11.96.