Jake's Brave Night

Jake's Brave Night was written by Crystal Bowman as a Level 2 book in ZonderKidz "I Can Read!" series. Level 2 books offer high-interest stories for developing readers and are designed to for children "reading with help."

This book follows Jake, a sweet bunny who is about to spend his first night in his own room with a big boy bed. Up to now, Jake has always shared a bed with his little sister. He is very excited, but after a Bible story, prayer and good-night kisses, Jake is left all alone in the dark. He doesn't like the dark, so he turns on the light. That only makes scary shadows appear, so he turns the light off again. He gets in and out of bed and, at one point, even under the bed! Finally, he falls asleep.

The next morning at breakfast Jake explains his rough night. His parents decide to get him a nightlight, but Jake worries that he'll still be all alone. His mom tells him: "You are never alone. God is always with you." When Jake asks when God sleeps, his dad explains: "God never sleeps. God stays awake all the time." This comforts Jake.

That night Jake doesn't toss and turn. He simply remembers: "God is watching me all night long."

The illustrations by Karen Maizel offer soft drawings, part colored pencil, part watercolor of a sweet bunny family. They are expressive and loving.

What I Like: Everything. This book does an excellent job quelling kids fears while teaching Biblical truths at an age appropriate and phonetic development level. Too often these early reader books add God as an after-thought. This one doesn't do that. God's omnipresence is an integral part of the text. And it does this a a completely relevant topic: being afraid of the dark. Nearly every child can relate to the main character.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2007; ISBN: 0310714567; Paperback; $3.99

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by Crystal Bowman. Also, look for our reviews of other books for early readers.