Unfading Beauty: The Story of Dolley Madison

Unfading Beauty by Tracy M. Leininger is a sort of Christian American Girl book telling the story of Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.

Leininger begins with Dolley's childhood, telling us in story form about her Quaker upbringing during the American Revolution. When soldiers approach her father's plantation, Dolley fears they'll steal some jewelry she doesn't wear due to her religion, but keeps hidden as a treasure in her dresser drawer. It turns out the soldiers are American and her parents agree to give them what they can to feed and clothe the volunteers that winter. Dolley remembers Christ's teaching on giving and on keeping your treasures in heaven, not on earth.

In the next chapter, Dolley is older; as she passes the Independence Hall, she witnesses Benjamin Franklin announce what sort of nation American will become: "We have given you a republic, if you can keep it," she overhears Franklin say. But while Dolley is excited about her new nation, her father lays dying. He wants to see her married, so Dolley agrees in order to please her father. She weds a young lawyer who dies of yellow fever only three years later, leaving her alone with a toddler. During this time, Dolley "grew daily in her love for the Lord, and for the first time in her life, she realized that He was her sole source of strength and hope."

Later, Congressman James Madison courts her, and asks her to marry him. He's older than she is, and quite short, but Dolley loves his faith and his service to others. To her, he lives up to his nickname "great little Madison." As she considers his proposal, she suddenly feels "God's divine peace" fill her heart. She agrees to marry him.

Soon enough, Dolley becomes First Lady, and uses her talent for putting people at ease to good use entertaining in the nation's capital. She even graciously invites her husband's political enemies to the President's events. Later, when the U.S. goes to war with Britain and the Redcoats invade Washington, Dolley rescues some of America's great treasures - including the original Declaration of Independence and a portrait of George Washington - from their hands. As it turns out, a sudden storm (an act of Providence, Dolley thinks) makes the British flee and soon the U.S. has won the war.

The author concludes by telling us how Dolley lived out her remaining days quietly, always being a servant to others. "Dolley had learned the joy of service to others and the true value of unfading beauty."

What I Like: I believe it's vital parents teach their children American history. Generally, our schools omit not only the strong religious background behind the creation of our nation, but also the reasons why the Founding Fathers chose a republic. When Americans don't understand these basic tenants, we are apt to seek more restrictive forms of government. Unfading Beauty does a nice job of including some basic information about the founding of our nation and how it was maintained in it's early years. But more than that, it does a nice job of showing how one woman allowed God to use her in ways her modest upbringing could never have prepared her for. Emphasis is placed on Dolley's servant heart and kindness to everyone.

What I Dislike: This book presumes readers have a basic understanding of the founding of the United States. I wish, instead, the author took the time to briefly explain some things. For example, we never read what the American Revolution is about or what the Constitution is, even though both are mentioned. In addition, Dolley's "mammy" is referred to as a servant at one point (though later the author mentions that Dolley's father freed all his slaves) and at one point the author calls the United States "Colonial America," even though the year is 1794 and the U.S. was under the leadership of President Washington. Great emphasis is put on the fact that Quakers, like Dolley's family, don't fight wars, yet the author fails to mention that despite this, Dolley's father did fight in the Revolutionary War.

The illustrations by Kelly Pulley and Lisa Reed (there are eight full color, full page pictures in this 64 page book) are fine, although the illustrators aren't especially talented with the human face. Also, throughout the book, they show Dolley with reddish brown hair, even though the text correctly states her hair was black. Finally, the author does a bit more telling (rather than showing) than she should. Clearly, it's difficult to compress Dolley Madison's life into a short children's book, but another author could have done a better job.

Overall Rating: Despite the flaws in this book, my three year old enjoys hearing the story and looking at the illustrations. And since it's difficult to find books like this for the Christian market, and Dolley is strongly showed as a strong Christian woman, I give this book a rating of Very Good.

Age Appeal: 6 - 12.

Publisher Info: His Seasons, 2003; ISBN: 1929241208; hardback; $15.99

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Tanya's Favorite Mainstream Children's Picture Books

Kristina was right: this is a tough assignment! As kids grow they cycle through different books as favorites. There are those that will always be classics in our home, but here are a few currently most read.

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion celebrated its 50th anniversary three years ago, but it's still a favorite in this house, as are other Harry books such as Harry and the Lady Next Door and Harry by the Sea. The original tells of a white dog with black spots who hated taking baths. One day, when he heard the bath water running, he took the scrubbing brush, buried it in the garden and ran away from home. Harry had a wonderful day playing all over town and getting wonderfully dirty. Before long he began to miss his family and headed home, only now he was a black dog with white spots. His family didn't recognize him even when he performed his best tricks. Finally he does a new trick: he finds the scrubbing brush and begs for a bath! The children oblige and are delighted to find their beloved Harry under all that dirt. (Toddler - 1st Grade; HarperFestival, 2006; ISBN: 006084244X; Boardbook; $7.99. Also available as paperback or hardback.)

Olivia, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, is a Caldecott Honor winner and, though only a few years old, is already a classic in many homes. In it a young pig named Olivia shares a little about her life, her family and her daily activities. The treasure of this book is in the illustrations as much as the text. Together they tell a fun story of a precocious, energetic girl who is greatly loved, faults and all. (4-8; Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 2004; ISBN: 0689874723; Boardbook; $7.99. Also available as Hardback.)

Passport into the Wild by Jack Hanna takes readers on an interactive journey through the seven continents. Part journal, part scrapbook, this book is filled with interesting facts and gorgeous glossy photos making this book appeal to readers of all ages. Each continent "chapter" is eight pages long, complete with maps, languages, geographical information, population and anthropological details. The last page of each "chapter" invites readers to interact with the information they've just read by using their "passports" and stickers, both removable features found and stored in the front cover of the book. Our whole family loves this book! It's saturated with information, but because of the format, we can read as little or as much as attention spans can handle. (5 and above; Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 1400311381; Hardback; $16.99)

Cooking with the Cat combines two of my daughter's loves -- cooking and reading -- with the classic Dr. Seuss character, Cat in the Hat. As a Step 1 book in the Step Into Reading series, this book's format is designed to encourage beginning readers. The rhyming text and clear font make it perfect for learning and reviewing phonetic combinations. Of course, the Seussical illustrations make this book a hit with everyone whether read by or to the kids. (Preschool-1st Grade; Random House Books for Young Readers, 2003; ISBN: 0375824944; $3.99)

Big, Bigger and Biggest Trucks and Diggers may never make it back to our local library. This large, hardback volume teaches all about Caterpillar construction vehicles, an obsession with almost all boys under the age of ten. Using text boxes and large glossy photos, this book tells all about excavators, backhoes, bulldozers and mining trucks, just to name a few. Readers learn what they do, how big they are, what the different parts are called, how much they can carry and more. This book comes with a DVD so kids can watch these "Cat Trucks" in action. You'll find over an hour of video narrated by kids and filled with fun truck songs. (4-8; Chronicle Books, 2008; ISBN: 0811864324; Hardback w/ DVD; $14.99)

Beverly's Favorite Mainstream Children's Picture Books

Every week at the library we say goodbye to books that we've read over and over. These are a few (of many) that we love; ones that we really couldn't say goodbye to, and had to purchase!

If you have a preschooler, Good Thing You're Not An Octopus, by Julie Markes and illustrated by Maggie Smith, is bound to be a hit. A little boy who doesn't like to get dressed in the morning, brush his teeth, sit in his car seat, or do other daily tasks, finds out he really doesn't have it that bad! My toddler fell in love with the fun text and pictures. She can recite this entire book by heart, and I love reading it to her as well. "You don't like to get dressed in the morning? Good thing you're not an octopus! If you were an octopus you'd have eight legs to put in your pants," begins the book. By the end of the tale, the boy is relieved that he doesn't have two hundred teeth to brush like a shark or that he only has to nap for the afternoon and not the entire winter like a bear. Your child will be inclined to agree with the author at the end of the book: "... it's a good thing you're you. Whew!" (Ages 4-8; HarperCollins, 2006; ISBN: 0064435865; Hardcover, $6.99)

Another favorite in our house is a reminder of my childhood. I Can Fly ,by Ruth Krauss, and illustrated by Mary Blair, is truly a classic! The golden book edition is abridged, so to get the full delight of this book, you'll have to find it in library binding. The illustrations are precious. The text is so easy for young ones to memorize and even act out! "A bird can fly, so can I ... I can squirm like a worm ... Crunch crunch crunch, I'm a goat out to lunch," are several examples. The text can be sung, and the tune is written out in the beginning of the book. The book ends with some nonsense words: "Gubble gubble gubble, I'm a mubble in a pubble. I can play I'm anything that's anything. That's MY way." (Ages 4-8; Golden Books, 1979; ISBN: 0307105482; hardcover, $2.99)

That Special Little Baby was such a favorite and adored library find, that we surprised our daughter with it as a Christmas gift. Written by Jane Ann Peddicord, and illustrated by Meilo So, the book features a baby who "grew, and grew, and grew," until she became a big girl who could do big kid things.

"There was a special baby, very soft and very new, who cried and sighed and snuggled, and was loved the whole day through. That baby could not walk or talk, or even count to two, still somehow she discovered tiny wonders she could do." The book follows this special baby as she learns to take in the world, play with big kid toys, feed herself, go swimming with her Daddy, run and play with her dog, go potty by herself, and learn to draw and color. At the end of each new thing she discovers, your child will enjoy saying with you, "and grew, and grew, and grew!" The ending is so precious that sometimes you might read it with a lump in your throat: "You know that special baby, who was loved the whole day through, the one who cooed and peekabooed and splashed and stretched and grew? One day she cuddled close to read, the way you like to do, and when she turned the final page, she said ... 'I love you, too!'" (Ages 4-8, Harcourt Children's Books, 2007; ISBN: 0152054308; hardcover, $12.48)

The Little Bear Treasury by Else Holmelund Minarik,and illustrated by Maurice Sendak is a compilation of Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend, and Little Bear's Visit. The reason I like these stories is because they are a rare dose of old fashioned, wholesome, fun. Little Bear is a sweetheart of a bear cub who has a wonderful relationship with Father and Mother Bear as well as his Grandfather and Grandmother. He has many adventures with his animal friends: Duck, Owl, Cat, Hen, and his human friend, Emily. These stories foster imaginative play, kindness, compassion and fun. This is an I Can Read Book, so it is great for reading aloud or as an Early Reader. Just a note: there is a story about a goblin in the book, but he is portrayed as an imaginative and friendly character. The illustrations are simple and perfectly suited to the stories. Little Bear will become like a friend to your child because the stories are so easy for a child to understand and enter into.

(Ages 4-8; HarperCollins Publishers, 2003; ISBN: 0060273984; hardcover, $12.44)

Kristina's Favorite Mainstream Children's Picture Books

Christian Children's Book Review is the only place to consistently find reviews for Christian picture books, and we love what we do! But we love all books, not just Christian books, so from time to time, we like to share a few wholesome mainstream books we think you should know about. That's what this current series of posts is about. All of us (minus Christine, who doesn't have small children anymore and doesn't buy mainstream picture books) are eager to post about our favorite mainstream picture books.

Being the founder of CCBR, I get to go first (haha!), and I can tell you this assignment isn't as easy as it looks. There are so many good books out there, it's tough to choose around five I think are the absolute best. I've based my criteria on how much my three year old and I like the books, and I've tried to steer clear of famous books (like The Complete Adventures of Curious George and Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales) every family with children should own, but probably already know about. Here are my recommendations:

How Are You Peeling by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers. In this little gem, truly clever photographs show fruits and vegetables expressing emotion. Not only does this make healthy food more appealing to kids, but it's just plain fun! It also helps toddlers and preschoolers understand and put words to emotions. I've been reading this book to my daughter since she was less than a year old, and she still loves it. (Baby to preschool, Scholastic, 2004, ISBN 0439598419, paperback, $6.99)

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone. While the little red hen works diligently, her housemates do not...but soon discover the benefits of being helpers. Galdone's version of this classic story is by far the best I've seen, and my daughter asks me to read this book to her over and over again. (4 - 8, Scholastic, 2006, ISBN 0618836845, paperback $18.25)

Parts by Tedd Arnold. This book will make both you and your child laugh. A young boy suddenly notices hair in his comb and thinks he's going bald. He finds fuzz is in his belly button and is sure his stuffing is coming out. Snot comes out of his nose and he thinks his brain is falling out...You get the idea. He thinks he's literally falling apart. The conclusion is comforting, and once kids understand this is how our bodies work, they'll laugh each time you read this tale. (4 - 8, Puffin, 2000, ISBN 0140565337, paperback $6.99)

How Groundhog's Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry. Young children have a natural curiosity about nature, and the preschool and lower grade years are the ideal time to give children some gardening experience. This book introduces the concept of planting a vegetable garden (from gathering seeds, to planting them, to harvesting them) through animal characters. The story holds my daughter's attention, and we both love the lush drawings. (4 - 8, Blue Sky Press, 2003, ISBN 0439323711, hardback $11.55)

Are You a Ladybug? by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries. I recommend all the books in this "Backyard Books" series (Are You a Butterfly? Are You a Snail?, etc.) The author begins by asking if the reader is a ladybug. "If you are, your parents look like this and they eat aphids." We see what their eggs look like and then the author implores us to eat lots of aphids once we hatch so we can grow and grow. She takes us through the entire cycle of ladybug growth, then says if our parents look "like this," then we are not ladybugs, but humans. "Your skin will not split as you grow. You can't fly. it is very unlikely that you are red with black dots." She does a great job of presenting scientific fact in a fun, entertaining way. (4 - 8, Kingfisher, 2003, ISBN 0753456036, paperback $5.99)

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game

Those of you who are familiar with my book reviews will know I am a huge fan of the Berenstain Bears series of books. My kids grew up reading the picture books and then graduated to the chapter books. My youngest son, who is now 14, still occasionally reads a Berenstain Bears book. So, I was eager to review a couple of the latest books in the picture book series.

As you might expect, The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game, written and illustrated by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is a story about playing a game. In this case, the game is soccer, as both Brother and Sister Bear are avid soccer players. They are both on the same team, the Rockets, which is coached by Papa Bear. He doesn’t know much about soccer but he knows how to cheer his team on. And, their motto is the old familiar one: “It’s not whether you win or lose that counts, but how you play the game.” But one team in the league, the Steamrollers, has the opposite motto. Their coach tells them, “It isn’t how you play the game that counts, but whether you win or lose!”

When the two teams meet up, of course there is trouble. The Steamrollers “roll” right over the Rockets. For the most part, the Steamrollers play fair, but the Rockets are just no match for them. When the score is 5-0 in favor of the Steamrollers, things start to heat up. Brother and Sister Bear set up a sneaky play that scores them their first goal of the game. Then the biggest player on the opposing team, Too-Tall, fouls Sister Bear, knocking her flat on her back. She’s okay, but Papa Bear is concerned about his daughter so Papa starts yelling at the coach of the opposing team. The ref tries to keep them apart, but he’s helpless to control the situation when everyone starts spilling out of the stands and onto the field.

The excitement is quelled when an old bear, Missus Ursula, a former Sunday school teacher, comes onto the field. She shames both the coaches who are former students in her Sunday school class. “I’m very disappointed with both of you,” she says. “Is this the way I taught you to behave in my Sunday school? Is this any sort of example to set for the cubs?” When she quotes the Bible, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God,” she has the two coaches shake hands. The game then continues with both sides playing fair.

As with all the “Living Lights” series of books, there is a section at the back of the book called “Activities and Questions from Brother and Sister Bear.” There are two questions about what the reader thinks of the story and three different sports-related activities for kids.

The illustrations are the typical, bright, cartoon-like pictures used in all Berenstain Bear picture books.

What I Like: I like the fact that Missus Ursula quoted a Bible verse in her dialogue. A different Bible verse, Matthew 5:16, is given on the title page as the basis for the story.

What I Dislike: I like reading new Berenstain Bear books as I like to see what new topics the series covers. Sportsmanship is always a good topic for a children’s book. But I was a bit disappointed with this story ending; I think it was a bit too predictable. I’m not sure how I would have changed it to make it better, but I think the issue should have been resolved by someone other than Missus Ursula.

Overall Rating: However, the overall rating is still very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310712521; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bears books.

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors, written and illustrated by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is a book in the “Living Lights” series of Berenstain books published by ZonderKidz.

The Berenstain Bears live in a neat tree house in Bear Country. They, and most of their neighbors around them, take pride in keeping their properties clean and well-maintained. The one exception is the house where the Boggs live. The Bogg brothers share a run-down shack not far from the Berenstain’s home. The Bogg residence sports a roof that is caving in and a yard that is full of junk. They even drive a car that is as old and ratty looking as their house. The Berenstain Bears think the Boggs are a problem for the neighborhood.

One day, on the way to the Big Bear Town Festival, the Berenstain Bear’s car breaks down. They are stranded along the side of the road. A car comes by, driven by Mayor Honeypot. He slows down long enough to tell them he can’t stop and help them; he is in a hurry to get to the Festival as he is Master of Ceremonies for the event. Another car, driven by Squire Grizzly, also slows down, but Squire Grizzly tells them he can’t stop either as he too must hurry to the Festival where he will judge the flower-arranging contest. The occupants of the third car to come down the road are the Bogg brothers. They, or course, stop and help the Berenstain Bears. The Bogg brothers tow Papa’s car to a nearby garage that is run by their Uncle Zeke. Uncle Zeke not only fixes the car, he doesn’t charge them for the repair. As he says, “This one is on us. After all, we’re neighbors.” The Berenstain’s invite the Boggs to join them at the Festival, where they all have a good time.

The illustrations are the usual, colorful, cartoon-like drawings used in all the Berenstain Bear picture books. There is a section at the back of the book with questions about the story and activities for kids that relate to the story.

What I Like: In most of the Berenstain Bear picture books, one of the cubs, either Brother or Sister Bear, needs to learn a lesson about something. In this book, the parents, as well as the cubs, learn a lesson about judging others.

I also like the fact that this is a Good Samaritan story, Berenstain Bears style.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310712491 ; Paperback, $3.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $2.99!

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bears books.

Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day

Most CCBR readers are familiar with Dandi Daley Mackall's rhyming picture books, but Mackall, while prolific in that genre, also writes chapter books. And Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day, a lightly illustrated chapter book, is one of the finest Mackall books I've ever read. It's the first book in the "That's Nat!" series.

Natalie is a five year old who wants to do something fabulous that no one else has ever done. Yet every time she tries, things go terribly wrong. First, she tries to make purple omelets...but instead, she makes the kitchen so filthy, it takes her mother most of the morning to clean up the mess. She tries to beautify the bathroom...but only ends up making a scribbly crayon mess on the wallpaper. She tries to make her daddy some one-of-a-kind shoes...but only succeeds in ruining his church shoes. She tries to save some ants...and ends up infesting her house with them.

"Only Natalie!" her mother says over and over again, exasperated. Instead of doing something wonderful and feeling wonderful, too, Natalie feels horrible. At the end of the day, after Natalie's been sent to bed, she prays: "'I'm sorry...I don't like being Only Natalie.' I tell God under the covers. I can feel God trying to take some of that sad out of my heart. And that works a little. But there is a whole lot of sad in there..." Then Natalie's parents walk in, so Nat pretends to be sleeping. Even so, her parents say bedtime prayers without her. Her father says: "Dear God...thank you for this wonderful day you've given us. And most of all, thank you for giving us our wonderful daughter, Natalie..." Her mother agrees: "Our Nat is one of a kind, heavenly Father. Who else could make our lives so full and wonderful...Only Natalie."

"And as I float into that sleepiness, my mind whispers thanks to God for making me, Natalie...the one-of-a-kind wonderful thing. Because it turns out I really do like being...Only Natalie."

What I Like: Every preschooler can relate to Natalie and all the trouble she gets into - with the best of intentions. Mackall does an excellent job getting into the head of a five year old. My three year old loves this book, and asks me to read it to her over and over again. I also appreciate the message: Even when everything seems to go wrong and you can't do anything right, you are a one-of-a-kind wonderful person that God has made.

What I Dislike: The first chapter or so, you may find yourself tripping over the text, which is entirely written as if Natalie were talking. The words might feel a little forced, and not very five-year-old like. But as you continue reading the book, I think you'll find (as I did) you get more used to the writing, and the text sounds more and more authentic.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 to 8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310715660; paperback; $2.99

Buy it Now from ChristianBook.com for $2.49,

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Special Info: Read more of our reviews of Dandi Daley Mackall's books.

The Moon Shines Down

Margaret Wise Brown, author of the children's book classics Goodnight, Moon and Runaway Bunny, died in 1952 leaving behind a trunk of never published works and pieces. The Moon Shines Down is one such book, now published for the first time.

This book is based on the English prayer "God bless the moon and God bless me." Through its pages readers travel the world, from Switzerland to Korea, Australia to Mexico to France and Africa and several places in between. At each stop they learn, along with their koala guide, a little about that place and the children who live there, then pray a blessing over all those the moon sees. For example:

I see the Moon and the Moon sees me,
And the Moon sees the Dutch boy
Far over the sea.
When the tulips bloom by the Zuider Zee,
O God bless him and God bless me."

Brown's original manuscript was seamlessly completed by Laura Minchew. Linda Bleck illustrated the book with Brown-like style and colors.

What I Like: If your children like Goodnight, Moon, they'll love this! It offers a tone and style so similar, yet completely unique content. My kids really enjoy this book. I like the international flare, the tidbits of information about regions around the world. Because of the book's repetition and rhyme, this is a good choice for beginning readers.

What I Dislike: "Moon" is capitalized throughout the book. The only other word consistently capitalized is the name of God. This stylistic choice seems to imply deity. The flow and rhyme were not always perfect. This book is definitely not equal to Brown's other works, but I still recommend it.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 140031299X; Hardback; $16.99

Buy it now from Christianbook.com for $11.99!
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Special Info: It's clear the "me" in this book, the koala telling the story, lives in North America. If you live outside the United States or Canada (two nations never actually mentioned in the book), your child may be a bit confused.