26 Fairmount Avenue

26 Fairmount Avenue is the first in an autobiographical series by children's author Tomie dePaola. The story begins with the hurricane of 1938, continues through dePaola's kindergarten debut and concludes with his move to a new house. DePaola details slices of life, writing in the first person point of view. He describes everyday events children can relate to (like going to kindergarten for the first time) and makes cultural references children will be interested in. DePaola's reaction to seeing the first Walt Disney movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, made me laugh. Many of the other episodes are funny too, such as the time he and his grandma were tied into chairs and ate too many "chocolates."

DePaola makes a point to speak directly to the reader by using parentheses or additional explanation. For example, when he uses the phrase "out in the sticks" he follows by saying, "That meant way out where not many people lived. There wasn't even a real street." DePaola's voice, as well as his realistic illustrations that support the text on every page, make this book a perfect fit for beginning readers who are transitioning to chapter books.

DePaola grew up in a Catholic, Irish-Italian family, and makes lots of references to God, religion, and prayer throughout the series. In 26 Fairmount Avenue, he does mention some specifically Catholic traditions, such as sprinkling with holy water. When Tomie and his mother are worried about their new house, dePaola writes, "Aunt Nell told me that if you wanted something really important, you could ask your guardian angel, and as long as it wasn't a bad thing, you'd probably get it. I figured now was the perfect time to talk to my guardian angel. And guess what! My guardian angel did come to the rescue." He also includes a charming illustration of the manger scene his mother placed on the mantle at Christmas.

What I Like: I love the wholesome, conversational tone of the book, as well as the loving portrayal of Tomie's relationships with his grandparents and other relatives. I also love the illustrations. As a Caldecott Honor-winning artist, dePaola perfectly captures the essence of each page in simple, black-and-white sketches. I especially love the first two pages, where dePaola gives us portraits of his parents, relatives and neighbors.

I also like the historical references that become more present as the series progresses. (The series begins in 1938 and takes us through dePaola's grade-school years and World War II.) These books provide a child's insight into history in an interesting and authentic manner.

What I Dislike: Nothing. The books could be a bit slow-moving for some since they detail everyday life, as opposed to dramatic action sequences.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 7-10

Publisher Info: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1999; ISBN: 0-399-23246-X ; Hardcover, $13.99

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Special Info: 26 Fairmount Avenue won the Newbery Honor Award in 2000. The book is also available in hardcover at Amazon.com.

Secrets of Civil War Spies

It's been a while since a book made me stay up late at night thinking, "Just one more chapter..." Codes hidden in invisible ink, women disguised as male soldiers, capture as a spy - and all for the cause of freeing every American. Who wouldn't love Secrets of Civil War Spies by Nancy LeSourd?

Part of the Liberty Letters series, Secrets of Civil War Spies is the fictional correspondence between two young ladies: Molly, who, although she's in Confederate territory, simply cannot reconcile slavery with the gospel, and Em, whose been living life as a boy in order to escape her abusive father and make a living on her own.

Molly and Em are friends, and Molly has always kept Ems disguise a secret. But when Em joins the Union army, Molly is afraid her friend cannot possibly escape discovery - or death. Em becomes a nurse (a role primarily played by men in the 1860s), and then a Union spy. When Molly finds she can no longer support slavery, she becomes a spy for the Union, also. Eventually, Molly is arrested by the Union for - they believe - being a Confederate spy. Molly cannot tell them the truth without risking the lives of everyone else in her spy ring - ordinary citizens such as a dry goods man and a letter carrier. Fortunately, Em is stationed nearby and helps Molly escape and return home to her mother and sister.

The best part of this page turner is that it's so heavily based on fact. Molly gives aid at a home-made Confederate hospital run by Sally Tompkins; it has an amazingly low death rate for the era. Sally Tompkins was a real person who did, indeed, run an excellent hospital with only 73 deaths in four years. Molly learns how to run coded messages in invisible ink with Elizabeth Van Lew, also a real woman who ran a spy ring for the Union during the war. And the entire character of Em is based upon Emma Edmonds, who did actually disguise herself as a man and serve in the Union army. The author does a nice job of sticking close to Emma's own account of her life, and in a not to readers, makes it clear what is fact in her adventure-filled novel. There's even a section in the back with photos of the real-life players in the book.

What I Like: Everything! This is really a superb book. If it weren't clearly marketed to kids, it could easilybe sold as a book for adults. The author does a terrific job of making Civil War times come to life, and weaves in Christian themes flawlessly.

Although she never defends the Confederate cause, her Confederates are drawn with some sympathy, as human beings who believe they must stick together. Many characters, Confederate and Union, are Christians, and are shown seeking refuge with the Lord as they endanger their lives - and sometimes finally give them up. Both Molly and Em do their best to see to the physical and spiritual needs of fallen soldiers on both sides. And this is not a case where Christian beliefs were forced upon historical characters. Em's own book (published in the 19th century) clearly states her strong faith in Christ, and Sally Tompkin also was an outspoken Christian woman.

The author states that one of her goals in writing this book was to illustrate how girls and young women can make bold choices to help others and shape the course of human history. In Secrets of Civil War Spies, she's met her goal well.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I felt the book ended a bit abruptly - perhaps because I was enjoying it so much and didn't want it to end.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 - 12, but older kids and adults will enjoy this book, too.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 978-0310713906; paperback, $7.99

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Special Info: There's lots of great historical information, videos, photos, and more at the author's website.

Natalie Really Very Much Wants to Be a Star

Natalie Really Very Much Wants to Be a Star by Dani Daley Mackall is the third book in the "That's Nat!" series. These chapter books are unique in that they are thinner (this one is 93 pages of large text) and have more illustrations than many other chapter books, making them ideal read-to books for kids ready to move away from picture books, and great reading for children whose reading skills are growing.

In this installment, five year old Nat discovers her Sunday school class is putting on a Christmas play for the entire congregation. Nat is sure she'll grow up to be a movie star, and covets the role of Mary. She doesn't just want the part. No, Nat thinks she needs the part. When Nat's Sunday school teacher says she has a special announcement, Nat thinks:

"I LOVE 'nouncements! 'Nouncements are when you know something other people don't. And you tell them. And they say 'Ah!' or 'Wow!' 'Nouncements could be telling you that you are going to Disneyland. Like, 'I have a 'nouncement! We will all be going to Disneyland for Sunday school.' Or, it can be other stuff. Like, 'I have a 'nouncement. This year, Christmas will not take so long to get here. And there will be more presents!'"

But Nat's Sunday school teacher announces she's cast a different girl as Mary. Nat is cast as a tree. Maybe, Nat thinks, she doesn't want to be in the play afer all. And maybe the season is going to be lousy this year, all around, because Nat really needs a princess castle Christmas present, even though her parents tell her it costs as much as a refrigerator - and they've already bought a different present, anyway.

Then Nat's grandma visits and says,

"Mary's a good part all right...Of course, it's an easy part to play, being a human and all. Much more challenging to be something that's not human. Still, I think I'd rather be a tree...God talks about trees all over the Bible...There was an important tree right in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. David and the other psalmists sang about trees showing God's power and grace. There were trees clapping their hands, dancing before the Lord Almighty!"

Later, Nat wakes in the middle of the night, determined to be the best tree she can be. When performance time comes and she's busy unexpectedly dancing and clapping all over the stage, she ends up in the nativity scene. The kids playing Mary and Joseph aren't pleased, but Nat looks down on the pretend baby Jesus and is genuinely moved. She pulls palm leaves from her costume and lays one on the baby doll and the rest all around the manger. Then everyone begins clapping. Nat thinks, "Only I clap very much louder than anybody else. On account of I am clapping for Jesus."

What I Like: Mackall understands this age group perfectly. Nat is a genuine, flawed human being, struggling with such things as covetousness, envy, and pride. She's your average sweet five year old, learning how to cope with her emotions and the people around her. My not-quite four year old adores this character.

Mackall also does a great job of making Nat's Christian life realistic: Her parents get frustrated and yell when she makes them late for church, Nat confuses various Bible stories, and Nat sometimes prays with the wrong motivation. But she also clearly loves Jesus and wants to obey him.

Lys Blakeslee supplies 22 black and white illustrations for the book, and they do a great job of making us love whimsical, befuddled Nat even more.

What I Dislike: Mackall writes the "That's Nat!" books in Nat's voice; this can make them a little difficult to read out loud - at least until you get the knack of how Nat speaks. However, this particular volume has some phrasing that is so incorrect, I find myself editing as I read aloud. I don't want my daughter to pick up Nat's poor grammar. For example, Nat talks about her "bestest friend" and "favoritest things." Nat also repeatedly uses the word "stupidhead."

Overall Rating: Although this volume isn't as good as the first "That's Nat!" book, it's still enjoyable. Given the language in the book, I struggled a bit with whether to give it a "Good" or "Very Good" rating, but because it was a big hit with my daughter, I give Natalie Really Very Much Wants to Be a Star a "Very Good" rating.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but few 8 year olds want to read books about five year olds.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0310715672; paperback, $4.99

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Special Info: Nat mentions a Halloween costume in this book, and the idea of going to church on Sunday predominates this title. Be sure to read our reviews of other "That's Nat!" books, as well as our reviews of additional Dandi Daley Mackall titles.

Macaroni and Cheese, Hot Dogs and Peas

Macaroni and Cheese, Hot Dogs and Peas by Christine Hickson is a fun and cute way to help kids understand why we say grace and thank God for our food.

Written in rhyme, the book begins with a young girl asking:

"When I eat dinner,
My mom and dad say,
'Let's thank the Lord of our food today.'
And I would...but,
What I want to know, please,
Is what does GOD have to do with my
Macaroni and cheese?"

Her macaroni (illustrated with a friendly face by Ed Koehler) explains he started out as wheat growing in a field; a farmer cut him down and made him into flour, which was then used to make the macaroni. Then the cheese speaks up, explaining she started out as milk in a cow that somebody then mixed into cheese, perfect for macaroni. The girl's hot dog chimes in next, explaining he started out as part of a pig, then a butcher made him into a weiner.

The girl says she finds all this interesting, but still wants to know how God fits into it all. So her peas explain. They say God made them a seed first; then God gave them the sun and water they required to grow, and a farmer tended them lovingly, just like God takes care of the farmer and the butcher and the cows and the pigs. "Without God, not one of us would be on your plate," the peas say.

Now understanding, the young girl offers up a prayer, thanking God for everything she eats, for the sun and rain, for seeds and meat, and everything he created that ended up being her hot dogs and peas "And my most favorite dish,/Macaroni and cheese!"

What I Like: This is a clever way to explain how God made every single thing, and why we should thank him for our food. Koehler's illustrations are colorful and fun, adding a great deal to the text.

What I Dislike: This isn't the best rhyming book I've ever read; sometimes the rhyme seems a bit forced. Still, overall, it isn't bad, and gets the point across well.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: Baby to preschool.

Publisher Info: Concordia, 2000; ISBN: 978-0570070443; boardbook, $9.49

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Special Info: See samples of illustrator Ed Koehler's drawings at his website.

Tweeting about Scripture Memorization

If you're not following us on Twitter yet, now's a terrific time to start! Beginning Monday the 6th, I'll be tweeting tips for memorizing Scripture (along with a few thoughts on why we should bother). To follow us, just visit CCBR's Twitter page and click "Follow." Join in on the conversation by offering your own tips for memorizing Bible verses!

All Afloat on Noah's Boat

All Afloat on Noah’s Boat! by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, is an eye-catching book full of ear-catching rhymes. The story begins with Noah building his ark and progresses to the loading of the boat as the rain begins to fall. Noah clangs his bell to call the animals and tells them, “…the ground’s getting wet. It’ll soon be mud. Come and keep safe from the rising flood.”

The animals get restless and bored on the ark (to quote the book, "the snakes got the wriggles"), so Noah devises a talent show for them. My children loved the funny facial expressions on the animals. I thought the talent show antics were really cute, especially the back-flipping frogs.

The only creatures that can’t perform are the caterpillars because they’re still wrapped in their cocoons. But Noah needs a grand finale, and the surprise is the metamorphosis that occurs when the caterpillars are “done.”

The artwork throughout the book is colorful and detailed, but the surprise is the huge, bright butterflies at the end.

What I Like: The illustrations are bold and humorous. This story is a new and unique spin on a well-loved Bible story.

What I Dislike: Nothing. Some parents might like the book to mention God’s role more specifically. My children are familiar enough with the context that I didn’t think it was needed.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 4 to 8, although much younger children would enjoy the pictures and would be familiar with Noah’s Ark

Publisher Info: Orchard Books, 2007, ISBN-10: 0439873975, Hardcover $11.55

Buy it now at Amazon.com for $ 11.55

The I Believe Bunny

The I Believe Bunny, the first in a series of titles attempting to teach kids to put their faith into action, is one of the best written and illustrated Christian picture books I've seen.

The book begins by quoting Philippians 4:13 ("I can do everything through him who gives me strength"). Then we meet a bunny who thanks God for his beautiful glen-home, but - with a bit of a pout - wishes it would stop raining. Suddenly he hears a little mouse yelling for help; it has fallen into the river and doesn't know how to swim. The bunny wonders what he, "just a small bunny" can do, but breaks a branch from a nearby tree and extends it out into the river.

"He reached out to the mouse,
but he started to slip.
The water was rushing.
He was losing his grip!

Then he prayed to God, 'Please,
can you help me right now?
I want to save this mouse,
but I don't know how.'"

Just as the bunny asks for God's strength, his animal friends come running to help. In no time, they've rescued the mouse.

The author concludes that when you have faith in God's love "nothing you try will be impossible for you...You CAN make a difference, even a bunny....your size."

What I Like: Penned by Tish Rabe, author of many Cat in the Hat books, and lyricist for a number of Sesame Street, Disney, and Nickelodeon songs, The I Believe Bunny is an excellent example of how to write a rhyming children's book. You'll find no forced text or imperfect rhymes here, and the rhythm of the rhyme is easy to read aloud.

Frank Endersby's illustrations are an excellent companion to the text, showing us a cute bunny and his friends in gentle hues. Each of his illustrations shows action, pulling young readers right into the story.

And, naturally, I appreciate how the story makes it clear our faith impacts our lives - if we allow it to.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but many toddlers will also like this book.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2009; ISBN: 1400314763; hardback, $9.99

Buy it Now at ChristianBook.com for $7.99

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Special Info: See author Tish Rabe's website for information about school visits and check out illustrator Frank Endersby's website for a look at his artwork.