Fool Moon Rising

It's been quite a while since a Christian picture book got me so excited I couldn't wait to write a review of the book, but such is the case with Kristi and T. Lively Fluharty's Fool Moon Rising.

The book begins by quoting 1 Corinthians 4:7, which points out that everything we have is something God has given us. Then we see a young boy staring up at the night sky. He asks God if a certain story he's heard is true. The moon, he says, once bragged every night that he could bring light to the dark night sky; he pompously sang only songs about himself (like "Moon River" and "Blue Moon"), took pride in his ability to transform from a round orb to a sliver, delighted in the thought that astronauts "danced across his face" and that he caused the great oceans to rise and swell. "I am the greatest light!" he bragged to the universe.

"Until one day a piercing ray
Showed him a shocking sight.
He saw his pride and then he cried
For all that he had done.
For he had lied when he denied
His light came from the Sun."

Then, the young boy concludes, the moon fully admitted he was just reflecting the Sun's glory - and the boy prays that every day and in everything he does he will make much of God, not himself.

The last page of the book offers a few discussion questions, illustrations of some amazing sights in space (including the X Structure at the Core of the Whirlpool Galaxy), and some fun facts about space.

What I Like: First, the illustrations in this book are nothing less than outstanding. T. Lively Fluharty's artwork is not only rich and detailed, but it's just plain fun. My four year old (who happens to love everything space related) laughed out loud at these illustrations: We see a cheesy moon, clearly full of himself, surrounded by animals and planets that find him perfectly annoying. On the page where the moon sings, the he also plays a guitar and has a cow jumping over him. Later, we see astronauts in ballet shoes and tutus "dancing" on the moon, as well as monkeys in space suits trying to eat bananas through their helmets.

Second, the message here is not only terrific, but the moon and how it reflects the light of the sun are a great way to explain how we can reflect Christ's light.

What I Dislike: The rhyming text in this book is okay - it's neither bad nor great. Given the terrific nature of both this book's illustrations and its premise, I would have loved to seen a stronger writer tackle this tale.

I also wish that instead of devoting the last two pages of the book to miscellaneous facts about space, the author had instead spent at least a little room explaining how the moon really does reflect the sun, how it waxes and wanes, how it affects the tides, etc. As it is, all this is spoken of as if the readers already understand these concepts, so I spent a bit of time explaining them to my preschooler.

Overall Rating: Despite these flaws, Fool Moon Rising is exceptional. My four year old asks me to read it to her over and over again, and I give it a rating of Excellent.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Crossway, 2009; ISBN: 9978-1433506826; hardback, $14.99
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Special Info: Visit the book's website for a glimpse at the artwork, and download related screensavers and wallpaper.

Ask Willie: The Misadventures of Willie Plummet #12

Willie Plummet is a funny, likable eighth-grader, with a knack for getting himself into humorous scrapes. Ask Willie is the 12th book in Paul Buchanan and Rod Randall's Misadventures of Willie Plummet series. Willie, Felix and Samantha are best friends who experience the ups and downs of junior high together. Willie's 10-year-old neighbor, Phoebe, spends a lot of her time trying to impress Willie, and being the target of his practical jokes.

In Ask Willie, Willie is coerced into taking over the school newspaper's advice column, while his friend Felix is busy writing feature articles. When Willie begins writing responses for the Ask Amy column, he tries to use Biblical principles to guide his answers. At first, Willie's readers are quite successful as they put his advice into practice. However, as Willie feels more and more proud of his results, he starts writing advice based on his own wisdom, which, as a 13-year-old, leads to some pretty interesting outcomes.

In one letter, a reader complains about his parents, who want him to enjoy sports like they did. Willie remembers his youth pastor talking about Christians being different parts of the same body in 1 Corinthians 12, and tells the reader to show his parents the things he is good at. Willie writes, "Usually, when parents make your life difficult, it's only because they want you to be healthy, happy and successful - even more than they are. Try to show them you can be healthy, happy and successful without being good at sports. Find something you do well, and show them how good you are at it." After writing, Willie thinks, "It wasn't exactly like in 1 Corinthians, but I thought it was probably good advice."

However, as the novel progresses and Willie gains confidence, Willie advises a boy to overcome his fear of flying by climbing a cliff, he convinces a shy girl to do something outrageous to get the attention of the boy she likes, and, in a case of mistaken identity, creates a bully by telling a boy to be tough and stand up for himself. The shy girl chooses the last inning of the championship ball game to declare her love for the baseball star, and causes their team to lose the game, and Willie is set up for the ultimate practical joke in the cliff-climbing incident.

While these episodes are all funny, Willie learns his lesson and realizes that giving God's advice is much better than relying on his own wisdom.

What I Like: Buchanan and Randall capture the spirit and language of teenage boys in a lighthearted way, but still work in biblical truths. Willie and Felix are very funny, and anyone who has been in junior high can relate to the lunch table, gym class, and baseball games they experience.

I also like Felix and Phoebe. Felix is a quirky character that readers can laugh at but still appreciate as a good friend. Phoebe is portrayed through Willie's eyes, and is a bit like the annoying sister that you can't help liking sometimes. It is a fun surprise when she gets Willie back for some of his practical jokes.

What I Dislike: As a mom, I don't like some of the practical jokes. (For example, putting mayonnaise in a sunscreen bottle, leading to a pretty decent sunburn.) As a teenager, I am sure they are funny, but I would rather not have some of the ideas put into my kids heads!

There is a reference to the Animaniacs, which is a bit dated, but most kids will gather it was a show from the context, and it probably wouldn't be a big deal.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 8-12 (but most junior high readers would enjoy it too)

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1999; ISBN: 978-0-570-05478-8 ; Paperback $5.99

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The Best Breakfast

In The Best Breakfast, written by Mona Hodgson, Peck wants to fix a perfect breakfast for all his animal friends. He fixes seed pancakes because they are his favorite food for breakfast. Most of his friends bring their favorite foods with them: Pokey brings cactus candy; Hoppy brings grass salad; and Speedy brings lizard soup. Hunter doesn’t bring anything but his appetite. Peck doesn’t like the foods his friends bring, but he puts everything on the table for everyone to share. When it’s time to eat, each of his friends (except Hunter), eat only the food they have brought with them. Peck is disappointed because no one wants to share his food.

But, Hunter says, “We don’t always like the same things.”

Pokeys says, “God says it’s what’s in our hearts that matters.”

And, Speedy adds, “Peck, your kind heart brought us all together.”

Peck then decides breakfast was just right after all!

The illustrations, by Milena Jahier, are done mostly in shades of brown and are rather soft and blurry around the edges.

What I Like: The text is simple, and the message is a good one.

What I Dislike: The only things I don’t really like are the illustrations. Although they are well-done, they’re not bright, clear and colorful, which I believe would be more appropriate for a children’s book, especially one for this age group.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 031071740X; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read series. It is a Level 1 book, which according to the publisher means it has “simple sentences for eager new readers.” Read our reviews of other books in this series.

Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books written by Mona Hodgson. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Milena Jahier.



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The Little Pot

The Little Pot, written and illustrated by Dawn Stephens, is a fabulous lesson in how our lives can be enriched when we allow God's plan to shape us.

The story is about a potter and how he constructs each of his vessels with love and with a specific purpose in mind. He tells Little Pot, "...I have a very special plan for you."

The Little Pot gets stuffed with papers, and he feels smart and happy to hold the potter's important papers. He becomes sad when the potter makes another vessel and dumps the papers into the new, bigger pot. As Little Pot sits empty, the potter reminds him, "Little Pot, you must trust me, for I am preparing you to be a very special pot."

This cycle continues for a time, until one day, Little Pot notices some strange green berries growing from his vessel. Little Pot finally realizes that the potter is using him, when one day the berries turn shiny and red and the potter plucks a few to enjoy with his breakfast cereal.

The illustrations are created with pencil sketches and colored over with soft brush strokes. Placing an animated pot into the scenes is an interesting and delightful combination.

What I Like: My children listened with rapt attention- they eagerly anticipated the pot's final purpose. They were thrilled when at last, Little Pot became a strawberry pot! I love how the ending ties together the idea of our life bearing fruit with the verse from Galations 5:22-23 on the fruits of the spirit.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: Ages 3 to 8.

Publisher Info: Plus Books, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-933982-11-3 ; Hardbound $17.95

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Special Info: To learn more about the book and related products, go to the publisher's website or the author's website .

The Fall Into Sin

The Fall Into Sin is part of the bestselling Arch Series. This volume, written by Nancy I. Sanders, retells the story of Genesis 2-3 in rhyming verse.

In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve a good life with only one restriction: they could not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge and Evil. A sneaky serpent, however, questioned God’s instructions. He convinced Eve that God had lied and that she and Adam were foolish for obeying Him. Eve ate the fruit, then passed it to Adam who also ate. Immediately they noticed their nakedness and ran to hide. When God called for them, they blamed each other and the snake for their disobedience. God showed them their new home outside the garden and set angels to guard the entrance. Then he gave them a big promise:
”One day I will send My own special Son to love and forgive all of sin. And He will have victory over this death so Satan can no longer win.”

The story concludes with a picture of the Nativity, the fulfillment of this great promise. The last page of the book offers a note to parents that explains the story further and offers suggestions to help children understand.

This book was illustrated by Joe Van Severen. Full of interest, high contrast and color, they present a fresh look at the familiar story. Please note that the last illustration shows the face of Jesus as an infant.

What I Like: I really like the tie-in to Jesus’ birth and the fulfillment of God’s promise in the Garden. The illustrations are not my favorite, but they are colorful and my kids like them. I do like the illustration of the angels guarding the entrance to the garden. It emphasizes a detail often overlooked in this story.

What I Dislike: The rhyme is forced and, in some places, simply doesn’t work well. More importantly, though, is the encouragement given in the editor's note to parents: “Stress the fact that God does not punish us for our sin.” The text emphasizes Jesus' atonement for sin once and for all. What the editor failed to mention is that we must believe in Jesus in order to have His blood cover our sins. Without personally and individually accepting His gift of salvation, all are condemned to death and an eternal punishment for sin. This truth, however, is never mentioned.

Overall Rating: The text by itself, I would rate "Good." However, my rating drops to "Poor" when the text is coupled with the editor's note. The misrepresentation of the Gospel is a grievous error.

Age Appeal: 5-9, but my 4-year-old liked it more than my 5-year-old.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2004; ISBN: 0758606184; Paperback; $2.49

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God Made Them Great

In God Made them Great, Scottish minister John Tallach presents the lives of five lesser-known Christian missionaries. He chose to feature George Muller, Isobel Kuhn, Billy Bray, David Brainerd and Robert Annan because they "were each like little children." In his preface, Tallach quotes Jesus' words, "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." He continues, "How strange. . .. Of course, Jesus was not telling His disciples that they must stop being grown up, that they must become childish again. Rather, He was telling them this: The Christian life is. . . a life of dependence on God, a life like that of a little child who depends on his parents for everything."

Tallach devotes between six and 12 chapters to each missionary's life, and he begins each story with that missionary's conversion. Most of the missionaries found faith in Jesus after a period of hardship or wild living. They then devoted the rest of their lives to telling others about the love of Christ. Sadly, several of the missionaries died young, but Tallach continually reminds us how happy they were to be going to their eternal home in Heaven.

The text is supplemented by ink line drawings every 15-20 pages, which give us glimpses of the time periods in which the missionaries lived and worked.

What I Like: I like the way Tallach presents his heroes as authentic people with real struggles, who were committed to following Jesus anyway. Though all of the missionaries experienced powerful, meaningful conversions and were grounded in their faith, becoming a Christian did not solve all of their problems. They still wrestled with doubt and had to make major sacrifices. Billy Bray had to resist the Devil more than once after becoming a Christian. Once, the Devil challenged Billy, ". . .if your Father loved you, Billy Bray, He'd give you a pretty yield of potatoes, as much as ever you want, and every one of them as big as your fist." Billy responded, "I used to have a personal acquaintance with you some years since. . . and all you gave me was nothing but rags to my back, and a wretched home, and an aching head, and no potatoes, and the fear of hellfire to finish up with." He then told the Devil everything Jesus did for him, and the Devil left him.

Isobel Kuhn had to give up her love of pretty things and allow her children to be taken to boarding school, in order to continue serving the Lisu people in China and Thailand. Robert Annan spent an entire evening drinking in a bar some time after his conversion. He then had to repent and allow God to forgive him before he felt worthy to continue life as a Christian.

Despite their struggles and failures, each of these missionaries profoundly impacted the world for the Gospel of Christ. Their lives show us that we all can serve God, wherever we are, and God can use our struggles and failures. Most of all, we see how He'll use our commitment and love for Him to spread His good news.

What I Dislike: Written in 1973, God Made them Great relies on some stereotypes and descriptions that would not be thought acceptable today. People are often called "drunkards," and the "Red Indians" David Brainerd ministers to are described as ". . . quite dark. Their faces were a dingy brown, and their eyes and hair were black like coal. . .the average Indian was actually shorter than the white man." Tallach also says, "David was used to living in a well-built, cosy house, and he must have found the Indian wigwam very draughty and cold. When Indians built their homes, they never thought of erecting a good, permanent building." These characterizations are not particularly positive or flattering.

I also have a hard time with the idea of sending one's own children to boarding school in order to minister to others, but I realize this has been common practice among many missionary groups until fairly recently.

Tallach's writing is very conversational , but a bit old-fashioned and refers often to the British pound when discussing God's provision for His people. It would be nice to translate the values given in the book into today's values.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 9-12 (Although I think high school students would be interested as well.)

Publisher Info: The Banner of Truth Trust (Bell and Bain, Ltd), 1998; ISBN: 0-85151-190-2 Paperback, $10.00

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Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Baby Bird

Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Baby Bird, written by prolific author Robin Jones Gunn, is a story that illustrates how God watches over all living creatures, even baby birds.

When Rachel discovers a baby bird has fallen out of its nest, she runs and gets Mrs. Rosey Posey, an adult in the neighborhood all the children love and trust. Mrs. Rosey Posey knows just what to do. She takes the bird in her house and makes a nest for it. Rachel tells Mrs. Rosey Posey, “I’m glad I found the bird. No one else saw it.”

Mrs. Rosey Posey looks at her with a twinkle in her eyes and replies, “There is someone who saw it.”

“Was it you?” Rachel asks.

“No,” says Mrs. Rosey Posey, “It is someone who lives here. This someone cares about every living thing.”

Throughout the week, as Mrs. Rosey Posey feeds the bird and cares for it, the children try to guess who the “someone” is. But Mrs. Rosey Posey won’t tell them. She just keeps on giving hints. When the bird is finally ready to take off on its own, the children are finally able to guess who the “someone” is. Mrs. Rosey Posey tells them that God knows everything and he cares for us all, even the birds.

The Bible verse, Luke 12: 6-7, is cited as a reference for this story: "Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? But God does not forget even one of them. In fact, he even counts every hair on your head! So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

The bright, colorful, kid-friendly illustrations, by Christina Schofield, enhance the text and the story.

What I Like: I like the delightful illustrations; I think children of all ages will like them, too. I also like having stories for young readers that illustrate truths of the Bible.

What I Dislike: Although the Bible lesson is a good one, children might think it’s okay to pick up and bring stray wild animals home. It requires special knowledge and skills to care for wild animals and not many people are qualified for the job.
Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 031071576; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read series of books.
According to the publisher, this is a Level 2 Reader, which are “high-interest stories for developing readers.”

Read our reviews of other books in this series. Visit the author’s website. View the illustrator’s portfolio at this website.

Elements of Faith: Faith Facts and Learning, Lessons from the Periodic Table

I barely remember learning the periodic table - and not because I'm that old. It just didn't interest me. But Richard D. Duncan's Elements of Faith Vol 1: Faith Facts and Learning, Lessons from the Periodic Table is an intriguing book, terrific both for jr. high and high school aged homeschoolers and parents who want to "add on" to what their kids are learning in school.

The first section of the book (which covers hydrogen to tin) devotes two pages to each element. In various boxes on the page, we learn basic data about the element, are given an analysis of the it, some review questions, and a Christian devotional section. Believe it or not, the author does a nice job integrating biblical stories and quotes. For example, in the section on water, he first quotes Genesis 1:2 ("And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.") Later, he speaks on living water and discusses several biblical passages related to that theme. There is even a prayer at the bottom of the page that reads in part: "Heavenly Father, thank You....for the enjoyment we can receive from even the simplest of Your gifts, water itself. Give me the gift of living water, so that my soul will be satisfied..." And thus, the first section of the book combines both the science you'd find in a secular textbook and a biblical message.

The second part of the book offers 10 experiments related to the elements, the answers to the review questions, a glossary and index, and a periodic table.
What I Like: This book is unique and quite well done. The science is solid, and the addition of biblical wisdom adds a fun and useful element not found elsewhere. I also appreciate the inclusion of experiments (as well as the safety cautions included with them).
What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: Jr. High to High School
Publishing Info: New Leaf, 2008; ISBN: 978-0890515471; paperback, $14.99
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God Made Dinosaurs

If you're looking for a simple book about dinosaurs that avoids Darwanism and the Big Bang theory - as well as creationist theory - then God Made Dinosaurs may be for you and your kids. A level 3 independent reader book by Heno Head, Jr., this thin volume stresses that God made dinosaurs, but otherwise avoids many controversial topics.

We learn God made all animals - including dinosaurs, which are extinct reptiles. We also learn we can only make educated guesses about dinosaurs, because they lived "before people could make books about them or take pictures of them." (Which won't sit well with those who believe dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible and were alive in Old Testament times.) We also learn scientists know about dinosaurs through fossils, which they dig up from the ground. Scientists make plastic bones out of those fossils and put them together for museum displays. We have to guess about their skin. It could have been colorful, dull, scaley, or smooth. We don't know, but "God is such an amazing designer he can do anything!"

Then the author tells us about some of the most famous dinosaurs, including the triceratops, T-Rex, and the Giganotosaurus. He writes that no one knows for sure why the dinosaurs died out, and rather than focus on the theories, he stresses that God made dinosaurs - and all life on earth.
What I Like: This is a really simple introduction to dinosaurs, ideal for young children. The illsutrations, by Rusty Fletcher, are colorful and engaging.

What I Dislike: I wish the author hadn't stated dinosaurs and humans weren't alive at the same time, as many creationists believe this isn't true.

Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 3 - 7.
Publishing Info: Standard, 2004; ISBN: 978-0784717035; paperback, $2.29
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Special Info: Read our other reviews of books by Heno Head, Jr.

Who Made the World?

Teaching our children Who Made the World is a basic lesson all Christian parents can begin instilling from infancy. Simply mentioning that God made the pet cat, the apples we eat, the flowers in the garden, etc. is an excellent first step. So is reading the biblical creation story. So is there a place for a book like Who Made the World? by Kathleen Long Bostrom?

This book follows the same format as all the other "Little Blessings" titles. First, there are questions (in rhyme) written as though a small child were asking them:

"So who made the world?
God, I think it was you.
Did you have a helper?
If so, tell me who.

What was the first thing
you made, and the last?
Did you snap your fingers
to make it go fast?"

The next section of the book (also written in rhyme) answers the child's questions. In this particular title, the answers are written as though God is speaking. He tells us that even in the beginning, before the earth was formed, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with him. He also says he spoke "Let there be light!" to begin forming things. Next came the sky, seas, plants, and so on (as detailed in Genesis). He tells us people are special because they are made in God's image, and that when he finished making them, he took a rest. He also says some day "all of creation will sparkle like new./My home will be earth,/and I'll live there, with you!" In the meantime, He tells us to be kind and to care for the earth.

What I Like: I like that this book mentions end times in a simple way and that the author backs up all her claims with Bible references in the back of the book. I also appreciate Elina Kucharik's illustrations of children with many skin colors exploring God's world.

What I Dislike: I'm not sure why you need this book if you have a decent children's Bible. I'm also uncomfortable with the way "God" speaks in this book. For example, "God" says that in the beginning, he "had an indea-/just a glimmer, a spark./ I took a deep breath/and said, 'Let there be light!'" This mixture of biblical quotations and made up thinking behind God's actions doesn't suit me.

That said, overall, I have no strong feelings of like or dislike for this book - and neither does my 4 year old.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2009; ISBN: 978-1414320113; hardback, $9.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of "Little Blessings" books. Read our reviews of other books by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik.

My Pajama Bible

The moment when you put your child to bed is a precious time. My Pajama Bible by Andy Holmes and illustrated by Tim O'Connor is a children's Bible with 30 short bedtime Bible stories that are great for those sleepy times!

The Bible stories included are: God Made the World, Adam and Eve, Noah, Joseph and His Coat, Moses in the Basket, Crossing the Red Sea, The Talking Donkey, The Walls of Jericho, Samson, Naomi and Ruth, David Fights Goliath, David and Jonathan, Birds Feed Elijah, Esther, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah, Baby Jesus, Jesus as a Boy in the Temple, John the Baptist, John Baptizes Jesus, Jesus Was a Teacher, Jesus Calms the Storm, Jesus Helps Jairus's Daughter, Jesus Feeds a Lot of People, The Good Samaritan, The Lost Lamb, The Lost Son, Zacchaeus, Jesus Rides a Donkey, and Jesus Lives.

Each page spread includes a colorful illustration of the Bible story on the left, and the Bible story, written in rhyme, and a sweet bedtime picture on the right. All the children pictured are wearing their pajamas! The Scripture that the story came from is also included.

The Creation story is told in this way:

"God made the world with his own hands --

The sun, the sky, the trees, the lands.

God made the animals, birds, and fish --

Some run, some fly, and some go swish.

God made the bears, the bugs, the bees.

God made the butterflies and fleas.

God made man. He made woman too --

Every person, including YOU!"

What I Like: The stories are told in a simple, but biblically correct way. I like the way that the author handled the story of Adam and Eve, "Pleasing God had made both of them glad. Not pleasing God made them both feel bad."

What I Dislike: The rhyme tends to be a little awkward in spots, but this doesn't take away from the book's appeal. I do think that this little Bible is better for preschoolers because the stories are so very simply stated.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: The publisher says ages 4-7 , but I think this book is more appropriate for ages 3-5.

Publisher Info: Tyndale House, 2008; ISBN:1414312636; Hardcover $12.99.

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Special Info: This Bible is also available in Spanish. Also, parents may want to be aware that Jesus is pictured in many of the stories.

What is the Bible?

It is surprisingly difficult to find children's books explaining what the Bible is, but Kathleen Long Bostrum's recent title What is the Bible? tackles the topic aptly.

Unlike it's only competition (Big Thoughts For Little Thinkers: The Scripture), Bostrum's book is truly suitable even for toddlers, and with illustrations by Care Bear artist Elena Kucharik, What is the Bible? is likely to please the younger crowd.

Like all the books in the popular "Little Blessings" series, this one begins with a series of questions a child might ask, including "Who wrote the Bible?/One person? A few?/What does it say?/Can you give me a clue?" The second half of the book then answers these questions. We learn the Bible is "one of a kind," God's word, was written by many people with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, should be read - and reread over and over, tells us of many interesting people -especially the story of Jesus the Savior, and more.

The last several pages of the book back up the text with Biblical references, which can also be used to discuss the topic with your child.

What I Like: I appreciate having a simple book to help explain even to very young children what the Bible is all about. This book isn't as detailed or all-encompassing as the Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers book, but that's what makes it a perfect introduction for younger children, or children who are less familiar with Christian teachings.

Kucharik's illustrations also add great interest, as she shows small children of various ethnicities reading the Bible, playing, and going about their daily lives.

What I Dislike: One section names a few famous people of the Bible, but since only names (and no hints of stories) are mentioned, if your child isn't familiar with these people, he or she may be bored for a couple of pages.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2009; ISBN: 978-1414320120; hardback, $9.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of "Little Blessings" books. Read our reviews of other books by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik.

Walking the Plank to the Baptism Tank

If you know a child who'd like to be baptized, but is a little nervous about the process, Walking the Plank to the Baptism Tank by Mike Thaler makes an excellent gift.

In his silly, puny style, Thaler shows a young boy who is afraid to get baptized because he's heard the tank is deep, dark, and cold. In the accompanying illustration by Jared Lee, we see an enormous tank with pieces of monster-like creatures peeping out here and there. But, our hero decides, "life without Jesus is even deeper, darker, and colder," so he'll get baptized anyway.

He wonders if he'll need snorkeling gear for his dunking, and whether the pastor will dress like a pirate and walk him off a plank. He hopes a lifeguard will be present, but then remembers his mom says "God is our lifeguard, and He's always on duty twenty-four hours a day."

He remembers that God parted the waters for the Isrealites and that Jesus walked on water...then wonders if any of that would work for him. He wishes the pastor would just sprinkle water on him, instead of dunking him.

The Sunday of his baptism, there's a line of kids before him. He's glad everyone "seems to be coming out all right." Finally, it's his turn...and the tank isn't so deep, dark, and cold. "Is that all? Hey, can I do a double dip? Can I stay in for a while and splash around?" he wonders. When he exits the tank, he feels "clean and new. It's like a Laudromat for the spirit." Maybe he'll take up swimming and win an Olympic gold medal, because "anything is possible with God."
What I Like: Thaler and Lee have a real gift for making topics that could be boring lots of fun, and their work in Walking the Plank is no exception. Although this book isn't as funny as some as this team's other titles, it's plenty lighthearted, and the illustrations are filled with silly details and fun dialogue in bubbles. This is a terrific book for kids who will soon be baptized.
What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0310715948; paperback, $4.99
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God Made Our Bodies

In God Made Our Bodies, Heno Head, Jr. offers another terrific beginning science book, suitable as a read-to-me or early independent reader book.

In this book, "Dr. Heno" introduces us to the basics of how our bodies work. The book begins by explaining that Psalm 139:14 says God made our bodies in an amazing and wonderful way. For example, he knew our bodies would need strength, so he gave us bones.

"When Noah made the ark, he first built a frame to give the ark shape. Our bodes are the frame for our bodies. They give us shape!"

The accompanying illustration by Rusty Fletcher shows a skeleton-like Noah building the ark's frame. Our bones come in many shapes and sizes, we also learn, and the place where our bones come together are called joints.

God also gave us many parts to help us digest food, which ends up in our cells. Cells, we learn, are so small we can't even see them. We also learn a bit about nerve cells in the brain, the five senses, muscles, blood, lungs, and several other body parts. The author acknowledges that

"Some people may have parts that work a little differently from other people. Maybe their eyes don't see. Or their legs don't move...But God loves them just the same. He made them in a special way...God loves us so much that he gave each person a different, special body, so no one is quite like anyone else in the world. Psalm 139:14 is right. We are wonderfully made. We are made by a wonderful God!"

What I Like: I love that God is not an afterthought in this book. While reading this slim volume, we easily gasp not only how wonderfully made our bodies are, but also who, exactly, made them so wonderfully. The illustrations by Rusty Fletcher are also colorful, fun, and useful in helping us to understand the science. This is an excellent introduction to the body.

What I Dislike: One page says nerves "are like telephone wires that let the brain talk to all the other parts of the body." As more and more families ditch land lines and use cell phones, some kids may not understand this analogy.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 3 - 7.

Publishing Info: Standard, 2005; ISBN: 978-0784717011; paperback, $2.29

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Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is the first book in the Scenarios for Girls series by Nicole O'Dell. It follows Lindsay Martin and her three best friends: Macy, Sam and Kelly. As the new school year begins, these eighth-grade girls seem to have the world on a string. Before long, they decide to start a weekly sleepover tradition. Each Friday night, they stay at a different girl's house. Like all slumber parties, these nights involve junk food, silliness and games. In their case, the main game is Truth or Dare.

It started innocently enough. Kelly taught the girls the game and everyone had a great time the first week. After the parents discover baseball cleats frozen in a bucket, they make a new rule: no destroying property with the dares. But even with the new rule, the risks quickly escalate to a level that makes Lindsay uncomfortable. To make matters worse, the girls push Lindsay to promise she'll do a "dare" and not a "truth" at the next sleepover.

Lindsay is the only one of her friends who is a Christian. She's the only one whose parents require her to go to church and youth group. She really likes those things and wants to please God, but she wants to stay tight with her friends too. This causes a conflict, especially when her pastor and youth pastor seem to be stuck on the same message: avoid the appearance of evil. Lindsay learns that even if she's not doing anything wrong, hanging with those who are doing something wrong can harm her reputation and her ability to share Christ with others.

This lesson becomes painfully tangible at the next sleepover. First, Kelly fulfills her dare by drinking a whole can of beer from her parents' fridge. When it's Lindsay's turn, the girls dare her to walk to the corner store and buy a can of beer. She says she can't, that the dare isn't fair, but the girls insist that if she doesn't complete the dare, she can't be part of their group anymore. Kelly claims it's a matter of honor: she agreed to play the game and if she doesn't do this, then she isn't keeping her word and they can't trust her. Macy and Sam agree with Kelly, but insist that Lindsay doesn't have to drink the beer; she just needs to try to buy it. If the shopkeeper won't let her buy it, that's okay and they can still be friends as long as she tries.

At this point in the book (110 pages in), readers must make a choice for Lindsay. Does she stand up to her friends and refuse the dare? Or does she go along to keep her friends? Two endings are written for the book. Readers decide what they think Lindsay should do, then turn to the page for that outcome.

In the first scenario, Lindsay stands up to her friends. She calls her mom to pick her up and spends the night crying and praying over her decision. Meanwhile, the girls decide someone else has to finish the dare. Since Sam's turn was next, she had to do it. The shopkeeper calls the police when these thirteen-year-old girls try to buy beer. Kelly, Macy and Sam are all suspended from school for three days and they've each got a heap of trouble at home. Even with all the trouble, they still refuse to talk to Lindsay. Eventually, though, Macy apologizes. She wants to remain friends, but struggles to be strong with Kelly being such a forceful leader. It takes a while, but the girls slowly work things out. Lindsay is given a great opportunity to show biblical forgiveness and even gets to tell them a little about Jesus.

In the second scenario, Lindsay goes along with her friends. While she's trying to buy the beer, the police arrive. She's arrested and charged, suspended from school and asked to step down from being a student leader in the church youth group. Her relationship with her parents is tense and awkward, and her friends still aren't really talking to her. A long time passes before Lindsay recognizes that things will never be the same until she gets things straight with God. Her actions weren't wrong because she got caught, but because she didn't stand up for what was right. Once she acknowledges this, the path to healing begins. She apologizes to her parents, her friends' parents, her pastors and youth leaders. Even in this scenario she finds a way to share Jesus and God's truth about forgiveness.

The last page of the book offers personal application. It gives a prayer and a place for readers to sign, acknowledging that they have learned from Lindsay's story and, as a result, commit to making godly choices.

What I Like: This is a strong book, relevant and challenging. It confronts peer pressure head-on. The best part: it internalizes the story for readers. It forces them to think through what they would do in this situation and then provides the outcome for both choices. I really like that both scenarios offer redemptive truths. Even when Lindsay makes poor choices, she learns something and finds forgiveness and restoration. I like that Scripture is provided on more than one occasion. This pushes readers back to the Word of God, which is always beneficial.

What I Dislike: Overall, this is a great book, a tad cliche in some spots, but a great book. However, two items of content nit-picked at me.

During the youth group meeting, the pastor offers weak Scriptural support for his argument. His talk (which utilizes James 1) seems to encourage kids to seek trials because of what God can do in us through them. Trials do make us stronger, but they should not be our goal. I would have liked to see him encourage kids to seek God first (Matthew 6) so that they may stay strong in the trials that will inevitably come.

Also, the night before the last sleepover, Lindsay's mother offers advice that seems contradictory to what her pastors have been saying. Lindsay is nervous about the sleepover and doesn't really want to go. She's afraid of what will happen there. Her mother, instead of supporting Lindsay's decision to stay away from compromising situations, encourages her to go anyway. She insists that Lindsay's job is to be a strong witness to her friends. I feel she knowingly put her in a situation where she knew her daughter felt uncomfortable and too weak to resist temptation. While the pastors are asking believers to flee temptation and avoid the appearance of evil, Mrs. Martin asks her daughter to walk through the fire and come out unscathed.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 10-15

Publisher Info: Barbour Books, 2009; ISBN: 1602603995; Paperback; $7.97

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