The Lost Coin

The Lost Coin, another book in the Arch Books series of rhyming picture books, tells the story of Luke 15: 8-10. In Jesus' parable, he compares a widow's joy at finding her lost coin with God's joy when a sinner repents. Like all Arch Books, great care is taken to ensure the retelling is biblically accurate. Author Nicole E. Dreyer sets the stage for us by explaining, "Jesus traveled from town to town." She continues, "But not everyone who followed the Lord/was happy with what they heard. . .The teachers and the Pharisees/Thought Jesus had made a mistake/Because He ate with those who sinned/And collectors with taxes to take." Dreyer then begins the retelling of the parable of the lost coin.

As the woman searches for her coin and subsequently finds it, her face reflects concern, joy and excitement. At the end of the book, we see Jesus again. This time, He is explaining to adults and children, "The angels of God will always rejoice/Whenever a sinner repents." Readers are included among the lost in the last verse, "Yes, we were the lost that Jesus found./He's claimed us as His own/And rejoices over each one of us/Before His Father's throne."

Arch Books always include a note to parents from the Editor, and this book is no exception. The note suggested asking children to think of a time they lost something important and found it again. My five-year-old could relate to this and thought of an example right away. He seemed impressed Jesus is happy when we are "found" just like he was happy when he found his lost treasure.

What I Like: I always appreciate Arch Books' biblical integrity. Though they may add details to put the story in context and make the story more accessible to children, they remain true to their mission to retell stories of the Bible without embellishing. This makes Arch books a valuable addition to any family's collection of Bible story books.

In The Lost Coin, specifically, I love the illustrations. It is nice to see people who look Middle Eastern and are dressed in period clothes featured in Bible story books. Again, this helps children get a feel for the Bible as history. I like how joyful and inviting Jesus looks. He is featured on several pages, and always seems to be enjoying the people He is interacting with. The illustrations use a rich array of colors and facial expressions are quite detailed and realistic.

I also liked the Editor's Note, at the back of the book. The note begins by explaining that we are like the Pharisees when we judge others, and points out Jesus came to save all of us. It then gives a very clear definition of repentance. "A person who repents is one who hears God's Law and recognizes his or her own sin. The person is sorry for what he did wrong, and resolves to follow God's Word. Redemption comes by God bestowing His forgiveness on the penitent sinner." The Editor then references Luke 15:7, which says, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons. . . ."

What I Dislike: As other CCBR reviewers have noted, the rhyme in some Arch Books can be forced. Dreyer sometimes inverts word order in order to rhyme, or uses a weaker word or term to support the rhyme scheme. Also, the number of syllables per line varies too much. This makes the reading sound uneven, or choppy. Despite this, I think the message of this book is important enough to put up with annoying phrasing.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 5-9

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2006; ISBN: 978-0-7586-0873-4 ; Paperback, $2.49

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Special Information: Look for our reviews of other Arch Books here.

Read with Me Bible for Toddlers

If you're looking for a Bible storybook with simple stories and terrific illustrations, look no further than the Read with Me Bible for Toddlers by Doris Wynbeek Rikkers.

Dennis G. Jones' illustrations are what make this book outstanding. Not only are they full of fun details, but Jones' style is stylized, making Jesus (for example) look like a superhero from The Incredibles. They bring great life to the book.

The stories themselves are told in a simple fashion. We have the story of creation; the fall; Noah and the ark; baby Moses and Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt; Jericho; David and Goliath; Daniel and the lion's den; Jonah; Jesus' birth; Jesus and John the Baptist; Jesus calming the storm; the parable of the good Samaritan, the lost son, and the lost sheep; the story of the ten lepers; Jesus with the children; Jesus' death and resurrection; and Jesus' acent into Heaven with a promise of sending that he will return again.

What I Like: I love, love, love the illustrations. They are different and fun for both kids and parents. Overall, this is a delightful book that illicited many responses from my four year old. For example, she laughed and told Jonah he was naughty as he was swallowed by the big fish, and sighed with happiness as I read her the section about Jesus loving the little children.

I also like how some sections of the Bible are summarized. For example, in the section mentioning the Jews wandering in the desert for 40 years, we see a board game-like illustration, complete with dashed movement marks and little sections showing people gathering manna, chasing quail, worshiping a golden calf, etc.

What I Dislike: While I think the writing in this book is generally good, I have a few problems with cit. For example, the snake in the Garden of Eden is never described as being Satan. In addition, sometimes things or people are mentioned, but no explanation is given. For instance, in the story of Jericho, the ark of the covenant is mention - but going by this book alone, we have no idea what it is. In the story of Jesus praying in the garden, Judas is mentioned - but once again, going by this book alone, we have no idea who he is. In addition, we never see Mary meeting with an angel to tell her she's giving birth to the Savior.

Overall Rating: Despite these flaws, the illustrations in this book are so exceptional this might be my favorite pick for a Bible storybook for toddlers. I give it a rating of Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, baby to preschool, but I'd say toddlers and some preschoolers.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0310718772; hardback, $12.99

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Special Info: Visit the illustrator's website for a look at his artwork.

Sarah Morton's Day

Until time travel machines are invented, Kate Waters' Sarah Morton's Day is probably the best way for you and your kids to get a good peek at what the life of a Pilgrim girl was like.

Filled with color photographs of reenacters at the Plymouth Plantation museum (a reproduction of the original village), this book is written as though narrated by a real Pilgrim girl, aged 9. She begins by explaining why her family left England, then Holland, to come to the New World: to "seek freedom from the Church of England." Her father died their first winter in America, and now she has a new father. "I am learning to call him father," she says, "and am trying hard to earn his love."

Sarah shows us, step by step, how she dresses each morning and folds up her bedding. She walks us through her daily chores, including keeping the fire going, feeding the chickens, mucking the garden, milking the goats, pounding spices, preparing meals, fetching water, and cleaning the pots. Sarah also has moments of play, talking with and playing marbles with her friend Elizabeth. She is also fortunate to have the opportunity to do school work because her stepfather believes she has a talent for learning. Sarah shares her difficulty in memorizing Psalm 100.

We also glimpse her excitement that a friendly vessel is coming to shore; we see her eat with her hands, standing at the table; we see her crude little home-made doll; and in end notes, we learn more about Plymouth Plantation, the real Sarah Morton, and the little girl who portrays her in the book's photographs.

What I Like: The photograhs by Russ Kendall make this book unique and more educational that what you might find elsewhere. Seeing "Pilgrims" in full color photos is a rare treat, and helps make them seem more real. I also appreciate that the author tried to keep the flavor of Pilgrim speech without bombarding us with too many "thees" and "perchances." Because she tells the story through Sarah - who wouldn't think to explain such terms as "muck" and "hasty pudding," I'm also thankful there is a glossary at the back of the book.

In fact, while some might wish there were more explanations within the main body of the book, I actually found this gave my preschooler and I lots of opportunity to discuss the things in the book long after we set the volume aside. For example, at one point Sarah mentions her mother is churning, and we see a photo of her in the midsts of this task. However, since no explanation is given, my daughter and I discussed this at length on our own.

What I Dislike: Parents who aren't as interested in history as I am may have a slightly more difficult time explaining details in this book to their child. In addition, the reasons the Pilgrims came to the New World are never spelled out. And while we are treated to an excerpt of the Psalms and Sarah mentions prayers and tells us "God be with thee," a stronger sense of the importance of God in the lives of the Pilgrims is missing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 - 12, but my 4 year old loves it, and I know a Kindergarten teacher who also uses it in her curriculum.

Publishing Info: Scholastic, 1993; ISBN: 978-0590474009; paperback, $5.99

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Bible Pop-Up Pals: Brave Queen Esther

Brave Queen Esther is a fun introduction to the story of Esther for the youngest readers. Each 2-page spread highlights a particular character, who pops up as the page is turned. We begin the story with "mean, mean Haman," who "wants to hurt God's people." We then learn about brave Queen Esther, the kind and happy king, and the Jewish people (simply referred to as "God's people") who are saved.

The text is simple and straightforward, and each character picture includes action words, such as "grumble" for Haman, "sparkle" for Queen Esther, and "clap" for God's people. The illustrations are bright and emphasize facial expressions. Queen Esther wears a sparkling crown and joyful expression, and the king looks appealing and benevolent with his white beard and smile.

What I Like: My two-year-old loved the pop-up feature. She would gasp with delight every time we turned a page, and thought Esther's crown was "pretty." She exclaimed, "Oh, king," every time we turned to the king's page, and wanted to read the book over and over. The text was simple enough to hold her attention, and she liked doing the actions listed for each character.

I especially like Christine Harder Tangvald and Rondi Deboer's decision at the end of the book to make it clear, "God saved the day." It is easy to overlook God's role when telling stories of biblical heroes, but even little ones need this reminder.

I also liked how colorful and happy the illustrations are. The characters are appealing and designed to catch a toddler's eye.

What I Dislike: I didn't like starting the book off with "mean, mean Haman." Little ones are so innocent, it seems sad to have to explain to them why Haman didn't like God's people. Also, because of the tendency of toddlers to generalize, I wasn't wild about having Haman, with a big, bushy beard and a frown, pop out of the first page. I don't want my daughter to think all men with big beards are mean.

Also, the book never made it clear why Esther was brave. The story of Esther needs a bit of background explained, as children wouldn't understand Esther was putting her life in danger by addressing the king, who she was married to. This went over my two-year-old's head, but may be more confusing for older three or four-year-olds.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 2-4

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 0-784-719470 ; Hardcover (Board book), $5.99

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Special Information: Click here to read reviews of other books by Rondi DeBoer.

Paul's Great Basket Caper

Paul’s Great Basket Caper, written by Larry Burgdorf, is part of Concordia Publishing’s Arch series of books, which includes a whole line of short children’s picture books about various characters and stories in the Bible.

Saul was a notorious persecutor of Christians. But on the road to Damascus, Saul was blinded by a great light from God. He realized he had been wrong to hate the Christians. His name changed to Paul and his whole life changed. Paul started preaching the Gospel and had many followers. His former friends became his enemies and plotted to kill him. Paul needed to sneak out of Damascus to avoid being killed. To do so, his friends lowered him over the city’s walls in a large basket. Paul escaped and went on to become one of the greatest Apostles.

The Bible verses from Acts 9:1-25, 31 are given as reference for this story.

The illustrations by Dave Hill are colorful and expressive.

What I Like: I like having short stories from the Bible kids.

What I Dislike: Like other books in this series, the text is written in verse. And, like many other books in the series I have read, the rhyme scheme in this book is forced on several occasions, which interrupts the rhythm of the story.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 5-9.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 0758616163; Paperback, $2.49.

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Malia and Teacup: Awesome African Adventure

Malia and Teacup: Awesome African Adventure is a unique and empowering novel by psychologist and author Dr. Molly Barrow. In Dr. Barrow's words, "Prevention psychology is what we need now. Children must believe they deserve to be treated well." This philosophy provides the basis for an exciting, unusual, and sometimes bizarre novel.

When we meet Malia, we notice that her interactions with peers and adults are a bit atypical for a junior high student. When a peer teases her about autism, we gain a clue into her personality. Although Dr. Barrow never specifies whether or not Malia places on the autism spectrum, some degree of autism would explain her quirky traits.

In addition to a possible autism diagnosis, Malia has a fairly dysfunctional family to contend with. When her mother runs off to the city to live with a "creep" of a boyfriend, Malia is left living with her grandpa. Her grandpa, meanwhile, is keeping Malia's dead grandma preserved in the family freezer, among their meat and vegetables. He is trying to find a way for Malia's grandma to continue to communicate with them, but only Malia is able to receive her grandma's "transmissions" through one of her heirloom necklaces. Malia knows that she needs to keep her social worker from discovering the truth about her grandma in order to remain living with her grandpa. Even though Malia and her grandpa are successful in keeping their secret, when Malia's grandpa learns he has a severe heart condition, he turns her over to social services. At this point, Malia learns that her mom and grandparents have lied to her for years, and her father is not dead, but is alive and living in Kenya.

Malia's Awesome African Adventure commences when she is put on a plane to Kenya, to live with her dad, his wife, and his preteen son. Malia has a hard time adjusting to her dad's scheduled, rule-based home, and ends up befriending the African cook, and a tiny dog called Teacup. At this point, the book becomes part mystery, part adventure. When Malia and Teacup decide to sleep in a tent in the yard in order to pass daily room inspections, they are kept busy avoiding cheetahs and an elephant stampede. When not dodging wild animals or Malia's stepbrother, they occupy themselves trying to discover who, exactly, Malia's father is, and why a customs inspector is so interested in him.

Throughout her adventures, Malia learns positive character attributes like bravery, honesty, open-mindedness, and how to make friends. She also realizes that judging people without all the facts can lead to some major mistakes.

In the exciting climax, Malia realizes her dad loves her and is actually a good person. She also realizes that she must act to save Teacup, regardless of risk to herself. Upon returning to the States (after surviving a cargo hold, pirate attack, and being tracked down by the evil inspector) she learns that her mother loves her too. In fact, she has finished nursing school and is married to Malia's favorite teacher--not the creep.

There are a couple of instances of praying--Malia's grandpa prays for her as he sends her off to Kenya, and Malia prays the Lord's Prayer (because it was the only prayer she knew) when she is about to be caught by the inspector. There is also a brief discussion about whether all gods are the same as Allah. Malia asks a friend, "Do you think your God is a different God than my God?" Tahir answers, "No, Allah is Allah for everyone." They then agree that there must be a God because the world is too beautiful to be random.

Delightful pencil sketches begin each chapter. Teacup is adorable, Malia has beautiful, big eyes and wild, curly hair, and each illustration is captioned by a corresponding quote from the chapter.

What I Like: My favorite part of the book is Malia. She is an unusual protagonist, because she is not socially adept or well-adjusted, and deals with phobias and an often-grumpy attitude. She provides a stark contrast to the syrupy, always-sweet protagonists of many "character-building" novels. At the same time, she is funny, likable, and resilient, and we see her grow and change as a result of her adventures.

I also like the fast-paced adventure and mystery elements of the novel. I meant to put it down half a dozen times, but ended up reading until midnight in order to find out what happened. The characters are quite complex and diverse--the African cook is very kind, but has three wives, Malia's stepmother is vain and frivolous, but good-hearted, and Malia's grandpa is eccentric but loves her immensely. We are kept guessing about the inspector and Malia's dad until the end, and even Malia's stepbrother and mom have good qualities. This type of book would be useful for children who tend to see the world in "good and bad" or "right and wrong" terms.

Dr. Barrow includes several fun and informative appendices. She includes a note on Kenya, Swahili terms, and a "creep alert" checklist (tips on staying safe and avoiding abusive situations and people), in addition to a discussion guide.

What I Dislike: There are a few plot and character inconsistencies that make the reading of the novel more difficult. The main issue is there is little explanation of why Malia's grandparents don't give her letters from her mother, and neither does her father. The story works when we think Malia's mother is uncaring and uninvolved, but the surprise of having Malia's mother married and happy to have Malia live with her is a bit of a stretch. If she was caring, wouldn't she have asked Malia to come live with her in the city for the summer, instead of allowing her to be shipped off to Kenya?

In another instance, Malia's father allows her to climb into the cargo hold of a ship and travel to America, in order to be with Teacup. Throughout the journey, the inspector tracks Malia through Teacup's embedded microchip, but this never occurs to her dad, despite his CIA training.

Perhaps Dr. Barrow is showing us adults through Malia's eyes, and that is why they seem so inconsistent and don't act like we think adults should. If Malia indeed placed on the autism spectrum, she would miss social cues and would only be able to interpret adult behavior through concrete actions. However, I wish that there were more respectable adults in Malia's world.

The other issue of concern in Malia and Teacup: Awesome African Adventure is the fact that Malia's grandpa is trying to preserve his wife's body and find a way to communicate with her. Not only is this eccentric and disturbing behavior, the Bible specifically forbids communicating with people who have died. In Deuteronomy 18: 10-11, we read, "There shall not be found among you anyone who. . .calls up the dead." Speaking with the dead is too similar to praying to them, and it shows a lack of faith in God. Dr. Barrow could have shown Malia remembering things her grandma had said to her and having the same internal dialogue with her, without actually speaking to her while deceased.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 9-13

Publisher Info: Barringer Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-9825109-0-2 ; Paperback, $14.95

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Special Information: Some readers may find the idea of a dead grandmother in a freezer disturbing, and may object to the concept of trying to communicate with her.

I'll Always Love My Thumbuddy

I'll Always Love My Thumbuddy , by Mark Arens, is the fifth book in the Thumbuddy children's book series. A mother's unconditional love for her child is stressed in this book.

The story opens as a mom is holding her little one in her arms. She is telling him,

"I'll always love my Thumbuddy,
However old you are;
I'll love you when you're ninety-three,
And as my little star."

You'll read about how this mother loves her child unceasingly, even when he is being bratty and mischievous. She loves him through illness, sadness and disappointment, and she loves him even when he grows up and isn't always as kind as he should be. In this story, the mother grows old and has never ceased to love and pray for her child.

"I'll always love my Thumbuddy,
It's my promise I make to you;
Forever and ever, eternally,
I'll always have love for you."

In this book you will find the "Thumbpeople" that are depicted in all of the books.

Don't forget to have your child search for the blue butterfly that is fluttering on each page spread!

What I Like: This is a true indication of how a mother unconditionally loves her child. It is told completely from the perspective of the mother, so is a good tool for moms to use. I like how the child becomes a protector, leader and supporter by the end of the story. This tye of role reversal truly does occur with adult parents and their children.

What I Dislike: The story is told both through the illustrations and the text. A preschooler may not grasp the depth of this story. Also, when reading the book, you won't find any direct reference to God's grace or forgiveness. The books are designed to be acceptable to non-Christians as well, so keep that in mind.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: Preschool through Elementary.

Publisher Info: Thumbpeople,Inc.,2008;ISBN:0980160669; Hardcover, $14.95.

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Special Info: We've reviewed other Thumbpeople books, and you can read those reviews here. You may be interested in the Thumbpeople website with other Thumbpeople products, the history of Thumbuddy, and activities for your children to enjoy.

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks

If you want to give your kids a taste of the basic Thanksgiving history, The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan and Mike Berenstain is a fun choice.

In this new title, the familiar Berenstain bear family delivers some hand made furniture to some friends on a farm. For payment, the family gives Papa some produce - and a fat turkey called Squanto (named, we learn, after the famous "Native Bear" who helped the Pilgrims plant their corn). Papa's mouth is already watering, imagining the turkey complimenting his Thanksgiving dinner, but Sister is horrified. Squanto is much too handsome to eat. Besides, she's "never met her Thanksgiving dinner before." She wants to keep Squanto as a pet, but Papa isn't convinced.

Trying to distract Sister's mind, Mama suggests Sister and Brother put on a Thanksgiving play for all the relatives. Mama volunteers to sew costumes if Sister will write the script. This does keep Sister's mind off Squanto, and soon Sister, Brother, and their cousins are putting on a fine Thanksgiving show offering the very basics about the Pilgrims and their desire to worship God freely, the Mayflower, and Squanto.

However, when Mama calls "Dinnertime!", Sister suddenly remembers Squanto. But she's relieved when Papa points out the window at the pen he's made for the family's new pet: the turkey Squanto. A fine salmon is the center of the family's Thanksgiving dinner and when prayers of thanksgiving to God go round, Sister adds, "And I am especially thankful for my wonderful new pet, Squanto to the turkey!" "AMEN!" everyone cries.

The last page of the book offers a few conversation-starting questions and project ideas about giving thanks and the Thanksgiving holiday.

What I Like: My four year old loves the Berenstain bear books, and this title is no exception. It's a fun reminder of the basics of why we celebrate Thanksgiving: to remember an important part of history and to thank God for all he gives us. The Christian content in this book is, in my opinion, just right. It is neither an afterthought, nor does it get in the way of the story or become preachy. I'm also pretty picky about books that show kids upset about eating animals; I want my children to have a what I consider a natural attitude about animals being designed for us to eat. However, I do not find this book provokes my preschooler to question eating meat.

What I Dislike: The questions and projects page could be better, but the story itself is a big hit in my household.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 978-0310712510; paperback, $3.99

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Voyage to Freedom

Religious persecution. A perilous ship voyage. Illness. Lack of food and water. Cheating. Great faith. The story of the Mayflower crossing is the stuff of riveting novels and David Gay's Voyage to Freedom includes most of the familiar details.

Told through the eyes of Prudence and Justice (two imaginary Pilgrim children), this novel tells the tale of the famous crossing, beginning with the ill-fated Speedwell and ending with the successful landing of the Mayflower in Virginia. Gay does an excellent job of helping us picture and feel what it must have been like for the Pilgrims: How stale the air was beneath decks. How it smelled. How cold or hot it was. How awful the food and shelter were. Just how disgusting the water was. And so on. He also does an excellent job showing the Pilgrims as strong Bible-believers who lived their faith each and every day.

For example, one of the Mayflower's sailors likes to taunt and frighten Prudence and Justice, but when their father protects them from a lashing by the man, the sailor not only blasphemes God repeatedly, but abuses and curses the Pilgrims in every way possible. Truly, the children - and probably the adults - fear for their lives. Yet when that same sailor comes down with a fever, the children's father doesn't hesitate to go to him, see to his physical needs, and pray for him.

Repeatedly throughout the book, we read the Pilgrims quoting the Bible, and doing their best to obey God. We also learn a tiny bit about the Mayflower Compact, and about how ships navigated in the 17th century. Periodically, throughout the book, simple black and white drawings by Sandra Evans add a little interest.

What I Like: I'm a history buff, so any novel covering such an important event as the Mayflower crossing intrigues me. I love how the author tells this story through the eyes of children, and there are some nice moments of writing, too. For example, when speaking of the frightening sailor, Gay writes:

"One soft and sunny afternoon, when the children were happily settled in their special haunt, he came upon them. His shadow fell across them. They peered up. He stood, he positively towered above them - and evil, ugly giant - his legs wide apart and his hands upon his hips. His pimpled face was hard. He had a vicious look about his eyes."

What I Dislike: Unfortunately, much of Gay's writing is dull - primarily because his style is a bit verbose and his dialogue repetitive. He also sometimes relies on inaccurate legend, saying, for example, the Pilgrims dressed all in black and white. And, oddly, he doesn't explain some details. For example, he tells the famous story of the Pilgrims and sailors repairing the Mayflower with a jack screw, but doesn't explain what a jack screw is, what it normally would be used for, or why one of the Pilgrims would bring it aboard. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised how willing my 4 year old was to listen to me read this book aloud.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 9 - 12.

Publishing Info: Banner of Truth, 1984; ISBN: 978-0851513843; paperback, $10.00

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Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus Walks on the Water, written by well-known writer Nancy I. Sanders, is part of Concordia Publishing’s Arch series of books, which includes a whole line of short children’s picture books about various characters and stories in the Bible.

In this story, Jesus comes to the rescue of his disciples, who are in a boat on the lake during a bad storm. Jesus appears to them by walking on the water. He tells them, “Don’t be afraid. I am the one who stands right here. I’ll rescue you today.”

Peter, who doesn’t have enough faith to believe that it’s really Jesus, and that He can walk on water, says, “Sir, if it’s really you, just tell me to come over there. I’ll walk on water too.”

Jesus gives the okay and Peter steps out onto the water. He’s fine until he looks around, realizes what he’s doing, and gets scared. Then, he begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him. Jesus reaches out his hand and pulls Peter back up. He chides him by saying, “Why did you doubt, O man of little faith?” When Jesus and Peter step into the boat, the storm instantly ceases. All the disciples realize that Jesus really is the Son of God.

Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-51 are the Bible verses cited as references for this story.

The illustrations, by Elizabeth Swisher, are expressive, but they are rather dark.

What I Like: I like short, easy-to-read stories from the Bible.

What I Dislike: The text is written in verse, and as you should know by now, I am not a big fan of stories written in this manner as they are difficult to write and do it well. Unfortunately, the rhyme scheme in this book is forced on several occasions, which interrupts the rhythm of the story.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests 5-9 as the appropriate age group for this book. However, although the stories are short, and there are lots of pictures, the language level is rather high for the younger end of this group.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing, 2005; ISBN: 0758608640; Paperback, $14.94.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in the Arch series written by Nancy I. Sanders. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Elizabeth Swisher.

Queen Esther Helps God's People

Queen Esther Helps God’s People is an easy-to-read version of the story of Queen Esther. When the king is searching for a new queen, Esther is brought to his palace by her cousin Mordecai, in hopes of her being chosen. The king is smitten with her and makes her his queen.

But, not everyone is happy about the marriage. Esther is Jewish, and Haman, one of the king’s helpers, despises the Jews. He wants to get rid of Esther. So, he goes to the king and asks for his help to rid the land of the Jewish people. The king signs a law that says all the Jews must die. He doesn’t realize his new queen is Jewish. Haman has tricked the king!

When Mordecai hears about this, he goes to Esther. He says, “Esther! Save God’s people! Maybe that is why God made you the queen.” Of course, Esther is worried the king will kill all the Jews, including herself. So, she fixes a big feast for the king and invites Haman to attend. During the meal, she confronts Haman and tells the king Haman has tricked him. The king is very angry with Haman and has him arrested. The Jewish people are saved by Esther, their new queen!

Esther 4:14 is cited as a reference for this story: “Who knows? It’s possible you became queen for a time just like this.”

The cartoon-like illustrations by Kelly Pulley are colorful and appropriate for a book of this nature.

What I Like: I like having easy-to-read stories Bible stories for children.

What I Dislike: The story is very short and doesn’t give much in the way of background as to how Esther ended up in the king’s palace in the first place. That’s not really a criticism, just an observation.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310718155; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read series. It is a My First reader, which the publisher describes as “ideal for sharing with emergent readers.” Read our reviews of other books in the Zonderkidz I Can Read! series. It is also part of the publisher’s The Beginner’s Bible series. Read our reviews of other books in the Zonderkidz The Beginner’s Bible series. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Kelly Pulley .