God's Story for Me Bible Storybook

If you are looking for a children's Bible to entertain toddlers and still teach truths about God's love to preschool and grade school children, look no further. God's Story for Me Bible Storybook by Gospel Light Publishing, is like a Life Application Bible for the tiniest readers (or listeners). While presented in typical children's Bible fashion with bright, eye-catching illustrations, and 104 various stories from the Old and New Testament, God's Story for Me is different in a couple of important ways.

First of all, each story ends with a two-sentence summary and lesson to take away from the passage. The publisher calls it a "Connection Circle" and explains, "These simple discussion starters help explain why God wants us to know this story and how it connects to a child's daily life." The connection circle at the end of the story of Joshua marching around the walls of Jericho says, "Sometimes God's plans are different from how we would do things. God's plans are good."

Secondly, the selection of stories seems more extensive and well-rounded than many children's Bibles on the market. For example, in the Old Testament, Isaac Digs Wells is included as a lesson on sharing, Esau Forgives retells the story of Jacob and Esau's reconciliation after Isaac steals Esau's blessing, and there are six stories about David instead of the two generally chosen. The best aspect of the New Testament picks is the inclusion of 16 stories after the Ascension of Christ. Readers get a good sense of the early church, a broader view of the lives of Peter and Paul, and of course learn about Heaven and telling others about Jesus.

Third, the Bible uses footnotes to explain things such as Passover, the Ark of the Covenant, and anointing.

The Bible also has 24 fun stickers at the back for children to use to mark favorite stories, "I heard this in Sunday School," "I read this with my Grandma," and so on.

What I Like: I really like the connection circles. They are well-written, theologically sound, and help parents and other adults relate the Bible to a child's life. I would pick God's Story for Me over any other Bible for this age range, simply to have the connection circles. The lessons in some stories are obvious, but for other stories, I, as a mom, appreciate having help. The story of Gideon and the Midianites ends with, "God cares for us. He will help us know what to do when people are mean to us." After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him and tells Peter to feed his sheep three times. The publishers explain Peter had said he didn't know Jesus but then was sorry. The connection circle says, "Jesus never stops loving us, even when we do wrong. He will help us obey."

I also like the way the publishers point to Jesus even from the beginning of the Old Testament. After Adam and Eve hid from God, we see a picture of Jesus and read, "But God never stopped loving them. God gave them a happy promise: Someone would come to make things right again."

What I Dislike: The publishers use exclamation points and capital letters in a somewhat capricious style. This was distracting as I was reading aloud, and made the reading more choppy. For example, part of the story Friends Help a Lame Man is written, "The house had stairs up to the flat roof! The men carried their friend up the stairs. They broke and pulled and tore to make a big HOLE in the ROOF! Then the four carefully LOWERED their friend on his mat right through that hole!" Though annoying, I think you would get used to the style after repeated readings.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 2-5, but my 8-year-old still enjoys it.

Publisher Info: Gospel Light, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-8307-4812-9 ; Hardcover, $16.99

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Special Information: Look for CCBR reviews of other Bibles here!

My Giant Fold-Out Book: Christmas

My Giant Fold-out Book: Christmas has become my children's new favorite Christmas book. Written by Tracy Harrast, the text is broken into five mini-stories: God Sends an Angel to Mary, The Long Journey to Bethlehem, No Room in the Inn, Angels Bring Good News and Wise Men Visit the New King.

Readers lift a full-page flap within each chapter to reveal another picture and the second half of the that story. Each tells, in five to eight short paragraphs, its portion of the Nativity story. Bible references are provided throughout the book.

The illustrations by Paula Doherty feature gentle cartoon characters and vibrant colors. Her attractive artwork covers the front and back of every flap.

What I Like: Everything! The text is biblically accurate. My kids love the illustrations. They also like that the flaps are big (full-page size) and open in different directions each time. I like the quality book design. While not boardbook thickness, the pages are glossy, strong and sturdy, perfect for rough and sticky preschool fingers.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 3-5

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2008; ISBN: 075861425X; Hardback; $13.49

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The Tombs of Anak

Frank Peretti has a knack for finding unusual, obscure Bible stories and spinning them into fascinating modern-day adventures. The best installment of The Cooper Kids series so far, The Tombs of Anak takes Jay, Lila and their archaeologist father to an ancient Philistine temple outside of Jerusalem. They learn the temple is dedicated to Anak, the six-fingered and six-toed giant referenced in II Samuel 21:20. Their interest turns to dismay as they realize Anak was not only a biblical figure, but still exists and is determined to destroy them.

The Cooper family and their assistants are joined on their excavation of the temple by Talmai Ben-Arba. A mysterious, yet knowledgeable stranger, Ben-Arba is torn between his lust for rumored treasure and his desire to protect the Coopers, who he respects but doesn't understand.

The Coopers and Ben-Arba must battle hidden, Indiana Jones-style snares, a powerful sorceress, and the Yaharim, who worship Anak through ritual sacrifices. When Lila interrupts one such sacrifice, the Cooper expedition becomes the next target of the bloodthirsty Yaharim and their god, Anak. Since the Coopers are Christians, they do not believe Anak is a ghost, but they must gain the trust of Ben-Arba to finally unravel the secret. Ben-Arba's help becomes even more important when Anak starts hunting Lila and Jay who have become lost in a labyrinth under the tombs.

In a completely satisfying finish, the children are saved, and Ben-Arba renounces his greed and becomes a Christian intent on redeeming his life and the lives of his people, the Yaharim.

What I Like: The Tombs of Anak is well-crafted, with a suspenseful, dramatic storyline. The plot suffers from none of the inconsistencies present in the first two books, and gives evidence of Peretti's renowned prowess as a storyteller. (Keep in mind, these books were published over two decades ago.) Though suspense keeps readers turning the page and there are a couple of fatalities, the book shouldn't give anyone nightmares.

We are also starting to see more of Jay, Lila, and Dr. Cooper's characters, and we care more about their fate. I also love the sequence of Ben-Arba's conversion. It is clear the main reason he admires and respects the Coopers is the evidence of their faith in the face of adversity. I love happy endings, so I was excited to see him become a Christian.

The book would work well as a stand-alone, or as the third of a four-part series. (Watch for the upcoming review of book four, Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea.)

What I Dislike: I do wish we could see a bit more about what motivates Jay and Lila. After nearly being sacrificed to a giant snake in book two, I would have asked my dad if I could go to a nice, safe boarding school and read about his exploits in National Geographic. Nonetheless, I suppose Lila is braver and more adventurous than I am. However, I still would think she wouldn't wander off in search of firewood by herself (and subsequently disturb a sacrifice) directly after a narrowly escaping from a Yaharim wearing a gruesome wolf mask. But, Lila definitely increases the suspense factor, so readers will forgive her poor choices.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 10-14, but older teens may enjoy it as well.

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 1987; ISBN: 978-1-58134-620-6; Paperback, $5.99

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Special Information: Check out our reviews of the first two books in The Cooper Kids series here.

Room For a Little One: A Christmas Tale

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale, written by Martin Waddell, is a simple, yet beautiful story of the Nativity.

The story starts out with Kind Ox lying in his warm stable. Old Dog comes by, asking for a place to rest. Kind Ox answers, “Come inside. There’s always room for a little one here.” They then, in turn, make room for Stray Cat and Small Mouse.

Last, along comes Tired Donkey, carrying Mary. Mary asks, “Where will my baby be born?”

Kind Ox answers, “Come inside. There’s always room for a little one here.” The story ends with, “That cold winter’s night, beneath the star’s light…a Little One came for the world.”

The paintings by Jason Cockcroft make this book special by enhancing the text with their incredible, life-like detail.

What I Like: Everything. The text is very simple, yet powerful. And the illustrations are beautiful.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Margaret K. McElderry, 2006; ISBN: 141692518X; Hardcover, $9.95

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O Christmas Tree

Most of us will remember singing "O Christmas Tree" in English or "O Tannenbaum," in its original German rendition. The book O Christmas Tree is one of several books in Augsburg Books Sing-It! series. Written by Debbie Trafton O'Neal, and illustrated by Ande Cook, O Christmas Tree simply states a line or phrase of the song on each page, with a fitting illustration. Even though the song is familiar, I had forgotten some of the lyrics. Of course we sing, "How lovely are your branches," but we also sing, "The sight of you at Christmastide/spreads hope and gladness far and wide." Even more importantly, we sing, "The gifts beneath you that I see,/remind me of God's love for me."

The book also includes decorating and craft ideas and instructions, including a handprint tree skirt, a pattern for paper chains shaped as Christmas trees, pipe cleaner stars, colored fire cones (to start fires with), and Christmas dream pillows. There is a page with song lyrics illustrated by corresponding actions, such as wiggling your fingers while singing "Your lights shine out so brightly," and waving your arms when singing "How lovely are your branches."

The last page contains sheet music for the song, along with the three verses in the book.

What I Like: I like the note at the beginning of the book reminding us of the greater purpose in reading the book and singing the song. It states, "As the evergreen tree remains green throughout the year, may it always remind you of God's never-changing love for you!"

The strength of this book lies in the illustrations. The pictures are bright, colorful and cheerful. People of many ethnic backgrounds are represented, and they all appear joyful and happy. We see Christmastime in city apartments and country houses being celebrated by brothers, sisters, parents and pets. The page that says gifts, "remind me of God's love for me" features a brightly drawn creche tucked under the Christmas tree, depicting Mary, Joseph, an angel, the three wise men and a cow and donkey surrounding the baby Jesus. The next page shows a family standing next to their Christmas tree, gazing out the window at a traditional church with a cross on the steeple and stained glass windows.

I also like the craft ideas at the back of the book. I personally am not very crafty and I always dread getting books with suggestions that are over my head. Of course, my children always want to try out the crafts, and we tend to end up with disasters more often than not. These suggestions are cute, well-explained, and simple enough even I would feel comfortable experimenting. The materials would be easy to find and inexpensive as well.

The actions to go with the song are a great idea. Even though I don't sing much, my kids love to "perform" and it's always nice to have a fun song with actions to show relatives and friends.

What I Dislike: Because I can't really carry a tune, I needed to find a recording of the song to properly enjoy the book with my children. The pictures are well-done and held their interest, but if a song is a central part of a book, I generally look for a CD to go with it. Also, there aren't many words per two-page spread, so it is hard to keep up with the song and still give ample time to look at all the great illustrations. It worked best to read through the book and look at the pictures, and then go back and listen to the song and try out the actions. However, this will probably only be an issue for those of you who are musically challenged like I am!

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Listed as "Children"--I would say 4-10

Publisher Info: Augsburg Fortress, 2003; ISBN: 0-8066-4560-1; Hardcover; $8.99

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One Wintry Night

One Wintry Night, by Ruth Bell Graham, is one way to teach children the deeper meaning of Christmas - beyond wise men and shepherds and a special baby in a manger.

The book begins with a boy named Zeb, who barely makes it to a stranger's house in time to survive a snow blizzard. The stranger is an older woman, who happily cares for Zeb until the snow passes - and tells him the Christmas story as they wait.

She begins with the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden - saying it's because of what happened there that we needed a Savior. She tells him of the world's evil ways until one man, named Noah, began building an ark because God told him to - knowing all along the flood would not solve the problems only the Savior could. She tells of the chosen people, stuck as slaves in Egypt, and how God sent Moses to help rescue them; God gave them the Ten Commandments, but still planned to send these people a Savior to rescue them from from sin. Finally, she tells the familiar Christmas story with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. But she doesn't stop there. She also tells Jeb about Jesus' death on the cross - and what it meant.

The morning after the stranger tells Jeb all these things, the boy wakes up to a clear morning, and "one bright star was twinkling in the sky. It was dawn."

What I Like: Although my preschooler enjoyed this book, it wasn't a revelation for her because we read The Jesus Storybook Bible and the Big Picture Bible on a regular basis. Both these children's Bibles trace the need for Jesus from the beginning of time, and show how God gave hints about the Savior to come, beginning in the book of Genesis. However, if this is a newer concept to your child, One Wintry Night is a good introduction to the topic.

We especially enjoyed the absolutely splendid illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson, which go beyond the obvious and use lots of texture, realistic detail, and rich colors.

What I Dislike: The story of Jeb is thin, and only a pretext for retelling some Bible stories pointing toward Jesus. I wish Mrs. Graham had plumped up these sections of the book, making them more important to the message she was trying to convey.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher does not say, but I'd say preschool to adult.

Publishing Info: Baker Books, 2007; ISBN: 978-0801013065; hardback, $12.99

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The Comic Book Bible

The Comic Book Bible, written and illustrated by Rob Suggs and colored by Christopher Gray, is a truly unique Bible. The selection of Bible stories is extensive, and each one is told in roughly four pages. As the story progresses, the relevant Bible verse is stated at the top of the page.

The sentences are descriptive but not lengthy, and the vocabulary is basic enough for kids to understand. The illustrations are what you would expect from a comic book, but the faces are more expressive, particularly the eyes.

I was pleasantly surprised at the detail provided in each comic strip. For example, The Birth of Jesus discusses Mary's visit by the angel Gabriel, Joseph's fears, the journey to Bethlehem, and includes the fact that the inn was full because of the census before culminating in the well-known nativity scene.

The Comic Book Bible also contains a section of maps and other special features, such as the Ten Commandments, Family Life in Israel, the 23rd Psalm, Verses to Know, The Life of Jesus, and more.

Much information is packed into 263 pages. A really cool Bible!

What I Like: The comic book format really appealed to my boys, and I'd find them flipping through the pages with no prompting from me. I found this book a refreshing and fun way to learn the Bible, but I wonder if young girls would also enjoy the format. Let me know!

What I Dislike: Nothing. Some people might not prefer the King James Version of the scripture verse at the top of each page.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests ages 8 to 12, although I think the comic book style appeals to an even younger audience. A non-reader would enjoy it with a parent, so I'd say ages 5 to 10.

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-60260-685-2; Paperback $5.97.

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The Door Within

One of the best books I've read all year, The Door Within is a perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and real life. For Christian readers, The Door Within will read as a powerful allegory to the Bible and Christian life, but it is also a book you could comfortably give non-Christian friends or relatives. Biblical truths are woven seamlessly into Aidan's adventures, without being obvious or preachy, and Aidan himself is a compelling hero. A regular boy with no real athletic or academic accomplishments, Aidan discovers he has talents he didn't even suspect.

When his parents force him to move from Maryland to Colorado and leave his best friend behind, Aidan struggles with anger, resentment, and boredom. All of that changes when Aidan discovers hidden scrolls in his new basement. As he reads their amazing story, he is drawn to the truth he finds in the scrolls. When his parents don't believe The Story of the scrolls is real, Aidan gains an unlikely ally in Grampkin (his grandpa), whom he resents for causing his family to move.

The scrolls end with an invitation for Aidan to enter "the door within" and seek adventure in Earth's parallel world, Alleble. In an act similar to making a decision for Christ, Aidan chooses to believe The Story (sort of like the Bible) is true. He then finds himself on a treacherous climb up a mountain. After battling the elements, sliding in dark tunnels under the mountain, encountering mysterious creatures with glowing eyes, and narrowly escaping being killed by soldiers, Aidan is rescued by an enormous dragon. Aidan is surprised to learn he has been called to Alleble by King Eliam who wants Aidan to be the twelfth knight in the kingdom. Aidan spends one week training before he joins the rest of the knights on a mission to persuade the neighboring kingdom of Mithegard not to succumb to the evil Paragor, and his second-in-command, Rucifel (Lucifer), but to join the honorable kingdom of Alleble in their stand for peace.

Like all true heroes, Aidan must find the strength and good within himself, and use it to rescue his friend, Gwenne, the only female knight in their company and persuade the king of Mithegard of the truth of their quest. Aidan shows his heroism, cunning and desire for peace in several surprising moves. Neither the creatures of the Realm, nor Aidan's choices, are predictable, yet they make perfect sense as we better understand the true nature of King Eliam. Like God, King Eliam lives in the hearts of those who believe in Him, and He promises to leave them "never alone." The message we are never alone is comforting for readers of all ages to remember.

What I Like: I like everything about this book. Like C. S. Lewis, Batson writes a believable, engaging fantasy story solidly based on Biblical truth, but accessible to the Christian and non-Christian alike. Aidan's commander, Captain Valithor, echoes Joseph in the Bible when he says, "Weep, Aidan, weep. . . But do not despair. Paragor's victory was not final. What he intended for evil has become the foundation for much that is good." We also see Paragor trying to usurp the throne of Eliam in much the same way Lucifer and one third of the angels rebelled against God and were expelled from Heaven. Sacrificial love and laying down one's life for a friend is a recurring theme in the book and the Bible. The book would be great for friends or families to read together and discuss, and would lead to valuable discussions even if some of the readers were not Christians.

It is evident Batson understands teenagers (he is also a middle school teacher) because his characters ring true and while Aidan is heroic, he also doubts himself and makes mistakes. Batson caters to teen interests when he deals with the pain of moving, the correct way to put on armor, and wondering if we have what it takes to suceed. Gwenne, Aidan's mentor and friend, is as brave as she is feminine, and will appeal to female readers.

I also like the care and attention to detail Batson used when writing. There are no loose ends, or inconsistencies in plot or character to distract from the book. In a fun twist, the book was printed in royal blue ink.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 10-14--Battle scenes and violence are pretty tame, so it should be fine for ten-year-olds to read the book. The themes are complex enough teens older than 14 may like it too.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2005; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1011-1 ; Paperback, $9.99

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The Treasure

The Treasure, written by Glen Sic, is a story about a young boy named Casey who finds a priceless baseball card in a box of assorted baseball memorabilia in a local sporting goods shop. Any item in the box is priced at $1 each; the whole box can be purchased for $200. When he finds the card, he carefully hides it amongst other items in the box and asks the store keeper to put the whole box aside for him until he gets money to pay for it.

The only way he can raise the money is to sell his possessions. He doesn’t have a job or much of value except his sports equipment, which includes a skate board, a bicycle, roller blades, baseball cards and books, his bat and glove, and an autographed baseball. But, he decides to sell ALL his possessions in hopes of raising enough money to buy the box.

He decides to have a garage sale. With the help of his dad, he sets the prices for his goods. If he sells everything, he will have exactly $200 to buy what he wants. His dad helps him advertise the sale. When the big day arrives, he manages to sell everything and raise the necessary funds.

Before he pays for the box of stuff, he tells his parents why he wants it so much. His mother and father tell him he can buy the box but he must tell the shopkeeper about the priceless baseball card. Otherwise, it would be dishonest to pay so little for something so valuable.

After paying for his purchase, he shows the shopkeeper what was in the box. The shopkeeper is very surprised to see such a valuable card in a box of stuff in his store. The boy gives the card to the shopkeeper, but the shopkeeper gives it back to him. When questioned why, the shopkeeper thanks Casey for his honesty and tells him he can’t think of a better owner for the baseball card.

At the end of the story, Casey’s father says he is reminded of the parable found in Matthew 13:44: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

The water-color illustrations by Aga Korfanty are done with a lot of pinks, yellows, oranges and purples, colors more appropriate for a book about a girl not a boy. However, they are expressive and faithful to the text.

What I Like: This is the kind of story a young baseball fan would enjoy.

What I Dislike: The story is supposed to be a contemporary retelling of the parable mentioned. In this story, a young boy does indeed find a treasure in a box, hides it amongst other items, and then sells all his toys and comes back to purchase the box. But, I don’t think the idea works very well in a story of this nature.

There are several aspects of the story that I find questionable. For instance: Why would a young boy want to sell ALL his sports equipment, including an autographed baseball that his father had just bought for him, to buy the entire box of sports memorabilia that costs $200? Why not just buy the one card that he wanted for only $1.

Also, when he has his garage sale, he prices everything so that if he sells it all, he will have exactly $200. He manages to sell everything and make the $200 needed to purchase the box. What are the chances that he would be able to sell everything he had at a garage sale and make exactly the amount he needed to buy what he wanted?

And, what is he going to do with the baseball? That question is never answered. He sold all his sports equipment and he now has a priceless baseball card, but the reader is never told what he plans to do with it.

Overall Rating: Okay.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t give a recommended age group for this book, but I would say 5-9.

Publisher Info: Lighthouse Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 9781935079279; Paperback, $9.95.

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The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World

Which furry omnivore smells like popcorn? What sea monster has three hearts? How did the blue-footed booby get its name? Learn the answers to these questions and many more!

Jack Hanna's newest book, The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World, is explores some of the lesser-known creatures in the animal kingdom. Thirty animals, from the okapi to the armadillo and the naked mole rat to the puffer fish, each receive a full page of attention. Filled with large, full-color glossy photos, this book offers a consistent format that includes wild facts at a glance (where do they live, what do they eat and how big do they get), longer story boxes (including history and some of Jungle Jack's adventures with the featured creature) and text bubbles with fascinating details.

Bonus: the book comes with a DVD of bloopers from Jack Hanna's show. My kids love both the book and the video!

While this book comes from a Christian publisher, the only thing that makes this a "Christian" book is the introduction's admission that these are "God's animal creations." The rest of the book purposes only to teach about the animals and not their Creator.

What I Like: Our whole family loves this book! It's perfect for children with short or varied attention spans. Parents can choose what and how much to read without feeling like they're missing large chunks of content. The information is interesting to kids and adults alike! I especially like that that author, a well-known and respected animal celebrity, offers scientific facts about the animals without making any hints toward evolutionary theories. This would be a valuable resource for homeschoolers, as well.

What I Dislike: Nothing. A little more faith content would have been nice, but I don't think it's necessary. This is a fabulous book!

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher says 6-10, but my 4-year-old loves it, too!

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2009; ISBN: 1400311403; Hardback; $19.99

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Special Info: If this title interests you, you may also like Passport into the Wild (Thomas Nelson, 2008) which focuses more on geography. It highlights all seven continents and the animals that live there. The book even offers a passport and stickers for the readers to embark on an interactive journey with Jack Hanna.