Thursday, September 2, 2010

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle


Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle doesn’t sound like the title for a Christian picture book, but it is. Written by Christian singer and songwriter Rhonda Funk, it features Pookster and Bubs, characters from the Adventures of Pookster and Bubs series.

In this episode, we learn that Pookster loves pickles. She really loves pickles. And, she has a wonderful pickle; it’s so wonderful, she says it’s “practically perfect.” She’s very attached to her pickle.

When Pookster gets into a fight with her brother because she thinks he’s trying to get her pickle (even though he isn’t), she has to deal with mom. Mom takes Pookster’s pickle to get her attention. Then, she uses an analogy: Pickles are like words, they can either be sweet or sour. Sweet words (kind words) are what we should strive for, but Pookster used sour words (mean words) and hurt her brother’s feelings. When Pookster apologizes to her brother, her mom returns her pickle.

Pookster realizes she over-reacted when she thought her pickle was being threatened. She also learns that words make a big difference in the way we are treated. And, she leaves us with these words of wisdom: “…remember that the Bible is not like a sour pickle, but it does tech you not to be one.”

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” [Proverbs 16:24]

The bright, colorful, expressive, cartoon-like illustrations by Eric Kieninger are a perfect fit for this type of story.

What I Like: This simple story teaches a great lesson about choosing our words carefully, opting for “sweet” words instead of “sour” ones.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Fish Pond Kids, 2010; ISBN: 9781935265412; Paperback, $11.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $9.99!
Or buy at Amazon.com $8.63.
Special Info: This story is part of the publisher’s “Pookster and Bubs” series of books. An audio CD is included with the book so you can read along with the story or just listen to it. Visit the author’s website.

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1 comment:

Rhonda Funk said...

Christine,

Thank you for the great review!!! You blessed me today, so glad you liked it! I hope you get a copy of Pookster and the Unloose Tooth-it's fun too!

Blessings,

Rhonda Funk