Chronicles of Faith: Paul

Paul, one of several books in Barbour Publishing's Chronicles of Faith series, is a chronological, fictionalized account of the life of the apostle Paul. The book uses large font, bold ink sketches on every page, and lots of description to fill in details readers would miss by simply reading biblical passages about Paul's life. Although the book is historical fiction, it strives to remain true to the stories in the Bible.

The story is told chronologically, which gives readers a clear understanding of the life of Paul and the historical events taking place around him. Locations are also described, such as Tarsus, where Paul was born, or Damascus, where Paul was lowered out of the city wall in a basket.

Dan Larsen, the author, uses biblical information and historical context to expand on Paul's inner thoughts and emotions, as well as the thoughts and emotions of those around him. For example, Larsen writes, "Julius [the centurion in charge of the sailing vessel used to transport Paul to Rome] admired Paul. . . [He] could clearly see Paul was no ordinary prisoner. . . Never before had Julius seen the depth and power that appeared in Paul's eyes."

What I Like: I love the chronological aspect of the book. It clearly places Paul in history, and lets us know what was going on in the early church throughout Paul's life. I also enjoyed learning where Paul was and under what circumstances he wrote various letters. Highlights of many of his letters are included in the text.

I also liked the larger print and the captioned illustrations supporting the text. These make the book accessible to reluctant readers, young readers reading above grade level, and readers who are English Language Learners.

The way Larsen characterizes Paul makes him seem human, and like someone I could relate to, and admire. Larsen also makes us care about Paul and be concerned about his fate.

What I Dislike: The book ended very abruptly, with Paul surviving shipwreck and a snake bite on the island of Malta, and continuing on the road to Rome. We are not told about Paul's subsequent arrest in Rome, the writing of 2 Timothy, or his execution. This was frustrating, and we are left hanging, wondering whatever became of Paul. I wish the author/publisher had at least referenced Acts 28, as a place to learn more, if they felt they needed to end the story after Malta.

Also, although the ink sketches support the text and provide good renditions of faces, they are so dark some of the details get lost in the shadows.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 8-12, although older readers and adults may find it interesting as well

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 978-1-59789-927-7; Paperback, $7.95

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $3.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.97.

Special Info: Churches and non-commercial groups are allowed to copy up to 500 words of the book for use, without express permission of the publisher. Citation specifics are included.

Check out CCBR reviews of other books in the Chronicles of Faith series here.

Mommy Stayed in Bed This Morning

Mommy Stayed in Bed This Morning by Mary Wenger Weaver, and illustrated by Mary Chambers will help children that have a parent suffering with depression.

David is a young boy who is noticing some disturbing changes in his mom. She starts to stay in bed in the morning, and when she does get up she is quiet and withdrawn. His Grandma comes to cook for the family. David's dad tells him that his mom has a sickness called depression.

Eventually, things progress to the point that David's mom has to be hospitalized. While his mom is in the hospital, David's aunt and cousin come to stay at his house. He loves his aunt, but he really misses his mom.

David's dad tries to explain to him what is happening:

"Daddy told me the doctors and nurses were helping Mommy's sickness go away. He said depression is like a darkness that covers you up, and you can't see the light. 'Mommy is working hard to find the light again,' he said. 'She needs to be gone for a little while.'"

David goes to visit the same doctor that is helping his mom. She tells him that it is okay to feel "mad or sad or scared." Even though his mom is gone, David continues with his normal routine. His dad talks with his teacher about what is happening. His dad takes him to a museum for fun the day before his mom is scheduled to come home.

When David's mom comes home, he feels conflicted at first. At first he doesn't want to hug her, but when he runs to her, he loves smelling her familiar smell. She tells him that she has medicine to help her to not feel sad. Their pastor comes over to visit and talk as do David's grandparents.

When David sees his mom laughing and talking, he feels so good inside. He realizes how much he and his parents love one another.

What I Like: This book is written in a very compassionate way that children will relate to. It will make them feel that it is okay for them to feel sad or worried when something like this is going on in their family. I could see this book being appropriate for counselors or pastors to provide as well. The story definitely includes Christian principles, and teaches children that God is always with us, even when we are sad, mad, or tired. Even so, this book could be used in a secular setting.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Herald Press, 2002; ISBN:0836191501 ; Paperback $12.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99.

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04.

Noah's Floating Animal Park

Although the list of Noah's Ark books for children is extensive, Noah's Floating Animal Park is a unique, fun retelling of the familiar story and ends with a very clear, well-done message of salvation.

Janine Suter tells the story in rhyme, and her word choice is quite clever. I was amused and interested to find out what she would say next. She begins the story explaining the world Noah was living in, and she doesn't sugar-coat anything. She says, "Sin was spoiling everything--it was really chilling:/Stealing, fighting everywhere! And lots and lots of killing." Suter even references the Nephilim, who she calls, ". . .very nasty guys./They were super-wicked bullies who believed the devil's lies." Noah begins to build the ark and ignores the ridicule of those around him. He collects animals to live in the ark (including dinosaur babies) and Suter explains all dog breeds and races of people known today are descendants of those who survived the flood in the ark.

At the end, Suter tells us although God promised not to destroy the world in a flood, it will pass away because of sin. She writes, "Only Jesus has the power to rescue us from sin./He'll take you up to Heaven if you give your life to Him./But like Noah, you need to be brave until the day/Jesus comes to take you to His home so far away." The illustration shows Jesus greeting children in front of a stairway leading to Heaven.

Richard Gunther's illustrations are edgy and cartoon-like and don't sugar-coat anything either. He shows people drowning as the water rises around the ark. He also shows the world in space, with a lit fuse attached (my children thought it was a Christmas tree ornament, and I didn't correct them).

What I Like: I actually enjoyed the rhyme and vocabulary. Suter uses good, challenging words, but puts them in context well.

I was impressed by the detail Suter included in her book. The story is very thorough and includes most of the information in the biblical account.

My favorite part of the story was the skillful way Suter turned the story to Jesus. She explains clearly why it is important to believe in Jesus, but she reassures us belief in Jesus will be our salvation.

What I Dislike: The rhythm doesn't always flow perfectly, but I didn't really mind.

The illustrations are definitely for the older set--they aren't cute or endearing, and could be a bit disturbing for some readers, although I think they would appeal to older kids (boys especially) who are starting to feel picture books are a bit "babyish."

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Publisher lists 4-8, but I would say 6 and up, due to the illustrations

Publisher Info: Master Books, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-89051-576-1; Hardcover, $9.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.99.

School's Out!

Award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter reaches a younger audience with a new Amish series: Rachel Yoder: Always Trouble Somewhere. School's Out!, Book 1 of the series, introduces readers to nine-year-old Rachel, a mischievous Amish girl who seems to always get more than she bargains for.

School has just let out for the summer. Rachel is brimming with ideas for fun, but trouble seems to follow her everywhere. Instead of sunny afternoons of freedom, she often gets stuck with extra chores when plans go awry. Readers join her on one country adventure after another -- from being locked in the cellar during a thunderstorm to adopting a new kitten and accidentally setting frogs loose during church. Rachel gets some birthday surprises then watches as the family barn burns during a terrible storm. A barn-raising and a few more mishaps finish out the summer. Through it all Rachel learns a little about patience, hard work, and having a cheerful heart. Most importantly she learns that she is loved, no matter how much trouble she gets into.

The author uses Pennsylvania Dutch words sporadically throughout the book. A glossary is offered on the pages just before Chapter One.

Characters occasionally quote Scripture. Whenever they do, it is in the New International Version.

What I Like: Rachel is a sweet character to whom readers can relate. This title reminds me much of the "Little House" books. Fans of Laura Ingalls will likely find a new friend in Rachel.

What I Dislike: It starts slowly. I fear the cultural differences and foreign words might require too much effort for some to get "into" the book. I think kids will enjoy it once they get into it, but pushing them through the first 30 pages may not be easy. Also, I think Rachel complains and whines far too much for an almost ten-year-old.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 7-10

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 1597892335; Paperback; $7.95

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $3.99!

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.97.

Special Info: This book is also available on CD or MP3-CD from Brilliance Audio. Christianbook.com offers the entire series of paperbacks -- 8 books in total -- for just $27.99. Visit www.RachelYoderBooks.com for more information on the series and the author.

See our reviews of other books by this author.

Stirring Up a World of Fun

Just as the subtitle says, Stirring Up a World of Fun is a collection of International Recipes, Wacky Facts & Family Time Ideas, all from a Christian perspective.

This book offers fun ways to incorporate some new foods, interesting facts and great biblical truths. Each chapter features a different region of the world (Africa, Asia, South America, Western Europe, etc.). Within the chapters, sections are divided by country. Obviously, not every nation in the world is represented, but the author does a good job including many of them (over 50 countries) from every corner of the planet. Each page consistently offers four sections:

• The Recipe -- Most have few ingredients and simple instructions. Icons highlight which recipes kids can help prepare and which they can do by themselves.
  
• Did You Know? -- This section offers interesting facts about one of the recipe's ingredients, the nation of origin or a Bible story that relates to this food or people group.
  
• What Can You Do? -- Here readers find a project or activity that ties in with the recipe or facts just learned. Sometimes it's a game or conversation starter; sometimes it's a craft or science project.
  
• What Does the Bible Say? -- This provides a Bible verse (with reference) related to the food or lesson. These make great memory verses or the start of simple meal-time devotions.

What I Like: This is a fun book to have around. I specifically like the format. It's easy to read, easy to follow. Any book that encourages interaction and good food is a big hit in our house! I bought it to teach my children more about missionaries and the countries where they serve. It really isn't aimed that way, but it still serves as a great interactive teaching tool. It would be a wonderful asset for homeschoolers.

What I Dislike: I wish the book were more internationally focused. Of the 100 recipes included, 17 are from Canada or the United States. Almost 20% of the book is devoted to foods most readers already eat and know how to make, like apple pie, brownies or blueberry pancakes.

Also, the "wacky facts" are not always related to the country listed. For example, Vinete, an eggplant dip from Romania, doesn't mention anything about Romania or the people there. Instead it talks about Thomas Jefferson and how he brought eggplant to the United States.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't offer an age range, but I would say 5 and above. Obviously, as with all cookbooks, adult supervision is required for younger children.

Publisher Info: New Hope Publishers, 2006; ISBN: 1563099195; Paperback; $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99!

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.99.

Stories of Jesus

My First Message by Eugene Peterson is one of the best Bibles for kids ages 4-8. Stories of Jesus compiles excerpts from My First Message for shorter, more specific content. Rather than covering the whole Bible, Old and New Testaments, this volume offers four select stories from the life of Christ.

• Jesus is Baptized (Matthew 3)
• Jesus Calms the Sea (Matthew 8-9)
  
• The Triumphal Entry and Jesus in the Temple (Matthew 21)
  
• Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (John 13)
  

These sections average eight pages each and are filled with quality illustrations by Rob Corley and Tom Bancroft. These artists have over 30 years experience, including work as animators for Disney and Big Idea. Their illustrations for this book offer heavy outlines, bold colors and expressive characters.

The same as My First Message, this book encourages reader interaction. Children can hunt for "Manny" (a praying mantis hiding through the pages) and answer questions about the stories. Prayer prompts and an application ideas also follow each chapter.

A read-along CD accompanies the book. The narrator allows time for listening children to answer questions throughout the text. Sound prompts tell readers when to turn the pages and follow along. A children's ensemble sings familiar songs, such as Jesus Loves Me, at the end of the CD.

What I Like: This set is perfect for keeping in the car! My kids love listening to the stories and "reading" along in the book. They think Manny is funny and they really enjoy the music. The narrator does a fantastic job telling the stories with interest and enthusiasm. I love My First Message, and it's nice to have its content and quality in a more portable package.

What I Dislike: The voice of Manny is squeaky and whiny. My kids found it funny; I found it annoying. Furthermore, his accent doesn't match that of the narrator. He has some mix of New Jersey and Brooklyn styles while the narrator (a female) possesses Southern speech patterns and pronunciations. It's not a huge deal, but I found it odd. Also, the narrator can get a little too dramatic, a little too emphatic with her readings. This appeals greatly to the younger set, but I think older kids, those at the upper end of the target age range, might find it cheesy.

I didn't even notice this in the full book, but because there are only four stories told in this book, this minor detail became more obvious. After the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, the text (and narrator) tells readers to think about what things make them angry, then ask God to help them control their tempers. While this is a good prayer, it seems out of place when coupled with Jesus' righteous anger. I wish the question encouraged readers to consider when it's okay to be angry and when it's not.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: NavPress, 2008; ISBN: 1600062342; Paperback and Audio CD; $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99!

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04.

Special Info: See our reviews of other products in this series.

Animals By Design

Animals by Design is an attractive book, sure to delight children with its conversational text and brilliant animal photos. It will also get children thinking about how God created the animals. Health/science teacher and nurse, M. Elizabeth Philp, asks readers to try designing an animal, and then shows us how God must have thought about the animals He made. This appears to be in contrast to evolutionary ideas, but Philp is subtle about her presentation.

Animals by Design is written in rhyme, and asks lots of questions of the reader. Philp spends the first six pages asking us to imagine new animals (a cross between a dog, goat and lion, for instance) and try to come up with names for them. In the next three pages, she explains complex concepts must have a designer who could visualize, illustrate and create the animals in our world.

Philp's use of questions keeps the reader engaged and responding to the text. For example, on a page featuring giraffes and chimpanzees, she asks, "What color should we make him?/Should he blend in or stick out?/Should he stay in just one place/or always move about?/Is his shape of special note?/Are there patterns on his coat?" Each page also includes a fact box with additional information about the animals pictured.

Philp ends her book saying, ""Let's consider the Designer who/through the power of His mind/brought to life each marvelous,/magnificent design!"

What I Like: I love the presentation of this book. The photos and illustrations are bright, vibrant and interesting. Philp uses a good mix of familiar and unusual animals, and I learned lots of new facts about them.

I also like the way Philp keeps the reader engaged through her use of questions. She doesn't just present information to be absorbed--she asks her readers to think critically and arrive at conclusions on their own.

This would be a great book to use in a classroom or home school setting. You could ask children to make their own animal, or to do additional research on some of the animals Philp mentions.

What I Dislike: The book can get long. It is 36 pages, and includes lots of text. Although you can shorten the reading by skipping the fact boxes, you lose interesting information this way. Even though I liked the activity asking us to design an animal at the beginning of the book, six pages was too long to devote to it. After the first couple of pages, I still wasn't sure where she was going with the activity. It would work better to read over several sittings, rather than all at once.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Publisher lists "children of all ages," but I would say 7 and up. My 5 1/2 year old had a hard time sitting still for the whole book.

Publisher Info: Mary Beth Philp, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-615-18867-6 ; Paperback, $12.00

Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.00.

Leviticus, I Love You

The mother-daughter team of Mary Minette Meyer and Beth Prince wrote and illustrated Leviticus, I Love You, a story about Leviticus is a lobster who wonders what it would be like to be some other creature.

First, he wonders what it would be like to be a clam. He wants to be a clam because clams are smart. When he asks his mother if he is a smart as a clam, she answers, “You are a very smart lobster, Leviticus. Remember, you are a lobster; you are not a clam. You can take pride in yourself, without comparing yourself to somebody else.”

Leviticus smiles “a little lobster smile” and says, “I wish I was a clam; a really smart clam, and I lived in a shell that I could open any time I wanted.”

His mother answers, “I could not kiss a clam; I am glad you are not a clam, Leviticus. I am glad you are Leviticus Lobster.” Then she gives him a big kiss.

Then, he wonders what it would be like to be a herring. He wants to be a herring because herrings are handsome. When he asks his mother if he is as handsome as a herring, she answers the same way she did when he asked her about clams, except she says he’s a very handsome herring. And, she can’t hug a herring.

The same thing happens when he wonders what it would be like to be a wood wasp. He wants to be a wood wasp because wasps are fast.

The illustrations are colorful and expressive, covering both pages of each two-page spread.

The Bible verse, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else [Galatians 6:4]” is given and printed on the back cover of the book.

What I Like: I like the repetition of the text. It’s definitely something children will relate to. And, I like the illustrations. They are delightful.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t give a suggested age group, but I’d say it’s 4-8.

Publisher Info: Rocksand, LLC, 2009; ISBN: 9781931552035; Hardcover, $14.99.

Buy now at Amazon.com $14.99.

Special Info: Read more about the author and illustrator.