We Were Hacked

We at Christian Children's Book Review apologize profusely if you came to our site and saw a big. blazing ad on the home page. Our site was hacked. We've removed the ad and are talking with Blogger about the issue.

My Valentine Story

Crystal Bowman has established herself as one of the most talented authors working in the Christian children's book field, and her board book My Valentine Story is a good example of her strong writing skills. Written in impeccable rhyme, Bowman writes about a little girl making "big red hearts to give away" for Valentine's Day. With glitter, glue, and lace, she makes a heart for her mother, father, nanna, sister, and brother. As she works, she thanks God for giving her a "very special family."

Then Bowman turns toward God's love.

"How can I give God my heart?
Loving him is where I'll start.
I can sing and I can pray.
I show my love when I obey.

God is happy when we share
his love with people everywhere.

Because no matter what we do,
God loves me and God loves you."

What I Like: It's so refreshing to read a well-rhymed children's book! I also appreciate that Bowman takes what could be a non-spiritual holiday and asks us to focus on God's love and how we can show him we love him, too. Claudine Gevry's illustrations, as always, are clean, crisp, and cute. My preschooler always responds well to her pictures.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2007; ISBN: 978-0310711636; board book, $6.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $6.99

Special Info: Read more of our reviews of books by Crystal Bowman and Claudine Gevry.

My Valentine For Jesus

Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton's My Valentine for Jesus is a simple, sweet book ideal for young children who are just getting into Valentine cards. In this board book, a little boy makes paper hearts for those he loves. "I'm saving back one little heart," he says, asking us to wait and see who he'll give it to.

First he gives a heart to Mommy, then Daddy and Grammy. Next is big brother, followed by baby. The last two page spread of the book reads:

"I give my heart to Jesus.
It's kind of small, like me.
But every tume I feel it beat,
I know he's loving me."

What I Like: The last line of the book is what makes this title so special. We're not just learning to show our love for our family and for God, but we're given this wonderful reminder: Every time our heart beats, it's saying "Jesus loves me." Throughout, Bucket Erdogan's illustrations are warm and rich, adding much interest.

What I Dislike: Nothing, although some parents may object that the last page show's the boy's drawing of Jesus.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310713333; board book, $4.99

Buy Now at ChristianBook.com for $3.49

OR buy at Amazon.com for $4.99

Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden

Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, written and illustrated by Jane Ray, is a basically a retelling of the story in the book of Genesis. However, although the author includes all the elements of the Biblical creation story, this version differs from the Biblical story.

As the publisher says in a blurb on the book’s jacket flap: “Jane Ray’s beautiful version of the familiar story takes into account creation myths the world over.” Thus, her story includes features never mentioned in the Bible, such as a fountain in the middle of the garden. Also, in this version there are two trees called the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life; the Bible says there was one tree called the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

After Adam and Eve are banished from the garden, the text says: “God gave Adam and Eve warm clothes to wear. He handed them some seeds and cuttings from the garden. Then God sent them out into the world.” When they leave the garden it says, “IN the bear earth beyond Eden, Adam and Eve planted anew garden for their family.”

The illustrations in this book are truly beautiful. They provide a feast for the eyes with a plethora of colors and shapes. All of the pages have borders, some of which are greatly detailed with line drawings, pieces of musical scores, etc., giving the edges a quilt-like effect.

What I Like: The artwork is my favorite part of the book. Be warned, though, it might be considered by some to be a bit sophisticated or inappropriate for children, as both Adam and Eve are clearly naked until they are removed from the garden. In one of the illustrations, one of Eve’s naked breasts is rather prominent.

What I Dislike: I like the different approach to the creation story, but I’m uncomfortable with the idea of the author using ideas from different “creation myths” for the book, as this implies the Biblical story is not true, it’s just a myth.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 5-9.

Publisher Info: Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2005; ISBN: 0802852785; Hardcover, $17.00

Buy now at Amazon.com $12.75.
Special Info: Visit the illustrator’s website.

Once Was Lost

Once Was Lost, written by Sara Zarr, offers a deeply emotional story told in first person.

Fifteen-year-old Samara Taylor faces a dry, desert summer alone as the only child of a small town pastor. Her mother was recently admitted to a local rehab facility for alcoholics. Money is tight. It feels like everyone watches her every move. That is, except for her father who seems to preoccupied with the church to pay any attention to Sam or her mother.

When Sam desperately needs stability, she receives even less. Jody, a young girl from youth group, is kidnapped. The case receives national attention with Sam's dad serving as the family's spokesperson. As a result, Sam gets shuffled from one home to the next while confusion, fear and suspicion whirl around town. While nothing is being said or done about Sam's mother, a young, attractive youth leader gives and gets more attention than necessary from Pastor Taylor.

Sam wants to believe in God, but struggles to reconcile the faith she used to claim with the reality of her current life, now seemingly in shards. Her one link to "normal" appears to be Nick, Jody's older brother and a friend from youth group. They seem to understand one another, even through the chaos, and hint at a possible romance. Nick delays leaving for college while authorities continue the search for his sister. Everyone in town seems to be a suspect, including Nick and Sam's dad.

Can Sam trust anyone? Can anyone really trust God? Will Sam's family ever be pieced back together? And what has really happened to Jody?

What I Like: This book is brilliantly written! The author intricately develops her characters with authenticity and tangible conflict. I like that the characters really struggle with their faith. I like that it shows Christians as forgiven, but not perfect. We're not immune to sin and difficulty. I also like that it shows the true complexity of living under the lens of full-time ministry. Most teens don't realize how isolated and excluded pastor's families can feel, especially the kids. This book can help them be more included, more understood and part of the church community.

**Spoiler Alert!** I really like that redemption is found. Not everything is tied up with a pretty ribbon, but Sam does find God and the hope He offers. While not all is perfect, it is positive. Forgives is extended; restoration begins.

What I Dislike: Because it's so well-written, the book is thoroughly depressing at the beginning. If your teen already struggles with emotional disorders, this is not the book for her. Also, Nick curses once (sh***y). I believe the character would use that word, but because the author already did such a fantastic job creating the characters, the inclusion of a curse word was completely unnecessary.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 12 and up

Publisher Info: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009; ISBN: 0316036048; Hardcover; $16.99

Buy it Now at Amazon.com for $11.55!

Special Info: Adult readers may enjoy this title as well. It is also available in Kindle format and as an audio CD or audio download.

A Horse of a Different Color

A Horse of a Different Color, by Dandi Daley Mackall, is the fourth novel in the Horsefeathers Series.

Scoop Coop's stable, Horsefeathers, will soon be assessed for property taxes and a meeting with the bank manager leaves Scoop worried that her payments may have to increase substantially. Along comes Benson Thayer, riding his runaway Appaloosa, Diablo. Scoop rescues him from riding into the path of a train, and he asks her to help him tame his horse. Ben is cute and he flatters her when he says she’s known as the teenage horse whisperer. Turns out, Ben’s mother has a local TV show, Della’s Folks, where she showcases local points of interest. Ben will remove his horse from the competing stable next door and leave Diablo at Horsefeathers to be re-trained.

Scoop’s conscience begins bothering her: how much has Maggie, her best friend and stable employee, been over-exaggerating Scoop’s abilities? Maggie seems to be moving a little fast with Ben, though she claims she’s hanging out with him to help get Horsefeathers featured on TV. Ben is leading Maggie into his own bad habits, and she’s constantly cutting work. Scoop is in a dilemma; if she stands up to her friend, she risks losing her stable. Scoop also wants to keep Diablo from being auctioned. She relies on her faith and the support of her aunt Dotty to see her through.

What I Like: The writing is good, although the pace of the story is slow. Horse lovers may enjoy Scoop’s identification of the horse breed a person would be if they were in fact, a horse. There are many equestrian details of interest. Scoop is a very prayerful young lady who constantly questions if she's doing the right things.

What I Dislike: I didn’t like the way Aunt Dotty, Scoop’s guardian, was portrayed. She was the most influential adult character and a strong Christian who used prayer constantly, but she spoke with very poor grammar. Scoop wasn't a realistic teen to me. Her point of view and actions were far more adult-like than her peers and she had the responsibility of running a stable, even though she was in high school. Scoop believes Maggie is making poor choices when Maggie over-exaggerates her ability with horses. While I think it’s important for teens to realize there is a fine line between over-exaggerating and lying, it’s a common behavior and not something I would define as making bad choices. However, when Maggie helps Ben buy beer and cigarettes, she’s already been making poor choices in Scoop’s eyes, so there is no sharp contrast.

Maggie is popular, wants to be an actress, and shows off, so she calls herself Maggie 37 Brown. Apparently, the ending color changes with the color she’s wearing that day. This name seemed silly, unrealistic, and this girl would truly be a target for teasing in most schools.

Overall Rating: Ho Hum

Age Appeal: Young Adult

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House; 2000; ISBN: 0570070090; Paperback $5.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $4.99.

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $5.99.

The Picture Bible

Consistently a bestseller, The Picture Bible imitates what used to be called "comic books." They're now known as "graphic novels." Whatever you call them, they have universal appeal, especially for grade-school boys.

This 800-page book, written by Iva Hoth and illustrated by Andre Le Blanc, presents the Bible -- both Old and New Testaments -- in storyboard format. It's not a translation, but rather an illustrated narrative based on biblical accounts. Some books are not covered in detail, but rather mentioned in passing, such as Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and the minor prophets.

Block frames, dialog bubbles and high-contrast, full-color illustrations breathe dynamic life into familiar Bible stories. The book also includes maps, timelines and other helpful tools.

What I Like: This format is perfect for getting reluctant readers into the Bible. It's a wonderful introduction with high appeal for grade-school children. It feels more like reading a comic book than reading the Bible. The maps are a great asset.

What I Dislike: It doesn't accurately depict Scripture in all instances. Sometimes the discrepancies appear in the illustrations, sometimes in the actual text. I'm okay with Bible storybooks speculating about missing details as long as the imagined details agree with actual biblical accounts. However, this book takes a few too many liberties. In the course of censoring more harsh details, it actually changes the stories. The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is just one example.

Overall Rating: Good, but have a "real" Bible on had for deeper study.

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: David C. Cook, 1998; ISBN: 0781430585; Paperback; $14.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99!

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $10.19.

Special Info: Readers should note that the face of Jesus is pictured in several illustrations. This title is also available as in hardback for $11.55 through Amazon.com.

What Will Heaven Be Like?

What Will Heaven Be Like? is a question every person - young and old - wonders. While there are many picture books covering this topic, Kathleen Ruckman's new book offers a gentle and sweet way to teach younger children the basics about heaven.

As the book opens, Annie and Adam are spending an afternoon on their grandpa's farm. As they chase frogs, gather wildflowers, talk to the cows and sheep, chew on stalks of wheat, and other activities, they talk with their grandpa about heaven. Grandpa teaches them that Jesus is working on our home in heaven - right now. That no one will be sick, have pain, or feel sad in heaven. That heaven is the place where everyone who loves Jesus will go someday. That we don't have to be afraid of death, because Jesus guide us to heaven. That we may not have food in heaven, but that we'll have a grand celebration with Jesus. That we will see loved ones who've died in heaven. That we don't know if there will be pets in heaven, "but I suspect that whatever is beautiful and whatever makes us happy just might be there. We'll have to wait and see. God has been planning heaven for a very long time - and it will be more wonderful than we can imagine!"

The last page of the book offers biblical references to the heavenly facts talked about in the story.
What I Like: Ruckman does a nice job of making the conversation between grandchildren and grandfather seem natural. We get to enjoy the delights of nature and the farm while the kids talk, too. The Bible references are also indispensable. My preschooler loves this book, and asks me to read it often.
What I Dislike: Greg Hardin's illustrations aren't really my taste; they look computer generated. But by four year old is really engaged by them.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Harvest House, 2010; ISBN: 978-0736925716; hardback, $15.99
Buy Now at ChristianBook.com for $11.99
OR buy at Amazon.com for $12.47

I See the Moon

I See the Moon by Kathi Appelt, will remind you of the old nursery poem: " I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me." In this book, a little girl feels very alone. She dreams that she is lost at sea, and wonders if anyone knows where she is. Under the gaze of the moon, the wind fills her sail with air, the sun chases the dark away, and a dove leads her to shore. She rejoices as she feels God's love and realizes that He was with her in her time of uncertainty.

The paintings by Debra Reid Jenkins are truly beautiful, and are soothing to both me and my girls every time we read! This book is a great read at bedtime if children are feeling uncertain about going to sleep.

What I Like: This book is soothing, both because of the text and illustrations. I appreciate that through this book, little ones will be shown the love of God.

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

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Baby-preschool

Publisher Info: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009; ISBN:0802853587 ; Boardbook $8.00.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $5.99!

Special Info: This book is also available in paperback from Amazon.com.

When God Tucks in the Day

Little bunnies (like many children) don't like to go to bed, so in Allia Nolan's When God Tucks in the Day, they play and ask their parents if they can stay up hours longer. Before they know it, it's sunset and the bunnies and their mama watch cloud images in the sky.

"Yes, once, when God started
to tuck in the day
Father brought fireflies
to light our way.
'When the sun goes to sleep,'
he said, 'God wakes the moon.
And that means all bunnies
should be asleep soon."

But instead of going to bed, the bunnies play with fireflies as the stars twinkle overhead. Finally, the bunnies go home and Mama helps them thank God "for his wonderful nights and his wonderful days." Snugly tucked into bed and all alone under the stars, one bunny asks God, "Can you tuck me in, too?...And Dear Lord, please watch over me and me and my family."

Throughout, the illustrations are sweet and marked by a unique page format: Each page gets a little larger, so as you turn them, the right hand side helps tell the story, while the left hand side gradually transforms from a daytime scene to a night time scene.

What I Like: Allia Nolan's rhyme and meter are very good, which is refreshing. The story is sweet, and something most kids can relate to. The illustrations by Chi Chung fit the story perfectly, showcasing an adorable rabbit family young children are sure to like.

What I Dislike: Somehow, even though the verse is good, it does a poorer job of telling the story than ordinary prose would. Nevertheless, this is still a worthwhile book.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say toddler to kindergarten.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2005; ISBN: 978-0825455247; board book, $12.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $11.04

Special Info: Check out our other reviews of books by this author.

Wings Like a Dove: The Courage of Queen Jeanne D'Albret

Wings like a Dove: The Courage of Queen Jeanne D’Albret, written by Christine Farenhorst, tells the story of Jeanne D’Albret, the daughter of the King and Queen of Navarre, France, who one day assumes the throne.

The story is set in the time of the Reformation (1517-1559) which was a time of religious persecution for the Huguenots. The Huguenots were a group of French Protestants who criticized the Roman Catholic Church, specifically the many rites and rituals of the church. The Huguenots thought that Christians should live their lives with simple faith in God. They relied on God for their salvation, not on the rituals of the Church.

While growing up, Jeanne became aware of the injustices done towards the Huguenots. They were killed and persecuted for their faith. She didn’t like the way they were treated just because they stood up for what they believed. When she became Queen, she chose to publicly take a stand for the Huguenot faith.

Like Margaret Wilson in “Against the Tide: The Valor of Margaret Wilson,” another book in this series, Jeanne D’Albret was strong enough to stand up for what was right and just, even though her parents, and even her husband, weren’t.

There is a glossary of terms at the end of the book that defines some of the words used in the text that might not be familiar to the reader.

What I Like: As I’ve said before, I like historical fiction, especially stories that are written as well as this one.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Young adult.

Publisher Info: P & R Publishing, 2006; ISBN: 087552642X; Paperback, $11.99

Buy now at ChristianBook $9.99!

Or buy at Amazon.com $9.59.

Special Info: This book is part of P & R Publishing’s Chosen Daughter’s series. According to the publisher, “The Chosen Daughters series highlights the lives of ordinary women who by God’s grace accomplish extraordinary things.” Read our reviews of other books in the series. Visit the author’s website.

Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire

Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire is the captivating second installment of the Miller Brothers' (Allan and Christopher) Codebearers series. Much more compelling and better-crafted than the first book, I was sorry to get to the end of Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire. This second book does, indeed, resolve many of the issues I didn't like in the first book. Most importantly, Hunter's friend Hope is not abandoned. Although he killed her in the first book, Hunter is given a chance to redeem his mistake, and we learn of the Author's greater purpose for Hope.

The book begins in our world (or one much like it) just three months after Hunter has returned from the alternate world of Solandria. Hunter and another Codebearer, Rob, and their friend Trista are called back to Solandria to help Captain Petrov and the remaining Codebearers who have been scattered and are hiding from the Shadow. The Codebearers are trying to remain true to the Author, even though his son, Aviad, was killed and disappeared, at the same time Hunter returned home. When Hunter and his friends arrive in Solandria, it is on an icy Shard (island) they have never visited before. They learn they have been away for three years, and soon Captain Petrov gives them a task. They must take a mysterious Flame and find seven faithful members of the Resistance (those loyal to the Author), in order to fulfill another prophecy.

Although Rob is also a Codebearer, he is clumsy, afraid of heights, and lacks self-confidence. He and Hunter rub each other the wrong way, despite their common allegiance to the Author. Trista is new to the ideas of the Resistance, but she has an open heart and is always willing to learn. Hunter has gained maturity since the first book, but still is prone to making quick decisions and following his feelings rather than the truth. The three friends are joined by Stone-Eyed Sterling (Stoney), a man with a checkered past but a good heart, and Boojum, an eccentric, wide-eyed ball of fur who proves to be cuddly and irresistible, but always hungry and mischievous.

Their adventures lead them from a frozen wasteland to a tropical paradise, and from a prison camp to a dragon's lair. In each setting, Hunter, Rob and Trista must defeat various enemies, including Xaul, a warrior bent on revenge and the possession of the Flame. They can only accomplish the Author's goals when they learn to trust in the Author's perfect will. They realize they are truly "never alone," and they see how the Author can use all things, good or bad, to teach and guide His people.

What I Like: I love the message all Codebearers learn in training, "We are never alone." Codebearers repeat "Never Alone!" as a mantra and an encouragement to each other. I even found myself thinking of the phrase during daily life and encouraging others with it. God never leaves us or forsakes us, and Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire makes the most of its opportunities to remind us of this fact.

I also love how seamlessly the plot is woven together. I never stopped being surprised by meeting old "friends" from the first book and seeing how they tied into the story. I would recommend reading both books together.

The creature, Boojum, who reminds me of an intelligent mix between a monkey and a cat, provides a powerful warning things are not what they seem. The school counselor also reminds us of this. Often things which seem interesting or enticing, or at the least innocuous, are actually dangerous. This message is skillfully delivered by the Miller Brothers, and is important for middle-schoolers to learn.

I was extremely happy to see Hope was not forgotten. She was my favorite character in Book One, and I was pleased with how the Miller Brothers chose to continue her story in Book Two.

This book is much less scary, but no less action-packed or suspenseful, than the first book.

What I Dislike: Cliffhanger endings and having to wait until Fall, 2010 to read the next book!

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: 9-12, but I would say high school as well.

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-59317-357-9; Paperback, $13.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $10.07.

Special Info: Check out our review of Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow here.
Readers can learn more about the books at the interactive website, www.CODEBEARERS.com.

On the Run

On The Run is the first in the Elijah Project series by Bill Myers. This action-packed adventure gets rolling early in the story and never quits. It begins when three siblings, Zach , Piper, and Elijah, are walking to school and witness a terrible car accident where a little girl is critically injured. She was chasing her puppy and the dog has been killed. 6 year-old Elijah cradles the dog in his arms, whispers to it, and the puppy begins jumping around as though nothing happened. Unfortunately, the TV news captured the entire miracle and three people working for The Organization see the broadcast. They’ve been looking for Elijah for a long time. 16- year-old Zach and 13-year-old Piper know Elijah is special, but they’re not sure why. They’ve moved four times in six years; running from evil people who want to use Elijah's gifts or destroy him.

The parents also see the broadcast and are preparing to leave town when the bad guys roll up. The parents escape and leave a note for the kids, instructing them to meet at Aunt Myrna’s. The note tells them to remember the Bible verse, “Lo, I am with you always…” –Matthew 28:20.

The three siblings find the note, but the bad guys have seen it too, and they’re waiting for them at Aunt Myrna’s. Cody, a boy who Piper has a major crush on, chooses the moment of Piper's escape to call her. Because she “sounds funny” on the phone, he grabs his friend Willard and they go to her rescue in Willard’s Helio-hopper, a bouncing helicopter made from ceiling fan parts. As the five teens hide in a shed inside an RV, they grow hungry. Elijah performs another miracle: he turns a half-eaten cheeseburger into burgers and fries for everyone.

After Willard hotwires the RV, the exciting chase continues on to the hospital where Elijah performs a third miracle: the healing of the young car accident victim. From there, the three siblings are on their way to The Organization’s headquarters to rescue their parents from the Shadow Man.

Both teens use their strengths and their faith in tough circumstances and a mysterious, angelic man appears whenever they’re in a tight predicament. Zach is irresponsible, but likeable, and Piper is tough-minded and constantly worried about boys. The story ends abruptly in the midst of action. You must buy the second book to see what happens next!

What I Like: It has some very mild teen relationship things going on in the background, making the story have wider appeal. The use of prayer and faith is woven throughout as the kids are on the run.

What I Dislike: The plot is a bit predictable and formulaic. At times, the humor is a little goofy, but I could see young teens enjoying it.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Ages 9 to 12.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009, ISBN: 0310711932; Paperback $4.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $ 3.99.

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.99.

All You Want and Then Some

All You Want and Then Some was written by Carolyn McWilliams Brown and tells the story of a young girl and a very special friend.

With two small brothers, Katie is the oldest, and she's starting to feel a little neglected. Things just aren't the same as they used to be. When their neighbor, Bella, notices that Katie's family needs a ready smile and a helping hand, she quickly rises to the occasion. Bella brings fresh cookies one afternoon and flowers from her garden another. She watches Katie and her brothers so their parents can go out by themselves once in a while. Best of all, she makes Katie feel super special and reminds her how much God loves her. Katie decides that Jesus must be a lot like Bella.

Katie is devastated when she learns that her family is moving to a new neighborhood. Bella assures her that they'll still be friends. "I bet God has some wonderful surprises that He just can't wait to give you." Bella promises to visit.

After the move, Katie notices that a new neighbor might need a little help. Katie offers to play with the kids so the mom could get some work done in the house. She even takes them cupcakes and flowers, just like Bella used to do for them. Katie doesn't feel sad anymore. Instead she feels happy. She knows that when she shares Jesus' love with others, she has all she wants and then some.

The last page of the book encourages parents to "Talk About It" with their children. It offers four short questions and answers to initiate discussions.

The illustrations by Deb Hoeffner are soft and colorful. They feature realistic, expressive characters.

What I Like: My daughter loves this book, and I love the impact it has made on her. She wants to show Jesus' love to others, just as it was described in this book. She scoured stores for weeks to find pink fluffy slippers, so that she could be just like Bella in the book. Almost daily she asks if we can bake cookies for our neighbors or pick flowers for friends. It's a wonderful story.

What I Dislike: The cover price is high, but if you can get a deal (like through the links below), it's worth it.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Winepress Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 157921908X; Hardback; $18.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $15.99.

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $14.81.

Nonnie, What's God?

Inspired by a conversation with her 3-year-old granddaughter, Linda L. Lile wrote Nonnie, What's God? It follows Abby and her "Nonnie" on a typical Friday afternoon. They travel from daycare to Nonnie's house where they enjoy a snack and some books while cuddling on the front porch swing. Then Abby asks her grandmother a very big question: "What's God?"

Nonnie says a quick prayer, overwhelmed by the responsibility of sharing God with such a young, tender heart, then begins her answer. She points out the blue sky and white fluffy clouds, then talks of gray clouds and rolling thunder. "That's from God!" She talks of happy feelings, warm sunshine, twinkles in eyes and love from family. All of these are "from God because ... God is Love!" Abby then whispers "That's my God too!"

The book begins and ends with personal notes from the author. 1 John 4:8 is quoted at the back in the King James Version.

Jenniffer Julich serves as illustrator. Every page is absolutely filled with saturated colors and fine details. The style offers heavy outlines and slightly exaggerated features.

What I Like: This is a very personal story. You can tell Nonnie simply adores little Abby! I like the bold colors and the inclusion of Scripture at the back. I like that Nonnie doesn't take lightly her responsibility with this young heart. This would make a nice gift for a beloved grandmother.

What I Dislike: The book is told from Nonnie's perspective making this appeal more to adults than to children. It would be more effective as a children's book if it were told from Abby's point of view or even from a third-person perspective.

Nonnie's answer is okay, but she offers a much simpler version in her inner monologue. The text reads: "How do I explain that God is the Creator of all things? Or how my heart is filled with his Spirit each and every day?" Then she prays and launches into her long and creative, but convoluted answer. I would have appreciated a more concrete answer (such as "God is the Creator of all things.") to Abby's question before going on into the more abstract, intangible answer of "God is love."

Also, the illustrations are a bit chaotic. Each features a swirl of something -- activities, butterflies, snacks, etc. -- that float above and around the main characters. I like the colors and even the style, but it's too full. I don't know where to look.

Overall Rating: Good, leaning toward Ho-Hum.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't say, but I recommend 3-7.

Publisher Info: A-LU Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 0981709206; Hardback; $13.95

Buy it Now at Amazon.com for $13.95!

Inspiration for Girls

Inspiration for Girls is a lovely gift book of uplifting quotes. The varied sources include songwriters, classic and contemporary authors, cultural proverbs (Chinese, Greek, Old English and Spanish) as well as Bible verses and common blessings. Readers will find bite-sized encouragements from Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, Dr. Seuss, C. S. Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Helen Keller, Billy Graham and many, many more. The subjects range from friendship and love to courage, beauty, purpose and God's providence.

Scripture quotations use either the New Living Translation (NLT), the New Life Version (NLV) or The Message (MSG).

What I Like: Everyone could use a little pick-me-up once in a while. This is a great way to get a daily dose without investing a lot of time or work. It's an attractive book, full-color throughout. And the content is wonderful! This makes a very nice gift. The size is compact: 4 x 6" with 192 pages.

What I Dislike: I fail to see the practicality in these types of books. Yes, it has great content, but when your tween is feeling blue, is she really going to reach for a gift book like this? Or would she rather read a book that flows and specifically addresses her internal struggles? (Or most likely: call a friend and go shopping!) Also, every page shows the same picture: the cover photo scaled down to just show the girls' feet. I don't find feet very inspiring, even with nail polish.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't specify, but I would say 8-15.

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 160260200X; Paperbak; $6.95

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $3.99!

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.97.