Christmas Stories for Bedtime

If you’re looking for an engaging and informative book to help your child understand and celebrate Christmas, check out Christmas Stories for Bedtime, written by Renae Brumbaugh and illustrated by David Miles. The book contains thirty-one kid-friendly stories that begin with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and then go chronologically through the rest of the Christmas story up through the visit from the Magi. Chapters are presented in the following format: A short passage of Scripture, a story rooted in the verses provided, a prayer, and either a quote or segment of a carol related to the story. For example, the chapter called “Trust and Obey” opens with Scripture from Luke 2:4-5 and then describes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The prayer ties into the story and children’s own experience by stating (paraphrased), “Dear Father, sometimes I have to do things I don’t want to do… Help me to have a sweet attitude. Help me to trust you, even when I don’t understand.” The chapter ends with a portion of the Christmas carol O Little Town of Bethlehem.
Colorful illustrations frame each page and present a nice ethnic mixture of people. Each chapter has its own colored border, which lends a sense of harmony to it.

What I Like: Each well-written, bite-sized chapter provides a perfect amount of Christmas material for youngsters to savor before sleep. The prayers not only help children connect each story to their own lives, but also draw a life application from it. Both the Scripture and the quotes help make each chapter a cohesive unit--something I appreciate as a teacher. And the illustrations are simply ADORABLE. I wish this product had been available when my kids were younger. I would have purchased it in a heartbeat!

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Barbour Books, 2010; ISBN: 9781602606524; Paperback, 192 PGS., $5.99.

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Special Info:
Visit this author's website.
Visit this illustrator's website.
Read CCBR reviews of other books by this author.

It's GIVEAWAY Time!

To celebrate the opening of our new Christian Children's Book Review store, we're giving away THREE of our exclusive tote bags!

This design was the overwhelming favorite when we opened the store last week. I have to tell you, it's my favorite item, too. These solid canvas bags are larger than they appear and very sturdy. You'll love them.

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Barnabas Goes Swimming

Barnabas Goes Swimming, written and illustrated by Royden Lepp, is an easy-to-read book about friendship. Barnabas Bear and Russell Raccoon want to go swimming, but they don’t want to go by themselves. They ask their friends, Peter Pig and Prickly Paul, to go with them, but their friends are too busy to join them.

When they get to the water, they find Gary Gator sitting on the bank looking very sad. He can’t swim by himself because it’s not safe. So, Barnabas and Russell ask Gary to join him. The three swim together happily for a while before Peter and Paul ask if they can join in the fun, too. When they do, Barnabas prays, “Dear God, thank you for summer days and good friends.”

The cartoon-like illustrations, done in light, muted colors, are very kid-friendly.

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” [Psalm 118:24]

What I Like: The easy-to-read style has short sentences and lots of repetition, making it ideal for new readers.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 1980; ISBN: 0310715849; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read! series. It is on the My First Shared Reading level, which according to the publisher means it is “ideal for sharing with emergent new readers.” Read our reviews of other books in the I Can Read! series. Visit the author’s blog.

Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You

Finding a suitable sex ed book for kids is difficult. But finding an accurate sex ed book upholding biblical values? That's almost impossible. Fortunately for Christian parents, Stan and Brenna Jones offer a whole series of sex ed books that have won the Christian Book Award. Book 4 in their series, targeted to young teens, is called Facing the Facts: The Truth About Sex and You.

The book begins by answering the questions "Why and How did God make men and women different?" Here you'll find scientifically based descriptions of how a boy or girl's body changes at puberty. There are textbook-like line drawings of the organs (male and female, including breasts), and complete coverage of all the basics, from getting a period to experiencing wet dreams. Another chapter deals with how women become pregnant, a little bit about the gestation of a baby, and the basic facts about birth. Although all this basic information can be found in any mainstream sex ed book, the authors of Facing the Facts make their book different by explaining Gods design in all these facts.

Next, the authors cover the topic of abstinence before marriage. They write that abstinence is the only way to absolutely not catch sexually transmitted diseases, and that it's also the way to "show God you love Him by obeying Him." In addition, they write, remaining abstinent before marriage gives the greatest honor and respect for the "purpose and meaning" of sex. The authors list some lies kids might hear about why abstinence is bad - or even not do-able - along with reasons why those myths aren't true.

Dating is covered pretty extensively, and the authors urge kids to decide long before they ever date just "how far" they are willing to go. This way, they say, kid are less likely to make a mistake in "the heat of the moment." This chapter also advises kids to only date Christians (so they won't be "unequally yoked," 2 Cor. 6:14) and what the true test of love is (time). The authors suggest kids younger than 16 date only in a group setting. Petting or touching is also discussed in detail. The authors conclude that while the Bible doesn't expressly talk about petting (giving historical reasons why this is so), Jesus says anyone who even looks lustfully at a woman he's not married to is committing a great sin. (Matt. 5:28) Petting creates or feeds lust, the authors say, and therefore should be avoided by Christians. In addition, they write, petting can lead to sexual intercourse with people hardly realizing what's happening.

Next the authors cover tough issues like peer pressure, pornography (sinful because it feeds lust, among other things), cybersex and cyberdating (dangerous), cohabitation before marriage (sinful and statistically harmful to a future marriage), masterbation, broken families, homosexuality, and handling a public school education sex ed classe that is "discouraging" to Christian students.

The final chapter encourages kids to walk with God and obey him in all things - including their sexuality.

What I Like: This book is solidly biblical and easy to read. The authors are not judgemental, but neither are they afraid to write about what the Bible has to say on controversial subjects like homosexuality (the author concludes it's a sin, according to the Bible, and studies show genetics play a very minor role in it) and masterbation (which isn't forbidden in the Bible, but if it makes you lust after the opposite sex, they authors write, it's a sin). In addition, the authors don't boss kids around. Instead, they make suggestions about what kids might choose to do.

What I Dislike: This isn't really a "dislike," but more of a caution to parents. Read this (or any other sex ed book) before giving it to your kids, then carefully and prayfully decide if it's right for their personal level of maturity. My kids are 5 and under, so it's hard for me to imagine they'll be ready to learn, at age 11, that sex feels good and what oral sex is. But maybe they will be. In today's world, it's difficult to shield kids from sex and I very much want to be at least one of the first people they learn about such things from. ("Why does this book discuss oral sex?" you wonder? Because the authors know many kids are experimenting with it in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Unfortunately, as the authors point out, even oral sex has it's problems.)

In addition, it would have been so very helpful if the authors had included a list of biblical references about sex. For example, a list of verses or sections about homosexuality would greatly back up their assertions that the Bible says it's a sin.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher's suggested age range is 11 to 14, but every kid is different and not all will be mature enough at 11 to read this book. On the other hand, I think parents need to carefully consider whether or not their kids will be exposed to this information - presented in a secular way - at school, among friends, and from media - at that age.

Publishing Info: NavPress, 2007; ISBN: 978-1600060151; paperback, 128 pgs., $11.99

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Special Info: Check out our other reviews of other sex ed books in this series.

Dad's Christmas Stories

Dad’s Christmas Stories, written by Robert Martin Boerner and illustrated by Trilby Boerner Wallace, is a picture book that contains seven short stories about Christmas. The illustrations hold simple charm and seemed well planned to fit the text. The fictional tales range from those about Santa Claus to those containing portions of the real account of the birth of Christ. Some of the stories resemble familiar folktales. For example, The Miracle of the Christmas Flower is reminiscent of the legend of the Poinsettia. All of the stories carry a clearly stated moral element.

What I Like: The author started a family tradition of creating and telling a new Christmas story for his family each year… and I find that whole idea heart-warming. I can envision the delight of his family as he shares this book he wrote for them.

What I Dislike: The book is geared for kids 9-12, yet I felt the pictures seemed more suitable to a younger audience while the vocabulary—with words like distraught, contemporaries, and subsequently—seemed better suited for an older audience. At times, the writing felt stilted and preachy. Plus, in one story the children discover that Santa Claus is real. Most 9-12 year olds have figured out that he isn’t.

I was also disappointed that the book did not reference what Bible passage or translation was used in the stories that contained portions of Scripture, especially since at least one passage is quoted almost word for word from the New American Standard Bible. (The difference in text was the assertion of “he announced to them”.)

However, perhaps the thing that bothered me most was the way the book made me feel like the story of Christ’s birth was little more than a legend. Even stories that were based on Scripture held just enough fiction (an angel with a broken wing riding piggy-back on Gabriel when he greets the shepherds and a wise man who overcame drug and stimulant abuse) to make me shake my head.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: The publisher lists it as 9-12, but I feel the stories (minus complex vocabulary) and pictures would appeal more to kids ages 4-8.

Publisher Info: Grateful Steps, 2008; ISBN:978-0978954895; Hardback, 72 PGS., $21.95.

Not yet available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $21.95.

The Story of Christmas

Christmas is an exciting time for kids. Having a chance to slow down and reflect on the real meaning behind the holiday is just as important as the family, food, and presents. With The Story of Christmas by Gwen Ellis, you and your child get that chance.

Through ten bite-sized stories, your child will learn the essentials of the Christmas story: from Zechariah and Elizabeth being told they will have John, to Joseph's uncertainty over Mary's pregnancy, then to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus being sent to Egypt to be protected from Jesus from King Herod.

The book is cartoonishly illustrated by Steve Smallman.

What I Like: The stories share the essentials without going too in depth with certain details (like what it meant to be pregnant and unmarried.) They're the perfect length for bedtime.

Also, each story has the appropriate Scripture reference at the beginning so you can go to the Bible, if desired. At the end of each story, a question is asked for your child to reflect on. There's a game at the end of the book with the appropriate pictures from each tale that your child can use to retell the story to you.

What I Dislike: This is so minor I almost hesitate to mention it. Overall, I liked the the story and the illustrations, but there's just one part of the pictures that distracted me: the noses. I couldn't help but think of a carrot on a snowman's face every time I looked at the faces of the people.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2007; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1468-3; Hardback, 24 PGS., $7.99

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Special Info: This book is part of the Read and Share series, and was originally part of the Read and Share Bible, published in 2007. Also, some parents will want to know the face of baby Jesus is shown in many images.

We've also reviewed other books by Ms. Ellis, including others in the Read and Share series. You can find those reviews here.

Little Star

"'Dad, which one is the Christmas star?' the boy asked, straining his eyes as he looked out at the clear, dark sky."

Little Star, written by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano, and beautifully illustrated by Mark Elliot, is the story of the small but brave Christmas star who shone so brightly the night of Jesus' birth.

The boy in this story asked his father to tell him the story of the Christmas star. Little Star was the smallest and seemingly insignificant of the stars in the sky. No one noticed him enough to even be mean to him. What a lonely life he led!

When the stars began to talk about the fact that a king would be born, the stars found out that the star who could shine the brightest during his birth would win a prize. All the stars were cleaned and dusted except for Little Star, who was once again forgotten. He felt that he would never get the chance to be the brightest star.

On the night of Jesus' birth, Little Star looked down to earth and felt sad for a woman on a donkey, and a man who was leading her. It seemed that no one wanted them. He knew too well how that felt. When he saw them settle for the night in the stable, he felt confused because it seemed like a strange place for a king to be born.

The other stars were disappointed. They didn't think that kings could be born poor. But Little Star suddenly knew.

"I think I understand," Little Star cried out.
"The baby Jesus IS a king!
He's just little."

Little Star understood the whole purpose behind Jesus' coming to earth as a humble baby, born in a stable. He felt the love of Jesus, and wanted so badly to reach out and touch Him. He used all the strength he had, and shone as brightly as he could.

The other stars, finally noticed Little Star, and were afraid that he would shine so brightly that he would burn himself out. Little Star paid no attention to their warnings. He shone brighter and brighter, warming the baby Jesus all night long. He shone until he was tiny and gray.

The little boy was sad when his father finished the story. His father told him not to be sad because Little Star gave his life to warm the baby Jesus. God gave Little Star the reward of being remembered forever, each time someone puts a star on top of their Christmas tree.

What I Like: This book is beautifully written and illustrated. Each page is truly heartwarming, and it could easily become a Christmas classic. Perfect for gift giving or just buying to add to your family collection, it won't disappoint. As I read it for the first time, the story touched me even as it delighted my girls.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book. Our entire family loved it, and will enjoy for years to come!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: WaterBrook Press, 2010; ISBN:0307458059 ; Hardcover, 40 PGS., $12.99.

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Special Info: We have reviewed another book by this author/illustrator combination. Read it here.

Ryan's Almost Impossible Wish

A lost puppy on the day Gramma comes to visit provides an opening for Ryan to learn about Jesus in Ryan's Almost Impossible Wish, written by Sonia Gibson and illustrated by Denise Sager.

After telling his mother he wants a big brother, Ryan's puppy, Bubby, runs away. Ryan is very upset, to the point he can't eat. When Gramma arrives, she brings hope: Bubby has been found by a neighbor, and shortly, Bubby is back home.

Gramma has brought her Book (the Bible) with her, and she and Ryan sit down to read. Using the day's adventures as a springboard, Gramma teaches Ryan that everyone is lost, like Bubby had been. Ryan states he doesn't feel lost. Gramma explains further: everyone is lost until they have Jesus as their friend. Using Proverbs 18:24, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother," Gramma tells Ryan Jesus is the ultimate big brother. Excited, Ryan says he wants to have Jesus as his big brother. After Gramma explains about prayer, Ryan prays for Jesus to come into his life.

What I Like: I love the fact this book uses a real-life situation kids can relate to in order to share the gift of Salvation. The message is straightforward, even if it takes a bit to get to.

At the end of the book, there's a short epilogue that helps kids apply what they've learned in the book. And, there's a quiz inside the back cover about the story.

What I Dislike: There are inconsistencies in the book's grammar. For instance, when referring to God, sometimes "Him" is capitalized, sometimes it's not.

The illustrations by Ms. Sager had a bit of a surreal quality to them. Faces weren't consistent, and there were some images where proportions were skewed. One image where Ryan is eating breakfast has Momma leaning over what appears to be a counter. Her position appears completely unnatural, as does the coloring on her face.

Overall Rating: Very Good, despite the problems noted above.

Age Appeal: 4 - 7.

Publisher Info: Amazing Grace Publishers, LLC, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-9631988-2-2; Hardback, 32 pages, $15.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $15.99.

Asking for Trouble

The first in a new series by bestselling author Sandra Byrd, Asking for Trouble introduces readers to Savannah Smith, a.k.a. "Savvy." This fifteen-year-old Seattle girl dreams of being an ace reporter, but having just been transplanted to the UK, she's got a few bigger worries to manage first. Like learning to live without her best friends and youth group back home. She also needs to learn the British lingo if she hopes to survive at Wexburg Academy, a school that has not exactly sent out the Welcome Wagon.

When Savvy applies for position with the school paper, she doesn't get the journalist job she had hoped for. Instead she gets a stinky newspaper satchel and a gig delivering papers. The Wexburg Academy Times is in bad shape, too. The school intends to pull funding if they can't increase their readership. That's when Savvy has a great idea: to start an advice column. But even though it's her idea, she may not get to write it. The staff doesn't feel she has enough experience and she certainly isn't British enough. Can she prove herself in time?

Meanwhile, Savvy and her family (mom, dad, and little sister) struggle to find their place in this new country. Will they ever fit in? Will they ever find a church that makes this place feel like home?

What I Like: I love that Savvy continually redirects her focus on God. Even though she doesn't have a youth group or friends pointing her in that direction, even though she doesn't always do or say the right things, she consistently knows where to go to find the answers. She uses Scripture as her source of wisdom and truth. I really like that her prayers are natural, a wonderful example for teen readers who struggle to have a personal relationship with God. The author has done a fabulous job making this easy to read and relate to. Readers won't find any stuffy, cookie-cutter characters here. Savvy is into boys and fashion and culture, all while still loving God. Her parents try to do what's right, but they have "off" days, too. All around, this is a great book.

What I Dislike: The author spends too much time translating stuff for Americans. While a degree of this nicely relates Savvy's fish-out-of-water experience, the frequency feels a little redundant and even condescending at points. Most readers will have seen movies that take place in England (What a Girl Wants, Princess Diaries, etc.) and won't necessarily need the constant reminder of how things are said by Brits.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: Teens

Publisher Info: Tyndale, 2010; ISBN: 1414325975; Paperback, 265 pages, $6.99

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You can also purchase the entire "London Confidential" series (four books in all) at Christianbook.com for just $22.96.

Special Info: Learn more about the author and her other books at her website: www.SandraByrd.com. Sign up for her newsletter and be entered in monthly contests. The next prize is a collection of London-themed goodies!

The Berenstain Bears Do Their Best

In The Berenstain Bears Do Their Best, written by Stan & Jan Berenstain, and illustrated by Mike Berenstain, Brother and Sister Bear want to enter the local kite flying contest. Problem is, they don’t have a kite. Papa Bear tells them not to worry, he’ll make them one using the special talents God gave him.

Papa Bear then proceeds to construct a kite for the cubs with some paper and sticks, using glue to hold it together. He paints the kite red and adds a tail to make it fly. Then the trio head off for the contest.

When they get there, they see that theirs is the only homemade kite. All the others are fancy, store-bought ones. Everyone makes fun of the Bear’s kite, saying it will never fly. But, Papa has faith that it will, and it does. Not only does it fly, but when the winds blow hard and strong, all the other kites fall apart; the one Papa made holds together and wins the contest.

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plan will succeed.” [Proverbs 16:3]

The text is written in rhyme, which is a departure from the usual Berenstain Bear book. The illustrations are typical of other books in the series, though, with bright, cartoon-like pictures throughout.

What I Like: This is a good story about using our talents, committing what we do to the Lord, and having faith we will prevail.

What I Dislike: Although I am a Berenstain Bear fan (as many of you know), this book doesn’t stand out as one of the best ones in the series as the storyline is weak. If the Bear cubs wanted to enter a kite-flying contest, they should have planned ahead to do so. I don’t think they should have waited until the day of the contest to have Papa make a kite for them. Also, Papa did all the work. He didn’t have the cubs help him at all even though they were the ones that were supposed to be entering the contest.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310719373; Hardcover, $6.99

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Living Lights series. Read our reviews of other books in the series. Read our reviews of other books by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Visit the Berenstain Bears website.