Ryan Watters and the Shield of Faith

Three months on Earth have passed since Ryann Watters and his friends Liddy and Terell traveled to a magical world called Aeliana. Aeliana is filled with elves, dragons, unicorns, dwarves, and a collection of other fantastical creatures. While they were there in the past, Ryann and his friends went on an adventure. They located the Kings Sword and returned to Earth with special items given to them by the angel Gabriel.

In Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith, book two in the Ryann Watters series by Eric Reinhold, another portal to Aeliana is opened. Once again, Ryann and his friends are given a quest, this time to find the Shield of Faith. However, time works differently in Aeliana. The three soon discover that not only have they been gone for hundreds of years, but evil has taken hold of Aeliana in the form of a black unicorn named Narcissus, who has declared himself king and corrupted the worship of the Word to suit his own ends.

Befriended by an elf named Ireth, the adventurers meet a white unicorn named Carwyn. Carwyn says, “Come, follow me.” They do. Carwyn continues to call others, forming a small group (the “Chosen”). While some in the group are hopeful Carwyn will bring in a mighty army to fight Narcissus and save Aeliana, the gentle nature of Carwyn hints at a different kind of redemption. In addition, Carwyn reveals that one in the group will betray him, one will deny him, and another will be a hero.

The parallels between Carwyn and Jesus are quite obvious. Both called their followers, performed many miracles, and ultimately sacrificed themselves to save the world. Many red words of Scripture are quoted and worked into the text of the story as Carwyn interacts with his followers. However, the death scene is different. Instead of dying in a public way, as Jesus did on the cross, Carwyn’s death is witnessed only by Ryann, who stows away on a boat carrying Narcissus and his minions. Plus, there is no “rolling away of the stone”, so to speak. Flying through the air, the resurrected Carwyn meets them in the cave. The author addresses these differences by bringing up an interesting point: If there were other worlds that had fallen like Earth, how would their savior appear to them and redeem them?

The cover illustration is delightful. However, the shield shown was not actually in Ryann’s possession during the scene depicted. It’s not until the end of the story that Ryann finds the Shield of Faith. (Up until that point, the actual quest for the physical shield was a largely overlooked part of the story. Eventually, readers realize that the true Shield of Faith is more of an inward decision to follow the Word.)

What I Like: Ryann, the main and most vivid character in the story, serves as a good role model. He searches for answers in the Bible. He demonstrates faith and courage. And he asks the kinds of faith questions many teens face. The author also pulled in themes of faith, trust, surrender, and courage. I believe the story is a worthwhile read for those seeking a fantasy story well rooted in Christian faith.

What I Dislike: As an adult, this book didn’t hook my interest the way other pieces of YA fantasy have. I don’t know how to best describe my reaction other than Aelianna seemed to lack the richness needed to make it seem real and believable. (To be fair, this may be due to the fact that I did not read book one in the series.) However, I can imagine a ten-to-twelve-year old totally enjoying the book—loving it, in fact—and as a parent I appreciate the clear takeaway value of the underlying morals in the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: Creation House, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-59979-626-0; Hardcover, 400 PGS., $19.99

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Buy the Kindle version of book one for $9.99, Ryan Watters and the King's Sword.

Special Info: Visit this author's website.
Read a Top Pick CCBR review of book one, Ryann Watters and the King's Sword.

Chrissie's Shell

Chrissie's Shell was written by Brooke Keith and illustrated by Mary Bausman.

When Chrissie, a turtle, looks inside her shell, she sees nothing, just an empty shell. She wishes she were special, like a super fast mouse or a fancy tree-climbing squirrel. Even a hedgehog or a bear would be better than a turtle! She mopes through her day -- slow enough to help a hurt lizard here and a good enough swimmer to save a fallen egg there -- but mostly just wishing and believing that if she tried hard enough, she could become one of those other creatures that are obviously so special.

When Chrissie's efforts to transform herself fail, she complains to God. "Could you make me into a real someone? My shell is empty. You must have forgotten to fill it." After some discussion back and forth, God assures her there IS someone in her shell, "... a very smart, very creative, very wonderful little someone." He directs her to the pond. There Chrissie sees her reflection for the first time and realizes that she is lovely, just the way God made her. If she were too fast, she wouldn't be able to help hurt lizards and if she were big or fancy, she wouldn't be a good swimmer. God made her just as she is on purpose.

The full-page illustrations are saturated with color, yet still warm and soft. Readers will delight in creative details throughout the book.

What I Like: It's a sweet story that flows easily. I love the timeless message of unique self-worth and God's purposeful design. For the most part, I really like the illustrations. This artist is quite skilled. The colors are fabulous.

What I Dislike: I found a few of the illustrations a little odd and distracting, like when Chrissie imagines she's a different creature. There is nothing in the book that I truly DISlike, but also nothing I can pinpoint as extraordinary.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 and up

Publisher Info: Warner Press Kids, 2010; ISBN: 1593173989; Hardback; 32 pages; $14.99

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Frank and Beans and the Scary Campout

Frank and Beans and the Scary Campout is an excellent offering in Zondervan's "I Can Read" series. Designed for children who are just developing independent reading skills, Kathy-jo Wargin's funny, heartfelt storytelling and Anthony Lewis' colorful, realistic illustrations are sure to engage young readers.

Frank, and his dog, Beans, are excited to have a campout in the backyard, but once Frank's dad goes inside, strange noises keep Frank awake. He gets more and more worried, until finally Beans runs to the house. Frank's dad returns and explains crickets, owls and raccoons are behind all the alarming sounds.

Frank's dad spends the rest of the night camping with him, and reminds him "God is always with you. . . Even in a tent by yourself."

This title is a "Level Two" book, which is described as "Reading with help." The publisher also notes Level Two books are "High-interest for developing readers."

What I Like: This was a great book for my son, who likes stories he can read by himself. He likes camping and has a dog, and related to Frank's feelings of being scared. We both appreciated the message of the book. I don't think you can ever have too many reminders about God's constant care for us.

The illustrations are cute, and support the text. Early readers can use the pictures to give them clues about new vocabulary words. (For example, the first time the word "raccoon" is used, there is a picture of a raccoon on the page.)

There are several books in the Frank and Beans series. I can't wait to read more of them!

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Early Reader--4-7

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-310-71850-5; Paperback, 32 pages, $3.99

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Scumble

Ingrid Law, author of the award-winning Savvy, returns with a companion title: Scumble. Nine years after the savvy journey of Mibs Beaumont, her cousin turns thirteen and soon realizes that learning to scumble extraordinary powers isn't easy.

Ledger Kale was sure his savvy would be the ability to run lightning fast. He spent hours on his thirteenth birthday running and timing himself, just waiting for his savvy to kick in. But nothing happened. At least nothing extraordinary. All he did was break the toaster. As his family drives to a cousin's wedding (Savvy readers will remember Fish from the first book), Ledge's savvy becomes more and more evident ... and more and more difficult to control. With no effort, Ledge and bust any metal contraption into a million parts. And with all his effort, he can't seem to control this newly granted power.

A thirteen-year-old self-publishing journalist, Sarah Jane Cabot delights in the paranormal. When she sees Ledge destroy a pristine motorcycle with a blink of his eye, she stows away in the family station wagon and gets a full view of the fantastic wedding. This only whets her appetite. As Ledge tries to diffuse the potentially dangerous publicity, other things start falling apart -- like the barn holding the reception.

The wedding ends in catastrophe and Ledge's parents decide to leave him and his younger sister on the family ranch for the summer. They'll stay there with their Uncle Autry (a man who can heard insects), and a few cousins, including Autry's twin daughters (a troublesome duo with cooperative savvy for hovering things) and Rocket (Mibs and Fish's oldest brother who can absorb and expel electricity). To Ledge a summer on the ranch feels like a punishment deserved only by rejects. If he doesn't learn to scumble soon, he'll be isolated forever. Worse: the whole family may pay dearly for his lack of control.

Ledge decides a foreclosed junk yard might be the only place he can't break anything. It is there he meets Winona, the owner of the motorcycle he destroyed before the wedding. In an effort to make amends, he tries to help her re-build, all the while learning more and more about his new "talents."

Sarah Jane makes a persistent snoop while both Rocket and Ledge struggle to master their savvies. When Sarah Jane's dad discovers her growing fascination with the Beaumont family, things only get worse. A powerful, wealthy man, Mr. Cabot threatens to evict them and anyone in town connected with them.

Will Ledge ever learn to scumble? Will he or Rocket ever make it off the ranch? Why does Mr. Cabot hate their family so much? How can savvies that cause so much trouble be a blessing?

If only awesome powers came with instruction manuals.

What I Like: The author is brilliant. Rarely do I find such excellent writing among recent publications. She simply has a gift for stringing together words into unexpected yet perfectly precise descriptions. Amazing!

What I Dislike: I don't like that the main character frequently "curses" or "cusses." The offending words are never included in the text, but it behavior is an obvious habit, one that is never portrayed as negative or deserving remorse. The book offers very little guidance for this character (and readers) on how to manage his anger, and he possesses a lot of frustrated anger.

Also, unlike first book, this title is void of a spiritual emphasis. In fact, it only has two vague inferences in the entire book: one mentions prayer and the other references the Creator. Books don't need spiritual elements to be great, but the inclusion of it made the first book spectacular. It added another dimension that is simply missing in this sequel.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 9-12, though older readers may enjoy it as well

Publisher Info: Dial, 2010; ISBN: 0803733070; Hardback; 416 pages; $16.99

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This title is also available in Kindle format or as an audio book.

Special Info: There is a touch of romance in this book, both with Ledge and his older cousin Rocket. The text never details anything more involved than kissing, and light at that, but some Christian parents may object to the example between thirteen-year-olds.

Check out our review of the first book in this series, the author's highly acclaimed first novel, Savvy.

Watching Over Everything

Watching Over Everything is a sweet book that will teach children the important truth that Jesus is with them at all times, and that they can pray to Him wherever they are. Shirley Kuzmunich uses Scripture and situations that children will identify with to show children that Jesus is right beside them, watching over everything. The illustrations by Kathy Hoyt are engaging.

The children in this book realize that they can pray while they are eating breakfast, playing, sitting in the car seat, feeling sad, at the dentist, going on vacation, receiving gifts and more. A young boy who is in bed says:

"I know that prayer time never sleeps; my Lord is always by my side.
He hears every prayer -- sad, happy, or scared -- watching over everything.
' We love because he first loved us.' I John 4:19"

Every situation in this book is paired with a relevant Scripture to show that Jesus does indeed care about all of our life's circumstances, big or small.

What I Like: I love the fact that Scripture is an intricate part of this book. Also, the children are pictured in a way that will interest the little ones who are looking at the illustrations. Children may think that God may be too "big" to care about the little things that happen in their lives, and this book will show them how much He does care.

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

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2009 ; ISBN:1607997118 ; Paperback, 28 PGS., $9.99

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Buy the Kindle edition for $6.39.

Special Info: Jesus is pictured on the cover, as well as twice in the body of this book. Also, if you purchase this book, you will also receive a code for a free audio book download.

K Is for Kite: God's Springtime Alphabet

K Is for Kite: God’s Springtime Alphabet, written by Kathy-jo Wargin, is a picture book that illustrates each letter of the alphabet with something relating to springtime and to the concept of a world made by God. The author provides both a word and a short poem for each letter.

For instance, the letter “F” is for “Feast.” The accompanying text reads: “With family and friends we will Feast as we should. We’re thankful to God who gives all that is good.”

Each letter is used in this manner, even the tricky letter “Q,” which in this case is for “Quack.”

Although the people represented in the painted illustrations by Kim Gatto look a bit stilted and stiff, the bright, bold colors used throughout the book will be sure to please young and old alike.

What I Like: I like the bright colors used in the illustrations. And, even though I’m not a big fan of rhyming text, this one is done very well.

What I Dislike: The only thing I would add is a Bible reference of some kind for the text.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310716624; Hardcover: $15.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by Kathy-jo Wargin . Visit the author’s website. Read about the illustrator at this website.