Big Book of History

It's a book. It's a time line. It's both. Big Book of History by Laura Welch, Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge is not your ordinary book with a timeline, however. The time line is the book, and the timeline doesn't ignore Christian history.

You can view the full color timeline in book fashion, in which case there are 21 highly readable pages. Or you can unfold the timeline (keeping the tail end attached to the book) and display it on a long table. Either way, your kids will learn about history from the beginning with Adam and Eve to the modern era when the 10 Commandments were removed from all public buildings in the U.S.

Each section of the timeline features colorful drawings and photographs, interesting text in a readable size, and fun factoids. For example, the first page features a literal 6 day creation, a paragraph about Adam and Eve, a question ("Was the fruit really an apple? Hint: look up Genesis 3."), a paragraph about Cain and Abel, and more.

Other pages feature events such as the Trojan horse, the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the first use of the yo-yo, the first batteries and lighthouses, the first military submarine, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, the invention of television, and all the major biblical events.

The slant here is definitely toward a literal Bible, creationism, and a Christian America.

What I Like: This is a fun, engaging way to get kids interested in history. There are so many fun facts, lists, and questions to ponder or research; I spent a lot of time pouring over this one.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 - 12, but many younger children will enjoy having this book read to them, or will enjoy just looking at the pictures. And plenty of older kids - and adults! - will like this book, too.

Publishing Info: New Leaf Publishing Group, 2011; ISBN: 978-0890516232; hardback, 21 pgs., $19.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $13.59

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $13.49

Special Info: Watch a video trailer for this book. Purchase the Big Book of History Teacher's Guide for $5.99 at ChristianBook.com or for $6.99 at Amazon.com. Or buy just the unbound timeline (ideal for hanging on a wall) for $12.99 for ChristianBook.com or $13.25 from Amazon.com.

God, I Need to talk to You about Bedtime

God, I Need to Talk to You About Bedtime, written by Susan K. Leigh, is one in a series of 18 little books. Each follows a young child as he or she talks to God about a specific problem or struggle. This one is about a little girl who has difficulty falling asleep.

As she prays to God, she tells Him all the reasons she doesn't want to go to sleep, then remembers all the reasons her parents gave her for why she should. She even recounts how God rested after creation.

Three verses are quoted in sidebar fashion: Ecclesiastes 4:6, Proverbs 3:24, and Genesis 2:3.

The illustrations by Bill Clark appear to combine ink line drawings with watercolor. They're fun and touch sketchy.

What I Like: This series always offers indirect, yet effective lessons about prayer. It shows by example that kids can talk to God about anything that's on their hearts. I really like that. I also like the frequent inclusion of Scripture quotations. My kids like these because they make easy memory verses.

What I Dislike: I don't like the size of this book. It's so tiny (4-1/2" x 5-1/2"), I'm sure it will easily be lost. However, the size does make it an easy book to slip inside an overnight bag for a sleepover at Grandma's, so maybe that's not such a bad thing.

My biggest problem with this title is that it doesn't solve the bedtime problem. My son is a night owl who consistently struggles with falling asleep. He simply isn't tired when bedtime arrives. This book reiterated all the logical reasons we've given him for why he should go to sleep, but it didn't offer any suggestions for how. This frustrated both him and me.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 0758626584; Paperback; 16 pages; $1.19

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $0.99!

Special Info: See our reviews of other books in this series. We've also reviewed a Christmas book by this same author.