365 Great Bible Stories: The Good News of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation

365 Great Bible Stories: The Good News of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation, written by Carine Mackenzie, actually has 366 stories. The final installment ties all the themes and stories of the book together by highlighting the Bible as the inspired word of God.

Each page contains the following:
* Heading- gives a title for each story and a Scripture reference.
* Story- one page in length, approximately 250 words.
*Picture- illustrated by David Lundquist, most about the size of a credit card, realistic and accurate.
*Thinking point or prayer- red text, usually a few brief but poignant sentences in length that reinforce the main idea of that day’s story.

In addition, the book offers a unique feature: Readers can flip through it to locate stories associated with a key Biblical theme. These stories are easily identified by finding certain images, which are as follows:
* Lamb - Jesus Christ and Salvation
* Winding Road - Traveling and Journeys
* Open Scroll - God's Word* Sword - Wars and Battles
* Dove - The Holy Spirit

The author selects stories from both the Old and New Testament with care. In easy to understand and concise wording, each one helps the reader understand the history of the Christian faith and it’s most important doctrines. The book itself is divided into six segments, or chapters. It places the Old Testament stories into three groups. It likewise divides the New Testament stories into three groups.

The hardcover book also features a slender blue bookmark, just like you might find in a regular Bible.

Here is an example of a thinking point based on a story about Hezekiah trusting in God: “When we have a problem it is best to take it to God in prayer and ask him for help.”

Here is an example of prayer that follows the Beatitude passage in Matthew: “Ask the Lord God that you will know these special blessings from him and value them.”

What I Like: I found the stories to be both straight to the point and Biblically sound. They hold a certain “richness” that make interesting. Not only that, The format lends itself well to kids of all ages. Younger kids can read a page a day without getting the wiggles. Older children can read several pages in one sitting if they like. The book could also be used for family devotions. The thinking point serves as a great springboard for discussion.

What I Dislike: Nothing. However, remember these are brief stories. Parents may want to read the full story from Scripture for themselves first so they can provide background or more details to their children.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-12

Publisher Info: Christian Focus, 2011; ISBN: 978-1845505400; Hardcover, 384 pgs., $19.99
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Mix and Match Bible Stories

With books of Bible stories everywhere you turn, one might think all the possibilities have been exhausted. But Mix and Match Bible Stories by Sally Ann Wright and Toni Goffe offers something a little different. Fifteen stories--from Moses to Paul--are covered. Each story's "page" is broken into three panels on both the left and right sides for each part, hence the mix-and-match aspect. On the left, you put together the picture of the person whose story is being told, then when you've matched it up, their story is revealed on the opposite side for you to read.

If your kids like mix and match pictures and stories, they'll enjoy this book.

What I Like: The stories are pretty well encapsulated in just a few sentences, although in a few, I felt it misled the reader. For instance, for brevity, the story of Joseph is abbreviated at the end, saying: "I helped Egypt and my family through a seven-year famine." While this is true on the most basic of levels, it leaves out the fact they didn't even recognize him, or that the brothers had told their father, Jacob, that Joseph was dead. Also in this story, God's hand in the Joseph's situation is completely left out.

Toni Goffe's illustrations are engaging and very colorful.

What I Dislike: Most of the mix and match books I've seen in the past have the associated stories in the same order. And while the same order is used, each is skewed slightly so you have to hunt to find the second and third panels for Noah's story (or any other story.) They're not all on page 1; you might have the top panel be page 1, the second be page 6, and the third be page 12 to make a complete story.

Most Christians will be familiar with all fifteen stories shared, but it would have been nice to have references for where to find the stories in the Bible.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: 3 - 5

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7586-2796-4; Hardback, 32 pages, $12.99

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Good Manners for a Little Warrior

Good Manners for a Little Warrior takes knight training to a new level. Good knights don't just understand honor and courage; they also understand that manners matter.

Continuing the series, author Kelly Chapman maintains a consistent format with the first book. During a baseball game, Luke gets knocked out cold. His slumber sparks another dream of he and his buddies attending Warrior Prince Academy with Sir Britmore. As the boys journey through different challenges within their royal drills, they discover four levels of manners and how each contributes to being a good knight.

1. Power Words: Phrases like please, thank you, I'm sorry, excuse me, your welcome, yes, ma'am and yes, sir
2. Code of Honor: This includes -- first and foremost -- loving God and loving others. Knights exhibit this, for example, by making eye contact, being respectful, taking turns, sharing and speaking truthfully.
3. Table Manners: The knights-in-training learned about appropriate behavior at dinner and how to properly set the table and use the utensils provided.
4. Sportsmanship: It's not all about winning the game! Wise knights follow the coach's directions, play fair, encourage teammates and treat their opponents with respect.

Of course, Luke wakes at the end of the book excited to share all he has learned with all of his friends.

Readers will find a "Whiz Kid Manners Quiz" at the back of the book along with a "What Do Jesters Do?" poem reinforcing the main points of the text.

The illustrations by Jeff Ebbeler feature bold colors, exaggerated characters and lots of action and expression.

What I Like: It's great to have a book for boys that talks about proper manners! This one goes beyond the basics of "power words" to include character traits as well. This encourages a spiritual connection between faith and actions. I also like that the text is divided into chapters. Even though the book is small, it holds a lot of information. I liked having good stopping points where we could pick it up again later. Both my son (age 6) and my daughter (age 8) found this book attractive.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really. But I do wonder how many families still set the table with multiple forks. Aside from weddings, I don't know when my kids would need that information or encounter that situation.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 3-8
Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2011; ISBN: 0736937242; Hardback; 32 pages; $12.99
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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author. You may be interested in additional resources available through Royal Purpose Ministries which include activity books, CDs, DVDs, curriculum, and even camp programs suitable for your church's VBS program. Their goal is "to teach, equip, and encourage others about their true identity in Christ so they can walk in freedom as they seek to live out God's purpose for their lives." Learn more at http://www.royalpurpose.com/.