Learn and Spell Puzzle Book of Learning

Learn and Spell / Puzzle Book of Learning by Frank N. and Dotsie J., is a workbook designed to teach preschoolers their alphabet and numbers.

The pages of this workbook are bright and colorful. As children are learning the alphabet, they are also being taught a little rhyme about Jesus.

As the children are introduced to a number, because each letter is equated to a number. As the children learn these combinations of letters and numbers ("A is letter number 1"), they are given activities and games which combine the letters and their "partner" numbers.

What I Like: I like that a lot of thought has been put into the designing of this book. Rather than children being taught the traditional "A is for apple," words that children would use in their daily vocabulary are used instead. "A is for and."As children are being taught the alphabet, they will notice that vowels have a shadow behind them in order to teach them that these sounds are different from all of the others.

I also like that where most preschool learning books children are usually taught to count to the numbers 10 or 15, in this book they are taught to count up to 26 because of the number of alphabet in the English language.

What I Dislike: I personally have a hard time equating a letter to a number. All of the games use the letter/number relationship which is somewhat difficult for preschoolers to do, and the games are extremely difficult, in my opinion.

Although I know that a lot of thought and time has gone into the making of this book, I think it is a bit expensive.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-6 years.

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013; ISBN: 978-1482701753; paperback, 48 pgs., $10.53

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Counting Praises

Counting Praises by Grady O. Williams III (who also illustrated the book) is a simple rhyming poem that teaches counting through repetition.

The best way for me to describe this book is to ask you to think about the children's nursery rhyme "5 Little Monkeys." The entire rhyme is repeated a series of times with the number at the beginning of each stanza changing each time the rhyme is repeated.

What I Like: I like that this is a great way for me to teach my 3 year old numbers and their sequencing through a book that reinforces the desire we should have to praise the Lord.

I think the illustrations for this book are perfect! They are simple just like the rhyme, and there is no visual clutter. As each page is turned, one more child is added to the illustration to match the number mentioned on the page.
 
What I Dislike: I personally am not sure that I would pay $9.50 for this book. Although the idea behind is great, and I know this will be added to our rotation of stories for the 3 year old, $9.50 seems a bit pricey for such a simple book.

Overall Rating: Recommended

Age Appeal: Preschool

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013; ISBN: 978-1494792763; paperback, 28 pgs., $10.00


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The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer and the Bible

The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible, written and illustrated by Tracy Sands, presents a whole new take on both the alphabet and the Bible.

The author uses each letter of the alphabet to illustrate a word from the Bible. Each word relates to a Bible sentence that either uses the actual word or is related to that word. For instance, the letter “A” is for “always”. The word “always” appears in this Bible verse: “And behold, I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

The author says, “This book is designed to help all teachers of children… With this book you delve deeper into the inspiring letters of the Christian Alphabet, providing children a fun, instructive way to grow in their Christian faith. Each letter is educational and has spiritual significance. In these 26 unique letters, you will find close to 100 ancient and modern images used in the past 2000 years to express Christianity.”

Each letter is a two-page spread. On the left-hand page you will find a basic lesson (highlighted in red ink) and a fun activity for that letter. Each alphabet lesson ends with a prayer.

On the right-hand page you will see the letter, a Bible verse associated with the letter (as mentioned above), and an activity called “Seek and you shall find.” The activity is designed to “encourage children to find the different Christian symbols within each letter.”

Each of the symbols used in the text is explained in the back of the book. Also, there are four songs in the book. You can listen to the recordings of these songs on the book’s website.

The illustrations are unique and expressive. Each letter is used not only in the Roman alphabet but also each letter is made up of symbols that relate to that word. For example, the symbols for “wheat,” “loaf of bread,” “grapes,” “chalice,” “rock,” and “lamb” are incorporated into the graphic representation of the letter “L”. Each letter includes at least two symbols.

In addition to the creative and expressive symbolic letters, the page layouts are bold, bright and colorful, and are sure to keep a child’s attention.

What I Like: Everything.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 6-12.

Publisher Info: Love the Dove Publishing, 2012; ISBN: 9780985792800; Hardcover, $19.95.

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Special Info: As mentioned, readers can listen to recorded songs, from the text, on the book’s website.

Shifty Characters

Author Shirley Francis-Salley, along with illustrator Willow Raven, has created a different kind of book called Shifty Characters. Together, they illustrate in both words and pictures, how “characters” can “shift” to create different words. Part of the text reads:

Shifty Characters love to move.
They won’t stand still for long.
They are always changing and rearranging,
until the word that was there is gone.

For example, the “characters” in the word “barn” can “shift” to create the word “bran”. Even though both words use the same letters, the two words have entirely different meanings.

The author gives several examples of “characters shifting” to make new words. Then she draws a connection between the “shifty characters” and people by saying this:

And that’s the way God works with us,
for we are characters, too.
We need to be changed and rearranged
to make our lives brand new.

She gives some examples of people being changed: People who like to fight can be changed to people who are caring and sharing. Rude and mean people can be changed to being kind.

The illustrations make the book work, especially in the first part of it, as the alphabetic “characters” have faces so they look a bit like people (who are also “characters”).

What I Like: The author makes a good correlation between alphabet characters and human ones and how God can change the human ones. The illustrator has done a great job of personifying the characters to make that point.

What I Dislike: However, as you may have noticed, the text is written in rhyme. And, like many of you already know, I’m not a big fan of rhyming text as it’s very difficult to do and do well. Unfortunately, the rhyme scheme and rhythm of the text is off in several places, making the text jarring to read.

Overall Rating: I still give it a good rating because the idea is a very good one.

Age Appeal: No age group is given but I would say 6-12 would be about right.

Publisher Info: Clay Jars Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 9780984336906 ; Paperback, $16.99.

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F Is for Fireflies: God's Summertime Alphabet

Kathy-jo Wargin has created another alphabet book, this one titled F Is For Fireflies: God’s Summertime Alphabet. It’s much the same as her first book, K Is For Kite: God’s Springtime Alphabet, except the seasons are different.

As with the first book, the author provides both a word and a short poem for each letter. All the letters in this book have something to do with summertime.

For instance, the letter “G” is for “Garden.” The accompanying text reads: “God made the Gardens, and we help them grow, weeding and watering row after row.”

The painted illustrations by Linda Bronson are done with bold colors, making them stand out. The pages are filled with illustrations of multi-cultural children.

What I Like: I like having a series of alphabet books about the seasons. The author has one for each season.

What I Dislike: For the most part, the rhyming text is done very well, but there are a couple of spots where it is a bit strained. As with the other book, 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, 2011; ISBN: 9780310716631; Hardcover, $15.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by Kathy-jo Wargin. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Linda Bronson.

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.

The Church History ABCs

The Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith was written by Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard.

As the titles clearly indicate, it offers an alphabetical introduction to key players in church history. Each letter and character receives a dedicated page which features a short biographical sketch of his or her life and significant things done.

Featured bios include Ignatius, Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon as well as Zacharias Ursinus, Ulrich Zwingli, Queen Jeanne and Lady Jane Grey. The authors took care to keep the text interesting with little quips and details that appeal to younger audiences, like the difference between Hippolytus and a hippopotamus or a hinted sibling rivalry between John and Charles Wesley.

The illustrations (also by Ned Bustard) combine stylistic two-dimensional drawings with photographs. Colors fill the pages. Over-sized letters in white remind readers where they are in their alphabetical journey through the ages.

What I Like: I like the introduction. It beautifully sets up the book by presenting history as a collection of stories and people that are important. History is critical to a well-rounded education; church history is no exception, but too often we see these subjects as stuffy, boring and irrelevant. This book seeks to prove otherwise.

I've not seen a book like this before, one of this content that targets this age group. It's an ambitious task, and the authors did a great job creating an introductory text. I like that the book features the main players in church history, but also some lesser-known people. I also really like the website! There are some very fun, highly educational supplements and activities available there. My kids like the illustrations, the witty comments and the large alphabetical emphasis.

What I Dislike: There are some draw-backs to it being an alphabetical book. For starters, it offers no chronological time-line within the book. Timelines are critical to an accurate understanding of history and, fortunately, the authors remedy this void with a very cool activity on the book's website (www.churchhistoryabcs.com). Secondly, alphabet books are typically geared toward preschoolers; church history, in contrast, is a rather mature topic. Not many six-year-olds (much less three-year-olds) understand martyrdom or reformation. Also, because the content is organized alphabetically,

Also, I don't like that the book is written from first person perspective. This makes it awkward as a read-aloud book. It would be fine if the children read it to themselves, but they really can't within this age group. My daughter is an advanced reader for her age (6-1/2, in first grade), but the vocabulary within this text is far beyond her skill level. The language and content is better suited for older kids. I suggest 6-10.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 3-6, but I suggest 6-10.

Publisher Info: Crossway, 2010; ISBN: ; Hardback; 32 pages; $15.99

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Special Info: Visit the book's website for printable activities such as coloring pages, mazes and more. This site is a wonderful supplemental resource to the text!

Egermeier's ABC Bible Storybook

ABC Bible Storybook takes some of children's most beloved Bible stories and tells them in alphabetical order. Written by Elsie Ergermeier, and illustrated by Laura Nikiel, this book will appeal to young ones learning their alphabet.

The layout of the book will appeal to young ones. Each page spread has the story, complete with Bible reference, on one side, and a vivid, full color illustration on the other side. The stories covered in this book are: Adam and Eve, Baby Jesus, Creation, David the Shepherd Boy, Elisha's Caring Friends, Fishermen, Good Samaritan, Hosanna, Isle of Patmos, Joseph, King Solomon,Lion's Den and Daniel, Moses and the Red Sea, Noah and the Flood, Onesimus Believes, Paul on the Road to Damascus, Quail for Whining People, Roof is Torn Up, Samuel Hears God, Ten Commandments, Upper Room, Victory Over Death, Woman at the Well, Xerxes the King, Young Child Made Well, and Zacchaeus Meets Jesus. This version of the book includes a CD which features the stories read with soft music in the background. My girls like to listen to it at bedtime.

What I Like: I like it that this book includes very familiar stories such as Joseph, and Daniel and the Lion's Den, as well as some stories that aren't as well known, like the Isle of Patmos and Onesimus.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book. Just keep in mind that some of the stories are just tidbits, and may need some follow up to complete the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-7, but younger children will enjoy having the stories read to them

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2007; ISBN: 1593171986 ; Hardcover $14.99

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Special Info: Jesus is pictured several times in this book.

My First Christian ABC Book

The bold photography, bright colors, and short rhyming text in My First Christian ABC Book , written by Bryant C. Buck, is sure to capture the attention of young readers. Letter by letter, the book travels through the alphabet, and offers snapshot glimpses of key Christian concepts and attitudes.

What I Like: I love the joyous, playful look of the book. The photography is crisp and clean, varies from action shots to close ups, and dominates each page. In addition, it features people (mostly children) from a mixture of ethnic backgrounds. The pictures alone make this book worth looking at. Plus the amount of text per page is very appropriate for young children.

What I Dislike: I felt that some of the words, such as resurrection and salvation, were too abstract for this age group. Also, portions of the text require a familiarity with the Bible that some readers might not have. For example, one part reads “D is for David, just one stone he did toss.” That only makes sense if you already know the story of David and Goliath.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 6 months through 3 years, although I think it would be better suited for kids ages 2-5 years.

Publisher Info: Evergreen Press, 2009; ISBN:978-1-58169-322-5 ; Hardback $14.95

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My Big Sticker Book: Old Testament and New Testament

There's something about stickers that almost every kid loves, which is why My Big Bible Sticker Book: Old Testament and My Big Bible Sticker Book: New Testament are such fun ways to learn a bit about the Bible, plus basic education like numbers and colors.

Both books are structured almost the same, although they cover two different books of the Bible. You'll find sections on "Letters of the Bible," "Animals of the Bible," "Travel in the Bible," "Colors of the Bible," "People of the Bible," "Food of the Bible," "Numbers of the Bible," and "Shapes of the Bible."

In the letters section, for example, there are stickers for the actual letter, plus whatever the book associates with the letter via a Bible verse. The letter "C" in the New Testament book, for example, has a drawing of Jesus with children and cites Matthew 19:14 ("Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me...'").

Throughout, the stickers are attractive. Most are photographs, but some are drawings. Some show historically accurate items (like Roman chariots or wine flasks), while others show modern items (like modern day American coins, when mentioning the widow who searched for her lost coin).

What I Like: My preschooler loves these books, and would spend all day working on them if I'd let her. I do not use them to teach things like counting or letters, or even Bible stories, but they are a fun way to reinforce things she's learned elsewhere. I also appreciate that the stickers are easy to move if your child accidentally sticks them in the wrong location. Once complete, each book makes a nice picture book for "keeps."

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although at times better biblical quotes could be used. For example, in reviewing shapes in the New Testament book, the publisher cites a Bible verse about mirrors, then includes one sticker of an oval mirror, along with some stickers of ordinary ovals. I'd rather they just not include the shape in the book if they can't relate it more directly to something in the Bible.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

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

Publishing Info: Thomas Nelson, 2006 & 2007; ISBN: 978-1400308255 and 978-1400308262; paperback, $12.99 each.

Buy My Big Bible Sticker Book: Old Testament at ChristianBook.com for $9.99.

Buy My Big Bible Sticker Book: New Testament at ChristianBook.com for $9.99.

OR buy My Big Bible Stocker Book: Old Testament at Amazon.com for$2.49

Buy My Bible Bible Sticker Book: New Testament at Amazon.com for $12.99

The Seeds That Grew and Grew

It is surprisingly difficult to find good children's books covering Jesus' parables, but The Seeds That Grew and Grew by Jeffrey E. Burkart is worth adding to your family's bookshelves.
Drawing the text from Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23, in simple, rhyming language we hear how Jesus climbed out of a boat to teach a crowd. The text then fully covers the parable of the seeds, describing seed that falls upon good ground but is eaten up, seed that falls on stony soil, seed that gets chocked out by thorns, and seed that falls onto good soil.

"The people said, 'That story's keen,
But tell us, please, what does it mean?'
Then Jesus said, 'Now lend an ear.
I will make this story clear.

'The word of God is like the seed
That's scattered to a world in need.
But some who hear God's Word don't know
What it means, so faith doesn't grow..."

And so on.
Throughout, illustrations by Chris Sharp add humor and interest.

What I Like: This is a basic book that sticks closely to the Bible. It is short (only 15 pages) and holds the attention of toddlers on up. The illustrations are detailed and fun.
What I Dislike: Nothing, really. The rhyming is sometimes a bit forced, but overall, this is a great retelling of Jesus' parable.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but some toddlers will like this book, too.
Publishing Info: Concordia, 2000; ISBN: 978-0570075394; paperback, $2.49.
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Jesus A to Z

Jesus A to Z, by Yvonne Riley, uses the alphabet to teach children (and their parents) all about Jesus. The story progresses chronological in time and alphabet: Jesus is the Almighty God who was in the Beginning, the Creator of the world and so forth. Each letter offers a detailed description -- usually 5 to 10 full sentences -- and ends with a verse that emphasizes the given point. Most of the memory verses are provided in the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV).
The book offers one full-page illustration for each page of text. These illustrations, by David Riley, the author's husband, combine photographs with graphic design. Each showcases the featured letter, large and colorful, with diverse children acting out the lesson from that page. Interesting patterns and textiles accompany the text page.
What I Like: The text is surprising logical and complete. I loved it! It encompasses all the usual highlights, but also teaches things parents can sometimes forget to mention, such as the second coming. My daughter (5 years old) really likes this book. I especially like the inclusion of applications within the text. This makes it personal to the readers.
What I Dislike: I'm not a huge fan of the illustrations; they're just not my style, but both my kids really like them.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: 4-8
Publisher Info: Moody Publishers, 2004; ISBN: 0802429459; Hardback; $9.99
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Special Info: A CD entitled "Joyful Noise" accompanies the book. It includes five songs sung by a talented children's choral group and an audio track of the book's text read by Crystal Lewis.
See our review of Names of Our Father, also by this author.

My ABC Bible Verses

If you're looking for a devotional combining Bible quotes, modern examples of how the scripture applies to everyday life, and ideas for discussing and praying about each verse, My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt may be just the volume for you and your child.

Hunt begins this devotional with a note to readers reminding us that God wants his word "hidden in our heart." Each subsequent two page spread then focuses on a letter of the alphabet and a Bible verse that corresponds to it. Next, a modern example of how the verse applies is written in a fictional manner. Finally, a small box gives parents ideas for discussing concepts and for praying with their children.

For example, the letter "B" is tied in with Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Hunt writes:

"When we are peacemakers, we show that we are God's children. We are all sinners. When we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, God forgives us. Then we have peace with Him. We become members of His family. We are His children, and He is our heavenly Father. He gives us His power to be peacemakers."

Then she explains how a little girl named Missy memorized this Bible verse, and it helped her to do what God wanted of her. She and her brother Bill both wanted to play with the same toy, but her brother refused to share. Instead of yelling at him, she remembered the verse about being a peacemaker. "'You're right, Bill, ' Missy said. 'It's yours and I should have asked you first. I'll play with something else.'" This, in turn, made her brother say: 'I'm sorry, Missy. I was being a troublemaker, but you decided to be a peacemaker. Here, you can play with the dump truck.'"

Other topics covered include obeying your parents, not complaining, preaching the Gospel, doing all things through Christ, letting your light shine, not serving two masters, giving thanks and praise the Lord, remembering the Sabbath, not stealing and more.

Throughout, colorful illustrations by Yvette Banek add interest to every other page.


What I Like: This book equips children not only with Bible verses to memorize, but also explains how scripture can help them in their everyday lives, using examples most children can relate to. Too, while Hunt chooses to quote translations rarely used for children ("I believe there is a beauty, dignity, and a cadence about the King James Version that I believe is beneficial for memorization," she writes), the wording is still kid-friendly.

What I Dislike: Some parents will find the stories old fashioned or too moralistic. Some children respond well to these sort of stories, and some do not. (Mine adores it!)

Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8, but some slightly younger kids will like this book, too.
Publisher Info: Crossway, 1998; ISBN: 1581340052; hardback; $14.99
Special Info: Those who observe the Sabbath on Saturday should know this book discusses a Sunday Sabbath and why Missy, Bill, and their parents attend church on Sunday.
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Miracle Puzzlers

Miracle Puzzlers by William Schlegl, with artwork by Len Epstein, is ideal for homeschoolers, Sunday school classrooms, or kids who love to do puzzles in their spare time.

On almost every page of this 63 page book there are word puzzles related to Jesus' miracles. There are lots of codes to solve (including those requiring multiplication skills to figure out), synonyms to list, a few pictures to draw, a search-a-word and a crossword. You'll also find answer pages and suggestions for use for parents or teachers.

What I Like: This is a great way to help children develop reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills while dwelling on Jesus. The black and white illustrations are professional and cartoonish (and perfect for coloring). There's also a helpful scripture reference in the back of the book.

What I Dislike: Because of the font, the text is often hard to read. Most (but not all) of the difficult-to-read text is for parents or teachers.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: While the author claims the book is for "students of all ages," this book is much too advanced for children who can't read or who don't understand basic addition. Some puzzles require higher skills, such as multiplication. Although children might learn these skills at different ages, the majority of kids aren't doing them until age 7 or older.

Publisher Info: Concordia, 2009; ISBN: 0758616058; paperback; $10.99

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I Can Read God's Word

I Can Read God's Word combines phonetic learning for Level 1 readers with solid Bible foundation. Written and illustrated by Phil A. Smouse, the book couples full-page illustrations with "key Bible phrases specially paraphrased for early readers" to a text that appeals to children and their parents.

The book features sixteen familiar passages from both the Old and New Testaments. For each "chapter" an introductory section offers the actual Scripture, quoted in the New King James Version, along with a short devotional. This section also highlights a "big word" (and it's definition) and an explanation of the featured phonetic tools, such as beginning consonants, beginning blends, short vowel sounds, silent letters, ending blends and combination sounds. The following pages provide an easy to read paraphrase with each of these phonetic devices bold-faced and red.

The illustrations are cartoony and cute. Readers follow one particular character, Nicodemus, throughout.

What I Like: It's easy to use. The "note to parents" at the beginning is great. The whole book utilizes large and clear print, perfect for early readers. I like the short devotionals, too. They draw excellent applications from the Scriptures given.

What I Dislike: From a biblical perspective: The first two chapters focus on getting what you ask for (Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 7:7-8). I felt this emphasized a prosperity gospel and a general self-centeredness. The author does a nice job being specific about the intent of these verses. Still, I can think of many other more important verses to start the book.

From a teacher's perspective: The phonetic lessons show no progression. It's definitely not a book for first-time readers. I recommend it for early readers who already have a good foundation and need a tool for review and to put it all together.

Overall Rating: Upper side of Good.

Age Appeal: 4-7

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 9781602602090; Paperback; $14.95

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author/illustrator.

The ABC Bible Verse Book

Part of the Little Buds series, The ABC Bible Verse Book was written by Deedra Scherm and illustrated by Laura Dreyer. The book gives 26 Bible verses with references, one per page, each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet. The verses are organized in alphabetical order.

For example:

Be ye kind to one another ...
Children, obey your parents ...
Delight yourself in the Lord ...

Of course, the full verses are provided in the text. (I've only included partials here.) Most of the verses are quoted in King James Version; five are quoted from the New American Standard Bible and six from the New International Version.

The illustrations offer bold contrasts and vibrant colors.

What I Like: This is the exact book I've been looking for! I want to use memory verses to tie in with my children's phonetic and alphabet learning. This is perfect for that purpose! It's ideal for encouraging Scripture memorization. I love the illustrations, too. They are simple, yet bold. My daughter is slightly bothered that most of the characters don't have noses, but she still loves this book, as does my son.

What I Dislike: This is a very minor thing ... I wish the text didn't include quite so much King James. If the entire book were KJV, that would be one thing. But since the author also uses more contemporary translations, I don't understand why the KJV was chosen for so many verses. I've had to explain more than once the meanings of ye, thee, verily and quench. (Granted: it would be quite difficult to find a verse that begins with 'Q' without "Quench not the spirit.")

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 6 and under

Publisher Info: Lemon Vision Productions, 2008; ISBN: 1934789046; Boardbook; $7.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com $5.99!
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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author. You can also check out the Little Buds website to view additional products in this series, including more books, DVDs and CDs.

P is for Pumpkin

P is for Pumpkin: God's Harvest Alphabet was written by Kathy-jo Wargin and illustrated by Yawen Ariel Pang. The top of each page gives a short story or explanation, told in rhyming verse. The bottom of each page reiterates the something specific that starts with the featured letter. For example: "Apples and Acorns and all sorts of things -- Let's find the blessings that God's autumn brings. A is for Apple."
The bold illustrations show diverse characters through great contrast and rich colors.
What I Like: The text clearly represents the omnipresence of God. Almost every page talks about what He has provided for us and how He talks with us in every place and situation. It encourages a relationship with Him; I like that. I also appreciate anything that furthers literacy and reading readiness.
What I Dislike: The split text makes it cumbersome to read. I recommend reading just the story at the top or just the letters at the bottom. Otherwise, it feels like a continual self-interruption.
The illustrations are odd; all the characters sport heavy eyebrows and cone-like noses. Every time we turned the page, my children would ask "Mommy, why are those people so cross?" They even found some characters "scary" who weren't meant to be.
Finally, I'm not thrilled with the choice of words featured for each letter. I would have preferred that all references to Halloween be omitted. In this alphabet, D, J and T stand for Dress-up, Jack-o-lanterns and Trick-or-treat. Others will be unfamiliar to many children, especially those who don't live in rural areas. For example, the page on C talks about corn mazes and Q talks about the Quilting Bee. My kids (raised just outside NYC) didn't recognize these; they also didn't understand Harvest, Indian Corn, Orchards or Ravens. If you live in the country, perhaps these are familiar to your children. But if you live in an urban area, you may have a lot to explain.
Overall Rating: Ho-hum.
Age Appeal: 4-7
Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310711800; Hardback; $15.99
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Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did

Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did is part of the God Counts! series. Written by Mindy MacDonald this die-cut board book parallels the life of Jesus with descriptions of the men who were His twelve disciples. The left side of each two-page spead features a picture and story about an event in Jesus ministry - either a parable He told, a miracle He performed or something He and His disciples experienced. The right side features a picture of the twelve disciples and a short description about one of them. The group dwindles one by one until all twelve have been named.

Nan Brooks serves as illustrator. Like other God Counts! books, this one features bold, colorful illustrations and 3-D pieces; in this book it's the disciples' faces that pop through the die-cut pages.

What I Like: Very few children's books teach about the disciples! My kids like the counting aspect, the die-cut holes and 3-D faces.

What I Dislike: The book doesn't flow well. The stories are not chronological and seem to compete with, almost interrupt the descriptions of the disciples. All this makes the book difficult to read and confusing for younger children.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 2-6

Publisher Info: Multinomah Kidz, 2004; ISBN: 159023830; Boardbook; $10.99

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Special Info: My Bible Storybook is another in the God Counts! series.

ABC God loves Me

ABC God Loves Me is an adorable book that teaches God's love with every letter in the alphabet. The pages in this board book are printed with stars, stripes and gingham, all in soft pastels. On each of these patchwork pages, there are different colored blocks (like quilt pieces), some with patterns and some solids, but all pastels. There are large, capital letters on each page centered on the block pieces with coordinating colors and patterns. Words in rhyming text are also printed in regular font on opposite block pieces. For example:

The letter H is on a printed block while the text sits below the H on a solid block.

"H and I -

these letters remind

 that God is always

 good and kind."

 On the same page, the letter I has its own printed block, while more rhyming text is on a solid block, resting above the I...

"Honey and Ice cream 

- tasty and sweet- 

some of my favorite

 things to eat!"

There are four little bunnies and one white duck playing around the letters. They are all dressed in bold, orange and red colors. One bunny sits behind the N, trying to catch the birds in their nest, while another bunny plops down beside the W in his wagon, to take a rest. Another bunny attempts to paint the large letter P, while the duck zips up the polka-dotted Z. 

What I Like: Everything! The colors, the simplicity of the designs, the creativity; it's really fun just to look at! 

What I Dislike: Nothing. 

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: Recommended for ages 4 and under. I think it would interest children to the age of 6.

Publishing Info: Harvest House Gifts; 2007; 10 page board book; ISBN: 0736920951.

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