Natalie Wants a Puppy

Five year old Natalie is about to graduate kindergarten. And she's getting a puppy. Or at least that's what her sleuthing skills have revealed. Unfortunately, though, in Dandi Daley Mackall's read to me chapter book Natalie Wants a Puppy, Nat's detective skills are way off. What she's really getting is an adopted baby brother. That's definitely not as good as a puppy. In fact, Nat's not sure she likes the idea at all

When Natalie's parents hurriedly pack their bags to travel to China, leaving Natalie to stay with her grandma, Nat's throat feels "all chokey." Why do her parents have to leave her behind? Will they really come back? And, most importantly, do they still love her, or are they replacing her? She prays about it, but God's answer isn't immediately forthcoming.

Grandma, trying to soften the blow, does give Natalie a puppy, and just as her parents return home with her new baby brother, Nat reflects on her schoolwork to discover a deep truth. Nat's cat, Percy, doesn't like the new puppy and is missing. Natalie cries and tells her puppy: 

"'Percy ran away, Puppy. He thinks I love you and not him. Only that's a lying thing. I love both of you!' I know this is for true. I know that adding Puppy made me love both of them more. 'Adding means more!' I tell Puppy. 'Not less!"

And just as Natalie's parents are adding another child to the family, Nat realizes they love her more - not less - than ever.

What I Like: Mackall does a great job of getting into the head of a 5 year old. And what child can't relate to worrying about how much their parents love them? Best of all, Natalie comes to the happy conclusion that she is loved in a natural, realistic way.

What I Dislike: Nothing. Although I should note a few things that might bother other parents. The point of view in this book is Natalie's - and the author does a good job of writing similar to how a typical 5 year old speaks. This lead to some minor grammatical errors (like "bestest"), but I found my kids actually found this funny and endearing. If it bothers you, it's easy to edit out as you read aloud.

In addition, there is a section of the book where Natalie talks about not enjoying math (which leads to her realizing "adding means more"), and another where Natalie visits a friend whose older sister is bratty and mean, even saying "I hate you!" and hitting (which makes Natalie wonder if she wants a sibling at all).

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: I'd say 5 - 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN:  978-0310715719; paperback, 96 pgs., $4.49

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other books in the Natalie series. For a similar series with a slightly more mature heroine (who speaks with better grammar), see our own Lori Z. Scott's Meghan Rose series.

Caleb, Son of None

If you enjoy well-crafted, compelling fiction stories with solid take-away values, check out the Caleb Pascal and the Peculiar People series by Kersten Hamilton. Set in the late 1880s, the series features a likable cast of characters and dynamic plots. The first book in the series, Caleb, Son of None, introduces us to a young boy named Caleb, an orphan who was thrown into the trash as a baby. Caleb longs for a father, and thinks his wish comes true when he is adopted and apprenticed to Mr. Groeger, the local tanner. He soon learns that although Mr. Groeger appears to be an upright citizen, he is a callus, uncaring, and abusive man. Miserable and whip-scarred, Caleb fears he will never have a father who loves him

And then the circus comes to town. Through a series of misunderstandings, Caleb ends up at the big top with Mr. Groeger’s money in his pockets. When Mr. Groeger, who was attending the show, discovers Caleb and tries to strike him, an old circus clown named Guillaume intervenes, allowing Caleb to escape.

Guillaume later finds Caleb hiding on the grounds and enlists his help to care for the circus animals. While under the clown’s care, Caleb experience a true sense of love and belonging…especially when Guillaume not only tells Caleb about “the papa”—or God—but shows him the papa’s love. But Caleb’s small taste of safety and joy abruptly ends when Mr. Groeger tracks him down and reclaims him. Caleb once more faces a life of servitude until, in a great act of sacrifice, the clown gives all that he has to free him.

What I Like: How refreshing…a Christian-based children’s fiction book that was so engaging, I didn’t want to put it down! And then I couldn’t wait to read the next book. Hamilton created complex, believable, and moving characters that I think both kids and their parents will adore. The story is so well written and has so much emotional depth that, without being preachy, it seamlessly and powerfully weaves faith lessons right into the heart of the story. In addition, Hamilton anchors a verse of Scripture at the beginning of each chapter. I think this is a perfect book to help kids understand God as our heavenly father. I had a happy feeling in my heart when I finished the last chapter.

What I Dislike: Nothing. I loved the whole thing. However, be aware that the villains in this book might be a bit creepy or frightening for younger readers. Also, this is not a dislike, but a comment: There are four books in the series. Because of the way the stories unfold, it is best to read them IN ORDER. If you read them out of order, you’ll miss the full and dramatic impact.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 978-0784718599; Paperback $7.99

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Special info: Visit Kersten Hamilton's web site.

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel

I just finished reading Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, on my daughter's recommendation. The first in Lois Gladys Leppard's extensive series, Mandie and the Secret Tunnel is loosely based on the life of Leppard's mother. Set in North Carolina in 1900, Mandie struggles to find her own place in the world. When her father dies, she feels she has lost the only person who cared for her. Mandie wonders whether God is punishing her. When she is handed over from her uncaring mother to live as a nanny in an home where she is treated little better than a slave, she fears this is true. Thankfully, her father's Native American friend, "Uncle Ned," is always watching out for Mandie, and helps her escape.

Uncle Ned and his family travel with Mandie through the woods to find her father's estranged brother. Although Mandie's uncle is in Europe, she is welcomed by the house staff, and given a room of her own. Mandie has never seen such wealth, eaten so well, or had clothes made especially for her. When Mandie's uncle dies in Europe, her fate depends on the contents of a missing will. The house manager allows Mandie to stay in the home until the will is found, and Mandie makes friends with the next-door neighbor, Polly. Joe, a friend from home, also comes to visit her.

The three children decide to look for the will themselves and stumble upon secret tunnels, stairways and rooms in the ancient house. Their search gets more complicated when several people turn up on the doorstep claiming to be long-lost heirs of Mandie's uncle. Uncle Ned continues to watch over Mandie as the adventure unfolds, and the happy, surprise ending makes us realize God is not punishing Mandie after all.

Each chapter is prefaced by a verse from the 23rd Psalm, and the verses occur in order through the end of the book.

What I Like: I liked this book, but my eight-year-old daughter's reasons might be more interesting. First, she thought it was neat Mandie decided to trust God even though she was afraid He was punishing her by allowing her father to die. Mandie says, "Dear God, I still love you, even if you don't love me anymore."

My daughter also liked the surprising connections between Mandie and Uncle Ned, the Cherokee Indian who watches out for her. Uncle Ned is a very likable character, and his presence in Mandie's life shows us God has not forgotten her, and gives us hope everything will turn out alright.

A lover of mysteries, my daughter also liked the mysterious, old house and the drama and suspense surrounding the missing will. The plot takes many unpredictable turns and certainly keeps readers wondering what will happen next. The happy ending, where Mandie finds herself a member of a real family was definitely the highlight of the book for both my daughter and me.

What I Dislike: There was a bit of romantic interest between Mandie and her friend Joe. Since Mandie turned twelve half-way through the book, I thought this was a bit misplaced. Leppard writes of jealousy between Mandie and Polly because of Joe, and there are several instances of hand-holding. At the end of the book, Joe even asked Mandie to marry him when they grow up. Although he was a couple of years older than Mandie, this is still quite young to be talking about marriage. Mandie refuses to answer him right away, but the next day he is still pressing her for an answer. Mandie finally agrees to marry him if he will get back her father's house. Even though her answer shows her youth, I don't think one should put conditions on a marriage proposal. However, in my daughter's words, "That was just kind of cozy, but it wasn't nearly as exciting as when Mandie found out the truth about her family."

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Bethany House Publishers, 1985; ISBN: 9-780871-233202; Paperback, $5.99

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Adopted and Loved Forever

Adopted and Loved Forever by Annetta E. Dellinger was originally published in 1987. This year the publisher released a 2nd Edition, an updated version that offer new illustrations and more contemporary wording and explanations.

The text provides a first person narrative of adoption from the perspective of a young girl. She tells readers that her parents are very special and she loves them very much. Long ago they were lonely because they had no children, but after talking with someone at the adoption agency, they chose her to be their child. The text explains that an adoption agency “knows where there are children who need families.” The book goes on to answer several questions.

• Adopted children don’t always look like their adoptive parents, but that’s okay.
• Even adopted kids have to obey their parents. Just like other kids, they are corrected when they misbehave.
• Children can be adopted at different ages, some as babies and others as older kids.
• Children can be adopted for different reasons, some because their parents died; others because their parents couldn’t care for them properly.
• The Bible talks about adoption, too! Esther and Moses were adopted, and God adopts all believers into His family.
• Adoption is permanent. Adoptive parents won’t change their minds when their child gets older. Rather, the child is adopted and loved forever.

The illustrations by Janet McDonnell add much to the story. They feature a loving family – Caucasian parents and an Asian daughter – in strong watercolor.

What I Like: This book answers so many questions! It tackles inquiries held by kids who have been adopted or who know others who have been adopted. It’s fantastic. I like that it provides Bible references where relevant (Esther 2, John 15:16, Ephesians 1:4-5 and Galations 4:5). I like that it clearly makes the parallel between earthly adoption and spiritual adoption.

What I Dislike: I would have liked stronger illustrations. These are nice, but there is nothing dynamic or exciting about them.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing, 2nd Ed. 2009; ISBN: 0758615914; Hardback; $12.99

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God Found Us You

Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant's successful God Gave Us You has given rise to several other picture books featuring their cute and curious polar bears. But in their newest picture book, Bergren and Bryant introduce us to a new set of characters: A fox mama and her adopted baby.

God Found Us You follows the familiar Bergren format of a conversation between animal baby and animal parent. This time, Little Fox curls up to his mother and says, "Mama, tell me again about the day I came home." Mama says this is her favorite story of all time because "when God found us you, it made me the happiest mother in the world."

Mama Fox explains that she dreamed of Little Fox for a long, long time. She saw him everywhere she went; she prayed and prayed and prayed for Little Fox to come. It was difficult for her to see other mothers with their babies, but she "trusted that God knew you, and knew me, and knew when we'd fit perfectly together."

Little Fox asks: "How come I couldn't stay with the mother who had me?" Mama Fox says she must have had a very big reason to give up Little Fox; she must have believed it was best for Little Fox. "I think she prayed like crazy that you would be safe, Little Fox. I think she prayed for me as much as I prayed for her."

When Little Fox wonders if Mama Fox is his forever mama, Mama Fox assures him she'll be his forever - no matter what. Little Fox is the best gift God ever gave her. Then Little Fox falls asleep, feeling safe and secure, and remembering his mother is the happiest mama in the world.

Throughout, Bryant's illustrations are gentle and sweet, depicting the woodlands and Mama and Little Fox beautifully.

What I Like: Bergren's tone is just right. She and Bryant make is obvious Mama Fox adores her baby, and vice versa. I appreciate how clear it's made that God brought mother and baby together, and how carefully Bergren words the section on why Little Fox's birth mother gave him up. I also love the honesty Bergren displays when she allows Mama Fox to admit how hard it was to wait for her baby. This is a lovely, lovely book that brought tears to my eyes. If you have an adopted child, or know someone who does, this book is really a must have.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but slightly younger kids will like this book, too.

Publisher Info: HarperCollins, 2009; ISBN: 0061131768; hardback; $10.99

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Special Info: Check out our other reviews of Lisa Tawn Bergren's and Lura J. Bryant's books.

A Blessing From Above

I am inclined to call A Blessing from Above, written by Patti Henderson and illustrated by Liz Edge, a fairy-tale about adoption, as the story begins with the words “once upon a time...” In the story, Momma-Roo, a kangaroo, has an “empty pouch.” She sees other animals in the forest with their babies and she wants one, too. One day, as she is sitting under a tree, a baby bird falls into her pouch. The mama bird, who has just lost her chick, “knew her nest was not big enough for all her chicks...” and it made her happy “to see her baby blue-bird in such a warm, cuddly place.” Momma-Roo “adopts” the bird as her own and calls it “Little One.” The story ends with these words:

"Now every night before they fall asleep, Momma-Roo and Little One thank God for all their blessings...but especially for each other."

The story references two Bible verses: “Children are a gift from God; they are His reward.” (Psalm 127:3); and “In love he destined us for adoption to himself...”(Ephesians 1:5).

The water-color illustrations are colorful and playful, lending a light-hearted air to the story.

What I Like: The story is short and simple, making it good for young children.

What I Dislike: I don’t like Christian children’s stories that begin with the words “Once upon a time.” That's the way you begin a fairy tale, not a Christian-based story. And the theme, adoption, isn’t handled very realistically in terms of a kangaroo “adopting” a baby bird. This might be a bit confusing for children, leading to more questions than answers for children trying to understand what adoption means. I think the story would have been stronger if the mama kangaroo had adopted a baby kangaroo.

Overall Rating: Good. I give the story a rating of “Good” as it might appeal to some audiences.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Golden Books, 2004; ISBN: 0375828664; Hardcover: $2.99.

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Special Info: Both the author and the illustrator of this book have personal experience with adoption. Patti Henderson is the mother of two adopted sons and Liz Edge is an adoptee.

Shaoey and Dot

Shaoey and Dot is written by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman. The book was inspired by the true story of their adoption of a girl from China. Shaoey (pronounced SHOW-ee) is a little Chinese baby discovered by Dot, a little Chinese ladybug. Together the two embark on the journey of adoption. Told through rhyming verse, the book describes the orphanage and the first experiences of these two in their different environments. Dot acts as protector and comforter for this bundle she's found. It ends with both Shaoey and Dot going on an airplane with their new family to their new home.

Steven Curtis Chapman has won four Grammy Awards, forty-seven Dove Awards and one American Music Award. He and his wife, Mary Beth, have six children, including three girls adopted from China.

The book is illustrated by Jim Chapman, Mary Beth's brother. (Her maiden name was Chapman.) He and his wife have also adopted from China. His illustrations consist of line drawings and soft watercolor. They are endearing and detailed.

What I Like: There are a ton of children's books about adoption, but very few with a Christian perspective. This is one of them. I love the tenderness of this story. My sister was adopted from Korea, so adoption is close to my heart. Furthermore, all believers are adopted by God, so it is something I feel Christians should understand and embrace. This book is a wonderful way to introduce the concept to children. I like that it is truthful without giving too many details. The circumstances leading up to adoption are not always pleasant. This book does a wonderful job keeping everything positive. Also, the book reads easily. My daughter has me read it over and over.

What I Dislike: The illustrations are too sketchy and pastel for my taste. The illustrator is obviously very talented, but the quality seems inconsistent to me. Some parts are extremely detailed and interesting, while other parts of the same illustration seem rushed or incomplete. Also, the ending of the book seemed abrupt. The authors spent a lot of time telling us about Shaoey and her home in China, but no time telling us about her new family or her new home in America. I would love to see the book expanded (or a sequel) to describe her adjustments to her new life.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2004; ISBN: 1400304822; Hardback; $16.99

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Special Info: This is the first Shaoey and Dot book. See our review of another in the series: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story.

Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story

Shaoey and Dot: A Thunder and Lightning Bug Story shows children they have no need to fear in the dark because God is everywhere. Shaoey is an adorable little Chinese girl, and Dot is her ladybug friend. One night the lights go out during a thunderstorm. Shaoey is very frightened. Dot reminds her there are worse things to fear -- like sharing your bunk bed with a whale or having to help an alligator brush his teeth. Dot tells a few fun things to do in the dark, too. She concludes with "But the one thing to always remember is that God's there, wherever you are. He's always watching and taking care of you, and His eyes even see in the dark!"

Written by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, this is the third book in the Shaoey and Dot series. Steven Curtis Chapman is well-known throughout the Christian community for his music. He and his wife have six children, three of which have been adopted from China. The Shaoey and Dot series grew from their experiences as adoptive parents. All the books in the series are illustrated by Mary Beth's brother, Jim Chapman. He and his wife have also adopted from China. The illustrations are cute and imaginative. Done almost entirely in line drawings, they are sketchy, but quite detailed.

What I Like: This book is perfect for all kids who fear the dark, be they adopted or not! It reminds kids God is their Protector and He's always there. I love the line about God seeing even the dark. The book has helped my daughter not be frightened. She loves it!

An added bonus: the main character is obviously Asian. My sister was adopted from Korea, so I love this series. While this book makes no mention of adoption, the series together does. It makes adoption understandable for children and features a little girl who looks similar to my kids' cousins. Every child, whether touched by adoption or not, will benefit from understanding the concept for all believers are adopted by God. The details of this truth are key to the Christian faith.

What I Dislike: It's short! There are only four lines of poetry on every other page. I expected the book to be longer -- especially considering the age recommendation. Also, the colors were a little too pastel for my taste.

Overall Rating: (upper side of) Good.

Age Appeal: 9-12 according to Amazon, but I would say 3 and above

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2006; ISBN: 1400307430; Hardback; $10.99

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Additional Info: The Chapmans have founded the organization Shaohannah's Hope to aid families seeking to adopt. Learn more at www.shaohannahshope.org.