Daniel and the Lions

Daniel and the Lions (Bible Story Time) by Sophie Piper is a sweet little booklet perfect for little hands.

Toddlers and preschoolers need to hear Bible stories that are written in a language they understand, and this booklet fits the bill. The The story is told in such a way that little ones will fully understand the account.

What I Like: Illustrations are always a huge selling point for me, and Estelle Corke has done a great job making the pictures simple but beautifully engaging for little people. Each illustration perfectly fits the section of the story it depicts.

As I have mentioned, this book is the size of a booklet, perfect for little hands that want to hold it for themselves.

What I Dislike: I really like this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 2-5-year-olds

Publisher Info: Lion Children's Book, 2014; ISBN: 978-0-7459-6359-4; paperback, 32 pgs., $2.99


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Bible Animals

Kids love animals. And small kids love hand-sized books. The Candle Library takes advantage of a small child's love of both animals and tiny books by offering Bible Animals - a boxed collection of 6 biblical stories featuring animals. Each book measures about 3.7 x 3.7 inches.

The Big Fish's Supper tells part of the tale of Jonah; a big fish hears a big fuss in the middle of a storm. The captain of a ship tells the sailors to throw Jonah overboard. The fish swallows him and Jonah says, "I'm running away from God." Later the fish spats Jonah out on the beach and Jonah says, "Goodbye, Big Fish! I have a message from God - and now I have to deliver it!"

In Little Sheep Gets Lost, a shepherd looses one sheep and goes on the hunt for it. "I'm so happy," the shepherd says at the end of the book. "I found my lost sheep!"

The Pig Who Shared features a boy who cares for the pig but can't buy food for himself. The pig feels sorry for him and offers him some muck. The boy eats it, but tells the pig that at home he always had plenty to eat. "I've been very stupid! I will go back to my father." He does, and the boy's father is happy to see him.

In Elephant Keeps Safe, Noah tells the elephant that God wants him to build a huge boat because a flood is coming. The elephant helps by carrying wood. Lots of animals, including the elephant, get on board once the boat is finished. The book ends: "God shut the door. Inside everyone was warm and dry. Elephant was safe from the flood!"

In Lion Misses Breakfast, a hungry lion sees Daniel thrown into his pit. Daniel prays for help from God and an angel closes the lion's mouth. The next morning, Daniel leaves the pit and there's "no breakfast for Lion today!"

In Donkey Helps a Stranger, a donkey who's been on a long trip and is tired doesn't really want to stop to help a stranger, but he does, anyway. Donkey helps carry the man back into town where the injured man can be cared for. "Thank you for helping me," the stranger tells Donkey.

What I Like: My 2 year old loves these books. He likes the size, to be sure, but he's also attracted to these short tales (each briefly told in 8 pages) with attractive illustrations. The collection is a nice introduction to a number of famous stories from the Bible - a real bonus when you have a child who's not yet interested in children's Bible storybooks.

What I Dislike: None of the stories is what I'd call complete. For example, we never know why Jonah is running from God, nor what his message is. However, each book does offer a biblical reference so parents can easily look up the story and offer more information for their children. As long as parents look at these books as an introduction to these famous stories, I think they will be satisfied.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to Amazon, 4 to 8, but I'd say baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Candle Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-1859858868; 6 boardbooks in a cardboard storage box, 48 total pgs., $7.99.

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Special Info: The books in this boxed set are all condensed versions of other, previously published board books. Donkey Helps a Stranger, for example, is a condensed version of Donkey to the Rescue. (Click here to read our review of this book.)

The Lord's Prayer for Children (Baby Blessings)

The Lord’s Prayer for Children (Baby Blessings) is a sturdy board book that holds a precious message about prayer. Plus, with a thick, padded cover, the book is built to last. The text is accompanied by bright, glittery, eye-catching illustrations. On a two page spread, one side gives a line from the prayer from the KJV of the Bible—“Our Father, which art in heaven…”—while the other side uses rhyme to put the idea in child-friendly terms—“Dear God, We feel close to you/ when we pray/ Even though heaven/ seems so far away.”

What I Like: The whimsical illustrations lined with glitter foil hold enormous appeal. I also like the idea of presenting a prayer that kids will likely carry in their hearts their entire lives and putting its concepts into more understandable language. It’s a great tool to help teach children to pray.

What I Dislike: Nothing!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Even though this book is part of a Baby Blessings line, the publisher lists the reading level at ages 4-8. With the book format, simple text, and short page count (10 pages), I feel it better suits the preschool/toddler age group. But it’s darling enough that older children will find it attractive.

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-784729366; Hardcover Board Book, 10 PGS., $12.99.

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Moving Windows Bible Stories

Young children love novelty books, so what better way to introduce some basic Bible stories - or keep your child's interest going in the Bible - than a book like Moving Windows Bible Stories? This book features 3D pictures that appear when you turn the pages, combined with tabs to pull to make certain elements in the pictures move.

For example, a colorful Noah's Ark appears when you open the book. If children move a large flap, they get a view of the animals inside. And if they pull a tab, an elephant and lion move.

Other stories included are David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions den, Jonah in the big fish, and baby Jesus' birth.

Each story is very brief - just one short paragraph. For example, here's the text for David and Goliath:

"'Who will fight me!' roars the giant Goliath. 'You're all too scared!' But David the shepherd boy says, 'I will!' He whirls his sling. A stone flies through the air. WHIZZZZ! It hits Goliath on his head. Pull the tab! CRRRRRAAAASHHHH! The giant Goliath falls with a thud. David keeps his people safe."

What I Like: Both my 4 year old and my 21 month old love this book. The text is just about right for my toddler and both kids love the 3D illustrations and the tabs.
What I Dislike: The story of Noah and the ark isn't given at all. We simply read about animals being safe on a big boat.

Overall Rating: Very good.

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

Publishing Info: Candle, 2007; ISBN: 978-0825473463; hardback, $15.99

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Daniel and the Lions

Daniel and the Lions retells the story of Daniel and the lions den in Daniel 6 from the point of view of the lions. The book is written by Larry Burgdorf and illustrated by Natalia Vasquez.

Daniel and the Lions relates how Daniel won the favor of the king, then rivals hatched a plan to trick the king into forbidding prayer to God. When Daniel disobeys the law and is spotted praying, he is arrested and thrown into the lion's den.

From the book:

"As we were rushing for the feast
We couldn't touch him in the least.
God sent His angel here, and he
Was far more powerful than we."

What I Like: I don't typically care for rhyming books, but I barely noticed this story was written in verse. It flowed easily. Taking the point of view of the lions was unique, and it made for a bit of fun in an otherwise serious story. (At the end of the story, when Daniel's released, the lion laments how they missed a tasty meal!)

The editor also has a note to parents at the very end, addressing additional issues you may want to discuss with your child; Daniel did break the law by praying to God, despite the fact we are taught to obey the law, and not all who obey God are rescued. I found this page particularly helpful as it gave talking points with scripture references I could use with my daughter.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9.

Publishing Info: Arch Books, a division of Concordia Publishing House, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-7586-1867-3; Paperback $2.49.

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My First Message: Amazing Stories of the Bible

Eugene Peterson's The Message Bible paraphrase has been very helpful in relating the wisdom of the Bible in modern-day language. Amazing Stories of the Bible uses passages from The Message to tell the stories of David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah and the Huge Fish, and Bread and Fish for All. Each story is accompanied by bright, cartoonish pictures, and sections titled "Pray" and "Live." The book also includes a fun audio CD.

The story is written in a very interactive style. Each page asks a question, such as "How much taller was Goliath than you?" or "David didn't want to use armor to protect himself. What did David think would protect him?"

The prayer at the end of the story of David and Goliath says, "Tell God some of the things you are afraid of. Ask God to be with you whenever you are afraid. Ask him to give you courage to be brave and to stand up for what is right."The "Live" section suggests acting out the story, talking about heroes you know, and memorizing Philippians 4:6, which says "Instead of worrying, pray."

The CD is narrated by Manty, the praying mantis, and the stories are read by a young girl and set to background music. They pause to allow listeners to discuss the questions, but they don't read the "Pray" or "Live" sections. The CD ends with a few songs, including "This Little Light of Mine" and "Rise and Shine."

What I Like: My son loved this set, and couldn't wait for his sister to get home and listen with him. He liked knowing the answers to all the questions, and he liked the pictures. We listen to a lot of books on CD, but he listened to this one over and over, even though the stories are very familiar.

I liked having the entire Bible story included, instead of a short summary, like most Bible story books.

I especially liked the "Pray" and "Live" sections. It is so important to link the stories of the Bible to our daily life, so kids will know they aren't just nice stories, but should change the way we live.

What I Dislike: The voice of Manty was a bit annoying, but he only narrates the first few minutes. My son liked looking for his picture on each page and didn't seem annoyed by his voice at all. The background music was a little distracting too, but again, my son and daughter didn't mind.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 2-8

Publisher Info: Navpress, 2007; ISBN: 1-60006-235-0; Paperback, $12.99

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Don't Cry, Lion!

Don't Cry, Lion! pairs two greats in Christian children's literature. Author Dandi Daley Mackall has over 400 titles to her credit. Illustrator Elena Kucharik is best known as creator and lead illustrator for the Care Bears. She also illustrated the entire Little Blessings series and many more.

Don't Cry, Lion! tells the story of Daniel in the lions' den. Using rhyming verse, the story is told from the point-of-view of a tiny lion. He introduces us to a mean lion, Big-Mouth Leo, and tells how frightened he is of him. Being stuck in the den with Leo and a number of other bully lions, the little guy remembers to pray. Just then Daniel is dropped into the pit. Before Leo can reach him, an angel appears and reprimands Leo. Daniel reminds the frightened, little lion: "That bully might be pretty big, but not as big as God." The book concludes with an application: "So when you meet a bully, who is twice the size of you ... Ask God to help you, too!"

The illustrations are detailed and sweet. Because the majority of the book is just about lions in a pit, the colors are mostly yellow, brown and tan. But when opportunity affords, the colors are bright and inviting.

What I Like: The illustrations are fantastic! I also love the application. This is a different angle, one which kids can easily understand and apply. I like the different perspective. While the story takes some creative liberties, it does a great job making this story appeal to young readers. My daughter LOVES this book! We read it several times a day.

What I Dislike: The angel claims Daniel showed Leo how to pray and that's why the lion kept his mouth shut. It seems to make Daniel's safety a result of the lion's decision rather than the protection of God. It's a very small detail, and considering the many other references to God, it detracts very little from the overall value of the book.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher says 4-8, but I think even infants would enjoy this book.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2007; ISBN: 1400310083; Boardbook; $6.99

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Additional Info: This book is also available in Spanish! Follow the link to buy it from Christianbook.com for $7.49 (retail price: $8.99).

Check out other reviews on CCBR featuring the same author and illustrator.

Daniel and the Lions (The Beginner's Bible)

Daniel and the Lions, another book in The Beginner's Bible series, retells the famous Bible story for young children. First we learn that Daniel is

"the king's favorite helper. But the other helpers did not like Daniel.

'Let's get Daniel into trouble,' the helpers said. They came up with a naughty plan."

The helpers persuade the king to pass a law making it illegal to pray to anyone but him, but Daniel's faith in the Lord doesn't waver. He prays to the real God, anyway. The helpers catch Daniel praying to the Lord and rapidly inform the king.

The king "did not want to hurt Daniel, but he had to go through with his law." He apologizes to Daniel as the illustrations (by Kelly Pulley) show him being lead to a cave where a lion's head is peeking out. God sends an angel to be with Daniel and the illustrations show the big cats cuddling up to him as if they were pets. The next morning, the king hurries to see how Daniel is faring. "Did God save you?" he asks. He sees that Daniel is unharmed and declares "Your God is great!"

What I Like: I appreciate the highly colorful illustrations. I also like much of the text, which boils the story down into simple terms that its target audience can follow fairly easily.

What I Dislike: Some important things are left for parents to explain. In particular, it might be hard for young children to understand that putting Daniel in a den of lions was punishment, and that his life was in jeopardy.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: Infant to preschool.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2005; ISBN: 0310711142; board book, $5.99.

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Special Info: Read all our reviews of The Beginner's Bible series by clicking here.

I'll Pray Anyway

How many of us choose to submit to the laws of man rather than the laws of God? I'll Pray Anyway, is written by Marilyn Lashbrook. When the King was tricked into making a law that no one could pray, he didn't expect his friend Daniel, to be in jeopardy. In spite of this law, Daniel prays anyway. When Daniel is thrown in to a Lion's Den for his obedience to God, God, in return, saves him from a terrifying situation. The colorful cartoon illustrations are by Stephanie McFetridge Britt.

What I Liked: The story is short and to the point. The pictures are clear. I felt like the author put more emphasis on obeying God rather than focusing on how scary the lions were.

What I Disliked: I don't have any dislikes where this particular book is concerned. It just seems that there are too many books that focus on certain Bible stories such as this one, Noah, Joseph, and others. But, to stay on track, this book is nicely written and a good pick for small children who have not heard this story before.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publishing Info: Rainbow Studies International ; 2001 ; ISBN 0933657692

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