Duney

Duney, written by K. Wendt, is an adaptation of the Biblical story of David and Goliath. In this version, Duney has to stay on the beach and watch over the sand dollars while his brothers go to Sand Village off to fight the Hermits. The Hermits want to take over the village.

During a break from his duties, Duney takes food to his brothers. While he’s there, Captain Hermy, the leader of the Hermits, issues a challenge: “If I fight one of you and win I get everything; if I lose, then I’ll go away and leave you alone.”

Duney decides to fight the Hermit. He defeats him with a stone shot from his sling shot. When their leader dies, the rest of the Hermits leave and the village is saved.

What I Like: It’s always interesting to read adaptations of well-known stories. This one was certainly different from any other version of David and Goliath I have ever read.

What I Dislike: I don’t like the illustrations. They are very cartoonish and they don’t add to the value of the story (in my opinion). In fact, I’m not sure what Duney and his brothers are even supposed to be. It’s pretty easy to tell the Hermits are crabs, but Duney and his brothers look like smiley faces without bodies. They look very strange.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: No age group is given, but I’d say 4-8 would be the an appropriate age group.

Publisher Info: Westbow Press, 2014; ISBN: 9781490839349; Paperback, $15.95.

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David and Goliath Dry-Erase Activity Tablet

Moms know dry erase is better than sliced bread. Kids love dry erase, dry erase products can be used over and over again, and if you use dry erase crayons (as opposed to pens), you don't have to worry about kids getting pen stains all over the house. Knowing these things, Dr. Mary Manz Simon has created David and Goliath, a dry erase booklet (or "tablet," as the publisher calls it), specially designed for pre-K learning.

The 14-page booklet tells the Bible story of David and Goliath, giving children something to draw on every page. For example, when David talks to King Saul, children are asked to draw the king's crown - and when David collects five stones, children are asked to draw them into the picture. After the story, there are several pages of educational activities, including alike and different pages, matching shapes, things that don't belong, and things that start with the letter D. The last page of the book has a short prayer, plus a Bible verse to memorize.

This book also has a go-with item, which, while it's not a book and must be purchased separately, is important to mention: It's a set of 24 double sided dry erase cards that really up the level of learning the booklet offers. The cards include activities for recognizing different sizes, clapping out syllables, counting, recognizing letters, same and different, shapes, and more.

What I Like: My children (including my 9 year old, who is much too old for pre-K learning!) LOVED this set! They literally spent most of the day working with it. And I know that not only did the booklet and cards reinforce their knowledge about a Bible story, but they had educational value beyond that, too. I really can't recommend this set enough for the pre-K crowd.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: about 4 - 6.


Publishing Info: Dayspring, 2014; UPC # 081983551550; wire binding, 14 pgs., $5.99 (dry erase cards $4.99)

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Buy the dry erase activity cards for $4.99 

Special Info:  Read our reviews of other books by Dr. Mary Manz Simon.

Great Kings of the Bible: How Jesus is greater than Saul, David and Solomon

Author Deepak Reju succinctly reveals the purpose of his book through its title, Great Kings of the Bible: How Jesus is greater than Saul, David, and Solomon.

In fact, on page one, Reju gets straight to the heart of the matter... that while we can study and gain inspiration from the three greatest kings of Israel, their lives pale in comparison to the only one true king, Jesus Christ.

In the book, Reju  uses straightforward, kid-friendly language, but he doesn't skimp on the details. With uncompromising honesty, he highlights each kings' heroic deeds and their tragic flaws. In that way, the reader somehow experiences rich, full-bodied history in an almost Willie Wonka complete-meal-in-a-stick-of-gum manner (only without the dire consequence of turning into a blueberry at the end).

The book starts with a one page introduction followed by three major sections devoted, in order, to Saul, David, or Solomon. Each section is further divided into smaller, bite-sized chunks and ends with a summary that compares each to the perfection of Christ. In that way, Reju clearly demonstrates how, no matter how incredible these men where in the eyes of the world, Jesus surpassed them all.

The text is accompanied by lifelike, "old-school" illustrations that are simply packed with detail, from tiny weaving patterns in the clothing to pollen on the plants. (Note: I have a soft spot for this style of illustration since it's reminiscent of the 1970 Sunday School papers I read as a child.)

What I Like: I appreciated the way Reju provided a balanced look at the pros and cons of each man's life, and how, with laser focus, he redirected the readers to the book's theme: Christ is our ultimate king. The book lends itself well to family-style devotions. It also makes an easy Sunday School lesson. Best of all, it's got a great price point for a hardcover book!

What I Dislike: Although the author remained faithful to Scripture, I still would have appreciated Scripture references; there are none in the book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5-9 years

Publisher Info: CF4Kids, 2014; ISBN: 978-1781912911; Hardcover, 48 pgs., $9.99

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Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot!

Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot! by Virginia Finnie is the second book in the Hey Warrior Kids! series. You can read my review of her first book Hey Warrior Kids: Put on Your Armor! here.

In this book, the author compares the giant Goliath to the fears that children have. But rather than encourage them to think happy thoughts, she teaches them to speak God's Word to their fears. She explains in a very child friendly way that the Bible is our slingshot and the words in the Bible are our smooth stones. When we use this powerful weapon against the giant of fear, we will be more than conquerors.

What I Like: I love how Virginia Finnie writes the way I speak to my children- with excitement, thrill, fun, and as though there is a big secret just waiting to be shared. Both of my children (ages 6 and 2 1/2) were completely engaged for the duration of the book.

Because the author tells the reader that the verses in the Bible are the smooth stones that we use in our slingshot, she gives children four easy to remember verses that will help them resist their giant of fear.

What I Dislike: I liked everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 3-10 years old

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-62510-012-2 ; paperback, 32 pgs., $9.89

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Showdown with the Shepherd (Imagination Station #5)

Attacks by ferocious wild bears, a near miss with a legendary giant, secret messages, and outsmarting a bad guy who wants to change history. Kids will discover all this and more in Showdown with the Shepherd, book #5 in The Imagination Station series written by Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman.

In this installment, Mr. Whittaker sends young cousins Patrick and Beth back to Bible times to ensure bad guy Hugh (from book #4) doesn't succeed in altering history. Upon "landing," the kids are immediately attacked by a bear. Just when it seems they'll be the bear's lunch, however, a young shepherd with a sling shot scares the bear away. Beth and Patrick soon realize this is David - who will someday be King of Israel.

David is on his way to the army camp to give food to his brothers, so Patrick and Beth go along with him. But David isn't well received by his brothers - even before he says he will defeat the giant Philistine called Goliath if no one else is brave enough to do so.

Yet before David can do battle, Hugh appears, wanting to speak to King Saul. He is working with the Philistines. After threatening the Israelites, Hugh throws fire powder into the torches, creating smoke that makes it easy for him to grab Beth and take her to the Philistine camp. There, Beth sees Hugh has helped create a weapon unknown in biblical times: A catapult. Using her harmonica to play the "ABC" song, she sends this message to Patrick, still in the Israelite camp.

Late that night, Patrick steals into the Philistine camp to rescue Beth. When David shows up, too, they try to disarm the catapult - but they're not sure Patrick's plan to do so will work.

The following day, David faces Goliath, knocking him out with a stone from his sling, then killing him with his own sword. But the Philistines - led by Hugh, who imagines lording over the Philistines once the war is over - throw a fireball into the Israelite army. Patrick feels defeated; his plan didn't work. But when the Philistines try to throw a second fireball, the catapult won't shoot and soon burns beyond use.

Their mission completed, Beth and Patrick head back to where the Imagination Station can take them back to their own time. But Hugh is there, too. To top it off, the bear attacks again, and Patrick, Beth, and Hugh barely escape inside the machine. When Beth and Patrick look up - Hugh, who entered the machine with them - has disappeared.

What I Like: Here is an action packed page turner any kid is sure to love. I read it to my 6 year old daughter in one sitting because she kept saying, "You've got to read what happens next! Read more! Read more!" I also really appreciate how the authors depicted David. As they write: "Patrick admired David's faith in God. He wished he could be more like the shepherd."

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I am not a big fan of the black and white illustrations in this book. (There are about 11). Illustrator David Hohn's work here is a bit too stylized for me; I don't like how the people look like walking skeletons. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise outstanding book.
Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 and up, but kids as young as kindergarten will also enjoy having this book read to them.
Publishing Info: Tyndale House; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976313; paperback, 120 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in The Imagination Station series.

A Warrior Prince for God

A Warrior Prince for God, written by Kelly Chapman, features short, fully-illustrated chapters and introduces young boys to the "Warrior Prince Academy, a training ground for becoming soldiers of God.

It begins with Luke at bat. While his best friends, Harris and Tomas, are on his baseball team, so are two bullies called Double and Trouble. When Luke strikes out, Coach Britmore encourages the whole team with a reminder of King David and his mighty men.

That night Luke, Harris and Tomas have a backyard camp out. After pizza and laughs, they all fall asleep and Luke begins to dream about knights and castles and an invitation to Warrior Prince Academy. As Sir Britmore begins training the boys, he warns them fiercely about Drakon, a cunning snake and enemy of the King, and tells them the story of David and Goliath.

Double and Trouble, of course, aren't afraid and embark on an after-dark hunt for Drakon. Luke tries to warn them, but gets lost in the woods. That's where he meets Drakon himself. Even though he's afraid, Luke remembers Sir Britmore's instructions "When you face your enemy, stand strong in the Lord." Luke prays and speaks truth to Drakon's lies. Finally he finds Double and Trouble who have fallen into a pit and can't get out. Drakon tries to convince Luke to leave them there as payback for all the times they've been mean to him. Luke stands strong, resisting all the temptations and finally speaks the name of Jesus. At that, Drakon slithers quickly away.

The boys are met with cheers when they return to camp. Double and Trouble shout praises for Luke who just defeated Drakon, but Luke gives credit where it's due: "All I did was pray. God did the rest! With His strength, I had the courage to stand up to Drakon."

Luke awakes confident that he can be a noble and brave warrior with God's help.

The back of the book offers a Q&A section about the plan of salvation. It also provides a "Royal Prince Prayer" (a sample sinner's prayer) and a certificate for readers to fill out professing their belief.

The illustrations by Jeff Ebbeler are a bit sketchy, but filled with style and character. He employs a wonderful use of color and dimensional lighting.

What I Like: The illustrations are fantastic, the text is expertly written and the message is clear and strong. Both my kids really like this book (though my daughter persistently reminds us that she's not a "son" or a "prince"). I appreciate the back-matter. The Gospel message is clear and fully supported by Scripture. These sections do well to reinforce the truths behind the book's story. My favorite part, however, is Luke's humility. He explicitly gives God credit for defeating his enemies, just like King David did. This is a perfect example for believers to follow.

What I Dislike: I'm not a fan of "dream" stories. This one shows "reality" only in the first chapter and the very last paragraph of the book. I kept waiting for Luke to wake up at chapter breaks, but he didn't. The dream just kept going. I think the story would have been just as effective if told without that added dimension. Or if it alternated more frequently between "reality" and the continuing dream. Also, Drakon's dialog uses a lot of extended ssss's. It's not a huge problem, but I did find it excessive and a bit cumbersome to read aloud.

Overall Rating: Even with my "dislikes" above, this is an Excellent choice for young boys.

Age Appeal: 3-8

Publisher Info: Harvest House, 2010; ISBN: 0736928952; Hardback; 32 pages; $15.99

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Special Info: This book is just one of many resources available from Royal Purpose Ministries. They also offer 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/.

See our review of a similar title for girls: Princess with a Purpose, also by Kelly Chapman.

The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

As a parent, the Berenstain Bear books do little for me - but my daughter loves them. Jan and Mike Berenstain know their audience well, and in The Gift of Courage. they focus on trusting God.

Too-Tall Grizzly is the school bully and likes to make fun of Sister Bear's love of animals. Sister doesn't know what to do or say when the bully teases her - which only makes her feel embarrassed and miserable. When Papa Bear reads her and Brother Bear the story of David and Goliath, Sister says she could never be as brave as David. Papa says, "I don't know about that...I think both of you can be quite brave when you need to be. And remember, God is watching over you just like David. That will give you courage."

The next day, Sister and Brother discover Too-Tall and his friends throwing rocks at a hornet's nest. Sister grabs his arm to keep him from throwing another rock. The bully's friends charge toward Sister, but Brother stands in their way. Because he doesn't seem afraid, the boys back off. In the meantime, Too-Tall swings Sister around in the air. When she finally breaks free, the rock sails from the bully's hand, breaking open the hornet's nest. The hornets chase after the bully and his friends, leaving Sister and Brother feeling brave - and cared for by God.

The last page of the book offers three discussion questions and two suggested activities.

What I Like: All the familiar Berenstain Bear characters are present - and they seem to rely on God more than they do in many other Berenstain books, including the newer ones published by Zonderkidz. The moral of not being afraid because God is looking out for us is also a welcomed one.

What I Dislike: I have mixed feelings about the way Sister handles this bully. Essentially, she fights him. However, this gives me an opporunity to have my daughter come up with creative ways she would have handled the situation in a better way.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310712565; paperback, $3.99

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of Berenstain Bear books.

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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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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David and Goliath: A Story About Courage

David and Goliath: A Story About Courage offers several learning approaches all in one package. Targeted for early readers, this die-cut boardbook uses simple language to tell the famous Old Testament story.

The included DVD enhances the learning experience through games, activities, music and videos. These teach word recognition, vocabulary, reading comprehension, decision-making skills, proper pronunciation and Scripture memorization.

The book and DVD are both illustrated with the bold outline drawings and plenty of vivid colors. The characters are cartoon-like, but not too cutesy.

What I Like:The story is biblically accurate. The illustrations are great! I love the bold style and inviting colors. Having two preschoolers, I greatly appreciate the publisher's seamless ability to combine Scripture with early reading skills. My kids love the music videos.

What I Dislike: The book claims to have 100+ interactive activities. This is a bit of a stretch. In reality, there are about 9 different activities with various modes or levels within them. All of them are great, but the advertisement of over 100 things you can do seems misleading.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 3-8

Publisher Info: Ideals Children's Books, 2006; ISBN: 0824966597; Boardbook; $14.95

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Special Info: See our review of Adam and Eve: A Story About Making Right Choices, another book in the I Can Read the Bible! series.

David and Goliath (The Beginner's Bible)

The Beginner's Bible series, illustrated by Kelly Pulley, has an interesting concept: Take some major stories from the Bible, make each into a board book with colorful illustrations, and offer them as a first glimpse of the Bible for very young children. One of the books in this series, David and Goliath tells the familiar tale with great simplicity. The text is straightforward; the book begins:

"Goliath was a mean giant. He was in an army that came to fight King Saul's army."

The illustrations are extremely simple, too. In fact, they are comic book-like in their rendering. The important details of the story are intact, and the conclusion, that "God is great," is appropriate.

What I Like: I appreciate the accurate retelling told in simple words and the vivid, highly colorful illustrations.

What I Dislike: I admit I'm not terribly excited about this book, but my two year old really loves it. I find the text a bit boring, and while the illustrations are colorful, they are too cartoonish for my taste. Still, if you want a basic introduction to this biblical story, this isn't a bad choice - especially if your child likes cartoons.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: Infant to preschool.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2006; ISBN: 0310711134; board book, $5.99.

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

David and Goliath

There are many stories for children written about the Bible character, David, as he is a main figure in several books of the Old Testament and the favorite of many children (as well as adults). David and Goliath, written and illustrated by prolific author/illustrator Jean Marzollo, tells the well-known story of David's battle with the giant Goliath, taken from the Scriptures 1 Samuel 17. Children unfamiliar with the story will enjoy the suspense of the story; those who already know it, will enjoy this retelling.

What I Like: I liked Jean Marzollo's writing style. She tells about the battle, and what leads up to it, with an emphasis on what David thought about the whole thing. I think kids can relate to that. And, she uses lots of lively, descriptive language throughout the book. In the introduction, she explains that David was the author of many psalms, that are like poems or songs. So, she included verses from the 23rd Psalm as part of the text. The verses are highlighted in blue ink to set them apart from the rest of the text.

At first, I didn't like the illustrations. The Bible story is retold, in part, in the usual manner, with normal-sized print on the page. Some of the illustrations are what you'd expect, pictures on the page to illustrate the story. But the storyline is interspersed with comic-book-like illustrations. The characters in the illustrations "talk" to each other, like they do in comic books. I thought they made the page "too busy." But, I've changed my mind: I now think kids would enjoy the story being told this way. And, I know they would enjoy the bold colors, which I do like.

Also, there are little animals that run across the bottoms of each page. The pages of David and Goliath are decorated with lambs because, as the author explains, "David was a shepherd." The lambs also comment on the action depicted on each page. I think young children would enjoy these extra illustrations.

What I Dislike: Nothing, now!

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publishing Info: Little, Brown and Company, 2004; ISBN 0316741388; Hardback, $15.95.

Buy now at Amazon for $12.44.

Special Info: David and Goliath is just one book in a series of books about Biblical characters, all written and illustrated by Jean Marzollo. Other books in the series are: Jonah and the Whale (and the Worm); Ruth and Naomi; Miriam and Her Sister; and Daniel in the Lion's Den. Visit the author's website.