God Talks With Me About Friendship

Casey’s family relocated and she’s insecure about making new friends. She talks with God about her feelings and he reminds her of Bible verses that trigger ideas on how to gain a new friend.
 
What I Like: The illustrations in, God Talks With Me About Friendship, are fantastic. There is such detail and such scenery that children will be drawn much more into the story. The illustrations help add another layer to help kids understand what the author, Agnes de Bezenac, is truly trying to say.

There are several verses used throughout the story. The verses resonate one with another creating a basis of faith for children to easily grasp and remember. In the story the little girl reads and remembers her scripture.

There are questions at the end of the book to ask young readers to help create conversation regarding God's role in friendships.

What I Dislike: Some of the language used is better suited for older children and not the intended age group of 7 and under.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 7 and under.

Publisher Info: iCHARACTER, 2012; ISBN: 978-1623872083; Paperback, 32 pgs., $8.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $6.86
Be sure to visit the author and illustrator's web page, www.iCharacter.org

Water Or Goo?

Water or Goo?--that's the question in this Tania Abbey novel by Penny Reeve. It's a pretty important question, although not, one would think, for Australian Tania Abbey.

Tania is a spunky kid, and a bit of a teacher's pet, but one who has a big heart. She adores her teacher, Ms. Flinders, so when the teacher announces there is a water rally in their drought-stricken region of Australia (a problem that really has been happening in the last decade in that country), Tania is the first kid in class to raise her hand saying she wants to participate.

The only problem? Boisterous Tania didn't ask Mum and Dad first. Tania's parents decide she can participate in the rally and subsequently set up a booth, but only if Tania can come up with a good idea to educate others about water. She only has 24 hours to decide, since that's when the entry fee is due.

Enter Tania's best friend, Emily, as well as both kids' siblings. All of the kids throw ideas back and forth, but it's not until Tania goes to use the bathroom at Emily's house and the toilet backs up that she gets a lesson on how people in the third world live--and this sparks an idea that quickly snowballs. How would you like to drink water that someone may have been using in or near the bathroom? And the idea of a booth called "Water or Goo?" is born.

What I Like: There's a lot of good things in this book. Exposing kids--especially American kids who really have no knowledge of what's going on outside their little suburban home--to problems in other areas of the world is great. The initial premise for the water march is the drought in Australia, which, as I mentioned, was an ongoing problem down under when this book was published. But Tania's focus quickly goes from Australia's problems to those in the third world. A girl named Shanti in India is predominantly featured in the book, and I presume she was the subject of an earlier book because she's referred to quite frequently, with Tania wondering how Shanti survives with dirty water, or how she carries multiple vessels of water a long distance to her home daily.

This book offers some possible solutions to the dirty water problem. At the tail end of the book, there's an author's note which provides some additional information about how to help others get clean water, although they're primarily for UK and Australian youth. If, after your child reads this book, they feel moved to help, I would personally urge you to look into the organization "Wells for Life," which is an organization that helps bring new wells to areas of the world in desperate need of clean water. But this is just one of many American organizations bringing clean water sources to the third world.

What I Dislike: Story-wise, there's not much I don't like about this book. The religious content is minimal, but present, so the minimal part would be my only gripe. As a writer, though, I did find the writing a little choppy, but that probably won't bother anyone but the most aware of readers.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 9-12.

Publisher Info: Christian Focus Publications, 2008; ISBN: 978-1-84550-341-3; Paperback, 94 pgs., $6.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $6.94

Special Info: This book is written primarily for an Australian audience, and the lingo and spelling reflect that. For instance, "learnt" is used instead of "learned," and "crisps" are used instead of "chips," but there are many other examples throughout the book.

The Berenstain Bears Follow God's Word

If there's anything my kids like more than a Berenstain Bear book, it's a collection of Berenstain bear stories all under one cover. Jan and Mike Berenstain's The Berenstain Bears Follow God's Word, then, is a treat, containing five books in one.

The first story in the collection is The Berenstain Bears God Loves You; Sister has hopes for a lead in the school musical, and Brother is sure he'll get on the school basketball team. But after doing their best during try-outs, they learn Sister is "just" the stage manager and brother is "just" the team manager. Depressed, both go home on a rainy day. But when the sun comes out, the Bear family heads outside to see a rainbow. Mama reminds: "The rainbow is a gift from God. It's a sign that the rain is past and the sun has come to warm the earth again. God puts the rainbow in the sky as a beautiful sign of his love for all the earth and all the creatures that he has made." Including the young bears. She also explains that while God wants us to behave well, he loves us even when we do wrong things. And Mama and Papa are proud of the cubs for taking on such responsible roles as stage manager and team manager.

Next up, is The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule. You can read Christine's review of this story here.

The Berenstain Bears Kindness Counts is next. In this story, Brother allows a younger cub to help him fly his prized model airplane, remembering how he felt when he was younger and Papa did the same. When the model plane crashes, Brother continues his kindness; he lets the cub know it wasn't his fault. He even lets the cub help him repair the plane. When the two go to the park to fly the plane again, Brother spots some older boys launching rockets. He asks if he can help and is at first turned down. But when they hear about how Brother let a younger cub help him, they decide he can participate in the rocket launch.

The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School comes next. The Bear family has been absent from church for a while because the cubs have been busy with soccer and ballet. But Mama decides it's time to start going again. They rise early - to no one's delight - and go to the little chapel. The family sings hymns together, then the children head off to Sunday School. Here, they recount the story of Noah's ark, and learn some funny things about their parents' childhoods. In the end, everyone enjoys the morning, and the cubs head off to soccer and ballet as usual.

The final story in the book is The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers. The cubs say their prayers every night before bed, asking God to bless those around them. But one day Brother and Sister head off to a baseball game, where they see Cousin Fred pray silently before a difficult play. Things go well for Fred and so Brother decides to pray that God will help him make a hit. Brother fails. He tells Fred, "I even tried praying like you did...But it didn't work for me." Fred confesses he only asked that God would help him stay calm and not get too scared. "Prayers are always answered," he says. "Sometimes, we just don't get the answer we expect." That night, when Sister teases Brother about his ball playing, Brother prays God will "help me out with my little sister." To his surprise, he finds he's not angry with her any more.

The book ends with questions and a few activities related to the stories.

What I Like: I read Berenstain bear books to my kids because they love them and they usually have a good moral they can apply to their lives. This collection of stories was no exception.
 

What I Dislike: It's strange to me that God Loves Us doesn't mention the biblical meaning of the rainbow. Kindness Counts is completely secular, although it has a good message. When I read this book to my children, I have to skip Go to Sunday School completely because my children go to "big church" with us; I also didn't like that the Bear family only dedicates the morning to God, going about their usual business the rest of the day instead of actually taking a day of rest. Finally, I wish the emphasis in Say Their Prayers was a little more on how to pray throughout the day.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: preschool to first grade

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310725916 ; hardback, 160 pgs., $10.99.
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TJ and the Time Stumblers: OOPS!

OOPS!, is the third book in Bill Myers series TJ and the Time Stumblers. Everyone at school thinks TJ -- a.k.a. "Thelma Jean" or "The New Kid" -- is crazy or an alien. This could be because she carries on a running dialog with two invisible time travelers from the 23rd century who've come to train her to be a great world leader.

This book opens with the seventh-grader and her time traveling buddies being chased through the school by a British-accented African elephant. As is typical for TJ, things only get worse from there.

Through a course of snowballing catastrophes and monumental embarrassments, TJ discovers that what she thinks really matters. In her case, this is evidenced (among other things) by a malfunctioning "Thought Broadcaster Pen." At first the broken device simply relays everyone's thoughts through cell phones, but before long it actually transforms people into what TJ thinks of them. (Picture big babies, jittery puppets and chickens.) TJ's dad and her new friend, Chad, remind her that "each of us is God's creation" and "we all need to be loved."

But can TJ really control her thoughts? At what cost to life, limb and the future of the human race?

What I Like: Everything about this book is attractive to the target audience. It's wacky, entertaining, and moves at a good pace. The text includes changes in font and appearance. Action and humor begin on page one and continue to the end. I like the encouragement to be positive toward others both in words and in thoughts; the assertion that everyone was created by God and that they just want to be loved. I appreciate the explanation that many people can behave in arrogant or odd ways out of insecurity.

What I Dislike: The point of the book is to think and speak well of others, but the author consistently employs stereotypes with a snarky tone. This even extends to the names of characters including Bruiseabone, Mindlessfan and Tauntalot. This seems contradictory.

The overuse of caricatures and the silliness in the story seem to overshadow the message (which, by the way, isn't introduced until halfway through the book). I would have loved to see more emphasis on the point and less on the nonsense. An included Scripture passage (Philippians 4:8, for example), perhaps in a note from the author, would also solidify the truth behind the book's moral.

Also, I hesitate mentioning this, but I don't like the cover. The illustration accentuates TJ's breasts and the title is nearly indiscernible

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Tyndale House, 2011; ISBN: 1414334559; Paperback; 160 pages; $6.99

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author, including some in this series.

Good Manners for a Little Princess

There are a lot of children's books on manners available today - even a number from Christian publishing houses. But none incorporates a Christian worldview as well as Kelly Chapman's Good Manners for a Little Princess. A spin off of Chapman's Princess with a Purpose, we meet all the same characters, but this time Caroline learns a different lesson: How to have manner's like God's princesses should.
The story begins with a class where the girls sit down to eat, but argue over the food, grab food across the table, bubble their pink tea, talk with their mouths full, and so on. When Caroline falls off a chair because she's not sitting properly in it, she has a dream of a fancy princess manners lesson where she learns the Bible talks a lot about manners and that The Golden Rule is the most important bit of etiquette she can know.
Miss Lily, the teacher, provides specific examples of what The Golden Rule looks like in life. For example, a Golden Rule Keeper loves others, while a Golden Rule Breaker thinks of herself first. Grace, courtesy, and and kindness are emphasized. The girls also learn a little bit about setting the table and dance the "Tutu Trot" to remember some mannerly basics (like "before you eat, say a prayer" and "cover when you sneeze").
The last page of the book has a short, fun quiz for girls to test their manners.

What I Like: My 6 year old actually found this book interesting; any other book on the topic seems to bore her. The illustrations by Tammie Lyon are also well executed and provide lots of interest. Most of all, however, I appreciate how well Christian principles are applied to manners; only by pointing to The Golden Rule can we even explain why manners are even necessary.

What I Dislike: It seems as though the author wrote this story to be a full sized book, but the publisher chose to make it a smaller one. It measures about 7 x 7 inches, which means the text is in a relatively small type and rather dense on each page.

Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Harvest House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0736937238; hardback, 32 pgs., $12.99.
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Special Info: Read our review of other books by Kelly Chapman.

Brave Young Knight

Best selling author Karen Kingsbury is back with another excellent picture book, and like her children's book The Princess and the Three Knights, Brave Young Knight is well worth adding to your child's bookshelf.

In this fairy tale, a young knight is considered the finest in his village. He is strong, can run fast, solves puzzles, and shows kindness to others. So when the King announces a contest to determine who will be called prince of the land, many are certain he will win. But when the young knight sees his competition, he's not so sure. He learns one knight is able to outrun a horse, another is strong enough to carry a horse under each arm, and another is smart enough to solve any puzzle. The young knight tries to practice each of these feats, but admits to his father he's not the fastest, strongest, or smartest knight in the land. His father always replies with words of wisdom about God giving him what he needs.

At last, the day of the contest arrives. The first test is a race, and while all the other knights cheat and find a shorter route, the young knight follows the rules - and comes in last. The next test is to see how many logs each knight can carry. The other knights find hollow logs, so they can carry more, but the young knight carries a solid log - and can only carry one. The final test is a puzzle. The other knights pay a smart man in the village to give them the answer, but the young knight figures out the problem himself, although his answer comes in last.

The King, however, is wise, and he discounts the other knights because they are dishonest. He titles the young knight prince.

"So the brave young knight of the west village became prince and, with God's help, ruled the kingdom with character, kindness, and truth."

What I Like: Gabrielle Grimard's illustrations are gorgeous; the cover of the book really doesn't do them justice. They are full of rich colors and life, adding a great deal to Kingsbury's well written tale. And for parents who long to raise children of character in a world where people of good character are so hard to find, this book is a gentle and fun way of showing that it's always better to live God's way. The Brave Young Knight is an excellent book for either boys or girls.

What I Dislike: Nothing
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: 4 to 8
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2011; ISBN: 978-0310716457; hardback, 40 pgs., $4.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $10.87

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Special Info: To see illustrations from this book, and to watch Karen Kingsbury discuss it, visit the author's website.

Pet Parables (Vol. 1)

Kids love animals, so what better format to teach kids about biblical behavior than a book of animal stories? That's the premise behind Neta Jackson's Pet Parables (Vol. 1).

This volume contains two stories: "The Cat Who Smelled Like Cabbage" and "The Duck Who Quacked Bubbles." The first begins by quoting Philippians 2:3 ("Be humble and consider other smore important than yourselves..."), then Jackson weaves a surprisingly down to earth and deep story. In it, snobby Siamese Cat and her good natured friend Black Cat chat about the neighborhood. Siamese Cat turns her nose up at the ugly, homeless Alley Cat who tends to linger across the street. She has no real family and no good breeding. But when one of Black Cat's kittens wanders into the street, Alley Cat saves the baby from being run over by a vehicle. Black Cat couldn't be more thankful - and surprised. As she talks with Alley Cat, she find her kind and friendly. And she learns there are good reasons for Alley Cat's mysterious ways. In the end, rather than go for a walk with Siamese Cat, Black Cat shows Alley Cat a better place to keep her own babies, and a new friendship is formed.

The second story begins by quoting Philippians 2:14 - 15 ("Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless den pure..."). Grumble, a very grumpy duckling, complains about everything. Her siblings crowd her in the nest, splash her in the pond, bump into her when they walk, and make her late for everything. When the other ducklings finally tire of Grumble's grumblings, they leave her to play by herself. To "show them," Grumble wanders into a box, thinking to hide until her family gets worried. But the box turns out to be a trailer that gets pulled away by a car. Fortunately, the family in the car hear Grumbles quakes and bring her back home. Grumble discovers her family really did miss her, and she's so thankful to be back home, she vows never to grumble again. Instead, whenever she feels the urge to grumble, she sticks her head under the water and quacks, producing bubbles. Soon, her family renames her Bubbles.

Both stories end with a parental note and questions for discussion, always bringing up God. For example, in the questions for "The Duck," the author writes: "What do you think God wants us to do when we feel like complaining? The next time you feel like complaining, what could you do instead?"

What I Like: Jackson is a strong writer. My 4 year old loves her stories and I find them pleasing to read. "The Cat" struck me as particularly well written for a book targeting this age group. The illustrations by Anne Gavitt are also lovely. Even my 18 month old loves them (he is, admittedly, a huge fan of cats). The cat drawings are realistic and expressive, while the duck pictures have a vintage storybook charm.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 -8.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2004; ISBN: 978-0825429385; hard back, $12.99

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Special Info: Read our reviews of books by Neta Jackson.

Maxmilian Kolbe: Saint of Auschwitz

Elaine Murray Stone has documented one of the most inspiring stories to take place in a Nazi concentration camp in her slim, readable volume, Maximilian Kolbe: Saint of Auschwitz. The story begins with Maximilian's early life in Poland, and continues on through his ordination as a friar, his advanced schooling in Rome, and his role as founder of two monasteries and several Catholic newspapers. Kolbe was arrested and released once after the Nazi invasion of Poland, but was later rearrested and sent to Auschwitz.

As a young boy, Kolbe was a handful, but a vision changed his life. While he was still young, he was praying in church, and he saw an image of Mary holding out a red and a white crown. She told Kolbe the white one meant he would be pure forever, and the red one meant he would be a martyr. Then, she asked Kolbe which one he wanted. He asked for both of the crowns, and from that day on, he aspired to be a priest.

Kolbe went on to school in Poland and later Rome, where he excelled. He became a friar and started an organization dedicated to serve Mary in the way a medieval knight would serve a queen. Kolbe also used the printing press to found monasteries and publish Catholic newspapers in both Poland and Japan.

Near the beginning of World War II, Kolbe was sent from Japan back to Poland to rest and recover from tuberculosis. He was outspoken against the Nazi agenda of exterminating Jews and anyone weak. The Nazis arrested Kolbe when they invaded, along with most clergy. He was released and chose to return to the friary instead of escape to America or go into hiding. He was arrested again in 1941, and eventually sent to work at Auschwitz. In Auschwitz, Kolbe encouraged prisoners, heard confessions, and even celebrated an underground Mass.

One day, after a prisoner escaped, Kolbe's barracks was sentenced to be punished. The guards selected ten men to be thrown into a cell and starve to death. As Kolbe watched, one of the men began to cry and mentioned his wife and children. Kolbe stepped forward and asked the guards to choose him instead, as he was older and had no family. The guard agreed, and Kolbe was killed. Francis Gajowniczek, the prisoner Kolbe saved, survived the war and was reunited with his wife. He spent the rest of his life telling others about Kolbe's sacrifice.

Kolbe indeed earned a white crown of purity and the red crown of a martyr. Today, Maximilian Kolbe is known as a hero to all, and as a saint to Catholics around the world.

What I Like: This is an inspiring story, and Kolbe was a remarkable man. His accomplishments even before being martyred are amazing. He exhibited such sincere, unwavering faith through hardship, illness and obstacles. He is a wonderful example for readers to follow.

This book is easy to read, fast-paced and clear. It includes several black and white illustrations, and will hold the attention of any reader. It is an excellent model of non-fiction writing. Stone traveled extensively to research her book, and a complete bibliography is included.

The book explains many Catholic ideas, such has the process for becoming a saint, and the way a friar relates to his community. It also explains many aspects of World War II. Stone does a good job giving background information within the story, without interrupting the flow of action.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Publisher lists 8 and up, but I think there are lots of details about the concentration camps. I would say 12 and up.

Publisher Info: Paulist Press, 1997; ISBN: 0-8091-6637-2; Paperback, $8.95

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Special Info: Protestant readers should note Mary is often referred to as "the Virgin Mary" or "the Blessed Virgin." Also, Stone writes, "[Francis] prayed to Maximilian Kolbe to intercede for him, that he might live a long time." Francis' prayers were in 1965, after Kolbe's death.

The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree

My four year old is a big fan of the Berenstain Bears, so we were anxious to read The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree. We were in for a couple of surprises.

First, I've never read a Berenstain Bear book that was written entirely in rhyme; this one is. I've also never read a single Berenstain Bear book that was so long; this one is 72 pages.

I didn't find the rhyming troublesome. It wasn't always perfect, but it did the job. But while long books don't bother my preschooler, I found myself thinking, "Where is this book going? Is it ever going to end?"

The book begins by quoting the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), then proceeds to tell the story of how Papa Bear is obsessed with finding just the right Christmas tree. Although Mama Bear suggests stopping at Grizzly Gus' tree lot, Papa insists on taking Brother and Sister out to cut down their own tree - even though it looks like snow. Papa takes them way out in the wilderness, and each time he thinks he's found the perfect tree, they discover animals living in it. Finally, when Papa peeks into one tree and sees a humble snowbird family making their Christmas tree from a bare twig, Papa sees the light. He decides Christmas is a time "to think of the other guy." So the three-some heads back into town to Grizzly Gus' tree lot.

When they get there, though, all the trees are sold. Sad because it looks like they'll spend this Christmas without a tree, Brother, Sister, and Papa head home - to discover all the animals whose homes they didn't chop down have decorated their tree house, trunk to tree top, with Christmas tree ornaments.

Delighted, the Bear family looks up and sees a very special bright star in the sky above their tree house. "It was the light of the real Christmas star!"

"The Christmas spirit shone down that night.
It filled the whole sky with a lovely light.
It charged the cold, clear Bear Country air.
It filled the heart of every bear,

And their fellow creatures,
one and all,
nature's creatures,
great and small."

What I Like: The illustrations in this book are delightfully full of detail. My preschooler had a great time studying the pictures of Bear Country decked out for Christmas. And the message of the book, that we should do to others as we'd have them do to us, is an excellent one.
What I Dislike: This book rambles. The story is simple, yet it takes the authors a long time to tell it. Still, my four year old likes it. Also, while I think good things can come of Christian publishers offering books that are subtly Christian (thereby opening up the audience that might read the book), I find it disheartening a Christian company would publish a Christmas book that says Christmas is about something other than Jesus' birth.
Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 9978-0310719403; hardback, $12.99
Special Info: Some parents will object that a Bear version of Santa (complete with sleigh and reindeer) is pictured. (To be fair, a nativity is mentioned - although not shown in the illustrations.) Check out our other reviews of Berenstain Bear books.
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Meghan Rose on Stage

NOTE: This review was written before we knew Lori Z. Scott or she became a reviewer at Christian Children's Book Review.


Meghan Rose on Stage, written by grade school teacher Lori Z. Scott, is a good place to begin when your child is ready for an essentially non-illustrated chapter book.

Meghan Rose is a typical first grader, and when she learns her school is having a talent show, she's excited - and a bit worried. What, exactly, is her talent? That girl she doesn't care much for, Lynette, plays the piano. Her good friend Ryan dribbles balls and is great at blowing bubbles. But Meghan isn't good at anything at all. So she prays about it.

Later, her moms says,

"God gives each of us different talents. Don't compare yourself too much to other people. Just focus on what you can do best...The Bible tells us to be content in all situations. Content with much...or with little."

When at last Meghan decides her talent show act will be performing "the awesome, amazing, incredible, frightening volcano demonstration" (i.e., making a clay volcano erupt with baking soda and vinegar), she feels much more confident. But then her friend Ryan uses the water bottle she's filled with vinegar to water the class plants. Her act is ruined. Now what will she do?

It's not until Lynette gets a terrible case of stage fright that Meghan realizes what her true talent is. She tells her teacher: "I prayed for an idea, Mrs. Arnold...And I thought about what I do best. And it isn't jumping. Or chanting...It's being a friend..." So Meghan asks Lynette and many of her other classmates to join her on stage. And they are great.

What I Like: This book reminds me a lot of the Natalie books by Dandi Daley Mackall, which are targeted more toward preschoolers and kindergartners. Meghan isn't quite as well written, but is penned in an easier to read style. If you and your children like Nat, then you'll probably like Meghan, too. Other readers have compared this book to the mainstream series about Junie B. Jones.

Meghan is flawed, but wants to please God, and we see her dealing with common things like jealousy and wishing not-so-nice people ill - and then feeling guilty about it - with prayer. There is some humor; for example Meghan's mom tells her she'll grow eyes in the back of her head when she becomes a mother, and Meghan decides the lumps just behind her eyes are really her "eye buds," which will open up upon having a child.

A neat bonus is the inclusion of a few discussion questions at the end of the book, plus five activities to try (including creating a clay, baking soda, and vinegar volcano). There are also five black and white line, cartoon-like illustrations by Stacy Curtis scattered throughout the book.

What I Dislike: There are times when Meghan Rose On Stage's first grade characters seem to speak with the maturity of an adult. Nonetheless, the book as a whole has good kid appeal.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 6 - 8, but older kids generally don't like reading about younger children. On the other hand, my 4 year old really enjoyed having this title read to her.

Publishing Info: Standard, 2007; ISBN: 978-0784721032; paperback, $4.99.

Buy Now at ChristianBook.com for $3.99, or buy the boxed set of Meghan Rose books for $15.99.

Or Buy at Amazon.com for $4.99.

Special Info: Visit Lori Z. Scott's website for activities, jokes, and interviews with the author.

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors, written and illustrated by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is a book in the “Living Lights” series of Berenstain books published by ZonderKidz.

The Berenstain Bears live in a neat tree house in Bear Country. They, and most of their neighbors around them, take pride in keeping their properties clean and well-maintained. The one exception is the house where the Boggs live. The Bogg brothers share a run-down shack not far from the Berenstain’s home. The Bogg residence sports a roof that is caving in and a yard that is full of junk. They even drive a car that is as old and ratty looking as their house. The Berenstain Bears think the Boggs are a problem for the neighborhood.

One day, on the way to the Big Bear Town Festival, the Berenstain Bear’s car breaks down. They are stranded along the side of the road. A car comes by, driven by Mayor Honeypot. He slows down long enough to tell them he can’t stop and help them; he is in a hurry to get to the Festival as he is Master of Ceremonies for the event. Another car, driven by Squire Grizzly, also slows down, but Squire Grizzly tells them he can’t stop either as he too must hurry to the Festival where he will judge the flower-arranging contest. The occupants of the third car to come down the road are the Bogg brothers. They, or course, stop and help the Berenstain Bears. The Bogg brothers tow Papa’s car to a nearby garage that is run by their Uncle Zeke. Uncle Zeke not only fixes the car, he doesn’t charge them for the repair. As he says, “This one is on us. After all, we’re neighbors.” The Berenstain’s invite the Boggs to join them at the Festival, where they all have a good time.

The illustrations are the usual, colorful, cartoon-like drawings used in all the Berenstain Bear picture books. There is a section at the back of the book with questions about the story and activities for kids that relate to the story.

What I Like: In most of the Berenstain Bear picture books, one of the cubs, either Brother or Sister Bear, needs to learn a lesson about something. In this book, the parents, as well as the cubs, learn a lesson about judging others.

I also like the fact that this is a Good Samaritan story, Berenstain Bears style.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310712491 ; Paperback, $3.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $2.99!

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bears books.

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

Do Unto Otters was written and illustrated by award-winning children's author Laurie Keller. Using her signature style, this book is a cute take on The Golden Rule. While the book vividly reinforces a Christian principle (as found in Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31), it does not mention God or Scripture anywhere in the text.

When Mr. Rabbit gets new neighbors -- otter neighbors -- his friend, Mr. Owl, teaches him "an old saying: 'Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you.'" Rabbit thinks long and hard about what that means and how he would like the Otters to treat him. He wants them to be friendly, polite, honest, considerate and kind. They should also know how to cooperate, share and play fair. Good friends and neighbors don't tease and they always apologize and forgive when necessary. Mr. Rabbit agrees that it's easy to be friends when you treat "otters" the way you want them to treat you.

The author gives great explanations of what each of these traits mean. Being polite means knowing when to say "please", "thank you" and "excuse me". (One otter shares with readers how to say these three phrases in five languages: Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Pig Latin.) Being considerate means a lot of things including "being on time, respecting the elderly and showing patience." Playing fair means to "be a good sport, play by the rules, take turns and include everyone."

What I Like: I love how specific the author is. She gives tons of examples making it easy for kids to apply this principle in their lives. And it's funny. There is so much to look at on each page: sidebars, characters and colors. Some books read so quickly you have little time to focus on specific elements with your children. Not with this book. It's interactive. It encourages discussion between parent and child.

What I Dislike: Personally, I don't like the illustrations. The characters remind me of Ren & Stimpy. They're just kind of weird, but my kids like them.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8, but I think some older kids may enjoy it, too.

Publisher Info: Henry Holt & Co., 2007; ISBN: 0805079963; Hardback; $16.95

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Additional Info: There are two things some parents might find offensive. First, on the page about "when to say 'Excuse me.'", two characters pass gas. Both do say "Excuse me." Second, when Mr. Rabbit and an Otter share books, one of the titles is "Harry Otter." The cover illustration is a clear reference to Harry Potter. Considering the target age group, I think these minor details detract very little from the overall value of the book.

Love Your Neighbor

Loving our neighbor is a difficult commandment to follow. But, Love Your Neighbor, by Melody Carlson, makes it seem easy. With cheerful illustrations by Susan Reagan, how could you not love these characters? The author and illustrator work wonderfully together in teaching children to love your neighbor as yourself. That's hard to do when your neighbor is not very nice to you. The text is rhythmic; the pictures are bright and cheery; the story is both realistic and imaginative - much like the minds of children.

What I Like: I especially liked the whimsical illustrations. Children have a creative imagination, and these pictures will keep them glued to the pages. I also liked they rhythmic text. Children are somewhat mezmorized with words that rhyme.

What I Dislike: I don't necessarily have any complaints. This is a cute book, and children love it! But, as a mom, I prefer stories with stronger lessons.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publishing Info: Broadman & Holman ; ISBN 080542383-4 ; $12.99 ; Hardback.

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Adeline's Porcupine

Adeline returns in Bobby Strickland's second book: Adeline's Porcupine. Illustrated by Kathryn Rathke in the same delightfully, simple style, this book teaches children about grace and inner beauty.

The story begins with Adeline adopting a baby porcupine from overly large porcupine family. She names her 'Grace'. Adeline sees the sweet spirit of this critter in spite of her prickly outsides. She tells her: Not everyone saw Grace's virtues. One pet in particular, a pompous poodle named Penelope, hated Grace. She was mean, teasing her always and encouraging the other pets to do the same. Adeline reminded the porcupine of her beauty within and pitied those who couldn't see it.

Grace knew what Adeline said was true. She decided to visit the snooty poodle. The next day she went to Penelope's house and asked to be her friend. The dog, as rude as ever, reacted so harshly her new tiara fell into the pool. Without thinking Penelope dove in to retrieve her prize, only too late remembering she couldn't swim. None of her friends present would save her. Only Grace knew how to swim. As she dove in to save her, Grace prayed: "Now I ask you, dear God, give me strength from above as I show this poor poodle the power of love."

From then on the two were the best of friends. The newspaper read "Dog Saved By Grace." The book ends with a lovely reminder: "How you look, little one, cannot measure your worth. In your heart you're the loveliest creature on earth. You know true lovingkindness will set you apart. Others look on the outside, but God seesthe heart."

Similar in style to the first book, the illustrations are monochromatic, featuring only black, white and lavendar. The lack of color only enhances the delightfully feminine drawings. The story is told entirely though rhyming verse.

What I Like: Everything! Few sequels are better than the first, but this one definitely is. I love the story. The author offers repetition encouraging readers to remember the source of true beauty. Adeline's character is sweet; one I would love my children to emulate.

What I Dislike: Absolutely nothing!

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: 4 and up

Publisher Info: Baker Books, 2004; ISBN: 080104507X; Hardback; $16.99

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The Golden Rule

I was excited to crack open the cover of The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper. A picture book explaining what the "rule" is and how it applies to a child's everyday life is exactly what I wanted for my daughter, and this brand new book seemed ideal. After reading the book, however, I'm not sure if I will keep it, or return it.

The story is pretty straightforward. A boy and his grandfather see a billboard with "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31) written on it. They then have a conversation about what it means, who the rule is for ("A rule that's the same for children and grown-ups?" the boy asks. "There aren't too many rules like that."), then discuss the practical applications of it. ("Imagine how someone else feels," grandpa says. The boy imagines a child's first day at school, how scared she is, and how a smile from someone would make him feel better if he were in her shoes.)

Then the author has grandfather ask: "What if countries lived by the Golden Rule?" To which the boy (who often sounds mature beyond his years) says that perhaps there wouldn't be wars. And while this is true, as adults we know it isn't quite that simple. Fortunately, grandpa says that you can't make everyone in the world be kind to each other, and the book ends on a positive note: "It begins with you."

What I Liked: The concept is fabulous. (Why is there no book like this by a Christian publishing house?) I especially love the fact that the author points out ways children can apply Luke 6:31 to their lives. The Impressionist-style illustrations, by Gabi Swiatkowska, are simply gorgeous. They are a treat for little eyes, as well as big ones, because my 19 month old was fascinated with them.

What I Dislike: This book is a bit too politically correct for my taste. The author points out that the Golden Rule is ancient and that many religions have variations of it: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Shawnee Tribe. Unfortunately, she doesn't mention that the "rule" originated with Judaism and Christianity. The end result is that she makes each of these religions seem equal. Some people might like that presentation, but many Christians will not.

Overall Rating: (On the lower end of ) Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Abrams, 2007; ISBN: 081090960X; hardback, $16.95

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Cow in the Rain

Cow in the Rain, written and illustrated by Todd Aaron Smith, is just one book from the Cow Adventure Series. This modern re-telling of "The Good Samaritan" (found in Luke 10) is filled with farm animals. Cow and Dog are not friends. One night, during a terrible rain shower, cow gets hopelessly stuck in Pig's mudhole, and none of her friends will help her. Who comes to her rescue? Her enemy: Dog. This delightful story reminds children to treat others the way they would like to be treated. The bold illustrations are almost comic book style and cover every page.

What I Like: This book is very different from most Christian children's books! The illustrations are unique and hold the kids attention. I like the use of farm animals. The author thoroughly explains the point of the story making the lesson an easy one for little hearts and minds. He does a great job personalizing the characters.

What I Dislike: Nothing really. The book is a little long for younger audiences (my kids are below the recommended age range), but even they can fully understand the message -- if you can get them to sit still long enough to hear it all.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-7 (according to the publisher), though I would say 3 and above

Publisher Info: Baker Books, 2002; ISBN: 0801045037; Hardback; $7.99

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