The Berenstain Bears: God Bless Our Country

If you're looking for a book to introduce the idea of what the Fourth of July is about, The Bernstein Bears: God Bless Our Country may be a good choice. Written by Mike Berenstain, son of Stan and Jan Berenstain (who created the original Berenstain Bear books), this slim title covers the minimum children should know about Independence Day.

The book begins with the Bear family preparing for the Fourth. As Papa tries on his old army uniform (which he'll soon be wearing in a parade), Mama mentions that he wants to look his best for "the big birthday party." This catches the cubs' interest. How can a country have a birthday?

Papa explains that our nation was born when "the settlers who came here decided they didn't like being ruled by a king who lived in a faraway land." They made a decision to become a new country and wrote this on a piece of paper; the King didn't like it. A war broke out - but the settlers won.

"And thanks be to God!" Papa says. "We believe it was God's will that our new country came to be. And it gave folks from all over the world a place to go where they could be truly free." Mama adds that it was like the Bible says, "He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

The family attends the Fourth of July parade. Papa marches in his uniform. The flags and bunting Mama made fly in the air. The cubs win second place for their patriotically-dressed bikes. "Happy Fourth of July!" the mayor says. "God bless our country!" Papa says. "Amen!" say the cubs and Mama.

The book ends with three questions for discussion and two ideas for related activities. In addition, the book comes with a page of stickers, based on the patriotic pages in the book.

What I Like: My kids are always excited to read a new Berenstain bear book. I also appreciate that this book teaches young children the basics of what In Independence Day is about.

What I Dislike: I wish the author explained the reasons for the Revolution a better - but I admit that by not doing so, he leaves parents free to discuss the matter further, as the age of their child dictates.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: About 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN 978-0310734857; paperback, 24 pgs., $4.99

Buy at Amazon for just $4.61
Or buy the Kindle version for $3.99

Or buy it from ChristianBook.com for $4.49

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims

It is pretty hard to imagine what those before us went through. Imagine: crossing the ocean on a small boat, in filthy conditions, with people who hate you. In Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh, history comes to life as you experience what it was like in the New World alongside William Bradford and Myles Standish, including their trip across the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower.

Rush Revere isn't your ordinary, boring substitute history teacher. With his talking horse, Liberty, he has the ability to actually show his pupils history. Liberty has some special powers, namely the ability to time travel anywhere in American history. And, when Rush Revere jumps on his back and Liberty calls out the special words, they can jump through time and walk and talk with anyone in American history.

For this lesson, Rush wants to teach the kids in Manchester Middle School's honors history class about the Puritans. Using Liberty's abilities and the help of his one-of-a-kind iPhone adapter, Rush jumps back to the time of the launching of the Mayflower from Holland, and broadcasts his experiences with William Bradford back to his class. But one pupil, Freedom, is suspicious, and sees Rush and Liberty make the jump. When they return, Freedom confronts her teacher, along with Tommy, who is the class troublemaker.

Rush Revere comes clean with Tommy and Freedom about Liberty's abilities, and asks the two middle schoolers if they'd like to experience history for themselves. They agree, and soon, they're taking part in the Puritans journey to the first Thanksgiving.

What I Like: I really love EVERYTHING about this book! I will admit: I have been a listener of Limbaugh's radio show for 20 years, and when he announced he was releasing this book, I was excited, but a little trepidatious. Could he write fiction? Other than a few minor fumbles in craft, I found the writing wonderful, and the story engaging. But, with a horse named Liberty, it has to be good!

The book is a treasure in and of itself. The cover is beautiful and the pages are works of art. Inside are multiple illustrations and photographs, some for the purposes of story-telling by Chris Hiers (website published December 2013), but others which come from sources like Getty Images or the Library of Congress to show the lives of the Puritans who landed at Plimouth (as they spelled it.)

Tommy and Freedom are both enjoyable characters to get to know through the story, and are believable kids of an indeterminate middle school age. When they go back to 1620-1621, it's very authentic, especially when they make faux pas, referencing present day things like salsa and county fairs (which the Puritans wouldn't have been able to experience.)

And, while Mr. Limbaugh is no theologian, it is evident throughout the pages he wanted to make sure God was included in the story of Thanksgiving. William Bradford frequently references God and their desires to escape religious persecution, as well as God's hand on their journey. Even facing great difficulties, his belief that God's blessing would be on their journey strengthened not only the Puritans but the others who traveled with him aboard the Mayflower to the New World.

Also, at the end, there's a quiz from Liberty the horse. Answers are found at the TwoIfByTea.com website. 

What I Dislike: All of the very minor issues I have are with craft, as well as one issue towards the end of the book with a layout problem. William Bradford "writes" a letter to Rush Revere to invite him, Tommy, and Freedom to what would be the first Thanksgiving, and the placement of said letter is a couple of pages later than it's referenced, so you have to jump a couple pages up, then back, after reading it or the story doesn't make much sense. However, and it does not detract from the overall quality of the book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Marketed for 10 - 15, but kids younger and older would also enjoy this.

Publisher Info: Simon & Schuster, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-4767-5586-1; Hardback, 212 pgs., $19.99

Special Info:  While not foul-mouthed, Liberty the talking/time-travelling horse is a bit of a smart-mouth and can be a trouble-maker. Depending on the age of your children, you may want to discuss the fact that speaking to adults in the way Liberty does is not appropriate.

Also, Freedom is a Native American/Indian girl who "has the ability to communicate with animals." This does not play a major role in the story, although there is a scene where she communicates with a deer.

Buy it as a hardback at Amazon.com for $11.99. Also available in a Kindle format for $5.99, Unabridged audiobook on CD for $11.69, or an Audible.com download for $11.95.

With My Rifle by My Side

For parents who cherish the Second Amendment, With My Rifle by My Side is a very good introduction to the topic. In fact, it's the only picture book available to help parents or teachers broach the topic with kids. Written by Kimberly Jo Simac and illustrated by Donna Goeddaeus, the book is dedicated "to all who believe in freedom."

In this attractive hardback book, we see a boy and girl baiting their father's hunting stands, a boy having target practice with Dad, kids going to Washington D.C. to learn about the Founders and U.S. history, and a family praying and giving thanks to God "for our food and the gift of every day" and "for an America that is safe and strong in heart." Gun safety is stressed, and guns are shown primarily as a part of autumn hunting. In addition, one illustration shows early Americans (dressed in Daniel Boone style buckskins) holding their guns, alongside this text:

"The Founding Fathers trusted God
for the rules they would make.
They warned us of decisions
that could lead us all astray.
They said it's our privilege,
responsibility, and right,
to own our own guns,
and be ready to fight."

Another page shows a boy looking at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, while the text talks about how Americans "with their rifles by their sides" protected our "right to be free."

The book ends:

"With respect and safety,
I'll keep my rifle by my side.
I will honor and remember
all those who fought and died.
I will always love America;
it is a part of me.
And I will always be prepared
to protect my family."

The last six pages of the book include excellent gun safety rules for parents to teach their children, a list of useful organizations or gun programs, the text of the Second Amendment, and quotes from the Founders (including Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton) elaborating on the Second Amendment.

What I Like: Sadly, not all schools teach the Constitution - and not every teacher teaches a traditional view of the Second Amendment. That's why a book like With My Rifle by My Side is so needed, offering parents an easy way to give children an awareness of their Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The latter section of this picture book, with quotes from the Founders, is especially useful for parents who believe as all Americans believed until the 20th century - that the Founders meant the Second Amendment to be about individuals, not government-organized military.

I also appreciate how Simac's book handles topics like respect, safety, obtaining a true understanding of U.S. history, and trusting in God. Goeddaeus' soft illustrations are also a great addition to this book. They are soft and filled with the rich hues of autumn.
What I Dislike: The picture book portion of this book never talks about the Second Amendment - although the last few pages of the book certainly give parents the tools they need to teach their kids about it. Also, those who don't hunt may have a harder time relating to this book - and there isn't a single image of a woman or girl handling a gun, which seems odd.

Overall Rating: Given that there's no other picture book on this topic, I give this book a rating of Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't have a recommendation, but I'd say 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Nordskog Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 978-0982707449; hardback, $18.95

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $18.95
OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $13.99

Special Info: For a peek at some of the illustrations in this book, visit the publisher's website.

Patriotic Fun Fest

If you are looking for a fun, easy way to share Jesus with friends, these Patriotic Fun Fest tracts may be perfect for you. Aimed at 7-10-year-olds, they include a "From Sea to Shining Sea" maze, a presidential crossword puzzle, and a "Celebrate America" word search. They also include a short salvation message.

The message begins by talking about the blessings God has given America, including the freedom to talk about ideas, live and work and go to school where we choose, and the freedom to go to church. The message continues by quoting John 3:16, and saying "God wants us to experience the best freedom of all--living forever with Him in Heaven." The tract explains how sin separates us from God, and also explains how to "accept God's freedom" and pray a prayer of salvation.

The back page contains silly jokes, sure to appeal to children, and the Statue of Liberty as well as various flag motifs are colorfully illustrated.

What I Like: I like the gentle, but clear approach to salvation in this tract. Rather than condemning children, the tract issues a pleasant invitation for readers to join in the freedom Jesus offers.

I also like the way the tract makes it clear God's freedom through salvation is not just for people who live in America, but for "everyone in the whole world." These tracts would be perfect to give children in a Sunday church service, or Sunday school class, or to give to friends at summer barbecues.

What I Dislike: The only thing I don't like is true of tracts in general. It is sometimes easy to hand someone a tract and overlook the fact our best opportunities to witness come out of genuine, caring relationships. These tracts are well done, but I would hope readers would use them along with other means of witnessing.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 7-10 (The crossword and word search are fairly easy, but good for those who can read independently.)

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 2003; ISBN #63575-72700 ; Paper Tract, $2.49/10

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $2.49/10

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $2.49/10.

The Story of the Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance is sometimes considered a controversial topic today, but in John Hudson Tiner's The Story of the Pledge of Allegiance, you and your child will learn the reason these 31 words were created and how they've changed over the years.

First, I must give a round of applause to Bryan Miller, who designed the book. It is engaging and beautiful, packed with excellent photographs both from history and modern times. But Tiner deserves applause, too, because his text is simple without being dumbed down, and contains lots of interesting information about the Pledge. For example, you'll learn:

* When and why the Pledge was created.

* Why the words "under God" were added to the Pledge by President Ensenhower.

* Why the original "pledge allegiance to my flag" was changed to "...to the flag."

* A brief history of immigration to the U.S., beginning with the pilgrims and ending in the early 1900s, including information on the costs of coming here.

* Information on some flag pledges used in various states across the U.S. before the official Pledge was adopted.

* Details on how 19th century children helped bring flags to every school.

* What the Pledge itself means.

* A bit about what freedom in America means.

There is also a quiz at the back of the book, in addition to a glossary and suggested activities.

What I Like: There's lots to like about this book. The author doesn't shirk from the Christian history of our nation, whether talking about why the Pilgrims came here, what the Founding Fathers felt about religion, or why "under God" was added to the pledge. He also does a great job covering controversial topics like Columbus. Tiner writes: "Columbus is honored as the one who discovered America. The native Americans did not know that Europe existed, and the Europeans did not know about the New World. Columbus discovered America because he made each group aware that the other existed."

I also really like how Tiner interweaves various parts of American history into the book. While learning about the flag and the pledge, we also learn a bit about such topics as the Revolution, the Civil War, and the Cold War.
What I Dislike: My only complaint is the following, confusing, sentences: "The United States is a 'republic.' We vote for our leaders...The United States is a democracy, a Greek word that means 'the people rule.'" Technically, the U.S. is not a democracy, and the author fails to explain why he calls our nation both a republic and a democracy.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't specify, but I'd say kindergarten on up.

Publishing Info: Master Books, 2003; ISBN: 978-0890513934; hardback, $6.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $6.99

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $5.49

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Illustrated

President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address helped unify the United States, refocusing its citizens on freedom for every person, charity, and godly compassion. That's why radio talk show host Mark Levin's father, Jack E. Levin, created Abraham Lincoln's Gettusburg Address Illustrated.

This reproduction of the elder Levin's slender book begins with a preface by his famous son, Mark. Here, Mark tells us a bit about his father - a man of modest means who has achieved a great deal in his lifetime. The elder Levin, we learn, had the Civil War come to life for him while watching a parade where a single Civil War veteran in full Union attire appeared. Later, Jack Levin became a working artist. Wanting to bring American history to life for others, he conceived a book that would reprint Lincoln's famous speech along with period photographs, illustrations, and maps.

Jack Levin's succinct, original introduction recounts why Lincoln gave his now famous speech. It also offers details about various versions of the speech and why the author chose the particular version reprinted in the book. (Because it's the only one Lincoln signed.)

Then, in large lettering, the rest of the book reprints the speech, overlaying the text upon actual photographs of Civil War battlefields, paintings of the Founding Fathers, maps, period drawings of battles, and period newspaper clippings.

The original speech, in Lincoln's own writing, is reprinted at the end of the book.

What I Like: Some will complain you can find the Gettysburg Address all over the Internet for free. But there's little doubt that having visual images to go along with text helps readers see the greater meaning of the speech. Perhaps such resources are available online, but I'd always rather have a book to hold and keep.

This volume, with it's mostly large type and full page period illustrations, is a good way to learn about one of the most important speeches ever made in the United States. Some of the illustrations are quite moving - authentic photos of the dead on the battlefield, for example, and men in uniform going about the daily business of the Civil War.

The speech is still relevant today, too, as Lincoln reminds us our country was founded upon God and liberty, and that Americans should strive to protect the union and each other or risk having "this government of the people, by the people, for the people...perish[ing] from the earth."
What I Dislike: True enough, most of the original sources for illustrations are in black and white, but some are in color (a painting of the founders, and a flag background, for example). Although it's nice to have an exact reprint of this 1960s book, some added color would have been an excellent addition.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: No age range is given, but I'd say age 8 to adult.

Publishing Info: Threshold, 2010; ISBN: 978-1439188965; hard back, $16.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $9.49

Special Info: Several photos of dead soldiers on Civil War battle fields are included in this book, so parents need to consider their child's personal level of maturity before sharing the volume.

God Bless America

God Bless America, written by Amy Beveridge, is a short, happy book about America. It is written in four verses. Each verse ends with a Bible reference. The text starts out like this:

Dear God, I love America!
There is so much to see.
You have made this special land
For children just like me.

Then this Bible verse is given as a reference: “The entire universe was formed at God’s command.” – Hebrews 11:3.

The illustrations by Rusty Fletcher and Terry Julien are bright and colorful, with lots of happy faces.

What I Like: The text is short, the rhyme works, and the pictures are bright. What’s not to like!

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2006; ISBN: 0784718067; Paperback, $1.99.

Buy now at Amazon.com $1.99!

Special Info: This book is part of Standard Publishing’s Happy Day Holiday series of books. Read our reviews of other Happy Day Books. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Terry Julien. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Rusty Fletcher.

Let's Thank God for Freedom

Although Let’s Thank God for Freedom is obviously a coloring book, it is also a story book. There is text on every coloring page, 16 pages in all (including the title page). The story is about freedom and how we honor those who have made sacrifices for our freedom. A correlation is offered as to how we should also honor God.

Here’s a sample: “Each year we thank people who made sacrifices for freedom. And it’s even more important to thank God for sending Jesus.” The point of the whole text is we honor our military every year but we should honor and thank God everyday.

This Bible verse, from 1 Chronicles 29:11 is included in the text: “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord.”

What I Like: I like a coloring book that is more than just pictures. This one offers a story along with the pictures.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: No age is given, but I would say the appropriate age group would be 5-9 years.

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 0784720428; Paperback, $2.29.

Buy now at ChristianBook $1.69!

Or buy at Amazon.com $1.49.

Special Info: This book is part of Standard Publishing’s Holiday Discovery Coloring Book series.

Unfading Beauty: The Story of Dolley Madison

Unfading Beauty by Tracy M. Leininger is a sort of Christian American Girl book telling the story of Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.

Leininger begins with Dolley's childhood, telling us in story form about her Quaker upbringing during the American Revolution. When soldiers approach her father's plantation, Dolley fears they'll steal some jewelry she doesn't wear due to her religion, but keeps hidden as a treasure in her dresser drawer. It turns out the soldiers are American and her parents agree to give them what they can to feed and clothe the volunteers that winter. Dolley remembers Christ's teaching on giving and on keeping your treasures in heaven, not on earth.

In the next chapter, Dolley is older; as she passes the Independence Hall, she witnesses Benjamin Franklin announce what sort of nation American will become: "We have given you a republic, if you can keep it," she overhears Franklin say. But while Dolley is excited about her new nation, her father lays dying. He wants to see her married, so Dolley agrees in order to please her father. She weds a young lawyer who dies of yellow fever only three years later, leaving her alone with a toddler. During this time, Dolley "grew daily in her love for the Lord, and for the first time in her life, she realized that He was her sole source of strength and hope."

Later, Congressman James Madison courts her, and asks her to marry him. He's older than she is, and quite short, but Dolley loves his faith and his service to others. To her, he lives up to his nickname "great little Madison." As she considers his proposal, she suddenly feels "God's divine peace" fill her heart. She agrees to marry him.

Soon enough, Dolley becomes First Lady, and uses her talent for putting people at ease to good use entertaining in the nation's capital. She even graciously invites her husband's political enemies to the President's events. Later, when the U.S. goes to war with Britain and the Redcoats invade Washington, Dolley rescues some of America's great treasures - including the original Declaration of Independence and a portrait of George Washington - from their hands. As it turns out, a sudden storm (an act of Providence, Dolley thinks) makes the British flee and soon the U.S. has won the war.

The author concludes by telling us how Dolley lived out her remaining days quietly, always being a servant to others. "Dolley had learned the joy of service to others and the true value of unfading beauty."

What I Like: I believe it's vital parents teach their children American history. Generally, our schools omit not only the strong religious background behind the creation of our nation, but also the reasons why the Founding Fathers chose a republic. When Americans don't understand these basic tenants, we are apt to seek more restrictive forms of government. Unfading Beauty does a nice job of including some basic information about the founding of our nation and how it was maintained in it's early years. But more than that, it does a nice job of showing how one woman allowed God to use her in ways her modest upbringing could never have prepared her for. Emphasis is placed on Dolley's servant heart and kindness to everyone.

What I Dislike: This book presumes readers have a basic understanding of the founding of the United States. I wish, instead, the author took the time to briefly explain some things. For example, we never read what the American Revolution is about or what the Constitution is, even though both are mentioned. In addition, Dolley's "mammy" is referred to as a servant at one point (though later the author mentions that Dolley's father freed all his slaves) and at one point the author calls the United States "Colonial America," even though the year is 1794 and the U.S. was under the leadership of President Washington. Great emphasis is put on the fact that Quakers, like Dolley's family, don't fight wars, yet the author fails to mention that despite this, Dolley's father did fight in the Revolutionary War.

The illustrations by Kelly Pulley and Lisa Reed (there are eight full color, full page pictures in this 64 page book) are fine, although the illustrators aren't especially talented with the human face. Also, throughout the book, they show Dolley with reddish brown hair, even though the text correctly states her hair was black. Finally, the author does a bit more telling (rather than showing) than she should. Clearly, it's difficult to compress Dolley Madison's life into a short children's book, but another author could have done a better job.

Overall Rating: Despite the flaws in this book, my three year old enjoys hearing the story and looking at the illustrations. And since it's difficult to find books like this for the Christian market, and Dolley is strongly showed as a strong Christian woman, I give this book a rating of Very Good.

Age Appeal: 6 - 12.

Publisher Info: His Seasons, 2003; ISBN: 1929241208; hardback; $15.99

Buy it Now from Amazon.com for $16.

God Bless America

A wonderful way to teach our young ones to pray for our beloved country would be to introduce them to "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin. In the book God Bless America, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, this beloved song will come alive for young ones.

A Daddy bear takes his son and daughter on a road trip. They erect a flag at their house, and then go to different places in our nation as they learn to appreciate it.

The text of this book is the song written by Mr. Berlin, so it can either be sung or read as a prayer. I did both with my daughter!

The illustrations are simple and appealing to children. This board book is sturdy and will endure through many readings.

What I Like: I especially like the simplicity of this book. The illustrations are so cute, and are very fitting with the song. At the back of the book is the sheet music to the song.

What I Dislike: Hmmmm ... I can't think of anything!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5 and under

Publishing Info: HarperCollins, 2003; ISBN: 0060098643; boardbook, $6.99.

Buy it now at Christianbook.com for $2.49!

Hymns for a Kid's Heart (Vols. 1 & 2)

These days, Christians are more often exposed to contemporary Christian music and simple "praise songs" than they are hymns. And while both contemporary and praise songs have their place, it's a great shame that the old, great hymns, filled with words of hope, encouragement, and biblical truth are falling by the wayside.

In Hymns for a Kid's Heart (Vol. 1) and Hymns for a Kid's Heart (Vol. 2) (shown here) Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada attempt to change all that. These beautiful books each introduce 12 classic hymns, richly illustrated (on the two page spreads not featuring sheet music) by Sergio Martinez. For each hymn, we read an interesting story about the composer, then a story about the spiritual concept behind the song (think of it as a sort of devotional), followed by a page of sheet music and a variety of verses. If you can't read sheet music, never fear, for each book contains a nicely done CD of the hymns, sung by children. There's even a glossary of more difficult words (like "tempest," "sanctify," and "grace") in the back of the books, plus Bible verses for each hymn.

Volume One covers "Holy, Holy, Holy," "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," "This is My Father's World," "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," "How Firm a Foundation," "Amazing Grace," "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart," "Take My Life, and Let it Be," "America, the Beautiful," "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past," "Enteral Father, Strong to Save," and "Do you Know What it Means?"

Volume Two covers "Praise to the Lord, Almighty," "Fairest Lord Jesus," "To God be the Glory," "Trust and Obey," "Wonderful Words of Life, " "Onward, Christian Soldiers," "When We All Get to Heaven," ""We're Marching to Zion," "Like a River Glorious," "God of Our Fathers," "Come Ye Thankful People, Come," and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

What I Like: There's nothing wrong with contemporary and praise songs, but they deal mostly with how humans feel about things. Hymns have that, also, but additionally, they are filled with the tenets of our faith. Therefore, I really appreciate these books and the beautiful way they introduce hymns to modern families.

Martinez' illustrations are just lovely; you'd think they came straight from the 19th century. They are filled with rich colors and compelling people. Too, the text that tells a bit of history about the hymns is actually interesting, and many of the true stories are inspirational.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but younger children will appreciate the music CDs, and older kids (even adults!) will enjoy the entire package.

Publishing Info: Crossway, 2003 & 2004; ISBN: 1581345054 (Vol. 1) and 1581345828 (Vol. 2); hard back, $21.99 each.

Buy Vol. 1 at Christianbook.com for $6.99 and Vol. 2 for $9.99!