The Only Gift

The Only Gift put out by the Children's Bible Hour is a very reflective story reminding us and our children that the only gift Jesus wants from us is ourselves.

The Sunday school children are putting on a short Christmas play for their parents. Rather than going with the usual "Nativity scene" skit, the class chooses to do a skit where they bring gifts to Jesus- trophies they have earned in sports, music they have written, foods they enjoy eating, and a television they enjoy spending time watching. However, none of these gifts are what Jesus wants. Then one little boy stands before Jesus and offers himself to Jesus because it is all he has. This is the gift Jesus wants.

What I Like: This book offered a lot of opportunity for my 8 year old and I to talk about what we have to offer Jesus, how often we make other things in our lives idols, and how we need to make our lives a gift for Him.

I also love that this book comes with a CD. It gives children a chance to listen to the story as a radio show the way this story was originally intended.

The illustrations by Joel Spector were perfectly done. They certainly add to the story and do not take away from it in any way.

What I Dislike: I loved everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5-12 years old.

Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2012; ISBN: 978-0-9855560-1-3; paperback, 32 pgs., $10.00

Available through Keys for Kids Ministries $10.00

Braving the Storm

Braving the Storm (Seasons of Faith) by Agnes Livezey is part of the Seasons of Faith series from the Children's Bible Hour. This series uses parable like examples to teach children foundational truths about faith and the Christian life.

In Braving the Storm, Thomas is a young boy whose family has been temporarily uprooted because of his father's job situation. He and his family stay with his grandparents, where his grandfather teaches him a lesson using a tree sapling.

Grandfather plants this new sapling next to a sapling that has been in the ground a little bit longer and explains that he is trying to give the saplings time to deepen their roots before the winter storms come. He explains that our faith in Christ needs time to grow and deepen so when storms come our way, we are able to stand strong and not break.

What I Like: Again, the illustrations are perfect. They truly make the story come alive. I also love the fact that this book contains a CD for listening. Preschoolers can follow along and turn the page with the sound. Families who enjoy listening to radio stories will love this. It is also great for letting children listen as they go to sleep at night.

What I Dislike: I like everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5-12 years old

Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2009; ISBN: 978-0982512036; paperback, 32 pgs., $10.00

Buy it at Amazon.com for $2.75

The Red Boat

The Red Boat: Summer title in the Seasons of Faith picture book series by Harry C. Trover is a beautiful parable of redemption. I remember my mother reading this story to me as a child, so when I received this book with the accompanying CD, I couldn't wait to share it with my children.

Dylan is a little boy whose family did not have enough money to buy toys, so he made himself a little boat. With care, he carved it, pieced it together, and painted it until it looked the way he wanted it to.

One day as he was playing with it in the river, the little boat broke free from the tether Dylan had made and was lost. A few weeks later, he and his aunt were walking through the streets of her town some distance away from his home. When he looked in the window of one of the stores, he saw his little boat. However, because it now had a new owner, Dylan had to purchase back his boat. What a beautiful picture of our own redemption!

What I Like: Besides the story itself, I love the illustrations in the book. They are a perfect match for the story being told. I also love the fact that there is a CD that accompanies the book. It is perfect for non readers as there is little sound that lets them know it is time to turn the page. It is also great for parents who like to play stories on CD for their children as they go to sleep.

What I Dislike: I love everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-12 years old

Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2010; ISBN: 978-0982512050 ; paperback, 32 pgs., $10.00

Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.65

My Sing Along Bible

Let’s Read! Let’s Sing!

My Sing-Along Bible is the perfect collection of easy-to-understand Bible stories and music for your wiggly, giggly toddler or preschooler! This book and music CD set includes creative retellings of favorite Bible stories. Plus, lively Bible and Scripture songs on the CD (included with the book) will inspire your child to sing and laugh while building a solid faith foundation. Includes 50 favorite Bible stories kids will love to read over and over again, 50 songs (high energy! and some for quiet time too!)―one to go along with each Bible story―plus bonus songs that make memorizing the books of the Bible easy and fun!

What I Like: My Sing - Along Bible, created by Stephen Elkins, is a hardcover book outlined with a short bible story on the top half (Let's Read) of colorfully illustrated pages, followed by the lyrics on the lower half (Let's Sing) of the pages and is in biblical order. Each pairing of bible story and song lyrics are given a themed title making it easier for children to understand what they are learning and singing about and while making it easier for parents to find a particular lesson/song they would like to sing along to. For example, the theme for the story of Creation is titled Who Made Me?

The songs are sung by children and range from hymn-like songs to upbeat songs the children can clap and dance along to. There are fifty songs in total. I believe the vast collection should keep children (and parents) from getting bored with the same song choices. The songs are very short and easy for the children to learn and memorize.


Many years ago when I taught preschool aged bible study at my church, I would have utilized this book and I think preschool Bible School teachers would enjoy this resource.

What I Dislike: While the actual hardcover book is fairly easy to navigate due to being in biblical order and each story titled, the CD unfortunately is not. I used my son's XBox to play the CD and the song tracks are not titled but instead numbered (the track numbers are in numerical order). The songs are in the same order of the book and if you allow the CD to play in order, you shouldn't have trouble, but if you wanted to choose a particular lesson out of order, finding the song that matches is a little difficult.

I can imagine that after playing the CD many times, you will get to know which track is which, but I find it very inconvenient that the tracks are untitled and I have to waste time trying to match the lesson with the track number.

A very minor thing that I didn't like was that the cover of a the My Sing-Along Bible has an illustration of Jonah. If I based this book solely by its cover, I would have never imagined it to be a Bible for children but instead a storybook about Jonah.

I found what I disliked the most was that some of songs do not contain all of the lyrics. The book may only have the lyrics to the chorus as opposed to the entire songs, which is usually quite short. Another minor annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless.

Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: 3-6 years, but my 1-year-old likes the songs.

Publisher Info: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015; ISBN: 978-1496405432; FORMAT, 96 pgs., $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.80

Lost in the African Bush: Adaptation of the Radio Script from Children's Bible Hour

Lost in the African Bush, is an adaptation of a radio script that played on the Children’s Bible Hour. The story is about Elijah Bingham and his wife who were missionaries in Africa.

The premise for the story is that Elijah and his wife sometimes traveled to the United States where they stayed with a boy named Micah and his family. While visiting, Elijah told the story about the time he got lost in the jungle. Micah and his family hear how God helped lead Mr. Bingham home one very dark night when he had forgotten his flashlight.

Micah learns how God can help us in unexpected ways when we are faced with danger.

The illustrations by Mitch Heinze are done with muted colors but with great attention to detail.

What I Like: I really like the illustrations. I also liked the story.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2012: ISBN: 9780985556020; Paperback, $10.00.

Buy now at Amazon.com $10.00!

Special Info:  Comes with a CD.

Visit the illustrator’s website.

 

Children's Bible Hour Seasons of Faith Series

Summer is a time of warm, lazy days, splashing in the pool, and the inevitable car trip.  Books on CD can pass the time for children and parents, after the scenery and "car bag" crafts have lost their appeal. The Children's Bible Hour Seasons of Faith series provides entertaining stories, biblical wisdom, excellent artwork, and a read-long CD. What better way to pass the time?

The books are narrated by "Uncle Charlie" and include a tone to tell listeners when to turn the page. Children will also enjoy listening as they work on Lego sets, crafts, or housecleaning, at home.
The Seasons of Faith books are categorized into seasons. "Spring" books deal with salvation and new life in Christ. "Summer" books deal with growing and bearing fruit as Christians. "Autumn" books address God's love in times of struggle and temptation. "Winter" books deal with grief, loss and God's comfort.

In the "Summer" book, Monkey Business, Austin and Brooke are learning about evolution in science class. They talk about what they learn with Gramps, who reminds them of the truth of the Bible.  The next day, they return home laughing about Austin's witty response to Mr. Davies. However, Gramps reminds them it would be a much better witness to Mr. Davies and their classmates if they studied the assigned material and were respectful, even as they hold fast to biblical truth.

The "Autumn" book, The Prize Cake deals with Tori's motivations and disappointments surrounding
a cake-baking contest. Her mom reminds her Christians should "Develop the gifts and skills God gave you to glorify Him," instead of making winning the most important thing. Tori also learns some important lessons about forgiveness from her mom and little brother.

Saying Farewell is the poignant story of twins Grace and Hannah, who enjoy each other despite their differences. When Grace is killed in a car accident, Hannah questions God's purposes. Her parents, instead of giving her pat answers, admit they are sad and don't understand, but reassure her with their trust in God's goodness.

The last page of each book walks children through the steps to become a Christian.

What I Like: These are beautiful 8" by 10" books. The bright watercolors and pastels have a painted look to them, and the children's faces are lifelike.

The books handle real-life issues with compassion and grace. The Bible is central to each story, but the authors weave biblical truth into each story in a seamless and natural way. Children will relate to the characters and their lives. My own children were drawn to the books and read them before I had a chance to look at them!

The CDs are well done, and my five-year-old loves having the chimes tell her when to turn the page. The stories are long enough to make it worth listening to the CD.

What I Dislike: I wish there were more diversity in the children shown.  They are adorable, but all white. Also, this isn't a dislike, but a caution. I couldn't get through reading Saying Farewell to myself without getting choked up, let alone reading it to my kids or listening to the CD.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5 and up, but do preview the "Winter" books
 
Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2010-2012; ISBN: 978-0-9825120-6-7 (The Prize Cake); Paperback, 32 pages, $10.00

 All three books are available for purchase here, through Children's Bible Hour Ministries. 
  
OR Buy Saying Farewell at Amazon.com for $5.99 (Kindle Edition).
Buy The Prize Cake at Amazon for $5.99 (Kindle Edition)

Dear God, It's Me!

In Dear God, It's Me!, a little elephant learns to call on God throughout his day. Based on Psalm 145:18(a) ("The LORD is near to all who call on him"), authors Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan illustrate how God is near every day through our prayers. Playful sketches by John Bendall-Brunello follow the little elephant through his day, from the moment his feet get out of bed, to the moment he crawls back in as day gives way to night.

What I Like: The story is really simple, but teaches core truths about trusting God, praying, and making His will yours. I like how the authors don't guarantee that life will be easy, but remind us we can call on God in times of trouble, and that He cares what's going on in our lives.

The elephants were really cute, and my kids loved seeing what they were doing during the day.

What I Dislike: When I read the book without benefit of the musical CD, the rhythm felt off and I found it difficult to get the pace right. Once I listened to the CD a few times, I found it easier. For instance, here's an example from what turns out to be the chorus:

"Dear God, I am calling... please listen... it's me!
You know all about my day from a to z!

You know when I'm frightened, sad or alone.
Please stay close beside me. Make my heart your own."

Reading this aloud without benefit of hearing the CD really tripped me up on my first pass through this book, and even after hearing the accompanying song, I find it hard to simply read the book without singing it.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 and up

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2005; ISBN: 978-0-310-70645-8; Hardback, 32 pgs., $15.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $11.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.47.

We've reviewed other books by Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan here.

Sleep, Little Child

Sleep, Little Child is a picture book of a rhyming lullaby written by Marc Hoffman. Framed by gentle instrumental music, Hoffman and his wife both sing and narrate the lyrical tune on an accompanying CD. (There is also an all-instrumental track.) The watercolor pictures, created by Tony Waters, hold a calm, cozy appeal perfect for bedtime. They depict a young tousle-haired boy and baby sibling being tucked into bed by obviously caring and loving parents. The text and the pictures work well together. For example, when the author states that the little child will be watched over by his Heavenly Father, the illustrations shows equal devotion by the earthly parents. As the boy peacefully slumbers, we see him dream of playing in the clouds. The book features large text, with only a few words or phrases per page. Therefore, most of the story is “told” through the watercolor images. The last page of the book provides the sheet music for the lullaby.

What I Like: I love the idea of setting up a bedtime routine that includes a song and a book…and this lullaby lends itself well to this type of ritual. I can envision toddlers snuggling up with book in tow.

What I Dislike: I tend to like lullabies written in a minor key, but that’s less of a dislike than a preference. Also a personal preference: I didn’t like the stuffed monkey the boy slept with. However, my daughter thought it was cute. (Other than the monkey, I thought the illustrations were quite pleasant and comforting.)

Overall Rating: Excellent. My daughter said it was very sweet.

Age Appeal: No age is listed, but I think it would work best for toddlers, ages 2-5.

Publisher Info: Virillion Music, 2010; ISBN:978-0-615-31434-1; Hardcover, 27 PGS., $17.95

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $17.95.

I See the Rhythm of Gospel

I See the Rhythm of Gospel by Toyomi Igus, with paintings by Michele Wood, explores gospel music and its place in African American history. The text of this book almost dances off of the page with its creative use of fonts and colors. There is a timeline that runs through the book, as well as intricate and expressive artwork, weaving together the total story.

"I see the rhythm.
I see the rhythm of Africa,
the motherland of humanity.
I see the rhythm of my people, land and spirit in harmony ..."

Reading through this book will take you from 1485 - 2008 in history. The poetic prose follows the following topics: the motherland of Africa, the arrival to a New World, the experience of plantation Sundays, the hope of freedom, the jubilation of being free, the sanctified church, Bronzeville on Chicago's South Side, the harmony of soulful voices over the radio, gospel women, gospel quartets and choirs, the lament of prejudice, the time of exploration, motown and funk, gospel music moving through television, internet, and radio, and hip - hop.

There is an accompanying CD included with this book with five gospel songs on it that represent five eras in African-American gospel history: Gospel Quartets, Gospel Women, Gospel Soul, Gospel Power, and Holy Hip-Hop.

What I Like: I like the historical element of the book, and feel it is a great resource for children and teachers.

What I Dislike: I wouldn't really use this as a spiritual reference book, there was more history than spirituality in the text and timeline. I noticed a misspelling in the first page of prose. Also, there were times when I felt overwhelmed by the multitude of elements on a page spread.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN:0310718198 ; Hardcover, 40 PGS., $16.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $12.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.23

Buy the Kindle Edition for $9.99

Noah and the Ark

In Noah and the Ark, God sees that most of the world has become wicked. He tells Noah He will destroy the earth, but Noah and his family and animals are to be saved with an ark. God instructs Noah to build the ark, and Noah gathers the animals on board before the rain pours.

When the water recedes, Noah sends out a dove in search of a sign it's safe to come out. The bird returns with an olive branch, and everyone on board leaves the ark. God promises with the sign of a rainbow He will never flood the earth again.  

Noah and the Ark is written by Kim Mitzo Thompson, Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, and Ken Carder. The illustrations are by Ron Kauffman.  

What I Like: The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful, and entertaining to young children. The book comes with an audio CD which has two versions of the story on it (one with a chime to tell when to turn the page). There's also several entertaining songs that help teach young kids different passages of Scripture. I'm pretty sure my own church has used a couple of them for Vacation Bible School.  

What I Dislike: The story of Noah's ark is, in my opinion, overdone, so you really have to have an outstanding take to rise above the rest of the crowd. I don't think this book is above average, it's just a basic retelling of the story.

I ended up going to my own Bible to review the actual account of the story. In Noah and the Ark, there was no mention of the fact Noah sent out a raven, and the dove was sent out a total of three times; the book only indicates it was sent out once.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 4 - 8  

Publisher Info: Twin Sisters Productions, 2010; ISBN: 978-159922-438-1; Paperback with CD $4.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.99.

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My First New Testament Bible Stories

My First New Testament Bible Stories, written by Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, is a Bible story book for young children. It has a selection of eleven stories from the New Testament, starting with Jesus’ birth and ending with his resurrection. The last entry, number twelve, is from Revelation, showing children how to let Jesus come into their hearts.

Each story is laid out across two pages, with the story on one side and a full-page illustration on the other. A Bible verse is given to introduce each story. And, each story corresponds with a song on the included CD. The songs and stories are numbered, so it’s easy to pair songs and stories together. Each story page includes the first verse of the matching song. There are a total of 20 songs on the CD; the first 12 correspond to the entries in the book. The lyrics for all 20 songs are also included on the CD.

The illustrations, by Mernie Gallagher-Cole, are bright, colorful and expressive.

What I Like: The board book comes with a padded cover making the book quite sturdy. The story chapters are short, there is a good selection of stories, the illustrations are bright, and the book comes with a sing-along CD.

What I Dislike: I know I’m probably being picky, but even though the story chapters are short, the text is not broken up into paragraphs; rather, it’s just one block of text.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Twin Sisters IP, 2010; ISBN: 9781599226149; Padded Board Book Cover, $12.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $9.99!

Or buy at Amazon.com $11.69.

Special Info: Check out our Children’s Bible Comparison Chart .

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle doesn’t sound like the title for a Christian picture book, but it is. Written by Christian singer and songwriter Rhonda Funk, it features Pookster and Bubs, characters from the Adventures of Pookster and Bubs series.

In this episode, we learn that Pookster loves pickles. She really loves pickles. And, she has a wonderful pickle; it’s so wonderful, she says it’s “practically perfect.” She’s very attached to her pickle.

When Pookster gets into a fight with her brother because she thinks he’s trying to get her pickle (even though he isn’t), she has to deal with mom. Mom takes Pookster’s pickle to get her attention. Then, she uses an analogy: Pickles are like words, they can either be sweet or sour. Sweet words (kind words) are what we should strive for, but Pookster used sour words (mean words) and hurt her brother’s feelings. When Pookster apologizes to her brother, her mom returns her pickle.

Pookster realizes she over-reacted when she thought her pickle was being threatened. She also learns that words make a big difference in the way we are treated. And, she leaves us with these words of wisdom: “…remember that the Bible is not like a sour pickle, but it does tech you not to be one.”

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” [Proverbs 16:24]

The bright, colorful, expressive, cartoon-like illustrations by Eric Kieninger are a perfect fit for this type of story.

What I Like: This simple story teaches a great lesson about choosing our words carefully, opting for “sweet” words instead of “sour” ones.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Fish Pond Kids, 2010; ISBN: 9781935265412; Paperback, $11.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $9.99!
Or buy at Amazon.com $8.63.
Special Info: This story is part of the publisher’s “Pookster and Bubs” series of books. An audio CD is included with the book so you can read along with the story or just listen to it. Visit the author’s website.

The Miracles of Jesus Read-Along Storybook

I've searched high and low for CDs with read-along books that go with them; they are difficult to find, but The Miracles of Jesus by Larry Carney fits the bill nicely.

Written in rhyming text, the book covers such miracles as the healing of the ill, the calming of the sea, the feeding of 5,000, and Jesus walking on water. The text ends:

"These miracles and others, too,
Did Jesus Christ Our Savior do.
And now forever, He lives on
With promise of eternal dawn."

Throughout, the book features traditional cartoon illustrations by Enrique Vignolo. The CD is nicely narrated by Nigel Lambert and ends with Christian songs - all upbeat in tempo and many with a country feel - sung by adults.

What I Like: My 5 year old loves this CD and book combo and uses it regularly. I like the set because it's biblically accurate and very affordable.

What I Dislike: I think the musical part of the CD is slightly annoying. The volume is considerably louder than the section that narrates the book. Also, the illustrations of Jesus are a little odd. He has a long, thin mustache, a thin beard, and very wide eyes. But my daughter doesn't mind any of these things.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't have a recommendation, but I'd say 2 to 8.

Publishing Info: PC Treasures, 2010; ISBN: 978-1600722417; hardback, $2.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $2.99

Special Info: Check out our reviews of other Read-Along book and CD combos by Larry Carney.

Egermeier's ABC Bible Storybook

ABC Bible Storybook takes some of children's most beloved Bible stories and tells them in alphabetical order. Written by Elsie Ergermeier, and illustrated by Laura Nikiel, this book will appeal to young ones learning their alphabet.

The layout of the book will appeal to young ones. Each page spread has the story, complete with Bible reference, on one side, and a vivid, full color illustration on the other side. The stories covered in this book are: Adam and Eve, Baby Jesus, Creation, David the Shepherd Boy, Elisha's Caring Friends, Fishermen, Good Samaritan, Hosanna, Isle of Patmos, Joseph, King Solomon,Lion's Den and Daniel, Moses and the Red Sea, Noah and the Flood, Onesimus Believes, Paul on the Road to Damascus, Quail for Whining People, Roof is Torn Up, Samuel Hears God, Ten Commandments, Upper Room, Victory Over Death, Woman at the Well, Xerxes the King, Young Child Made Well, and Zacchaeus Meets Jesus. This version of the book includes a CD which features the stories read with soft music in the background. My girls like to listen to it at bedtime.

What I Like: I like it that this book includes very familiar stories such as Joseph, and Daniel and the Lion's Den, as well as some stories that aren't as well known, like the Isle of Patmos and Onesimus.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book. Just keep in mind that some of the stories are just tidbits, and may need some follow up to complete the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-7, but younger children will enjoy having the stories read to them

Publisher Info: Warner Press, 2007; ISBN: 1593171986 ; Hardcover $14.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $11.99!

Special Info: Jesus is pictured several times in this book.

The Birth of Jesus Read-Along Storybook

Remember those LP records or cassettes you had as a kid that came along with "read-along" books? It's tough to find a modern equivalent, but Larry Carney's The Birth of Jesus Read-Along Storybook does just that - and for a terrific price, too.

The book itself is about the size of a large CD case and features quality rhyming text and traditional cartoon illustrations by Enrique Vignolo. The CD is well narrated by Nigel Lambert, and the way to explain the book is clearly explained. (Whenever a "ding"is heard on the CD, it's time to turn the page.) The story begins with the selection of Mary as Jesus' mother, and follows the biblical story until the wise men visit the Christ child. The book ends:

"That's how Jesus Christ was born,
The Son of God on Earth.
We join the Lord's immortal flock
Thanks to His precious birth."

The CD ends with 10 of traditional Christian songs - all upbeat in tempo and many with a country feel - including "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "Jesus Loves Me," and a Christian version of "If You're Happy and You Know It."

What I Like: My 5 year old had never before had a CD and book combo, and she loves this one. Sometimes she sits and listens, turning the pages in the book, and sometimes she listens without the book. Either way, this is one of her favorite CDs. I like this CD because it's biblically accurate and it gives my child a book-related activity to do on her own. I also love the affordable price.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I think the musical portion of this CD isn't up to par with the non-musical part of it. The music isn't bad - it's just not as well done as I would prefer. (But then, I'm probably a harsher critique because I'm a former professional singer.)

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't have a recommendation, but I'd say 2 to 8.

Publishing Info: PC Treasures, 2010; ISBN: 978-1600722400; hardback, $2.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $2.99

Pookster and the Unloose Tooth

Rhonda Funk's series, The Adventures of Pookster and Bubs is designed to teach fruits of the Spirit, like patience, to young children. Pookster and the Unloose Tooth is the perfect book for children (like my son), who have yet to lose a tooth, but may be feeling left behind, as friends, cousins and schoolmates lose teeth left and right.

Pookster, our heroine, is desperate to lose her teeth, but as she prays and wishes for her teeth to come out, her mom reminds her, "God's timing is not out timing." She has a hard time being patient though, so she wiggles and tugs and twists. Finally, she loses her first tooth! However, now that Christmas is approaching, she decides she wants to lose her second tooth, so she can sing, "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." After she yanks the second tooth out via the "dental floss around the door handle" trick, she realizes teeth are handy for eating apples and biting spaghetti noodles.

Pookster continues to miss her front teeth. When Easter comes, and there is still no sign of new teeth, Pookster decides, "Mom is right. God's timing is not mine."

The book is brightly illustrated, and includes a read-along CD.

What I Like: This book really was perfect for my son. He has older cousins and friends, and was getting concerned he was the last to lose a tooth. He definitely could relate to Pookster.

Also, patience is such an important life-skill, as well as a biblical virtue. This story shows children what it means to be patient, in a clear, funny, but compelling manner. Funk's first-person voice makes the story even more accessible to kids. Pookster is telling us about her teeth, so the lesson doesn't seem preachy at all.

What I Dislike: Funk (or Pookster) never really gives any direct consequences of pulling out her second tooth by tying floss around it and slamming the door. Usually there would be lots of blood and discomfort if you pulled out a tooth that isn't loose yet, but Funk skipped over those details. As I don't want my son to imitate Pookster, I wish she would have at least mentioned some blood or pain!

Also, the CD is cute, with kids voices, and sounds like the door slamming and dog barking, but it is very short. This isn't a problem if kids can use their CD players themselves, but you couldn't set them up listening to it and go do anything else.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Preschool/First Grade

Publisher Info: Fish Pond: Carmichael Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 978-935265-40-5; Paperback, $11.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.63.

Seventy Times Seven

In Seventy Times Seven, Brad learns a lesson about forgiveness. When the ball he hits breaks the window of the local ice cream shop, the shop owner, Mr. Jeffries, readily forgives the accident. He tells Brad not to worry about the broken window as he was going to put in a new one soon anyway.

But, when Brad’s friend, Doug, returns Brad’s favorite baseball hat, it has been chewed up by Doug’s dog. Brad is very upset and is not willing to forgive Doug for letting his hat get ruined. Brad wants to hold a grudge.

To teach Brad a lesson, Mr. Jeffries tells Brad’s father he wants Brad to work in the ice cream shop for two months to pay the cost of the new window. When Brad complains that Mr. Jeffries had already told him not to worry about the window, his dad tells him the Biblical parable of the unforgiving servant: The servant owes his master a lot of money, but his master forgives the debt; the servant, in turn, refuses to forgive someone who owes him a small amount of money.

When Brad doesn’t understand, his father explains: “Mr. Jeffries forgave you for breaking his very expensive sign. But then you didn’t forgive Doug for ruining your cap, which doesn’t cost nearly as much as a sign.” Brad realizes Mr. Jeffries is trying to teach him a lesson about forgiveness. Brad, then, forgives his friend, Doug. But, he still has to work at the ice cream shop to pay for the window.

The text is taken from the Children’s Bible Hour radio script broadcast. The last page in the book explains the "ABC's" of forgiveness: Ask for forgiveness, Believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and Choose to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.

The illustrations, by John White, are very realistic and life-like.

What I Like: This story is written about an important subject: the lesson of forgiving. It’s a lesson everyone needs to learn.

What I Dislike: However, although the idea for the story is a good one, I was a bit unhappy with the way the adults went about teaching Brad a lesson. It didn’t seem fair for an adult to change his mind about forgiving Brad even if Brad wasn’t willing to forgive one of his friends. I think a better ending would have been for Brad to forgive Doug (after Brad had talked to his dad). Then, Brad could go back to Mr. Jeffries and offer to pay for the broken window, explaining to Mr. Jeffries that he now understands what it meant to forgive and be forgiven. Mr. Jeffries would then admit he was trying to teach Brad a lesson and let it go at that.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: No age group is given for this book but I would say 5-9 would be appropriate.

Publisher Info: CBH Ministries, 2009; ISBN: 9780982512029; Paperback, $10.00.

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Special Info: The book comes with a read-along CD.