A Treasury of Prayers for Now and Always

A Treasury of Prayers: For Now and Always by Mary Joslin is a sweet, thick, little book holding a compilation of prayers, reflective poem which can be used as prayers, and organizes them into sections for easy searching.

When I first saw this book, I fell in love with the look- the different shades of blues with white accents and the chunkiness of it. Opening the book, I was pleased to be met with a sweet simplicity on the pages- no illustrations except for a simple silhouette on the section division pages. Each page holds one or two short prayers which are written in a simple font. It is truly a book that can lead children into learning to pray without distraction.

A Treasury of Prayers: For Now and Always is perfect for reading to young children and even for teaching them to memorize simple prayers to springboard them into a prayer life of their own.

What I Like: I love the simplicity of the book, the selection of prayers that have been chosen, and (silly as this may sound) the fact that there is a ribbon bookmark attached to the binding to keep my place.

What I Dislike: I like everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 2-10 years old (preschools can have this book read to them and the prayers are short enough for them to memorize)

Publisher Info: Lion Hudson, 2013; ISBN: 978-0745963471; hardcover, 224 pgs., $16.99

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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

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Counting Praises

Counting Praises by Grady O. Williams III (who also illustrated the book) is a simple rhyming poem that teaches counting through repetition.

The best way for me to describe this book is to ask you to think about the children's nursery rhyme "5 Little Monkeys." The entire rhyme is repeated a series of times with the number at the beginning of each stanza changing each time the rhyme is repeated.

What I Like: I like that this is a great way for me to teach my 3 year old numbers and their sequencing through a book that reinforces the desire we should have to praise the Lord.

I think the illustrations for this book are perfect! They are simple just like the rhyme, and there is no visual clutter. As each page is turned, one more child is added to the illustration to match the number mentioned on the page.
 
What I Dislike: I personally am not sure that I would pay $9.50 for this book. Although the idea behind is great, and I know this will be added to our rotation of stories for the 3 year old, $9.50 seems a bit pricey for such a simple book.

Overall Rating: Recommended

Age Appeal: Preschool

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013; ISBN: 978-1494792763; paperback, 28 pgs., $10.00


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Psalms for Kids: Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is one of joy and praise: O Lord, our Lord, you majestic name fills the earth! Author Sherri Trudgian takes this beloved Psalm and sweetly retells it in her own words: Our God is awesome! His works are terrific. Look all around you—now let’s get specific…

Following the blueprint of the original Psalm, Trudgian highlights the planets and various animals, praising God’s handiwork throughout all creation in her book Psalms for Kidz: Psalm 8. Each page contains one or two quatrains of rhyming text and bright, kid-friendly watercolor artwork done by Melanie Moreland Krass. In addition, the inside cover contains a note to parents from the author and there is a page devoted to the original Psalm. The book concludes on the back cover with comments from both author and illustrator about planning stages in the book and ultimate product.

What I Like: I appreciate the inclusion of the original Psalm. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting it to the poem Trudgian created. The message is upbeat and has a repeating chorus young children will enjoy. The paintings, done by Krass, are whimsical and packed with curled, stripy, or zigzagging lines…and a nice accompaniment to the text.

What I Dislike: The rhyming meter is occasionally awkward. For example: God put sheep in flocks,/ Placed the cattle in herds,/ Fish in the ocean—/Filled the sky up with birds. Also, for the sake of the rhyme, the story contained empty “filler” words, making the story longer than it needed to be.

Overall Rating: Good. I enjoyed it, and I think young readers will too. It would also be a fun addition to a church library.

Age Appeal: None listed, but I suggest Preschool through first grade.

Publisher Info: Little Sprout Publishing House, 2011; ASIN: B00737WF9M ; Paperback, 32 pgs., $7.99

This book is NOT available at Christianbook.com.
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Special info: Check out CCBR reviews of other books by Trudgian.

I Imagine: A Child's Book of Prayers

Parents looking for a simple yet profound story centered on prayer will enjoy I Imagine: A Child’s Book of Prayers, by Rachel Rivett. The first page contains the largest amount of text, and lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. It encourages the reader to open up their senses, look carefully the surrounding world, and see God’s wisdom.

Then, page by page, children from various ethnic backgrounds thank God for things in nature that help them cope with life’s challenges. For example, one prayer says, “O Lord, if things are hard, I imagine I’m a river and you help me flow quick and clean around the rocks that block my path.” Each two-page spread holds only a few lines of text, which are almost musical in nature. Many of the words dance and curl across the page.

The collage-like illustrations, done by Mique Moriuchi, are a charming fit. The muted colors are warm and inviting. They hold enough gentle detail to keep readers entertained. The artwork reminds me of the illustrations in another CCBR reviewed book Images of God for Young Children and books written by mainstream author/artist Taro Gomi.

What I Like: I love the look and feel of the book. The prose is thought provoking.

What I Dislike: This is minor, but I would have liked the inclusion of a Scripture verse. The words read almost like a Psalm…why not include one?

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 3-7

Publisher Info: Kregel, 2011; ISBN:978-0745962085; Hardcover, 32 pgs., $12.99

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Special Info: Read a CCBR review of another book by Rivett called Are You Sad, Little Bear?: A Book About Learning to Say Goodbye. Visit the illustrator's website.

Thank You, God, For Loving Me

Thank You, God, For Loving Me by Max Lucado is the charming tale of little Hermie the Caterpillar. Hermie prays and thanks God for loving him, and shows just how God loves him. Illustrations by Frank Endersby help show Hermie's choices and activities throughout the day where God is included.

What I Like: This cute story is a great way to help kids understand God's loving nature towards us, but also His omnipotence. Even though the story doesn't come out and say God is omnipotent, it's pretty obvious throughout the text. For instance, Hermie refers to God being with him when he's afraid, and guiding him when there's a choice between right and wrong.

The rhyming nature of this tale really flows well, tripping off the tongue in an easy manner. I never stumbled when reading it aloud to my kids. For example:

"You watch me when I am awake
And when I sleep and play.
You always take good care of me
Through each and every day."

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 3 - 7, though I honestly think younger children would enjoy the sound of the story as well as the great illustrations, but older kids may be bored, so I'd say Infant - 5.

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1804-9; Board Book, PGS., $6.99

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Special Info: We've reviewed other books by Max Lucado here.

Traci's Praise

In Traci's Praise a boy finds a seed, plants it and waits to see what will grow. The result is a lesson in worship based on Psalm 150:6, a verse quoted both on the cover and title page. W. Wilkinson III serves as both author and co-illustrator with Sergio Fermin

When the seed grows into a tree, the boy names it Traci then returns throughout the seasons to talk with the tree and learn why it does what it does. It houses birds who can sing praises to God. It dances in the wind in praise to God and His teachings. When Traci rustles her leaves it is like us clapping our hands in praise. By sharing her seeds, she shows the boy that he should teach others about God and how to worship Him. The tree lifts her branches to the sky as a sign of surrender. She says "I want my Lord to look down upon me, and see me reaching up. I am a vessel for Him to fill."

Finally, the child asks Traci why she does all this. "Let everything that has breath give God all the praise. Not just when times are good, but in your trying days."

The next time the child comes to visit Traci, she's gone, but he hears her lessons in the wind, reminders of how stand firm in faith and worship God freely through all seasons of life.

What I Like: The text is beautiful! I love how it encourages kids (and parents) to be authentic and uninhibited with their praise. Publishers produce a ton of books about God and about the Bible, but there are very few that teach about personal worship. This book offers a great introduction to a neglected topic. The dedication to the author's cousin is a moving tribute as well. It made me wish I had known the woman after whom this book was named.

What I Dislike: I would love to see supporting Scripture references (more than one) and an explanation of what happened to Traci. That part of the story seemed abrupt.

The biggest problem with this book, however, is that it's not attractive. I fear the cover and inside illustrations deter readers from getting to the uplifting text. They're simplistic offering primitive technique and style. Several of the pages feature images that are very similar, if not identical to previous pages, and many are fuzzy or pixelated. Unfortunately, the illustrations greatly detract from the wonderful text and the full potential of this book.

Overall Rating: Good. If I were judging the text alone, I would definitely say "Very Good," but illustrations are a crucial element in picture books and these simply don't meet standards.

Age Appeal: It's not specified, but I would say 5-10.

Publisher Info: Angels of Agape, 2010; ISBN: 0615254667; Paperback, 32 pages; $9.95

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How Do Alligators Praise the Lord?

How Do Alligators Praise the Lord? brings a fresh perspective to Psalm 150:6 -- "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Kirk Franklin, winner of multiple Grammys and Dove Awards, wrote this tale of swamp creatures singing and dancing to their Creator. The included CD offers a single of the same title featuring Kirk Franklin and his kids in his signature style.

Jason Carrier's illustrations fill the pages with bold colors and funny cartoon-like characters. The expressions are bold and exaggerated.

What I Like: It teaches a great verse in a fun, exciting way. Both my kids enjoy the book, but my son especially loves it. He boogies with the CD and runs around the house rapping about alligators praising the Lord! This is one of the few books that gets him interested in learning Bible verses. The song is great! (Note: If you don't enjoy R&B or Hip Hop, you probably won't like it, but it may be a great way to introduce your kids to diversity in music styles.)

What I Dislike: While I really enjoy the song, I find it distracting that Kirk repeatedly interrupts the message of praising God to introduce his kids or brag about how great they are. I'm a parent, so I understand being proud of your kids -- and he definitely has reason to be proud; they're very talented! But it was distracting.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8, but my just-turned-3-son loves it.

Publisher Info: Charisma Kids, 2005; ISBN: 1591852099; Hardback; $11.99

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Special Info: This book with CD is also available in Spanish for $8.99.

Sing Praise!

Sing Praise by Rhonda Gowler Greene, with illustrations by Janet Broxon, is nothing if not exuberant. This wildly colorful picture book retells Psalms 148 and 150, which encourage us to praise God, along with the rest of creation.

We see lively, fun illustrations of all sorts of creatures (alligators, elephants, tigers, giraffes, butterflies, fish, monkeys, dolphins, turtles, pigs, horses, cows, frogs, dragonflies, and many others) and other bits of nature (streams, trees, rainbows, etc.), plus people of all colors and types, praising the Lord. The text makes it clear God made everything, and that each and every one should sing praise to the Lord.

Here’s a bit of the rhyming text:

”All that breathe,
the seasons round,
the stars and Moon, Sun’s rays,
rivers, trees, and mountains
all sing a song of praise.
They raise up high
in sweet refrain
sincerest adoration,
praising God,
exalting him…
in song and celebration.”

What I Like: My two year old and I are greatly attracted to the illustrations in this book, which include every vivid color imaginable, and are rendered in a style that’s often reminiscent of something from Africa. The text is also some of the best I've seen by this popular author.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but my two year old enjoys it, too.

Publishing Info: Augsburg Books, 2005; ISBN: 0806651202; hard back, $16.99.

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Special Info: Check out the author's website for teaching ideas, photos, and more.

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!

Gigi, God's Little Princess: The Pink Ballerina

The Pink Ballerina is the newest book in the Gigi series, written by Sheila Walsh, which follows a little girl who knows she is God's princess. In this book, Gigi is on a mission to praise God. Her memory verse (Psalm 149:3) encourages her to do this through dance. When she and her best friend, Frances, join a ballet class, Gigi's tiara and feather boa cause some trouble. Gigi is devastated. She thinks if she can't dance well, she can't be God's princess. That night her father puts those fears to rest. "... you are God's little princess because He chose you, not because of anything you do or how well you do it." He goes on to explain how she can show God she loves Him in lots of different ways.

Illustrated by Meredith Johnson, the Gigi books are perfectly feminine. Each character is full of expression. There's not a ton of color -- it is done mostly in greyscale and pink -- but the illustrations are excellent. They add tremendous value to this book.

What I Like: The story is delightful, reaching out to the princess-crazed generation with a new message. In a wonderfully simple way, the author addresses the security of believers. She instills in young girls the truth that God loves them no matter what they do or how they look. He loves them because He chose them. The Scripture emphasis is great. I love the illustrations! The book would not be the same without them.

What I Dislike: It's a little long and seems to lose focus at some points. Also, some details are lost if readers are not familiar with the series. For example, the story references Tiara and Lord Fluffy, but readers may be lost,not knowing these are the names of Gigi's pets.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 9-12, according to the publisher, but I would say much younger ... my three-year-old loves it!

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2007; ISBN: 1400308046; Hardback; $12.99

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