Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing

Mother's Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain the latest book from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights Series. This series incorporates faith and values into the story line of each book. The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing is about the Bear family's tour through Bear Country as they celebrate Mama Bear and learn about why mothers are so special to all of us.  On the very first page the author shows a picture of Mama Bear with a passage from Proverbs 31... "She is worth far more than rubies.  Her children arise and call her blessed. Honor her for all that her hands have done."

What I Like: I enjoy how this series weaves the scriptures and values into each story. The series was designed to "help children learn how God wants them to live every day."

I also liked that the book showed mothers in a variety of different roles.  There were moms that stayed home with their children, moms that worked, moms that owned a business and a mom that worked in ministry as a Pastor's Wife.
 
What I Dislike: I wish that the book was a little longer.  I feel that the conclusion of the book was a bit rushed. 

 
Overall Rating: Very Good.
 
Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2016; ISBN:0310748690; Paperback, 32 pages, $3.99

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My Picnic Basket: And How God Is Always Near

Dr. Mary Manz Simon newest picture book, My Picnic Basket: And How God Is Always Near, is a cute introduction to the idea that our loving God is always near us. The book itself is shaped like a picnic basket, with cutout pages showing the contents - including a watermelon, vegetables, a pinwheel, sunglasses, and umbrella. Page by page, in rhyming verse, we learn about a little boy's picnic and how it relates to God. For example, the watermelon reminds him that God gives him good food to eat; the pinwheel - moved by invisible wind - reminds him that while he can't see God, God is present; the umbrella and an approaching storm reminds him God will protect him. And when the sun reappears:

"I bow my head and whisper,
'Thanks, God, for living me.'"

The last page shows the picnic basket with a tag on it that says "I'm with you! Love, God." There is also a Bible verse: Matt. 28:20 ("I will be with you always.").
 
What I Like: My kids have both enjoyed Simon's other books - especially My Basket of Blessings, which, like My Picnic Basket, is a cut out, shaped rhyming book. So I wasn't surprised when they enjoyed this title, too. The illustrations are bright and colorful (and sometimes shiny) and the message is simple and clear.

What I Dislike: At one point, Simon writes: "Inside my picnic basket/is watermelon sweet." This sort of reordering of words in order to get them to rhyme is generally avoided because it's distracting. Otherwise, however, the rhymes and rhythm don't draw attention to themselves.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: toddler to preschool

Publishing Info: Standard; 2013; ISBN: 978-0784736999; board book, 14 pgs., $9.99

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Where Lions Roar at Night

If you love the Little House on the Prairie series, you'll likely also enjoy Where Lions Roar at Night, the story of a homesteading, homeschooling, Christian family in New Zealand. Written by Rosie Boom, mom of six, and based upon her family's experiences creating a homestead, the book reads almost like a collection of interweaving stories - very much in Laura Ingalls Wilder's style.

The book begins when the family purchases land that contains a river, a barn, and a lot of trees. Working together, from the youngest on up, the family turns the barn into a home, builds a hen house and adopts a bunch of chickens, begins raising cattle, builds plenty of fun swings, plays "Indian," and names their entire property Narnia because at night they can hear lions roaring at a nearby zoo - including the lion used in the Narnia movie. Along the way, there are injuries, horseback riding, and lessons about life in general.


What I Like: This is an easy to read book, making it great both as a family read aloud or as a chapter book for independent readers. Some stories are fascinating (and have the "ew" factor - such as the one about setting up the family's composting toilet). Others are funny (like Mum being afraid of rats). Others are nail biting (like when Dad becomes seriously injured). This is a fun read, and it taught my 7 year old and I a lot about New Zealand. The Christian content is lightly sprinkled throughout the book. For example, the family holds a thanksgiving dinner (not related to the American holiday) and serves bread with poppy seeds sprinkled on top "to remind us of the blessings of God, that are too many too count." 

The black and white line drawings (for whom no credit is given; perhaps the author created them?) throughout the book are a nice addition, and the map of the Boom's very own Narnia really helped my child picture the Boom homestead. Finally, I really love the way this book is printed. It's a beautiful hardback with a color photo on the front, bound sturdily, and on thick paper. Nice!

What I Dislike: Nothing, although I should note won't find political correctness in this book. When the children play with tepees and a campfire, they play "Indians" (not "Native Americans") and have such names as Chief Running Duck and Little Red Wing. Dad enters the scene saying, "Me Big Chief Long Legs...We can start pow-wow now." All in good fun.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: first grade and up

Publishing Info: HSM Publishing; 2009; ISBN: 978-1921161186; hardback, 228 pgs., $20.

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Thank You, God!: A Year of Blessings and Prayers For Little Ones

There is something delightful and irresistible about Thank You, God!: A Year of Blessings and Prayers for Little Ones. The book starts with the New Year, then goes on to spring and Easter, summer, fall and Thanksgiving, winter and Christmas.

Each two page spread in the book is done on heavy stock paper, and features a collection of famous quotes (such as Folliot S. Pierpoint’s “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies…”), lines from favorite hymns (“Joyful, joyful, we adore thee…”), Scripture verses, and poems.

The reader will also discover one or two tiny envelopes on each spread. The envelopes open at the top and hold mini thank you notes written to God in simple and kid-friendly terms. (The first card, for example, says “Thank you, God, for each new year. Thank you for the promise of new beginnings, of new hope, and new life. Amen.”) The very last page of the book holds the biggest envelope… and a surprise. The card is blank! The reader is encouraged to write his own thank you note on it.

The illustrations, done by Sophie Allsopp, are beautiful. The brightly colored scenes are filled with warm tones, friendly animals, and inviting landscapes. Allsopp depicts a variety of ethnic children as they enjoy each season and a few holidays. Each page seems to burst with life. In addition, the book has a padded cover, which gives it a cozy feel.

What I Like: The book is sturdy. And most children will find the envelopes enticing. Although there is no real story, it’s the kind of book that young kids will enjoy for the novelty of it. The concepts in the book are meaty enough that parents could take one two-page spread at a time and use it as a short family devotional centerpiece. Best of all, Amazon has a BARGAIN PRICE on this book. It would make a nice gift book.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: None is given. As a read aloud, younger kids would enjoy it, but it's probably best suited for the grade K-2 crowd.

Publisher Info: Little Simon Inspirations, 2009; ISBN: 141694754X; Hardcover, 16 pgs., $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99
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Special Info: Read a CCBR review of another book illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. You can also find a similarly structured book by Allsopp called Dear God: Letters For Little People. This book contains eleven mini envelopes with prayer cards. Another book of prayers by this author is Our Father: And Other Classic Prayers For Children.

Thank You, God, for Blessing Me

If you want to teach your toddler how to have an attitude of gratefulness, you may enjoy Max Lucado’s book Thank You, God, for Blessing Me. In the story, Hermie the caterpillar thanks God for all his blessings: the beauty of nature, his family and friends, and for providing food and shelter. Hermie also asks God to help him be kind and obey… because that’s another way Hermie thanks God.
The book is written in rhyming text. Each page turn is a two-page spread, making the actual “story” only 5 pages long. The illustrations, done by Frank Endersby, hold enough detail to keep the attention of young readers. Endersby fills each background with either bright warm colors or soothing cool colors.
What I Like: The illustrations are sweet and appealing. The message is simple and easy to remember. The brevity of the story and sturdiness of the board book format makes it a great bedtime read for the infant to age 3 audiences. Kids who are already familiar with the Hermie character will likely enjoy reading it the most. It would serve as a great springboard to talk to your kids about prayer.
What I Dislike: Hermie thanks God for his eight little buggy feet. It’s good to thank God for this, but a true caterpillar would not have 8 feet. It would have 6 true legs at the front end of its body and five sets of prolegs at the back end of its body. If I were reading it to my little one, I’d probably pause to point that out. (It’s the teacher in me!) In addition, the meter of the poetry wasn’t quite consistent, which, at times, made it awkward to read aloud.
Overall Rating: Very good for kids infant through age 3. Good for children older than 3.
Age Appeal: Baby-preschool
Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2011; ISBN:978-1400318032; Boardbook, 10 PGS., $6.99
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OR Buy the kindle version for $5.59.
Special Info: Read CCBR reviews of other books by Max Lucado.

Princess Joy's Birthday Blessings

Princess Joy's Birthday Blessings is one book in a brand new series released just this week. Written by Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson, The Princess Parables introduce readers to five daughters of the king -- Joy, Grace, Faith, Hope and Charity -- whose adventures prove to be parables of lessons Jesus taught. Joy's story reflects Luke 14:12--14.

Joy's sisters are planning a surprise birthday party for her, but when all the princes and princesses of the lands offer rejections and excuses, they aren't sure what to do. Joy, having overheard the plans and the disastrous outcome, is devastated, but with her father's guidance, she comes up with a better plan. Joy asks her father if they can invite "children who don't live in a castle or a nice house ... who don't have a fancy bike or big birthday parties." The king, delighted with her decision, assures Joy that she will be blessed by this birthday party more than any other.

Invitations are sent again. This time everyone wants to come! On the day of the party village children arrive, arms laden with gifts from the heart. Some have hand-painted items or homemade goodies; others bring wildflower bouquets. Then Joy has another idea. When her father and sisters bring their gifts into the room, Joy decides to give all of her fancy gifts to her guests instead. It becomes "the grandest birthday part of all time!"

The book closes with a personal note from Princess Joy to the readers. She explains that while things don't always happen the way we plan, sometimes that brings the best blessings. In this story she learned to serve others instead of feeling sorry for herself. Joy then explains that this reminds her of a true story her father reads to her from the Bible. The next page provides Luke 14:12--14 quoted from the New International Reader's Version (NIrV).

Illustrated by Omar Aranda, the book features computer generated images saturated with color. As expected, the princess are beautifully adorned with ballgowns, tiaras and lots of feminine features; all characteristics that instantly appeal to most girls within the target age range.

What I Like: My daughter (6 years old) really likes this book! It's a sweet story that puts flesh on the teachings highlighted. I appreciate Joy's note at the back and the inclusion of Scripture. These two features together make the story personal and applicable to readers. Well done.

What I Dislike: At first glance, this book feels like another instance of marketing people capitalizing on a cultural craze, trying to "Christianize" it for a profit. The authors made a valiant effort to keep the story distinct from popular Disney themes, but the illustrations, while of excellent quality, draw me right back to my initial skepticism. It seems to lack originality.

Overall Rating: Because my daughter likes it so much and because it is solidly based on truth, I do recommend it. Therefore: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-7

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2011; ISBN: 031071639X; Hardback; 32 pages; $12.99

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Special Info: If you like this, you may also like Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten, a second book in the series.

Thanksgiving: A Harvest Celebration

Offering the basic history behind Thanksgiving, then explaining how the holiday still has meaning for us today, Julie Stiegemeyer's Thanksgiving: A Harvest Celebration is a good teaching tool.

When the book opens, Ellen Chilton, a Pilgrim girl, is complaining about having salted beef for dinner - again. That's all she's eaten for weeks on board the Mayflower, and she's sick of it. Even so, her father thanks God for the food and her mother says they should be thankful they aren't starving.

Soon the Mayflower finds land and the Pilgrim's life in the New World begins. The winter is hard, however, and many Pilgrims grow ill. Ellen's mother is sick in bed, but God answers Ellen's prayers and her mother survives - unlike many of Ellen's friends.

When spring comes, Ellen nearly bumps into an Indian. He tells Ellen and her father his name is Samoset and he and his friends help the colony plant corn, grow squash and beans, learn to catch fish and eel, and more. In the fall, the harvest is bountiful, so a "celebration to thank God for the harvest" is prepared. During the three day celebration, Ellen works hard to feed everyone, but she says "a little prayer thanking God for helping her mother to get well and for all good things He gives - even salted beef."

The next page shows a modern day family celebrating Thanksgiving, and the author tells us we still use this holiday to

"thank God for the many blessings He gives...we thank God for food and drink, shelter and clothing, our minds, our bodies, our health. All that we have comes from our heavenly Father's bountiful hand. Even better than all these blessings is the gift of Jesus, whose love and promise of salvation fill every day of our lives. And that is the best reason for giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day and every day!"

What I Like: I really like how this book ties together the historical Thanksgiving Day with the modern celebration. I think it gives children a foundational understanding of why the holiday is important, both in the 17th century and now. The illustrations by Renne Benoit are also attractive, with a slightly old fashioned, wood cut feel.

What I Dislike: It seems strange not to mention why the Pilgrims came to the New World, but this book doesn't. Readers should also not expect a thorough overview of the Mayflower trip or the Pilgrim's first year in North America from this title. However, the book does a nice job, overall, of giving the basics.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2006; ISBN: 978-0758609168; hardback, 25 pgs., $7.49

Buy now at Amazon.com for $7.49

Special Info: Visit the author's website for information about author visits and more. Read our reviews of other books by this author.

The Grumpy Monk

The Grumpy Monk, written by Robin Khoury, is the true story of Brother Lawrence, a monk who started out with a bad attitude.

Brother Lawrence griped because he had to work in the monastery kitchen. He thought he had to work in the kitchen because he was being punished for something. That made him resentful. The more he resented his circumstances, the grumpier he got. And, the grumpier he got, the less the other monks wanted to be around him. He thought of his life as one endless cycle of working and sleeping, with nothing in between.

Until one day, when he broke down in tears. He started out feeling sorry for himself, and ended up praying. He told God all his troubles and then he added, “Lord, I have done many bad things. I know You must punish me.”

But God answered, “I forgave your sins the very first time you asked. My son Jesus died on the cross so that you would not have to be punished for your sins. Why do you keep worrying?”

Brother Lawrence’s burden of guilt was lifted and he felt peaceful for the first time in a very long time. That night, he slept soundly and woke up with a new attitude. That next day, he spent his time in the kitchen thinking about happy things and thanking God for loving him.

His fellow monks noticed a change in him and asked him, “Why aren’t you grumpy anymore?”

He said, “God changed me.” Then, he went on to tell the other monks how he kept thinking about good things and giving thanks to God for blessings when he had to do a task he didn’t really want to do. He rejoiced in the presence of God in his life.

Word spread that Brother Lawrence was a changed man. People wanted to talk to him. They came to him for advice and wanted to know his secret: He said it was called “the practice of the presence of God.”

Later, after his death, one of Brother Lawrence’s friends wrote a book about Brother Lawrence. It was called, appropriately enough, The Practice of the Presence of God.

This Bible verse from Phillipians 2:14 is given as a reference for the story: “Do all things without murmurings and disputing.”

What I Like: I like biographies. This is a short story that is easy to read, informative, and sends a good message.

What I Dislike: The illustrations by Agnieszka Korfanty are a bit odd. They’re bright and colorful, but the faces of the monks in the story put me in the mind of Humpty Dumpty faces rather than real people.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t give a recommended age group for the book, and Amazon suggests ages 9-12. I’d say the appropriate age group is more like 5-9.

Publisher Info: Little Lights Press, 2008; ISBN: 9780966714777; Paperback, $9.95.

Buy now at Amazon.com $9.95!

Special Info: Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books by Robin Khoury.

Inspiration for Girls

Inspiration for Girls is a lovely gift book of uplifting quotes. The varied sources include songwriters, classic and contemporary authors, cultural proverbs (Chinese, Greek, Old English and Spanish) as well as Bible verses and common blessings. Readers will find bite-sized encouragements from Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, Dr. Seuss, C. S. Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Helen Keller, Billy Graham and many, many more. The subjects range from friendship and love to courage, beauty, purpose and God's providence.

Scripture quotations use either the New Living Translation (NLT), the New Life Version (NLV) or The Message (MSG).

What I Like: Everyone could use a little pick-me-up once in a while. This is a great way to get a daily dose without investing a lot of time or work. It's an attractive book, full-color throughout. And the content is wonderful! This makes a very nice gift. The size is compact: 4 x 6" with 192 pages.

What I Dislike: I fail to see the practicality in these types of books. Yes, it has great content, but when your tween is feeling blue, is she really going to reach for a gift book like this? Or would she rather read a book that flows and specifically addresses her internal struggles? (Or most likely: call a friend and go shopping!) Also, every page shows the same picture: the cover photo scaled down to just show the girls' feet. I don't find feet very inspiring, even with nail polish.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't specify, but I would say 8-15.

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 160260200X; Paperbak; $6.95

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Sleepy Time Blessings

Sleepy Time Blessings is a calming board book for little ones who are ready to go to sleep. Written by Sally Anne Conan, and illustrated by Nicole Rutten, it tells of a little baby bunny who has one to bed for the night. As he is ready to sleep, there are guardian angels surrounding his crib:

"Sleepy baby
Time for bed
Angels gather round your head
Blessing tummy
Blessing toes
Blessing eyes and ears and nose ..."

Sometimes nighttime is scary for little ones, but this book assures them that God watches over them while they sleep. Even while a blustery winter wind is pictured blowing outside, the baby bunny sleeps contentedly, snuggled into his crib.

What I Like: This book is decidedly calming with muted colors and gentle, simple words. It portrays a decided sense of security for little ones who may feel a little nervous at bedtime. It will remind them that God watches over them even as they sleep. The cadence of your voice (if you read it soothingly) may even lull your child to sleep!

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book except maybe that I'd have liked it to be a little longer.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: Baby-Preschool

Publisher Info:Eerdmans Books for Young Readers , 2009; ISBN:0802853501 ; Board Book $7.99.

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Sweet Dreams Princess: Bedtime Bible Stories, Devotions & Prayers

Sweet Dreams Princess: Bedtime Bible Stories, Devotions, & Prayers, written and illustrated by Sheila Walsh, a well-known Christian singer and author, is over 300 pages and filled with 81 different Bible stories and devotions for girls. The stories are taken directly from the International Children’s Bible. Each story is two pages long. At the end of each story is a devotion, followed by a short prayer, a promise or a praise.

The prayers are intended for encouraging girls to develop the habit of talking with God through prayer at the end of the day. An example: “Lord, please forgive me when I have an unthankful heart. I want you to know that I am THANKFUL for you and your goodness to me!”

The promises are short notes about God’s promises. An example: “God still speaks to his Princesses through the Bible and through our quiet times of PRAYER and praise!”

The praises are little blessings to help girls think about all the blessings in their life and praise God for them. An example: “Dear God, you created the world and all that is in it. Nothing is too difficult for you!”

The artwork starts with the cover. It is bright pink with a jeweled crown (fake jewels set into the cover) sitting on a puffy pink pillow (a piece of stuffed fabric in the shape of a pillow glued onto the cover). The pages alternate in different pastel colors with various borders and stars and flowers sprinkled throughout.

What I Like: Everything.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests 4-8 as the intended age group for this book. Most kids in this age group would need the stories read to them. I think girls as old as 10 would enjoy a Bible story book like this one.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 1400312973; Hardcover, $16.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $10.99!
 
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Special Info: This book would be considered a girls-only book. I don’t think boys would be very interested in reading it.

Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books by this author.

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Who Made the World?

Teaching our children Who Made the World is a basic lesson all Christian parents can begin instilling from infancy. Simply mentioning that God made the pet cat, the apples we eat, the flowers in the garden, etc. is an excellent first step. So is reading the biblical creation story. So is there a place for a book like Who Made the World? by Kathleen Long Bostrom?

This book follows the same format as all the other "Little Blessings" titles. First, there are questions (in rhyme) written as though a small child were asking them:

"So who made the world?
God, I think it was you.
Did you have a helper?
If so, tell me who.

What was the first thing
you made, and the last?
Did you snap your fingers
to make it go fast?"

The next section of the book (also written in rhyme) answers the child's questions. In this particular title, the answers are written as though God is speaking. He tells us that even in the beginning, before the earth was formed, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with him. He also says he spoke "Let there be light!" to begin forming things. Next came the sky, seas, plants, and so on (as detailed in Genesis). He tells us people are special because they are made in God's image, and that when he finished making them, he took a rest. He also says some day "all of creation will sparkle like new./My home will be earth,/and I'll live there, with you!" In the meantime, He tells us to be kind and to care for the earth.

What I Like: I like that this book mentions end times in a simple way and that the author backs up all her claims with Bible references in the back of the book. I also appreciate Elina Kucharik's illustrations of children with many skin colors exploring God's world.

What I Dislike: I'm not sure why you need this book if you have a decent children's Bible. I'm also uncomfortable with the way "God" speaks in this book. For example, "God" says that in the beginning, he "had an indea-/just a glimmer, a spark./ I took a deep breath/and said, 'Let there be light!'" This mixture of biblical quotations and made up thinking behind God's actions doesn't suit me.

That said, overall, I have no strong feelings of like or dislike for this book - and neither does my 4 year old.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2009; ISBN: 978-1414320113; hardback, $9.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of "Little Blessings" books. Read our reviews of other books by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik.

What is the Bible?

It is surprisingly difficult to find children's books explaining what the Bible is, but Kathleen Long Bostrum's recent title What is the Bible? tackles the topic aptly.

Unlike it's only competition (Big Thoughts For Little Thinkers: The Scripture), Bostrum's book is truly suitable even for toddlers, and with illustrations by Care Bear artist Elena Kucharik, What is the Bible? is likely to please the younger crowd.

Like all the books in the popular "Little Blessings" series, this one begins with a series of questions a child might ask, including "Who wrote the Bible?/One person? A few?/What does it say?/Can you give me a clue?" The second half of the book then answers these questions. We learn the Bible is "one of a kind," God's word, was written by many people with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, should be read - and reread over and over, tells us of many interesting people -especially the story of Jesus the Savior, and more.

The last several pages of the book back up the text with Biblical references, which can also be used to discuss the topic with your child.

What I Like: I appreciate having a simple book to help explain even to very young children what the Bible is all about. This book isn't as detailed or all-encompassing as the Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers book, but that's what makes it a perfect introduction for younger children, or children who are less familiar with Christian teachings.

Kucharik's illustrations also add great interest, as she shows small children of various ethnicities reading the Bible, playing, and going about their daily lives.

What I Dislike: One section names a few famous people of the Bible, but since only names (and no hints of stories) are mentioned, if your child isn't familiar with these people, he or she may be bored for a couple of pages.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2009; ISBN: 978-1414320120; hardback, $9.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of "Little Blessings" books. Read our reviews of other books by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik.

Prayers for Little Hearts

Prayers for Little Hearts, illustrated by Elena Kucharik, is adorable from cover to cover. Each prayer in this book is based on a Scripture passage. For example, this prayer:

"Dear God, Please help me to treat others the way I would like them to treat me. In Jesus' name, Amen," is taken from Matthew 7:12.

I received this book as a gift for my newborn and toddler girls, and I have flipped through it many times. It is sitting in a prominent place in the girls room because the illustrations are so darling! There is a full page color illustration for each prayer as well as a matching border on the opposite page.

At the end of the book, there are prayers for special days: Birthday, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, First Day of School, Making Friends, and Taking a Trip.

What I Like: The prayers in this book are exquisitely simple. You can look up the corresponding Scriptures with your child. The illustrations are so appealing to children, and feature children of all races. This book is perfect as a gift.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Baby to preschool

Publisher Info: Tyndale House, 1996; ISBN: 0842349707; padded hardcover, $9.99.

Buy now at Christianbook.com for $7.99.

Or, buy from Amazon.com for $9.99.

Special Info: Here are other books reviewed by CCBR that are illustrated by Elena Kucharik. You will find that most of those books are also a part of the Little Blessings Series.

Questions from Little Hearts

Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik's "Little Blessings" series has proven so popular, the publisher is now releasing the individual titles in collections, saving parents money. Questions from Little Hearts is one of these collections.

Featuring the previously-released titles What is God Like?, What is Prayer?, What About Heaven?, and Are Angels Real?, this collection is an excellent beginning to many children's basic theological questions. (Click the titles in blue to read our reviews of the individual volumes.)

Each title in the collection begins with rhyming verse in a child's voice, asking a series of questions. This is followed by rhyming verse in italics, meant to be either God's voice or a parent's voice, answering every question and then some. Each title ends with complete Bible references, backing up every fact in the book.

In What is God Like? we learn that no one knows what God looks like, that he's been around since the world began, knows every hair on our head, can have a soft or loud voice, that he's both strong and gentle, he's sad when we are and glad when we are, his anger is slow to come, that he's all light, that he lives in heaven and in the hearts of those who love him, and more.

In What is Prayer? we learn that God is always eager to listen to us and hears our every word, that you can pray in any position (on your knees, standing, laying down, etc.), through prayer we can ask God to forgive us and he will, that we should pray for others, God answers every prayer, why we say "amen," and more.

In What about Heaven? we learn we can't see heaven from earth, that we get to heaven by believing in Jesus, that no one will be sick or sad in heaven, that we'll be with God and Jesus in heaven, and more.

In Are Angels Real? we learn that angels serve God, angels are with us wherever we go, that we should pray to God (not to angels), that all angels fly but not all have wings, angels never die, that humans don't become angels when we die, and more.

Every title is accompanied by Elena Kucharik's famous pastel illustrations showing adorable children doing a variety of child-like things.

What I Like: I love that Bostrom emphasizes in every title that we should turn to the Bible for answers, then gives detailed notes for parents and older kids so they can fact check her writing. The rhyming verse is a big hit with young children, and every child I've read these books to loves Kucharik's illustrations.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6

Publisher Info: Tyndale House, 2009; ISBN: 1414329989; hardback; $14.99

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Special Info: Read more of our reviews of Kathleen Long Bostrom's and Elena Kucharik's books.