Jesus Teaches Us Not to Worry

Our lives are filled with worry. In Jesus Teaches Us Not to Worry by Julie Stiegemeyer, Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) come alive in rhyme to teach kids to depend on God when they're concerned.

The story is a basic retelling of a small portion of Jesus' famous sermon, starting with how the crowd gathered to listen to Him. After a brief overview of things covered in Matthew 5, Jesus tells the people not to worry, that God will give you all you need.

"'Do not worry,' Jesus said,
'about what you will eat.
God will give you all you need--
water, bread, and meat.'"

At the end, a modern-day family is shown reading a Bible Storybook together. The reader is urged to listen to God and remember how He cares for us.

What I Like: As with other books I've read in the Arch Book series, the stories from the Bible are told with little exaggeration and in a manner appropriate for their audience.

I love the fact that the author indicates that Jesus talked about more than just the topic of worry--it's an open invitation to read the rest of the Sermon on the Mount with your child.

The last page is a note to parents--and it's filled with great information on the story itself, as well as suggestions on how to talk to your kids if they're concerned about something.

What I Dislike: There's not much I dislike, but occasionally, the rhyming rhythm was tricky to read (even silently). This has been noted as a flaw by our other reviewers for other Arch Books, as well.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7586-2581-6; Paperback, 15 PGS., $2.49

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Special Info: The face of Jesus is shown throughout the story. We've also reviewed other books by Julie Stiegemeyer, which you can find here. Additionally, reviews of other books in the Arch Book series may be found here.

Once Upon a Clear Dark Night

Once Upon a Clear, Dark Night, written by Jeffrey E. Burkart, tells the story of the three Wise Men’s trip to Bethlehem to witness Jesus’ birth. The story is based on the Bible verses of Matthew 2:1-12.

It starts with the Wise Men seeing the star in the East. They then travel to Jerusalem to see King Herod. He instructs them to go to Bethlehem and find Baby Jesus, then return and tell him where Baby Jesus is. They travel to Bethlehem and bring gifts for the new King, but they are warned in dreams to return home without going back to King Herod.

The figures of the characters in the illustrations by Natalia Vasquez remind me of wooden carvings. They are colorful but not very expressive.

What I Like: This book is part of a series of books by the publisher that tell many different stories from the Bible. I like the continuity you get in a series of books.

What I Dislike: This book is written in rhyming verse. As many of you already know, I am not a big fan of books that are written in rhyme as it is difficult to do it and do it well. Unfortunately, this book is another example of a story written with rhymes that are sometimes forced.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Arch books, 2011; ISBN: 9780758625793; Paperback, $2.49.

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Special Info: Read about the author at this website. Read our reviews of other books by Jeffrey E. Burkart. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Natalia Vasquez.

Problems in Plymouth (Imagination Station #6)

There's trouble in Plymouth, and young cousins Beth and Patrick are right in the middle of it. In Problems in Plymouth, the 6th book in the Imagination Station series by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger, the children follow the trouble-making Hugh to Plymouth Plantation where none other than William Bradford is governor. But not-so-friendly natives are everywhere and they capture Beth and Patrick. Held hostage in a tepee, the cousins meet a young Pilgrim who got lost in the woods and was also captured. But before long, William Bradford and a group of pilgrim men come to trade items for the children.

But trouble doesn't stop there. Some natives are accidentally shot by the Pilgrims, their friend Squanto is missing, and Beth and Patrick are afraid Hugh might try to incite war between the Pilgrims and natives. Or, they speculate, maybe he wants to bring an advanced weapon - a musket - back to his own time of castles and knights.

In the meantime, Squanto is found and the Pilgrims and natives hold a big feast - later known as the first Thanksgiving. But Patrick is suspicious. Hugh still hasn't shown up. At last, they discover him in the store house, where he threatens the cousins with a musket. He steals Patrick's pouch and discovers a ring there - a ring he thinks will bring the Imagination Station to him. It does, but it also sends him back to his own time. Patrick and Beth follow him, using another ring to call the Imagination Station.

Back in his own time, book 6 now picks up where book 4 left off when Hugh disappeared in the Imagination Station: Hugh is arrested, and Beth and Patrick go back home.

What I Like: I always appreciate novels that make history more inviting, and I love the idea of covering the Pilgrims in more depth.

What I Dislike: Unfortunately, the authors barely scratch the surface of who the Pilgrims were - and often offer a conflicting account. For example, the book talks about the true event of the Pilgrims stealing corn from the natives; it also shows some Pilgrims having a definite war-like attitude. We don't even get to see how God is part of their daily lives, although Bradford does pray before the feast. Yet, at the end of the book, Mr. Whittaker says, "The Pilgrims were honest and trustworthy." But only Bradford is actually depicted as honest, trustworthy, and someone to try to be more like. In addition, this book has a weak plot. Lots of little things happen to the Pilgrims, but there isn't much of a story arch. This is especially disappointing after the really excellent book 5, Showdown with the Shepherd. Problems in Plymouth isn't a bad book, but it's not a great book, either.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 and up, but some younger kids will enjoy having this book read to them.

Publishing Info: Tyndale; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976320; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of other books in this series.

Deborah Saves the Day

There are more than 100 titles in the Arch Books library. Deborah Saves the Day, written by Eric Rottmann, uses rhyming verse to retell the story of this prophetess as found in Judges 4-5.

The Canaanite Sisera ruled over the people of Israel. God sent Deborah as an answer to the people's prayers. Barak, a mighty warrior, was afraid to fight Sisera, so Deborah promised to go with him. Side by side they would defeat the cruel leader. Sisera sought safety in the Jael's tent. Once he fell asleep, Jael killed him. Deborah sang praises to God when the victory was won.

The book continues by correlating this story to our lives today. Just as God gave Deborah to Barak in his time of doubt, God has given us Jesus Christ. God also gives us other people to care for us and angels to guide and watch over us.

The final page is a letter to parents. It encourages them to use this story to quell children's fears and reassure them that God always provides for us, even in uncertain times. The author quotes Psalm 23:1, 4; Romans 8:31; and Hebrews 13:5.

The illustrations by Stephen Marchesi offer realistic impressions and lots of color. The paintings appear to possess a texture. This softens the edges and emits a warm feel.

What I Like: Deborah is not often covered in children's literature! I like that the author makes a clear application of this story for us today. The letter to parents is exceptional. I really like the inclusion of additional Scripture passages. And the price! You can't beat Arch books for value.

What I Dislike: The back of the book claims this story is presented in a "fun-to-read way children ages 5-9 will understand and remember." My daughter is 6 and she didn't find this book fun or understandable. She liked the story, but kept asking "What does that mean?" After I explained it to her in my own words, then she understood and now can repeat the essence of the story in her own words. I feel the rhyming text detracts from the story, inhibiting reader's comprehension.

This isn't a huge deal, but I also felt the book minimized Barak's role in this story. According to Scripture, Deborah and Jael were only given credit for victory because of Barak's lack of faith. Yet this retelling really pushes him to the side, giving him a very minor role indeed.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 5-9

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2008; ISBN: 0758614578; Paperback; $2.49

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Special Info: Jesus is pictured on one page, though his face is not clearly shown. See our reviews of other Arch books.

Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant

Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant is another book in the extensive Arch Books series. Written by Joanne Bader, it covers the story of Jesus' healing of the centurion's servant which can be found in Matthew 8:5-13.

The illustrations by Jenny Williams are colorful and sweet, and accurately depict the happenings in the story.

"Long ago in Capernaum,
A city near the sea,
There lived a very special man,
So good and kind was he.

This man was a centurion,
The captain of a group,
One hundred fighting Roman men
Were in his army troop."

The author goes on to detail how the loyal servant of this kind centurion became very ill. The centurion had heard of the miracles of Jesus, and begged him to heal his servant. The humble centurion did not feel worthy to have Jesus enter his home. He had faith that all Jesus had to do was speak and his servant would be healed. Jesus was pleased by the great faith of the centurion, and healed his servant.

I love how the book ends by urging the readers to have faith and humility just like the centurion did. He is a great example to us!

What I Like: Both of my girls are continually intrigued by this book. My three year old can tell us the whole story! I like the simplicity and clarity of the text. Little ones will easily grasp the Bible story and the lesson at the end.

What I Dislike: Aside from the fact that the rhyme is a little awkward on a couple of the pages, I have nothing to dislike about this book.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 5-9, but my younger girls thoroughly enjoy it too!

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2010; ISBN:0758618646 ; Paperback $2.49

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $1.99!

Special Info: We've reviewed lots of other Arch books. Read our reviews here. Also, Jesus is pictured in this book.

Just in Time Esther

Just in Time Esther, written by Carol Wedeven and illustrated by Unada Gliewe, is the Old Testament book of Esther for children.

Using both rhyme and illustrations, the story of Esther's ascension to the position of Queen of Persia and later rescuer of the Jewish people from the hand of Haman's edict, are described.

The focus of Just in Time Esther seems to be on the battle between Haman and Mordecai. In comparison, very little is said about Esther, King Xerxes or the Jews.

What I Like: I LOVE that, as in the other books in the Arch Books Bible Story Series, a letter to parents from the editor is included. Found at the end of the book, the letter expresses the importance of teaching the story of Esther to children. Here is an excerpt of the encouraging words:

"There will be times when our children must place their trust in God so that they might stand up for their beliefs. Consider how you might model this type of trust for your children to see."

How great is that? I love that the editor's heart is to uplift both the parent and the child!

What I Dislike: The book of Esther is a very complex book, full of twists and turns and complex personalities. In Just in Time Esther, the author attempts to capture it all. As a result I ended up feeling confused. Too much detailed information was given in the mere 14 pages. Even though I am very familiar with the story of Esther, I found myself re-reading Just in Time Esther three times just to understand what was going on in the story.

The illustrations are repetitive and provide little clarity to the plot. Unfortunately, the illustrations only added more confusion to the storyline.

Overall Rating: Ho-Hum

Age Appeal: 5-9 years.


Special Info: Just in Time Esther is part of the bestselling Arch Books Bible Story Series, which covers over 100 different themes from Genesis to Acts.

You may also be interested in other reviews on the Arch Book Series at the Christian Children's Book Review. Check out CCBR's reviews of: The Fruit of the Spirit, The Resurrection, Jesus Wakes the Little Girl, The Lost Coin, and Jesus Walks on the Water.

Learn more about the Arch Book Series on their website. Learn more about the author on her website. Learn more about the illustrator here.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1999; ISBN: 978-0-870-07558-5 ; Paperback $1.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $1.99

Daniel and the Lions

Daniel and the Lions retells the story of Daniel and the lions den in Daniel 6 from the point of view of the lions. The book is written by Larry Burgdorf and illustrated by Natalia Vasquez.

Daniel and the Lions relates how Daniel won the favor of the king, then rivals hatched a plan to trick the king into forbidding prayer to God. When Daniel disobeys the law and is spotted praying, he is arrested and thrown into the lion's den.

From the book:

"As we were rushing for the feast
We couldn't touch him in the least.
God sent His angel here, and he
Was far more powerful than we."

What I Like: I don't typically care for rhyming books, but I barely noticed this story was written in verse. It flowed easily. Taking the point of view of the lions was unique, and it made for a bit of fun in an otherwise serious story. (At the end of the story, when Daniel's released, the lion laments how they missed a tasty meal!)

The editor also has a note to parents at the very end, addressing additional issues you may want to discuss with your child; Daniel did break the law by praying to God, despite the fact we are taught to obey the law, and not all who obey God are rescued. I found this page particularly helpful as it gave talking points with scripture references I could use with my daughter.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9.

Publishing Info: Arch Books, a division of Concordia Publishing House, 2010; ISBN: 978-0-7586-1867-3; Paperback $2.49.

Buy it at Amazon.com for $2.49.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Written by Erik Rottmann and illustrated by Amy Huntington, The Fruit of the Spirit teaches Galatians 5:22-23 in language young children can understand and remember. The Fruit of the Spirit is part of the bestselling Arch Books Bible Story Series, which covers over 100 different themes from Genesis to Acts.

Each of the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5 are highlighted: patience, joy, love, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, peace, self-control, kindness - all through the use of poetry. The following is a excerpt:

"LOVE! Oh, LOVE! The very word

Speaks all about your Christ.

Now LOVE is yours. Through you it pours

To others in your life.

By FAITHFULNESS you take to heart

What God says in His Word.

He shall stay true. You stay here, too,

Because of what you've heard."

The illustrations are bright and interesting to look at, emphasizing loving family relationships. They also include children and adults of various ethnicity. The rhymes are simple and lively.

Also included in The Fruit of the Spirit is a letter to parents encouraging them to walk in the Spirit along with their children. It is an uplifting letter charging parents to rejoice in their children, as they are gifts from the Lord.

What I Like: Jesus taught mostly in parables - simple stories that the average man could understand. This is what the author has done in The Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits are described as a seed planted within us by the Lord Jesus that the Holy Spirit causes to sprout, grow and bear more fruit through the Word, prayer and obedience to God.

What I Dislike: The book seems a little bit more flimsy than the average paperback, perhaps because it's very short. The cover and the pages themselves are sturdy, but the binding seems weak.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: Children ages 5-9 are recommended by the publisher, but I believe children as young as 2 would be able to understand and enjoy this book.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House; 2010; 978-0-7586-1860-3; Paperback $1.99.

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The Resurrection

The Resurrection, written by Cynda Strong, is the story of Jesus from the time he was an adult up to the resurrection. It includes his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, Judas’ betrayal, the Last Supper, his “trial” before Pilate, and the Crucifixion. There’s no mention of his praying in the Garden of Gethsemane or of Peter’s denial of Christ.

Bible verses from both the books of Isaiah and Matthew are given as reference for the text.

The illustrations, by Helen Cann, are true-to-life and expressive.

What I Like: I like short Bible stories for kids.

What I Dislike: This book is part of Concordia Publishing’s Arch series of books. Like the others, it is written in rhyme. For the most part, the rhyming is done very well; there are only a couple of places where it felt forced.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 5-9.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2010; ISBN: 9780758618597; Paperback, $2.49.

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Special Info: Visit the author’s website. Visit the illustrator’s website. This book is part of the publisher’s Arch Books series. Read our reviews of other books in the series.

Saul's Conversion

Saul's Conversion, an Arch Books Bible Story, written by Eric Bohnet and illustrated by Marcy Ramsey, is the story of Saul’s conversion, taken from Acts 9:1-22; 21:1-22:21.

It opens with the apostle Paul sitting in jail, explaining to two other prisoners why he’s there and that he’ll forgive the ones who imprisoned him. Paul says, “For I learned there is no sin that God will not forgive. Christ Jesus bore our punishment; He died so we can live.”

He tells the prisoners about Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, a legal scholar, but he’s a man who knows nothing of God’s grace. The story describes the Christians’ flight from Jerusalem to Damascus and the relentless pursuit by Saul. “He swore that he would hunt them down until they were all dead,” the story says of the persecuted Christians.

But on Saul’s journey, a beam of light from heaven blinds him and a voice demands, “Why do you persecute Me, Saul?” It was Jesus, telling him to go into town and wait for a man. Jesus sends Ananias to Damascus to baptize Saul and heal his eyes.

From then on, Saul chooses to be known as Paul, and he’ll do as the Lord commands. Paul knows that Jesus called him out of love and he’ll tell all men that Christ is the Savior.

What I Like: I love Arch Books- a short read, the bright illustrations, and the rhyming text that my children enjoy hearing. The Note to Parents in the back of the book provides greater detail.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 5 to 9. Reading level: Grade 3.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2006; ISBN: 978-0758608680; Paperback $2.49.

Buy it at Amazon.com for $2.49.

Special Info: See more reviews of Arch Books Bible Stories here.

Mary's Christmas Story and Joseph's Christmas Story

In my excitement to share the Christmas season with my children by reading new, interesting Christmas books, I forgot my toddler still needs to learn the basics. When she told me we celebrate her cousin's birthday on Christmas (instead of Jesus') and was nervous about a story with the "grown-up Jesus," I realized I better go back to the beginning. Mary's Christmas Story and Joseph's Christmas Story by Arch Books proved to be the perfect answer.

Mary's Christmas Story is based on Luke 1:26-2:20, and begins with Mary getting startling news from a friendly-looking angel, and rushing off to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. The story continues through the birth of Jesus and the shepherds' visit. I had forgotten, after the shepherds left Mary and Joseph, they went into Bethlehem to tell everyone about Jesus.

Joseph's Christmas Story, based on Matthew 1:18-24, and Luke 2: 1-20, focuses on Joseph's confusion, but then obedience in taking Mary to be his wife, and their journey to Bethlehem. After the angel explains the truth of Mary's words, they have a lovely wedding. Before long, they set out for Bethlehem. "Kind Joseph" has an active role in Jesus' birth, as he fixes a bed of hay for Mary to lie on, and places Baby Jesus into Mary's arms.

Although I use the books together, the illustrations in Mary's Christmas Story are more childlike, where the illustrations in Joseph's Christmas Story portray Mary and Joseph as grown-ups.

What I Like: I really like the simplicity of the stories and how biblical the stories are. They are the most accurate stories you will find, besides those in children's Bibles. It is nice to hear the story from Mary's point of view and also from Joseph's. It is easy to forget about Joseph, but he truly was a remarkable husband and father.

I also like the price. While books are my weakness, it is nice to be able to spend two dollars and get a great book.

I was also very pleased because my two-and-a-half year old loves the books and asks me to read them again and again. Now, if you ask her whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas, she will say, "Jesus!"

What I Dislike: Sometimes the rhyme and rhythm are a little off, but my kids enjoy rhyming books, and overall the rhyme is pretty well done.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: The books list 5-9 on the back, but I would say 1 and up

Publisher Info: (Mary's Christmas Story) Concordia Publishing House, 1996; ISBN: 0-570-07526-2; Paperback, $2.49
(Joseph's Christmas Story) Concordia Publishing House, 2002; ISBN: 0-570-07577-7, Paperback, $2.49

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other Arch Books here.

Jesus Wakes the Little Girl

Jesus Wakes the Little Girl, written by Joanne Bader, is the latest in the Arch Books Bible Story Series.

This is the well-known story of Jairus’s daughter who is on her deathbed when Jairus begs Jesus to lay His hands on her and heal her. Jesus follows Jairus to his house, but along the way they receive the news that the daughter has died. Jesus tells him not to fear, but to believe.

Jesus claims to the mourners she is only sleeping and the response is, “The mourners there all laughed at Him. For they knew she was dead. They’d all been right inside the house- Some very near her bed.”

The miracle occurs when Jesus tells the girl to arise and instructs her parents to give her some food. Jairus’s daughter is alive and healed!

This story illustrates the awesome power of God and the awesome power of faith. It also presents an opportunity to talk with children about how Christians should not fear death, but instead look to eternity. The relevant scripture verses are stated on the title page. The boldly-colored illustrations of Michelle Dorencamp are touching and convey the characters' emotions well.

What I Like: The ending note to parents on extending the lesson is wonderful. I liked how the story is summarized on the last page by saying, "As Jesus rose from His own death, We, too will rise someday. And we will go to heaven with Him Who took our sins away."

What I Dislike: The rhyme seemed forced in a few sentences. This book also omits the woman who is healed when she touches the robe of Jesus during the trip to Jairus’s home.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Reading Level: Grade 3; Interest Level: Ages 5 to 9.

Publisher Info: Arch Books, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-7586-1615-9; Paperback $2.49.

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The Lost Coin

The Lost Coin, another book in the Arch Books series of rhyming picture books, tells the story of Luke 15: 8-10. In Jesus' parable, he compares a widow's joy at finding her lost coin with God's joy when a sinner repents. Like all Arch Books, great care is taken to ensure the retelling is biblically accurate. Author Nicole E. Dreyer sets the stage for us by explaining, "Jesus traveled from town to town." She continues, "But not everyone who followed the Lord/was happy with what they heard. . .The teachers and the Pharisees/Thought Jesus had made a mistake/Because He ate with those who sinned/And collectors with taxes to take." Dreyer then begins the retelling of the parable of the lost coin.

As the woman searches for her coin and subsequently finds it, her face reflects concern, joy and excitement. At the end of the book, we see Jesus again. This time, He is explaining to adults and children, "The angels of God will always rejoice/Whenever a sinner repents." Readers are included among the lost in the last verse, "Yes, we were the lost that Jesus found./He's claimed us as His own/And rejoices over each one of us/Before His Father's throne."

Arch Books always include a note to parents from the Editor, and this book is no exception. The note suggested asking children to think of a time they lost something important and found it again. My five-year-old could relate to this and thought of an example right away. He seemed impressed Jesus is happy when we are "found" just like he was happy when he found his lost treasure.

What I Like: I always appreciate Arch Books' biblical integrity. Though they may add details to put the story in context and make the story more accessible to children, they remain true to their mission to retell stories of the Bible without embellishing. This makes Arch books a valuable addition to any family's collection of Bible story books.

In The Lost Coin, specifically, I love the illustrations. It is nice to see people who look Middle Eastern and are dressed in period clothes featured in Bible story books. Again, this helps children get a feel for the Bible as history. I like how joyful and inviting Jesus looks. He is featured on several pages, and always seems to be enjoying the people He is interacting with. The illustrations use a rich array of colors and facial expressions are quite detailed and realistic.

I also liked the Editor's Note, at the back of the book. The note begins by explaining that we are like the Pharisees when we judge others, and points out Jesus came to save all of us. It then gives a very clear definition of repentance. "A person who repents is one who hears God's Law and recognizes his or her own sin. The person is sorry for what he did wrong, and resolves to follow God's Word. Redemption comes by God bestowing His forgiveness on the penitent sinner." The Editor then references Luke 15:7, which says, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons. . . ."

What I Dislike: As other CCBR reviewers have noted, the rhyme in some Arch Books can be forced. Dreyer sometimes inverts word order in order to rhyme, or uses a weaker word or term to support the rhyme scheme. Also, the number of syllables per line varies too much. This makes the reading sound uneven, or choppy. Despite this, I think the message of this book is important enough to put up with annoying phrasing.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 5-9

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2006; ISBN: 978-0-7586-0873-4 ; Paperback, $2.49

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Special Information: Look for our reviews of other Arch Books here.

Paul's Great Basket Caper

Paul’s Great Basket Caper, written by Larry Burgdorf, is part of Concordia Publishing’s Arch series of books, which includes a whole line of short children’s picture books about various characters and stories in the Bible.

Saul was a notorious persecutor of Christians. But on the road to Damascus, Saul was blinded by a great light from God. He realized he had been wrong to hate the Christians. His name changed to Paul and his whole life changed. Paul started preaching the Gospel and had many followers. His former friends became his enemies and plotted to kill him. Paul needed to sneak out of Damascus to avoid being killed. To do so, his friends lowered him over the city’s walls in a large basket. Paul escaped and went on to become one of the greatest Apostles.

The Bible verses from Acts 9:1-25, 31 are given as reference for this story.

The illustrations by Dave Hill are colorful and expressive.

What I Like: I like having short stories from the Bible kids.

What I Dislike: Like other books in this series, the text is written in verse. And, like many other books in the series I have read, the rhyme scheme in this book is forced on several occasions, which interrupts the rhythm of the story.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 5-9.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing, 2009; ISBN: 0758616163; Paperback, $2.49.

Buy now at Amazon.com $2.47!

Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in the Arch series.

Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus Walks on the Water, written by well-known writer Nancy I. Sanders, is part of Concordia Publishing’s Arch series of books, which includes a whole line of short children’s picture books about various characters and stories in the Bible.

In this story, Jesus comes to the rescue of his disciples, who are in a boat on the lake during a bad storm. Jesus appears to them by walking on the water. He tells them, “Don’t be afraid. I am the one who stands right here. I’ll rescue you today.”

Peter, who doesn’t have enough faith to believe that it’s really Jesus, and that He can walk on water, says, “Sir, if it’s really you, just tell me to come over there. I’ll walk on water too.”

Jesus gives the okay and Peter steps out onto the water. He’s fine until he looks around, realizes what he’s doing, and gets scared. Then, he begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him. Jesus reaches out his hand and pulls Peter back up. He chides him by saying, “Why did you doubt, O man of little faith?” When Jesus and Peter step into the boat, the storm instantly ceases. All the disciples realize that Jesus really is the Son of God.

Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-51 are the Bible verses cited as references for this story.

The illustrations, by Elizabeth Swisher, are expressive, but they are rather dark.

What I Like: I like short, easy-to-read stories from the Bible.

What I Dislike: The text is written in verse, and as you should know by now, I am not a big fan of stories written in this manner as they are difficult to write and do it well. Unfortunately, the rhyme scheme in this book is forced on several occasions, which interrupts the rhythm of the story.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests 5-9 as the appropriate age group for this book. However, although the stories are short, and there are lots of pictures, the language level is rather high for the younger end of this group.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing, 2005; ISBN: 0758608640; Paperback, $14.94.

Buy now at Amazon.com $12.70!

Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in the Arch series written by Nancy I. Sanders. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Elizabeth Swisher.