God Loves Me More Than That

There are lots of children's books available discussing God's love, but Dandi Daley Mackall's God Loves Me More Than That goes beyond the usual by exploring the idea of how much God loves each of us.

Always using kid-friendly language and examples, Mackall begins her rhyming book by saying God loves "me" more than the distance between letters A and Z. David Hohn's illustrations add depth and whimsy to this by showing giant letters stretched across the hillside, with a little boy standing on the letter A, trying to see all the way to Z.

The author also tells us God loves "me" more than the bumbles in a bumble bee, that his love is higher than the moon or the space shuttle, deeper than a treasure chest in the ocean, wider than a semi truck or the prairies where cowboys ride, louder than a cheering football crowd, softer than a cat's sneeze or a summer's breeze, and more. The book ends:

"Lord, it's great to be loved by you.
Hope you know that I love you, too.
Nice to know that my whole life through.
God loves me more than that!"

What I Like: I am not always a fan of Dandi Daley Mackall's books, but this book shows her at her best. The text flows easily and describes God's love in a fun and meaningful way. David Hohn's illustrations are superb; they add a lot of imagination to the book and make it all that much more interesting to read. For example, when God's love is said to have more bumbles than a bumble bee, Hohn shows a boy riding on the back of a giant bee. Later, when God's love is said to be deeper than a treasure chest in the sea, he shows the boy in an antique diving suit (a la Jules Vern), finding an old ship with treasure. He really ignites the imagination of children.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According tot he publisher, 4 -8, but children as young as 2 will enjoy this one.

Publishing Info: WaterBrook Press, 2008; ISBN: 1400073162; hard back, $9.95

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other Dandy Daley Mackall and David Hohn books.

When God Created My Toes

When God Created My Toes pairs long-time children's Christian book author Dandi Daley Mackall with newer-to-the-field illustrator David Hohn - who, incidentally, has quickly become one of the best illustrators in children's Christian books.

In Mackall's familiar rhyming style, and with Hohn's realistic and fun illustrations, we meet a young girl we can all relate to. She's a bit tom-boyish, and tends to be so curious and fun-loving she gets into trouble. As she plays in a huge mud pile she's created, she wonders:

"When God created my toes
Did he make them wiggle?
Did he know I'd giggle?
Did he have to hold his nose
when God created my toes?"

As she skates and skins her knee, she wonders what it was like when God created that knee. As her father helps her do flips in the air, she wonders what God said when he created her hips. As she creatively paints all over her house (walls, couch, and all), she wonders if God clapped when he created her hands. As her exasperated mother gives her a bath to wash off the paint, she wonders what God said when he created her hair. When she surprises her father, scaring the daylights out of him, she wonders if God played peek-a-boo as he created her eyes. When she comes inside from creating a snowman, she wonders if God gave her an Eskimo kiss when he created her nose. As she hugs her cat too hard, she wonders if she loved God right when he created her heart. And as she dresses up in fancy clothes for a pretend tea party, she wonders if God was pleased with the result when he was done creating her.

What I Like: Hohn's illustrations are delightful, and I like the unique layout of the book (it appears to partially be the little girl's creation. There are notebook pages throughout, showing her handwriting and sketches). I also love that Mackall's text reminds us that God created every part of us just the way he wanted us to be.

What I Dislike: I only wish the book ended with a definitive statement about how pleased God is with us as his creation. Instead, the book is a series of questions the author never really answers.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but many children as young as 2 or 3 will enjoy it, too.

Publishing Info: WaterBrook Press, 2008; ISBN: 1400073154; hard back, $9.99

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Special Info: Check out the our other reviews for Dandi Daley Mackall and David Hohn books.

Showdown with the Shepherd (Imagination Station #5)

Attacks by ferocious wild bears, a near miss with a legendary giant, secret messages, and outsmarting a bad guy who wants to change history. Kids will discover all this and more in Showdown with the Shepherd, book #5 in The Imagination Station series written by Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman.

In this installment, Mr. Whittaker sends young cousins Patrick and Beth back to Bible times to ensure bad guy Hugh (from book #4) doesn't succeed in altering history. Upon "landing," the kids are immediately attacked by a bear. Just when it seems they'll be the bear's lunch, however, a young shepherd with a sling shot scares the bear away. Beth and Patrick soon realize this is David - who will someday be King of Israel.

David is on his way to the army camp to give food to his brothers, so Patrick and Beth go along with him. But David isn't well received by his brothers - even before he says he will defeat the giant Philistine called Goliath if no one else is brave enough to do so.

Yet before David can do battle, Hugh appears, wanting to speak to King Saul. He is working with the Philistines. After threatening the Israelites, Hugh throws fire powder into the torches, creating smoke that makes it easy for him to grab Beth and take her to the Philistine camp. There, Beth sees Hugh has helped create a weapon unknown in biblical times: A catapult. Using her harmonica to play the "ABC" song, she sends this message to Patrick, still in the Israelite camp.

Late that night, Patrick steals into the Philistine camp to rescue Beth. When David shows up, too, they try to disarm the catapult - but they're not sure Patrick's plan to do so will work.

The following day, David faces Goliath, knocking him out with a stone from his sling, then killing him with his own sword. But the Philistines - led by Hugh, who imagines lording over the Philistines once the war is over - throw a fireball into the Israelite army. Patrick feels defeated; his plan didn't work. But when the Philistines try to throw a second fireball, the catapult won't shoot and soon burns beyond use.

Their mission completed, Beth and Patrick head back to where the Imagination Station can take them back to their own time. But Hugh is there, too. To top it off, the bear attacks again, and Patrick, Beth, and Hugh barely escape inside the machine. When Beth and Patrick look up - Hugh, who entered the machine with them - has disappeared.

What I Like: Here is an action packed page turner any kid is sure to love. I read it to my 6 year old daughter in one sitting because she kept saying, "You've got to read what happens next! Read more! Read more!" I also really appreciate how the authors depicted David. As they write: "Patrick admired David's faith in God. He wished he could be more like the shepherd."

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I am not a big fan of the black and white illustrations in this book. (There are about 11). Illustrator David Hohn's work here is a bit too stylized for me; I don't like how the people look like walking skeletons. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise outstanding book.
Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 and up, but kids as young as kindergarten will also enjoy having this book read to them.
Publishing Info: Tyndale House; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976313; paperback, 120 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in The Imagination Station series.

A Gaggle of Geese & A Clutter of Cats

While there is certainly a need for children's books that lay out the Bible and theology in a strong fashion, I really enjoy children's books that teach non-biblical things alongside simple biblical truths. A Gaggle of Geese & a Clutter of Cats, by favorite children's book author Dandi Daley Mackall, does just that. The book begins:

"When God made the world,
he formed all kinds of creatures,
Fashioned in families of similar features.
Everyone knows there are kittens in litters.
Packs, flocks, and herds, common names for our critters.
But animals groups go by fancy names, too.
In jungles, a pet store, a pasture, a zoo."

The rhyming text then goes on to teach all kinds of wonderful names for groups of animals. Some, most of us have heard of. But others will undoubtedly be a surprise. For example, did you know a group of peacocks is called a "muster?" That a group of crows is a "murder?" A group of bears is a "sleuth?" A group of owls, a "parliament?" Fun stuff, here! The book ends:

"Now here's a fine group. What's the name?
Please keep guessing!
A big group of kids?
Why, we call them a BLESSING!

The last page of the book is a quote from Genesis 1:20 -25, stating how God created all creatures. On every page of this book, gorgeous illustrations by David Hohn make reading a feast for the eyes. There is such depth, and detail, and color in these illustrations!
What I Like: Everything. This book teaches a bit about most children's favorite subject (animals), while readily acknowledging God's wonderful creativity. The illustrations are superb; I think this book will quickly become a favorite in many households.
What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 - 12, but I assure you toddlers on up will enjoy this one.
Publishing Info: Waterbrook Press, 2007; ISBN: 1400072042; hard back, $9.99.
Buy Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99.
Special Info: Check out illustrator's David Hohn's website, which includes many examples of his art. Also, take a peek at author Dandi Daley Mackall's website.

The Blanket Show

The Blanket Show by prolific Christian children's book author Dandi Daley Mackall and increasingly popular artist David Hohn is a fun way to get your kids more excited about bedtime. The book begins:

"Pick up the toys!
Grab your bear!
Got your blankie? Meet you there.
Kids are scurrying everywhere.
Time for The Blanket Show!"

Then we see the first of three "acts" in the book: A two-page spread with a puppy and some blocks, introducing "Act 1." Next, we see children taking off their shoes and running to the bathroom to take baths, brush teeth, and change into jammies.

Turn the page, and there's another two-page spread with a cat and some fridge magnets reading "Act 2." Then we see kids jumping into bed, snuggling into blankets, and grabbing teddy bears. Parents start reading Bible stories. Next, the author writes:

"Intermission, don't you think?
Need some water? Just one drink."

Turn the page, and there's another two-page spread, this time featuring a turtle and a train with letters reading "Act Three." Now children are getting hugs and kisses and saying their prayers, while the author reminds that "angels guard you through the night." As we see images of children drifting off to sleep, another two-page spread reads "Grand Finale." We see kids dreaming of happy things like puppies and playgrounds. The author concludes:

"Close your eyes and let it go.
Dream your dreams, for don't you know?
You're starring in The Blanket Show!"

.

What I Like: This is a subtly Christian book, only a mention of angels (and a picture of one), prayers, and Bible stories separates it from secular books similar to it. But it's not the Christian content that makes this book unique. It's the way the author subtly assures children they can sleep safely and soundly...and the way she and the author make bedtime seem like a game. The illustrations by Hohn are characteristically warm and inviting, and do a great deal to get the theatrical game across to readers.

What I Dislike: The last page of the book shows a theatre marque, with "The Blanket Show" being the show of the evening. Where a movie poster might otherwise hang, the text reads: "Starring (your name here). Next performance - tomorrow night!" This is a cute idea, and a nice way to personalize the book. But it should be at the beginning of the book, for then the first reading of this title wouldn't be so confusing. (Subsequent readings make perfect sense, but I didn't "get" the whole theatre thing when I first started the book.)

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 2 - 5.

Publishing Info: WaterBrook Press, 2007; ISBN: 1400072050; hard back, $9.99.

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Secrets of the Prince's Tomb (The Imagination Station #7)

Many parents appreciate the Imagination Station books as a Christian alternative to The Magic Treehouse series - and my daughter keeps asking me to buy the latest Imagination Station books. When we recently read #7 in the series, Secret of the Prince's Tomb, I was pleased to see the series is getting stronger.

In Secret of the Prince's Tomb, Patrick complains to Mr.Whittaker that he's a slave at school - and worse, kids are teasing him because of his belief in God. Mr. Whittaker tries not to laugh at Patrick's slave remark, then sends the boy and his cousin Beth on a trip in the time-traveling Imagination Station. The two children end up in an ancient Egyptian marketplace. When they bump into a young girl, they suddenly find themselves on the run from some big, burly men who turn out to be a sort of ancient police. The girl they bumped into, Tabitha, is being shoved out of her palatial home, along with the rest of her family. Her good friend, Lateef, is upset about this and orders the police to leave Tabitha alone - and the police listen. It turns out Lateef is prince; his father is the pharaoh.

Patrick and Beth accompany Lateef to the palace, where they refuse to give offerings to the Egyptian gods. Lateef isn't thrilled by this, but he admits his good friend Tabitha believes in only one God, too. The children soon learn why the pharaoh has ordered people like Tabitha, whom he calls "Habiru," into slavery. He feels they've become too numerous and will soon try to take over Egypt. There is no hope for Tabitha and her family; they will be slaves no matter what Lateef wishes.

Beth and Patrick try to save Tabitha, but only end up being arrested. Thankfully, Lateef frees them, warning them to stay away from the Habiru because he cannot free them if they end up in jail again. But Patrick and Beth feel lead to the place where Tabitha and her family now live - where they discover there is much talk of God forgetting the Habiru. Perhaps, someone suggests, if they had the body of their great, dead prince, they could retain hope.

The cousins, trying to help, break into the Valley of the Dead (where the tombs of the great leaders of Egypt lie), hoping to retrieve this prince's body. But then they realize: This prince the Habiru love is Joseph of the Old Testament - the Hebrew boy sold as a slave in Egypt, who later rose to second in command of that nation. In an "ah-ha" moment, the cousins realize the Habiru are the Hebrew of the Old Testament, and that they have traveled back in time to the days of Moses' birth. They remember that Moses brought Joseph's bones out of Egypt when God let set the Hebrews free from Egypt - so the cousins can't move Joseph's bones now.

As best they can, the cousins explain this to the Habiru, reminding them God hasn't forgotten them - just as he didn't forget Joseph when he was sold into slavery or spent years in prison. They leave in the Imagination Station and, once home, Patrick admits to Mr. Whittaker that his slavery comment was out of line - and that, even though he's being teased at school, God is with him.

What I Like: This book doesn't delve into the strange, mystical world of Egyptian religion, for which I'm thankful. We do get a taste of the mystery of the Egyptian world when the cousins break into the Valley of the Dead, however, traveling through a maze of tombs and hieroglyphics. It's just enough to keep the story interesting. The pace of the book is better than many of the Imagination Station books, and there are a number of cliff-hanging chapters that made my daughter cry, "Just one more chapter! Please???" And of course I love that there's an important lesson about God's presence in our lives, even when things seem to  go all wrong.

What I Dislike: David Hohn illustrates this series with black and white drawings. Normally I really like his work, but in this series, the children are disturbingly thin. However, this problem is less prominent in this book than in some others.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 7 to 10 or so (the Flesch-Kinkiad reading level is 2.3, but the book is a good read-to-me title for children not yet in that reading level)

Publishing Info: Tyndale; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976733; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

Special Info: This book easily stands alone from the series; your child doesn't need to have read other books in the series to understand and enjoy this one. There is also a free family devotional, parent's page, and vocabulary list for this book on the Imagination Station website.

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(Buy the Kindle version for $3.82)

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Attack at the Arena (Imagination Station)

The second in the new Imagination Station series, Attack at the Arena, does a better job of living up to the Magic Tree House books it so closely emulates. In this volume, young Patrick and Beth travel back in time to ancient Rome, searching for a monk's silver cup to help the mysterious Albert, known only through letters that appear suddenly in the Imagination Station.

The kids quickly part ways when a Roman solider carries Beth away, saying she's dressed as a slave of the emperor. Patrick ends up with a kindly monk who tries to help save a "barbarian" war captive fleeing Roman soldiers. Unfortunately, it isn't until the barbarian takes the monk's hidden silver cup that Patrick realizes this is the exact object he must obtain before heading home.

In the meantime, Beth finds herself tending the young, haughty emperor's bird menagerie. And when it's time to see war prisoners die in the arena, the emperor takes his birds along - and Beth, to tend to them. Through an unfortunate turn of events, Patrick ends up in the arena with the war captives. But the monk Patrick befriended not only wants to help Patrick and Beth, he says God spoke to him in a dream and told him to go to the arena that day. He even gets Beth to deliver a message to the emperor: "Are you a Christian?"

The emperor is angry about this question; of course he's a Christian! By law, the emperor must be Christian. The monk points to the silver chalice the emperor is drinking from - and stole from the barbarian. "Your Highness is drinking from a holy chalice," the monk says. "You now use it to salute death." When the emperor asks why he should stop the games his people demand, the monk replies: "Because you say you follow Christ, the bread of life."

The emperor sees the error of his ways, but the games aren't easily stopped. In the end, it's Beth and the birds she cares for that save the lives of the war captives - and Patrick.

Silver cup in hand, Patrick and Beth head home. Mr. Whittaker, the owner of the Imagination Station, tells the kids no one is sure what became of the monk, but that history shows there were no more bloody arena games after he confronted the emperor. And their next trip? Mr. Whittaker has answers about that, too. They will soon be off to China, to seek a golden tablet.

What I Like: Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker's Attack at the Arena is considerably more action packed than the first book in the Imagination Station series (Voyage with the Vikings). The story also seems more fleshed out and does a better job of revealing Christian history. Both my 5 year old and I agree this book is the best in the series so far.

What I Dislike: My only real complaint is that David Hohn's drawings of the children - and especially of Beth - are weirdly thin. The last thing I want is to expose my daughter to are more images of too-thin females. Those who love the Magic Tree House books should also realize Attack at the Arena is longer than the original MTH books, has fewer illustrations, and has no facts listed at the end of the book.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher 9 - 12, but my 5 year old loved it.

Publishing Info: Tydale, 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976283; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $4.99

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Special Info: See our review of the first book in this series, Voyage with the Vikings.

Peril in the Palace (Imagination Station)

Giant eagles called rocs, a nasty emperor related to Genghis Khan, and the famous Marco Polo all play an important roll in the third book in the new Imagination Station series. Peril in the Palace by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker continues featuring young cousins Patrick and Beth as they travel through time in Mr. Whittacker's Imagination Station.

In their continued effort to help Mr. Whittaker's ancestor, Albert, the kids go back to the 13th century to find a Mongolian leader's golden tablet. The Mongolian warriors brand them as evil and the khan (empower) is bored by their Christian faith (which his mother practiced). He only cares for the yellow lamas who, he thinks, can give him power to conquer his enemies. Along the way, the children bump into none other than Marco Polo, who is visiting the khan with his father and uncle.

Then the children show the khan that his so-called magical lamas are really just using magnets to move things around - and the khan sends them to jail. Fortunately, though, one of his granddaughters helps the cousins escape - and with a golden tablet in hand. Things get dicey, though, when legendary giant eagles, called rocs, appear and try to feed the children to their babies. Fortunately, the mysterious knight who has appeared briefly in each book in the series appears and saves them.

But there's a twist at the end: Instead of being transported back to Mr. Whittaker's at the end of the story, the children are transported to a dark cave...

What I Like: Both my 5 year old and I agreed this book has more action in it than the previous two Imagination Station books. And the cliffhanger ending made us both glad we have the next book in the series sitting in the "to read" pile. As always, I appreciate that this series focuses on history and having good character; the fact that Patrick and Beth are Christians comes out clearly in their actions.

What I Dislike: This volume seemed to have considerably fewer illustrations (by David Hohn) than the previous two.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher 9 - 12, but my 5 year old loved it.

Publishing Info: Tydale, 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976290; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $4.99

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $4.49

Special Info: Those looking for an alternative to the Magic Tree House series should know the Imagination Station series is most like the newer, longer Magic Treehouse books, designed for older children than the original books in the series. Also, see our reviews of other books in the Imagination Station series.

Battle for Cannibal Island (Imagination Station #8)

Serving and sacrificing for others. Spiritual warfare. The difference once person can make. These are the themes in the latest Imagination Station book, Battle for Cannibal Island.

Once again Wayne Thomas Batson and Marianne Hering's tell the tale of young cousins Beth and Patrick. This time, Patrick has a bad attitude about going to his grandmother's birthday party. Going means missing a ball game, which hardly seems fair to him. So, without permission, Patrick starts up the Imagination Station, looking for adventure. In trying to stop him, Beth ends up on board, too.

The machine takes them to a ship in the 19th century. At first, the cousins fear it's a pirate ship. After all, the men on board talk like pirates - and one even has a wooden leg. But they are actually on an English navy vessel anchored near Fiji. The trouble is, Fiji is a land of cannibals, and Toki, the leader of them all, isn't to be trusted.

But James Calvert, a missionary whose been teaching the Fijians about Christ, guides the cousins and the crew as they experience adventure after adventure. First, Toki brings a boat near the ship, and war is feared. Then a large storm comes and Patrick and a sailor fall into the sea. They drift to the island - but they aren't safe there; Toki is on the hunt for them. Beth sneaks into the rescue boat, but ends up falling into the ocean. Patrick confronts Toki about his lack of faith in Christ. Toki replies:

"I hate the teachings of [God]! Your God would be King and change our ways. He would make us weak with words like 'love your enemies.' I am king. I kill and eat my enemies."

Yet when Toki finally admits he isn't all powerful and Patrick reminds him the Christian God will forgive him, something in Toki changes.

Toki sees Beth struggling in the sea, and throws a spear her direction. Thinking Toki means harm, one of the sailors shoots the Fijian king. But it turns out Toki was killing a stingray threatening Beth. The English sailors set to healing Toki. The warrior opens his eyes briefly, and Calvert prays with him. Toki promises that if God lets him live, he will never kill Christians again. "Do ye repent?" Calvert asks. "I repent," Toki says.

The Imagination Station reappears and Beth and Patrick go back home. There, their mentor Mr. Whittacker tells them more about Calvert:

"Not many people cared about telling the cannibal tribes about Jesus. But Calbert and other missionaries gave their lives to do it. There were tens of thousands of Fijian Christians when Calvert left Fiji. And the cannibalism had stopped...Mr. Calvert kept reaching out to [Toki]. That's what Jesus call us to do."

Suddenly, sacrificing a ball game for his grandma's birthday party doesn't seem so awful to Patrick.

What I Like: As my 7 year old says, "This book is awesome!" Nearly every chapter is a cliff-hanger, the pace is quick, and the story is nothing if not adventurous. I appreciate that Beth and Patrick act like real kids who make mistakes. Both my daughter and I also enjoyed learning the interesting and important history outlined in the book; there are even several strong Christian themes woven in. Throughout, David Hohn's black and white illustrations (about a dozen of them), add interest.

What I Dislike: My only complaint is minor. At the back of the book there is a section offering facts about the real James Calvert. It ends by saying "For more info on James Calvert and Fiji, visit TheImaginationStation.com." But the website offers no such information. As I've noticed with other books in the series, the supplemental information provided on the website is inconsistent. Sometimes devotionals or other helpful material are offered and other times they are not - even if the book itself promises it.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: about 7 to 12.

Publishing Info: Tyndale; 2012; ISBN: 978-1589976740; paperback, 144 pgs., $4.99

Buy Now at Amazon for $4.99, or buy the Kindle version for $3.74
Or buy at ChristianBook.com for $4.49;  the ebook is $4.99

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

Voyage with the Vikings (Imagination Station Book 1)

Those familiar with the Adventures in Odyssey radio program will recognize the "Imagination Station" as Mr. Whittaker's time traveling machine. It's this contraption that's the star of a new set of Odyssey spin-off books designed to offer a Christian alternative to the massively popular Magic Tree House books. Written by Marianne Hering (former editor of Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine) and Paul McCusker (writer and director of Adventures in Odyssey), the first book in the Imagination Station series is Voyage with the Vikings.

Everything about this book is closely modeled on the Magic Tree House series - from the plot line, to the two main characters, to the illustrations, to the cover and title. In this book, Mr. Whittaker sends young cousins Beth and Patrick on a mission to uncover secrets from a mysterious note left by someone named Albert who is about to be locked up in Lord Darkthorne's tower. The children don't know who Albert or Darkthorne are, but they are eager to go back into time to find the sunstone Albert apparently requires.

After dressing them in appropriate period attire, Mr. Whittaker sends the children back in time to the days of the Vikings in Greenland. Here, they meet the historical Eric the Red, and his Christian son, Leif. Eric wants to make them slaves, but Eric locks them safely in a small Christian church where Eric would never dare go. Wanting to complete his mission and find a sunstone, Patrick escapes and nearly gets killed by Vikings who think he's stealing. Leif rescues him and they make their way to a Viking party, where Eric's Christian wife protects the children from the pagan rituals - including sacrifices - there.

Thinking they are unable to complete their mission in time, and unable to find the Imagination Station, the children end up on a ship with Leif, headed to Norway. But when the children see Leif use a stone to navigate, they realize it's the sunstone they need. They make a trade with Leif and once the sunstone is in their possession, the red button to the Imagination Station appears. But not before Beth shows Leif a map of North America and the Viking decides to make his important historical sail there.

The children push the red button and give the sunstone to Mr. Whittaker - only to discover Albert needs them to travel to Rome. Are the kids game? You bet!

What I Like: My 5 year old, who loves Adventures in Odyssey, was delighted to have a book related to the radio series, and I love that this series tackles history with an emphasis on Christianity. Many parents will also be excited to know this book contains no magic, unlike the Magic Tree House books. I also really appreciated it when Patrick showed his faith by standing up to Eric. First, he apologizes for accidentally offending the famous Viking, but when Eric threatens to kill him anyway, Patrick reminds him there is only one God - and he prays silently for that God to help him.

What I Dislike: At one point, Patrick sees a large pot and compares it to a "witch's cauldron;" some parents may object to this phrasing. But mostly, I find it difficult not to compare this book to the Magic Tree House series, it's so closely modeled after it. This first book in the series, in my opinion, falls a bit short - mostly because it meanders. The Magic Tree House books are packed with action and most chapters end in such a way you just have to read more, but Voyage with the Vikings rarely has these qualities. The book is also longer - 108 pages of actual storyline - whereas most of the Magic Tree House books are about 80 pages. In addition, there are just 16 black and white illustrations; these illustrations by David Hohn are very good - but I do find the kids - especially Beth - way, way too thin. I also miss having factual historical information at the back of the book (some puzzles are included there instead).

Even so, however, this book is well done.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher 9 - 12, but my 5 year old loved it.

Publishing Info: Tydale, 2011; ISBN: 9978-1589976276; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $4.99

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $4.49

Special Info: Visit the Imagination Station website for an excerpt from Voyage with the Vikings.

God Gave Us Christmas

From the creators of the popular children's books God Gave Us You and God Gave Us Two comes God Gave Us Christmas, told from the point of view of a family of polar bears.

In this book, Little Cub asks her Mama who invented Christmas. "Was it Santa?" she asks. "No," says Mama bear, "God invented Christmas. God gave us Christmas." "Is God more important than Santa?" asks Little Cub. "Oh yes, much more important!" Mama replies. When Little Cub asks if they can go find Santa, because he must live around their parts, Mama Bear suggests they could go find God instead, because "God is everywhere."

So Little Cub and Mama Bear leave the rest of the family behind, and go out into the cold, snowy landscape to find God and see how he gave everybody Christmas. They end up camping that night, and Mama Bear wakes up Little Cub saying she's found God. She points, showing Little Cub the Northern Lights. "That is God at work," Mama Bear says. "He sent his only Son as a baby so that we could know light from dark. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is how God gave us Christmas." Later, they see a huge chunk of ice fall off a glacier. That's God's work, too, Mama Bear says. God can command the waters to freeze and the glacier to melt." Then they see a bright star, and Mama Bear says that's God at work again. "Jesus is called the bright Morning Star," Mama Bear says. "He is always with us. And he first came when God gave us Christmas."

Little Cub asks where Santa fits in, and Mama says that Santa reminds us of some good things, like being generous, but it's God and Jesus we're really celebrating on Christmas. She also explains why Jesus is the best present ever, and how God sent Jesus for everyone, "grumpy or happy, mean or kind. God gave us all Christmas."

What I Like: Author Lisa Tawn Bergen does a lovely job of making this a believable story, complete with inquiring young child and wise Mama. Nothing about the text feels forced or preachy. David Hohn's illustrations are great, as usual, with lovable, chubby polar bears in a cozy house baking gingerbread men, wrestling with their daddy, putting up Christmas ornaments, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

What I Dislike: Nothing. This is an excellent addition to every family's Christmas book collection

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: WaterBrook Press, 2006; ISBN: 1400071755 ; hard back, $9.99.

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