The Princess Twins Play in the Garden

Part of a continuing line of early reader books about "the princess twins," The Princess Twins and Play in the Garden by Mona Hodgson is a great little story for any child who tends to dislike getting messy.

This "I Can Read!" Level 1 story centers around Emma, a rather prissy little princess who thinks it's vital to stay clean and beautiful. She screams when a ladybug lands on her dress and lets her sister Abby have all the fun during a playdate with two peasant girls. While they ride the pony, make sand castles, and play soccer, Emma sits to one side. "I don't want to get dirty," she says. "A princess must look pretty."

When one of the little peasant girls accidentally kicks the muddy ball straight into Emma's dress, Emma is upset at first. When the little girl apologizes with tears in her eyes, however, Emma hugs her and finally decides to join in on the game. When the peasant girls' mother comes to fetch her children, she calls Emma and Abby "lovely girls." Just then, a ladybug lands on Emma's dress...and she smiles. "Thank you, God, for a lovely day," she says.

What I Like: This is a simple story any girl can relate to, even if she's more of a tom-boy than a prissy princess. The illustrations by Meredith Johnson are in her typical style (Johnson also illustrates the popular "Gigi" books) and show whimsy on every page.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 031071608X; paperback; $3.99

Special Info: Read our other reviews of books by Mona Hodgson and Meredith Johnson. Visit Hodgson's website for information about her girl's retreats. Visit Johnson's website for a peek at her illustrative style and obtain information about school visits.

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My Cowboy Boots

Adding to Zondervan's much welcomed line of "I Can Read!" books is Crystal Bowman's My Cowboy Boots.

This jaunty level 1 early reader book is illustrated by Meredith Johnson (of the popular Gigi series) and is written in apt rhyme. It's the story of a little girl who loves her red cowboy boots and wears them whenever possible: While she eats, shops, swings, rides her bike, sings "Jesus Loves Me," attends church, and rides her stick horse:

"I wear my boots on Wednesday
to ride the rodeo.
I hop on my big pony.
Giddy-up;! Here we go!"

What I Like: This is a fun early reader for young children. Bowman is an expert with rhyme, and rhyme only helps beginning readers learn new words. Johnson's illustrations add a great deal of fun to text, showing a hard-playing little girl finding great joy in a simple blessing: her boots.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but it's important to note the Christian overtones of this book are subtle, confined to the brief mention of a Christian song and going to church.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310715741; paperback; $3.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews for Crystal Bowman and Meredith Johnson's books.

The Princess Twins and the Tea Party

Part of Zondervan's continuing line of early readers, The Princess Twins and the Tea Party by Mona Hodgson makes great reading for all the adorable little Martha Stewart's of the world.

This "I Can Read!" Level 1 tale centers around Emma, a princess who wants everything perfect for her tea party. From her closet of pink dresses, she chooses just the right outfit. She checks in with the castle chef to ensure the cake is coming along correctly. She refolds the napkins because they don't look quite right. She shoos the kitty outside so it won't disrupt the party...then runs headlong into her sister Abby, making the name cards fly everywhere. "Now we have to make new cards," Emma cries. But her sister insists they are just fine the way they are. "Only God is perfect," she reminds Emma.

Soon, other girls arrive for the party and just as things are going along well, here comes the kitty. Emma tries to grab it...and ends up bumping into the table, spilling tea and cake everywhere. The girls giggle. No matter. They still enjoy their tea party.

What I Like: This simple story is one many girls can relate to, and it offers a gentle reminder that perfection is a fantasy. The illustrations by Meredith Johnson are cute, showing girls with lots of expression and whimsy.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310716101; paperback; $3.99

Special Info: Read our other reviews of books by Mona Hodgson and Meredith Johnson. Visit Hodgson's website for information about her girl's retreats. Visit Johnson's website for a peek at her illustrative style and information about school visits.

Buy it Now from Amazon.com for $3.99,

OR buy it from ChristianBook.com for $2.99

I'm Glad I'm Your Grandma

I'm Glad I'm Your Grandma, is rhythmically written by Bill and Kathy Horlacher and illustrated by Meredith Johnson. This is part of the Happy Day Books series, a level 1 reader.

The front cover shows Grandma sharing treasured Bible stories with her grandchild. As you read, you will discover more colorful drawings like this, with different grandmothers and grandchildren on every page. Grandma wants to explain why being a grandparent brings her great joy. She tells of all the good times they share together like, going for walks, sending cards, giving hugs, and listening to her grandchild talk to God.

 "I'm glad I'm your grandma when we take time to play and when talking to God you have plenty to say."

What I Liked: Everything. Having recently become a grandma, there is no greater joy than being with your grandchildren. 

What I Disliked: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 3-7

Special Info: You may also enjoy seeing other books we've reviewed with illustrations by Meredith Johnson, by clicking here.

Publishing Info: Standard Publishing, 2005; ISBN:9780784716861

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Gigi, God's Little Princess: The Pink Ballerina

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

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

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

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

Overall Rating: Very Good.

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

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

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Gigi: The Perfect Christmas Gift

The Perfect Christmas Gift is Book #3 in the Gigi, God's Little Princess Series written by Sheila Walsh. This is less a Christmas book and more a Gigi book that takes place at Christmas. Fans of Gigi will love it.

Gigi cannot wait for Christmas to come! She knows she is getting a big gift and the anticipation is killing her. This must be the year she finally receives her royal tiara with jewels befitting the princess she knows she is. Finally, five days before Christmas, she convinces her parents to give her a hint. "It's something you've wanted for a while ... white with a touch of pink." Gigi dashes from the room to call her best friend, Frances. She's knows what she's getting: a diamond tiara with a big pink feather on top!

On Christmas Eve, Gigi's daddy reads to her about the birth of Jesus. She decides a stable and manger are not nearly good enough for a baby king. "But at least He got gifts...that must have made Him feel royal." Her father replies: "He was the gift. God's perfect present to all of us."

On Christmas morning Gigi tears through the mountain of gifts, hunting for the tiara she knows is there. She can't find it. Finally, with a tear on her cheek, she opens the biggest present, knowing there will be no princess crown this year. Inside is a white poodle with a pink princess collar. Gigi is thrilled and names her new pet 'Tiara.' That night she decides the shepherds were probably just as surprised as she was. "Who would have ever thought that the very best gift in the world would come in such an unexpected package?"

The last page of the book quotes Luke 2:10-12 and Matthew 2:10-11.

Illustrated by Meredith Johnson, the Gigi books are perfectly feminine. Each character is full of expression.

What I Like: Gigi is endearing. She's precocious and sweet with a tender heart. (In fact, she's exactly like my daughter, even down to the curly hair!) Using such an adorable character, this book makes a wonderful point: that sometimes the best gifts are not at all what we expect; sometimes we don't even know what we really want the most -- a message which the target audience (girls who think they're princesses) need to learn. I love the illustrations! The book would not be the same without them. Also, the price is nice. Usually hardcover picture books of this size are much more expensive.

What I Dislike: This book is long and, like the main character, seems to lose focus in a couple spots. My daughter loved Gigi's The Pink Ballerina, but this book didn't hold her attention. She is below the suggested age range, so the length may be perfect for older kids. Another minor detraction, the mountain of gifts she receives on Christmas is daunting. I understand Gigi is an only child, but I felt this reinforced the materialism with which princess-crazed girls already struggle.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8, but I think 6-10 is more accurate.

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2006; ISBN: 1400308011; Hardback; $12.99

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Special Info: Click HERE to see our reviews of other books by Sheila Walsh featuring more Gigi and a boy's character, Will.

The Creepy Caves Mystery

The Creepy Caves Mystery is another in the series of Will: God's Mighty Warrior. Written by Sheila Walsh this book features the same rough-and-rumble, adventure-seeking boy we've come to love.

In this volume, Will is visiting his Nana and Papa at the beach and is set on solving some mysteries while he's there. When Papa tells him about the Creepy Caves, Will can hardly wait to investigate. Unfortunately, Papa says he can't go alone; he has to wait for Papa to go with him.

Later that day Will's curiosity gets the best of him. But when he and his dog Ralph go into the caves they lose their way and then hear menacing sounds. Will's imagination feeds his fear until Papa arrives to rescue him. They discover the strange noises were made by a friend who is actually studying bats in the caves. Will asks forgiveness for disobeying and Papa promises to take him back another time.

Ephesians 6:1 is quoted at the back of the book: "Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants. This is the right thing to do."

The illustrations by Meredith Johnson are playful as always, but slightly more colorful than usual. Rather than sticking to her monochromatic style of blues and blacks, these pictures expand with the addition of flesh tones, oranges and even some subtle yellow-greens. The characters are endearing and expressive.

What I Like: Will is the quintessential boy. This book had my kids on the edge of their seats. They loved the suspense and the slightly scary parts. I appreciate the Bible verse included in the back, perfect for memorization. I also really like Will's prayer at the end. It offers a great example of just "talking" with God.

What I Dislike: I wish the illustrations were more colorful. Also, the verse at the back says "Children obey your parents" yet the story has Will with his grandparents. Some children might need further explanation to make the connection.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 140031125X; Hardback; $12.99

Buy it Now from Christianbook.com for $9.99!
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Additional Info: See our reviews of other books by Sheila Walsh.

Will: God's Mighty Warrior

Will: God's Mighty Warrior is written by Sheila Walsh, author of Gigi: God's Little Princess. Gigi has been filling Christian bookstores for a while. She even has her own Bible! Now, she has a worthy male counterpart.

Will is an adventurous boy with a mission. He is a warrior purposed to defend the weak (his baby sister, Lola) and right all wrongs. He and his best friend, Josh, work diligently each day from their fort in the back yard.

One night before bed, Will's dad reads to him about a different kind of battle, a very real battle between good and evil. Will is thrilled to learn God has armor for His children to wear. This sparks a new mission for Will and Josh. They spend the next few days searching for God's armor and learning how to use it. "It's invisible? How does God's armor work if I can't even see it?" Through clever questions and full imaginations, this story leads readers on an adventure learning how to do battle God's way.

Meredith Johnson illustrates the book with delightful, expressive characters and her classic monochromatic style. Gigi was in shades of black and pink. Will is in blue.

What I Like: There are plenty of Christian books geared toward girls, but not so many specifically for boys. This is great one! It very clearly explains the armor of God described in Ephesians 6 - in a way kids can understand. It's fantastic. I also love the illustrations. The author does a wonderful job creating fun, believable characters and the illustrator brings those wildly to life. This book is not just for boys, either. My 3-year-old daughter loves it, too!

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2006; ISBN: 1400308054; Hardback; $12.99

Buy it Now at Amazon for $10.39

Additional Info: See our reviews of other Sheila Walsh books.

Gigi: The Purple Ponies

Gigi: The Purple Ponies is the latest book in Sheila Walsh's successful Gigi picture book series. Once again, the little girl who knows she's God's princess takes center stage - but this time, she and her best friend, Frances, decide they are going to be on The Purple Ponies soccer team. Gigi is convinced she's a natural athlete, and that she and Frances will have to look happy, "but not too happy" for the sake of the girls not chosen for the team.

To readers, it quickly becomes apparent that Gigi doesn't know much about soccer. When the coach asks her to dribble the ball, she thinks she's been asked to drool all over it. And when she attempts to dribble, she ends up falling bottom down on top of the ball. Gigi cries out that the ball is faulty, but her daddy says, "Gigi, it may be that soccer is just not for you...God has given you lots of gifts. It's your job to find out what those gifts are and use them to shine like God's princess."

This is tough for Gigi to come to terms with, but when Frances makes the team and Gigi doesn't, Gigi is a good sport. She congratulates Frances and decides there is still a way for them to share the soccer experience together. Gigi will be The Purple Ponies' cheerleader. After all, Gigi says, "I am very loud, so that must be one of my gifts."

The book ends by quoting Romans 12:6: "We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace that God gave us."

What I Like: Gigi is a girl we can all recognize: Feminine, creative, a bit bossy...and a big heart. This book takes a common situation (trying out for a team sport) and shows that if we don't succeed, that's okay. God has other things in mind for us. It's an important lesson for today's children. Too, parents will catch lots of little jokes most children won't, which makes reading this book a lot of fun for adults, too.

What I Dislike: The illustrations by Meredith Johnson, while full of character and whimsy, are mostly in tones of pink and gray. It's a bit bland for my taste.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4- 8, but my 2 1/2 year old likes it, too.

Publishing Info: Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 1400311241; hardback, $12.99

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other Sheila Walsh books.