Most of All, Jesus Loves You!

Most of All, Jesus Loves You! is a simple book proclaiming a very profound truth. Written by Noel Piper (wife of pastor and author John Piper), this book reminds children they are loved by many people, but most of all, Jesus loves them.

The illustrations by Debby Anderson fill the pages with vivid colors and joyful expressions. People of all skin colors are represented.

Included with the book is a poster portraying Jesus and a number of children. It quotes John 3:16.

What I Like: The concept is wonderful! This is indeed a foundational truth. Mrs. Piper does a wonderful job laying it out for young minds to fully grasp. It reads easily. My favorite part is actually the dedication. It is so precious, evidence of the author's love for her children. And the illustrations are great.

What I Dislike: The length versus price. I felt the book was far too short and simplistic for the price. I would rate it higher if the cost were reasonably paired to the content. Also, I think this would be better as a boardbook rather than hardback. Babies will rip through this in no time leaving even less of the short content to read.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: Baby-Preschool

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 2004; ISBN: 1581346301; Hardback; $9.99

Buy it Now at Amazon for $9.99

The Times of Jesus

The Time of Jesus by Lois Rock offers projects for you and your children. Children like to hear stories about Jesus, but when they can create something that Jesus (or early Christians) onced used, those stories will really stick with them. Here you'll find projects for: sandals, clay lamps, a manger (using cardboard boxes), flat bread, and much more, for a total of 20 projects. The author retells stories and parables found in the Bible and gives interesting facts for each project. There are illustrations on every page and color photos of the finished projects. This book can be used for extra Sunday school class projects, or keep at home. Do more than tell your children about Jesus and days of old. Get them involved in recreating items once used by early Christians.

What I liked: Everything. My children really enjoyed being able to "make these stories" instead of just sitting and listening. They loved being involved and thought these projects were "cool" (so did I).

What I disliked: Nothing. The materials needed to make these projects can be obtained from local craft stores, supermarkets, etc...

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: My guess is 7 and up. Adult supervision is needed.

Publisher Info: Lion Publishing 1998 ; ISBN 0-7459-4080-3 ; Barnes & Noble (out of stock)

Buy it now at Amazon for $19.99

Great Bible Stories: Joseph in Egypt

Great Bible Stories: Joseph in Egypt is the second of two books in the Great Bible Stories series dealing with Joseph of the Old Testament. (Click here to read my review of the first book.) Written by Maxine Nodel, this is a straightforward retelling of Joseph's experience as an Egyptian ruler, and how he came to reconcile with his brothers. Once again, well known comic book illustrator Normal Nodel provides the illustrations.

What I Like: The illustrations are vivid and detailed, and the retelling of this story refrains from being overly-wordy. This book is relatively simple, but engaging.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but do be aware that this book will not make sense unless either the Great Bible Stories book Joseph is read first, or the readers are quite familiar with the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9.

Publishing Info: Baronet Books, 1993; ISBN: 0-86611-009-7; hardback, $5.95

Buy Now at Amazon for $2.98 or less.

Through the Eyes of John

Through the Eyes of John, written by Chad Daybell and illustrated by Rhett E. Murray, offers a unique view into the last few weeks of Jesus' life on earth, as seen through the eyes of John the Apostle. The author cites text from the books of Luke, John and Revelations, using John's own words from the Scriptures to tell of his role as a witness to both Jesus' death and resurrection. The author brings to life both the characters of John and Jesus in this wonderful book. The opening page reads:

I am a special witness of Jesus Christ. Jesus called me to be one of his apostles when he began his ministry, and for three years I walked and talked with him. I also defended him before the people of Jerusalem, and mourned with him when those people rejected his message. Yet I never truly understood Jesus and his mission until those final, painful days of his life. During that week I watched my dearest friend transform from being not only a powerful teacher and healer, but to become the Savior of the World.

What I Like: Everything. The book is well-written and closely follows the Scriptures. It is written so children can understand it, but it's also interesting for adults. I know I enjoyed reading it.

The artwork is truly beautiful. The rich, realistic paintings add depth and dimension to the book. Interestingly enough, there are twelve paintings in the book (perhaps to represent the twelve diciples). As an added bonus, the last two pages of the book offer the "Author's Commentary" on each painting. This section provides an interesting perspective on the artwork itself.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The book is written for 9-to-12-year-olds, but its language is appealing for adults, too. Younger children would probably enjoy the book if it were read and explained to them.

Publishing Info: Spring Creek Book Company, 2004; ISBN: 1932898166; Hardcover, $19.95.

Buy now at Amazon $19.95.

Special Info: Visit the author's or the illustrator's website.

Great Bible Stories: Joseph

Great Bible Stories: Joseph is the first of two books in the Great Bible Stories series dealing with Joseph of the Old Testament. The retelling of Joseph, his coat of many colors, and his rise in Egyptian politics is aptly done by Maxine Nodel. Noted comic book illustrator Normal Nodel provides vivid illustrations that remind me of the old Prince Valent comic strip.

What I Like: The illustrations are old-fashioned...in a good way. They are clearly done by a talented artist and provide rich detail and color. The book also offers a retelling of a familiar Bible story without including a lot of unnecessary details.

What I Dislike: This isn't so much a dislike as it is a word of caution. Joseph does not skirt around the fact that Joseph's brothers wanted to murder him. Not all children may be ready to for this; at the very least, parents should be prepared for questions that may follow a reading of this book. (Do note, however, that the author skirts around the sexuality in Joseph's story. She says Potiphar's wife "tried to persuade Joseph to plot against her husband," and leaves it at that.)

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9.

Publishing Info: Baronet Books, 1993; ISBN: 0866110089; hardback, $5.95

Buy Now at Amazon for $2.98 or less.

Special Info:Normal Nodel died in 2000 and his works are now considered collectible. To learn more about Nodel, check out Comic Creator.

Because I Love You

Because I Love You, written by Max Lucado and illustrated by Mitchell Heinze. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach their children the truth about God's love for us. The illustrations are wonderful, colorful and realistic (the author uses people, not animals). There are pictures on every page to go along with the story on the opposite page. The author uses a hole in the wall to demonstrate God's love for His children. When one little boy's curiosity gets the best of him, he begins to understand just how much he is loved.

What I liked: How the pictures keep up with the story. I think this story should be read to children. There are several questions they will have and the parents should be there to answer them. For example, "If the other side of the wall is so bad, why did he leave a hole in the wall?" This is where you can teach them that God gives us a choice.

What I disliked: The way the author uses a man, Shaddai, as the children's guardian and refers to him occasionally as "Master" instead of his name, Shaddai. You can simply use the characters name in place of it.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Crossway Books, 1999; ISBN 0891079920; $15.99

Buy it now at Amazon; $10.87