An Arkful of Animal Prayers

An Arkful of Animal Prayers, written by Sophie Piper, is a collection of prayers and poems about animals, written as though the animals themselves were praying.

The book is divided into five sections: Quiet Green Places; Wild Wide Spaces; Consider the Birds; Animals Around Us; and Bright New World. With the exception of the last section, each contains a selection of poems and prayers relating to animals in that section. For example, “Quiet Green Places,” is about animals and creatures like rabbits, caterpillars and field mice, while “Animals Around Us” pertains to animals like cats, dogs and donkeys.

A few of the poems and prayers are based on Bible verses (complete with Bible references) and a few are quotes from others like Cecil Frances Alexander and S. T. Coleridge.

Each two-page spread is decorated with a least one illustration, by Tina MacNaughton, of an animal or an insect. The illustrations are bright and colorful and very life-like.

What I Like: This is a beautiful little book celebrating all God’s creatures. Children will delight in the small size of the book (6.7” X 5.6”), the padded cover, the illustrations, and the mostly short verses.

What I Dislike: My only criticism is this is a book that little ones will need to have read to them. Some of the older children in the suggested age group may be able to read parts of it, but most of them won’t. Also, although the poems and prayers are short, there are lots of them in this little book. It will take several sittings to get through the entire volume. That's not really a criticism, but I thought I'd mention it.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Lion Children’s Books, 2009; ISBN: 9780825478406; Hardback, $9.95.

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Special Info: Visit the illustrator’s website.

The Secret of Handling Money God's Way

The Secret of Handling Money God's Way is a Bible-based 12-week study written by Howard and Bev Dayton. It incorporates an interesting story (broken into chapters) with activities and homework -- all with the purpose of teaching wise stewardship.

Four friends -- Josh, Maria, Ruth and Andy -- play on the same baseball team and really want to attend baseball camp at the end of summer. The problem is they don't have the money to go. Josh's grandpa, a farmer and former Red Sox player, agrees to help them find ways to earn the money they need if they will let him teach them what God says about handling money. They're learning adventure lasts the summer and includes many adventures: building a new fence, the birth of new pigs, learning to take care of horses, and more.

Grandpa's lessons are well organized and founded on the Bible. He teaches the kids (and readers) about:

• Why we should care what God says about money
• What is a steward?
• Income vs. Expense
• Debt, Credit and Interest
  
• Budgeting: making a plan for giving, spending and saving
• Honesty and Restitution
• The importance of wise counsel
• Contentment
  

The workbook portions of this text offer Scripture verses to memorize, questions to answer, ideas to reflect upon, areas to work out plans for wise money management and prayer requests, all with plenty of space for journaling individual thoughts.

Andy Davenport served as illustrator. His full-color paintings offer realistic images throughout the book. Some are small accents to the text while others fill entire pages.

What I Like: I like the format of this. It feels less like "homework" and more like an interactive chapter book. I like that it offers real-life situations kids can relate to and solid advice. (My favorite piece of advice: "Don't confuse 'shopping' with 'fun'." Yes, shopping can be fun, but they are not synonymous terms.) I like that the homework sections uses open-ended questions. Rather than allowing simple yes or no answers, these force the kids to really think through the lesson and their responses to it. I like the illustrations and the writing, all very well done.

My favorite part, though, is the consistent biblical foundation. The authors start with God and don't let up! They've peppered the book with Scripture (both quotes and references for readers to look up) without sounding "preachy." It's done in a very matter-of-fact way that I truly appreciate.

What I Dislike: The characters didn't always react in realistic ways. Their stories seemed a bit too perfect in some spots. For example, when a piglet isn't where they expect, Grandpa weeps. He doesn't search for it until after he cries with the kids and then prays. After searching the fields and discussing all the horrible things that could have happened, they eventually find the missing piglet safe in a different corner of the barn. I can see this reaction from a child, but grown men, especially farmers familiar with animals, should know to do a little investigating before having an emotional collapse.

Overall Rating: Even with the character inconsistencies, this book is Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12, but kids as young as 5 will enjoy listening to the story portions of the book.

Publisher Info: Moody Publishers, 2003; ISBN: 0802431542; Paperback; $14.99

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Special Info: A teacher's guide is also available to accompany this workbook. Together they make a great curriculum for parents, homeschoolers, Sunday School or Christian school teachers.

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle is a smart fantasy by R. K. Mortenson, of Barbour Publishing. Landon, who is about to turn 11, has an unexpected series of adventures when he goes with his family to visit his grandparents in Northern Minnesota. The small town of Button Up is known only for its fantastic library. When Landon's grandparents give him an old Bible, which once belonged to the library's founder, and a stone with the word dream engraved on it, Landon never imagines he is about to embark on a quest for the meaning of life.

After Landon's birthday dinner, Landon's grandpa has an accident and is taken to the hospital. Desperate for his grandpa to be safe, Landon questions God's purpose in allowing accidents to happen and His purpose for life in general. Suddenly, Landon's new Bible opens to Joel, where he reads, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall prophesy." Soon, a bookcase in Landon's room moves and Landon finds himself exploring a dark tunnel.

Landon's journey takes him to the library, where books talk out loud and present him with a riddle questioning the meaning of life. Landon's efforts to solve the riddle take him to a giant chess set, where he befriends a knight, and to canyons and valleys and huge trees peopled with "Odds," who Landon initially mistakes for leprechauns. Landon must learn the meaning of many new words, as well as who his true friends are. Not all the creatures he meets wish him well, but in the end he remembers who he is and reaffirms his faith in the "Auctor" (Latin for "author").

What I Like: I like Landon's positive character. Although he is worried about his grandpa and questions God's plans, he genuinely wants to trust God and discover the truth about life. He tries to make good choices, even though he forgets what he knows is true sometimes. He also wants to be brave and honorable, but must learn about humility and priorities. He is a character many boys will relate to (and girls).

The book is grounded in Scripture. Landon experiences dreams and visions, as referenced in Joel, and they bring him new understanding of God as Creator and Author of life. Landon's grandparents, parents, and the founder of the library are all Christians and provide wonderful role models for Landon and readers alike.

I also like Mortenson's use of vocabulary and clever word plays. There are lots of moments in the book where unusual terms are being defined, but Mortenson handles this in a fun, subtle way. Readers will come away being able to use words like portico, interjectionally, and ex libris in conversation!

What I Dislike: I had a hard time keeping straight some of the transitions between scenes and locations. Occasionally I had to go back and reread a bit to figure out where Landon was, but the second time I read the book I followed it better.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 8-12, but some younger children may enjoy it as well.

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2005; ISBN: 978-1-59789-972-7; Paperback, $7.95

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Jesus and the Fishermen

Jesus and the Fishermen, written by Sophie Piper, is a story about Jesus and his twelve disciples, four of whom were fishermen.

The story starts with Jesus growing up and listening to the teachers in the synagogue. Later, as an adult, he goes to teach and preach around the country. During this time, he meets some fishermen, Simon being mentioned first. After preaching to a crowd from a boat, Jesus directs Simon to cast his nets into the sea as he will catch many fish. Simon doesn’t believe him, but he does as instructed anyway, and indeed catches more fish than his nets can hold.

Shortly after this time, Jesus invites Simon and three of his fishermen friends (Andrew, James and James’ brother John) to be his disciples. He chooses eight others, but they are not named in the book.

As they journey around the country, they travel mainly by boat as it is the most efficient means of travel. One time when they are all in a boat together, a huge storm rages around them. All the disciples are afraid, but Jesus calmly tells the winds and the waves to be still, and they are. Jesus chastises his friends for their lack of faith.

The book ends with the disciples wondering amongst themselves: “Who can Jesus be? How can he do miracles like this?”

The oil painting illustrations by Estelle Corke are colorful and expressive.

What I Like: I like the illustrations.

What I Dislike: Although the story is a good one, the text narrative is a bit disjointed and choppy, making the storyline somewhat difficult to follow. Also, with the way the book ended, I hope there is another book written to pick up where this one left off.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Lion Children’s Books, 2009; ISBN: 9780825478338; Hardback, $5.95.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books written by Sophie Piper. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Estelle Corke. Visit the illustrator’s website.

One Surprising Morning

One Surprising Morning (Una Manana Sorprendente!) was written by Peg Augustine (English) and Emmanuel Vargas (Spanish). This book opens with Jesus' disciples in a room, sad and afraid. One by one, they begin to reminisce about Jesus' life. Short glimpses follow: Jesus at the Temple when He was a young boy; the feeding of the multitude; His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday; Jesus washing the disciples' feet before the Last Supper; Jesus' crucifixion. Then women enter the room happy and excited. They tell everyone that Jesus' tomb is empty and that He has risen from the dead.

The text throughout is offered in English on the left page and Spanish on the right. Several Scripture quotations are also given in the book. The final page quotes Matthew 28:5 -- "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said."The illustrations by Judi Niernberger offer simple watercolors in soft pastel colors. Readers should note that a rendering of Jesus' face is depicted throughout the book.

What I Like: I like the inclusion of both English and Spanish text. This is great for bilingual families. It's nice to have the text and biblical accounts (quoted Scripture) intertwined. I also like the unique perspective. Not many books present Jesus' life through remembrances of His disciples. I wish the author had elaborated on that delivery a little more.

What I Dislike: Studies show that children prefer strong illustrations with bright colors. This book offers neither. Also, the staccato flow inhibits cohesion. The text begins with one setting then jumps another to another without smooth transition. Finally, the story ends abruptly without ever returning to the initial characters. There is no application nor any indication of why (if at all) this story is important to readers today.

Overall Rating: Normally I would rate this "Ho-Hum," but because the book is listed at such an incredibly low price, I'll say "Good." It would make a nice Sunday School gift without breaking the budget.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Abingdon Press, 2007; ISBN: 0687492602; Paperback; $1.59

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Mandie and the Secret Tunnel

I just finished reading Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, on my daughter's recommendation. The first in Lois Gladys Leppard's extensive series, Mandie and the Secret Tunnel is loosely based on the life of Leppard's mother. Set in North Carolina in 1900, Mandie struggles to find her own place in the world. When her father dies, she feels she has lost the only person who cared for her. Mandie wonders whether God is punishing her. When she is handed over from her uncaring mother to live as a nanny in an home where she is treated little better than a slave, she fears this is true. Thankfully, her father's Native American friend, "Uncle Ned," is always watching out for Mandie, and helps her escape.

Uncle Ned and his family travel with Mandie through the woods to find her father's estranged brother. Although Mandie's uncle is in Europe, she is welcomed by the house staff, and given a room of her own. Mandie has never seen such wealth, eaten so well, or had clothes made especially for her. When Mandie's uncle dies in Europe, her fate depends on the contents of a missing will. The house manager allows Mandie to stay in the home until the will is found, and Mandie makes friends with the next-door neighbor, Polly. Joe, a friend from home, also comes to visit her.

The three children decide to look for the will themselves and stumble upon secret tunnels, stairways and rooms in the ancient house. Their search gets more complicated when several people turn up on the doorstep claiming to be long-lost heirs of Mandie's uncle. Uncle Ned continues to watch over Mandie as the adventure unfolds, and the happy, surprise ending makes us realize God is not punishing Mandie after all.

Each chapter is prefaced by a verse from the 23rd Psalm, and the verses occur in order through the end of the book.

What I Like: I liked this book, but my eight-year-old daughter's reasons might be more interesting. First, she thought it was neat Mandie decided to trust God even though she was afraid He was punishing her by allowing her father to die. Mandie says, "Dear God, I still love you, even if you don't love me anymore."

My daughter also liked the surprising connections between Mandie and Uncle Ned, the Cherokee Indian who watches out for her. Uncle Ned is a very likable character, and his presence in Mandie's life shows us God has not forgotten her, and gives us hope everything will turn out alright.

A lover of mysteries, my daughter also liked the mysterious, old house and the drama and suspense surrounding the missing will. The plot takes many unpredictable turns and certainly keeps readers wondering what will happen next. The happy ending, where Mandie finds herself a member of a real family was definitely the highlight of the book for both my daughter and me.

What I Dislike: There was a bit of romantic interest between Mandie and her friend Joe. Since Mandie turned twelve half-way through the book, I thought this was a bit misplaced. Leppard writes of jealousy between Mandie and Polly because of Joe, and there are several instances of hand-holding. At the end of the book, Joe even asked Mandie to marry him when they grow up. Although he was a couple of years older than Mandie, this is still quite young to be talking about marriage. Mandie refuses to answer him right away, but the next day he is still pressing her for an answer. Mandie finally agrees to marry him if he will get back her father's house. Even though her answer shows her youth, I don't think one should put conditions on a marriage proposal. However, in my daughter's words, "That was just kind of cozy, but it wasn't nearly as exciting as when Mandie found out the truth about her family."

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Bethany House Publishers, 1985; ISBN: 9-780871-233202; Paperback, $5.99

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