If I Were a Mouse

Every child can relate to the idea of wondering what it would be like to be something else.

If I Were a Mouse, written by Karma Wilson, starts out with a child wondering what it would be like to be a mouse. The text begins: “If I were a mouse, just as small as could be, I would make my house in a hole in a tree.” Then the child imagines they might hear an owl, so they wonder what it would be like to be an owl.

The book progresses in this manner until the end when the child says, “I am a child, and God made me so. And nothing is better….I thank the Father for making me Me!”

The illustrations by Marsela Hajdinjak-Krec are imaginative and expressive, befitting a story like this.

What I Like: Usually I don’t like children’s text that is written in rhyme. But, I must say, the author does an excellent job with rhyme and rhythm for the text in this book.

What I Dislike: I really like all of the illustrations, except for the ones of the squirrel. There is one in particular that I dislike. It's the page with a close-up of the animal. Not only is the squirrel very red, in that particular illustration the squirrel reminds me of a devil with horns. I’m sure that’s not what was intended, but that’s what it looks like.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-7.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2011; ISBN: 9780310716037; Hardcover, $15.99

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Special Info: Visit the author’s website.

Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs

Among creationists (scientists and laymen who believe in a literal biblical account of creation) there is the thought that stories of dragons actually refer to real dinosaurs. That's what Bill Looney's Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs is all about.

In this interactive volume, kids explore what truth there might be behind old stories of dragons. First, the author introduces dragon legends from around the globe, including those from Greece, China, North America, the United Kingdom, and South America. Photographs of ancient art depicting creatures who can only be described as dinosaurs is also included. An attached mini book offers eyewitness accounts, including those from Marco Polo, John of Damascus, Alexander the Great, and the biblical book of Job. There is a two page spread on dragons in the Bible. (Did you know the King James version mentions them repeatedly - and not just in reference to Satan?) The authors even speculate on how dinosaurs fit in with Noah's ark. Another section deals with famous dragon slayers, including St. George and St. Margaret of Antioch. Toward the end of the book, the author questions whether accounts of such creatures as the Loch Ness Monster could really be stories of living dinosaurs.

What I Like: There are lift the flaps, attached envelopes with papers inside, attached mini books, and other interactive features all over this book, making it perfect for reluctant readers. The topic is also fascinating - even for adults. All in all, this is a beautifully put together book with engaging and often colorful illustrations and photographs.

What I Dislike: There are some delicate features in this volume. For example, it was tough for me to open the attached envelopes without tearing them. And the papers inside? I can see how they might easily get lost.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 to 12, although some younger kids will enjoy looking at this book and having it read to them.
Publishing Info: Master Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-0890515587; hardback, 24 pgs., $17.99.

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A for Angels: A Bible Alphabet

Bible story books come in many shapes and colors. In A for Angels: A Bible Alphabet, written and illustrated by Laurie Parker, there is a combination of poetry and stories to achieve a unique A to Z experience.

Covering everything biblical from Angels to Zacchaeus, this rich text explores not only stories, but several Bible verses that emphasize the alphabet for your young readers.

"H is for HANNAH. This wife hardly smiled,
For she and her husband could not have a child.
She prayed in the house of the Lord and He heard,
And what she had so hoped to happen occurred.
For heaven sent Hannah a sweet baby boy.
He made her feel happy. He brought her heart joy.
A priest raised the son for whom Hannah had prayed.
This honored a promise to God she had made."

What I Like: The illustrations are quite unique. They seem to be a combination of painting and collage work, and have a slight 3-D appearance. Older kids are sure to love them.

Ms. Parker makes good use of alliteration many times throughout the book (using the same beginning letter/sound to emphasize.) For instance, in the "P" story (which tells the parable of the prodigal son,) "P" is often repeated: Parables, preach, people, popular, privileged, possessed all appear in the first 6 lines of the poem.

What I Dislike: I personally find poetry very difficult to get through, and this book was no different. Even while reading silently, I had difficulty making it through this relatively short book. The stories themselves were fine, although there were a couple instances where the poems touched on many topics instead of sticking to one story, such as in "M is for Miracles." This one notes many miracles from the Bible: Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the three friends of Daniel who went into a fiery furnace and were unharmed, Moses dividing the sea, among others.

The "Y" story didn't follow the pattern set in the rest of the book. It had no accompanying picture, and its poem was not really a poem at all, but an intro to Matthew 11:29 (Take my Yoke upon you...).

One thing I really wish this book had was Bible references for the stories. Most of the stories I knew, and could find in the Bible, but the "H" story referred to Hannah, and I am not familiar at all with her story. I'd like to go read the story in the Bible, but without a reference, it would be a tedious task.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The author suggests 4 - 8, and while I believe this would be a superb coffee table book, I would hesitate to suggest a young child read this. I'd personally recommend at least age 8 and up, depending on the strength of your young reader.

Publisher Info: Quail Ridge Press, 2007; ISBN: 978-1-934193-48-8; Hardback, 56 Pages $18.50

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Loaves and Fishes

Loaves and Fishes, written by Juliet David, is a simple re-telling of the Biblical story of the five loaves and two fishes used to feed a multitude of people.

When Jesus goes to the hills to rest, crowds of people follow him. They want to be near him, so Jesus preaches to them and tells them stories. At the end of the day, they are tired and hungry. Jesus asks if anyone has any food with them. One little boy says he has five loaves and two fishes that Jesus can have. Jesus takes the food, breaks it and serves it to the people. There is enough food for everyone, plus twelve baskets of leftovers. The last line of the text reads, “This is a really great miracle!”

The author cites these Bible verses as reference for the story: Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-14.

The illustrations by Hannah Wood are bright, expressive and child-friendly.

What I Like: I like Bible stories that are written for even the youngest children. Our children are never too young to start teaching them about God and the Bible.

What I Dislike: The story is short and simple, but because it is a board book, and the publisher says it is intended for “very young children” (no actual age given), a few words in the text seemed a bit beyond the normal age for a board book, such as “shall” and “afterwards”. I realize “very young children” need stories read to them, but they also need stories written in language they can understand.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t give an age group for the book but says it is intended for “very young children”.

Publisher Info: Candle Books, 2011; ISBN: 9781859858820; Board Book, $4.99

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Tiny Reader series of board books.

Will Northaway and the Price of Loyalty

Will Northaway and the Price of Loyalty is book three in Susan Olasky's Young American Patriots series. In it, Will is serving as an indentured servant to a Loyalist printer. Although young Will is sympathetic to the Patriots, he has a hard time balancing his beliefs and his duty.

Will's confusion over his role in the conflict leads him to witness a smuggling operation. However, Will's conviction that he shouldn't be involved with smuggling makes him a suspect when the smugglers are turned in to the authorities. Even Will's friends have a hard time believing he is innocent.

Will becomes increasingly isolated, but continues to work at the Loyalist printing shop. Eventually, Will runs into (literally) Betsy Teasdale, and receives comfort and direction from her father, a devout Christian. When Will's boss, Mr. Mein, receives death threats, Mr. Teasdale counsels Will to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Will heeds Teasdale's advice and warns Mein of the plot against him. When Mein leaves town in search of safety, he releases Will from his contract and leaves Will a free man.

What I Like: This is an interesting look at the various conflicts in the Colonial era. Will's struggles seem genuine, and the book has enough action to keep readers turning the page.

I also like the length of the book. It is short (93 pages) and has short chapters. It would appeal to many readers, but especially to older boys who aren't fond of reading. Will is sixteen, and the historical content is interesting, so the book would be perfect for use in a history class or home school curriculum.

What I Dislike: I was a little lost as I jumped right into the third book. I could have used more background information. Chapter 16 particularly seems to tie up loose ends from the other books, but was confusing for me.

Also, Will's dilemmas are not at all clear cut. He alternates between being respectful of Mein, or disrespectful. He is just starting to learn about God, but he doesn't seem to have clear answers or ideas about what course of action he should take. The book would bring up lots of issues for discussion, but Will is too conflicted to provide a good role model.

Overall Rating: Very Good for reluctant readers, Good otherwise

Age Appeal: 9 and up

Publisher Info: Crossway, 2005; ISBN: 1-58134-477-5; , 93 pages, $5.99

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Will Northaway books here.

The Bible Doodle Book: Amazing Bible Pictures You Can Complete and Create!

Those who doodle, draw, or are otherwise artistically inclined should check out The Bible Doodle Book: Amazing Bible Pictures You Can Complete and Create! Done with black and white illustrations, the book is set up in coloring book style, but with a twist. The pictures are incomplete, and readers are encouraged to finish them! Each page also has a headline, a thought-provoking prompt, and a Scripture reference. For example, Headline: Noah Lands Safely; Prompt: What was God’s beautiful promise?; Scripture reference: Genesis 8. This text is over a small picture of the ark, some hills, and a vast empty sky. The strategic combination of prompt and picture works well to stimulate the imagination. In addition, eager artists are likely to read through the provided Scripture to glean all the details they need to complete the artwork. The stories start with Genesis and travel through Revelation, providing a snapshot overview of the Bible. The final pages offer more open-ended options, such as doodling your all-time favorite Bible story. The book also comes with over 100 black and white stickers for those who want to add some polished flair to their work.

What I Like: Everything. I'm a doodler at heart.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Publisher lists 9-12, but I think this book is appropriate for ANY age that loves to doodle.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2011; ISBN:978-0310727163; Paperback, 96 PGS., $12.99.

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