The Honey Bees: Going to a New School

The Honey Bees: Going To A New School, written and illustrated by Paula Giordano, is the first of two Honey Bees books which teaches biblical truths and reminds children to always look for a solution to their problems in God's Word.

In The Honey Bees Going to a New School, NiNi is a little bee who is scared about going to a new school. Her grandma, Oomah, teaches her through Scripture that God will never leave us and will be with us when we are afraid.


What I Like: So many times, children are taught only Bible stories but are not shown how to practically apply God's Word to their lives. This book teaches children to take the principles from those Bible stories (David and Goliath is used in this story) in order to apply them to every day life.

What I Dislike: My four year old questioned why the bees looked like humans. Although I understand where the author/illustrator was coming from, to a young child, the idea of bees looking like tiny humans can be confusing.

I also was confused at times by the writing style. Everything on a page was written in one paragraph. At times, the only separation between a conversation between two characters were the quotation marks. Personally, having a conversation broken up on different lines is easier to read. It was also a bit hard to read since the verb tenses changed between past and present within the same paragraph.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-8 years old

Publisher Info: Xulon Press, 2012; ISBN: 978-1-61996501-0; paperback, 30 pgs., $19.99


Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $17.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $19.99

Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones

As a reviewer for Christian Children's Book Review, I have the opportunity to read many wonderful books with my children. Some have even become personal favorites. Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones by Grace Fox is one that I will cherish for a long time to come.

It is a pocket sized book filled with hours of wonderful conversations for you and your little ones. Many times mothers will talk to each other about this conversation they had with their child or how they had just talked about that with their munchkin and some moms are left wondering, "Where do I even begin? I don't know how to talk to my little one or how to start a conversation with them."

This book is definitely the answer for that.

In the evening, after we have read from our children's Bible, we read one page, which has a mix of three to four questions and conversation starter statements, and I let my children (2.5 and 6 years old) talk. Questions like "What is your favorite ice cream flavor?" and "What's the best part about Christmas?" let you know what your child's opinion is about simple things that can get overlooked as we are running around keeping up with our schedules.

Other questions like "How is ice cream made?" and "Why are fire engines red?" can lead into a time of exploration. We have pulled out our tablet many times to find out the hows or whys.

Some statements such as "Tell me about a time you were not patient," cause children to think about their own interaction with others and creates a perfect teaching time for parents to address certain behaviors before they an issue.

What I Like: I absolutely love that my children ask for this book as we are getting ready for bed. They enjoy the just-us time it creates, and I love the interactions we have because of this book.

What I Dislike: I wish the cover were harder. With as much as we as a family use this book, the cover is beginning to show wear.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Toddler- early elementary aged children

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2014; ISBN: 978-0-7369-5640-6 ; paperback, 112 pgs., $5.99


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Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot!

Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot! by Virginia Finnie is the second book in the Hey Warrior Kids! series. You can read my review of her first book Hey Warrior Kids: Put on Your Armor! here.

In this book, the author compares the giant Goliath to the fears that children have. But rather than encourage them to think happy thoughts, she teaches them to speak God's Word to their fears. She explains in a very child friendly way that the Bible is our slingshot and the words in the Bible are our smooth stones. When we use this powerful weapon against the giant of fear, we will be more than conquerors.

What I Like: I love how Virginia Finnie writes the way I speak to my children- with excitement, thrill, fun, and as though there is a big secret just waiting to be shared. Both of my children (ages 6 and 2 1/2) were completely engaged for the duration of the book.

Because the author tells the reader that the verses in the Bible are the smooth stones that we use in our slingshot, she gives children four easy to remember verses that will help them resist their giant of fear.

What I Dislike: I liked everything about this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 3-10 years old

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-62510-012-2 ; paperback, 32 pgs., $9.89

Buy It Now at Christianbook.com for $9.89 OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.89.

Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad

Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad  by Marlene Targ Brill takes young readers on the adventurous, danger-fraught journey of eleven-year-old Allen Jay as he helps a runaway slave escape to freedom just before the Civil War.

Allen's family farm is a stop on that portion of the Underground Railroad located in the state of Ohio. For a while, Allen's parents have been risking their lives by serving as secret conductors of slaves from the South to Canada.

One day, Allen's father asks him to help a runaway slave named Henry James. Allen is afraid and wonders if he can do it. When he meets Henry and escorts him through dangerous territory, Allen learns that there is a big price to pay for freedom.

In this exciting true story, young readers will hold their breath as Allen hides Henry in the family wagon and transports him to the next stop of the Underground Railroad.  Children will learn about courage, faith, and love for all people regardless of their skin color.

What I Like: This story provides a wonderful example of facing one's fears for a noble cause. Children will learn that courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing in spite of fear. Author Marlene Targ Brill writes a compelling story in a simple fashion while stretching young readers to build not only their vocabulary but, more importantly, their character. The pencil and crayon illustrations by Janice Lee Porter add depth and drama to a captivating story.

What I Dislike: The author's use of the Quaker dialect of the 1800s may pose some difficulty for young readers. In their speech, the Quakers used the word "thee" to mean "you".  "Thee" is used  throughout the book instead of "you" and, while historically accurate, it makes the reading a bit stilted, especially if the book is read aloud.  Also, while the story portrays unconditional love for one's neighbor, it is not explicitly Christian but rather implicitly so.
 
Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 7-10, although older children will enjoy the Civil War history and dramatic suspense portrayed in the book.

Publisher Info: Lerner Publishing, Group, Inc., 1993; ISBN: 10: 0-87614-605-1; Paperback, pgs. 48, $6.95.

Buy it NOW at Amazon.com for $6.16.

Junior Battles to Be His Best

For children who are too afraid to try, Junior Battles to Be His Best is a Veggie Tales book that could help. Written by Karen Poth as a Level 1 "I Can Read!" book, the story begins when Junior learns his town is hosting a "battle of the bands." Although his mother and his friends are excited by the idea of Junior entering, Junior isn't. "I don't want to play my tuba," he says. "Everyone will laugh at me." He tries to practice, but concludes, "It's too hard...I'm not going to do it."

Junior sees many other local bands practicing, including Ma Mushroom's band. She asks if Junior is going to compete. When he says no, she replies, "Good...then we'll win for sure! It sounds like you already beat yourself!" When Junior asks what she means, she says, "Well, if you don't try, then you've already lost."

Spurred by the thought that he should at least try, Junior goes home to practice. But still, he doesn't feel good enough to compete. At his mother's prompting, Junior prays that God will give him courage to play in front of others...some day.

The day of the competition arrives, and two bands tie: Ma Mushroom's and Junior's squash friends. The two bands will play one more song to break the tie. Junior's friends beg him to play with them. He does - and "it was just what the...band needed." They win! "Thank you for your help, God," Junior prays.

What I Like: Performing in front of others - or even just trying something new - can paralyze some kids, but this story shows how, with God's help, kids can overcome their fears.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: About 4 to 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310727323; paperback, 32 pgs., $3.59

Buy Now at Amazon for $3.59
OR buy the Kindle edition for just $1.99 

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $3.49

Special Info: See our reviews of other Veggie Tale's "I Can Read Books," as well our reviews of other Veggie Tale's books in general.

If We Survive

Stephen King called Andrew Klavan "the most original novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich." Stephen King is a phenomenal writer, but he scares me. Consequently, an endorsement from him typically leaves me nervous and unsure what to expect. I definitely had a number of sleepless nights with If We Survive, but mostly because I couldn't put it down. This was a tremendous book!

Written in the first person perspective of fifteen-year-old Will Peterson, this book follows an adventure that begins as a missions trip and tumbles into a hostile national rebellion. Will and his friends, each with their own agendas for this trip, fall prey to a hostage situation. After narrowly escaping a firing squad, they face a deathly trek through the jungle only to be captured again. Too much like a video game and yet not at all the same, Will and his team fight for their freedom and the right to go home. Digging deep, they discover the roots and reach of fear and if they have the strength to overcome it.

The story is set in South America and touches on international politics, economics, faith, personal baggage and what it really means to pray and believe in God. Where and how does one find true peace in spite of a world that seems to be falling apart?

What I Like: The writing is amazing! Andrew Klavan created mutli-faceted characters that are realistic and complex. I loved the group dynamics. He's mixed some very distinct personalities into one small band and pulls it off beautifully. The suspense kept me on my toes (and awake reading long past my bedtime!) and the descriptions made me fiercely miss the missions adventures of my past. I could almost smell the morning mists and feel the jungle brush against my skin.Truly amazing writing.

In addition, I really liked that this book offered a solid faith foundation without being preachy. Readers join the characters on their journey toward understanding God and faith without being hit over the head with Bible verses. I think this book will appeal highly to today's teens. Personally, I look forward to reading more from this author.

What I Dislike: Absolutely nothing. Okay, maybe just the anxiety I felt over the endorsement from Stephen King. *grin*

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: YA -- due to violence, I recommend 15 and up

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2012; ISBN: 1595547959; Hardback; 345 pages; $14.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99!
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Special Info: This book is also available in paperback, audio and electronic formats. Follow the links above to your preferred online retailer for details. Visit the author's website at www.andrewklavan.com.

I Want to Know the Wonder of God

I Want You to Know the Wonder of God, written by Kirk Jackson and illustrated by Gwynne Simmons, shares a conversation between parent and child about the omnipresence of God. Told through rhyming verse, the text begins with the universe, stars and nature, then travels throughout many aspects of life: joy, trials, fear, pain. It explains that God is in and with His children through all of it. He hurts when we hurt and He rejoices when we rejoice. Even though we cannot see Him, we are never alone.

The cartoon-like illustrations offer full-page color and plenty of whimsy. They compliment the text beautifully.

What I Like: This is a comforting book, a "cozy" book, as my kids would say. The language is easy to understand and the illustrations, while simplistic, are inviting. It definitely elicits wonder in God, which is the author's intent! I also really like the size. At 10" square, it easily stretches over multiple laps, which is great when you have more than one cuddler.

What I Dislike: The rhyme and meter were off in a few spots. This is not a huge deal, but it did make reading aloud momentarily awkward.

My biggest concern is the presented ambiguity of God. It is difficult to explain God to a child, but there are concrete things we know about Him. Because this book focused primarily on His omnipresence, one could misconstrue truth into New Age philosophy. Yes, God is reflected in all of His creation, but He is not actually "in" the stars or the trees. Those things are not God and, while I delight in the wonder and imagery of this book, I would be careful to whom I recommend it. Readers with solid theological understanding would have no problem with it. Those new to faith and Scripture might encounter confusion.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: Not specified by the publisher, but I would say 3-7.

Publisher Info: Going Home Stories, 2012; ISBN: 0985202505; Hardback; 36 pages; $16.95

Buy it Now at Amazon.com for $16.95!

Fear Not

If there's one thing a small child should learn about God, it's Fear Not. In this book by Paula McWhorter, Jesus' life is illustrated in a manner that teaches the reader to not fear anything. A gentle call to confession of sins and admitting Jesus as Lord and Savior is a parallel thread throughout the book.

What I Like: I really liked the illustrations. Whoever the illustrator is (I'm not sure because I can't find a credit) his or her images are very well done, especially the first part of the book.

What I Dislike: There's a lot to nitpick in this book. First, I really didn't think the use of the King James Version (KJV) was appropriate for the target age. It hampers the ability of a small child to understand (or their parents to read aloud without tripping over the words). I also didn't understand why the author decided to remove the word "begotten" from her quote of John 3:16. As near as I can tell, it's the only instance where a word from scripture was deleted. There are several grammatical and punctuation errors on top of that, including varying whether "He" was capitalized or not when referring to God/Jesus.

Some of the text reads:

"Finally on Christmas Eve,
God sent His only Son."

I find this questionable for two reasons: first, we don't know exactly when Jesus was born, and second, an "eve" is the day before. Why have a Christmas Day if Jesus was born on the eve?

Another issue I had was this quote:

"Satan vowed to kill God's only son."

I can see how it could be portrayed this way, but my understanding of the reason Jesus had to die was because He was the only sacrifice that could cover everyone's sin completely, unlike the sacrifices from the Old Testament of goats, bulls, and sheep, which were only temporary. So, God sent Jesus to be sacrificed; it wasn't necessarily Satan who kill Him.

I also wonder if some of the concepts mentioned, such as the veil in the temple being torn after Jesus' death, are appropriate for the age of the readers.

All of the people (Jesus included) in the book are extremely Caucasian. There is one image that's supposed to portray kids from around the world, and even the African child is light-skinned. Six of the nine images are obviously supposed to be white, with one Eskimo, one Asian/Chinese, and the African.

All of the writing except one page is a black background with white lettering, which is incredibly difficult for most people to read.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum

Age Appeal: 5 - 8

Publisher Info: Westbow Press, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-4497-2663-8; Paperback, 32 pgs., $13.95

Buy it at Amazon.com for $11.86.

Jesus Teaches Us Not to Worry

Our lives are filled with worry. In Jesus Teaches Us Not to Worry by Julie Stiegemeyer, Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) come alive in rhyme to teach kids to depend on God when they're concerned.

The story is a basic retelling of a small portion of Jesus' famous sermon, starting with how the crowd gathered to listen to Him. After a brief overview of things covered in Matthew 5, Jesus tells the people not to worry, that God will give you all you need.

"'Do not worry,' Jesus said,
'about what you will eat.
God will give you all you need--
water, bread, and meat.'"

At the end, a modern-day family is shown reading a Bible Storybook together. The reader is urged to listen to God and remember how He cares for us.

What I Like: As with other books I've read in the Arch Book series, the stories from the Bible are told with little exaggeration and in a manner appropriate for their audience.

I love the fact that the author indicates that Jesus talked about more than just the topic of worry--it's an open invitation to read the rest of the Sermon on the Mount with your child.

The last page is a note to parents--and it's filled with great information on the story itself, as well as suggestions on how to talk to your kids if they're concerned about something.

What I Dislike: There's not much I dislike, but occasionally, the rhyming rhythm was tricky to read (even silently). This has been noted as a flaw by our other reviewers for other Arch Books, as well.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5 - 9

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7586-2581-6; Paperback, 15 PGS., $2.49

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $1.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.98 (6 pack).

Special Info: The face of Jesus is shown throughout the story. We've also reviewed other books by Julie Stiegemeyer, which you can find here. Additionally, reviews of other books in the Arch Book series may be found here.

Kondi's Quest

Kondi’s Quest, written by Sylvia Stewart, is the story of a 12-year-old girl who lives in Malawi. She lives in a country where poverty and superstition are the norm and witch doctors are prevalent. Even though she has given her heart to Jesus, but she is still afraid of many things and she doesn’t understand why God allows bad things to happen to her.

Kondi’s mother is a Christian, but her father is not. Kondi doesn’t understand how her father could love her if he hits her and her mother when he comes home drunk. Kondi tries very hard to remember that God loves her even when it seems like her own father doesn’t.

Kondi is on a mission: She wants her father to become a Christian and she wants to find a way to make money so her family won’t be so poor. Neither one is a simple task, but Kondi is determined to make things better for her family. When the opportunity presents itself, though, will she succumb to the temptation to use witchcraft to help her achieve her goals?

The author includes a glossary at the end of the book that defines the foreign words that are used throughout the text.

What I Like: The story takes place in Malawi, a country where superstition is prevalent and witchcraft is practiced. It would be difficult for a Christian, especially for one as young as Kondi, to live in such an environment. The author does a good job of making the reader feel some of the fear and uncertainty Kondi experiences in her everyday life.

What I Dislike: Even though the author included a glossary of terms, I didn’t know it was there until I got to the end of the book. Sometimes it was difficult to figure out what a word meant in the story because they way it was used in context didn’t always give a clear indication of what the word meant.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: OakTara Publishers, 2011; ISBN: 9781602902886; 152 pages, Paperback, $15.95.

Buy now at ChristianBook $11.99!
Or buy at Amazon.com $11.65.

Special Info: Visit the author’s website.

Our Kids Review: Andi's Lonely Little Foal

Anastasia is a kindergartener who loves books, ballet, and learning about new things. Here is her review of Susan K. Marlow's Andi's Lonely Little Foal.

Andi is worried about Taffy, her foal, because Taffy is away from her mother. She’s being weaned. Andi gets in trouble because she wants Taffy to be back with her mommy, Snowflake. Andi is sneaky and disobeys and sleeps in Taffy’s stall and takes Taffy back to her mommy.

But Andi learns not to do that again because she gets in trouble. She learns to trust God and her brother, Chad.

What I Like: I like horses. I like the name Taffy. I like Andi. She’s a nice girl. I like the part where she says she’s sorry to Chad and her mommy. I like cowboys. I like that she learns about trusting God. I like the pictures, too. And I like it because it’s more of a big kid book and I get to get user to seeing a book that doesn’t have very many pictures in it.

What I Dislike: I don’t like the part where Andi was naughty because she disobeyed. Because I don’t like that she disobeys.

Overall Rating: Excellent. Except for the part where she disobeys.


From Kristina:

Age Appeal: According to Amazon, 9 to 12, although many kids as young as 5 or so will like this book.


Publishing Info: Kregel Publications, 2011; ISBN: 978-0825441851; paperback, 80 pgs., $4.99.


Buy Now at Amazon.com for $4.99

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Special Info: Like all of Susan K. Marlow's Circle C Beginnings books, this one is light on what might be called Christian content. Andi does go to Sunday School and pray about her concern for Taffy, and her mother does tell her "...you should have trusted God to take care of Taffy."

Read our reviews of other Circle C Beginnings books by clicking here.

Spine Chillers Mysteries

I am not sure how I feel about Christian horror books, but if you are looking for a faith-based alternative to the Goosebumps series, Fred E. Katz's SpineChillers Mysteries is for you.

The book has a shiny, alarming, three-dimensional clown image on the cover, and includes three separate books in one volume. Dr. Shiver's Carnival, Attack of the Killer House, and Birthday Cake and I Scream all feature heroes who are between eleven and thirteen years old. The children are Christians who don't believe in ghosts, but are capable of being terrified, nonetheless. In each adventure,the children deal with fear by praying and remembering Bible verses they learned at youth group. There is a logical explanation for each scary mystery, and Katz is sure to emphasize ghosts are not real, and God is bigger than anything frightening the children.

In Dr. Shiver's Carnival, Kyle and his friends visit Kyle's uncle in Hollywood. Kyle's uncle, a well-known movie producer, secretly arranges for the children to visit a spooky carnival. Kyle and his friends become more and more afraid, the longer they are at the carnival. They have no idea Kyle's uncle is filming them for an upcoming movie trailer, until they finally escape the carnival.

In Attack of the Killer House Jonny and Anna are chased by heat-sensitive appliances in the "smart house" their father designed. A lightning storm causes the appliances to malfunction and target people. When their dad's creepy, new computer screen saver begins popping up on televisions all over the house, Jonny and Anna are even more afraid.

Birthday Cake and I Scream tells the story of MacKenzie's birthday party at a local pizza place. When MacKenzie and his friends stumble across a chapter in an old history book telling about hauntings at the pizza place, they are a little concerned. However, unbeknownst to them, their party gets mixed up with a booking for the "National Horror Movie Fan Club." In the end, Mac is relieved to make it to the age of thirteen!

What I Like: I like the way the children all pray and trust in God through their fear. In the books, the children have friends of both genders, several of whom are from church. The books provide a healthy, positive, non-romantic view of friendship for junior-high students.

I also like the way Katz includes Bible verses throughout the books. The characters show a believable balance between remembering verses and knowing what is true, and allowing their imaginations to run away with them.

Just when I was starting to identify with the characters enough to get worried or feel trapped, Katz provided a way out.

What I Dislike: Horror is not my favorite genre, in general. These books really are scary, and will definitely cause shivers.

I didn't like the way Kyle's uncle tricked him in the first book. I think you need to be able to trust the adults in your life. For some reason, Kyle's uncle told one of his friends the carnival was rigged, but didn't tell Kyle.

Overall Rating: Very Good, if you like horror! (Also, you can't beat the Amazon price.)

Age Appeal: 10 and up (but not before bed)

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2010; ISBN: 978-1-4003-1643-7; Hardcover, 3-in-1, 378 pages, $14.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $10.99

OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $2.96.

Special Note: The book is also available in audio version.

Mainstream Author Highlight: N.D. Wilson

"Mainstream Author" highlights, as well as our "Mainstream" reviews are not necessarily recommendations for Christian families. Rather, as parents we recognize that many kids will read such books, with or without parental permission. Our goal is to help parents prepare for what their kids may read, offer insights into positive aspects of the books, and give tips on areas to talk to kids about. In addition, we recognize that sometimes "dark" books may be difficult to read, but can offer an excellent way for teens to think about the world we live in.


N.D. Wilson's recently acclaimed fantasy trilogy, 100 Cupboards, is probably the best American fantasy written for kids since Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time series. For those who prefer realistic writing, Wilson has also written Leepike Ridge, an adventure reminiscent of Huck Finn, but in a modern-day setting. Although the books aren't specifically Christian, Wilson does have a Christian background and writes from a Christian worldview.

In 100 Cupboards and its companions, Dandelion Fire and The Chestnut King, Wilson skillfully juxtaposes rural Kansas, with its dust, baseball games and homemade pies, and the various worlds beyond the cupboard doors. Depending on the door and its combination, you may end up in an enchanted ballroom; on a burning pirate ship; or in a beautiful walled garden where sinister forces are at work. For Henry York, not only do the cupboards offer adventure and intrigue, they also hint at Henry's forgotten family and the daring destiny that awaits him.

As Henry, his cousin, Henrietta, and his friend, Zeke, travel through the different worlds, Henry realizes his life is connected to Mordecai Westmore, green man, and long lost ruler of Hylfing, to faerie realms that govern travel between worlds, and to Nimiane of Endor, an evil witch he mistakenly releases from prison. Henry is called to conquer Nimiane and her forces once and for all, but he will need the help of family from Kansas, Mordecai, and all the faeries, if he is to be successful.

Leepike Ridge is the story of Tom, a young boy who seeks refuge on a river raft (packing foam from a new refrigerator), but never dreams he will float over a waterfall and be trapped in underwater caves indefinitely. Tom stumbles upon a dead body and several mysterious items, before he meets Reg, a survivor who has been trapped in the caves for three years. Together, they make their way out, but not before discovering hidden treasure and learning their lives have been intertwined for longer than they realized.

What I Like: I love Wilson's characters. Henry is a believable hero, who throws up when he is afraid, and would rather just play baseball and stay out of trouble. However, readers will cheer every time he steps up to the challenge and faces his fears. Uncle Frank and Aunt Dotty, a comforting Kansas couple, are full of surprises once they travel through the cupboards. Henrietta is just the sort of obnoxious, but good-hearted, cousin we all can relate to.

I also appreciate Wilson's intelligent, lyrical writing. He crafts language and weaves pictures that will stick with readers and even crop up in their dreams. The books will please those interested in fast-paced fantasy and adventure, and will delight those who pick up on the myriad of biblical, classical and mythological allusions.

What I Dislike: There is nothing I dislike, but the books did describe enough dead bodies and scary images for me to have bad dreams one night.

Age Appeal: 9 and up, but the books could be scary for more sensitive readers.

Publisher Info: Random House/Yearling, 2007-2011; ISBN: 978-0-375-83882-8 (100 Cupboards); Paperback and Hardcover, 320-496 pages, $6.99-$17.99

Buy 100 Cupboards at Amazon.com for $6.99.

Buy Dandelion Fire at Amazon.com for $6.99.

Buy The Chestnut King at Amazon.com for $11.37.

Buy Leepike Ridge at Amazon.com for $6.99.

Special Note: Characters use the word "bastard" as a derogatory term once in Leepike Ridge and once in Dandelion Fire. Also, characters use several types of magic, but occult practices (consulting with the dead, using blood to work spells) are clearly shown as evil, and are used only by Nimiane of Endor (similar to C.S. Lewis' use of magic in the Narnia series).

Interview with 100 Cupboards Author N.D. Wilson

When some friends of up and coming author, N.D. Wilson's suggested I review his 100 Cupboards series, I didn't realize I would become hooked so quickly, or enjoy the books so much. The books are American fantasy, (set in Kansas), where kids learn to be brave in the face of hardship, and eventually learn to delight in who they are.

The series even changed my perspective about dandelions. Now, I can't help but smile when I see dandelions poking through my lawn, and I am happy to find places for the dandelion bouquets my children persist in bringing me. You can read more about the series and about his other book, Leepike Ridge, in my review. In addition, Mr. Wilson graciously agreed to be interviewed by CCBR, and I am thrilled to present the interview here.

CCBR: Is there an overarching message or theme you are trying to communicate through your books?

Wilson: Well, yes and no. It depends (et cetera). I hope to communicate the message and messages that reality (the greatest and grandest of all stories) communicates. More specifically, you could say that I want kids who read my stuff to see courage, sacrifice, love, and selflessness learned and exemplified by my characters.

CCBR: How did you get started writing books for kids and young adults?

Wilson: I never outgrew them. These stories are (and always have been) my favorite kind. I got started in 5th and 6th grade and began by criticizing what I was reading to my parents. They pushed me into proposing edits and changes to whatever I was reading, and from there I started dreaming up my own stories from scratch. All through high school and college I worked on shorter pieces, focusing on creative nonfiction, sketches, short stories--that sort of thing. Once I popped out of grad school, I settled in to try to write my first novel (it was bad and rightfully ended up languishing in the trash, but it was for kids). I've always been focused on this market.

CCBR: What is your inspiration, for plot lines, and characters such as Tom (Leepike Ridge) and Henry York, Uncle Frank and Henrietta?

Wilson: Hard to say. I draw a lot on the flavor of my own childhood, and I know my imagination has been spiced by the authors I most loved growing up (Lewis and Tolkien). But beyond that, I don't know. My fevered brain spits things out...

CCBR: You don't shy away from describing dead bodies or writing scary suspense scenes. What would you say to parents who are concerned the books may be frightening for their children?

Wilson: Chesterton said that a book without evil is an evil book (or something like that). I'm not afraid of reading my kids stories from the Old Testament, and they (properly understood and without dodging) can be pretty grisly business--even the broadly read basics like David and Goliath. David said what? And then he cut Goliath's head off and held it up? Samson did what? I do include darkness and evil in my stories, but hopefully in the same way and in the same context that we see them used in those tales. Darkness is to be faced with boldness, faith, and courage. Evil is an enemy to be overcome and triumphed over.

CCBR: What is your favorite part of writing? In your experience, what is the most difficult part of writing?

Wilson: Favorite part? Finishing. The most difficult part? Finishing (at least finishing well). Discovering a story page by page and chapter by chapter until a satisfying end is wonderful, but having story grip while you're doing it, and not being able to read the rest quickly (because it hasn't been written) is agonizing. You want to blaze through to the end, but...the pages are blank. There you have it--the best and the worst.

CCBR: What were your favorite books when you were growing up?

Wilson: Narnia and Tolkien when I was a younger. The Space Trilogy (and Tolkien) as I aged. Of course, you can throw all sorts of adventure tales in as well, but those are the true foundation of my imagination.

CCBR: How does your faith influence your writing?

Wilson: My faith does a lot more than influence me. It is fundamentally who I am. I can't tell you how being male influences me, or how being human influences me either. I don't know the alternatives. I hope everything I do is an extension and outworking of my faith. The stories I tell are simply apples on an apple tree.

CCBR: I heard you are currently working on a screenplay for C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. Do you have anything new planned for younger readers?

Wilson: Screenplays have been fun, but I do indeed have some new stuff for young readers. I'm starting a new fantasy/adventure series this summer. The first book (The Dragon's Tooth) will be releasing on August 23. Thanks much!

CCBR: I look forward to reading your newest book, and I hope our readers enjoy it too! Thanks for sharing your time and insights with CCBR!