Play and Learn Bible Stories: Noah's Ark Wipe-Clean Storybook

Play and Learn Bible Stories: Noah’s Ark Wipe-Clean Storybook by Shiloh Kidz, is an interactive storybook about Noah and the ark. Each text page includes some type of activity that goes along with the story segment on that page.

Most of the activities are sticker-related, with over 100 bright stickers to paste in various places throughout the book. The text pages are numbered, and the stickers are grouped according to corresponding page numbers, making them easy to locate. There are also some tracing activities scattered throughout the pages. The tracing can be done with any type of dry erase marker (not included). The activities can be repeated again and again, as the stickers are reusable and the pages can be wiped clean.

What I Like: Just about everything. The pages are bright and colorful, the activities are kid-friendly, and the activities can be repeated.

What I Dislike: The book is supposed to be for ages 3+. The activities will be fun for all, but the language used in the text is not what I would consider kid-friendly for this type of activity book. Youngsters will enjoy the bright pages and the activities, but most of them will have trouble with the language level used to tell the story.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: The book is listed for ages 3+, but I think an appropriate age group would be about 3-8.

Publisher Info: Shiloh Kidz, 2015; ISBN: 9781630588946; Paperback, $6.99.

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Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing

Mother's Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain the latest book from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights Series. This series incorporates faith and values into the story line of each book. The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing is about the Bear family's tour through Bear Country as they celebrate Mama Bear and learn about why mothers are so special to all of us.  On the very first page the author shows a picture of Mama Bear with a passage from Proverbs 31... "She is worth far more than rubies.  Her children arise and call her blessed. Honor her for all that her hands have done."

What I Like: I enjoy how this series weaves the scriptures and values into each story. The series was designed to "help children learn how God wants them to live every day."

I also liked that the book showed mothers in a variety of different roles.  There were moms that stayed home with their children, moms that worked, moms that owned a business and a mom that worked in ministry as a Pastor's Wife.
 
What I Dislike: I wish that the book was a little longer.  I feel that the conclusion of the book was a bit rushed. 

 
Overall Rating: Very Good.
 
Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2016; ISBN:0310748690; Paperback, 32 pages, $3.99

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The Beginner's Bible: All About Jesus Sticker and Activity Book

The Beginner’s Bible: All About Jesus Sticker & Activity Book by Zonderkidz, is filled with very short stories and activities relating to Jesus. The stories are about Jesus’ birth, his baptism, his first miracle, etc. A short story is told on each page, and activities relating to that story are included on that page.

Activities include stickers, tracing objects, coloring and drawing pictures, counting exercises, and several different kinds of puzzles. Colorful, cartoonish illustrations fill each page.

What I Like: This looks like a great book to not only keep little ones busy, but also to help them learn about Jesus.

What I Dislike: Although there are lots of stickers (more than 50) included with the book, and many places where they go throughout the pages, the stickers are not marked according to what page they are supposed to go on. I looks like it would be rather complicated for youngsters to locate the stickers themselves.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: No age group is given, but I would say this is the type of book for children in preschool and kindergarten.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 9780310746935; Paperback, $3.99.

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7 Days of Awesome

7 Days of Awesome by Shawn Byous is a picture book written in rhyme about Creation. The story's Dr. Seuss-like narrative and whimsical illustrations take children through the 7 days of Creation.  The book stays in rhyme throughout the entire book.  The scripture references in the book are taken from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

What I Like: I liked that the book was based on the Biblical story of Creation that was written in Genesis.  The book is accurate in referring to what was created on each day according to the Bible. 

What I Dislike: I am not a fan of books in rhyme.  I feel like the wording is forced more often than not in order to make the rhyme work.  I also did not find the drawings to be appealing.  The style of artwork looked old fashioned to me. 

Overall Rating: Ho-Hum.

Age Appeal: Ages 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2016; ISBN: 03010743494; Hardcover, $16.9.

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Please and Thank You God: Prayers For Family & Events

Please and Thank You, God! prayers can be used and enjoyed alone or together as a family during many different occasions and events throughout the year. Included in this book, you’ll also find prayers for your family, friends, religious holidays and more.

What I Like: Prayers for Family and Events is a must-have for any parent looking for a way to teach their children to pray easily. Each colorful and whimsically illustrated two-page layout focuses on an important person in the reader's life (like parents and friends) or an occasion, like holidays (Christmas, Easter) or a birthday.

Each two-page layout includes a "Thank You" to God where children are giving thanks to for the blessing he has provided and a "Please" portion where children submit petitions unto the Lord. The please portion includes scripture.

For example, the Easter Page prayer thanks "Jesus for suffering on the cross for my sins and rising again," and asks God to "Please help me share the good news of Easter with others," followed by a short scripture about rejoicing in Jesus's resurrection.

Each prayer is short (only a few sentences) and includes a short verse that correlates with the prayer, so children are praying and learning scripture. I love the illustrations, also by Agnes de Bezenac, that help bring the pages to life.

What I Dislike: I always prefer to see the bible version when I see scripture. It's not included in this book, but it doesn't take away from the book.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8 and under.

Publisher Info: iCharacter.org, 2014; ISBN:978-1623871970 ; Paperback, 32 pgs., $8.49

Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.49

Other Prayer Books in the series
Prayers Before Bed and Prayers Throughout the Day

Additional Info: Author Page www.iCharacter.org

Joanna the Donkey

In Joanna the Donkey, author Kenneth E. Metzger tells the story of Jesus’ ride to Nazareth on a donkey from the donkey’s point of view.

Joanna is a donkey with a hearing problem. She is chosen as the donkey Jesus rides into Nazareth. When the crowds line the streets and start shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” she thinks they are saying “Joanna! Joanna!” After the procession is over and Joanna returns home, her mother explains to her what the people were really saying and what they really meant.

At the end of the book, the author includes a section called “Inter-actives for Parents To Do with Their Children.” This is a list of questions about the story that parents and children can discuss together.

The pencil illustrations, by Sydney Dziewa are colorful, but they are a bit cartoonish.

What I Like: I like the humor of having a donkey that is hard of hearing. I also like the list of questions at the end of the story.

What I Dislike: When Joanna’s friends her that a King is coming who will need a donkey to ride, each of them think they will be chosen. When Joanna says, “Maybe he’ll choose me,” her two friends roll with laughter at the thought of Joanna being the chosen one. Why would Jesus choose to ride on a lame donkey? But when Joanna is chosen, and she later tells her friends about her adventure, they don’t even seem surprised. I wonder why that is?

I also did not like the layout. Each two-page spread was exactly the same, with an illustration on the left and the text on the right. There was no variation at all.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Xulon Press, 2014; ISBN: 9781498413923; paperback, $11.99.

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The Kindle version is available for $5.99.

 

Rocky Hill Fireman, Book #1: Fire!

Rocky Hill Fireman, Book #1:  Fire! by James Burd Brewster is a great book for any child who aspires to be a fire fighter when he or she grows up.

Rocky Hill is the name of the main hero of the story. He and two other fire fighters, Big Joe and Bob, are called into action to help a family whose home has caught on fire. Rocky is tasked with going into the home to locate a sleeping baby. In the end, the fire fighters and baby are all safe and sound.

What I Like: It is so important for our children to view our civil servants as being friendly, helpful, and safe. This book does exactly that.

I love finding books that completely engage my children. This book did just that. Both my 8 year old and 4 year old were completely caught up in the world and rescue mission of Rocky Hill.

The illustrations by Dayna Barley-Cohrs fit this book perfectly. Although they appear to be hand drawn and painted with watercolors, they are tastefully done, and are a perfect complement to the story.

What I Dislike: Although this is a Christian book, the name "God" is mentioned two times on the very last page. Once when the mother says, "Thank God you came in time," and the narrator states, "He also thanked God."

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013; ISBN: 978-1484837177; paperback, 32 pgs., $29.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $29.99

Angels In The Bible Storybook

Where were the angels when God created the world? Why did an angel force a donkey off a road? Who did the angels get out of jail twice? Young readers will find answers to these and other questions in this exciting storybook, written by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan with illustrations by Alida Massari. Angels in the Bible Storybook gives children a fascinating look into how God’s powerful behind-the-scenes helpers interacted with Bible greats from Abraham, Lot, and Gideon to Zechariah, Mary, and Jesus himself, acting as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more.

What I Like: Angels in the Bible Storybook, by Allia Zobel Nolan is an exhaustive look of every biblical account involving angels. All of the information is biblically based and follows the order of the bible. The illustrations by Alida Massari are very detailed and colorful helping readers envision biblical stories more clearly.

What I Dislike: Nothing. However, I would say that it is a very long storybook and not one a child could read through before bed.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4 - 8 years. A four-year-old would probably need an adult to read through and help them understand the stories.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2016; ISBN: 978-0310743651; Hardcover, 224 pgs., $12.27

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Saul Is Born Again: The Confession of Paul the Apostle

Saul Is Born Again: The Conversion of the Apostle Paul, by Rev. Jim Reimann, is a retold version of the Saul’s conversion to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. The story references Luke 1:26-35 & 2:1-20. The story is short, with only six pages of text.

The chalk drawing illustrations by Rony Tamir are somewhat wooden in appearance but they seem to work well with the text.

What I Like: I appreciate the effort the author puts into writing this story.

What I Dislike: However, having said that, like other stories written by the author, the text of this one is in rhyme. Many of you know I am not a big fan of rhyming picture books because it’s so hard to write in rhyme and do it well. Although the ends of the lines in the text of this story do rhyme, the rhythm is forced as the author tries to squeeze too many syllables into some of the sentences just so the end words rhyme. That throws off the rhythm of the words.

Overall Rating: Ho hum.

Age Appeal: I’d say 4-8 would be the appropriate age group for this book, as the story is quite short. However, some of the vocabulary is over and above that normally used for this age group.

Publisher Info: Intelectly, 2014; ISBN: 9789657607190; Paperback, $6.66.

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Special Info: Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books written by Jim Reimann [http://ccbreview.blogspot.com/search?q=jim+reimann].

Jesus Heals a Little Boy: A Miracle at Capernaum

Jesus Heals a Little Boy: A Miracle at Capernaum, by Rev. Jim Reimann, is the retelling of the Biblical story of Jesus healing a young boy in Capernaum. In just a few short pages, Reimann relates the events that took place there. The story references John 4:46-54 of the Bible.

The pencil illustrations by Hayim Roitblat Otsarya are very colorful and expressive.

What I Like: I really like the illustrations.

What I Dislike: The text is written of rhyme. Many of you know I am not a big fan of rhyming picture books because it’s so hard to write in rhyme and do it well. Although the ends of the lines in the text do rhyme, the rhythm is forced as the author tries to squeeze too many syllables into some of the sentences just so the end words rhyme.

Overall Rating: Ho hum.

Age Appeal: I’d say 4-8 would be the appropriate age group for this book, as the story is quite short. However, some of the vocabulary is over and above that normally used for this age group.

Publisher Info: Intelecty, 2014; ISBN: 9789657607220; Paperback, $5.99.

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The Kindle edition is available for $2.99.

Special Info: Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books written by Jim Reimann.

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for LIttle Ones

For Berenstain Bears lovers everywhere comes a storybook Bible for toddlers. The thick-covered The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones, by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is a sturdy board book that highlights eight stories from the Bible: Creation, Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, The Birth of Jesus, The Good Samaritan, Palm Sunday, and the Resurrection. In true bear fashion, all the characters are portrayed as bears, including Jesus.

What I Like: I love the Berenstain Bears, so of course this book appeals to me. Seeing Biblical characters in bear-form is interesting.

 What I Dislike: For me, there is a disconnect between the format and the text. The text is geared for preschoolers through age 8, but boardbooks are typically intended for the toddler age group. In addition, some of the stories had major gaps; however, parents willing to expand on the story can easily fill in the missing details.

 Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: ages 4-8

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310749417; Boardbook or Kindle, 30 pgs., $9.99

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God Made Polliwogs and Puppy Dogs

Young children will enjoy learning all about animal babies in Dandi Daley Mackall’s book God Made Polliwogs and Puppy Dogs. The book starts with a portion of scripture—Psalm 68:6, “God sets the lonely in families…” This snippet is framed by a family tigers, a puppy, and tadpoles. After that, each two-page spread shows frolicking animals. The rhyming, large-print text is placed one or two lines per page, and introduces the reader to various animal babies. From piglets to joeys and cygnets to keets, each animal is named and then illustrated in cute, cartoon-like fashion by illustrator Janet Samuel. After seeing a multitude of animal babies, the author focuses on a human family, reinforcing the idea that “God sure loves those babies.” The book ends with a prayer thanking God for creating all families.

What I Like: The book is fast-paced, and the rhyming meter works, making it fun to read aloud.

What I Dislike: I love the idea of pairing the book idea with Scripture, but it seems awkward to me to take only a portion of the verse to make it apply. The rest of that verse that is not printed is “he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Ages 2-5 years

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2015; ISBN: 978-0736958738; Hardcover, 32 pgs., $12.99

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Duney

Duney, written by K. Wendt, is an adaptation of the Biblical story of David and Goliath. In this version, Duney has to stay on the beach and watch over the sand dollars while his brothers go to Sand Village off to fight the Hermits. The Hermits want to take over the village.

During a break from his duties, Duney takes food to his brothers. While he’s there, Captain Hermy, the leader of the Hermits, issues a challenge: “If I fight one of you and win I get everything; if I lose, then I’ll go away and leave you alone.”

Duney decides to fight the Hermit. He defeats him with a stone shot from his sling shot. When their leader dies, the rest of the Hermits leave and the village is saved.

What I Like: It’s always interesting to read adaptations of well-known stories. This one was certainly different from any other version of David and Goliath I have ever read.

What I Dislike: I don’t like the illustrations. They are very cartoonish and they don’t add to the value of the story (in my opinion). In fact, I’m not sure what Duney and his brothers are even supposed to be. It’s pretty easy to tell the Hermits are crabs, but Duney and his brothers look like smiley faces without bodies. They look very strange.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: No age group is given, but I’d say 4-8 would be the an appropriate age group.

Publisher Info: Westbow Press, 2014; ISBN: 9781490839349; Paperback, $15.95.

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Love From a Star

Author Katherine Cutchin Gazzetta provides the perfect bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers with her book Love From a Star.  The story shows a bear with two sidekicks—a floppy bunny and an elusive frog—as they look to the stars at night.  The overall message is simple: Wherever you are, whatever you face, God is there. Just look for His star.

Each two-page spread hosts two lines of text and an accompanying picture.  The text does rhyme, but the rhyme is split between pages. (For example, one page in the spread says, “You see, God put me here/ to watch over you.” The rest of that stanza is found when you turn the page: “ to love you and guide you,/ in all that you do.”)

Gazzetta also does the illustrations, which are, in my opinion, the best part of the book. The watercolor images are charming, whimsical, and fluid. The coloring is bold in hue and yet soft in execution.

Extra note: According to Amazon, the 2013 version of the book comes with a pack of glow-in-the-dark stars. However, I did not receive any stars with the book, so I am uncertain if this is true or not for the 2015 version.

What I Like: The illustrations are a big selling point for me.  Gazzetta does a nice job of wooing the reader with her images. The text is also short enough that the book can hold the attention of preschoolers and toddlers.

What I Dislike: I was a little confused over the idea that God puts stars in place to watch over us, and by the thought that a star could love someone (“Know that your star loves you tonight'").  While it is a heartwarming thought, I don’t see any Scriptural basis for this concept, which, in my mind, gives me pause. However, I am certain with an explanation that the stars are a reminder of God’s love (which I assume is the intention of the writer), then it would be just fine.

Overall Rating: Excellent (if the reader takes into mind what I mentioned about stars)

Age Appeal: None is provided, but the simplicity of the text suggests a younger audience, toddlers through preschool and perhaps up to Kindergarten age

Publisher Info: Sleeping Bear Press, 2015; ISBN: 978-0989206716; Hardcover and Kindle, 32 pgs., $14.99

This book is not currently available at Christianbook.com.

Buy the HARDCOVER VERSION at Amazon.com for $14.99 or the KINDLE VERSION for $14.24.

God's Word for God's Children: In the Beginning

As expected by the title, God’s Word for God’s Children: In the Beginning, by Olin Edward James is a story about the Creation. It is the first book in the KathIrene Kids God’s Word for God’s Children Bible Series, a series of books for young children that focus on individual stories from the Bible.

This is a very short book, written in rhyme, with only nine verses.

What I Like: I like the pen-and-ink illustrations. They are colorful and expressive.

What I Dislike: The book is written in rhyme. As many of you know, I am not a big fan of rhyming text for kids as it is difficult to do and to do it well. Sadly, this is another example of the shortfall of writing in rhyme. Most of the rhyme is forced, which throws off the rhythm of the story.

Also, although this story is supposed to be for children, the author uses the word “firmament” when the word “earth” would have been a more appropriate term.

Overall Rating: Ho hum.

Age Appeal: No age group is given, but I’d say 4-8 years would be about right.

Publisher Info: Life Sentence, 2014; ISBN: 9781622451876; Paperback, $4.99.

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Goodnight Manger

Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth. It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosannas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.

What I Like: A cleverly written rhyming book, Goodnight Manger, by Laura Sassi, is such a cute book. Have you ever wondered what life was really like for Mary and Joseph in the manger with non-stop visitors and animals everywhere? Goodnight Manger paints a wonderful picture that will make you smile. The illustrations by Jane Chapman are adorable and are a nice compliment to the book. This is definitely a new family favorite for my household.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8 yrs

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310745563; Hardcover; 32 pgs., $16.99

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The Gift Giver

On Christmas Eve a boy stirs from sleep to find an old man, in the living room, dressed in red with a bag full of gifts. Excitement soon gives way to disappointment as he finds he has received fewer gifts than expected. The old man sees the young boy's protest and tells the story of his origins and his motives. As the boy becomes privy to this mystery, a question comes to his mind: is it by magic that the old man accomplishes his task, or is it something else... The lesson he learns will change the way he views Christmas forever!

What I Like: The Gift Giver, by Jacob Haslem and Nick Allen, tells of Santa's humble beginnings and how he came to become Santa. It is centered around his love for Jesus and following God's will for his life to bless the less fortunate. The illustrations, by Elissa Weaver, are lovely and so life like.

What I Dislike: While the book does credit Jesus as the reason for the season, the story still leads a reader to believe that Santa exists in a supernatural way. In the story he explains how he has lived through centuries and will continue to do so until God says otherwise. His sack of toys that contained the gifts he handmade continued to refill itself (like the bread and the fish that fed the masses) and time was suspended while he delivered those gifts. The mix of the story of St. Nicholas, The Nativity Story and the modern tales of Santa Claus is sure to confuse my children between what is biblical, historically accurate and myth.

The price for a hardcover copy is extravagant at $23.95. The outside cover is very dark.

Overall Rating: Ho-Hum

Age Appeal: 4-8 yrs

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2015; ISBN: 978-1515273110; Hardcover, 40 pgs., $23.95

Buy it at Amazon.com for $23.95

Grandma's Christmas Wish

For Grandmas looking for a meaningful gift to give a grandchild that just oozes with love, check out Grandma’s Christmas Wish by Helen Foster James.

The story features interactions between a gray-haired grandma bunny and her copper-haired grandchild. Over and over, the doting grandma reassures her little one that baby bunny’s love is the best gift Grandma could receive. She says, “But you with your grin/ and all of your charms,/ you’re my best present,/ just wrapped in my arms.” Throughout the book, Grandma and Bunny frolic, snuggle, and play in the wintery landscape.

Each two-page spread holds four lines of the large lettered rhyming text surrounded by what looks to be watercolor and ink illustrations. And what beautiful illustrations they are!  Created by Petra Brown, these pictures are laced with memorable Christmas time images, including a starry, moonlit night, powdery snow, pine trees and holly, charming woodland creatures, and earthy decorations.

The last two-page spread of the book allows Grandmas to personalize the gift. Branches border the left side and frame a page of blank lines. It’s entitled “A Special Letter to My Grandchild”. The right hand side is likewise framed  but is open for pasting pictures of Grandma (or perhaps Grandma and Grandchild).

What I Like: Oftentimes it is difficult to write lyrical lines well. Thankfully, this author is able to make the meter and rhyme in this story work! It’s crafted in a singsong manner that makes it easy to read. Even so, the illustrations are what I LOOOOVVVEE most. WOW! They are whimsical and endearing. The pictures alone make this book worth its asking price.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Preschool- grade 1.

Publisher Info: Sleeping Bear Press, 2015; ISBN: 978-1585369188; Hardback and Kindle, 32 pgs., $15.99
This book is currently not offered by Christianbook.com.

Buy it at Amazon.com for $14.39 or buy the Kindle version for $13.67.

Special Info: Grandmas might also enjoy another book by James starring the same two bunnies called Grandma Loves You! It's $11.45 for the hardcover version, or it's $9.99 for the Kindle version. Grandpas, you don't have to miss out on the fun! James offers a book just for you called Grandpa Loves You! It's $12.89 for the hardcover version, and it's $12.25 for the Kindle Version.

The Berestain Bears' Harvest Festival

The leaves are changing into bright colors, the apples are ripe, and it’s time for the Bear family to enjoy the fall harvest. In Michael Berestain's book The Berestain Bears' Harvest Festival, the whole bear family walks to a neighbor’s house to enjoy a hayride, pumpkin picking, pumpkin pie, and a shared meal. On the way and throughout the story, they take small moments to count their many blessings.

Lovers of the Berestain Bears series will enjoy the comforting images of fall and the friendly family banter highlighted in the book.  Rather than having a story with a problem and solution, it’s more of a celebration of fall activities complete with a prayer of thanks from Preacher Brown.  At the end of the book, the author makes the story more interactive by including three questions to discuss and two activities to try out.

What I Like: The Berestain Bears were always a favorite of mine (and of my children). This book makes a nice addition to the collection and gives parents the opportunity to talk about the fall season in a fun way!

What I Dislike: The story was sweet, but slow moving. It lacked the kind of problem-to-solve with a moral lesson that distinguished many of the earlier books in the series.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310748656; Paperback, 24 pgs., $3.99

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Special Info: Check out CCBR reviews of other Berenstain Bear books!

When No One Is Watching

When No One is Watching by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by David A. Johnson is a sweet book depicting the inner mind of the shy child.

The little girl on the cover of this beautifully illustrated picture book has all of the spunk and imagination in the world.... when no one is watching. The prose takes the reader through different scenarios in the little girl's day. She is fun, happy, expressive, and in everything until she is around others. Then she becomes quiet and hangs back.

As the mother of a shy boy, this book was a perfect look into his personality. This a definite must for any parent of a shy child.

What I Like: I love the illustrations in this book. They are spunky and full of life and yet so beautifully show the withdraw of the shy child in a larger setting. Children will definitely be able to relate to the illustrations, which will hopefully encourage the shy child to dialogue with their parents.

I especially love that at the end of the story, it is revealed that this shy girl is not shy around everyone. She has one special friend who she can be herself with in complete safety. It is so true to life since shy children do have that small handful of people they feel safe with to be themselves.

What I Dislike: I really liked this book.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8 years.

Publisher Info: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2013; ISBN: 978-0802853035; hardcover, 26 pgs., $16.00

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