Heaven is for Real for Kids

I have very mixed feelings about the Burpo Family's Heaven is for Real for Kids.  On the one hand, the Heaven storybook will likely help parents introduce the concept of death and heaven to their children.  Children will no doubt feel more comfortable with these topics after reading Colton's story.

On the other hand, it is highly probably that the Heaven storybook will create as much confusion as it does comfort.  The finality of death is already such an elusive concept for children.  Why would parents create further confusion by sharing the story of a person for whom death was not final? 

In fact, I read this book with my own granddaughter who is almost 4 years old.  Only a day later, when she saw a picture of her grandmother Rose who is deceased, she asked her mother if Grandma Rose had come back to visit.  It was apparently a sweet moment, but also indicates Heaven's potential for needless confusion.

So, if your family decides on Heaven is for Real for Kids, Just be prepared for questions and confusion.

Printed in the U.S. A.

I received this book from Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review

Thank You, God, for Blessing Me

Gratitude is something that is not necessarily second nature to young children.  Preschoolers need to be taught that virtue.  Max Lucado's book, Thank You, God, for Blessing Me, uses Hermie the Worm to delightfully demonstrate how all of the every day little things in Hermie's life are good starting points for gratitude.

In this book, your child will find Hermie thanking God for friends, family, flowers, stars, leaves, two eyes and eight little buggy feet.  Even the very young child will recognize many of these gifts from God.  This book will be an excellent starting point for you and your children or grandchildren or favorite young people to open the discussion on what we can be thankful for each day.  It is short, but it has a powerful message.

The illustrations, from the cover to the last page, are colorful and engaging.  Thank You, God, for Blessing Me is another winner that you will want to add to your young person's collection. When those preschoolers in your life ask you to read it again and again, I think you will enjoy it just as much as they do.

Printed in China.

I received this book from Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.

Hermie, A Common Caterpillar

Hermie, A Common Caterpillar earns 5 stars!  Author Max Lucado presents one of life's greatest lessons in a very simple, easy to understand, delightful way.  All children at some time may compare themselves unfavorably with their companions.  Lucado uses a wonderful example from the animal world to explain how each one is special in God's eyes, and how He is never finished with us.

Relatable characters Hermie and Wormie encounter a cast of endearing friends who help to illuminate Lucado's message of each individual's uniqueness.  The colorful illustrations add to the appeal of this book that I highly recommend to parents and grandparents alike.  What a gem of a story to share with our children or grandchildren!  My granddaughter asked me to read Hermie repeatedly, so we will be looking forward to the expansion of this series for the younger audience.

Printed in China.

I received this book from publisher Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.

100 Devotions, 100 Bible Songs

I am eagerly looking forward to sharing this children's devotional book, along with its music CDs, with my young granddaughter.  There are so many things that I love about 100 Devotions, 100 Bible Songs.  The illustrations are delightful and will attract any child's attention.  The Bible stories are presented in a way that young children will understand; however, the lessons are appropriate for any age, so the book will be a favorite now and for many years to come.  The Bible songs are catchy and will reinforce the concepts that are given in the book.  This is a great combination, which I highly recommend.

If you have children or grandchildren, if you are a Sunday school teacher or a preschool teacher, or if there is a child you want to give a very special gift to that will move him/her closer to Jesus, this is the book. 

Printed in China.

I received this book from publisher Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.

God Gave Us Two

God Gave Us Two, by Lisa Tawn Begren, is a delightfully positive book that brings home some excellent values while addressing the concerns that young children may have when a new baby is going to be part of the family.

Little Cub, the main character of the God Gave Us series,  asks many questions, including "why do we need a new baby" and "if we don't like the new baby, can we send it back"?  Papa and Mama Bear reassure Little Cub that babies are gifts from God.  Little Cub learns that  Papa and Mama will always love her, and that being a big sister is a very special, exciting role.

The book has a happy surprise at the end.  You, your child or grandchild are going to love not only the story, but also Lisa J. Bryant's adorable illustrations.  This book earns my top recommendation!

I received this book from publisher WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.

How to Be God's Little Princess

How To Be God's Little Princess, by Sheila Walsh, is "a fun guide book for God's little princesses".  It covers many topics that are of interest and importance to young girls:

There are quizzes that are great starting points for positive, constructive discussion. Some of the areas covered are proper manners, appropriate dress, developing poise, making friends and maintaining healthy habits. There are also fun tips on everything from planning a party to being media wise. Crafty readers will enjoy some fun projects. Girls who like to cook will find some easy recipes that can be used for a tea party.

With all of these positive points, I must say that I feel the princess aspect is way too dramatic, and emphasized to the point that I would not be comfortable with my granddaughters getting into this mode. I respect the author's perspective that all young girls are God's princesses, but it is overdone. (The section on "How To Wear A Tiara" comes to mind.)

I would like to reiterate that there are many good points to this book.  However, I have serious reservations about the depth of the princess fantasy that it promotes.

I received this book from publisher Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.

Thank You, God, for Mommy

One of the first books I ever bought for my granddaughter was A Night Night Prayer, by Amy Parker.  She loved hearing the rhythmic verses from birth, and grew to love the prayer itself as she got older.  Because my granddaughter also cherished A Christmas Prayer, I was pleased to learn that Amy Parker published a new book about mommies, Thank You, God, for Mommy.

In Thank You, God, for Mommy, we follow a little panda cub through the ups and downs of toddlerhood, and listen as he thanks God for Mommy's love, help, and companionship.  This darling and endearing book models prayer and gratitude to children, and of course brings a tear to the eye of an adult.  The adorable illustrations, padded cover, and sturdy pages add to the draw.

I would highly recommend this book to any parent or grandparent who wants to honor the special Mommy in their little ones' lives.  Best for children ages birth to 3.

Printed in China.

I received this book from publisher Tommy Nelson Publishers so that I might give my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as I am not required to write a positive review.