Posted in Book Reviews
From ZonderKidz:
Freddie’s Fast-Cash Getaway: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (ages 4-7)
When an ant decides he can live a better life alone than with his family on the worm farm, he takes his inheritance and sets off for the glitz of the big city. When he finds himself penniless and doing dangerous work cleaning the cat cage at the circus, he decides to humble himself and return to the family farm. Children will learn about one of the best-known parables in the Bible, retold with humor and poignancy in an imaginative world of today.
God is with Me through the Day and God is with Me through the Night (ages 4-7)
For a child, so many things can happen in one day. Sometimes the world outside is a scary place. There is so much to be discovered and understood and at times the adventure is simply overwhelming.
This story reminds kids that God is always present. He is a protector who never stops caring for all children each day through. With comforting pictures of lovable critters that seem to have similar feelings and an engaging message, children will be assured that God is always near.
In this book, furry friends reveal that even the biggest and bravest of God’s creatures feel frightened sometimes. This comforting story allows parents to build stronger bonds with their children while reminding readers of all ages that fear, loneliness, and hopelessness can be alleviated when we put our trust in God. The story ends with an easy-to-remember Bible verse that teaches children about God’s love. “Fear not, for I am with you”
Along Came You (ages 4-7)
What happens when the pleasures of a tidy, carefully decorated home are traded for the excitement of high chairs and noisy toys? When quiet evenings and carefully planned schedules are traded for busy days and crazy nights? What happens when the desire to experience joy is replaced with the desire that another would experience joy? Karona Drummond weaves images of life before kids with life after kids. Children will delight in this love song written to them about the joyful change they bring about and how the loving sacrifices of their parents transform a simple life into an abundant life. This book is a truly a touching glimpse and a warm reminder of the parent heart of God.
Dance Me Daddy (ages 4-7)
Dance me, Daddy. Dance me around. Don’t let my feet ever touch down. There’s nothing better than being your girl. If I am your princess, then you are king of the world.” This picture book by singer and songwriter Cindy Morgan sparkles with the joy of childhood and the blessings of families. Sing along with the CD performed by Point of Grace and listen to Cindy Morgan read the book version of this song that celebrates the joy in all stages of a child’s growing years, from the time his little girl dances on his feet until they dance at her wedding. A great celebration of God’s love.
Beginner’s Bible I Can Read books (set of 3)
Early readers will learn about how brave Esther saved her people. As part of the I Can Read® series for My First level readers, this book leads children to explore God’s Word. The timeless story of Esther, a young Jewish girl who becomes Queen, serves as an example of how God has a purpose for each of us.
A giant wants to fight an Israelite soldier. When young and small David offers to fight Goliath, the giant laughs! Can David beat the giant? Find out in this Zonderkidz I Can Read! book for early readers.
God wants Moses to save his people from slavery. But Moses is afraid. How can he convince the king to let the slaves go?
Howie Finds a Hug and Howie Goes Shopping I Can Read books (set of 2)
In Howie Finds a Hug, readers learn that “a family is a hug from God.” Young children will identify with Howie, an adorable puppy who needs some attention. Winsome illustrations and easy text make this a great choice for early readers.
Howie’s shopping spree gets out of hand, and trouble abounds. Early readers will learn that no matter how bad things get, families stick together and love each other. Howie Goes Shopping will keep My First–level readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.
The Best Breakfast and Thank You, God, for Rain I Can Read books (set of 2)
Meet Peck, a chubby desert quail who just wants to have his friends over for a morning meal. Breakfast for Everyone is the latest entry in the popular I Can Read™ line of books for young readers. Intended for level-two readers, Breakfast for Everyone is educational, entertaining, and it has a lovely message about accepting each other’s differences—differences that are God’s plan for us. Peck has made seed pancakes and invited all his friends over for breakfast. But each guest shows up with something different—from grass salad to lizard soup—and Peck’s disappointed that no one’s sharing his pancakes. Then he remembers that God made us all different on purpose, and that friendship is the very best thing to share!
For those who think the desert is a lot of hot sand and cactus, here’s a reminder that it’s also teeming with God’s creatures! Another entry in the I Can Read™ series of books for early readers, Thank You, God, for Rain reminds youngsters that we should be grateful for even the simplest things. Intended for level-two readers, Thank You, God, for Rain is peopled with a variety of desert critters—from owls, wrens, and roadrunners to jackrabbits, lizards, and crickets—all of whom have reason to be thankful for a cool summer rain. And the clever twist at the end—they pile into a play swimming pool filled with rainwater—is sure to delight young readers!
Sister for Sale and The Princess Twins and the Birthday Party I Can Read books (set of 2)
Imagine the joy of selling off an annoying younger sibling! No more fighting, biting, or tattling. But who will you play with after your sister is gone? Children will learn to appreciate the value of family, even if getting along takes some work.
Princess Emma and Princess Abby get dressed up just right for their special day in this level-one story. When their guests arrive in their beautiful dresses, Emma can't find her friend Beth, who has headed home because her dress is too plain for the royal party. Will Emma find a way to help Beth? This level-one story teaches girls what it means to be a princess for the true King. A lesson in kindness.
The Berenstein Bears Love Their Neighbors and Play a Good Game (set of 2) (ages 4-7)
The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Most of the Berenstain Bears’ neighbors are like the Bear family—they keep their homes neat and clean. Except for the Bogg Brothers who live in a run-down shack. In The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors children learn that being a good neighbor takes more than keeping a nice home.
The Little Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. Coach Papa Bear wants his team to play fair. But the other coach just wants to win. The Berenstain Bears Play Fair shows that players and coaches should act in a way that pleases God.
Tales from the Back Pew (series set of 4) (ages 6-9)
With hilarious stories and nutty pictures, the Tales from the Back Pew series offers kid’s a unique view of church. Enjoy plenty of giggles with your child—and learn fun, important truths about God, church, and the Bible. Mom is taking me to church this Sunday. I’ve heard a lot about church. You have to stand up, sit down, and kneel a hundred times. It’s called being in the service—I’m too young to be drafted!
Books 1-3 of the That’s Nat! series (early chapter books, ages 6-9)
Five-year-old Natalie determines to pull off a one-of-a-kind, wonderful thing. Her inimitable spirit of adventure leads our heroine through a series of foiled attempts and ensuing disasters, until she discovers that being “Only Natalie” is a good thing in God’s eyes and she, Nat, is that one-of-a-kind wonderful thing.
A Horse to Love (first book in the Keystone Stables series (preteen, teen)
Thirteen-year-old foster kid Skye Nicholson has become an expert at being an angry, cold, and defensive teenager. After breaking more foster home placements than she cares to count, and committing numerous offenses, she’s headed to her final resort — juvenile detention. But after a court compromise, hope finds her through a beautiful sorrel quarter horse named Champ and the tough love of Tom and Eileen Chamber, who offer her another chance at their home at Keystone Stables. There she’s introduced to a God who has the power to truly save her, no matter how much she thinks she’s not worth saving.
Girl Politics and Everybody Tells Me to Be Myself (FaithGirls series, preteen,teen)
Parents and kids alike may think that getting teased or arguing with friends is just part of growing up, but where is the line between normal kid stuff and harmful behavior? This book is a guide for girls on how to deal with girl politics, God-style.
This new addition to the Faithgirlz line helps girls face the challenges of being their true selves with fun activities, interactive text, and insightful tips.
The Elijah Project series (4 books, juvenile fiction)
Zach and his sister Piper are on the run, searching for their parents while protecting their little brother Elijah. Although he never speaks, there is something pure and supernatural about the boy that the powers of heaven want to protect and the powers of darkness want to destroy.
Set of 3 books from the Kingdoms: A Biblical Epic series (graphic novels, juvenile fiction)
Jehoahaz’s three-month reign comes to an end as he is imprisoned in Egypt and succeeded as king by his brother Jehoiakim. After Jehoiakim has been subject to Nebuchadnezzar for several years, the king rebels against Babylon, and for the remainder of his reign is beaten into submission by the attacks of Babylon’s allies in this second volume of the manga-style series written by Ben Avery and illustrated by Matt Broome.
