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Recommend this book:
Faith, Family, & Fun
Monthly Lessons to Color and Connect with God's Love
Cathy D. Dudley
2024 Finalist
98 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
If you're looking for a fun-filled activity book for your child to help put Jesus's teachings to everyday use, look no further, for Cathy D. Dudley's Faith, Family, & Fun does just that and more. With a primary focus on Jesus, Dudley provides helpful lessons for kids to develop their skills and attitude toward life by using real-life stories and connecting them to scripture, prayer, and fun activities designed to promote faith conversations. Each chapter and the accompanying story is complemented by catchy illustrations that can also be used as coloring pages. Some of the lessons include encouraging readers to seek out the meaning of one's name, appreciate the mysteries of the world by having faith in Jesus, ask others to tell them one real thing that is physically intangible, and much more.
Faith, Family, & Fun is a fun-filled activity book for kids that Christian families are bound to find helpful. Author Cathy D. Dudley methodically lays out lessons for kids covering each month of the year, with a special emphasis on holidays such as Easter and Christmas. The illustrations pop out of the pages and make readers immerse themselves in the real-life stories the lessons are drawn from. The author also provides a recipe for making Baking Soda White Clay Christmas Ornaments that should keep the kids entertained at Christmas while also giving them a joyful activity to express their overabundant imaginations. It makes them feel useful and involved during the holidays. I recommend Faith, Family, & Fun to Christian families raising little kids.
If you're looking for a fun-filled activity book for your child to help put Jesus's teachings to everyday use, look no further, for Cathy D. Dudley's Faith, Family, & Fun does just that and more. With a primary focus on Jesus, Dudley provides helpful lessons for kids to develop their skills and attitude toward life by using real-life stories and connecting them to scripture, prayer, and fun activities designed to promote faith conversations. Each chapter and the accompanying story is complemented by catchy illustrations that can also be used as coloring pages. Some of the lessons include encouraging readers to seek out the meaning of one's name, appreciate the mysteries of the world by having faith in Jesus, ask others to tell them one real thing that is physically intangible, and much more.
Faith, Family, & Fun is a fun-filled activity book for kids that Christian families are bound to find helpful. Author Cathy D. Dudley methodically lays out lessons for kids covering each month of the year, with a special emphasis on holidays such as Easter and Christmas. The illustrations pop out of the pages and make readers immerse themselves in the real-life stories the lessons are drawn from. The author also provides a recipe for making Baking Soda White Clay Christmas Ornaments that should keep the kids entertained at Christmas while also giving them a joyful activity to express their overabundant imaginations. It makes them feel useful and involved during the holidays. I recommend Faith, Family, & Fun to Christian families raising little kids.
Recommend this book:
The Dog Snatcher
Guardians of Time Book 1
Phyllis Wheeler
2024 Honorable Mention
158 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Dog Snatcher is a children’s adventure by Phyllis Wheeler with illustrations by Katie O’Malley. The story follows Jake, an eleven-year-old boy, and his twin sister Ava as they embark on an unexpected adventure through space and time. One day, Jake discovers a key that looks like those used to unlock pirates' treasure chests. He doesn't think much of it until a stranger comes looking for it. Jake decides to lie and keep the key for himself, but this backfires because the stranger abducts Nicky, Jake's beloved dog, and vanishes into thin air. With the key being his only clue, Jake examines it and discovers a whole new world with endless possibilities when he twists it in the air. The race against time to find Nicky and fix his mistakes begins. Join Jake as he teams up with Ava and new friends in this exciting adventure.
The Dog Snatcher is the first book in the Guardians of Time series, and it lays an excellent foundation for future installments. The story is captivating and left me wanting more. Phyllis Wheeler is a good writer who uses simple words and a casual tone, making the book easy to follow and understand. The characters are ordinary individuals with relatable struggles, and their progress throughout the story is gradual and enjoyable. Jake's guilt was a prominent theme, and it was satisfying to see him conquer his fears, apologize, and correct his mistakes. The book also teaches readers about different languages and places and has sketches that perfectly complement the plot. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from this author and this series. Overall, this is great work.
The Dog Snatcher is a children’s adventure by Phyllis Wheeler with illustrations by Katie O’Malley. The story follows Jake, an eleven-year-old boy, and his twin sister Ava as they embark on an unexpected adventure through space and time. One day, Jake discovers a key that looks like those used to unlock pirates' treasure chests. He doesn't think much of it until a stranger comes looking for it. Jake decides to lie and keep the key for himself, but this backfires because the stranger abducts Nicky, Jake's beloved dog, and vanishes into thin air. With the key being his only clue, Jake examines it and discovers a whole new world with endless possibilities when he twists it in the air. The race against time to find Nicky and fix his mistakes begins. Join Jake as he teams up with Ava and new friends in this exciting adventure.
The Dog Snatcher is the first book in the Guardians of Time series, and it lays an excellent foundation for future installments. The story is captivating and left me wanting more. Phyllis Wheeler is a good writer who uses simple words and a casual tone, making the book easy to follow and understand. The characters are ordinary individuals with relatable struggles, and their progress throughout the story is gradual and enjoyable. Jake's guilt was a prominent theme, and it was satisfying to see him conquer his fears, apologize, and correct his mistakes. The book also teaches readers about different languages and places and has sketches that perfectly complement the plot. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from this author and this series. Overall, this is great work.
Recommend this book:
ABCs of the World's Religions
Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D.
2024 Bronze Medal
59 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Did you know that altars were the first sacred spaces humans ever built, found in various religious settings, such as Hindu and Buddhist temples and Christian churches? Or that special birthdays of extraordinary beings are celebrated across several religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism? Learn these fascinating facts and tidbits about some of the world's most popular religions in ABCs of the World's Religions. Written by Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., this colorful picture book contains information about the holidays, traditions, history, and rituals of the world's major religions, presented with a splash of color and catchy rhymes. While rhyming couplets introduce you to the unique traits of each religion, there is also a side-by-side explanation of the relevant topic in-depth.
Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., has found the perfect medium to teach young readers about the various religions of the world and their respective traditions and rituals. ABCs of the World's Religions is an educational book that is also fun to read. Garlock's rhyming verses are superbly complemented by the vibrant illustrations and artwork by Raman Bhardwaj. As the world becomes smaller and smaller and communities comprise people from all over the world and people from different cultures who practice other religions, it is important to keep up to date with the fundamentals of the major religions. This creates vibrant communities and societies where everyone feels included and invited. Although ABCs of the World's Religions primarily targets kids below ten, I think even adults will find a lot to learn in this engaging educational book.
Did you know that altars were the first sacred spaces humans ever built, found in various religious settings, such as Hindu and Buddhist temples and Christian churches? Or that special birthdays of extraordinary beings are celebrated across several religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism? Learn these fascinating facts and tidbits about some of the world's most popular religions in ABCs of the World's Religions. Written by Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., this colorful picture book contains information about the holidays, traditions, history, and rituals of the world's major religions, presented with a splash of color and catchy rhymes. While rhyming couplets introduce you to the unique traits of each religion, there is also a side-by-side explanation of the relevant topic in-depth.
Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, Ph.D., has found the perfect medium to teach young readers about the various religions of the world and their respective traditions and rituals. ABCs of the World's Religions is an educational book that is also fun to read. Garlock's rhyming verses are superbly complemented by the vibrant illustrations and artwork by Raman Bhardwaj. As the world becomes smaller and smaller and communities comprise people from all over the world and people from different cultures who practice other religions, it is important to keep up to date with the fundamentals of the major religions. This creates vibrant communities and societies where everyone feels included and invited. Although ABCs of the World's Religions primarily targets kids below ten, I think even adults will find a lot to learn in this engaging educational book.
Recommend this book:
Facing the Fugitive
Brady Street Boys Indiana Adventure Series Book Two (The Brady Street Boys 1980s Adventure Series)
Katrina Hoover Lee
2024 Silver Medal
220 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by P. Rosenthal for Readers' Favorite
Imagine the 1980s when gas was cheap, and Ronald Reagan was President. Facing the Fugitive by Katrina Hoover Lee is a mystery that will take the young reader to Stratford, Indiana, on the St. Joseph River. Stratford may seem like a quiet small town, but an international fugitive lurks in the shadows, or at least in the vicinity. After resolving a crime in their neighborhood, the thought of a fugitive on the loose piques the Fitzpatrick brothers’ interest. When their family travels by train to the University of Chicago hospital, several passengers seem to fit the international mystique. Then a precious artifact on loan from the Middle East is stolen. Are these observations clues or fodder for the imagination?
Move over, Hardy Boys! In Facing the Fugitive, Katrina Hoover Lee introduces amateur sleuths, “Terry the acrobat,” “Larry the brain,” and "Gary the introspect." The Fitzpatrick family’s Christian faith is the backdrop for their wholesome appeal and likable good natures. Vivid descriptions of the fictional town and actual geographical settings provide the lens for a cinematic experience for the mind. Family, inclusion, ethics, and good versus evil are just a few of the themes in this book. Lee combines a few false clues and red herrings to create a mysterious mood and intriguing tale. The underlying message of joy and joy’s true meaning is a wonderful bonus. Josh Tufts’ comic book-style illustrations enhance the text. Decipher the clues and solve the mystery! Facing the Fugitive is the second book of The Brady Street Boys Indiana Adventure Series. Collect them all!
Imagine the 1980s when gas was cheap, and Ronald Reagan was President. Facing the Fugitive by Katrina Hoover Lee is a mystery that will take the young reader to Stratford, Indiana, on the St. Joseph River. Stratford may seem like a quiet small town, but an international fugitive lurks in the shadows, or at least in the vicinity. After resolving a crime in their neighborhood, the thought of a fugitive on the loose piques the Fitzpatrick brothers’ interest. When their family travels by train to the University of Chicago hospital, several passengers seem to fit the international mystique. Then a precious artifact on loan from the Middle East is stolen. Are these observations clues or fodder for the imagination?
Move over, Hardy Boys! In Facing the Fugitive, Katrina Hoover Lee introduces amateur sleuths, “Terry the acrobat,” “Larry the brain,” and "Gary the introspect." The Fitzpatrick family’s Christian faith is the backdrop for their wholesome appeal and likable good natures. Vivid descriptions of the fictional town and actual geographical settings provide the lens for a cinematic experience for the mind. Family, inclusion, ethics, and good versus evil are just a few of the themes in this book. Lee combines a few false clues and red herrings to create a mysterious mood and intriguing tale. The underlying message of joy and joy’s true meaning is a wonderful bonus. Josh Tufts’ comic book-style illustrations enhance the text. Decipher the clues and solve the mystery! Facing the Fugitive is the second book of The Brady Street Boys Indiana Adventure Series. Collect them all!
Recommend this book:
A Beautiful Story
Jesus and St. Nick
Sarah French
2024 Gold Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
Christmas is a holiday full of meaning and tradition. It is a beautiful celebration that brings families together. Beyond the gifts and decorations, this time of year is an ideal opportunity to teach children values such as collaboration and the importance of sharing with others. With this in mind, Sarah French presents A Beautiful Story: Jesus and St. Nick. In this heartwarming account, we meet siblings Blair and CJ. They put out cookies for Santa before going to bed. As they prepare for bed, they talk about Santa and Jesus. Their mother takes a moment to tell them a story that begins with the birth of Jesus and continues with the tale of St. Nicholas, showing how both have been a source of inspiration for many people.
I liked the way Sarah French quotes passages from the Bible and creates a story that is easy for children to follow. She relates the birth of Christ to the good intentions of St. Nicholas using simple explanations. Her characters, particularly Blair and CJ, are charismatic, cheerful and embrace healthy values, serving as positive role models for young readers. The story is entertaining throughout. The illustrations provide a warm atmosphere that makes you feel part of the tale. An interesting detail concerning the layout is that each image has a different frame. That is one of the features where you can see the author’s intention of sharing special material. A Beautiful Story is ideal reading for the Christmas season due to its thoughtful narrative and visual presentation, which parents and children alike will appreciate.
Christmas is a holiday full of meaning and tradition. It is a beautiful celebration that brings families together. Beyond the gifts and decorations, this time of year is an ideal opportunity to teach children values such as collaboration and the importance of sharing with others. With this in mind, Sarah French presents A Beautiful Story: Jesus and St. Nick. In this heartwarming account, we meet siblings Blair and CJ. They put out cookies for Santa before going to bed. As they prepare for bed, they talk about Santa and Jesus. Their mother takes a moment to tell them a story that begins with the birth of Jesus and continues with the tale of St. Nicholas, showing how both have been a source of inspiration for many people.
I liked the way Sarah French quotes passages from the Bible and creates a story that is easy for children to follow. She relates the birth of Christ to the good intentions of St. Nicholas using simple explanations. Her characters, particularly Blair and CJ, are charismatic, cheerful and embrace healthy values, serving as positive role models for young readers. The story is entertaining throughout. The illustrations provide a warm atmosphere that makes you feel part of the tale. An interesting detail concerning the layout is that each image has a different frame. That is one of the features where you can see the author’s intention of sharing special material. A Beautiful Story is ideal reading for the Christmas season due to its thoughtful narrative and visual presentation, which parents and children alike will appreciate.
Recommend this book:
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God
Families Growing in Faith 3
Vanessa Fortenberry
2023 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Munir Muhammad for Readers' Favorite
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is written by Vanessa Fortenberry and illustrated by Sharon Grey. The author has captured that intimate exchange between Christian grandparents and inquisitive grandkids. This is a beautifully written picture book that describes the meaning of faith and love for God. This book follows children as they question their grandparents about how and when they should praise God. They want to know what praise is and how they should go about offering praise to God. The answers they received were sometimes surprising and the kids were astonished at all the ways they can show God thanks and praise every day.
In Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God, each page shows a different question. The rhyming stanzas will engage and entertain young readers and make for fun family reading. Each situation can be read and discussed as its topic, making this a great story for young children as well. Kids will enjoy seeing how things they love to do each day, like singing, dancing, and attending church, are all ways that you can praise God. This lovely story will teach praise and worship of God gently and engagingly. The illustrations are done in a soft portrait style using a combination of bold and muted colors to create dynamic images that will capture the attention of children looking through this book. Grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as parents, guardians, and caregivers, will love the rhyming stanzas and tender illustrations of a child's natural curiosity and growing discovery that we can express praise through the good and the bad; anywhere or anytime; and with singing, dancing, shouting, and clapping. This engaging story will empower children in fostering habits of praise and thankfulness.
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is written by Vanessa Fortenberry and illustrated by Sharon Grey. The author has captured that intimate exchange between Christian grandparents and inquisitive grandkids. This is a beautifully written picture book that describes the meaning of faith and love for God. This book follows children as they question their grandparents about how and when they should praise God. They want to know what praise is and how they should go about offering praise to God. The answers they received were sometimes surprising and the kids were astonished at all the ways they can show God thanks and praise every day.
In Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God, each page shows a different question. The rhyming stanzas will engage and entertain young readers and make for fun family reading. Each situation can be read and discussed as its topic, making this a great story for young children as well. Kids will enjoy seeing how things they love to do each day, like singing, dancing, and attending church, are all ways that you can praise God. This lovely story will teach praise and worship of God gently and engagingly. The illustrations are done in a soft portrait style using a combination of bold and muted colors to create dynamic images that will capture the attention of children looking through this book. Grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as parents, guardians, and caregivers, will love the rhyming stanzas and tender illustrations of a child's natural curiosity and growing discovery that we can express praise through the good and the bad; anywhere or anytime; and with singing, dancing, shouting, and clapping. This engaging story will empower children in fostering habits of praise and thankfulness.
Recommend this book:
Smile Lil Peter, It's A Gift
Tasche Laine
2023 Honorable Mention
39 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Surprise, the best Christmas gift is free. Lil Peter and his brother, Marty, visit their grandmother and learn how to be a whosoever. Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez understand what Christmas is about and share the importance of Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. While their parents finish Christmas shopping, the boys enjoy a walk with their grandmother, spreading Christmas joy. Who would ever think giving away a candy cane and a smile could impact someone’s life? But the lives of the boys and those who received the gift of a Jesus cane and a smile were positively impacted. This story teaches how to be a whosoever and follows the trio’s adventures as they spread the true joy of Christmas. Encouragement has no cost, but it changes the mood and attitude of both the one encouraged and the one who encourages.
Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez share Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. Mei Mei Leonard punctuates the text with great illustrations to draw your child into the story. This is a great resource to teach your children that Christmas is not so much about getting gifts as it is about giving. Christmas is about God’s greatest gift—Jesus Christ—and sharing his joy through little acts of kindness. Peter is taught the value of sharing a smile. The goal of this book is to help children learn good values while they are having fun. Through the actions of Peter and Marty, you can help your children learn about good deeds and helping others; it would be a rewarding family activity to go out and share candy canes with those on the street. With caution, helping your children to be kind will pay unbelievable dividends throughout their lives.
Surprise, the best Christmas gift is free. Lil Peter and his brother, Marty, visit their grandmother and learn how to be a whosoever. Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez understand what Christmas is about and share the importance of Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. While their parents finish Christmas shopping, the boys enjoy a walk with their grandmother, spreading Christmas joy. Who would ever think giving away a candy cane and a smile could impact someone’s life? But the lives of the boys and those who received the gift of a Jesus cane and a smile were positively impacted. This story teaches how to be a whosoever and follows the trio’s adventures as they spread the true joy of Christmas. Encouragement has no cost, but it changes the mood and attitude of both the one encouraged and the one who encourages.
Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez share Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. Mei Mei Leonard punctuates the text with great illustrations to draw your child into the story. This is a great resource to teach your children that Christmas is not so much about getting gifts as it is about giving. Christmas is about God’s greatest gift—Jesus Christ—and sharing his joy through little acts of kindness. Peter is taught the value of sharing a smile. The goal of this book is to help children learn good values while they are having fun. Through the actions of Peter and Marty, you can help your children learn about good deeds and helping others; it would be a rewarding family activity to go out and share candy canes with those on the street. With caution, helping your children to be kind will pay unbelievable dividends throughout their lives.
Recommend this book:
. The first six verses of Psalm 19 explain that God’s creation shows His glory. Melanie Burgess shares this viewpoint in her children’s book, Fingerprints of God. This book is excellent for teaching your children Bible verses reflecting God’s glory and con...){kind=link}
Fingerprints of God
Melanie Burgess
2023 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). The first six verses of Psalm 19 explain that God’s creation shows His glory. Melanie Burgess shares this viewpoint in her children’s book, Fingerprints of God. This book is excellent for teaching your children Bible verses reflecting God’s glory and control in nature. Melanie shows that the sky, mountains, plants, and animals show God exists and has left His signature for all to see. As you read this book to or with your child, ask questions about noticing God’s hand at work in the world. For example, science says a bumblebee should not be able to fly, but it does. Is this not part of God’s fingerprint with some humor? In addition, this book shares many different species of animals that your child may not be familiar with. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about nature and the God of nature.
Not only is Melanie Burgess an outstanding creative writer, but she is also a talented illustrator. She writes about seeing God in nature and then illustrates her points. Your child will enjoy seeing the different animals and scenery. You can see the hand of God in all aspects of creation. Share with your child that God shows His existence and it is up to the individual to look for those fingerprints. True science never contradicts the Word of God. Melanie desires to share God and His love for His creation. She does this masterfully, and God will honor her work. Fingerprints of God is one book that needs to be on the shelf of every child who lives in a Christian home. Help your child understand that the God Who created the universe and everything in it is the same God that created and loves them.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). The first six verses of Psalm 19 explain that God’s creation shows His glory. Melanie Burgess shares this viewpoint in her children’s book, Fingerprints of God. This book is excellent for teaching your children Bible verses reflecting God’s glory and control in nature. Melanie shows that the sky, mountains, plants, and animals show God exists and has left His signature for all to see. As you read this book to or with your child, ask questions about noticing God’s hand at work in the world. For example, science says a bumblebee should not be able to fly, but it does. Is this not part of God’s fingerprint with some humor? In addition, this book shares many different species of animals that your child may not be familiar with. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about nature and the God of nature.
Not only is Melanie Burgess an outstanding creative writer, but she is also a talented illustrator. She writes about seeing God in nature and then illustrates her points. Your child will enjoy seeing the different animals and scenery. You can see the hand of God in all aspects of creation. Share with your child that God shows His existence and it is up to the individual to look for those fingerprints. True science never contradicts the Word of God. Melanie desires to share God and His love for His creation. She does this masterfully, and God will honor her work. Fingerprints of God is one book that needs to be on the shelf of every child who lives in a Christian home. Help your child understand that the God Who created the universe and everything in it is the same God that created and loves them.
Recommend this book:
ABC the Bible Way
Tope Umah
2023 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
ABC the Bible Way is a religious-themed picture book for children written by Tope Umah. Children usually learn the alphabet through association with images, animals, and objects. The author of this picture book has used themes and elements of the Bible to help children understand the Bible while they learn their alphabet. Each letter contains an association to an object along with a short story or paragraph which connects it to the Bible. The letter “b” is for Boat, specifically, the boat Jesus was sleeping in when a powerful storm came up and his followers woke him up, fearing they would drown. The letter “g” is associated with Goliath, the giant of the Old Testament who was defeated by David, who was sent by God. And “m” is for Moses, who feared his leadership role due to his speech difficulties but was entrusted by God to help the Israelites escape slavery.
Tope Umah’s ABC the Bible Way is a fascinating and well-presented work that introduces biblical themes to young readers while they learn the alphabet. The stories connected to each letter are fascinating and connect themes to those letters beautifully, and the accompanying illustrations take those lessons one step further. I especially appreciated the illustration for the letter “o,” which shows a young boy in a temple filling the lamps on a lampstand with olive oil, and the dramatic panel for “p” which shows Samson breaking free of the stone pillars to which the Philistines had chained him. Each letter and its accompanying story and illustration work quite well as mini-lessons in a biblical study for young readers. ABC the Bible Way is most highly recommended.
ABC the Bible Way is a religious-themed picture book for children written by Tope Umah. Children usually learn the alphabet through association with images, animals, and objects. The author of this picture book has used themes and elements of the Bible to help children understand the Bible while they learn their alphabet. Each letter contains an association to an object along with a short story or paragraph which connects it to the Bible. The letter “b” is for Boat, specifically, the boat Jesus was sleeping in when a powerful storm came up and his followers woke him up, fearing they would drown. The letter “g” is associated with Goliath, the giant of the Old Testament who was defeated by David, who was sent by God. And “m” is for Moses, who feared his leadership role due to his speech difficulties but was entrusted by God to help the Israelites escape slavery.
Tope Umah’s ABC the Bible Way is a fascinating and well-presented work that introduces biblical themes to young readers while they learn the alphabet. The stories connected to each letter are fascinating and connect themes to those letters beautifully, and the accompanying illustrations take those lessons one step further. I especially appreciated the illustration for the letter “o,” which shows a young boy in a temple filling the lamps on a lampstand with olive oil, and the dramatic panel for “p” which shows Samson breaking free of the stone pillars to which the Philistines had chained him. Each letter and its accompanying story and illustration work quite well as mini-lessons in a biblical study for young readers. ABC the Bible Way is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Gathering
A Metaphorical Odyssey Through the Scriptures with Commentary Notes
John W Milor
2022 Finalist
478 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite
The Gathering by John W. Milor is a Christian children’s adventure novel. It takes place in the primitive ancient world of Genesis and tells the story of five special chosen animals who are separated from the violent, cruel world of nature around them by a shared dream of a lone mountain. Overcoming dangerous adventures, vicious enemies, loss and sacrifice, and a strange climate change that is creating volcanic eruptions and torrential rain, Judah the young lion and his friends (the eagle, the wolf, the snake, and the sheep) undertake to unite others on a perilous journey they barely understand, to a mountain none of them has ever seen. Intrigue, confusion, betrayal, and sacrifice stand in their way. Will they reach the mountain in time? And why are they going there in the first place?
The Gathering is a first-rate Christian story, bringing to life the harsh world of the Old Testament, as seen through the lives of wild animals. Goodhearted Judah and his snarky-yet-under-confident snake friend, Sophia, make a heart-warming team as they collect allies like the reluctant Nimbi and hard-bitten Lumis, and face off against the sharply drawn, realistic villain Nephram, who represents this world’s greed and arrogance. John Milor’s numerous plot twists and suspense kept me dedicated to the pages, and the grandeur and scope of the ideas presented gave plenty of food for devotional thought as well. Reminiscent of The Lion King, with epic themes, drama, comedy, and fully realized characters, the story stands tall and puts a whole new perspective on one of the world’s oldest tales. Readers of biblical fiction and Christian fantasy shouldn’t pass this one up.
The Gathering by John W. Milor is a Christian children’s adventure novel. It takes place in the primitive ancient world of Genesis and tells the story of five special chosen animals who are separated from the violent, cruel world of nature around them by a shared dream of a lone mountain. Overcoming dangerous adventures, vicious enemies, loss and sacrifice, and a strange climate change that is creating volcanic eruptions and torrential rain, Judah the young lion and his friends (the eagle, the wolf, the snake, and the sheep) undertake to unite others on a perilous journey they barely understand, to a mountain none of them has ever seen. Intrigue, confusion, betrayal, and sacrifice stand in their way. Will they reach the mountain in time? And why are they going there in the first place?
The Gathering is a first-rate Christian story, bringing to life the harsh world of the Old Testament, as seen through the lives of wild animals. Goodhearted Judah and his snarky-yet-under-confident snake friend, Sophia, make a heart-warming team as they collect allies like the reluctant Nimbi and hard-bitten Lumis, and face off against the sharply drawn, realistic villain Nephram, who represents this world’s greed and arrogance. John Milor’s numerous plot twists and suspense kept me dedicated to the pages, and the grandeur and scope of the ideas presented gave plenty of food for devotional thought as well. Reminiscent of The Lion King, with epic themes, drama, comedy, and fully realized characters, the story stands tall and puts a whole new perspective on one of the world’s oldest tales. Readers of biblical fiction and Christian fantasy shouldn’t pass this one up.
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