Christian Book Notes

Stallings, Gary.  Photography by Christen Byrd.  Mario’s Golden Locket.  Flourish Publishing House, 2012.  38 pp.  $10.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Perhaps it is best to introduce Gary and his family with the words written at his website, Fields of the Fatherless:

Our family used to live in the Rocky Mountains where Gary was an elder at Agape Outpost Church in Breckenridge, Colorado for many years. During this time God developed a heart for the nations in him as he went on mission trips all over the world. It was contagious and so together, he, Cathy, Josh and Abi dreamed together and then stepped out into the adventure we are now living.
Gary farmed in Arkansas before his move to Colorado, and so a return to the farm seemed to fit. Through a variety of unusual circumstances the Lord planted us in Uruguay.

In addition, He has provided this amazing farm; a place far above and beyond what we could have hoped for, dreamed of, or paid for! Just as He did that in the physical realm, we have hope and faith for Him to do far above and beyond what we could imagine or hope for in the spiritual realm.

Our family is on site in Uruguay, but we are blessed with many supporters, encouragers and prayer warriors, whom without, we could not be here. In addition, Fields of the Fatherless is a non-profit organization.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are used to support this ministry.  You can find out more at FlourishingPublishingHouse.com or FieldsoftheFatherless.org.

Summary/Review

This children’s book tells the story of a sheep, Mario, who is looking to play with other animals.  Each animal has a locket inscribed with a message from the king.  As he searches for new friends, he finds that there is no one willing to play with him.  After a while, another animal changes the inscription on Mario’s locket to which he becomes dejected.  As he trudges homeward, the king comes upon him and changes the message inside the locket back to what he had originally inscribed.

For children, this little resource can be used to show that it does not matter what names others may call you (and let’s be honest, kids can be mean and hurtful to one another) but it does not matter because the King of kings and Lord of lords has named you and created you in His image.  This important truth is expressed in great detail without skirting the reality that “names and faces” do hurt.  The author does a wonderful job of pointing the reader back to the Lord where we all should find our identity.

The photography by Christen Byrd sets this work apart from other children’s resources.  Whereas most children’s books are drawings and sketches, the pictures here are of actual animals and and a young king.  This really helps to enliven the child’s mind and to realize that they are not alone in the world when it comes to having their feelings hurt.

Recommendation

Mario’s Golden Locket would make for a great coffee table book or a book to have in a doctor’s office or child care center.  The message is biblical though not offensive (yes, I’m appealing to the PC police on this one) and will be a resource that can be used to read to a group of children and discuss the importance of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  As for owning in your own home, once again, this resource will be of great value.  I recommend this book to anyone who has children, wants to have children, or interacts with children.

Sands, Tracy.  The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children About Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible.  Suwanee:  Love the Dove Publishing, 2012.  80 pp.  $19.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction/Summary

It is difficult to summarize an alphabet book, so I will allow the author to do so for herself.

The Lord inspired me in 1999 one evening at a church choir event. As I sat in the back row, listening to the awesome Christian music, in the dark, an incredible urge to draw came over me. Being an art teacher for 10 years, I had experienced this feeling before, but NEVER had it been so intense. I ‘happened’ to have a pen in my pocket, but the only paper around was the program that I got as I walked in the door. In the empty space of the margins I sketched like crazy. I felt like I would pop if I didn’t get the ideas out of my brain right then! I will never forget that feeling. I had never felt so peaceful yet energized at the same time. God was just getting started with me! Over the course of 9 months we created this alphabet.

Each letter is educational and deep in meaning to me. In them you will find close to 100 ancient and modern images used in the past 2000 years to express the Christian Faith. I have hopes of sharing all of the basic aspects of Christianity with those who really look into The Christian Alphabet.

You can read more about the book as well as various other items for sale at TheChristianAlphabet.com.

Review

The book is very well done.  It is a hardback with high glossy pages that will lend to the durability of this resource from one child to the next.  Each letter brings together various pictures used throughout the history of the Church.  What is more, on each facing page of the letter, there is quite a bit of information dealing with the word used to for the letter.

For example, “G” is for God – God is the eternal creator and ruler of the universe.  There is then a quote from Isaiah 40:28-29 as well as further information on God’s creation.  The fundamental lesson to be taught/learned is highlighted in red while there is a prayer at the bottom of each page in blue.  By going to the website above, you can also listen to the four songs included in this book.

Each letter is treated with such care and detail.  Tracy uses the letter pictures throughout the entire book to make up words like “EASTER” and “HEAVEN.”  Each letter and the lesson provided on the facing page of the picture, provide an adaptable lesson plan for Sunday School, homeschool, or just wanting to teach your children the basics of the Christian faith while they learn their ABC’s.

Recommendation

I have enjoyed many of the Christian ABC books throughout my time as a children’s pastor and now as a parent.  I have never found one to be as well done as The Christian Alphabet Book.  Neither have I found one to be so adaptable to so many needs from parenting to teaching to truly being a legitimate coffee table book.  I highly recommend this resource to all parents, children’s pastors, and any one looking for another way in which to teach the tenants of the Christian faith to children and adults.

Ham, Ken.  Illustrated by Bill Looney.  The True Account of Adam and Eve.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  60pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Ken Ham needs no introduction.  You either love him and the ministry given to him by God or you don’t.  Sadly, that is the way defending the importance of Scripture goes these days.  I have reviewed a number of Ken Ham resources and you can read those here.  This particular resource was written to “instruct readers about the historical account of the first two people, Adam and Eve, and to teach them to think with a Christian worldview…rooted in the Bible.”  Mission accomplished.

Summary

The book begins oddly enough with an account of the biblical view of Creation mixed with an apologetic for a non-evolutionary understanding of how humans and this universe came into existence.  Also, Ham offers an apologetic for the biblical understanding of marriage between one man and one woman.  Afterward, we see how Adam and Eve disobeyed God and committed the first sin.  The rest of the book shows how that one sinful act has decimated the world as it was then to what it is now.  On most every page, the hope of Christ is offered and the Christian worldview is proclaimed as a holistic worldview that should never be compartmentalized.

Review

First, let me say that I am biased at this point.  Ken Ham’s ministry has been extremely influential in my life and ministry.  I have moved from a non-thinking (let me be honest) old earth theistic evolutionist (I had to keep god in there somewhere!) to a critical thinking young earth creationist.  That is not to say that I am correct (though I believe I am) but it is to say that I have found that a young earth creationist understanding of Gen. 1 is the only way I can maintain consistency with the rest of my theology.

Ok, now that that is said, I really enjoyed this work.  Ken wrote it in such a way that he shows the importance and necessity of maintaining a Christian worldview in all areas of one’s faith. Furthermore, Bill Looney’s illustrations are top notch and would make great posters for your child’s bedroom.  He has illustrated one other book with Ken Ham that I have reviewed.  His illustrations are visually stimulating and extremely thought provoking.

The work as a whole is well written and developed.  It offers an excellent introduction to your children about the historicity of the account we read in Genesis 1-3 and beyond.  I liked the most that this book shows how much the fall of man has affected the world today and offers real reasons (and solutions) to the problems we see on our nightly news casts.

Recommendation

As with all of Ken’s books, I highly recommend this resource.  For what it’s worth, this may be one of his finest books to date for children.  This is more because an adult will find it interesting and it may perhaps even strike up a conversation that could lead to a paradigm shift in one’s thinking or even better…an opportunity to share the gospel and lead someone to salvation in Christ.

Dragovits, Matt.  Illustrated by Jeffrey Varab.  A Tale for Christmas: Zach’s  Quest.  CreateSpace, 2012.  182 pp.  $10.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

From the book’s website, ATaleforChristmas.com:

Matt was raised in a loving Pennsylvania home where both the parents and the kids (all nine of them) couldn’t wait for Christmas to come. As soon the first nip of cold was in the air the decorations came out of the attic, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives songs began to spin on the record player, and Mom started the arts and crafts sessions in force. Yes, Matt’s family loved many of the “commercial aspects” of the holiday, be even more important than those commercial traditions was the timeless Christian message associated with the birth of our Saviour.

Today, Matt and his wife continue to instill those values in their two beautiful daughters; Angelina and Elizabeth. And now, through his illustrated Christmas Adventure book, Matt hopes to share that message of God’s love with a global population.

Summary

Again, from the website:

As children, many of us couldn’t wait for the classic Rankin-Bass movies to air on TV. Films like “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “A Year without a Santa Claus,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” were the symbols of Christmas to children the world over. All of these TV specials had a common theme. They all had a strong moral message that was delivered by magical Christmas characters in a wondrous winter environment.

A Tale for Christmas – Zach’s Quest continues on in that wonderful tradition. It is a story of an unlikely hero who faces overwhelming odds and is forced to grow in strength and character so that he can save the holiday from the forces of evil. It is a heart-warming adventure of growth, friendship, trust, and sacrifice… values that should be reinforced in all children, especially at Christmas.

Zach is “that elf” that is always getting into trouble. Now, because of his latest antics, he has been tasked by Santa to save Christmas. Will he be able to redeem his own folly or will he have ruined Christmas for everyone?

 Review

There is much in this book to be loved and enjoyed by the reader.  At first blush, a story about Christmas and Santa and elves does not seem to be conducive to keeping Christ in Christmas as the cliche goes.  Matt does an excellent job of showing how “Christmas is more than just presents” (stated by Santa on p. 46).  At another point in the book, we get a picture of Santa praying to Christ.  In essence, Matt has written a timeless tale of the beauty that is the spirit of Christmas.  It is not only captivating for children, but adults as well.

If there is one criticism it would be the changing of the voice in the middle of the book.  This was done intentionallya la Burl Ives.  The book begins with the omnipotent perspective as most stories do and then moves to the more personal level in order to give the reader a feel for the struggle of the main character.  Mission Accomplished, Matt!

Recommendation

If you are looking for a fun read that offers some teachable moments and life-lessons, then A Tale for Christmas is worth your time and money.  As I stated earlier, kids and adults will enjoy this read.  It may even make for a great family read aloud in December.  At 24 chapters, you could start on 1 December and finish on Christmas Eve.

Machowski, Marty.  Old Story New: New Testament.  Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2012.  433 pp.  $19.99.

Introduction

Marty Machowski serves as Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glenn Mills, Pa.  He also leads the children’s ministry, Promise Kingdom.  This is the third resource in this series.  You can find the other two here.

Summary

This family devotion resource is divided into 78 “chapter” which are then subdivided further into five days.  In other words, you have 78 weeks worth of week-day devotions for the family.  They are written in such a way that any age of children can take part in the devotional.

Each week’s devotionals subject is introduced with a short summary.  Each day’s devotion includes a “Picture It” or “Remember It” section that get’s the child’s mind working followed by a Scripture reading.   After reading the Scripture, there is a short paragraph to help everyone “Think About it Some More” followed by a few questions to “Talk About It.”  After that is finished, there are “Pray About It” guidelines to help reinforce the devotion through prayer.

Review

These 78 devotions build from the first book entitled Long Story Short in which are found 78 devotions rooted in the Old Testament.  I appreciate the intentional shortness of each day’s devotion as they can often times drag on for what seems like eternity.  The questions are worded in such a way that the children, regardless of age, can answer them and in doing so, they dictate the length of the devotion.  Some devotions may last longer than others on account of this.

Perhaps more important is the Introduction for Parents found in the front.  Here, Marty offers keen insight into how family devotions should look as well as what should be expected for children of various ages.  In other words, Marty removes the fear of actually doing family devotions.

Recommendation

My children have already enjoyed Long Story Short (they range from 2-8 years old) and I am confident they will enjoy Old Story New just as much.  We are indebted to Marty Machowski for the writing of this phenomenal resource.  One cannot find a better resource (though there are many that have become available in the past 5 years) to actually lead your family in family devotions every evening.  It is my prayer that those who read this review will pick up a copy and give it a try.  The truth is, your family will be the better for so doing.

Brown, Laurie.  Illustrated by Megan Corley.  Harmony Hill.  Self-published.  46 pp.  $13.50.  Purchase direct from the author at laurieteacher@hotmail.com.  She will also include the free lesson plans for the book.

Introduction

Laurie Brown teaches children in Sunday School teacher in the local church.  She has a knack for engaging the children and teaching and introducing them to deep theological truths.  Her love for children is evident there and in the publishing of Harmony Hill.

Megan Corley, her daughter, offers beautiful pencil sketches to illustrate this story.

Summary

All the animals living on Harmony Hill are peaceful though sometimes skeptical and rash.  When Ubel, the wolf, sets to take over Harmony Hill for his own purposes, he enlists Guilery the fox to be his aid in accomplishing his dastardly deed.  Will they leave Harmony Hill for good or will they turn to Paraclet the eagle for help?

Review

Written as an allegory, this is a children’s work with layers and layers of meaning.  There is a lesson-plan available that will help Sunday School teachers and homeschoolers incorporate this little work into the child’s learning curriculum.

The child will quickly come to identify with many of the animals and want to help them in their confusion.  In the end, they will realize that only Paraclet can help the animals and, in real life, them.

The pencil sketches are an aid and not a hindrance to the story as the child will better be able to picture the animals and places therein.

Recommendation

This is what I love about this website–finding golden nuggets that would otherwise never be known.  I recommend this little book to all parents with small children and all Sunday School teachers who teach the younger elementary aged children.  The story is wonderfully told and the reusable lesson plans will prove to be a great conversation starter for the most important discussion one can ever have with a child.

Rager, Erin.  Little Flower.  Illustrated by D. Ellen Kay.  Mountain Home:  Borderstone Press, LLC, 2011.  42 pp.  $9.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Note: My 7 year old son had to write a book review for one of his school lessons.  The majority of this review will be his thoughts while mine will be obvious to the reader.

Austin’s Review

There was a flower in some weeds.  Then a storm came and ripped her petals off.  Then the gardener came out and helped her.  The next day she found another little flower and another and another.

I liked the storm because the Gardener was watching Little Flower.  That reminds me when in the Bible the writer of Hebrews wrote, “And no creature is hidden from His sight.”  I would recommend other kids read this book because it tells you that God is always watching you.

Introduction

Erin Rager is a nurse and a mom who enjoys cake decorating, scuba diving, and playing the clarinet in her church orchestra.  Little Flower originated on her bucket list but became almost a necessity when she began to face quite a few trials in her own life.  D. Ellen Kay has a degree in graphic design as well as a passion for coffee.

Summary/Review/Recommendation

Little Flower is in the midst of nothing but weeds.   After strong storms come, Little Flower fears that he is all alone only to learn that the Gardener was there the entire time.  Little Flower will teach the reader, in parable, the truth of persevering faith.

This little book will be a great resource not just to be read to children (or grand children), but to adults as well.  The truths, so masterfully told in this little story will be a sweet balm to a hurting soul.

Atkins, Mimi Q.  Illustrated by Friendi S. Montes.  Adventures in Rainbow Valley – How Big is your Faith?  Glitter Moon Press, 2011.  26pp.  $9,99,  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Mimi Atkins is a mom and an educator.  The stories of Faith the Flower began as bed-time stories with her daughter.  This particular book is the first in the Adventures in Rainbow Valley series. Friendi Montes is an Occupational Therapist who loves art…both collecting and making.  You can find out more about the book series at Mimi’s website.

Summary

From the website:

Faith is no ordinary sunflower. She is adventurous, inquisitive, alluring, and a blossoming spirit. But Faith has a problem. She struggles daily with being the tiniest sunflower in the patch. With the help of her friends and a “mystery voice,” Faith soon learns the uniqueness of a sunflower and that it is the size of her “faith” that matters most in Rainbow Valley.

As Faith and her friends, Beezle the Bumblebee, Fergie the Frog, and Callie the Caterpillar travel and explore the many lands in Rainbow Valley, they meet new friends, embark on exciting adventures, and face tough challenges. Along the way, they learn about self- acceptance and the power of friendship.

Review

This first book in the series is primarily about having the faith necessary to trust in the Lord – especially in times of trouble.  The characters will engage your child’s imagination and the story will (and should) lead to gospel conversations with your children.  The artwork is colorful and vibrant and will help the child to visualize the story.

A teacher at hear, Mimi includes a vocabulary list at the end of the book complete with page references to see where the word was used.  She also includes an  informational page, a “Did You Know?” about sunflowers and ties into a message of our being created by God.

The dangerous aspect of this book is the seeming assumption that the child is a believer.  This is always a danger with children’s books.  That being said, this work will offer yet another resource to talk about the things of God with children.

Recommendation

This series looks to be promising and is one more resource that can be added to the recommended children’s resources.  In reading this book to and with your children, you will be able to challenge them to faith in Christ.  You could also use it as part of a vocabulary lesson or even a lesson on plants for your children.

Tinsley, Sara.  Illustrated by Kristen Dacus.  Will Finds the Way.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, 2011.  27 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Amazon.

Summary

Sara Tinsley and Kristen Dacus have teamed up to bring a story of salvation to life.  We join Will who is seeking to be the best person he can only to discover it is not good enough.  With lovely illustrations, the story is told in both picture and word.

Review

I loved the book for its message but found that to be a double-edged sword.  While the message was definitely a biblical message of salvation (rarely found in children’s works of this length), it also caused me to think of those children who are “smart enough” to “understand” and now become equipped to say the right things when asked.  In other words, the child could have the head knowledge but not the heart knowledge.

That being said, the message is to biblical to pass up and not share with your children.  Having the book available to them to read will continually reinforce the most important message they need.  What is more, having it around the house may be one of the best strategies for sharing the gospel with lost family members.

The pictures also helped to drive the story.  They were well done and helped to bring the story to life in the mind of the child.

Austin’s Perspective

Austin is my 7-year old son.  I had him read it and share his thoughts so that you will know what a child thinks of the book, too.

This was a very encouraging story.  It was about the Lord and how to get into heaven.  Will first did a lot of good things because he was trying to be good enough.  After he was saved, he did all the good things because he was saved and wanted to say thank you.  I really liked this book.

Recommendation

Because of the biblical message of salvation so rare in children’s books and because of the great opportunity to have a gospel tract fall into the hands of lost family members, I highly recommend all parents of young children owning a copy of this book.  If you are a grandparent who is praying for your own lost children, buying a copy of Will Finds the Way is one more opportunity to share the gospel with your children.

Benge, Janet & Geoff.  Christian Heroes: Then & Now – Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 1999.  208 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

I have reviewed a number of the Christian Heroes series by YWAM Publishing.  You can read those here.

Mary Slessor is known for her trust in the Lord as she worked for thirty-nine years amongst the tribes of Africa’s Calabar region.  In this introduction to this great missionary of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, your child will be introduced to what obedience to the calling of Christ can mean.

Summary

Divided into seventeen chapters, the young reader will be introduced to the Scottish woman with blue eyes and red hair submitted to the missionary call to serve in Africa.  The fiery personality of Mary is seen (and rightly so) as a major help in her work for the Lord though it did sometimes get her in trouble.  Her work with the children and the constant fear of lions and tigers become as much a part of the story as her work for the gospel.  Her fight for human life–which was in direct opposition to the customs of the peoples she served–rounds out the story of Mary Slessor.  Ultimately, the reader will see that her life was spent for the cause of the gospel.

Review

I greatly appreciated the candor with which Mary Slessor was presented.  She struck me as a “fire-brand” who was so committed to the Lord that she through caution into the wind so to speak.  It is that fire that seems to have been lost in many churches today and it is that fire that ought to be rekindled.  While Mary Slessor – Forward into Calabar is a children’s biography, many adults would do well to become acquainted with her life.

As with all YWAM books in the Christian Heroes series, this one also comes with a poetic work for younger children as well as a unit study designed to teach all about the region where Mary Slessor served.  The artistry of the younger children’s work will engage the imagination of your child and even help you as an adult to better describe the surroundings.  The unit study can be used for many different purposes and will also prove invaluable (if you use it) in the education of your child for the glory of the Lord.

Recommendation

If you use Tapestry of Grace (we do) you will be using this particular book.  You will not be disappointed and may, as I did, learn something new about a great saint form the past.  For those who wonder how women have served the Lord in the church through the centuries, Mary Slessor will be of great interest.  I recommend this resource to all if only as an introduction to missions work.