The Jesus Book

The Jesus Book
Author: Stephen Elkins
Illustrator: Claudine Gevry
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 96pp, 30 Song CD
Ages: 4-7
Religious


The Jesus Book by Stephen Elkins is the ultimate Who, What, When, Where, Why book for children ages 4-7. The book explains "Who Jesus Is", "What Jesus did", "What Jesus Taught", When it happened", "Where it happened", "Why it happened" and "How it happened'. The Jesus Book helps teach children about the life of Christ and how to enter a life-long relationship with him. The book includes a 30 song compact disc with songs such as "Jesus Loves Me", "Deep and Wide", "Blessed Assurance" and "Amazing Grace".

I loved this book. I thought it was beautifully written in clear and easy to understand language. The illustrations were beautiful, colorful and fun. I felt that each story was well thought out, complete and most important accurate and historical. I didn't feel like I was left hanging. Quotes from the bible were simply worded yet maintained their true meaning. I believe children will enjoy having this book read to them and then reading it themselves when they are older. It's a great tool for teaching children about Jesus and his life as well as how to have a long-lasting relationship with him. Included with the book is a 30 song compact disc. Some of the songs included are "Fairest Lord Jesus", "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and one of my favorites "At The Cross". I really enjoyed reading this book and listening to the CD. I would highly recommend it to any parent or child interested in learning about Jesus. This is an excellent book. I'm happy to be adding it to my library.

Happy reading,

Read and Share Toddler Bible

Read and Share Toddler Bible
Author: Gwen Ellis
Illustrator: Steve Smallman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 192pp, DVD
Religious


The Read and Share Toddler Bible is a collection of forty bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Each retelling is short and simple. Some of the stories included are the creation, Noah's Ark, Joseph, Abraham and Sarah, Daniel, David and Goliath, Jesus Birth, Jesus' Death and the resurrection. Each story is accompanied by colorful illustrations and followed by an interactive learning suggestion. The book includes a one hour DVD which includes a selection of stories from the book. Each story is approximately three minutes in length.

I liked the selection of stories and the illustrations were colorful and fun. I felt like some of the stories were incomplete, while others ended nicely. Some of the stories were told in a way that left me thinking about how a child might interpret the story. For example, the story of David and Goliath. In the retelling Goliath was said to be a mean man, that he wanted to hurt God's people, that he liked to scare people, yell, shake his fists, make mean faces and that he was a bully. I thought the author should have given a little more information on why David and Goliath fought in the first place. I felt that a child may get the impression that it's okay to hit people just because they make mean faces, yell and shake their fists. I also had a problem with part of the interactive suggestion. It suggests that parents act out the motions described and to dance around the room with your child while singing, "David won! God won! We win!" I felt like this was saying it's okay to rejoice in someones misfortune or pain (or in this case death). Another story I had a problem with was Adam and Eve. This story depicts Adam and Eve being asked by God to leave the Garden because they sinned. This is like saying to a child if you do something wrong you'll be asked to leave. These were two stories that I felt could have been better explained. I thought some of the interactive suggestions were silly and a waste of time while others seemed well thought out. I understand that stories were cut short to probably help keep the child's attention but stories can be continued at a later time. Overall I did not like the book. This is a learning tool to help teach children about God and the bible. Each story should be simple and easy to understand (which it is) but as factual as possible without leaving out too much of the real story. I would not recommend this book.

Happy reading,

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Author: Sarah Young
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 400pp
Christian Devotional/Gift Book


Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young is a book of daily devotionals. One devotional for each day of the year. After many years of writing her own words in her prayer journal, Ms. Young decided to be more attentive to the Saviors voice and began listening to what he was saying. Each day she would spend time alone with the Savior and as He spoke to her she would write down His words. Jesus Calling is the result of her encounters with the Savior. These powerful pages conveyed messages of hope, comfort and reassurance and made her constantly aware of Jesus’ presence and allowed her to experience His peace. Each devotional message is worded as if Jesus were speaking to you. Ms. Young has a degree in philosophy from Wellesley College, she holds graduate degrees in psychology and counseling from Tufts, Georgia State and Covenant Seminary. She has traveled extensively with her missionary husband counseling and planting churches in Japan and Australia. She and her husband have two children. Ms. Young currently ministers to the Japanese people living in Perth Australia.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young is a wonderful devotional filled with inspirational, encouraging and spiritual messages for each day of the year. Each message contains words of reassurance, hope and inspiration. They are a delight to read and evoke feelings of warmth, love and companionship with our Savior Jesus Christ. I found the messages to be thought-provoking and overflowing with promise that I too can have a more personal relationship with Jesus. Sarah Young states that themes of thankfulness and trust recurred often during her listening times. I found the recurrence of themes to be advantageous and encouraging. I enjoyed reading this small devotional. Its compact size is perfect for carrying with you anywhere you go. Read each day as they come or read multiple days at a time. You won’t be disappointed. The wording is simple, the messages are clear and the devotions are written as if Jesus is speaking to you personally. I highly recommend this devotional to anyone seeking a more personal relationship with Jesus.

Happy reading,