Gary Bower

Most folks who enjoy the rollicking rhyme of the folk story in verse or rhyme "This Is the House that Jack Built" want to pass the joy of the chant, song, rhyme, repetition for which this nursery rhyme is famous. Now if you love that, you will absolutely love Gary Bower's new set of Biblical rhymes in the same style and cadence as the House that Jack Built. I previously reviewed A Patch on the Peak of Ararat (A Faith that God Built Book) and enjoyed it so very much that I looked forward to show more more from Mr. Bower.

And I am again so very pleased. The Hurry-Up Exit from Egypt just rolls along and it builds with excitement as Moses and the Israelites cross the Red Sea and the Egyptians get swamped by the water. And as I read it I could feel the "hurry-up exit from Egypt" building with perhaps a touch of what those Israelites felt as they exited Egypt.

But this is intended as a children's picture book with story in rhyme. That is just what it is. And this retelling of God's faithful protection of Moses and the Israelites as they left Egypt is presented on a level for the child that portrays excitement, adventure, and awe. The illustrations are bold and beautifully done. The text is full of words that will capture the child's attention - fun words and yet they don't detract from the truth of this Bible story (short excerpts below)

feet that were frantic and fleet
Israelites thrown in a fit, panicking, scampering, lickety-split
an eye-popping sight
water heaped high on the left and the right

This series is true to Scripture with reference to the whole story in Exodus 12-14 plus a petinent Bible verse. I recommend this series as fun ways to learn about Bible stories.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Pub. to facilitate a review. These are my own opinions and I was not compensated. show less

There are three books, to date, in the "Faith that God Built" book series. I have reviewed two others and found them entertaining, enlightening, and educational with true to Scripture "telling."

The story of the Philippian Jailer can be a bit scary to young children. With Paul and Silas being locked up in a dark, frightenting jail is a bit hard on young imaginations. Gary Bower lets the reader into that Frightening Philippi Jail where bugs, slugs, an other creepy crawlies abound in the cold show more and dark. But he tells about it in an imagination and mind-grabbing use of rhymes with rhythm and cadence akin to the "This Is the House that Jack Built" nursery rhyme.

So tuck in your funny bone and get ready for a fun yet frightening, repetive rhyming, re-telling in text and wonderful illustrations about Paul and Silas in the Philippi Jail.

Gary Bower's fabulous use of rhyme coupled with his sense of humor and splashed across the pages with Barbara Chotiner's grandly appropriate illustrations makes the reader (obviously this time it is the 'Grandma-GG' reader) want to read the book again and again. I recommend each of the "Faith that God Built Books" for libraries and homes.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. show less

Children love the beloved story of Noah and the Ark from the Bible and well they should because it is the story of God's love for a just man and the saving of mankind and the animal world during the cleansing waters of the Great Flood.

Take the style of the catchy rhyme "House That Jack Built" and reword it to tell this beloved Bible story, and you have a winning combination. Factor in some cute pictures that are stark, boldly colored, and engaging compelling children to return to this book show more time and time again.
This is the water that rained with the rush of a deafening downpour and gurgling gush.
And lifted the ark and each animal pair - hamster and hippo, hyena and hare.
And as a reminder, the last page of the book tells the reader just where the story of Noah and the Ark is in the Bible - Genesis 6-9. Also the promise of God that..... "When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." Genesis 9:16

By the time you've read through this a couple of times, the kids will be repeating the lines (they are, after all, repeated throughout the story) until they surely know God's love and covenant between Him and every living creature on earth.

I highly recommend.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Pub. to facilitate a review. These are my own opinions and I was not compensated. show less

Never to soon to start sharing our Loving God with our children, and these two little books designed for your toddler to preschooler, made of sturdy cardboard.
Each page is full of beautiful, colorful illustrations, and geared to draw your little ones eyes to it, then a loving, thoughtful message aimed to share your faith with your child.
Helps show your little one how God loves each and everyone, no matter where they are. No matter what they look like, or what disabilities they may have, God show more loves us so much!
A book that will be read many times, and can be safely carried around by little hands.
I received this book through the Publisher WorthKids/Ideas, and was not required to give appositive review. show less