Amy Parker (1)

This book is a wonderful combination of Bible stories and bedtime wind-down.

The cover is nice and robust, and inviting to even littler hands. The jacket holds a picture in white and blue of sheep lying in a pasture and staring up at a starry sky—peaceful, dreamy and inviting for bedtime. Before the entire thing begins, there's a quick note to parents which explains that these are favorite Bible stories told in such a way to make a perfect bedtime read. After that, the book is broken down show more into the New Testament and Old Testament, each one holding 15 of the most known and loved tales.

The first thing which made me smile was found in the Table of Content. The Bible stories, while very familiar, are given interesting and cute titles such as 'The Wimpy Warrior' (the story of Gideon), ' Angels in the Sky' (angels appearing to shepherds), or 'The Nice Neighbor' (the good Samaritan). The Bible tales are written at a level young listeners are sure to understand and even comes across with very natural dialogue and vocabulary for that age group. They read like bedtime stories without losing the message. During each story, a fitting, two-line rhyme is inserted, which kids will quickly pick up on and repeat. They add fun while allowing the listener to get involved just a little bit. The prayers at the end are short, meaningful and sweet. Add a last night-night phrase with the story's main individual, and the stage is set for a comfortable sleep.

The illustrations are bright, soothing and bring across the characters and stories nicely. It's fun to glance through them, and many are easy to recognize. The prayer is accompanied by a modern day scene to bring the story back closer to home. They offer just enough to look at to keep things interesting without hyping up the tension to make sleep more difficult.

I really enjoyed the stories as well as the way they were done, and can recommend it to anyone looking for this type of bedtime read. It's a wonderful way to introduce the Bible stories, keep them interesting and give that last bit of warmth before dreamland sets in.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers. show less

First sentence: Getting Mom to take a rest
is hard to do--it's true!
She seems to want to stay up late
No matter what you do!
The key is starting early!
When you get out of bed,
Make sure you're right by Mommy's side
Before she lifts her head.

Premise/plot: This picture book has some role reversal going on. A young child is telling readers how to properly take care of Mom--all day and all night.

My thoughts: This one was cute. There are clues throughout that give it a Christian twist. Like a show more banner/sign/decoration in their home that says, "Be still and know that I am God." The illustrations celebrate the ordinary home life--a blessing from the Lord for sure. In one illustration, for example, the mom is surrounded by her two kids and her CAT. The illustrations don't always match perfectly with the narrative. Sometimes they reveal the messiness of life instead of good intentions. Sometimes the illustrations hold all the humor. For example, the child is encouraging you, the reader, to help your mom at the store by keeping the list and checking things off. Meanwhile the illustrations reveal, him putting FIVE boxes of Dino O's in the cart. I'm going to guess this is a sugary cereal that they maybe don't need five boxes of! (Though I could be wrong and it could be dinosaur shaped pasta.) The book ends with a prayer. show less

I almost like this book. I really liked it in the beginning until the stanza about praying, and the end, where everything is under god’s purview. That immediately means that this book cannot be used in story time for many librarians. It’s such a shame because it rhymes well. The pictures are great and everything about it works. Until religion is mentioned.

I loved Amy Parker’s The Plans I Have for You — a children’s book with Jeremiah 29:11 as its foundation. Now a Bible is available for children ages 8-12 that reinforces God’s big plans for them and the world. Using the very readable NIV translation, The Plans I Have for You Holy Bible includes highlighted key verses featuring the plans God has for His people, explanations of God’s plans with applications for kids, and prayers that can jump start quiet times. If you are looking for show more a Bible for that special child in your life, you need to check this one out.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 8-12

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less