Carol Watson

The Usborne Book of Words to Read is a collection of three picture books, The House, The Shop and The Town. It is a learn-to-read book, with lots of labels all over the page naming what all the objects in the picture are. Despite this simple aim, the pictures are actually delightfully detailed, with lots of things to look for. While there isn't exactly a plot, there is a lot going on in each picture, filled with familiar characters as 'the family' get into a bit of chaos with everything they show more do. I loved this book as a kid, years after I had already learned to read. show less

This 92-page book was chosen for the book club this month at my church. That is the only reason I bought it and finished reading it.

I have to say that the first 10 pages or so were pretty good. The description of the shepherd whose sheep had been stolen and killed for profit pulled at me. I liked the character. I liked him all the way through the story.

The problem was that the writing turned terrible after that. It was devoid of good description or personal interaction that seemed at all show more real.

Within the story there was a rather clever use of characters such as Barabbas and his role in the story as well as the inclusion of the mother of Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. That did not make up for the bad story telling, poor use of language, awkward sentences, empty dialog, or the unsatisfying explanation of God and what the meaning of life is. I do not really expect a satisfying explanation of this, but I don't like a poor one either. I'd rather have a good story from which I can draw a conclusion or at least have the author's conclusions be a bit more subtle. I'm glad the book was short! show less

A special selection of prayers for children concerned about our world and its future. There are over 150 prayers that reflect joys, cares & hope of children in today's fast-changing world.

This word book is organized into categories, most of which have a central picture and theme to give context and then smaller pictures labeled on the borders. The last few categories just have individually labeled pictures. It also includes a word list at the back arraged alphabetically with page numbers to reference the words.