Pamela Kennedy

First sentence: Otter B watched raindrops make little rivers on the window. The rain made puddles outside. He loved sliding and splashing in the water, but he decided to play indoors instead.

Premise/plot: Otter B stars in this Christian board book. (My guess is that it was originally published as a picture book, but, that's just a guess.) In this board book, Otter B MAKES a mess--just by playing with his toys--but then HELPS clean up the mess when he learns that his grandparents are coming show more over. Well, after a quick reread, it's slightly more complex than that. Otter B and his mama work together in several different chores--cleaning up toys, preparing food, setting the table, etc.

My thoughts: On the one hand, I am glad to see that there are Christian options available for board books [or picture books, for that matter.] The book is naturally didactic--unapologetically so. The moral or lesson is BE helpful. On the other hand, I didn't really like the illustrations at all. And the fact that the book(s) are pushing PLUSH merchandise is a choice, for sure. show less

I received this title as part of the Early Reviewers program. The board book has bright illustrations and easy-to-read rhymes. It reminded me a little bit of the How Do Dinosaurs...? books by Jane Yolen in that it list a variety of ways to be a friend. My only disappointment, which is the same complaint I have with Veggie Tales as a whole, is that its message really is morallism -- "here's how to be a good person" -- but it misses such a great opportunity for gospel motivation by failing to show more mention WHY God is our very best friend...because he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for our sins...and that's WHY we can be good friends to others and also why we want to. show less

First sentence: "Land Ho!" shouted Otter B to Franklin. The two friends were playing pirates and hunting for treasure. They followed their treasure map to a basket of colored leaves they'd hidden earlier.

Premise/plot: Otter B learns that it's best to be honest. He "borrows" his father's watch so he can have real treasure to play with. When he has an accident with the watch, he has a choice to make.

My thoughts: On the one hand, I am glad to see that there are Christian options available for show more board books [or picture books, for that matter.] The book is naturally didactic--unapologetically so. The moral or lesson is BE honest. On the other hand, I didn't really like the illustrations at all. And the fact that the book(s) are pushing PLUSH merchandise is a choice, for sure. show less

First sentence: It was Show and Tell time in Otter B's class. Today was Felicia's turn, and she was good at telling stories.

Premise/plot: Otter B is nervous about show and tell. His friend tells him to be brave and he is.

My thoughts: On the one hand, I am glad to see that there are Christian options available for board books [or picture books, for that matter.] The book is naturally didactic--unapologetically so. The moral or lesson is BE brave. On the other hand, I didn't really like the show more illustrations at all. And the fact that the book(s) are pushing PLUSH merchandise is a choice, for sure. show less