a sweet and simple board book for children. I appreciate the fact that the illustrations reflect culturally appropriate skin tones. While I think the reinforcement of having the image and single word after each bit of the story, it does make it a bit clunky to read aloud. In general, a good addition to our children's library for the very simplest first exposure to the story. Thanks to Hachette book group/Worthy Kids for the Early Reviewer copy.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I received a free copy of this book from a LibraryThing give-away in exchange for a review.
I will preface this to say that I am not a reality TV fan, so had no name recognition of the authors before reading who they were.
Things I liked:
-The topic: Fruits of the Spirit--the concept for the book was unique and in general, well done
-The illustrations--whimsical and diverse
Things that need improvement:
-as an educator in a progressive church, I avoid books that use only male language for God, and so I found that practice in this book jarring
-The poetry was not always seamless, and sometimes felt a bit clunky.
I will preface this to say that I am not a reality TV fan, so had no name recognition of the authors before reading who they were.
Things I liked:
-The topic: Fruits of the Spirit--the concept for the book was unique and in general, well done
-The illustrations--whimsical and diverse
Things that need improvement:
-as an educator in a progressive church, I avoid books that use only male language for God, and so I found that practice in this book jarring
-The poetry was not always seamless, and sometimes felt a bit clunky.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
(I received a free early reviewer copy of this book)
On the whole, I liked this book. The warmth of the illustrations, the sweeteness in the relationship between a father and a daughter (in children's literature, we don't see enough father's warmth, so this was particularly nice), the acknowledgements around sadness and transitions, but like other reviewers, the vagueness around the mother (or lack thereof)was odd. Having a picture at the end of a family of three without any mention of why seemed an odd choice. I probably wouldn't have worried if that picture was not included in the illustration, but because it was, it sort of raises more questions than are strictly necessary. Having not read this with a child, I can't know how a child would react, but I can imagine a child asking, "where's the mommy?" when seeing the picture. In general, a gentle treatment of a general topic that many families face.
On the whole, I liked this book. The warmth of the illustrations, the sweeteness in the relationship between a father and a daughter (in children's literature, we don't see enough father's warmth, so this was particularly nice), the acknowledgements around sadness and transitions, but like other reviewers, the vagueness around the mother (or lack thereof)was odd. Having a picture at the end of a family of three without any mention of why seemed an odd choice. I probably wouldn't have worried if that picture was not included in the illustration, but because it was, it sort of raises more questions than are strictly necessary. Having not read this with a child, I can't know how a child would react, but I can imagine a child asking, "where's the mommy?" when seeing the picture. In general, a gentle treatment of a general topic that many families face.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I will state my bias straight off--I love Elizabeth Caldwell--I would read anything she writes. Her wisdom, eloquence and perspectives bring new life to any topic.
I had heard about this book prior to the give-away, and so was excited to find out that I had won an early reviewer copy.
I like the idea of challenging myself to think differently about Bible stories, so I loved this new exegesis of the passage. I think it would be a great conversation piece to accompany a traditional Sunday School lesson on this topic (although it doesn't seem to come around in lessons much to my memory). In the words of Caldwell herself, "I wonder. . . ". This book is a great tool for wondering with children about stories.
I had heard about this book prior to the give-away, and so was excited to find out that I had won an early reviewer copy.
I like the idea of challenging myself to think differently about Bible stories, so I loved this new exegesis of the passage. I think it would be a great conversation piece to accompany a traditional Sunday School lesson on this topic (although it doesn't seem to come around in lessons much to my memory). In the words of Caldwell herself, "I wonder. . . ". This book is a great tool for wondering with children about stories.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This is a fantastic retelling of the very familiar story of the good Samaritan. it is whimsical, charming, accessible and very understandable. the note for parents and educators in the back is wonderful--a 'must have' book for any faith based library.
**note, I received an early reviewer copy of this book from LibraryThing.
**note, I received an early reviewer copy of this book from LibraryThing.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This was a cute book, but probably not something I would purchase for my library (I received a .pdf early reviewer copy.) It was a nice little book, but probably not one that stood out from the crowd a whole lot.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
What a lovely book! I received an early reader copy of this book, and what a privilege it will be to have it in our library! The story of Alma's name is really delightful, and I love the prompts in the back to have children tell the stories of their names! I can imagine using this book with an inter generational gathering to have adults, teens and children share their stories. Sweet illustrations compliment the text well.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I received this book as an early reviewer through LibraryThing.
I was excited to receive this very unique children's prayer book. The prayers are all fine, if not a bit specific, but more than the prayers themselves is the permission that the book gives readers. Upon reading this, children are assured that their concerns are not too small. that their language is not too simple for God. they are assured that God hears our prayers, and that taking our concerns and worries, joys and comforts to God is a good thing to do. I imagine that this book would provide a revelation to children--not so much in what it says, but more for what it models. This will be a wonderful addition to our library!
I was excited to receive this very unique children's prayer book. The prayers are all fine, if not a bit specific, but more than the prayers themselves is the permission that the book gives readers. Upon reading this, children are assured that their concerns are not too small. that their language is not too simple for God. they are assured that God hears our prayers, and that taking our concerns and worries, joys and comforts to God is a good thing to do. I imagine that this book would provide a revelation to children--not so much in what it says, but more for what it models. This will be a wonderful addition to our library!
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I so wanted to like this book, and on many levels, I do. I like that it uses something that is universally kid known and kid friendly to bring scripture to life. It is colorful, engaging and creative! I hope to use this side by side with lego to create a sort of 'Godly Play" model of exploring the Bible. I especially hope that this is an effective way to reach some of my craft-weary boys. . . BUT reading about the author (his website was flagged "adult content" by my computer), I am convinced that he included some stories in there for the sheer purpose of shock value (sodom and gomorrah, and Lot "laying down" with his daughters, circumcision, etc.) I am kind of offended not by the story, but by the sense that they were included on some level as a "joke". Really?? We need all of the circumcision pictures?? His level of maturity seems appropriate for what you might imagine an adult who plays with legos might be. His irreverence is not offensive to me as much as it is disappointing to me. this book could be so great. . . .
For context, I am a Christian Educator who serves a fairly large progressive metropolitan congregation in a mainline denomination.
For context, I am a Christian Educator who serves a fairly large progressive metropolitan congregation in a mainline denomination.
I so wanted to like this book, and on many levels, I do. I like that it uses something that is universally kid known and kid friendly to bring scripture to life. It is colorful, engaging and creative! I hope to use this side by side with lego to create a sort of 'Godly Play" model of exploring the Bible. I especially hope that this is an effective way to reach some of my craft-weary boys. . . BUT reading about the author (his website was flagged "adult content" by my computer), I am convinced that he included some stories in there for the sheer purpose of shock value (sodom and gomorrah, and Lot "laying down" with his daughters, circumcision, etc.) I am kind of offended not by the story, but by the sense that they were included on some level as a "joke". Really?? We need all of the circumcision pictures?? His level of maturity seems appropriate for what you might imagine an adult who plays with legos might be. His irreverence is not offensive to me as much as it is disappointing to me. this book could be so great. . . .
For context, I am a Christian Educator who serves a fairly large progressive metropolitan congregation in a mainline denomination.
For context, I am a Christian Educator who serves a fairly large progressive metropolitan congregation in a mainline denomination.