Take a Trip on the Silver Ship

In this beautifully illustrated board book, Darrell Wiskur takes children on a journey under the ocean in their very own "silver ship" (or submersible vehicle). Each page of Take a Trip on the Silver Ship features a cut out hole as part of the ship, and the last page has a mirror on it; the result is that kids see themselves in the "window" of the ship.

They see sea lions and penguins under ice bergs, a mama and baby whale, squids and jellyfish, weird deep sea fish with glowing lights, and sea turtles, all through lovely blue-tinged illustrations. The text is written in rhyme and mentions God several times. For example:

"God made squid and jellyfish
Without any bones!
Deep in the ocean
They are at home.
Some are giant;
Some are small.
God made jellyfish
Squishiest of all."

The last page asks kids to praise God for all creation.

What I Like: As I've already mentioned, the illustrations are very pleasing and both my kids (ages 3 and 6) enjoyed the mirror. Both wanted the book read to them repeatedly. 

What I Dislike: Although the first two page spread mentioned the silver ship can take children on a journey - even a journey through time - I find it jarring that one page illustrates and discusses Plesiousaurs, a type of dinosaur believed to swim in the sea. Because the rest of the book highlights currently-living creatures, I had to stop and explain to my youngest that dinosaurs no longer live.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 and up, but I think many 2 year old would enjoy it, too.

Publishing Info: Master Books; 2002; ISBN: 978-0890513798 ; boardbook, 16 pgs., $6.99.
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Because of Winn-Dixie

Kate DiCamillo's Newberry award winning novel Because of Winn-Dixie is a simple tale of longing and hope. Gradeschooler Opal has just moved to a new town; her mother has run off and her father - who is a preacher - is despondent. Then Opal discovers a shaggy, ill-kept dog in her local Winn-Dixie grocery store. Naming him after the place where she found him, she brings him home. Like Opal (and all the characters in the novel), Winn-Dixie is "broken." He's not only homeless, but he's terrified of thunderstorms, running off and causing a ruckus unless he's hugged tight by Opal. Yet by the end of the novel, Winn-Dixie has brought Opal and her father together - along with a few of the town's other heartbroken people.

What I Like: This is a very simple story, told in a down to earth way. The characters range from a man whose rumored to be a dangerous criminal (but, it turns out, was arrested for playing his guitar in a public setting) to two elderly ladies (one of whom is vastly misunderstood by the children in the town), plus a variety of children. Each is believable and teaches Opal something valuable, but not in a "pound it over your head" sort of way. And while this is a mainstream book, it is respectful of Opal's father's position as a preacher and includes one prayer of thanks in it. My 6 year old daughter, who has advanced taste in books, really enjoyed this novel.

What I Dislike: There is a lot of poor English in the book because the author has chosen to write realistic dialogue. Because my daughter is still struggling with grammar, I chose to correct the characters' grammar as I read out loud to my child. Also, some parents will want to know that a certain elderly woman is referred to as a "witch" by some of the children in the book. She is in no way a witch, however, which Opal soon learns. Near the end of the book, one child says, "Witches don't exist...They are just myths." Ghosts are also mentioned, although it is quickly evident the characters aren't discussing Casper, but haunting memories.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 8 and up.
Publishing Info: Candlewick; 2009; ISBN: 0763644323 ; paperback, 182 pgs., $10.87.
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Snuggles' Japanese Alps Adventures

If your child loves baby animals, he might enjoy the photographs of Tim Ostermeyer’s baby Japanese Snow Monkey in his book Snuggles’ Japanese Alps Adventures. The story follows Snuggles as he grows up, plays with friends, hides from danger, and takes a journey across the mountain to reach the warm waters of the hot springs. Each page features close, intimate photographs of Snuggles and his family and friends. The images will tug the heartstrings of any animal lover! Most pages hold only a paragraph of text, although midway through the story Ostermeyer lists several facts about Japanese Snow Monkeys. Throughout the story, Ostermeyer highlights a variety of Scripture. For example, Ostermeyer pairs Snuggles’ alarm at seeing a big bear with a verse from Isaiah: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” At the end of the story, Snuggles asks his mom if man evolved from moneys. His mother says no and gives details on six different theories of evolution shown to be false.

What I Like: The photographs are amazing—crisp and vibrant. Even if your child isn’t mature enough for the story or if the story is too simple for him, he would still enjoy looking at the pictures. I appreciate Ostermeyer’s use of Scripture in the story too. Overall, it’s a sweet story without much tension, accentuated by beauty.

What I Dislike: For me, the story didn’t always flow smoothly. In some places, the sidebar information Ostermeyer included made the story more complicated. However, I suspect that is a minor issue for most readers.

Overall Rating: Good for the story, Excellent for the pictures, so overall rating of VERY GOOD

Age Appeal: No age group is listed. While the story itself is geared toward primary grades, the sidebar information is at a higher level of sophistication, and the pictures would appeal to... well... everybody. You're guess is as good as mine!

Publisher Info: Wildlife Adventure Books, 2011; ISBN:978-0979422874; Hardcover, 45 pgs., $18.95

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Special Info: You can buy other books in Ostermeyer's baby animal series. See Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox, Titus & Tiana (Lesson for Baby Tiger), Snowball's Antarctic Adventures, and Frosty & Snowy Arctic Adventures.

In the Crook of the Oak

D.S. Foster's mystical allegory, In the Crook of the Oak, revolves around Lee and his struggles with temptation.  When a mesmerizing beetle lures Lee into the forbidden forest and a beautiful black fox promises enticing rewards, Lee chooses to follow the fox, even though he should return home to his aunt and uncle.

The fox tells Lee a sad story or friendship and betrayal. Lee is moved and decides he should help the fox by taking a charmed leaf  and keeping it away from a deceptive girl who appears in the form of a ghost.  Lee climbs the old oak tree and steals the silver leaf before the little ghost-girl can persuade him to give the leaf to her. Every now and then, Lee feels a flash of remorse, but then he remembers all the wonderful treasures the fox has promised.  In order to get his reward, Lee must burn the leaf  when he returns home.  However, before he can burn it, a cardinal wakes him up and convinces Lee to follow her.  The longer Lee follows the cardinal, the better able he is to hear her voice.  She brings Lee to the Water Spirit, who directs him to the Oak Tree.

The Water Spirit and Oak Tree explain the true natures of the little girl and the fox to Lee, who realizes he was wrong to believe the fox's smooth lies.  Lee races to give the leaf to Miria, the ghost-girl, before it is too late.  When it looks as if all is lost, the noble stag, Milthorn, intervenes, and assists Lee.   Plot Spoilers Ahead:   Milthorn loses his life in the process, but Lee still has time to give Miria the leaf.  The "leaf" turns out to be Miria's missing feathers, and she is restored from a ghost to an angel.

Full-page pencil sketches are scattered throughout.

What I Like:  Lee's struggle with temptation is very believable.  The fox is beautiful, friendly and speaks warmly.  He compliments Lee and appears to help him at the beginning of the journey.  Lee's uncle is strict and punishes him for staying out all night.  These situations would be excellent points for parents to discuss with their children.  It is important to realize people may sound nice but not have good intentions, and people who discipline us actually do so for our own good.

I also like the way the cardinal functions as Lee's conscience.  As Lee follows her more and more, he can hear her better, but when he ignores her and goes his own way, her voice becomes fuzzy and gradually fades out.  

What I Dislike:  I was confused about Miria.  She was portrayed as a child, a ghost, and an angel who was missing part of her wings.  I don't understand how she was captured or what the significance of freeing her was. At first, she was a bit creepy, so it was hard to shift my attitude and like her in the end.

I also was disappointed we were given so little characterization of Milthorn.  He was the true hero, and the Christ-figure in this allegory, but we didn't get to know him well at all.  I felt like I knew and understood the black fox much better.  I would rather spend more time thinking about Jesus (portrayed as Milthorn) than Satan (the black fox).

There were some distracting grammatical errors.  Also, the reproductions of the pictures blurred some of the shading and lines, and made many of the pictures indistinct.

Overall Rating:  Ho-Hum. This is a great start, but could use some polishing.

Age Appeal:  8-12

Publisher Info: ShadeTree Publishing, LLC, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-98226232-4-2; Paperback, 114 pages, $12.99

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365 Great Bible Stories: The Good News of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation

365 Great Bible Stories, written by Carine Mackenzie, actually has 366 stories. The final installment ties all the themes and stories of the book together by highlighting the Bible as the inspired word of God.

Each page contains the following:
* Heading- gives a title for each story and a Scripture reference.
* Story- one page in length, approximately 250 words.
*Picture- illustrated by David Lundquist, most about the size of a credit card, realistic and accurate.
*Thinking point or prayer- red text, usually a few brief but poignant sentences in length that reinforce the main idea of that day’s story.

In addition, the book offers a unique feature: Readers can flip through it to locate stories associated with a key Biblical theme. These stories are easily identified by finding certain images, which are as follows:
* Lamb - Jesus Christ and Salvation
* Winding Road - Traveling and Journeys
* Open Scroll - God's Word* Sword - Wars and Battles
* Dove - The Holy Spirit

The author selects stories from both the Old and New Testament with care. In easy to understand and concise wording, each one helps the reader understand the history of the Christian faith and it’s most important doctrines. The book itself is divided into six segments, or chapters. It places the Old Testament stories into three groups. It likewise divides the New Testament stories into three groups.

The hardcover book also features a slender blue bookmark, just like you might find in a regular Bible.

Here is an example of a thinking point based on a story about Hezekiah trusting in God: “When we have a problem it is best to take it to God in prayer and ask him for help.”

Here is an example of prayer that follows the Beatitude passage in Matthew: “Ask the Lord God that you will know these special blessings from him and value them.”

What I Like: I found the stories to be both straight to the point and Biblically sound. They hold a certain “richness” that make interesting. Not only that, The format lends itself well to kids of all ages. Younger kids can read a page a day without getting the wiggles. Older children can read several pages in one sitting if they like. The book could also be used for family devotions. The thinking point serves as a great springboard for discussion.

What I Dislike: Nothing. However, remember these are brief stories. Parents may want to read the full story from Scripture for themselves first so they can provide background or more details to their children.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: All ages

Publisher Info: Christian Focus, 2011; ISBN:978-1845505400; Hardcover, 384 pgs., $19.99
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Mix and Match Bible Stories

With books of Bible stories everywhere you turn, one might think all the possibilities have been exhausted. But Mix and Match Bible Stories by Sally Ann Wright and Toni Goffe offers something a little different. Fifteen stories--from Moses to Paul--are covered. Each story's "page" is broken into three panels on both the left and right sides for each part, hence the mix-and-match aspect. On the left, you put together the picture of the person whose story is being told, then when you've matched it up, their story is revealed on the opposite side for you to read.

If your kids like mix and match pictures and stories, they'll enjoy this book.

What I Like: The stories are pretty well encapsulated in just a few sentences, although in a few, I felt it misled the reader. For instance, for brevity, the story of Joseph is abbreviated at the end, saying: "I helped Egypt and my family through a seven-year famine." While this is true on the most basic of levels, it leaves out the fact they didn't even recognize him, or that the brothers had told their father, Jacob, that Joseph was dead. Also in this story, God's hand in the Joseph's situation is completely left out.

Toni Goffe's illustrations are engaging and very colorful.

What I Dislike: Most of the mix and match books I've seen in the past have the associated stories in the same order. And while the same order is used, each is skewed slightly so you have to hunt to find the second and third panels for Noah's story (or any other story.) They're not all on page 1; you might have the top panel be page 1, the second be page 6, and the third be page 12 to make a complete story.

Most Christians will be familiar with all fifteen stories shared, but it would have been nice to have references for where to find the stories in the Bible.

Overall Rating: Ho-hum.

Age Appeal: 3 - 5

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7586-2796-4; Hardback, 32 PGS., $12.99

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Good Manners for a Little Warrior

Good Manners for a Little Warrior takes knight training to a new level. Good knights don't just understand honor and courage; they also understand that manners matter.

Continuing the series, author Kelly Chapman maintains a consistent format with the first book. During a baseball game, Luke gets knocked out cold. His slumber sparks another dream of he and his buddies attending Warrior Prince Academy with Sir Britmore. As the boys journey through different challenges within their royal drills, they discover four levels of manners and how each contributes to being a good knight.

1. Power Words: Phrases like please, thank you, I'm sorry, excuse me, your welcome, yes, ma'am and yes, sir
2. Code of Honor: This includes -- first and foremost -- loving God and loving others. Knights exhibit this, for example, by making eye contact, being respectful, taking turns, sharing and speaking truthfully.
3. Table Manners: The knights-in-training learned about appropriate behavior at dinner and how to properly set the table and use the utensils provided.
4. Sportsmanship: It's not all about winning the game! Wise knights follow the coach's directions, play fair, encourage teammates and treat their opponents with respect.

Of course, Luke wakes at the end of the book excited to share all he has learned with all of his friends.

Readers will find a "Whiz Kid Manners Quiz" at the back of the book along with a "What Do Jesters Do?" poem reinforcing the main points of the text.

The illustrations by Jeff Ebbeler feature bold colors, exaggerated characters and lots of action and expression.

What I Like: It's great to have a book for boys that talks about proper manners! This one goes beyond the basics of "power words" to include character traits as well. This encourages a spiritual connection between faith and actions. I also like that the text is divided into chapters. Even though the book is small, it holds a lot of information. I liked having good stopping points where we could pick it up again later. Both my son (age 6) and my daughter (age 8) found this book attractive.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really. But I do wonder how many families still set the table with multiple forks. Aside from weddings, I don't know when my kids would need that information or encounter that situation.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 3-8
Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2011; ISBN: 0736937242; Hardback; 32 pages; $12.99
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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author. You may be interested in additional resources available through Royal Purpose Ministries which include activity books, CDs, DVDs, curriculum, and even camp programs suitable for your church's VBS program. Their goal is "to teach, equip, and encourage others about their true identity in Christ so they can walk in freedom as they seek to live out God's purpose for their lives." Learn more at http://www.royalpurpose.com/.

Golden Tassel's Graduation

Golden Tassel’s Graduation, written by Kay Michaels, is a story about stalks of corn growing in a field. Golden Tassel is the name of one of the stalks. He is the tallest stalk of corn and can see all the others in the field. Some of the others are Minigold, Big Ears and Kernel King.

The four stalks of corn, along with all the others, are in Farmer Kern’s field. Their survival is depends on the weather and the care Farmer Kern gives them, and sometimes they feel as though the end is near. But, they look forward to “graduation day” as they dream about their contribution to the harvest.

But it is more than that. It is a story about farming. It is a story about believing in God. It is a story about using what we have and not wasting it.

The author includes different types of corn in the story and tells how each one will be used. Some are for humans to eat, some are for animals to eat, some are to use to make baskets, some to use as fuel, some for corn oil, some to burn in furnaces, and some to use for seed for next year’s crops.

There is a black-and-white sketch by Kathy Hoyt at the beginning of every chapter and at the end of nearly all of them.

Isaiah 64:4 is given as a Bible reference for the story: “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”

What I Like: I like the way the author ties in the many uses of corn as she weaves her story around the stalks growing in the fields.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-9 years.

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 9781616631352; Paperback, 73 pages, $8.99.

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Special Info: Visit the author’s Facebook page. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Kathy Hoyt. The publisher, Tate Publishing, provides an audio download of the book. The web page and code for the download are given at the end of the book.