49. Board book: Jesus Loves the Little Children

49. Jesus Loves the Little Children. Tara Hackney. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, children's book]

First sentence: Jesus loves the little children,

all the children of the world.

Every color, every shade,

just exactly as he made,

Jesus loves the little

children of the world!

Premise/plot: New lyrics for the classic song Jesus Loves the Little Children. Other 'fresh' lyrics include:

"that means you and that means me, made and loved so perfectly," and "everyone from here to there, down and up and everywhere." 

The new lyrics do fit the old tune; the song is just as singable with its 'fresh' lyrics. 

My thoughts: I definitely like this one. I LOVE the use of photographs in this board book. I would much rather have photographs than illustrations. (The illustrations for Christian children's books are rarely ever super amazing. There are of course exceptions to the rule.) I think this would be a good fit for many Christian families. 

Did the lyrics need to be updated? Yes? No? Maybe? I think they certainly were of a different time and place and you could read into them anything you wanted. If you wanted to find and take great offense, you certainly could. These new lyrics are not obnoxious in any way. And are not in any way unbiblical. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

47. Strong Psalm 1

47. Strong: Psalm 1. Sally Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Jago. 2024. 18 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book] [5 stars] 

First sentence: By a stream

is a good place

for a little tree 

to be.

She reaches down

her roots

to drink.

And the water never dries up.

Premise/plot: Sally Lloyd-Jones' newest book is a board book retelling or adaptation of Psalm 1. The illustrations are by Jago. This is the pair that produced the Jesus Storybook Bible. After the adaptation of the psalm, it transitions into a family-friendly prayer for little ones. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do wish that there was both a) more quantity and b) more quality books for little ones by Christians. This is quality. I wouldn't mind seeing more psalms done by this author-illustrator pair. I think it is a great starting point because Psalm 1 can in many ways describe the Christian life. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

16. God Is Kind

God Is Kind. Jamie Calloway-Hanauer. Illustrations by Patrick Brooks. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book, children's book]

First sentence: Dear little one,

I have good news for you:

God's kindness is in all

That we see and we do.

His kindness is how

he shows us his love,

watching and guiding us

up from above.

Trigger Warning: GLITTERY COVER. GLITTERY COVER. GLITTERY COVER.

This board book is written in rhyme. It features an all-animal cast of characters. (Not that there are characterized characters.) The theme is God's kindness. 

This book is serviceable. It isn't awful. It isn't great. I would say the rhythm and rhyme of it is serviceable. I think sometimes sound theology is sacrificed for the rhymes. OR perhaps theological soundness wasn't first priority regardless? I would say the book is theologically generic and written to not offend anyone for any reason whatsoever. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. Busy Nativity

Busy Nativity. Campbell Books. Illustrated by Emily Bolam. 2023. [September] 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book, children's book, Christmas, holiday]

First sentence: Mary and Joseph had so far to go. On a donkey to Bethlehem, steady and slow. No room at the inn, so where could they stay? In a cozy, warm stable with plenty of hay!

Premise/plot: Busy Nativity is an interactive board book to share with little ones. There are elements to push, pull, or slide on each spread. The story itself is the nativity story told in rhyme. The story is simple, short, yet satisfying enough.

My thoughts: I enjoyed the elements in this one. They add a bit of fun. Does the nativity story need extras to make it fun? No. Not really. But the elements are harmless fun. Animals that appear, for example. In one scene (the one about the stable), little ones can watch sheep pop up and down in the scene. The peek-a-boo sheep are harmless enough and just delightful. Perhaps it would be a different story if it was Santa popping up in the manger scene. In another scene, little ones can rock baby Jesus to sleep. 

I liked this one. Definitely recommended reading for this age group during the holidays. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

69. Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones

Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones [Board book] Max and Denalyn Lucado. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Blessed Jesus, Holy One,

Thank you for the setting sun.

Blessed Jesus, full of love,

Look on me from high above.

Blessed Jesus, full of light,

Show me, Lord, what is right.

Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones is a board book written in rhyme. Are all the poems prayers? Maybe. If you're generous. There were a handful of poems that felt more like poem-poems than prayers. And it's fair to say that prayers do not have to rhyme under any circumstances. (Not that there's anything wrong with rhyming prayers.)

I thought the most valuable part of this one was the preface/introduction. I do think parents can model prayers AND praying. When little ones see you stopping to pray--or praying on the go--they may just follow in your footsteps. The book wants you to believe that you need these specific prayers--rhymes--to help teach children how to pray. You don't. Again, there is nothing wrong with the book. But you don't need the book to model prayer or teach prayer. And if you are using these prayers to encourage children to memorize specific prayers, there are a few I'd skip because as I mentioned before, they aren't exactly, prayers. 

I liked this one okay. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

29. The Story of Easter

Board book: The Story of Easter: The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pia Imperial. Illustrated by Carly Gledhill. 2023. [January] 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born,

a new star shone bright in the night sky.

Three Wise Men, who studied the stars, knew that

when the star appeared, it was a sign the new King 

had been born.

Jesus Christ would be King of Israel.

What you see is what you get. This is the story of Easter. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am that not only did they reference Christ's deity in the first sentence, but, they started with the incarnation. I believe strongly in the mingling of Easter and Christmas. Christmas only becomes more amazing and incredible when Easter touches are included (WHY did Jesus come? WHAT was it all about?). And at Easter time, it is always a nice touch to remember the incarnation, to remember that he came down to earth and became one of us. 

The story is simplified. It is definitely simplified. But the theological seed of this one is good for the most part. It isn't a full story or full explanation. But it's a start. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. Sounding Joy

Board book: Sounding Joy. Ellie Holcomb. Illustrated by Laura Ramos. 2022. [September] 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: What does joy sound like? Is it quiet like snow? Does joy sound like the laughter of friends that you know? Is joy like the sound of a kiss on your cheek? Or like holding your breath when you play hide and seek? 

Premise/plot: Ellie Holcomb's Sounding Joy is a holiday [Christmas] board book to read aloud to little ones. [I say little ones, but it's also perfectly suitable for the whole family to share together]. It begins by asking readers--or listeners, I suppose--to think about what JOY looks like, sounds like, feels like. What is joy LIKE? It then goes on to share the nativity story of Jesus Christ. That was the full expression of joy. And it is packed with promises that are ever-relevant. Reminders that JOY, inexpressible, resounding, repeating JOY are yet to come. Every Christmas is a reminder of not only what has been fulfilled, but what is coming still.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. I loved the art by Laura Ramos. I liked the connections. I liked that it isn't just one or the other. There is a strong connection between what happened in Bethlehem and our present lives. Our joy is found IN Jesus our savior. There is reason to celebrate, rejoice, give thanks, every single day because of Jesus. 

I would have reviewed this one in December of 2022 if my library hold had come in. I am reviewing it now because why wait until next December??? 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

29. Bible Stories for Little Hearts

Board books: Bible Stories for Little Hearts. Sandra Magsamen. 2019. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: In seven days and seven nights, God made the darkness and the light. 

Bible Stories for Little Hearts is a rhyming story book for very young children. There are five Bible stories in all: the creation story, Jonah, the lost sheep, Noah, and the nativity. The order seems to be random and not chronological. Each story is a two-page spread. 

On the one hand, the book has a just-right size. I like the dimensions of it. I feel the pages are easy to turn. I could see this being a good book to read aloud with a kid--possibly squirmy--in your lap. I also like the length of the book for the target audience. 

On the other hand, the rhyming isn't all that great. It's not the absolute worst rhyming book ever. I wouldn't go to that extreme. It's just the rhythm is off. It isn't smooth; it is awkward in places. Still, I wouldn't let that be a deal breaker if you have a little one--toddler--to share it with.

The theology was weird in one of the stories. I get that the most important thing in the story was to keep it rhyming, but to conclude the Noah story by saying that "God sent a dove to show the way, believing that Noah would save the day." Like what does that even mean??? Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah obeyed God in all things--in the building of the ark, in gathering the animals, in entering the ark, in staying in the ark, in leaving the ark. Like when did Noah "save the day"???

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. Jesus

Jesus: A Theological Primer (Board book) Devon Provencher. Illustrated by Jessica Provencher. 2020. [February] 22 pages. Crossway. [Source: Review copy] [board book; children's book]

First sentence: Incarnation. Jesus took on a human nature and. Lived among us.

This board book is intended for Christian families to read aloud to their little ones. The text keeps things simple for the most part. There isn’t exactly a cohesive story, more a collection of terms and ideas that are then explained in a simplistic way. At times this works well, “ King. Jesus is the ruler of all things forever.” Could you make it any clearer?! I don’t think so.

Other terms are less clear, for example, priest: “Jesus stands in his people’s place before God.” The concept of priesthood is way more complex than that of kingship. Jesus is our high priest. No question. Is “stands in his people’s place” a simplified way of saying stands before God and intercedes for his people?! Maybe. Maybe not. The way they define it could be defining sacrifice. Which again Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. Atonement is the next word. I don’t have a great issue with this—let’s be honest, most toddlers aren’t going to be big theology debaters before they can read and write. There’s time to grow and expand, clarify and distinguish in the many, many years ahead. But when I hear priest I think mediator. I think intercessor. I think representative.

I thought there was some variety in the words chosen. This isn’t a story of his life. This isn’t a gospel presentation. It is a loose collection of terms centering on Jesus. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Good News! God Made Me!

Good News! God Made Me! (Board Book) Glenys Nellist. 2019. Discovery House. 18 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Who made my fingers wiggle so? Who gave me ten cute toes? Who gave me eyes to peek at you? Who made my button nose? It's God who made my fingers five and counted out each toe. The good news is that God made me--and watches as I grow!

This is a board book for Christian parents (and grandparents) to share with the little ones in their lives. What you see is what you get--a super adorable board book highlighting God's creation and their uniqueness.

It's a lovely little book. I'm happy I got the chance to review it.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Jesus Heals

Jesus Heals [Board book] Danielle Hitchen. Illustrated by Jessica Blanchard. 2020 [January] 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]


First sentence: Great crowds came to Jesus, “and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:30-31

Premise/plot: This board book is a concept book for Christian parents to read with their little ones. The concept is parts of the body—anatomy. The parts of the body are highlighted alongside scripture as stories of Jesus’ healings are shared. Time and time again Jesus heals.

My thoughts: I have honestly never thought of teaching the parts of the body by sharing scripture verses about Jesus’ healing ministry. I do like that it uses actual scripture verses. That’s one way to keep the text biblically sound. I liked the emphasis on Jesus’ ministry. I loved the lead up to the cross. The illustrations are nice.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Board book: Prayers for Little Hearts

Prayers for Little Hearts. Sandra Magsamen. 2019. Scholastic. 10 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray that God will love and keep all the fish in all the seas and all the leaves on all the trees.

This board book includes five short prayers for parents to read with or read over their little ones.

I thought some of the poems--the prayers--were a bit clunky in terms of rhythm and/or rhyme. Not that all poems have to rhyme. They don't. And that's definitely the same of prayers as well.

The text font is over-the-top cutesy. Many of the capital letters are just oversized lower case letters. Including the "g" in God.

The illustrations and the text are both colorful.

I love the unusual size of this one: tall and skinny.



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Max Gives Thanks to God

Board book: Max Gives Thanks To God. Todd and Jackie Courtney. 2017. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I give thanks to God one hundred times a day; it makes me feel better in every single way.

Premise/plot: This board book is one in the Inspirational Nursery Rhymes series. The book embraces  the verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). It is ALL about showing (and telling) young ones what giving praise, what giving thanks looks like. It does so mainly through rhyme.

I like when the days are sunny, but I always give thanks for the rain.
Rain gives us water to drink, so we should never complain.

My thoughts: I like the premise of this one. I think we all need reminders--no matter our age, no matter our stage in life--that we should give thanks to God always, always, always. I think gratitude and praise are things to teach little ones--primarily through example, in my opinion, and not necessarily through books. (That being said, it is much, much, easier to "demonstrate" gratitude by reading a book than it is to live out your doctrine day by day by day in front of your children.)

I liked the illustrations especially. My favorites were Molly and Rosie and Papa.

Part of me hesitates to say the text works well because of the rhyming. I think rhyme--or rather rhythm as the case may be--is one of the trickiest things to get right. It just is. If it doesn't sound right, it just sounds unnatural and forced. I've seen it done really well--like in the Rhyme Bible Storybook by L.J. Sattgast.  

The message of the book is good and strong. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: The Rhyme Bible

The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers. L.J. Sattgast. Illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle. 2014. Zonderkidz. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

In this board book, ten classic Bible stories are told in rhyme for young children to enjoy. The stories include:

God Made Everything (Genesis 1, 2)
The Floating Zoo (Genesis 6-9)
Baby in a Boat (Exodus 2)
David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
Where Did Jonah Go? (Jonah 1, 2)
Daniel Prays (Daniel 6)
Who Saw Jesus? (Luke 2)
A Tasty Lunch (John 6)
Jesus is Coming (Luke 19-23)
Jesus is Alive! (John 21*)

This book is simple, quite simple, with just a few sentences per page. Each story is several pages in length. Six stories come from the Old Testament. Four stories come  from the New Testament. Each story, as I mentioned earlier, is told in rhyme.

Where Did Jonah Go?

God spoke to Jonah.
He said, "Go! Go! Go!"
But Jonah didn't listen.
He said, "No! No! No!"

Jonah ran and tried to hide.
He found a ship and went inside.
But God sent stormy winds outside
To blow, blow, blow!

A fish was waiting hungrily.
It swallowed Jonah easily--
Oh! Oh! Oh!

Jonah prayed inside the fish,
So, so sad.
He said to God, "I'm sorry
I was so, so bad."

Jonah heard the Lord's command:
"Go and preach in other lands."
And Jonah said,
(Can you guess?)
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Overall, I thought this was a nice book. I'm not sure any of the stories are great poetry. I'm not sure the rhymes have rhythm exactly (which can be just as important as ending in rhyme, in my opinion). But. I liked it. I think this one would be a good choice for parents to share with their little ones.

*The book has a typo. They list John 2, not John 21, as the source for this resurrection story.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: This Little Light

This Little Light of Mine. Shelagh McNicholas. 2013. Scholastic. 12 pages.

I'm always happy to post about faith-friendly children titles. This Little Light of Mine is a board book adaptation of a familiar song. While the text doesn't stay completely true to the original song (choosing instead to say "won't let no one blow it out"), most of it should feel familiar to readers. (I'm not sure the third section fits rhythmically in the song. It's hard to make "Everywhere I go" fit the same way as "This little light of mine." It just has too few syllables. I personally would have preferred the "Let it shine til Jesus comes.") As for the illustrations, the story they tell is about a little boy and a little girl helping another child find their lost dog; they also seem to be working together to build a dog house. The illustrations don't particular relate to the text of the song other than it shows that being a light in the world means being loving and kind to others.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: My First Handy Bible

My First Handy Bible: Timeless Bible Stories for Toddlers. Cecilie Olesen. Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali. Scandinavia Publishing House. 64 pages.

My First Handy Bible is a board book bible story collection for young children. It offers thirty stories: nineteen from the Old Testament, eleven from the New Testament. Each story is told in a two-page spread in just a short paragraph.

For example, "God Makes Samson Strong"

When Samson was born, God blessed him and made him very strong. Samson helped to rescue the Israelites from their enemies. Judges 13:1 - 16:31.) 

And "David the Shepherd Boy"

David was a shepherd. He took well care of his sheep. God wanted David to be King one day and take care of his people. 1 Samuel 16:1-13

And, "Jesus is Born"

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Three wise men wanted to visit Jesus. They followed a star to find him and they gave him gifts. Luke 2:1-20

Note: I'm not sure exactly why they reference the Luke narrative when the Wise Men narrative is in Matthew 2:1-12.

The text itself is simple, uncomplicated. Most of the details from each story are simplified greatly and the complexity and richness is lost a little. But it is a board book of bible stories, and the pages are sturdy enough for little hands, and most bible story books are "gentle books." So there's a definite need for more board books.



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: God Is Good...All the Time

God is Good...All the Time. Dr. Margi McCombs. Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov. 2012. Scholastic. 20 pages.

God makes flowers in pink and blue to show his love from me to you.
God is good...all the time!
God sees the kitten way up high and sends some friends who hear her cry.
God is good...all the time!
God gives us friends to have some fun--to show his love to everyone.
God is good...all the time!

I am always, always looking for Christian books to recommend to families, and I'm happy to have found God Is Good All The Time. The book is simple, sweet, and lovely. I just love the refrain! The rhyming text improves, I feel, as the book goes on. (I admit that the first sentence isn't amazing and wonderful.) By the end, it was definitely working for me!

This one is also available in Spanish.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: My First Read and Learn Countdown to Christmas

My First Read and Learn Countdown to Christmas. Dr. Mary Manz Simon. Illustrated by Siobhan Harrison. 2009. Scholastic.

The sights and sounds of the season make this a magical time, especially for a young  child. A child is immersed in a world of twinkling lights, ringing bells, and sweet smells. Because your child is a concrete thinker, he relates easily to the signs of the season that he sees, hears, and smells. It's an exciting time! However, the seemingly endless wait for December 25 can be almost overwhelming. Refocus that childhood anticipation into the daily activities suggested in Countdown to Christmas. Your child will learn that the birth of God's Son is the reason we celebrate. So pause for a moment,  connect with your child, and begin the countdown to Christmas!

I like this one. I really like this one. There is a reading, activity, and prayer for each day of Advent. (Well, each day from December 1 through December 25). Day one, for example, has us making red-and-green paper chains to countdown until Christmas. Day one may not be the best example of how fun this book is--since it serves mainly as an introduction to the season of advent (it means coming) and this book in particular. But I thought I'd share a few days with you so you can see for yourself what this book has to offer families.

December 4

After the angel told Mary she would have a baby, Mary sang a pretty song. The songs we sing only at Christmas are called carols. Long ago, carol meant "to sing and dance." Some Christmas music is such fun that you might want to sing and dance, like people did with the first Christmas carols.

Sing and dance to "Jingle Bells" or another Christmas carol.

Dear God,
I am so excited about Christmas that I want to sing and dance. Amen.

Praise God with songs. Psalm 47:6

and

December 10

Mary was getting ready to have her baby soon. But first Mary and her husband Joseph had to take a long trip. They didn't have a car. They couldn't ride in a bus. They couldn't fly in a plane. so Joseph walked and walked and walked and walked. Mary rode on a donkey, bumpety, bumpety, bumpety. It was a very long trip to the town of Bethlehem.

Using your fingers, trace a donkey trip on someone's back. Make the donkey jump over a rock, leap across a brook, and stop suddenly. Then ask someone to trace a donkey trip on your back. Whenever it tickles, say "hee-haw!"

Dear God,
Thank you for being with me even when I am away from home. Amen.

She (Mary) was soon going to have a baby. Luke 2:6

and, last one:

December 13

Mary wrapped up her baby in some cloths. She had him on a bed of hay in a manger, which was a feeding dish for the animals. Then Mary rested. She and Joseph were very tired, but they still thanked God. They thanked God for the safe trip. They thanked God for the stable in which they could sleep. But most of all, they thanked God for baby Jesus, asleep in the manger.

Wrap a stuffed animal or doll in a towel. If you pull the towel snug, it is called "swaddling." Babies like to be swaddled when they sleep, because it feels cozy. Use your doll or animal to practice the safe way to hold a baby.

Dear God,
Thank you for the people who take care of me. Amen.

Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1

If you've got small children--preschoolers and toddlers--in your family, you might consider using this one to help everyone prepare for Christmas.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: My First Read and Learn: Book of Prayer

My First Read and Learn: Book of Prayer. Dr. Mary Manz Simon. 2007. Scholastic. 40 pages.

Introduction: "Fold your hands, bow your head, and close your eyes." With these simple actions, a young child can begin a lifelong conversation with God. Prayer comes from the heart. Because of this, a four-year-old might thank God for ice cream or ask for a puppy. We know God hears our prayers, so even a toddler learns that the all-powerful Creator of the Universe cares about the little things in life. In My First Read and Learn Book of Prayers, you'll find ideas and suggestions for special days and specific situations. These prayers may be repeated so often that your child will actually memorize the words. That's fine, for a child receives comfort from what's familiar. Years from now, you or your child may open this book and use the same prayers. God is faithful, so He will respond again to your needs and concerns. As your child grows up, look for opportunities to talk with God anytime, anywhere. When your son hears a siren whir down the street, he might ask God to be with those first responders. When your daughter delights in splashing through a puddle, she might thank God for rain and you might thank Him for boots! As your conversations with God become more frequent, you will discover that prayer is not only talking to God, but prayer is listening for His voice. May you and your child experience God in new ways through My First Read and Learn Book of Prayers.

I honestly don't know how I feel about this one. It includes prayers for morning time, evening time, meal time, and anytime. It includes "holiday prayers" for Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It includes seasonal prayers for spring, summer, autumn,  and winter. And then it includes a section for "special situations." Now what does the author consider a special situation? Naptime!!!! Maybe the author NEEDED LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of prayer if her kids considered naptime to be such an infrequent occurrence. For consider what OTHER events are included in this section: moving, birthday, sick, new baby. Granted, we all have birthdays once a year. And granted, most children get sick at least a couple of times a year. But as far as moving and welcoming new babies in the house? That's not even an every-year event. So let's hope that your little ones nap more than that!!!

Naptime
The sun still shines but I'm in bed
Because I need to rest my head.
So, God, please bless this quiet time
And when I wake, I'll feel just fine.

Easter
Dear God,
Thank you for Easter,
Which comes around each year
So that we all remember
Your Son, who is so dear.

Also worth mentioning--though the fault could be with the illustrator and NOT the author--the Easter page in the "holiday prayer" section features an Easter bunny with an Easter present. Granted, some Christians might do the Easter Bunny/egg hunt thing in addition to church celebrations celebrating the RESURRECTION. But I wouldn't say that every Christian welcomes the Easter bunny that openly.

The prayers didn't wow me. I wasn't impressed by the quality of each and every prayer included in the book. I guess my issue is that *most* adults don't pray to God in rhyme. Most adults don't talk in rhyme all that naturally. Rhyming can feel forced, or out of place. So if adults don't go around praying to God in rhyme, why do we try to make children pray in rhymes? Is it so that they "remember" a certain prayer. Do we think rhymes are the only way children learn anything? I don't think that's the case. I think repetition helps more than rhyming when it comes to that. So I think it is more important that the prayers sound natural and genuine and in-the-moment. So the rhyming--for me--was more of a distraction. The forced "cuteness" of it was unappealing.

Least favorite poem prayer:

Hello, God, I'm out of bed,
For I am not a sleepyhead.
Hello, toys, I'll play with you
Long before this day is through.
Hello, doggy, come right here.
Let me scratch behind your ear.
Hello, kitty, say "meow."
I'll reach down to pet you now.
But before I even eat
Or put my shoes upon my feet,
I will kneel beside my bed,
Close my eyes, and bow my head.
"Thank You, God" is what I'll say.
"Thank You, God, for this new day." 

Most favorite poem-prayer:

New Baby
Dear God, You sent a baby
Who makes a lot of noise.
The baby cannot play yet
Like other girls and boys.
I want to love this baby,
As You already do.
Help me to love this baby,
Dear God, I ask of You.

I don't know that any of the prayers are "bad" in a theological sense. I'm not saying that at all. It's just that there was something about this one that kept me from loving it.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Story of Christmas

Story of Christmas. Vivian French. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2010. Candlewick. 22 pages.

A long time ago God called for the angel Gabriel. God told Gabriel to go to the city of Nazareth and find a young woman called Mary. At first Mary was frightened, but Gabriel told her not to be afraid. "God sent me," he said. "God has chosen you to be the mother of His baby. His name will be Jesus." Mary smiled. "I'm happy to do whatever God wants," she said.

I really liked this one. It's a simple retelling of the Christmas story for little ones. But just because it's 'simple' doesn't mean it's not rich in detail! You get the whole story--most of it at any rate. Readers don't meet Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, the mother of John the Baptist. Also readers are not introduced to King Herod. Vivian French does a nice job of weaving together the narratives from Matthew and Luke.

I would definitely recommend this one!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible