7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song

7. Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song. Ariel Vanece. Illustrated by Jade Orlando. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, hymns, friendship]

First sentence: In the summer, Caius spends his mornings on Mr. Johnson's front porch. 

Premise/plot: Caius loves his neighbor, Mr. Johnson. On good days, Mr. Johnson is still singing his song--a hymn--though he fumbles with remembering the words. Lately, Mr. Johnson hasn't felt like singing his song at all. His memory problems are getting him down. Caius goes in search of Mr. Johnson's song so he can potentially cheer his neighbor up when he sings it. 

The song Mr. Johnson loves to sing is "Further Along." 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am glad I read it. I wasn't expecting the hymn connection when I checked it out from the library. It is a sweet story about a young boy who loves his neighbor and wants to be his friend and cheer him up. 

I definitely recommend sharing the song with young ones if they are unfamiliar with it. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. The Story of Corrie ten Boom

3. The Story of Corrie ten Boom: The Watchmaker Who Forgave Her Enemies. Jennifer T. Kelley. 2025. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars, children's book, biography, history, world war II, missionary]

First sentence: Corrie ten Boom's train arrived at the station in Munich. But it was not her first time in Germany.

Jennifer T. Kelley has written a biography of Corrie ten Boom just right for younger readers who perhaps aren't quite ready for the original memoir The Hiding Place. To be fair, The Hiding Place is a memoir of a very specific time in her life, this children's biography is a fuller portrait of her whole life. Namely how God used Corrie ten Boom to reach people all over the world. Corrie ten Boom is known for her radical forgiveness and bold proclamation of the gospel, that the gospel is for EVERYONE, yes everyone. God SAVES and saves to the uttermost. The good news is so amazing that it transforms lives. Because Corrie ten Boom knew God to be a loving, forgiving God, she was able to forgive. 

Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews during the Second World War. This led to her family's arrest--where her father died in jail--and subsequent time in a concentration camp--where her sister died. YET how could the family do otherwise? Obeying God meant defying government. Corrie ten Boom was an amazing witness wherever she went.

Definitely recommend this one! 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2. Pilgrim's Progress

2. Pilgrim's Progress Adapted by Anna Trimiew from John Bunyan's classic allegory. 2013. 111 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, children's books, adapted books, abridged books, allegories]

First sentence from the introduction: A long, long time ago, a prisoner sat in a cold jail in England. 

First sentence from chapter one: "Oh, what must I do?" cried a man dressed in rags as he walked in the fields outside his house.

Anna Trimiew has adapted John Bunyan's classic allegory for young readers. It is illustrated by Drew Rose. 

It does make the allegory more accessible to young readers. This is not the first adaptation for children, nor will it be the last adaptation for children. I've read a handful though not recently enough to rank them--to compare them side by side and say THIS is the one I'd recommend. 

This is the first half of Pilgrim's Progress. It definitely feels abridged with some of the theology cut out or cut down at least. I've read the original, the unabridged several times. So I definitely had a vague feeling of missing some bits. But for an abridged version for young children--elementary school aged--it's serviceable enough. I did not care for the illustrations personally. BUT illustrations can be subjective. Maybe not everyone will see a Klingon on the cover. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

70-72. Three Usborne Bible Board Books

70. [Board book] The Prodigal Son. Retold by Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gabriella Galvez. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, bible stories]

First sentence: In a town near Jerusalem, Jesus sits down to share his evening meal. Some people called Pharisees pass by. They think they're better than everyone else. 

Russell Punter has retold the parable of the Prodigal Son for young children. (To read the Scripture go to Luke 15.) The story features many elaborations adding details not found in Scripture. These descriptions certainly make for a story, but is it THE story? Maybe. Maybe not. While adding his own elaborations, he fails to include some of the details found in Scripture. Perhaps reasoning that these are cultural considerations that might take a bit too much time to explain? The Bible does NOT give a lot of details about HOW the son spent his money, yet, people do love to elaborate and imagine all sorts of things. Which is fine so long as you keep in mind that it is speculation and imagination. 

One thing I did dislike was how the book concludes with this little paragraph

Who was Jesus? Jesus Christ was born in a town called Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph. For Christians, Jesus is also the Son of God. When Jesus grew up, he went from place to place teaching people about God and asking them to love one another.

Not exactly the best answer to the question of WHO Jesus is. It is unsatisfactory. 

71. [Board book] The Good Samaritan. Retold by Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gabriella Galvez. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, bible stories]

First sentence: It is a hot day in a dusty town square. Jesus is teaching people about God. Then a man in the crowd asks a question...What must I do to live forever? 

Russell Punter has retold the parable of The Good Samaritan for young children. (To read the Scripture go to Luke 10). The story features many elaborations adding details not found in Scripture. These descriptions certainly make for a story, but is it THE story? Maybe. Maybe not. 

Parables in Scripture are rarely--if ever--fleshed out with elaborate details and vivid descriptions. Punter has speculated, imagined, crafted a story that builds upon the parable found in Scripture. But it goes a long way past Scripture. It provides motivations for the actions of the priest and the Levite. Motivations that are absolutely not spelled out in Scripture. Punter's imaginative story perhaps contrasts how others have told the story. For example, the reason given in Punter's board book is that the Priest and the Levite were scared of robbers and wanting to avoid getting caught up in any traps. I believe the more traditional interpretation is that they were afraid of becoming unclean, of coming into contact with the dead or the dying. Though to be fair--the REASONS why the Priest and the Levite did NOT stop are never clearly given. So there could be multiple interpretations of what *might* be plausible. When speculations become the main part of a Bible story retelling, perhaps there is some risk that the details will become "fixed" in young minds as being part of the Bible story itself. 

One thing I did dislike was how the book concludes with this little paragraph

Who was Jesus? Jesus Christ was born in a town called Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago to Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph. For Christians, Jesus is also the Son of God. When Jesus grew up, he went from place to place teaching people about God and asking them to love one another.

Not exactly the best answer to the question of WHO Jesus is. It is unsatisfactory. 

72. [Board book] David and Goliath. Russell Punter. Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, bible stories]

First sentence: Long ago, in Israel, a boy stands alone on a hillside, watching his father's sheep. David is young, but VERY brave. He scares off hungry lions...and cares for all his sheep. One day his father gives him a bag of good.

Russell Punter retells the story of David and Goliath for young readers. (To read it in the Scriptures, read 1 Samuel 17). This story in Scripture has plenty of details so there is less room to elaborate. I do think David is presented a little too young in the text and illustrations. But the story itself seems good. 

I enjoyed all three board books. The David and Goliath book is probably my favorite of the three. (The others being The Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan). 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

65. Teach Me to Pray

65. Teach Me to Pray: Praying God's Word from A to Z. Kristen Wetherell. 2025. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy] [4 stars, children's book, prayer book]

First sentence: Anger

O God, I'm so angry!I feel so upset!

You're slow to be angry. Don't let me forget!

You're patient with me, and you're gentle and kind. 

Your mercy surrounds me before and behind.

In light of your tenderness, help me to see

How slowness to anger can also mark me.

Lord, help me to listen, and then help me to speak.

To use self-control doesn't mean that I'm weak.

I thank you that Christ bore your wrath in my place.

My anger's forgiven, for I've received grace.

In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

Teach Me to Pray is a an alphabetical, topical prayer book. Each topical prayer includes a RHYMING prayer, a Scripture verse, a mini-devotion, and suggested application. For example, for the anger topic, it states, "Have you been sinfully angry toward someone lately? Confess your anger to God, ask for his forgiveness and help, and then apologize to the person you hurt."

I believe there are fifty-two topics in all. Each topic is concise. 

Here's another example of the prayer style. 

Temptation

Dear Father in heaven, temptation is hard.

Please help me to flee it and be on my guard!

My heart is deceitful. My enemy's strong.

But you are my strength, my salvation, my song.

Please always provide an escape I can take

When temptation invites like that slippery snake.

Please help me to see the destruction sin makes,

That sin never gives--only kills, wrecks, and takes.

O Lord, you were tempted and tried, just like me;

And now you're my hope to stand firm and to flee.

In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

I do truly like the idea of the book. I like the idea of topical prayer books OR topical devotional books. I'm not sure it had to be alphabetical. But I don't have a problem with it being alphabetical either. 

IF the goal is to teach children and middle schoolers HOW to pray on their own, this might not be the absolute best fit. I'm not sure that is the goal. I personally found the choice to have all the prayers in this prayer book RHYME to be a little odd. I don't know that rhyming in prayers is something we should strive for or seek out. If the mind is focused on rhyming, then the mind isn't exactly focused on God, on talking with God. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

59. The River of Grace

59. The River of Grace: A Story of John Calvin. Joyce McPherson. 1998. 180 pages. [Source: Bought] [biography, children's book, 5 stars]

First sentence: John brandished his stick in the air. "I am Sir John and I declare that I will go on a pilgrimage to the Holy City." He looked fiercely into the summer sun as he imagined a brave knight would.

The River of Grace is a children's biography of John Calvin. It opens with a young John Calvin in the year 1517 playing knights with a childhood friend, a young boy passionate about the Church and her mission. It follows him through the years, the decades, as he slowly but surely becomes a Reformer--someone who believes that the Bible should be translated into the language of the people AND read, studied, treasured above the traditions of the church and church elders. This was not an overnight transition, but a slow reckoning of convictions, of being led by the Spirit as he read and studied. 

I loved this book so much. I am SO glad that I thrifted a copy. It was written well. It was not 'dry,' 'dull,' or 'boring.' It is written as a compelling narrative. I would say that it leans towards fiction at times in that it does make use of dialogue between the characters. I think it stays true to what we know of his life and times, but, certainly it allows for some creativity in dialogue. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

57. Hand to Hold

57. Hand to Hold. JJ Heller. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book]

First sentence: Trees are made for climbing. Days are made for sun. Puddles are for jumping. Fields are made to run. Stars are made for counting and for wishes coming true. Sleep is made for dreaming, and I have dreams for you. Stones are made for skipping. Stories are to tell. Life is made for living. I pray you live it well.

Hand to Hold is a picture book adaptation of JJ Heller's lullaby, "Hand to Hold." 

I have only recently discovered JJ Heller's music. It was--and is--LOVE at first listen. While "Hand to Hold" isn't my absolute favorite and best song of her work, it is a great song. I can see why it was chosen to adapt in picture book format. It's a lovely picture book to share with little ones--toddlers, preschoolers, pre-K, etc. It would be good for a family read aloud as well with multiple ages of children. 

It's sweet, adorable, playful. And the message, of course, is solid. A parents' love is unconditional. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

55. From Me To You, Love God

55. From Me To You, Love God. Claire Freedman. Illustrated by Emily Boughton. 2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 3 stars]

First sentence: If God sent you a letter, 

He'd say, "I love you so!

You're very precious to me,

and I want you to know."

God made you,

and He knows your name,

and so it's no surprise,

that the one and only,

uniquely YOU,

is perfect in His eyes!

From Me to You, Love God is a children's book, a picture book, published by Kregel. 

It is written in rhyme. It is definitely of the precious-precious-super-sweet narrative style. 

While God is mentioned on nearly every single spread of this one, the depth and substance as to who God is vague and generalized. Though we do get one 'Heavenly Father.' 

There is no mention of Jesus at all. Not even once. I think a choice was made. Perhaps I'm wrong. What is mentioned about God is certainly happy-happy-cozy-cozy and not at all controversial or offensive. 

There is not a great depth to the spiritual truths in this one. But one does get a sense that God is all-knowing, all-seeing, kind, good, and loving. There is more focus on God watching over YOU the one and only unique, supremely precious perfect YOU than anything else. (You get the impression that the message is God is so lucky, fortunate, blessed that there is a you in his life). The focus is definitely on God's love and loving YOU and loving everyone. But God is definitely a tame, gentle God in this one. 

Does a picture book *need* to present the gospel? Maybe. Maybe not. Does this book in anyway indicate that there is a gospel? No. Not really. The book doesn't really go there at all. For better or worse. I mean a book certainly doesn't have to present our need for the Savior, who the Savior is, how we're saved, what we're saved from, what our salvation means, the hope to which we cling, etc. 

The book begins with the premise *if* God sent you a letter....and then proceeds. The truth is we do have God's revelation. We do have his written word. While it may not be a letter written for us specifically as individuals. We have access to the very words of God. We know WHO he is because he has revealed himself to us. (Read Psalm 19 or 119 among dozens of other places that speak of the Word of God). We do not have to guess about who God is, what God has done, what God has promised, what God has said. Perhaps there was a missed opportunity to point little ones to the Word of God.

One of the book's premises is that little ones can look for EIGHTY letters in the illustrations. A seek and find if you will. The back copy reads, "they will find encouraged" when they spot these illustrated letters in the book because "God is always with them on life's journey." I certainly don't have issues with illustrators providing details for little ones to find. But it does seem odd to me at least that this is the highlight of the back copy. Like that is the most important thing about the book? 

There aren't a tremendous amount of Christian picture books published each year. I'd say there is a small number published each year. I always like to review them when I can because I know the need is there. I've read better. I've read worse. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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

44. A Child's Garden of Bible Stories

44. Child's Garden of Bible Stories. Arthur W. Gross. Illustrated by Rod Taenzer. 1948. 146 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, bible story books, children's books, children's classic]

First sentence: Long, long ago there was no world. There were no birds and bees, no fields and flowers, no lakes and rivers, no sun, no moon, no stars. There were no people either. There was nothing at all. Only God was there.

Child's Garden of Bible Stories was originally published in 1948; it has since been republished multiple times through the decades. There are twenty-eight stories from the Old Testament. There are thirty-two stories from the New Testament. Each story has a handful of illustrations. 

What I most appreciate about this children's classic is the variety of stories included. It is always interesting to me when reading and reviewing children's bible story books WHICH stories are included and which are not. Length of the book often plays a big role I imagine in what gets included. But also I think stories can reflect the times in which the book is published. There are stories that rarely make the cut. One of the more unusual stories included in this one is David and Absalom! (Including an illustration of Absalom getting hung in the tree by his hair.) 

The books definitely does a great job in presenting the gospel and a biblical Jesus.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

36. God's Masterpiece

36. God's Masterpiece: An Adventure in Discovering Your Worth. Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Illustrated by Julia Seal. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars; picture book]

First sentence: Come along with me, my friend. I can't wait for you to see some of the most famous art made for you and me. 

God's Masterpiece is an odd picture book. Half of the text is art appreciation--written in [forced] rhyme, unfortunately--and the second half of the book (also written in rhyme) is about how you are God's true masterpiece. The book concludes with a mirror so you can admire God's masterpiece--you, of course.

Of the two halves I prefer the focus on art. I enjoy the introduction of particular art pieces by particular artists. Some are extremely famous and will likely be familiar to adults. Others perhaps not as much. I think a definite argument could be made that a) God IS a creative God. b) man who is made in the image of God is creative too. That would be a worthwhile message to share with little ones. 

The second half takes a little more liberty with theology. It is not all the way off. Psalm 139 is proof of that. But it is more like a crazy fun house mirror type of interpreting scripture. I think there are definite true statements and statements that push things all the way down the slippery slope. I think God can absolutely LOVE us and be our Creator without making it so absurdly all about us. The mirror was a little over the top for me. 

I think ALL of creation--think Genesis 1 and 2, as well as many psalms--was pronounced good, very good. That God was pleased with his creation. I think one could definitely argue that ALL humans have worth and value because they were made in the image of God. Though the 'image of God' is fractured since the fall. Still *all* humanity has worth, value, etc. 

But what is missing in this book is JESUS. Perhaps because "God" especially a "Master Painter" God is infinitely less offensive than Jesus--a Savior, a Deliverer, the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. Does God love us? YES. Absolutely. That is why he sent JESUS to save us from our sins. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

29. The Big Picture Story Bible

29. The Big Picture Story Bible. David R. Helm. Illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker. 2004. Crossway Books. 451 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]

First sentence from the Old Testament section: The Bible is God's story, and it begins with these big words: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Do you know how God created everything? Simply by speaking words. Imagine, making the world with words! Strong words. Powerful words. With words God created everything!

First sentence from the New Testament section: Years passed without a single word from God. And the years turned into many years, and the many years turned into hundreds of years. And the great promises of God seemed to fade away. Israel became less important in the world. Other nations became great--strong nations, powerful nations, whose kings ruled over God's people. One such king...was Caesar Augustus.

The Big Picture Story Bible is one of my favorite bible story books. Why? Because it presents the Bible not as a series of entertaining, informational, educational, inspirational stories but as a unified story. The Bible does in fact have a big picture. If you miss the big picture, you miss the point. By understanding--grasping, appreciating--the big picture, you are enabling yourself to appreciate the smaller as well because you can see how everything fits, everything belongs.

The Big Picture Story Bible has twenty-six illustrated stories. Together they tell one big story. These stories build upon one another. They are interconnected. Everything is building up to the big climax--the appearance of Jesus Christ. The first eleven stories cover the Old Testament. The remaining fifteen stories cover the New Testament.

The Bible is for believers young and old. The story it tells is grand, glorious, but above all TRUE and TRUSTWORTHY. Yet people of all ages can struggle to read the Word for themselves. Perhaps because it seems so strange and otherworldly. Perhaps because it is intimidating. Perhaps because they don't know where to begin. A familiarity with the BIG PICTURE of the Bible could be the very boost one needs to begin to ACTUALLY read the Bible.

The Big Picture Story Bible gives readers of all ages the orientation they need to grasp not only the story but the theology behind the story. It covers the basics of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. It is not so thorough and comprehensive that it would ever--could ever--take the place of the Word itself. That would be silly. But by showing you the structure of the Word, how everything fits together, how every story belongs to the whole, it can be a considerable help.

I think this one is for readers of all ages. I definitely think parents with children should have this one in their homes. (Christian parents and grandparents). Parents have an awesome responsibility to teach and instruct their children in the faith. It isn't anyone else's responsibility to do so for you. It is a great task, but it isn't an impossible one. It's never too early. It's never too late. You might feel overwhelmed, but you can learn alongside your children. You can go on this glorious, wonderful journey together.

But I also think adults without children could benefit from this one as well. There are a million excuses why believers don't read the Bible. Grasping the big picture and holding onto the big picture could be a great stepping stone into actually reading the Bible and tasting for yourself the sweetness of the Lord.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

16. Psalms for My Day

16. Psalms for My Day: A Child's Praise Devotional. Carine Mackenzie and Alec Motyer, Illustrated by Catherine Noel Pope. 2019. 96 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars, devotional, children's book]

First sentence: The book of Psalms is the largest book in the Bible.

Psalms for my Day uses a new translation by Alec Motyer. Selected psalms have been illustrated alongside light devotions. Each day's devotion has a prayer to pray. The book also includes a sprinkling of quotes by Alec Motyer. 

Readers should also know that this translation uses Yahweh. 

The psalms include the following:

• Psalm 1
• Psalm 8
• Psalm 13
• Psalm 19
• Psalm 22
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 24
• Psalm 25
• Psalm 27
• Psalm 29
• Psalm 32
• Psalm 34
• Psalm 37
• Psalm 40
• Psalm 46
• Psalm 51
• Psalm 63
• Psalm 67
• Psalm 72
• Psalm 73
• Psalm 78
• Psalm 84
• Psalm 95
• Psalm 100
• Psalm 103
• Psalm 107
• Psalm 117
• Psalm 121
• Psalm 133
• Psalm 139
• Psalm 150

I love, love, love the book of Psalms. While there are many, many, many, many storybook Bibles to share with children--of all ages, there are few that celebrate the Bible's songbook: Psalms. I think this book would be a good one to share before/during/after family devotions. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. Poems and Prayers for the Very Young

7. Poems and Prayers for the Very Young. Martha Alexander (compiler and illustrator). 1973. Random House. 24 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, vintage picture book, poetry]

First sentence: I wake in the morning early

And always, the very first thing,

I poke out my head and I sit up in bed

And I sing and I sing and I sing.

I enjoy collecting vintage picture books. This one has a slightly Christian theme. I would say ninety percent celebrate nature and common joys in life and ten percent give a nod to God. It does include the Lord's Prayer and a few other familiar poem-prayers that you might have heard depending on your background.

I think it is a lovely-enough collection of poems. The poems aren't so religious and "Christian" that you are in any way teaching your children theology. But the poems are pleasant enough and not anti-Christian either. 

I definitely liked the soft, soothing illustrations.

© 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

45. Joni Eareckson Tada

 45. Joni Eareckson Tada. Kristyn Getty. Illustrated by Hsulynn Pang. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book biography]

First sentence: Joni was born the youngest of four sisters in Baltimore, USA. She was called Joni after her dad, John. He had been hoping for a boy! Joni had sparkling blue eyes, a clever mind, and lots of energy.

I have read several books written by Joni Eareckson Tada. I know I've read two autobiographies and a handful of other books she's written on other topics. So I was SUPER, SUPER, SUPER excited to see that a children's biography was coming this year. 

This one is a picture book biography for readers of all ages. It introduces her life story and her ministry. Let's be honest, this may be the introduction to her life story for younger generations. I do think her story is important; her ministry is important. 

I would recommend this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

40. Tell Me About Jesus

Tell Me About Jesus. Mary Alice Jones. Illustrated by Pelagie Doane. 1944. 72 pages. [Source: Bought] [4 stars] [children's picture book]

First sentence: Bobby and his mother had been for a walk. On their way home they passed their church. 

Bobby asks his mother to tell him ALL about Jesus. The book is NOT an illustrated bible story book. The title might be ambiguous on that. This is a book of family conversations of a parent and child ABOUT the christian faith. In each "chapter" Bobby and his mother talk about Jesus. The book also features Bobby's younger sister, Mary, who is a toddler. 

Deuteronomy 11:19 reads as follows, "You shall also teach them to your sons, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up." This book brings that sentiment to life: a parent giving spiritual instruction to a child. 

This is a VINTAGE children's book. It is illustrated. There are sixteen "chapters" or sections. These are sixteen conversations or scenes between Bobby and his mother. They take place over many months. It was first published in 1944. It features colored illustrations AND black and white illustrations. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

38. Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone

Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone. Max Lucado. Illustrated by Eve Tharlet. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: God knows everything about you. He knew you'd have happy days, and He knew you'd be sad. So He gave us each other, and I'm so very glad. God put us together. He made us a home. I hope you'll always know that...just in case you feel alone. 

This Christian children's book--picture book--stars bears. It is essentially your basic parent loves child super unconditionally picture book. There are so many--mostly from a "secular" perspective and others from Christian publishers. This is that kind of picture book with a few God mentions thrown in. 

I will try to clarify. This picture book has "book ends" if you will that bring God into the story. Yes, it is about parental love. But it adds on a further element that tackles God's omnipresence AND the practice of prayer. Both are good for children (and adults) to know and put into practice. So it does go beyond the stereotypical sugary-sweet parents love unconditionally picture book. (Have you noticed that *these* almost always, always, always star animals--bunnies, bears, etc.?)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

32. Who Are You? A Little Book About Your Big Identity

Who are You? A Little Book About Your Big Identity.  Christina Fox. Illustrated by Daron Parton. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

First sentence: Who are you? What really makes you...you?

Who Are You? is a Christian picture book for families to share with little ones. It asks a big question--a question that seems to be becoming bigger and bigger in recent years. The question? Who are you? What makes you you? Are you WHAT you do? Are you WHAT you like? Are you WHAT others say about you? Are you WHAT you feel? Are you WHAT you look like? NO, NO, NO. 

The picture book celebrates that humanity is made in the IMAGE OF GOD. We as humans have a CREATOR. Not just a creator--far, distant, aloof. But a LOVING, caring, faithful Creator who sent his son, his one and only Son, his only begotten Son, to die for us, to atone for our sins, to reconcile us with our Father in heaven. 

The book provides a Christian [biblical] answer to the question, who are you. It also touches on how knowing who we are--in Christ--impacts how we should live. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

24. This Special Blessing for You

This Special Blessing for You. Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer. Illustrated by Denise Hughes. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book, children's book]

First sentence: Today is the day the world gets to see the beautiful person God made you to be. Wherever you go, it's God's love you're expressing, so God sends you out with this special blessing. May the Lord bless you with strength from above and fill you with power to give and to love. May God protect you all through the day. God's always close--that's where God will stay.

This picture book is a VERY loose adaptation of Numbers 6:22-27. It is absolutely a beautiful blessing from Scripture. It is grounded in a time and place, and, like many other blessings found in Scripture, it isn't unconditional. [This is absolutely not the position taken by the authors. They don't really address the context of these verses at all. That isn't their aim or mission.] 

The picture book is inspired by this bit of Scripture. It is a soft, warm, fuzzy, comfy, cozy. It is reassuring and self-affirming. It sometimes reads vaguely, intentionally unoffensive.  It is written in rhyme. 

I have read this one twice now. Each stanza [or spread] hits differently when I read or reread it. I think each stanza could lead to some substantive discussion. But I'm not sure that in actuality that is how the book will be used. And there isn't really a "wrong" way to read this one with little ones. 

It is inspired by Numbers 6:22-27. These verses are from the Old Testament. The gospel isn't necessarily obvious and straightforward in this passage. What this book is missing--and this is my personal opinion--is Jesus Christ and the gospel. Again, it isn't that the authors removed the gospel or twisted the gospel. They just didn't add in the gospel. There were phrases that just hit slightly off--again my own personal opinion. 

"So God has a plan--it's you that God sends to share with the world that God's love never ends. So be kind to others, your sister and brother, to show what God's like as we love one another. May your life be "good news" to all those that you meet--your family and neighbors and friends down the street." 

There are at least two ways to read the book. One way is to give the authors the full benefit of the doubt, to assume that they were not implying anything weird theologically or equating God's expression of love in Jesus Christ with our expression of love as we share tacos with everyone. The second way is to have doubt, to begin to question every statement to see how it lines up with Scripture. 

It is a very loose adaptation. You can't pair up stanzas with specific lines or phrases from Scripture. And the picture book goes above and beyond the words and their meanings. It expands the theology from Numbers 6:22-27. Part of me is like--show your work. Where in Scripture does it teach this, show that, which verses led you to make this statement as fact. Many of the statements--surface level at least--sound true, feel true. But just because something sounds nice, sounds true-ish doesn't necessarily make it theologically sound. 

The note to parents reads,

The Hebrew understanding of "blessing" is that it is a "divine filling." When the priests raised their hands and spoke these words, God's Spirit flowed through the priests on to the people. With this blessing, God's people were filled with power to live out who God called them to be in the world. The same is true today. God sends us out into the world so we can show everyone what God is like. We get to carry God's name with us wherever we go. Use this book as a resource to speak God's blessing over the children in your life. With this blessing, you will equip them with God's power to live out who God is calling them to be and what God is calling them to do as they go through their day.

The note just feels theologically iffy, off, strange. One of the authors is a certified Enneagram coach and facilitator. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible