17-18. Two picture books

17. We Are Home When We Are Together: Trusting God Through Life's Changes. Jean Stoffer and Grace Start. Illustrated by Megan Lindsey. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, Christian picture book, moving]

First sentence: "An exciting change is coming," says Mom,

"a change bigger than the weather.

And just in case you don't remember,

we are home when we're together.

"Families move from time to time

from one place to another.

They pack their things, head on their way,

and PLANT NEW ROOTS together.

"God is calling our family

to move to a different home.

"We chart our course.

We plan our steps,

but HE makes them His own."

If this wasn't a Christian book written by I'm assuming Christian authors and published by a Christian publishing house, then I probably wouldn't be as generous in giving it three stars. 

Not every picture book needs to rhyme. Join me in saying it again, not every picture book needs to rhyme. If you don't understand even a smidgen about rhythm, then it's best you don't write in rhyme. This book lacks rhythm. It painfully lacks rhythm. If it wasn't trying to rhyme, rhythm wouldn't even be an issue at all.

The forced rhyming--which is unnecessary--also keeps the conversation (the dialogue) from having any natural flow to it. Is it important for dialogue to sound natural???? I will say when dialogue sounds more natural, more true to life, more authentic then it is less distracting to the reader. It just feels right. 

The premise of this one is simple. A family is moving. The parents--mom does most of the talking, I think--want their children to know that moving can be a great thing, a wonderful thing, a God-thing. The message isn't a bad one. In fact, if it wasn't trying so hard to rhyme, forcing the rhyme into dialogue where it doesn't fit or belong, the message would be more impactful. I do like seeing families pray together in books. 

The three stars is not because I disagree with the Christian message. It is not because I dislike Christian books for children. It is not because I want to keep God out of picture books. None of those things are true. I just wish that the book didn't try so hard. Relax with the narrative. 

18. You Always Belong: Knowing God's Love and Finding Your Place. Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo. Illustrated by Sara Romero. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 4 stars]

First sentence: Look all around you--what do you see?

A world filled with wondrous things,

Like oceans and mountains and big hairy beasts

And colorful creatures with wings. 

And there at the center is little ol' you--

God's greatest creation by far.

Created to be part of his family,

Made to be loved just as you are.

If this one was a song instead of a picture book, the chorus would be, "You were made to be part of God's story, a beautiful note in his song. So let his light shine as you walk through the world, and remember....you always belong.

You Always Belong is another rhyming book. Is it made better by the rhyming? I wouldn't go so far as that. BUT it does manage to a fair, decent, respectable job with creating rhythm with the rhymes. 

This one has dozens of little insights that might be just what a child needs to hear in that moment. In some ways, it is "another" picture book about self-confidence, self-esteem, about building up one's sense of self. HOWEVER, I think this one differs in that while it does do that to a certain extent, God is never far away. God is not pushed completely to the side of self. The message is we are made IN GOD'S IMAGE. We are GOD'S CREATION. We are CHILDREN OF GOD. We were created to do God's work in this world--to be his HANDS and his FEET. We were meant to shine as a light in this world TO POINT OTHERS TO JESUS CHRIST. So while there are a few lines here and there that might be misunderstood as puffing up egos because you are the most awesome thing ever and God is in awe of you. I think taken as a whole, the message works for the most part. HUMANITY was made in the image of God. And every single person has VALUE and WORTH and should be treated with kindness, respect, love, compassion. 

One small insight that I loved was when a girl is being laughed at, and the rhyme goes, "Remember that God isn't laughing. He's there by your side day and night. So say a quick prayer...and trust in the Lord...that he will make everything right." 

That is just one of many insights in how to live the Christian life as a child. 

Readers should know this is a Christian book with a Christian message. It is written by a Duggar, yes, but shouldn't be bought for that reason. And the reverse is also true. Completely ignore who the author is and judge the book by what it is. 

© 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

8. How To Get A Mommy To Sleep

How To Get a Mommy To Sleep. Amy Parker. Illustrated by Natalia Moore. 2020. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Children's book, picture book]

First sentence: Getting Mom to take a rest

is hard to do--it's true!

She seems to want to stay up late

No matter what you do!

The key is starting early!

When you get out of bed,

Make sure you're right by Mommy's side

Before she lifts her head.

Premise/plot: This picture book has some role reversal going on. A young child is telling readers how to properly take care of Mom--all day and all night. 

My thoughts: This one was cute. There are clues throughout that give it a Christian twist. Like a banner/sign/decoration in their home that says, "Be still and know that I am God." The illustrations celebrate the ordinary home life--a blessing from the Lord for sure. In one illustration, for example, the mom is surrounded by her two kids and her CAT. The illustrations don't always match perfectly with the narrative. Sometimes they reveal the messiness of life instead of good intentions. Sometimes the illustrations hold all the humor. For example, the child is encouraging you, the reader, to help your mom at the store by keeping the list and checking things off. Meanwhile the illustrations reveal, him putting FIVE boxes of Dino O's in the cart. I'm going to guess this is a sugary cereal that they maybe don't need five boxes of! (Though I could be wrong and it could be dinosaur shaped pasta.) The book ends with a prayer.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

86. The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Candy Cane. Lori Walburg. Illustrated by James Bernardin. 1997. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One dreary evening in the depths of November a stranger rode into town. He stopped his horse in front of a lonely storefront. The windows were boarded shut and the door was locked fast. But the man looked at it, smiled, and said, "It will do."

Premise/plot: This is a picture book "origin" story for the popular Christmas treat, the candy cane. Children learn from a candy maker (candy shop owner) the spiritual significance and symbolism used in the candy cane.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I do love candy canes (though it is an extremely rare treat these days). I have heard most of these before though that might just be because I read this twenty-five years ago. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

31. I Belong

I Belong: Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 for Children. Joyce Holstege. Illustrated by Meagan Krosschell. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

What is thy only comfort in life and death?

That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, CRAZY LOVE the Heidelberg Catechism. And the first question is the ABSOLUTE BEST. But you may have noticed that it uses a lot of big words, big concepts, and is, well, perhaps not the most accessibly phrased. I still love, love, love it--as an adult. But wouldn't it be wonderful if this oh-so-amazing catechism question could be broken down in such a way as to be truly accessible to children....

Joyce Holstege's picture book does just that. Each two page spread breaks down a phrase of the first question and answer. It is not an either/or. Readers get the original phrasing + additional explanations and paraphrases. Each explanation reads like a devotional. I would, in fact, recommend treating the book as such. Going through the book slowly-but-surely with children. Reading it together. Perhaps taking turns reading aloud with older children. But this is definitely something that I think parents and children should do together. Just a spread--possibly two--each day. Perhaps even reviewing previous spreads you've read before to revisit the material.

It does do a gospel invitation-presentation. Or perhaps a 'theology 101' if you will. These are some legitimate, substantive questions. This book covers the basics of the faith. 

Link to the publisher's site Reformed Free Publishing Association.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

47. What Is God Like?

What Is God Like? Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner. Illustrated by Ying Hui Tan. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: YouTube reading of the picture book + Amazon preview]

First sentence: What is God like? That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world have wondered about since the beginning of time. And while nobody has seen all of God (because God is far too big for any of us to fully see), we can know what God is like.

I saw a friend mention this book on FaceBook with a link to a United Methodist pastor reading (all of it) aloud. At the time I wasn't planning on doing anything but listen. After all, I don't have a copy of the book in hand. I was not sent the book to review. No one is expecting me to cover the book. I could merrily go about my business. But. The book is unsettling. And one of the most unsettling things about it is that the reception is so positive. As of the writing of this "review", there are 379 ratings on GoodReads and 330 of them are 5 stars! (33 are 4 stars. 9 are 3 stars. 2 are 2 stars. Only 5 are 1 star.) There are so few negative reviews of this one. So few reviews that mention the warning and danger signs within. 

What is God like? That is THE question being asked and answered in this picture book. It's a solid question. No doubt about it. This question is FUNDAMENTAL to anyone who reckons themselves to be religious or spiritual. She argues that the question is universal, and it is. It is as universal as you can get. 

How you answer the question "What is God like?" matters. It does. It's a question worth wrestling with. It's a question you may spend hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades wrestling with. It doesn't matter how old or how young you are--at some point you may very well ask yourself WHAT IS GOD LIKE?

And it's because the question is so fundamental and foundational that the answer is so crucial and critical. 

Evans answer is Christ-less. Think about that. How can a Christian answer the question What is God like without mentioning the name Jesus Christ? 

I think the book is Christ-less because Evans never once uses the Bible either as source or support. I'll try to clarify the best I can. I'll back up a bit. Where can any human being find the answer to the question What is God like? Has God by chance revealed himself to humans in some way? Has God himself in fact spoken? The answer is yes and yes. We have the Word of God...and the Word of God. That is we have both the Holy Scriptures and Jesus Christ, himself the Word of God. We have big questions and we can go to a big book. We can seek and find...in Scripture...the answer to the question What is God like? We don't have to rely on instincts, gut feelings, emotions, or whimsy. In fact, we shouldn't rely on those! We cannot know God apart from God's self-revelation in His Word. Now without a doubt the heart is an idol-making factory. From the very beginnings we humans have been making, remaking, molding, shaping "god" into a "god" of our own liking and making. Each person can easily have an idol named MyGod. Think of it like a Build a Bear Workshop. We can pick and choose the attributes and characteristics we want, and discard anything we don't want. We can make the comfiest-coziest-snuggliest god that makes us feel awesome about ourselves. 

You might think. Okay, you're exaggerating. You're surely not suggesting that she is suggesting that the readers imagine God any way they like. I give you the end of her book...

What is God like? That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world throughout all time have answered in many different ways. Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning about God. But whenever you aren’t sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what you makes you feel loved. That’s what God is like.

Evans' book doesn't set about answering the question What is God Like? by using the Bible as her guide and reference. It is an ear-tickler of a read. So open-ended and non-specific and safe-for-everyone-no-matter-what that it couldn't possibly offend. Well, mostly. There are still some that hold to the Bible as the Word of God and Christ as THE way, THE truth, THE life. But this is a book for the masses that don't care if Christ is missing. Which begs the question...why is Christ missing and no one caring? Because people have lost sight of why Christ came. Christ is not needed as a Savior and so he's not worth mentioning in her book. 

I wouldn't go so far as to say that every sentence is completely and totally wrong. But I think that's a matter of a stopped clock--a clock that has stopped keeping time--being right at least twice a day. If you happen to look at it at just the right moment. Or perhaps the better comparison would be if you set about to paint a picture of an elephant, but you happened to leave off the big ears and the trunk. Sometimes enough is left out that what remains is lacking and insufficient. 

The book answers the question with poetic language, imagery, metaphors. Her narrative is spiritual-sounding, life-affirming, feel-good-on-the-ears. Evans is sharing HER God with readers without fact-checking if HER God is one and the same with the God revealed within the pages of the Word of God, the Bible. And she's asking her readers to do the same. The way she's answering the question leads me to believe the real question is either a) What is YOUR God like? OR b) Who do YOU think God is? 

She closes the book urging her readers to "Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning." But she doesn't once point them to the place where they can find REAL answers. Instead she points them inward. 

I'll close with some John Calvin, because why not?!

And let us not take it into our heads either to seek out God anywhere else than in his Sacred Word, or to think anything about him that is not prompted by his Word, or to speak anything that is not taken from that Word. (146)

The theologian's task is not to divert the ears with chatter, but to strengthen consciences by teaching things true, sure, and profitable. (164)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

31. Go and Do Likewise

Go and Do Likewise: The Parables and Wisdom of Jesus. John Hendrix. 2021. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jesus's sandals were always dusty. Jesus didn't call any one place home. But he was not alone. Alongside Jesus were his students, the twelve disciples.

In 2016, John Hendrix gave us Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus. I definitely enjoyed it. I wasn't expecting a follow up book, but was pleasantly surprised to see that he has a new book out called Go and Do Likewise: The Parable and Wisdom of Jesus. 

The 'wisdom' shared here mainly comes from the Sermon on the Mount. (I would say with a few bits perhaps from the gospel of John.) The parables come mainly (though not exclusively) from the gospel of Luke. Expect The Good Samaritan, the Lost Sheep, the Prodigal Son, etc. 

What is shared, in my opinion, for better or worse, focuses on ethics: how to be a good, decent, kind human being. 

Hendrix definitely puts his own spin on the stories. What do I mean by spin? Adding his own interpretation and commentary. This isn't all that unusual for bible story books. I think every author is 'guilty' of it to a certain degree or another. But adding details--opinions, observations, making conclusions--to the text that simply aren't in the original (in any translation) can be theologically tricky. I think he adds what he adds for storytelling purposes. He wants to tell an engaging story to a young audience. He's not out to quote the Bible verse by verse by verse. 

The story of the Good Samaritan can be found in Luke 10:30-37. 

The original verse: And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

That's it. That's all the Bible says about the priest in the parable. Hendrix, however, spins a different tale:

But a priest of God, the ones you see in the temple, was also traveling this lonely road. As he looked upon the dying man, the priest feared for his own life--or perhaps didn't want to get his fine clothes dirty--and passed by him on the other side of the road without stopping to help.

The original verse: Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

Again, Hendrix spins a tale with motives: A short time later, a Levite, a person who also worked in the temple, came along the road. He, too, saw the wounded man, and blaming the man for his own carelessness, left him in a puddle of dirt and blood. 

Hendrix definitely spins the Beatitudes as well. The Beatitudes can be read in Matthew 5:3-12.

Original: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Hendrix: Blessed are those who feel like an empty jar. God will fill that emptiness with abundance.

Original: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Hendrix: Blessed are those who cry, for the Lord sees every tear. Each one, He will wipe away.

Original: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Hendrix: Blessed are those full of mercy, for they, too, will be shown grace.

Original: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Hendrix: Blessed are those who work for peace. They understand what it means to be God's child.

He definitely doesn't include every single Beatitude. He leaves some off--not a criticism, just an observation. (He leaves off gentle, hunger and thirst, pure in heart, the persecuted). 

The narrative style is unique as are the visuals. The layout very much stresses the visual arts. The text is almost secondary in importance. This makes it slightly difficult to read in places. It also shifts it, in my opinion, to a slightly older audience. (As opposed to a beginning reader.)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

92. Welcome to the Journey

Welcome to the Journey. A Baptism gift. Bob Hartman. Illustrated by Raffaella Ligi. 2021. [March] Lion Hudson LTD. 40 pages. [guess on my part, but there are at least 36; since most picture books are either 32 or 40, I went with 40] [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Welcome to the journey. It began long before any of us were born. God made the universe, and everything in it: stars and starfish, planets and polar bears, moons and monkeys. 

Bob Hartman's new picture book celebrates baptism, welcoming children to the Christian faith and the church family. It presents a mini-gospel lesson or two, chiefly about creation, the fall of man, and the coming of a Savior, Jesus Christ. The book concludes by reminding little ones that they are now part of a community--the church. "Welcome to God’s church–that’s what we call the great, big, worldwide family of people who follow Jesus. We are here to help you on your journey, to encourage you, to teach you, to love you, and to support you. For we are all on this journey together. A journey that you joined today, at this time and in this place. But a journey that began before time and will carry on for ever! "

I liked this one. I did. For a short, sweet little book, it covers the basics. It isn't comprehensive enough to cover every little thing you'd want your child to know about the faith. But it's beautifully illustrated. Ideally, the book covers things you'd definitely definitely want your child to know before being baptized and not just on the day of.

I'm not sure if the book is targeting those that believe in infant baptism or believers baptism. Or perhaps both?

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

39. Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up

Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up. Betsy Childs Howard. Illustrated by Samara Hardy. 2020. [June] Crossway. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] [picture book; children]

First sentence: It happened during quiet rest time. Arlo noticed a scratch on the wall, just over his bed. The scratch looked like a mouth. Premise/plot: Arlo, the star of this Christian picture book, is tempted during rest time to do something naughty--really naughty: draw on the wall with MARKERS. He isn't just tempted; he gives into temptation--all the way. But once he sees what he's done--its permanence, its obviousness, well, Arlo feels DREAD and regret. What will his mom say? Is it really there forever and ever? Will it be a forever reminder of his disobedience? What sounded like a great, fun, super idea...has turned into something awful. My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I was a bit hesitant at first. Would this picture book be well written? Would it be preachy from cover to cover? Would the characters be relatable? Would it be super cheeseful? But I was well pleased. I thought Arlo and his situation were definitely relatable. As were his feelings. It didn't really turn preachy until the last page--and it was a good kind of preachy. (If that makes sense.) Overall, I definitely liked it and would recommend it.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: The Lost Son Comes Home

The Lost Son Comes Home. Illustrated by Tim Ladwig. 2019. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jesus told them this parable...There was a man who had two sons. Premise/plot: The Lost Son Comes Home is a picture book adaptation of one of Jesus’ most well known parables that of the Prodigal Son. This picture book uses the (actual) text of Scripture (in the New International Version, 2011) as found in Luke 15. It is illustrated by Tim Ladwig. My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. In bible story book collections, readers often find more text than illustration. One story might have one or two pages of illustrations. It was a wonderful treat to read this one. The story is familiar, yet with so many illustrations it felt new. This story is a great one to share with little ones. In my opinion, you are never too young or too old to learn from this parable, to have it speak to you of God’s grace, mercy, and love. It reminded me that one of my very first favorite songs was Benny Hester’s When God Ran. Text:5/5 Illustrations: 5/5 Total: 10/10

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Christmas Pageant for Jesus

Christmas Pageant for Jesus. Susan Jones. Illustrated by Lee Holland. 2019. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: As the bright sun rises, Little Chipmunk pops his head out of his tree. It’s a special day! I have not read Susan Jones’ other picture books. I know that there are two previous picture books about Christmas starring these same characters. A Birthday Party for Jesus and Everyone is Invited to Christmas. There is also an Easter-themed book titled An Easter Egg Hunt for Jesus. I couldn’t begin to explain why these religious books star animals instead of humans. I can only say that a large majority of picture books in general do so. Animals go to school, go to the doctor, have sleepovers, lose teeth, celebrate birthdays, go on vacation, etc. so perhaps it isn’t that much of a stretch that they need to hear the gospel and be reassured of God’s love, God’s grace. You can overthink things as an adult reader. I know I do. So. It’s the day of the pageant and Little Chipmunk forgets to bring the baby Jesus doll for the pageant. How could he forget? Everyone will hate him! The pageant is absolutely ruined! This is the worst thing ever. Can Little Chipmunk realize a few spiritual truths to calm him down? Truths like Jesus is always, always present with them. And God is a gracious God who loves us even when we make mistakes. I liked this one well enough.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: God Cares When I'm Afraid

God Cares When I'm Afraid. Stormie Omartian. 2020 [ February] Harvest House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Every little boy and girl can be afraid about something at some time. Being afraid means you have fear. Having fear can be a good thing…or a bad thing.

God Cares When I’m Afraid is a new children’s book by Stormie Omartian. She first points out that not all fear is bad or wrong. There is a healthy, normal, good fear. But sometimes fear isn’t good. We can be afraid of things we shouldn’t be worried about, things that may not even be real. No matter what our fear is, she stresses that God cares and that God is present. God can see you through each and every time you are afraid. God hears the prayers of little children no matter how little. He can comfort you and help you not be so afraid.

The book addresses fear in general but also talks specifics and situations.

When you feel afraid that something bad might happen, tell God.

One day you may see something that makes you afraid. And that scary thing can stay in your mind so that you remember it over and over. If that ever happens to you, turn away and don’t look at anything that scares you. Ask God to help you stop thinking about the scary thing you saw. Lord, I saw something that scared me. Please take that memory out of my mind so I won’t think about it and be afraid anymore. Help me to think about things that make me happy. Help me think about things that make You happy too.

Loud sounds can frighten you—especially if they happen suddenly, and you don’t know what they are. Sometimes even when you do know what the sound is, it can still scare you. For example, some children are afraid of loud thunder. If loud thunder frightens you, see if you can go to another room where it is not so loud. Tell God about any noise that is scaring you. Lord, please help me to not be afraid when I hear thunder. Help me to remember that thunder is good because it brings rain and gives us water.

The Bible says God’s love for us is so strong that it takes away our fear. Did you know that singing a song to God can also take away your fear? That’s because it is one of the ways we show love to God and say, “Thank You, God, forloving me.” It makes God happy to hear you sing a song to say you love Him.

I think this is a practical book. While it doesn’t cover each and every scenario possible that a child may fear, it does deal in principles teaching truths about God that can be applied to other situations. Plus it encourages prayers and praise!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Bible History ABC's

Bible History ABCs: God's Story from A to Z. Stephen J. Nichols. 2019. Crossway. 60 pages. [Source: Review copy]

A is for aardvarks, armadillos, an apple, and Adam.
Anchors aweigh. Let’s start our journey through the Bible from beginning to end, from A to Z.
In the beginning God made all things. He made alligators and asteroids, anteaters and antelopes, and also ants. Of all the creatures God made, he made only one in his image: Adam. God did not want Adam to be alone, so God made Eve. They lived in absolute Paradise and were to worship God alone. They ate avocados and all kinds of wonderful fruit. They were not allowed to eat one forbidden fruit.

Bible History ABCs tells the big picture of the whole Bible--a chronological narrative. The framework is the ABCs. This seems like it would be a super-daunting task. Not summarizing the Bible, not summarizing the gospel, not summarizing doctrines systematically in genearl--but doing so in the order of A to Z! One might argue that one doesn't exactly *need* it to be ordered A to Z. And you'd be right. You don't *need* it. But what a fun way to challenge yourself. I'm almost tempted to try it myself.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat

Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat. Andrew Wilson. Illustrated by Helena P. Garcia. 2019. Crossway. 36 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Sophie is crying. Her sister Michaela has broken her dollhouse, and nobody cares. To make matters worse, she’s pushed over her sister, then yelled at her parents, and stormed up the stairs.

Premise/plot: This is a picture book that will appeal to Reformed or Calvinist families; the picture book is oh-so-loosely inspired by the Heidelberg Catechism. It stars a naughty girl, Sophie, who follows a strange cat (named Grace, I believe) up on the roof to talk theology. And it’s all done in rhyme. The theme of this one is that we are all born with a sin nature and stand in need of a savior. Salvation is not earned or achieved but purely of grace. God graciously saves his elect.

My thoughts: I love, love, love the Heidelberg Catechism. I do. I am without a doubt Reformed in my theology. But. If parents really, truly want to teach theology to their children there has to be a better way then this—mediocre rhyme and a flimsy story. Why a talking cat? Why a rooftop? Why introduce fantasy elements into what could be a realistic story? Why not just directly talk to children about the gospel?

A few years ago an updated children’s Catechism inspired by the Heidelberg Catechism was released—also a few albums with songs to aid in memorizing the questions and answers. That approach actually makes sense.

Few writers can write in rhyme and actually get the concept of rhythm. Many try, no doubt about it. They give it their all and do manage to get published. But rhyming texts are so tricky to get right and easy to get wrong. Few achieve a natural, realistic, genuine, believable voice. That credibility is much more important if you want to engage with readers heart to heart.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: And There Was Evening, And There Was Morning

And There Was Evening, And There Was Morning. Ellen Kahan Zager. Illustrated by Harriet Cohen Helfand. 2018. 24 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:

Day One
The world began when God said "light,"
And changed the world from dark to bright.
Dark in the night and light in the day,
Our beautiful world was underway.

Premise/plot: Ellen Kahan Zager uses verse to retell the Creation story. The illustrations are built with Hebrew letters--the letters form the shapes of the words they are signifying. For example, the Hebrew word for water is used--many, many times--to create the waves in the illustration. Another example, the Hebrew word for pomegranate is used--again multiple times--to create the fruit in the illustration.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. At first I was unimpressed with the illustrations. Until I began looking closer--much, much closer. I'm not sure a young child would appreciate all the work that went into the illustrations. But adult readers definitely should. The verse was well done. Overall I really liked this one.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Thank You, Omu!

Thank You, Omu! Oge Mora. 2018. Little, Brown and Company. 34 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the corner of First Street and Long Street, on the very top floor, Omu was cooking a thick red stew in a big fat pot for a nice evening meal. She seasoned and stirred it and took a small taste.

Premise/plot: Omu is making a thick, red stew. It smells AMAZING. The smell is so amazing that it brings people--one at a time--to her home. Omu begins to share her meal. Will she have enough for herself?

My thoughts: I really loved this one. Omu is such a sweet, generous soul. And as she opens her home and her heart to others, they are blessed indeed. This one has the best possible ending all things considered: though she may run out of her amazing stew, the community returns with their own gifts to thank her.

Thank You, Omu! is a Caldecott Honor book for 2019.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: What Is Given From the Heart

What Is Given From the Heart. Patricia C. McKissack. Illustrated by April Harrison. 2019 [January]. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a rough few months for Mama and me. We were already poor, but we got poorer last April, when Daddy went to sleep on the front porch and never woke up. Mama cried and cried, 'cause Daddy didn't have a suit to be buried in.

Premise/plot: The Temple family has lost everything in a fire. The church community is coming together and asking everyone to give something, to give from the heart. James Otis is stumped, especially at first. What can he give of value? He doesn't have anything of value. But he's determined. He must find something to give. His Mama is sacrificing her best tablecloth to make an apron. Maybe James Otis can find something to sacrifice too? One thing he knows...the best gifts come from the heart.

My thoughts: I loved this one. It was SO good. I loved, loved, loved James Otis and his Mama. I did. I thought the solution was wonderful and sweet. I loved Sarah Temple's reaction to his gift. This book was just satisfying through and through.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Jesus Loves Me

Jesus Loves Me (Bible bb's) Scholastic. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong.

Premise/plot: This picture book for young readers is an adaptation of the Christian hymn, "Jesus Loves Me." It does not include all of the verses. It includes the first verse--which most people learned by heart at an early age--and the third verse. It does not include the second or fourth verses. It includes the refrain twice.

The book is part of a new book series from the "Bible bb's" brand. I reviewed the first book in the series, "Away in a Manger" a few days ago.

The illustrations select a few scenes from Jesus' life to highlight including the calling of the disciples, the feeding of the five thousand, the last supper, the burial, the women discovering an empty tomb, etc.

My thoughts: I'll be completely honest. I miss the second and fourth verses of this one. I wish they'd been included too.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, "Let them come to Me."

and

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

For better or worse, Jesus is NOT depicted on the cross or in the garden of Gethsemane. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, since I tend to find the illustrations disrespectful and silly it could be a blessing. The Jesus depicted in these illustrations is ridiculously cutesy-cutesy. As in I'm surprised the illustrator restrained himself/herself from adding unicorns into the mix. On the other hand, his death is--without a doubt--absolutely central to the Christian faith. I would have to look over other children's bible story books that I've had to see how the cross is handled. Perhaps this is standard treatment.

The illustrations are obviously supposed to appeal to a young audience.



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger. Scholastic. 2018. Little Scholastic. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

Premise/plot: This is a picture book adaptation of the Christmas carol, "Away in a Manger." The picture book features the first two verses of the traditional carol. It does not feature the third verse or stanza. (Though I think the third stanza was added later to the song and was not part of the original song.) The illustrations are part of the "Bible bb's" brand. Perhaps the cutesy illustrations will appeal to a certain audience.

My thoughts: Apparently "Bible bb's" is a brand. The brand boasts, "Bible bb's are the cutest most lovable Bible heroes that enable faith based families to bring the stories of the Bible to life and spread the Good News."

It isn't surprising that the website is all about selling the brand, selling products. They feature collectible figures, plush toys, and two books--so far. The collectible figures include: baby Jesus, adult Jesus, a burning bush, Peter, Goliath, Mary, Moses, Noah, Paul, and young David. The plush figures include: David, Goliath, Mary, Noah, and Paul. The other book is "Jesus Loves Me."

Do Christian children need "Christian" toys to play with? Is there any value in having a collectible figure of your Lord and Savior?

It would make sense to have play figures for the Nativity story. Mary. Joseph. Baby Jesus. Shepherds. Sheep. Wise men. Camels. Angels. Donkey. (Other animals, etc.) Children can "act out" the nativity story as they prepare to celebrate the Savior's birth. Not that having a nativity in your home--child friendly or not--is a necessity. It isn't. But these toys don't really seem to be filling that need.

We have Mary and baby Jesus. (Why no Joseph?????)

We have Noah--all on his own.

We have adult Jesus and the apostles Peter and Paul. (The disciple Peter is holding a key). (Paul is holding a book--not a scroll, but a book.)

We have David and Goliath.

We have Moses and the burning bush.

The book itself is nice enough, pleasant. I'm just not convinced that the toys are a good--or necessary--thing.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible