The Goodbook Partner Review: Do Great Things for God Gladys Aylward

What I like about the book: 

• Another new woman from history with such an interesting life.  Now I want to go on and read more about her story since my curiosity has been peaked.  
• Gladys decided at a young age, she wanted to be a missionary in China, and she stayed fixed on that goal, despite a struggle to get there.  She is a great example of resilience, overcoming several obstacles that got in the way of her goal.  This is a socially emotional-appropriate concept for this generation.  This would be a great educational connection.  
• I love that we know she was a little woman, many girls need to know that size doesn't matter, you can still impact the world in your own way.  
• The adventure that Gladys went through to even get to China, sounds completely unreal.  But yet it is true.  I love that this book will spur discussions about how you can get on a train to China, and it ends in Siberia.  So much can be done to extend the learning about what Gladys's experience could have been like.  
• Gladys Aylward's story will bring discussions of binding a girl's feet, orphans in a way moving to safety, why Gladys couldn't go back to China, how she ended up in Japan, and it's overshadowed with the constant in her life, reading exciting bible stories wherever she went.  

What I wonder about the book:

• Will these short books for littles, spur a series with more details for older readers or even adults?  
• How does the author chose these woman?  

 Thankful to partner with the Goodbook company and read an early copy to review. 

Good Book Partner Review: Do Great Things for God Betty Greene by Laura Caputo-Wickham Illustrated by Heloise Mab

 

What I like about the book:

This biography is of a person whose desire was to become a pilot like her brother.  

• Is shares her story, flying as a woman in World War 2, helping train pilots, and then becoming the first MAF (Missionary) pilot.  
• The illustrations are well done with facial expressions that enhance the biography, engage the reader, and bring it to life.  
• I like that this explanation of her life shares that she was brave, calm in stress, and relied on God.  
• I liked meeting a new historical figure who lived as the exception for a woman in her lifetime. 
• I like the integration in an authentic way of her trust in God, as well as the recognition she got to combine her favorite things flying and love of God.  
• I liked the connection that I got after reading Corrie ten Boom, Betsey Stockton,  now Betty Greene and knowing that this is a series of stories of women for young children seeing how women have served God in unique ways.  

What I wonder about the book: 

• The author English spelling for practice which is practise, so my only concern is that a teacher or parent notices the change and comments that it is still spelled correctly, to our American children.  

Partner Review: Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon by Mark Wainwright Abeka publisher

 

This book was sent to me by the author directly.  It's such fun to read a book by someone you know.  The book is geared toward middle-grade readers, and it's a suspenseful novel.  

What I liked about the book:

• Such details, about the characters, hot air balloon facts, and amazing descriptive language.  
• Reading the story, made me feel as if I was experiencing being trapped in the balloon flying adrift and lost over the earth.  It's believable. 
• The characters came to life (and there are moments where you do not like their selfishness and attitude, but it was very relatable and true to their ages/development.)  
• One of the reasons the characters came alive was the author did such a good job sharing their metacognition- or the thinking going on in their heads- which made them likable and awful depending on the moment, but this also brought their spiritual lives out and helped the reader process how the Lord Our God is with those who believe in any situation.  Jenny's thinking about scripture and God was authentic and realistic.  
• The back story is integrated across the timeline of the two lost children floating out away from

What I wonder about the book: 

• could you really float as high up as the kids did and survive?  I haven't researched it for myself.  
• will this become a series of books?  You get to know the characters well and it would be interesting to find them again.  

Teaching Connections:

• Research on the atmosphere, oxygen level, temperature, etc. as well as research as to what speed the balloon must have flown and what level of wind you would need to travel up and across the way the kids did.  Has this type of accident happened? if so when, where? So many possibilities and so many research or science experiment-type questions to pursue. 
• This book would be an excellent writing model for style and using descriptive language in your writing.  

Thankful to read a copy of this book and review it, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

New Growth Press Partner Review: Jesus is Bigger than Me (A beginner's Gospel Storybook) by Jared Kennedy Illustrated by Trish Mahoney

 

This book by Jared Kennedy is actually a collection of stories that are in his full bible story book called: The Gospel Story Bible.  

I love the bible story book and have used it for our preschool Sunday School program.  this is an 8.75 by 8.75 inch board book.  So it is the same size as the full storybook bible, but a board book.  It is 26 pages, and just under half a pound.  

Jesua is bigger than me contains these stories: 

• Jesus Goes to a Party from John 2:1-12, 
• Jesus Calms the Sea from Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:36-41, Luke 8: 22-25, 
• Jesus Heals the Blind Man from Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Isaiah 29:18, 
• Jesus Wakes Lazurus from Death from John 11:1-44

thankful to partner with New Growth Press and read a pdf of the book. 

What I love about this book:

• designed for preschool ages, but would also be enjoyed by independent readers I think.  
• the illustrations, simple, realistic, but child friendly.  
• simple print, of different sizes and colors.  
• good size book for reading to a group.  
• Statements of truth- mostly about God- each story has ONE! 
• Party: Jesus is good and powerful!
• Storm: Jesus is truly God!
• Blind Man:Jesus can heal sick people!
• Lazurus:Jesus can bring dead people back to life!
• Every story ends with a question that applies to the child: 
• Party: Why do we celebrate and throw parties? 
• Storm: Who do you call when you are afraid? 
• Blind Man: What do you do when you are sick? 
• Lazurus:Are you afraid of death? people fear death, but we don't need to because Jesus is stronger than death!  
• Every story has a learning concept that is age appropriate to also discuss as you read! 
• Party: Empty/Full, count the jars
• Storm: a storm 
• Blind Man- blind and needing help
• Lazurus: waiting
• Great teaching- theologically appropriate and understandable- but real truth for kids who need it about our Savior and Rescuer- Jesus!!

What I wonder about this book? 

• Will people purchase these separate books over the full 52 story book?  The big difference is the board book pages and the weight, the storybook is 2.65 pounds, and the board book is .45 pounds and has thick pages.  
• When will Jared Kennedy expand his very well done children's gospel stories/events? 

Educational Connections: 

Jesus turns water into wine (Lesson 32 in BGSB) 

32. Jesus Goes to a Party	Jesus is good and powerful	Why do we celebrate and throw parties?	We celebrate Jesus
John 2:1-12

Concepts: Miracle -a surprise- that only God can do.  It shows His power. 

Celebrate:  party- recognize an accomplishment- a birthday, wedding, Christmas, Easter,

Option:  Hang streamers in class so that when the children return from singing- they ask are we having a party?  Maybe have music playing on the cd player or your phone- to set the mood.  

Links: 

• Coloring Pages
• Craft at ministry to children
  
• True-Way Kids even in several different languages!
• Resources Well- The Worship, The Word, The Way 

Jesus Calms the Storm

34. Jesus Calms the Sea	Jesus is truly God	Who do you call when you are afraid?
Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:36-41, Luke 8:22-25

Visual Storytelling with props—either a pretend boat, blue sheets as water, streamers, toy boat, etc.

Coloring or Craft Option:  Coloring the storm picture OR make a popsicle stick boat/wave  Ideas in Pouch/Bag

 Links:

• For active reading aloud: FaithSprouts
• Teach us the Bible Ideas
• Trueway Kids 

Jesus Heals the Blind Man

36. Jesus Heals the Blind Man	Jesus can heal sick people	what do you do when you are sick
Mark 10:46-52

Blindfold the kids so that they can experience blindness.  Or use sunglasses with duct tape to experience blindness and color their coloring page.  

Links:

• Trueway kids
• Sunday School Zone

Jesus Raises Lazuras from the dead

39. Jesus Wakes Lazarus from Death	Jesus can bring dead people back to life!	Are you afraid of death?	Jesus is stronger than death
John 11:1-44

Concepts: Jesus is powerful, Death- Jesus has power over death—Jesus is God.

Act out the story.  

Links: 

• Truewaykids
  
• https://www.resourcewell.org/children-ministry

Goodbook Partner Review: Pre-Order Any time, Any place, Any Prayer by Laura Wifler and Catalina Echeverri

The Goodbook company remains at the top of my list for finding high-quality, biblically sound, and relevant children's books.  As a reviewer, the company is kind enough to send me a copy of the books I choose to review at no cost.  But yet, I still have an account on their website, and still, end up purchasing their books.  Sometimes by the case, as gifts for those in my life and community.  

This review is for a book that will be published in September, and I've already pre-ordered a copy so that I had access to the special gifts for pre-ordering it, and because I know I can trust that it will be excellent.  Then I realized I was sent the pdf version of the book to start promoting it before my copy will even arrive.  

This book is part of the Tales that Tell the Truth series.  This book is designed for ages 3-6.  

Here are sample pages from the book.  

What I like about the book:

• the illustrations are unique, almost childlike drawings,  appealing, and expressive.  
• Sin- is not only identified "they chose not to trust and obey him, and this is called sin." 
• Separation from God because of sin is explained simply and appropriately. 
• Prayer is clearly defined, explained, and brought in with practical strategies, and feelings. 
• Who God is- one who wants to communicate with people- is a clearly presented message. 
• Biblical examples are pictured and captioned, plus the references to their events in history are listed with the image. 
• The book teaches the concept of the hypostatic union clearly (without the official term) the book presents and repeats that Jesus is both God and man.  
• The book presents the gospel message clearly: God created man, man sinned, that separated him from God, God made a way because He loves us so, he sent his Son, Jesus, to live a sinless perfect life as God and Man, died on the cross for to pay for our sins, and was raised from the dead, and when Jesus went to be with God, He gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us.  
• The book has small humorous quips that will make the kids giggle.  
• It references known people of prayer as well as biblical connections. 
• It reinforces, teaches clearly, and emphasizes how and what to pray to God, as well as the anytime, anyplace concept.  I won't spoil too much of the book, but I love it.  

What I wonder about the book:

• It is 32 pages, it covers so much doctrine and so many concepts beyond prayer.  Will it be too much for the littles it is intended for? or because of the humor, the simplicity, the illustrations, will it just be a read again, read again, again book for the littles, and they will grasp it all with repetition.  

Educational Connections:

• all the biblical references who modeled prayer. 
• the Lord's prayer. 
• Historical prayer warriors to explore. 
• think of all the fun you can have writing your own examples with the kids of any time, any place, any where stories and examples.  
• Jesus is God and Man. Hypostatic Union (this would make the book go with even older students). 
• The Gospel message.  

Thankful to partner with the goodbook company and encourage you to pre-order the book, get the bonuses, and look forward to its September arrival.  I am not an affiliate and do not make any money from the goodbook company- I just love their books and find them so helpful in my home and ministry.  

Goodbook Partner Review: God's Very Colorful Creation

 The Very Best Bible Story Series

Written by Tim Thornborough and Illustrated by Jennifer Davison

Every book in the series includes on the first page: "in this true story from the Bible."  This is a connection I made last year and I have started to try to change my vocabulary when sharing a lesson from the bible I try to say, today I have a biblical event to share with you.  And I've been trying to eliminate story from my teaching the Bible language.  It is easier for me to remember to tell children that each lesson from the Bible is true.  

What I like about the book:  

• The book opens with a discussion of how many colors are in the rainbow, and ask the reader to point out different colors on the page. 
• The illustrator uses bold colors, expressive people, and beautiful blending of colors, images, that are warm and friendly.  
• The author's use of descriptive language and alliteration. (He also introduces a lot of fun color words-puce, scarlet, papaya, cold gray light...) 
• This author has a gift for adding in a repeated phrase that reflects God- in this book it is "This is good," said God "It is so, so good."  
• The value God has in His creation- man in His image that are "beautiful and fabulous variety."
• Joy in creation!  

What I wonder: 

• When God made people, the image and text talk about ALL the diverse people He made, and I wonder how this page and the biblical text will be taught to the littles who hear the true story, will they be confused at all the people when Genesis 1 refers only to man and woman- Adam and Eve being made. 

Educational Connections:

• Colors- art, blending, primary, secondary, the color wheel
• Descriptive language
• Alliteration 
• Types of stars- giants, dwarf
• Counting as the days are clearly labeled
• Value in diversity- God made men and women with "beautiful and fabulous variety."  

Thankful to partner with the goodbook company and review this book. 

Goodbook Partner Review: Esther and the Very Brave Plan

 

The Very Best Bible Story Series

Written by Tim Thornborough and Illustrated by Jennifer Davison

Every book in the series includes on the first page: "in this true story from the Bible."  These books are geared for ages 2-6.  I love that the book starts by reminding us that this is a true event in history and mentioned in the Bible.  

What I like about the book:

• Hardback, colorful book with thick, semigloss pages, the illustrations show emotions and bring the event to life. 
• The font is fun, nice size print, and easy to read.  
• These books have fun openings, they bring meaning to the listener/reader.  Esther is about a plan- a horrible plan, but it's also about GOD's secret plan to rescue His people.  
• It's about God's plan, and the reader/listener's job is to 'spot how God is secretly at work to make his plan work, and the other plans fail.  
• More and more, I recognize the importance of seeing who God is through the lens of the Bible and I appreciate a children's book that introduces this important truth!  
• Author's word choice- dramatic kid words- horrible, wicked, special, secret plan, hated, danger, ...
• Repeating the theme of God working, working, working
• The truth taught:  God's plans always come true... God is always working, working, working

Things I wonder about the book:

• This book not only doesn't capitalize pronouns like his/him when referring to God, it does capital Word when it means the Word of the Lord which is inconsistent to me.  
• I wonder why we share a "true story from the Bible" and don't share the reference to read it in a physical or e-book Bible and check out the facts as an adult?  

Educational Connections:

• Plans- build on the theme of making plans, expand to 'secret plans.'  
• teach making lists to remember the plans
• discuss when it would be okay to make a 'secret plan.' for a celebration, to honor someone, for fun, but also discuss that secret plans from your parent could be problematic.
• Talk about who God is and how His plan always works for the good of those who love Him.  
• Pretend with a crown to be king and queen. Act out the courage Esther needed to approach the King uninvited.  

Thankful to partner with the Goodbook company and share another excellent resource for whispering the Word.