Harvest House Partner Book Review; An Unexpected Hero

Called and Courageous Girls Book Series, new book releasing May

A Bible Story about Rahab, An Unexpected Hero by Rachel Spier Weaver&  Anna Haggard
Illustrated by Eric Elwell

Especially with Children's books- we often judge a book by the cover-- so here is the front and the back.   This hardbound book, has glossy story pages, that are a thick quality,and will be durable for young children's hands. 

Here's a video intro to give you a feel for the artist's style and tone.

Things I liked about the book:

• Before the story began, the scripture references were shared that mention Rahab.  And it explains that Rahab is a heroine of the Old Testament, and this is the author imagining how the events of the biblical narrative occurred.  
• Illustration seem realistic and narrate a different time and culture for our current generation who may not be able to imagine a world without technology! The illustrations also help bring the story to life.  
• Way Rahab's career is explained--"Rahab began spending time with people who didn't really love her and who treated her poorly. She made a lot of bad choices."  Child sensitive but honest. 
• Rahab's wonders that reveal her thinking-- Could the God of the Israelites love me too?, Would God listen to Rahab? 
• The way the dialogue and story is told with Rahab having many choices, and processing how her choice could impact her.  As well as the Israelites' God's role in her life.  
• The story concludes with Rahab discovering that God loved her too, and that she became a part of the greatest Story on Earth- connected to Jesus.  
• Reflection Questions at the end. Great higher level thinking questions to help children comprehend and apply the knowledge of God in their lives.  
• Author/Illustrator note at the end of the book- how we celebrate Rahab's courage.  
• Well written and true to the Biblical narrative, yet embellished to bring it to life.  

Wonders:

• illustrations are layered and have a 3D element- I like them, but sometimes the faces might be creepy to children, and other pages they are clear and full of emotions. 
• How the illustrator created them- with digital and traditional mediums.  I wish it told us more about it.  
• This is my first called and courageous girls book- are the others this good? and well done? I think I may need to find out!
• Could some of the verses be quoted about Rahab in the text to connect it better? 

I'll leave you with some sample page spreads from the book.