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.