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BECAUSE GOD LOVES ME

Name: BECAUSE GOD LOVES ME
Author: Juliet Groom
ISBN: 978-1-58925-237-0

by Juliet Groom ; illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2016

A sweet, colorful start for a Christian spiritual journey.

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A cheery child gives thanks to God.

“When I see a rainbow / High up in the sky / I say a little prayer of thanks, / And here’s the reason why: // Because God loves me!” This board book’s focus is the comforting notion that God loves all his children, and no matter what, he will always look out for them. The text follows an ABCB rhyme scheme, breaking after every stanza to repeat the phrase “Because God loves me!” The small, light-skinned child has spiky brown hair and wears a dress; both the child and a chubby accompanying dog are appealingly illustrated with a bright, simple color palette and scratchy lines that appear to have been made with colored pencil. God is the only name given for the deity, implying a primarily Christian audience. The book’s message is clear, and its construction is sturdy, suiting this well to parents who are beginning to have conversations with their little readers regarding their beliefs.

A sweet, colorful start for a Christian spiritual journey. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-58925-237-0

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Tiger Tales

Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
ALWAYS IN MY HEART
by Juliet Groom ; illustrated by Róisín Hahessy

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THANK YOU, TREES!

by Gail Langer Karwoski ; Marilyn E. Gootman ; illustrated by Kristen Balouch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2013

While commemorating only a minor holiday, this book is a gentle introduction for the youngest observers.

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An ode to trees and fruit in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, a Jewish holiday. Often occurring in the latter part of January or early February, Tu B’Shevat is also called “New Year of the Trees.”

The five double-page spreads show friends and family members planting trees, picking and eating tree fruit, and taking care of the planet as the holiday is observed in modern Israel and other parts of the world. The rhymed verse scans with a pleasing rhythm: “On Tu B’Shevat / we plant a tree. / Baskets of fruit / For you and me. // Orange, grapefruit / Peach or plum, / Lemon, mango, / Apple—yum!” The collagelike graphics in muted jewel tones are overlaid on wood grain (likely digitally simulated) with a blue or green wash. While some of the body postures and facial expressions are a bit stiff, it is refreshing to see a diverse group of children and adults engaged in the festivities. There are playful bits of humor in the art, evident in one scene in which a young boy pops out of a hole where a tree is about to be planted.

While commemorating only a minor holiday, this book is a gentle introduction for the youngest observers. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-58013-973-1

Page Count: 12

Publisher: Kar-Ben

Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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KAYLA AND KUGEL

From the Kayla and Kugel series

by Ann D. Koffsky ; illustrated by Ann D. Koffsky ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 3, 2015

This upbeat explication should prove both entertaining and instructive.

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Kayla sets the table for Shabbat while she manages to avert numerous mishaps caused by her overeager assistant, the mischievous puppy Kugel.

Kayla patiently allows Kugel to “help” by pulling on the tablecloth, grabbing the Kiddush cup, and balancing the salt shaker on his nose while she succinctly narrates all the steps to setting a proper Shabbat table. The easy interplay of pictures and text allows children to read the illustrations for some of the unsaid details that telegraph Kugel’s next possible calamity. They will be amused by the proximity of disaster for each of his little upsets, such as dirtying the table with his paw prints or trying to eat the flowers. When finished, Kugel’s sadness helps Kayla realize that they are not ready for a “Shabbat Shalom” until the whole family gathers around the table. Cheerfully amusing, brightly colored illustrations depict the rambunctiousness of an adorable and endearing young puppy. Beyond the plot, the larger message of the importance of family to the weekly celebration is effectively presented to the toddler set.

This upbeat explication should prove both entertaining and instructive. (Picture book/religion. 2-4)