As a well-paced explanation of Jesus’ birth, it succeeds; the rest is superfluous.
Daily activities, prayers, and Bible verses count the 25 days to Christmas and tell the story of the Nativity.
As outlined in the opening address to caregivers, this lengthy and hefty board book is intended to help young children cope with the wait for Christmas Day and understand the story of Jesus’ birth. Each day of December has its own two-page layout that includes a brief piece of the story of Christmas, an interactive activity, a prayer, and a Bible verse. Simon does a nice job of telling a complicated story in small parts over several days, making it digestible for young readers. Some of the prayers include a fill-in-the-blank portion, a nice way to engage readers in the process of composition. Some of the activities are accessible using materials found around the house, such as making a paper-link chain, while others—making handprint wrapping paper, tying jingle bells on shoes—are less so. Hartley’s illustrations feature modern people in Western attire and occasional Biblical costume, representing a range of ages and races. The cartoon style is cutesy but forgettable. Most critically, the board-book format doesn’t fit the busy content, requiring readers beyond the need for an indestructible book.
As a well-paced explanation of Jesus’ birth, it succeeds; the rest is superfluous. (Board book. 4-6)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5064-4854-1
Page Count: 52
Publisher: Beaming Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2019
A positive look at feelings—the gifts they contain and how they help us grow.
This biblically grounded picture book reassures young readers that all types of feelings are natural and a part of God’s design for humankind.
Each rhyming quatrain of the text explores a different emotion that human beings experience. Accessible, child-friendly language is used to describe the physiological responses and subjective mental processes that accompany each feeling, and God’s awareness of and acceptance of our affective inner states are repeatedly emphasized. Going beyond the core emotions of happiness, sorrow, fear, and anger, Flinn also addresses excitement, anxiety, peace, shyness, and weariness. A different verse from the book of Psalms appears on each double-page spread, illuminating scriptural principles for understanding and managing the emotional dimension of our beings. The paradoxical idea that “God made us different and the same” is offered to express both the universality and individuality of emotional experiences. Kim’s simple, heartfelt digital illustrations depict children of different races experiencing various emotional situations such as a disagreement on the soccer field, a fall from a bike, a quiet moment in a flower garden, and more. The book succeeds as an age-appropriate tool for building the emotional intelligence children need as they enter school, Sunday school, and other social settings. The overarching message that God loves us no matter how we feel is comforting.
A positive look at feelings—the gifts they contain and how they help us grow. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Feb. 8, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5064-6852-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Beaming Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Beneficial and pleasant, if uninspired.
An ode to fathers of all sorts.
“Every daddy is different!” So goes the refrain found sporadically before page turns throughout this book. It's also the central message, one that's captured in the illustrations, which feature fathers who range in terms of race, appearance, age, and ability. The brightly colored and modern artwork is pleasing, if somewhat pedestrian. The text includes challenging terms, such as multisyllabic or concept words, as well as less common words and phrases (whistling, dense, and protective gear). Commendably, the book reinforces the reality that fathers and father figures aren't always a biological relation and may not be a primary caregiver: "Some daddies are yours from the time you are born. Others are favorite grownups, chosen for a special day...or all your life. Some pick you. Some you pick. Others share you with another daddy." The point is well expressed and illustrated, but for all the book does well, text and art lack vivacity, and it’s unlikely that children will be clamoring for this one. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Beneficial and pleasant, if uninspired. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 17, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5064-6056-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Beaming Books
Review Posted Online: March 29, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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