Since I got to rediscover Net Galley, I read some books that I don’t usually get through e-mail. It’s evident in this post that you can read my reviews of other books outside of what I usually dive into. I hope you find this review as a guide on what books you will get for your kids.
A Little More Like Jesus (Zach Williams and Lisa Molloy, Zonderkidz) – This book explores the fruit of the Spirit in a fun and cool way. Hop on board the bus and let the Grammy award winning artist Zach Williams take you for a ride to places (representing the fruit of the Spirit) and guide you to become a little more like Jesus. I love the concept of the artist being in his book and taking kids for a road trip. The art is superb and really blends with all the coolness of this book.
While the book is creative on how it represents the theme of the fruits of the Spirit, it’s found wanting in terms of what it is in the Bible. Sure, the bus ride and the artist get involved in the story are lit but it takes away the thunder of what they’re trying to connect with the kids. They should have just stick on the fruit.
I don’t know if this is a stand alone or a series thing but Williams didn’t give much attention to how each of the fruit differs from each other. It is as if all can be mash into just one fruit. As the book jumps (or ride) to another fruit, it feels redundant to read the same description from the previous one. It wouldn’t really help our little ones to get to know each of the fruits of the Spirit if Williams would have gone deep for this.
My verdict:
2.5 out of 5
Penny Preaches (Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon, Jennifer Davidson, IVP Kids)- The word preaches is already a give away for us on what this book is all about. It’s about a little girl who dreams of preaching. However, the church they attend only has male preachers and his friends think preaching is for those kinds of grown ups. Then her family went to another church and to Penny’s surprise, the preacher is a woman, which encouraged her to be like one. I like the flow of the story and the build up all the way to the end. The art is very good and colorful truly eye-catching for kids.
Obviously, you know I would disagree to the message that this book is sending. There is no biblical warrant for female preachers. I don’t expect a short book and kids as the audience would try to further explain a good case for woman pastors. This book is not the place for debate on that matter. Then again the story shouldn’t end with an appeal to emotion either. A little sprinkle of defense (if there is one) to the message wouldn’t hurt.
My verdict:
2.5 of 5
Do Great Things For God: Susannah Spurgeon (Mary K. Mohler, Cecilia Messina, The Good Book Company) – This is a fresh installment of a great series. Now the spotlight is on the wife of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, Susannah or Suzie. Charles Spurgeon may be a towering figure in Christianity but he is not alone in his mission to bring people to Christ. Overshadowed, Susannah was there and that’s what this book is all about.
We all know that this is geared for kids but how this book was written it feels like for adults. If it’s not for the format, this would have been a short book for grown ups and a good reference book, LOL. So far this is the most serious book in the series. Probably because of the mention of sickness and death. This sets the vibe that even the illustrations wouldn’t make it light or kid friendly. The artwork is good and
Of course, kids would love (like I do) the part where Suzie helped Charles with a book fund ministry while she was sick. For me that got me. Overall the book showed how Suzie made an impact on her husband’s ministry which sometimes puts her out of the spotlight.
My verdict:
4.5 of 5
Zion Learns To See (Terence Lester and Zion Lester, Subi Bosa, IVP Kids) – This is a good book to help kids jump into ministry especially those we do in the community. I love daddy-daughter tandem which really hits home. This tandem brings the heart all throughout the story. It easily helps us see two perspectives of homelessness. The flow of the conversation is lit and tugs your heart (like Zion) to engage others to do the same and reach out to these folks.
The only let down here is that Zion Learns To See doesn’t center its message that all people matter to God because we are image bearers and the need of the gospel. Sure, the daddy here tells that homeless people matter to God but didn’t provide the why they matter. The gospel is the crucial ingredient more than our sincerity in loving our neighbors.
My verdict:
2.5 of 5
(Did you enjoy what you read? Did this article help you? If yes, you can say “Thank you” by sharing 10 Pesos or more at my G-Cash or Paymaya account: Marianito Gonzales – 09163315535. For international friends, you can send it through Paypal: nitoymgonzales@gmail.com)
Delighting Grace 