Bless the Earth

A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World

Brief overview: 

A book of poems and prayers about taking care of the earth for kids.

Recommended age range: 3-8

Strengths: 

• Beautiful illustrations to point to God's beauty in creation.
• A variety of styles to engage young ones with poetry.
• Many poets contributed to this collection, including Padma Venkatraman, the author of one of my favorite international kid lit books, The Bridge Home.

Additional Notes:

• I received an early copy of the book to provide an honest review.

Kailani's Gift

Brief overview: 

Watch as Kailani works hard to learn a new skill that's hard for her and celebrate when her commitment to never give up results in the best gift for her grandparents.

Recommended age range: 3-7

Strengths: 

• The author pulls young readers into Kailani's world as she learns a special Filipino dance to celebrate her grandparents' anniversary. 
• The illustrations are gorgeous and guide little ones to track with the tinikling dance. 
• A great book to engage preschoolers with another culture and show the value of perseverance.

Additional Notes:

• Includes a glossary of Tagalong words at the end of the book.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

God's Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God's Faithful Promises

Brief overview: 

New Testament scholar N.T. Wright walks kids through 140 Bible stories, including portions from the Psalms, Proverbs, Old Testament books like Isaiah and Daniel, and letters from Paul in the New Testament.

Recommended age range: 6-10

Strengths: 

• A good stepping stone for kids toward diving deeper into Scripture and gearing up to read and understand the Bible.
• Includes biblical references to show where each Bible story is pulled from. (And kids can opt to read those Scriptures alongside the written story.)
• Helps kids connect different parts of the Bible to other portions using a visual element and page number to another biblical text in the storybook.
• Brings clarity to biblical history and provides context for kids to track with the biblical narrative in deeper ways.
• Illustrations bring the Bible stories to life in fresh ways.

Additional Notes:

• No discussion or comprehension questions provided. 
• Includes maps at the back.
• I received a free copy of this storybook Bible so I could provide an honest review.

One Perfect Plan: The Bible's Big Story in Tiny Poems

Brief overview: 

Focusing on the word "one," author Nancy Tupper Ling unpacks the storyline of the Bible using poems in this picture book.

Recommended age range: 3-7

Strengths: 

• A creative endeavor to ground little ones in the big picture of the Bible.
• The emphasis on using the word "one" provides a great lens to tell the greatest story.
• The artwork is gorgeous and each illustration pulls readers into the poems.

Additional Notes:

• Includes Bible references to expand on the poems.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

Thunderbird: Book One

Brief overview: 

Noor, an orphan from Palestine, and a djinn cat travels through time to try to save the world. She must collect four feathers from a magical bird before it's too late.

Recommended age range: 11-13

Strengths: 

• Gives readers a glimpse into Palestinian culture
• Provides a protagonist readers connect with and can root for
• Takes readers on an intriguing journey

Additional Notes:

• Translated from Arabic into English 
• Spots of narrative could be tightened to avoid repetition
• The ending is abrupt and not quite satisfying

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray

Brief overview: 

This picture book biography of missionary Amy Carmichael connects preschoolers to how God can lead us to love others and trust Him—both where we live and around the globe. 

Recommended age range: 4-7

Strengths: 

• Connects with kids by starting with a prayer from Amy's childhood and following this prayer throughout the book.
• Walks preschoolers through how Amy's love for God grew over the years.
• Shows how Amy cared that heard about Jesus, not be distracted by other things.
• Highlights the value of prayer.
• Lovey illustrations pull kids along in the story.

Additional Notes:

• Includes a world map at the end with the places Amy lived and ministered.
• Provides questions and resources to foster further thoughts about how God was at work in and through Amy.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

What's in a Dumpling, Grandma?

Brief overview: 

Join Grey and Mila as they learn how to make a traditional Vietnamese food, bánh lọc, with their grandma and discover what really goes into a dumpling.

Recommended age range: 4-8

Strengths: 

• Illustrations are fun and engaging for kids.
• Kids walk alongside Grey and Mila as they interact with their grandma and learn the importance behind this family food.
• Displays multigenerational connection in a meaningful story format.

Additional Notes:

• Includes a recipe for fish sauce.

Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)

Beneath the Swirling Sky

Beneath the Swirling Sky pulls readers into the world of art and the journey of understanding the true reason for our gifts.

Brief overview: 

Vincent and his younger sister are slotted to spend spring break with their great-uncle, an art conservator. But when his cousin also ends up at his uncle's house that same week, Vincent is unexpectedly pulled into a new world revolving around art—the very thing he wants nothing to do with anymore. Vincent must embark on an adventure through art to rescue his sister who somehow disappeared inside a painting.

Recommended age range: 8-12

Strengths: 

• My 9-year-old asked if there's a second book as we neared the end—a sure sign of a good book in our household.
• Appreciated the depth of characters woven throughout the narrative.
• Faith aspect incorporated throughout the book, but in a thoughtful manner.

Additional Notes:

• Opportunities to learn more about various artists, their creations, and techniques provide an interesting educational backdrop to the plot.

Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)

My Two Border Towns

 My Two Border Towns is a delightful picture book that allows young readers to glimpse how home can be found in more than one place and the simple ways we can help others.

Brief overview: 

Each weekend, a boy and his dad drive across the Mexico border to connect with family and friends, grab some much-needed items, and serve those seeking asylum. 

Recommended age range: 4-8

Strengths: 

• Shows the importance of caring and seeing those caught between two countries.
• Allows young readers to see why this little boy views both towns as home.
• Gorgeous watercolor pictures.

Additional Notes:

• An age-appropriate tool for little ones to learn about the challenges of those seeking refuge in a new country.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt

Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt teaches kids how God cares for and meets the needs of orphans and widows.

Brief overview: 

Lillian Trasher opened an orphanage in Egypt as a single woman, something others told her was impossible. But due to her faith in the Lord's leading, God used her obedience to meet the needs of orphans and widows in powerful ways. 

Recommended age range: 8-12

Strengths: 

• Lillian's story is filled with the importance of trusting God.
• Readers can watch how God prepared Lillian to open an orphanage in Egypt through her obedience to go where God led her and willingness to learn from others.
• Readers are encouraged at the amazing ways God provided for Lillian and her ever growing orphanage over the years.
• Shares a moment of doubt Lillian had later in her ministry and how the Lord used the orphans she faithfully discipled to encourage her to keep trusting God to meet their needs.
• Shows how naturally Lillian weaved teaching the Bible and prayer to widows and orphans into daily life while still meeting real needs and how Lillian modeled a life of faith to thousands of children.
• Lillian's life emphasizes the value of perseverance to do what the Lord asks come what may and how God blesses that obedience.

Additional Notes:

• The radical obedience of Lillian almost feels reckless at times, but God met her every step along the way. 

Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)

Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems

Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems reminds us of the incredible value of ministering to children and how Amy pivoted with the Lord in serving those often overlooked.

Brief overview: 

Amy Carmichael's journey to India was a long path filled with unexpected bumps and detours, but her own physical weaknesses led her to the place God used her most powerfully.

Recommended age range: 8-12

Strengths: 

• Amy's story is filled with reminders of her steadfast devotion to Christ and sharing the gospel no matter what.
• Readers can watch how God gradually prepared Amy in ministry over the years.
• Readers are encouraged to keep trusting God even when the path is difficult.

Additional Notes:

• While the book started out strong and engaging, the last few chapters lack a bit of a punch.

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

The Boy at the Back of the Class

The Boy at the Back of the Class introduces readers to a 9-year-old determined to befriend the new kid and who teaches us all the beauty in seeking to understand and care for our friends no matter the obstacles.

Brief overview: 

A group of elementary-aged kids befriend Ahmet, a Syrian refugee. As they learn more about him, they try to help reconnect Ahmet with his family and together stand up against the school bully.

Recommended age range: 8-12

Strengths: 

• Raúf explores friendship and the path it takes us down.
• Explains the refugee crisis in age-appropriate ways.
• With a charming lead character, readers adventure together to learn about the hardships others must overcome.
• The author has crafted a book that exudes life from a 9-year-old's perspective and it's refreshing.
• Raúf guides readers in the difference between welcoming others from different cultures with curiosity and joy versus letting fear win.
• Quality writing that brings the reader along for each twist and turn.
• Writing packs an emotional punch as I was choked up by the rewarding conclusion—a rarity for me when reading children's fiction.

Additional Notes:

• Toward the end, the author's political view sneaks into the narrative at a crucial juncture but it doesn't harm the overall plot.
• This book helps explain the difference between an immigrant and a refugee.
• One of my favorite international kid lit books yet!

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story provides a window into the Muslim month of fasting and a touchpoint for young readers to glimpse a different worldview.

Brief overview: 

Join Lailah as she navigates fasting for the first time—without her old friends and no longer in her homeland.

Recommended age range: 6-8

Strengths: 

• Explains why Ramadan is important to Muslims from a girl who will be fasting for her first time. 
• Reminds readers of how small gestures of support during this month of fasting matter.
• A great book to read together with your kids to gain perspective on this Muslim month of fasting and a stepping stone to better pray.

Additional Notes:

• Use this book to grow in praying for Muslim friends.
• A useful tool to learn about a different worldview.
• A great springboard for conversations about how Islam and Christianity view fasting.

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

Chasing God's Glory

Whether we live in the city, country, or suburbs, Chasing God's Glory pulls young readers into the everyday beauty of God's glory and inspires us all to be God's glory chasers in our neighborhoods. 

Brief overview: 

When Zayla wonders what God's glory is, her mom takes her on a trek around her neighborhood to understand. 

Recommended age range: 3-7

Strengths: 

• Through inviting language and an adventure in seeking out God's glory, the author reminds us of the importance of showing our children how God's glory is all around us. 
• Multicultural elements woven into the storyline naturally. 
• Between the engaging story and lovely illustrations, this is a great family read-aloud book!
• Takes a complex idea and provides kid-friendly handles.
• Beautiful journey for parents and kids to take together.

Additional Notes:

• Be sure to check out Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young's other fabulous picture award-winning book, Cora Cooks Pancit.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

Interested in learning more about Dorina? Check out her author interview.

Lions to the Rescue! (Tree Street Kids)

Lions to the Rescue! tackles the challenge of establishing new friendships after a move and learning to listen to others whose viewpoints and experiences differ from our own.

Brief overview: 

Jack starts fifth grade at a new school after moving over the summer. Trying to juggle his current new friendship with the desire to make additional new friends, Jack ends up getting himself into a pickle.

Recommended age range: 8-12

Strengths: 

• Eastep dives into how we can understand our friends from a different background.
• Captures the struggle Jack feels as he tries to settle into a new home after a move.
• Eastep weaves fun facts and great book quotes into the storyline in natural ways.
• Each character has a unique voice making it easier for readers to connect with the characters and track with the plot.

Additional Notes:

• This is book 3 in the Tree Street Kids series.
• Be sure to read the Acknowledgements at the end as it shares a tidbit about the inspiration for the bookmobile bike.

Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)

Interested in learning more about Amanda? Check out her author interview on my blog.

The Word Collector

The Word Collector is a delightful picture book that celebrates the value of sharing our creativity with others.

Brief overview: 

Jerome is a word collector. One day he accidentally spills his collection and realizes how wonderful it is to combine his words in new ways to share with others.

Recommended age range: 3-7

Strengths: 

• Creatively tells a new story about the value of sharing ourselves with the world. 
• With vibrant illustrations and an engaging storyline, this book will elicit a smile and encourage you to share yourself with others.

Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)

Captain Coconut & the Case of the Missing Bananas

Captain Coconut & the Case of the Missing Bananas is the perfect dose of silly while still folding in mystery, math, singing, and culture for young readers.

Brief overview: 

Detective Captain Coconut helps Mrs. Y figure out what happened to her missing bananas.

Recommended age range: 6-9

Strengths: 

• A graphic novel that works well for chapter book-aged readers (especially if parents read it with their child!)
• Weaves cultural elements into the storyline in fun ways.
• The illustrations add to the silliness and engage young readers.

Additional Notes:

• The recommended age listed is 8-12 but I think a younger audience would do better with this book.
• Won the 2013 Best Children's Publisher of the Year in Asia award.

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

The Really Radical Book for Kids

The Really Radical Book for Kids engages kids who may think they've heard it all and are challenged to think more deeply about Scripture and how it should permeate every aspect of their lives.

Brief overview: 

Author Champ Thornton guides kids through 41 lessons to explore the Bible and move from biblical knowledge into how to put faith into practice on the soccer field, in the classroom, and around the dinner table.

Recommended age range: 8-14

Strengths: 

• Pulls in real-life illustrations and people throughout history to show how wide-reaching following Christ truly is 
• Provides a variety in how each lesson is presented so it doesn't feel formulaic
• Shares theological concepts in ways that connect with kids and invites readers to see how it relates to everyday faith

Additional Notes:

• This book is patterned after the popular The Radical Book for Kids to continue the journey.

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

*I received a free digital copy to provide a review of this book.

Paul Brand: Helping Hands

Paul Brand: Helping Hands is an intriguing missionary biography that shows young readers the value of working hard to develop a skill and using it to make much of God and serve others selflessly.

Brief overview: 

As a missionary kid from India, Paul's biography traces his own journey of following God through many difficulties and how God guided his work every step along the way. Paul's faith and hard work were used by God to bring dignity and medical advances to lepers, a huge group of people overlooked by the medical world.

Recommended age range: 10 and up

Strengths: 

• Engages kids with the science behind Paul's leprosy research.
  
• Shows how God opened many doors for Paul and how Paul never had to force his way forward.
• Highlights the importance of developing a skill and using it for the Lord.
• Traces the worth of each person created in the image of God and how Paul and his family lived that out in their ministry.

Weaknesses:

• Sometimes the explanation of medical terms (although done well for kids) can slow down the story pacing.
• While not the focus of the book, readers don't glean much about the Indian culture.
• We learn very little about Paul's spiritual ministry in India as a result of his work. 

Additional Notes:

• I read this with my six and nine-year-old and it held their interest.
• This book inspires readers to think carefully (and prayerfully) about the different ways God can use His people to serve others.

Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)

The Jesus Tree

The Jesus Tree is a great Lent resource to use with preschoolers and younger elementary-aged kids to prepare your family's heart for Easter.

Brief overview:
Each day your kids can color a picture, read a Scripture passage, hear a short Bible story, ask a simple question, and say a short prayer together.

Recommended age range: 3-8

Strengths:

• Simple but meaningful way to prepare your family's heart for Easter
• Great visual element with the story pictures for kids to color
• Well-suited for preschool and younger elementary kids

Additional Notes:

• Instead of creating an Easter tree, I just had my boys tape their "ornaments" to our wall. This created a great overview of the stories we covered and how it culminated in celebrating Easter.
• Even if you can't hit all 48 days, it's worth sprinkling in this resource during the Lent season.

Overall rating: 8 (out of 10)