children – Page 42 – Bergers Book Reviews

The Easter Story for Children

April 2, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Authors: Max Lucado, Randy Frazee, Karen Davis Hill
Illustrator: Fausto Bianchi
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Bible
ISBN: 978-0-310-73594-6
Pages: 32
Price: $6.99

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The Easter Story for Children is a fictional account of Jesus’ last days before his crucifixion, death and resurrection. Loosely based on the Bible, it attempts to share this account in a story format with graphic-style illustrations.

However, this story is not biblically accurate. The wording of the Last Supper is not only incorrect, it appears to be intentionally misleading. Matthew 26: 26-28 (NIV) states: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'” The Easter Story for Children interprets these words of Jesus as: Jesus told them that the bread was like his own body that would be given for them. Also: “This cup of wine is a reminder of my promise to be your Savior.”

While I can certainly understand there may be different interpretations of this Bible text, I don’t feel that changes to the actual words of Jesus should have been made in a book that is supposed to be sharing the Easter story with children. They need to hear the actual words Jesus spoke, not a misrepresentation of these words.

I really expected better from Zonderkidz and Max Lucado. I’m disappointed with this book, and I can’t recommend it to anyone who desires biblical accuracy in children’s Bible stories.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian

Jesus Enters Jerusalem / He Is Risen

March 28, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Bible
ISBN: 978-0-310-73513-7
Pages: 32
Price: $4.99

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Zonderkidz presents The Beginner’s Bible version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the message of His Resurrection. Told in a storybook format, this flip book shares the good news with kids.

Illustrations are colorful and the crucifixion is portrayed in a non-gruesome manner, suitable for very young children. Stickers of the various scenes are also provided, so kids can recreate the narrative for themselves.

The story of the first Easter is one every Christian child should be very familiar with. Zonderkidz has given parents a great resource in making sure their kids know how much Jesus really loves them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

audio book, children

March of the Ants

March 26, 2013March 28, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anna-Christina
Produced by: Busy Bees Publishing

Free Download at Music Audio Stories

Sid is the smallest of the ants, and no one notices him at all. One day he joins the others in a march of the ants, and soon grows very tired. But when a storm suddenly soaks them with rain, it’s up to Sid to save the others from the rising waters.

This audio production of March of the Ants includes a lively soundtrack as a background for the march. The story is told in rhyme and includes character voices and nature sounds throughout the narrative. The pace is quick, as befitting a march, and will draw kids in with young Sid’s heroism.

As Music Audio Stories says on their website: “These special audio books can be enjoyed by children of all ages but are tailored for the blind as well. They can also be a useful learning tool for children with impaired vision or vision disabilities.” March of the Ants is a fun story that kids will love to hear over and over again.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Deductive Detective

March 25, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Brian Rock
Illustrator: Sherry Rogers
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6250
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The animals are having a cake contest, and one of the cakes is missing! Who could have stolen the cake? Detective Duck is on the case, and he will determine the culprit.

Using deductive reasoning, Detective Duck eliminates each suspect, one at a time. As he discovers each clue, he is able to decide that one animal could not have stolen the cake, based on that clue. Narrowing the contestants down from twelve to just one, he solves the crime.

The Deductive Detective is a clever whodunit geared toward younger readers. As they follow along, they experience deductive reasoning for themselves, along with some clever puns by the animals cleared of the crime. Future mystery enthusiasts will enjoy this fun story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Thompson Twins: Las Vegas Adventure

March 21, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Lesa Hammond, PhD
Publisher: Achievement U
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9780615668093
Pages: 140
Price: $6.95

Author’s website
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Letty and Carlos Thompson are heading to Las Vegas to see their father. Their favorite TV star, Phoenix Skye, likes to spend time in Las Vegas, and they hope to catch a glimpse of her while they’re there. They can hardly wait to see all the new sights.

Once they arrive, their father introduces them to their host, Mr. Wilson, Vice President of Human Resources. He gives them a tour of the New York, New York hotel. But when Mr. Wilson and their father aren’t around, Letty and Carlos start exploring, since they have seen Phoenix Skye and want to meet her.

The publisher of this series, Achievement U, was founded to present good role models for at-risk kids. Mr. Wilson spends a lot of time explaining to Letty and Carlos the importance of going to college, so they can get good jobs like his some day. But this becomes the whole focus of the book. There is little action to draw kids in, and the dialogue between Mr. Wilson and the twins goes on for too long.

I appreciate the value of what Achievement U is trying to do in this series, but I think this story would have worked better with more action and less dialogue. Showing rather than telling would make the message even more meaningful.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

The Bad Easter Bunny

March 19, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Isabel Atherton
Illustrator: Stéphanie Röhr
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genre: Children / Easter
ISBN: 978-1-62087-500-1
Pages: 32
Price: $12.95

Buy it at Amazon

After hauling his huge sack of candy to town, only to have the children greedily grab at it and knock him down, the Easter Bunny has had enough. Red-hot with anger, he declares himself the Bad Easter Bunny (BEB for short), and destroys his goodies. Then he runs through the town doing bad things. What will it take to transform BEB back into the nice bunny he used to be? Maybe the kindness of one little girl.

Anger and retaliation, repentance and forgiveness, and gratitude are all featured in The Bad Easter Bunny. Color also plays a part as BEB changes shades to match his moods. Ultimately, good overcomes evil, and BEB returns to his former generous self. As he finally realizes, “…being bad will not solve your problems and ‘thank you’ are the nicest words in the world.”

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

All Kinds of People

March 14, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Sheri Safran
Illustrator: Emma Damon
Publisher: Insight Kids
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-60887-160-5
Pages: 12
Price: $12.99

Author’s website
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When it comes to people, there is a lot of diversity! From hair styles to skin colors, to body shapes and activity preferences, no two of us are alike. And that’s a very good thing.

In All Kinds of People, kids are introduced to diversity in a fun way. This lift-the-flap book shows lots of different people smiling and having a good time. They accept who they are, and they are happy and enjoying life.

Finally, kids are provided a mirror to take a good look at themselves to discover their unique qualities. As this book says, Everyone is special, including me.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

March 13, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Jane Cabrera
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2519-8
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are. So begins this sweet bedtime story for kids. This classic nursery rhyme is expanded to include five additional verses.

On each page spread, a mother and child pair of animals look up at the sky, seeing a twinkling star above. The story concludes with a human mother and child sharing a message of love.

These adorable animals are simply and colorfully drawn. And the accompanying rhyme is patterned after the original, with descriptions of the landscape around them. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star would be a great book to read just before tucking little ones in for the night.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Ambition’s Not an Awful Word

March 11, 2013May 3, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Zack Zage
Illustrator: Adam Watkins
Publisher: Ivy Court Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9836078-2-3
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

“What I want to be” is the theme in Zack’s class. But where will he start? He has so many ideas, he can’t limit himself to just one!

In rhyming verse, Zack details his plans for becoming an astronaut, a cowboy, and singer, just to name a few. But after he boasts of his talents, another voice chimes in with Zack’s limitations. When he feels down about having such ambitious dreams, he finds out that it really is okay to reach for the stars.

Kids love to think about what they will be when they grow up. Dreaming big now gives them the drive to work hard toward their goals. Ambition’s Not an Awful Word shows them both sides of their career options in a humorous and fun way. After all, there is no need to decide now. They have years to make such an important decision.

Winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, music

Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’

March 7, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Artist: Lisa Loeb
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Music
Price: $14.95

Artist’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Want to get your kids off the couch and moving around? Then give them some good music to dance to! Lisa Loeb’s forthcoming collection of Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’ is just what they need.

I was only given the track of Monster Stomp to review, but based on that one song, I believe this collection will be a hit with kids. The tune is upbeat and fun, and demands movement. The lyrics are playful and clever, and kids will love to sing along. And Loeb’s voice is easy on adults’ ears, since they may have to listen to these songs often.

I highly recommend Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’.

Reviewer: Alice Berger