Friday, June 12, 2015

The Day is Waiting by Linda Zuckerman and illustrated by Don Freeman


“The Day is Waiting” written by Linda Zuckerman and illustrated by Don Freeman is a delightful story that urges readers to turn the pages, go out and see, and return to a loving home.

In this children’s book, best for ages 3-6, the reader is the character in the book who goes out on adventures. The reader, the main character, looks out of his window and wonders what he can do and see in the wide world outside of his window. He discovers that he can see creatures and travel to cities and meet people and see friends and travel on planes and listen to music and above all return to his home.

The illustrations themselves prompt questions. Children would want to know about the animals that they see and about the places and activities that are shown. These questions open up discussion for parents to talk about all kinds of life activities, events, and culture with their kids. The book is simple and interesting. The prose has a rhythm that keeps the story moving. The story answers three questions, and each is answered in a satisfactory way that will also spur children’s imaginations and possibilities. There isn’t an overt spiritual message, however at the end of the book, after the story is finished, there is a Bible verse: Isaiah 55:12. I recommend this book to others.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friday, June 5, 2015

“Brave Queen Esther” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles


 “Brave Queen Esther” from the Zonderkidz I Can Read! Adventure Bible Series, with pictures by David Miles, is a succinct, engaging, productive read for kids.

This story is in the Level 2 category of the I Can Read series. Level 2 is defined as “High-interest stories for developing readers.” The story teaches about Esther’s bravery and that she listened to God’s voice and went to the king even though she was scared.

The message is clearly presented. At a few point I thought the that integral bits of the story may be left out in order to accommodate the kids’ reading level, but the publisher always came through with simple, telling transitions that captured every essential part of the story – giving kids the complete picture of Esther. The illustrations were large and bright, and the reoccurring peacock is sure to captivate kids. This book has a strong spiritual and educational message: In the back of the book there is a page with a section entitled “People of the Bible” and a section entitled “Did You Know?” in which Esther and Mordecai and the festival of Purim are highlighted and explained for the kids.


The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®. I was not required to write a positive review.