God Bless my Family by Hannah C. Hall

This is a perfectly sized board book with a cushy cover. Some are too big, some are too small—this one is just right.

“God Bless My Family” written by Hannah C. Hall and illustrated by Steve Whitlow is a simple account of dogs appreciating their family. It doesn’t follow one dog family throughout—instead a different type of dog (and dog family) is featured on each spread. The message of the story is that family comes from God and we should be thankful for it. Mention is given to moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, uncles, and aunts, and on the last spread the entire dog family (consisting of many breeds of dogs) joins for a picnic. The clear message is that family is a gift from God.

I would suggest this book for ages 0-2. After that, kids would likely get bored with the simplicity of the story, but they will likely still appreciate the happy, colorful, serene illustrations.

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

Lizzy the Lioness by Lisa Bevere

This book, “Lizzy the Lioness” is endearing right from the introduction because the author, Lisa Bevere, dedicates it to her granddaughter whose name is Lizzy. The dedication is followed by this verse: “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). What a great verse to inspire kids.

Usually I find that the illustrations make or break a children’s book. This book boasts delightful and detailed illustrations by Kirsteen Harris-Jones, but the words are just as engaging. These two ladies are a dynamic duo!

 The landscapes take readers to the African desert and allow them to immerse themselves in the countryside and the lions’ playfields. My favorite part of the illustrations—as with many kids’ books—is repetition. A little green frog appears on every page, experiencing the adventure with Lizzy and the readers. Kids will have fun spotting the frog on each page.

Lizzy the Lioness wants to be big and strong and brave like the other lions, and like all kids she feels confined by the adults’ insistence of “stay close by and be careful.” One day Lizzy finds an adventure of her own, and through it she learns that sometimes the bravest thing she can do is ask for help.

The spiritual message is tastefully done. The most obvious place it exists is when Lizzy prays to God for help when she finds herself in a dangerous situation.

At the back of the book the author includes some conversation starters for adults to use with children after reading the book, followed by a prayer. I think this book would be most enjoyed by kids ages 3-6.  

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