Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Stop-and-Go Devotional: 52 Devotions for Busy Families by Diane Stortz


Diane Stortz knows her audience: busy families with kids ages 3-8. Stop-and-Go Devotional: 52 Devotions for Busy Families, will become a go-to book that gets excited for family devotion time.

The 52 devotions go beyond the standard Bible stories to include Ruth and Boaz, Elijah and the ravens, Namaan’s cleansing, King Josiah leading the people back to the Lord, and more. The stories have catchy, unexpected names such as “Afloat on a Boat,” “Road Trip,” “Jacob’s Camping Adventure,” and “A Baby, a Basket, and a Big Sister.” While many Bible-story anthologies end with Jesus’ resurrection, this one goes farther, including “Breakfast on the Beach,” “Best Dressed” (story of Dorcas), and so many more!

These one-page, brightly illustrated (by digital illustrator Hannah Marks) devotions are certainly tailored to busy families, and actually reading the text will engage kids as they can cuddle up next to mom and dad and read colorful text, highlighted onomatopoeia, and follow along with the quips of dialogue that keep the stories rolling. Every page is brightly colored and illustrated—the pictures and the text. Following the one-page devotionals (the Red “Stop and Read” sections) are two more sections: Yellow “Think and Talk” which includes two questions such as “What do you think Jesus and Zaccheus talked about when they ate together?” and a prayer. And “Green Means Go!” which includes a game (e.g. playing Follow the Leader after reading about Moses and the Exodus; or to sit outside with eyes closed after reading about Samuel, and listening to all of the different sounds), a Bible verse, and words to Remember such as “God can do anything” and “God hears our prayers.”

This book is, above all, engaging. The stories chosen, the titles given them, the color, the illustrations, the games, the questions, verses, and prayers—it’s all so quick, so fun, and so meaningful.

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


Friday, April 5, 2019

“Night Night Bible Stories: 30 Stories for Bedtime” by Amy Parker and illustrated by Virginia Allyn


Yes!!! This is the perfect nighttime book for fans of Parker and Allyn and for newcomers! My one year old listens intently to the “Night Night” books, and I’m so excited to have something more directly focused on God to read to him at night (and in the day!). 

Besides the vibrant yet gentle illustrations, what makes the “Night Night” books ones to turn to night after night? The calm cadence and rhythmic tone of Parker’s poetic prose. “Night Night Bible Stories: 30 Stories for Bedtime” by Amy Parker and illustrated by Virginia Allyn is easy to read, but far from simple. Each story–including everything from Jonah to Queen Esther to Balaam to Elizabeth and Mary to John’s Revelation–will captivate adults and children because of their detail and melody. Parker’s use of onomatopoeia and dialogue enhance the familiar stories, brining fresh perspective to adults and introducing lots to think about for little ones. 

Each of the 30 story is a few pages long—enough to do the story justice without rambling—and includes full-page color and illustrations. Brilliance shines from every page—in the writing and the pictures! Beneath the title of each story is the Bible book and chapter that the story comes from so readers can read more if they choose to. 

My favorite aspect of this book: twice in each story, Parker includes a short rhyme, set apart in a larger text and colored font. Some examples include “Go, go, Moses, you know what you should do. Go, go Moses—God will be with you!”, “Follow, follow Me! I have good news today! Follow, follow Me! I’ll show you the way!”, and “Don’t worry, Joseph! Didn’t you know? God is with you wherever you go!” Kids’ names could easily be inserted for the Bible characters’ names. These rhymes could also be used as Memory Verses for kids! Each story ends with a prayer and a gentle night night: “Night night, Joseph, who dreamed so big, who chose to trust, who chose to forgive.”
This book is the perfect size to hold in your hands while also holding a little one. Not too big. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it. The length of the stories, the cadence of the stories, the rhymes, and the illustrations all work together to create a go-to bedtime tradition. 


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