Connecting Christian Readers to Christian Authors
 Author: Ginger Sanders Genre: Children Fireflies is a wonderful little book of a family with a loss. It explains death to a child in a simple way, showing hope and love. Tyler is puzzled why his little brother left to go to heaven, but after a friend shared with him about what death really is, Tyler was comforted and had peace. The book also has a Memory Page in the back of the book, along with 'How to Lead a Child to Christ'. Author has released copyright on this page so it may be copied and shared in a children's ministry area. The illustrations are bright and colorful, giving joy to the story. Little hidden messages are scattered throughout the book.
5/24/2017 The Mouse in the Manger
4/2/2017 Mary's Song
 Reviewer: Elsie Stoltzfus
I love horse stories, and this one was not a disappointment. Well written and engaging, it was a joy to read. What knocked a star for me was the fact that everything turns out well only when Mary disobeys her father. I heartily dislike that, especially in a book meant for children. And I admit it, the portrayal of a super sensitive, slightly overbearing parent has never been attractive to me. Other than that, I loved it! As I've said, it's engaging and fun, and more than anything else, it's about horses. 3/27/2017 Nothing to Fear
 Reviewer: Kelly Miller I love reading scripture into the lives of our children and grandchildren and when I saw the front cover of the book, Nothing to Fear, I was drawn in. The baby on the front is sweet and it's hard not to have an "Awww" moment. The 'story' is the scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7, with the author's added phrasing "I know I have nothing, nothing to fear, nothing to fear, when Jesus is near" 4 times throughout this small book. All the pictures within the book are of babies and toddlers and although they are cute, they could use better editing to make them brighter and clearer. Each picture also has a little bumblebee picture logo (for lack of a better word) on it. When reading the book with my 2 year old granddaughter, that little bee became quite troublesome. With "What that bee doing?" and "That bee bite the baby?" being repetitive questions. Although I thought that the cuteness of the babies in each picture would be fun for my grandbabies to look at, they were quite disinterested in the book and kept trying to flip the pages to get to the end. I think the scripture verse that was chosen was above the level of toddlers who really don't have a strong concept of what fear is or what it means to have a sound mind. The writing did not flow in a natural sing song manner as seemed to be the author's intention, judging by the back cover write up, and I struggled to find a rhythm when reading it out loud. This book would be wonderful for infants who don't have questions and would just enjoy the pictures of the babies.  Reviewer: Margaret Welwood
What a beautiful rendition of some very comforting Scripture! And what could be more appropriate than pictures of happy babies on every page, along with a happy dancing bee? I'm so glad I have this book to read to my young grandchildren--the poetry and the pictures are a hymn of praise to the God of all comfort, and a message of joy and safety to little ones. 10/23/2016 God Makes Love, Truth & Holiness Work
 Reviewer: Margaret Welwood
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6, KJV) There is a great deal of truth, wisdom and sound doctrine in the pages of this book, and the love of the writer for God and His Word, and for the people God has created, shine though his words. However, I feel that there is far too much information for the age group for which the book is intended. To begin with, I took the liberty of checking out a section with the Fry Graph, and it yielded a score of grade 7. However, this book is intended to be read by children between the ages of eight and twelve, and their parents. Even more problematic is the mass of information, some of it repeated, that is presented. In order to make the book accessible to eight- to twelve-year-olds, I suggest the following:
I hope my comments will not be seen as discouraging; they are not meant to be. Although I haven’t written much for tweens, I am somewhat familiar with this age group and believe that the above suggestions may help to make this important information more accessible. As it stands, I believe this book is a valuable resource for adults who work with this age group in a Christian setting. 10/20/2016 Hopeful Homer
 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Once again author Glynis M. Belec has brought children a book they will not only love to read (or have read to them), they will learn a valuable lesson about life. The pictures in this short, full-colour children's book, add to the story and will be sure to draw both child and parent in. As Homer the frog is focused on one thing only - catching flies - he loses sight of the dangers around him and the obstacles that might be in his way to catching breakfast. Homer lands himself in trouble, quite literally over his head and children will learn valuable lessons from his mistakes. While the back of the cover shares that the lesson children will learn is to never give up, it will also teach them to be aware of their surroundings. Sometimes children can be so focused on a task while at play they inadvertently wander into danger. I had a strong-willed child who did that often when she was growing up and probably could have learned a lesson or two from this delightful little book. If you love to read to your children or grandchildren this would be a perfect book to cozy up to. 10/13/2016 Galloping Gus
 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Galloping Gus by author Glynis M. Belec is a delightful rhyming book that children of a young age are sure to love. Gus, is a school bus who loves to splash in the puddles, but his driver Simon like Gus clean so naturally he avoids getting Gus dirty. So at night Gus sneaks out to splash in the puddles. He's very disobedient school bus! Simon can't figure out why Gus is always so dirty in the morning, when he puts him to bed nice and clean, with his chrome all polished. So one night he tucks Gus into bed and waits to see how he is getting so dirty. Unfortunately for Gus, he soon learns how deceiving someone can really hurt. Kids will learn why they should obey and the importance of forgiveness in this charming little book appropriate for ages 2 to 6. 9/21/2016 The Candle Maker
 Reviewer: Margaret Welwood
My ten-year-old granddaughter and I found this story very engaging; her interest peaked when Butch needed help. The action and suspense drew me in from the beginning. Ten-year-old Benjamin is both likeable and believable, and we can readily empathize with his wants, fears and compassion. The setting, too, is vivid; cold and poverty play a major role in building our empathy with both boy and dog. The adults in the story are quick to point out the lesson—“what the Good Book says about taming the tongue”—but there is so much more here. Perseverance in the face of discomfort and danger, compassion when it’s easier to look the other way, generosity, secret wishes that are best unfulfilled, courage and unexpected friendship, as well as a delightful Christmas surprise all play a part in this beautiful story. Best of all, the Light of the World shines in the streets and alleys of Old England through the prayer, faith and kindness of one little boy and his family. 9/19/2016 Jesus Loves Me When I Dance
 Reviewer: Cierra Loften This less than 15 page children's book was a very quick read, though delightful, nonetheless. It covers the basic principles of living a life for God in a way that is very clear, fun, and easy to understand for children. Even though I am in my twenties, I couldn't help but be uplifted by this lovely book. While there is nothing particular that stands out about 'Jesus Loves Me When I Dance,' if you're looking for a sweet, to the point book to read to your children about the love God has for them, pick this one up! Overall, I would give this book a 4 Star rating. The cover is cute and inviting, the main character centers around the author's granddaughter (so cute!) and the style is very quick to follow and devour in no time. This is a Christ-centered novel that can easily be read over and over again!  Reviewer: Laura J. Davis When I saw the cover of this book I thought, "What a cutie!" When I saw the title however, I was overjoyed because I have three little "great-nieces" who are dancers and would probably love this book. I contacted the author, Glynis Belec and asked her who the little cutie on the front cover was and she informed me it was her granddaughter who did an impromptu photo-shoot with her mom on the way home from ballet class one day. When the author saw them, she immediately knew she had to write a story around them and this book is the result. This delightful little rhyming book reinforces in its young readers that Jesus loves them in all stages of their development. He loves them when they are dancing and when they are playing and enforces the truth that Jesus is the best friend they will ever have. If you have young dancers in your home and want to encourage them in their faith (and their dance) grab a copy. You'll be glad you did!  Reviewer: Mary Hosmar
This delightful children’s picture book is filled with truths. The poetry and charming photos will keep the very young enthralled. Older children will enjoy reading it for themselves. The photos compliment and illustrate the text and the child’s facial expressions will evoke a response from even the youngest readers. Glynis Belec has taken Amanda Belec Newton’s photography and added the poetry and together they have created a picture book which reassures children about Jesus’ love for them. 8/21/2016 Beyond the Attic Door
 Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Beyond the Attic Door by Tracy Del Campo is an exciting book for children that they could read themselves or read with a parent. Set in 1925, brother and sister Lulu and Buddy have accidentally stumbled upon a time machine in their uncle's attic workshop. Set during the time of the Scope's trial the children soon discover whether or not God is real and almost get lost in time during the process. The author has presented a short story that will capture the attention of children who love adventure, their Bible, and time travel. I was disappointed that it was over so quickly. The only problem I had with the book was that it was written from the author's point of view in that she "told" rather than "showed" the action and feelings of her characters. That said, most children probably would not notice that one little flaw and would still enjoy it. It is my hope that the author expands this book into a series as I believe they would be excellent history/faith books for homeschooling parents as well as an excellent addition to any church library. |
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