A jaded, bitter editor is given the task of taking the story of two women by dictation; one a virtuous lady in waiting, the other soiled and desperate. This is no ordinary story and neither is the one recounting it. The Scribe retells the events surrounding the Reformation in England drawing out the stories of Anne Boleyn and Rose (a street woman) through the eyes of one who can see and record all for God’s purpose and pleasure.

Breaking the mold on the many “Anne Boleyns” in historical fiction, Ginger Garrett in In the Shadow of Lions (Chronicles of the Scribe, Book 1) casts Anne as a woman striving to stay true to God’s commandments. Rather than depicting a manipulative throne snatcher, this Anne is swept away by the power and insistence of King Henry VIII while she strives to protect her virtue. Garrett’s reinventing of Anne is based not upon pure conjecture, but has roots in study, research, and a heart for God’s revelation of Himself throughout history. The author’s extensive afterwords, including notes on the story, a personal note, miscellaneous notes, bibliography, and discussion questions reveal the basis for her conclusions and make for fascinating closing material.

Garret has created a surprisingly gray world in which characters are presented as striving to serve God in irrevocably opposite ways. Thomas More tortures those who read the earliest form of the English Bible in order to protect the Roman Catholic church while his house servant Rose, Anne Boleyn, and his own daughter seek to know God better through the words of this forbidden book. Unlike many authors she leaves the matters of who is right and who is wrong wide open, presenting each flawed individual as striving to serve God in his or her own way. Her goal is not to provide simple conclusions, but rather to lead readers into contemplation and appreciation of the occurrences that eventually led to the legal printing and distribution of the English Bible.

The emotional tenor is somber as well. The events surrounding the Reformation are dark and violent as many Christians pay with their lives to bring the word of God to light. There is such compromise and weakness in the lives of each character that while realistic, proves heavy reading at times. Towards the end of Anne Boleyn’s life Garrett speeds up the timeline – a small blessing considering the heart-rending depictions of Henry’s betrayal as his fickle heart turns away from her.

Garrett has a gift for portraying complex and flawed men. Her depictions of Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII are remarkable. More is both kind, gentle and charitable while enacting sadistic acts of torture on those who oppose him. Henry is a lion of a man, hearty and full of life, with a lust for the flesh and full of self. It is these believable, blended characters who create the haunting uncertainties and lack of clear delineation found in this title.

Adding to the unique character of her books is the inclusion of angels. These fearsome, strange guardians more closely represent the glimpses given in scripture than do the porcelain figurines with long flowing hair. These spiritual creatures serve to connect past and present as our modern day editor types the divinely revealed history and serve as protectors for those they watch over.

Any reader with an interest in British history, the Reformation and the birth of the Bible will appreciate this immersion into those tumultuous times (specifically London, 1526–1536). In the Shadow of Lions is the first in a new series Chronicles of the Scribe. Ginger Garrett will continue to delve into historical fiction; re-imagining the lives of prominent women with an eye for God’s purposes and plan woven through history. I look forward to reading more of Garrett’s fresh perspective on pivotal events throughout Christian history.

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Publisher Info:

Title: In the Shadow of Lions (Chronicles of the Scribe, Book 1)
Author: Ginger Garrett
Format: Paperback, 311 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; 1st edition (September 2008)
ISBN-10: 0781448875
ISBN-13: 978-0781448871

Saskia and Sadie Dopple are a pair of trouble-making, rebellious 14-year-old identical twins, abandoned teenagers in the care of Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children. When Saskia is adopted by the wealthy and eccentric Muzz Elliot, Sadie finds herself on the run from the law as she searches for her sister, accompanied by Erik Morrissey – a teenaged caretaker at Isambard Dunstan’s.

The First Escape represents the first in a new series of illustra-novels from the pen of bestselling author G.P. Taylor. Illustra-novels straddle the divide between a traditional novel and a graphic novel, alternating pages of traditional text - text intertwined with graphics and standard comic pages. A team of artists and a talented adapter have tackled Taylor’s written work, the finished result an impeccable fusion of design, art, and story.

The main strength of the illustra-novel is creating a strong visual theme, and The First Escape oozes stylistic cohesion. The dark cover, orange spine, and carefully black edged interior pages lend an eerie impression to the title on first glance. While the maxim “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is oft touted, the opposite can be applied to this work.

While we find the story contents in line with the overall design features there is a striking difference between the cover art and the comic panels scattered throughout the novel. The cover illustration by Paul Green featuring a fluid depiction of Erik and Sadie differs immensely from the angular, blocky style found in the comic panels drawn by Daniel Boulton. Trench coats, voluminous trousers, black boots and the dim, nearly monochromatic palette contribute to a film noir flavour.

Not being partial to the geometrically inspired comics, I found the work on the mixed media pages more inspiring. Regular text intermixed with black and white illustrations, white text on black background, and large, hand-drawn words – pulled from the text and amplified — kept me reading to see which techniques would be incorporated on the following pages. The innovative design paired with a story replete with danger and mystery will keep readers moving along at a good clip. Reluctant readers will also find the alternation of text with comic panels an incentive to plow through the text in their efforts to reach the next set of illustrations.

The First Escape is published by Salt River, an imprint of Tyndale – the prominent Christian publishing house. While printed under a faith based imprint, and sold on the Christian retail circuit, any references to faith are glancing and inconclusive, though it is difficult to determine which path the story will take in future volumes.

In my opinion Taylor takes cultural relevance too far. Murder schemes, mad magicians, séances and a cast of creepy characters contribute to the eerie, otherworldly story that has more in common with Lemony Snicket than it does most Christian fiction for teenagers. Due to the edgy and questionable content matter some parents may decide to pass on this title for their children. However, with the marked popularity of A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Dopple Ganger Chronicles will likely find a wide readership. Based upon this first installment, our family will not be among them.

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Publisher Info:

Title: The First Escape (The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, Book 1)
Author: G.P. Taylor
Format: Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: SaltRiver (August 20, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1414319479
ISBN-13: 978-1414319476

Splish is a young frog that desires to read more than anything else. His father reads the Bible aloud to his family daily. His mother reads to him, his older brother and younger sister can both read, and all of his friends read as well, but somehow Splish has been left behind. Frustrated by his lack of reading abilities, he doubts his Mama’s patient, wise words as she repeatedly assures him that it takes time to learn to read, and he will indeed master the art.

In her capacity as a homeschooling mother, Mama frog soothes Splish each time he expresses his fears that he will never, ever learn to read. “And then Mama said, ‘It takes time to learn to read, Splish…’” forms the repeating element of encouragement for all young children impatient for the inevitable breakthrough necessary before fluent reading skills emerge. Mama frog continues to read to Splish daily and to encourage his reading efforts until the developmental leap is made and Splish realizes that his Mama was right all along: it does take time to learn to read.

As any adult who has taught a young child to read can attest, the waiting period between the desire and the eventual achievement of that goal is often a frustrating, disappointing time. Gena Suarez, co-publisher of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and homeschooling mother of five, knows this stage of life well. She is intimately familiar with this tenuous time, and provides encouragement for young students and their teachers in And Then Mama Said…It Takes Time to Learn to Read.

When read aloud, Suarez’s text brings out the best nurturing Mama voice inside each of us. Paired with bright, bold illustrations from Kevin Collier, young readers will be swept into the world of Bliss Hollow and reassured that all things occur in God’s perfect timing. Collier’s drawings of the frog family and their animal friends are filled with saturated colours and are somewhat cartoon-like in their rendering – always an appealing style for children.

Splish’s simple story entered into our family’s life the day after I heard my own five-year-old daughter voicing her frustrations with her lack of reading skills. “I can’t read, and I’m never going to be able to!” her sentiments echoed Splish’s precisely. Though I reassured her that night that yes, she would read, but it took time and practice, I heard doubt in her voice. Just learning to blend three letter words, she had her eyes set on lengthy picture books and the meaty, read-aloud chapter books we share together as a family. Children raised in a reading home find this waiting period particularly difficult.

Sharing the story of Splish’s frustrations and eventual triumph seemed to settle her fears and anxiety. Never drawing conclusions between her situation and the little frog’s we simply read through the story several times together. She noted similarities between the frog family and ours, “Oh Mommy, those frogs are Christians. Oh! They homeschool too!” Having the reassurances of her father and myself echoed by an independent third party – in this case a storybook – finally convinced her that we were telling the truth. Despite the worst of her fears, she would learn to read with time.

This proven ability to calm the anxiety of impatient young students, paired with guidance for mothers to persevere in patience, establishes Suarez’s picture book as an essential addition to the library of all parents of pre-readers.

Autographed copies and a free downloadable .pdf study guide are available when purchased from The Old Schoolhouse Store.

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Publisher Info:

Title: And Then Mama Said…It Takes Time to Learn to Read
Author: Gena Suarez
Format: Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (October 15, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1935137115
ISBN-13: 978-1935137115

I recently had the opportunity to review an upcoming e-book title from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine prior to it’s general release.  As the title indicates, Living and Learning on One Income represents the compiled experiences and advice of twelve homeschooling families striving to live frugally while teaching and discipling their children at home on a single income.  The families included hail from a variety of living situations, work at home parents, farmers, self-employed website owners and work-a-day parents.

Each contributed voice is authentic, warm and engaging.  Most of the essay writers are homeschooling mothers and reading this e-book is like sitting down with a group of friends for tea, chatting about frugal living and its integration with home education.  Far from consisting only of generalized advice, these writers share their journeys to debt free living, their decision to bring Mom home, frugal recipes, couponing tips and a plethora of specific money saving tips, advice and resources.

Each essay is short enough to digest in stolen reading moments throughout the busy days of a homeschooling mom.  The combination of practical advice and coping strategies with the personal thoughts, struggles and rejoicing shared by each of the contributors creates a unique compendium of knowledge.

Whether your family has only begun to consider the one income lifestyle, or you are an experienced one income family; Living and Learning on One Income will provide warm, realistic encouragement and the reassurance that yes, you can do it!  Reading it reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey, and that there are other mothers like me, doing without and doing their best to provide the best upbringing they can for their children.

Living and Learning on One Income introduces a line of e-books aiding parents in wise stewardship of their resources during the difficult economic times forecast for the near future.  Fictional Mom, Molly Green will be guiding readers through titles tackling specific topics that lead to savings.  Further information is upcoming at Econobusters.

A missionary family returns from serving in Papua New Guinea, battle weary and wounded. The strength of the enemy’s strongholds amongst the tribal people there has led Jim and Stephanie Miller to doubt the goodness and very presence of God. Stephanie begins to suffer from disturbing dreams, visions, nightmares, and sleep walking – possibly triggered by events on the mission field – that serve only to drive a deep wedge between her and her husband.

Retreating to an immense lodge remotely located in North Carolina, the Millers hope to draw closer to one another and re-establish their spiritual standing. However, this enormous home with locked wings, secret doors, hidden passages and rooms, seems to facilitate further distance between Jim, Stephanie, and their children Zachary and Ashley. This strange and new temporary dwelling place draws Stephanie deeper into her apparent madness while dredging up deep, forgotten memories from her childhood. Withdrawing from each other and their maker, the Millers leave their family open to spiritual attack – when the enemy strikes out physically the results are horrifying.

The external circumstances the Miller family finds themselves in run parallel to the spiritual events in their lives. Having been separated from the world by a brutal snowstorm, so too have they become isolated from one another and from God. Their only hope is a return to the One who made them, as they strive to re-establish contact with the outside world the snow has cut them off from.

With Isolation multi-genre author Travis Thrasher turns his pen to horror, having written romance, drama and suspense novels in the past. While he acknowledges Stephen King as one of his literary heroes (many have drawn comparisons between Isolation and The Shining), Thrasher’s work is unique in its seamless weaving together of faith and fear, resulting in Christian horror – though I wasn’t sure how such a combination could possibly work. Isolation has shown me that a scary story can be made even more so through the incorporation of powerful spiritual truths.

Having left the horror genre relatively untouched throughout my reading career I cannot speak to any similarities between King’s work and Thrasher’s. I can say that Isolation terrified me; I simply cannot remember a time when any other book I’ve read has left my heart pounding so hard in my chest. The true beauty of this novel is that the scares don’t rely upon graphically depicted gore or violence but upon inferred events, shadows of meaning, and the horrific possibility that the scenario is entirely possible. I must applaud Thrasher for his ability to maintain the standards commonly associated with Christian fiction - clean language and avoidance of scenes of graphic violence or sexual acts – while still producing one scary ride.

Isolation develops a surprising degree of depth throughout the course of the novel, proving itself to be far more than a cheap thrill. Though Thrasher doesn’t consider himself a Christian novelist, Isolation’s plot is faith driven from start to finish. Jim and Stephanie’s struggles with their faith are authentic. Stephanie in particular is a vivid portrait of a wounded woman - flawed, floundering, and realistic, I deeply empathized with her. In addition to pairing these imperfect individuals with spiritual truths, Thrasher drives the fear home through the faith elements, contributing to the novel rather than detracting from it, or seeming tacked on. While there is light and hope to be found and an eventual end to the interminable isolation, there is a long dark night of the soul that must be passed through while the forces of light and darkness battle against each other.

I was advised not to read Isolation at night. Disregarding that excellent wisdom I found myself trembling in the dark as I paged through this novel as quickly as eyes, mind, and fingers can fly. The spiritual message will attract readers from outside of the thriller genre with the potential to speak wisdom into their lives, and through some mysterious synchronicity the fear will dig it in deeper. With Ghostwriter releasing in 2009 it seems that Thrasher won’t be leaving the domain of darkness anytime soon in his writing, a scary development indeed.

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Publisher Info:

Title: Isolation
Author: Travis Thrasher
Format: Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (September 12, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0446505544
ISBN-13: 978-0446505543

Opening with images of the Mayflower sailing across the ocean, This is the Feast guides young readers through the arrival of the Pilgrims in America and culminates with the first Thanksgiving. Simple rhyming text paired with light-filled illustrations brings the history of this time-honoured tradition to life.

Written for 4 – 8-year-olds, Diane Shore’s text avoids delving into graphic depictions of the hardships the Pilgrims experienced during their voyage and consequent arrival in America. Nor does she gloss over them, providing simple explanations of the difficulties and trials facing the Pilgrims.

As an experienced children’s author and frequent presenter in schools, Shore is well acquainted with the words that create satisfaction in the young heart. Her text is rhythmic and features repetitive elements. Nearly every rhyming couplet begins with the words “This is…” or “These are…”.

After three such couplets are written, Shore gathers three sets of couplets, starts with her traditional opening in the first couplet only, and closes with a cry of praise to God. Repetitive structures produce some of the strongest children’s literature. Rhythm and rhyme feed the child’s mind and satisfy the soul, This is the Feast excels in both.

Megan Lloyd provides a superb compliment to the text with magnificent illustrations that are full of saturated colours and texture. She successfully uses light to create emotional tension throughout the story the illustrations accompany.

The opening picture of the Mayflower on the sea is striking; the play of colours on the water and in the sky makes my heart soar. Her use of layering creates activity in the scenes and she absolutely excels in her detailed depictions of livestock and agriculture. The combination of her talent with Shore’s words seals the deal on this title, raising my estimation of their work from good to superb.

Many children’s books fall short of historical accuracy and consistency in their illustrations but This is the Feast is far above such shoddy workmanship. For example, no forks are shown in eating scenes, only the occasional spoon.

Upon first glance readers might be suspect of the shades chosen for clothing colours. Didn’t the Pilgrims wear only black? This pervasive myth is historically inaccurate; the Pilgrims wore a variety of colours, though likely not as bright as our clothing due to the vegetable dyes used. To enhance the moods presented the dresses in dark colours are reserved for scenes depicting hardship and travail, while vibrant, jewel-like tones are used in scenes of rejoicing. Some of the colours are perhaps a bit on the bright side, but add to the delicious use of light throughout the illustrations that depict joy and freedom.

Shore makes no efforts to disguise or minimize the strong spiritual drive that sent the Pilgrims to America in their search for the freedom to worship God according to their conscience. What a relief in a post-Christian society that is seeking to secularize much of history. Throughout the text the Pilgrims turn to God for sustenance and praise His name for his providence, beautifully revealing the deeply Christian roots of Thanksgiving.

This is the Feast provides a brief, uplifting read for this season of thankfulness. Once begun it will captivate both the most reluctant of readers and the most fervent. Holding appeal for a much wider age range than it is written for; my two year old and forty-something husband were equally entranced. I can think of no better title with which to accurately and entertainingly introduce the history of Thanksgiving to young children.

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Publisher Info:

Title: This is the Feast
Author: Diane Z. Shore
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (August 26, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0066237947
ISBN-13: 978-0066237947

Grad student Hailey Maniates is running for her life. Pursued by a seemingly invisible presence that infiltrates her mind, inciting fear and rage within her, she runs instinctively with no thoughts as to her destination. Hiding amongst the bushes in Golden Gate Park she is attacked by a knife-wielding stranger - a much lesser threat - only to be saved by a towering giant of a man. A homeless man with matted hair, tangled beard and hunched back whose thoughts and emotions somehow resonate within her, creating a sense of trust and safety in his presence.

Following this traumatic evening Hailey is hospitalized, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and released under a heavy medication protocol. Doubting her sanity but sure of what she experienced, she soon recognizes that her life is still in danger. The only one with the answers she needs is her homeless rescuer, Melchi. In order to survive she must plumb the depths of his knowledge, venturing into an unknown territory that includes ancient prophesy and a secret battle between the forces of light and darkness that has been waged for millennia.

In Shade John Olson has created a world in which nothing is as it seems, and where no answers are certain. As Hailey struggles to make sense of the battles raging around her she moves between belief and disbelief, struggling to set her feet on a firm ground that never quite materializes. Olson keeps certain aspects of his story amorphous, leaving room for reader interpretation and paving the way for future novels in this vein.

Often referred to as a Christian vampire novel, I would not assign Shade this label. While the determinedly stalking antagonist - the Mulo - is given his name from the term for a Gyspy vampire, this isn’t precisely what he is. Certainly there are vampire-like aspects to his character, but he is not entirely one of them, an example of the vague and undetermined nature of this work. However, the emotional tenor created, the fear of the chase and the ever present night hunter create a dark world of fear similar to that found in vampire-genre novels.

Olson does not rely upon the elements of fear and danger to drive his novel alone; he has populated this dark, mysterious world with characters whose emotions are authentic and ring true. In the unlikeliest romantic pairing Olsen brings together a huge, odorous homeless man who is either brainwashed, insane, or an unlikely hero figure with a brainy, emotionally recalcitrant heroine who may not have it all together mentally and sparks a tender flame between them. This thread of storyline is beautifully touching, and it works; a feat traditionally considered difficult for male authors – congratulations John.

The only weakness worth mentioning is the somewhat contrived presentation of the gospel message. Rather than being woven throughout the text it pops up unexpectedly, thrown into the middle of the story like a heavy rock that makes a large splash before sinking to the bottom of the pool. Flashy and obvious, the message of Christ’s forgiveness is included but affects little of the story.

Providing a more integrated, realistic element of faith in this title are the ongoing references to God and the Holy One from the main characters. References to Biblical history and early members of the human family also serve to establish a Christian worldview.  It’s obvious that Melchi and Hailey are seeking to serve the Lord, though Melchi struggles under the weight of the Law.

Shade is the first novel that Olson set out to write (though not the first published), and of the two I’ve read I think it’s the best to date. The uncertainty, suspense, and driving need to solve the mysteries woven throughout had me through the novel in two sittings. Olson skillfully raised questions and dangled answers like bait before jerking them away again, leaving readers delightfully agitated and striving onward. While we aren’t presented with a cliff-hanger ending and a sense of closure is provided, there are enough open ends and future adventures sensed to leave readers crying, “Give us another one John!”

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Publisher Info:

Title: Shade
Author: John B. Olson
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Publisher: B&H Fiction (October 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0805447342
ISBN-13: 978-0805447347

Some books are dangerous; reading them opens your eyes and makes you see the world around you in a different way. After reading them this new understanding of reality lingers and is not easily dismissed. Stories like these drive you to action, serving as a call to take up arms. Somaly Mam’s memoir, The Road of Lost Innocence, is one such book.

Born in Cambodia during years of political turmoil, Somaly never knew her parents – she still doesn’t know what became of them. Left by her grandmother in a tribal village, her early years were spent outdoors, roaming amongst the huts looking for food. These years were happy compared to those that would follow after leaving northern Cambodia with a man who claimed to know of her parents at the age of six.

This man, her “grandfather” would proceed to beat and molest her, sell her virginity to pay his debts at the age of 11, marry her to an abusive husband at the age of fourteen and finally sell her to a brothel at 16. As you can imagine Somaly’s story is not an easy, feel good read.  The list of travesties, betrayals and corruption she has known is far too lengthy to detail here.

Catching glimpses of a better life, Somaly is eventually able to escape from the bondage of sexual slavery. Using the only currency at her disposal she begins to make alliances with foreign men – those with wealth and power – and uses them to begin her slow ascent out of prostitution. After achieving her freedom the girls she left behind haunt her. Knowing the devastation trafficking in girl-flesh wreaks she cannot stand motionless while atrocities are committed; hopefully you won’t be able to either when this story comes to a close.

Presented in spare, matter of fact prose the writing itself mimics the Cambodian attitude towards life; silent, understated. Coming from a people who disguise their emotions to the utmost – simply writing this memoir is a break with traditional Cambodian culture. Somaly however, has long since ceased to be a traditional Cambodian.

The words seek to describe without betraying the depths of emotional pain behind them, but it still seeps through. Between each and every line, in the silences and pauses the pain is there alongside the fear and anger. The Road of Lost Innocence is the anguished soul cry of a woman who has never truly been loved, the heart breaking sobs of a shattered little girl.

Somaly brutally exposes the truth of modern sexual trafficking in south-east Asia through her own story and that of those she has rescued from slavery. She outlines the beginnings of her non-profit organizations that rescue girls and women from brothels, sketching out plans for their reintegration into society. Free of her physical bonds and able to offer hope to those in chains, she remains a broken woman. The aching sadness created throughout her life’s circumstances is still present; only slightly mitigated by her relentless drive to rescue the weak and defend the defenseless.

She tells her story not to evoke sympathy for herself, though her pain is apparent. She writes, offering herself up to the public eye to draw attention to the plight of the girls and women who are still captive; taken against their will and viciously used. Somaly truly wants nothing for herself other than the opportunity to continue working with the victims of sexual trafficking and to draw awareness to their plight.

Truly, every responsible citizen of the world should engage Somaly’s work. The difficult stories need to be told, more than that - they must be acted upon. Only with eyes opened to the atrocities surrounding us can we step out in faith, reaching into the darkness to rescue those bound there.

Visit the Somaly Mam Foundation to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by sexual trafficking.

Note to my Christian readers: Somaly is a Buddhist, and it’s so clear that she’s trapped in the darkness of her pain.  Please join me in prayer that she’ll find the light of the world?

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Publisher Info:

Title: The Road of Lost Innocence - The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine
Author: Somaly Mam
Format: Hardcover, 208 pages
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (September 9, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0385526210
ISBN-13: 978-0385526210

It’s never too early to point your children toward God as creator by using examples found in the world around them. The God Made… series of tiny board books is a sweet and irresistible introduction that does just that by introducing first words to toddlers while sharing God’s role as creator with them.

Weighing in at 14 pages each and measuring approximately 5” x 4” these little books with an integral rainbow handle are perfect for small hands – sometimes smaller is better, particularly for young children. Each page features a bright photograph on a white background accompanied by the text “God made” along with the name of the object shown.

In God Made Food a variety of fruits, vegetables, egg and dairy products are represented.

“God made milk.”
“God made beans.”
“God made strawberries.”

The simple repetitive text accompanied by the bright, crisp photographs is an ideal aid to object recognition.

Likewise in God Made My Body a cast of multi-cultural babies present a variety of fun positions and expressions to illustrate the body part spoken of.

“God made my arms,” is accompanied with a chubby baby lifting his arms in what seems to be praise to the Lord.

“God made my tongue,” features a sweet little girl sticking her tongue out.

It’s well known that board books featuring pictures of babies are favourites of the 0–2 year-old set, and that has certainly proved true with my own children. My 4 month old had such a look of concentration on her face when my husband read God Made My Body to her.

Adding to the appeal of the series for parents of faith is the inclusion of a section of scripture at the end of each book that supports God’s work of creation in the areas focused on in each title. A relevant verse or two is given in the NIrV, a popular Bible version for young children. Not many board books can boast the inclusion of scripture!

After reading these to my own children I can say with some certainty that these little books will be received with joy from infants to 5-year-olds and possibly beyond once reading skills develop. My baby listened raptly and then tried to gum the book, my 2-year-old pointed to pictures and discussed the illustrations and my 5-year-old ‘read’ the book to her little sisters, guided by the refrain of “God made” paired with the photograph.

There are many board books introducing collections of first words to the tiniest of readers. What makes these titles indispensable for parents introducing their little ones to the wonders of the world is the emphasis upon God’s creation of the universe; something that I’ve never found in similarly styled titles.

My little girls are looking forward to completing their collection with God Made Animals and God Made The World. At only $3.99 for each book, I’m also putting these on my shopping list for all of the toddlers and babies I know. The children in your life are sure to be delighted if you do the same.

God Made Food

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Publisher Info:

Title: God Made Food
Author: Michael Vander Klipp
Format: Board Book, 14 pages
Publisher: Kregel Kidzone (March 31, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0825439132
ISBN-13: 978-0825439131

God Made My Body

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Publisher Info:

Title: God Made My Body
Author: Michael Vander Klipp
Format: Board Book, 14 pages
Publisher: Kregel Kidzone (March 31, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0825439124
ISBN-13: 978-0825439124

The Gerwitz family has a heart for equipping homeschooling, Christian families with the tools necessary to teach their children Creation Science.  This family’s Creation Science materials have been widely recommended by prominent Christians such as Cathy Duffy and Kent Hovind.

Growing up in a home filled with God’s truth Christina Gerwitz began writing The Missing Link: FOUND at the age of 14, finishing at the age of 17 with her mother  Felice’s co-writing assistance.  The completion of The Missing Link represented the first in what would become a quartet of novels that combine mystery, adventure and Creation Science to form wholesome reading for teens.  Three novels have been published to date with the fourth in progress.

In The Missing Link we find the Murphy family swept into an adventure beyond their understanding.  FBI raids, kidnapping and conspiracy take the unsuspecting family by surprise as they work together to solve the mystery of fossilized human-like remains that Uncle Mike and Cousin David are working to excavate.  These remains may prove to be the oft discussed but not yet found “missing link”, holding the potential to become the first conclusive transitional form.

Against this backdrop the scene is set for the Gerwitz’s to introduce arguments for and against creation and evolution.  As scientific facts are absorbed by young readers the Murphy’s reliance upon God and their clear Christian character traits will shore up traditional Christian values.

As the first self-published effort of a young girl, it’s unsurprising to find the writing style and punctuation to differ from what an established author would produce.  From a perspective of literary analysis the character development could have been much stronger; the clues and connections could have been spread more evenly throughout the story rather than being held tightly until the end.

With no other such novels available to homeschooling families I can see these titles playing an important supplementary role in Christian education; some schools have already selected this series of novels as required summer reading.  Families with reluctant teenage readers will want to incorporate these books into their science studies to provide easily digested factoids.   Once captivated by the story the accompanying literature study guides for each novel can be introduced as a language arts supplement.

While we don’t all have archaeologists in the family, this tale of a large, Christian homeschooling family who relies on the Lord and seeks His truth throughout challenging situations provides the sense that we are not alone on our journeys.

You can learn more about the Gerwitz family’s Creation Science books, audio and DVD presentations at Media Angels.  I’m looking forward to purchasing their science materials with my children once they are older.

The Missing Link: FOUND is available for $8.99 in paperback from Media Angels OR for a limited time, all three novels for $22.00.

OR CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW AT CHRISTIANBOOK.COM!

Publisher Info:

Title: The Missing Link: FOUND
Author: Christina and Felice Gerwitz
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
Publisher: Media Angels Science (2004)
ISBN-10: 09319410804
ISBN-13: 9781931941082