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Passover begins tonight, Monday, April 22, 2024 at sundown and ends at sundown, Tuesday, April 30. Knowing about Passover blesses Christian kids. You might say it’s an essential.
Passover is a remembrance and sacred celebration of the freedom that God brought to the Israelites when he brought them out of slavery in Egypt. In the gospels we read about Jesus and his disciples celebrating the Passover on the night before the morning of Good Friday. Jesus helped his disciples know that he was now going to free them from a greater bondage–a bondage to sin. The Passover of Egypt so many years before was a foreshadowing of the bigger plan of God. Jesus would soon become their and our Passover lamb, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 (NIV). Knowing about Passover will nourish your child’s soul, pointing him to the greatness and goodness of God. Our God cares for and delivers his beloved ones.
We can recommend two books that we have previously reviewed, the beautifully illustrated Exodus and Walk with Y’shua Through the Jewish Year which has a chapter on the Passover.
Patsy has also found a fun, interactive book for children (you’ll have fun too) that tells about the origin of Passover and how Jews celebrate it.
ABC Passover Hunt, written by Tilda Balsley, illustrated by Helen Poole, and published by Kar-Ben Publishing (2016), isn’t your everyday picture book. The first page says, “An alphabet Passover scene. Find all the letters in between!” The last page reads, ” Z’man cheruteinu……We celebrate that we are free! Happy Passover to every family!”
On each page of this book and for each letter of the alphabet, there is a word pertaining to Jewish history, the Bible or the Passover holiday. The book uses questions and colorful, cartoon-like drawings to explain aspects of Passover and its celebration. For example, the question on the “B” page asks what was baby Moses’ boat on the Nile. The drawing on the page shows a box, an inner tube, a leaf, a rowboat, a rubber ducky, and a basket. The child guesses which was Moses’ boat. The answers to all of the questions are at the end of the book.
I found ABC Passover Hunt interesting and fun, with poems that rhyme and that describe what is being conveyed. Pictures depict Bible characters, food used in the Passover meal, maps, families celebrating together, etc. There are some Hebrew letters and words. One of the questions for the letter N is “Nisan…..This is the month that Passover’s in. On which day does it begin?” As I mentioned before, all the answers are on the last page of the book, in addition to a paragraph entitled “About Passover.”
This book describes and illustrates Passover in a very clear way that young children can understand. The best age of readers would be from four to twelve years. I learned a lot from this 32-page book and I hope you will as well.
Patsy Ledbetter has written poetry, short stories, devotionals, and book reviews for many years. She has also been a drama instructor, special needs teacher and substitute teacher. She and Kevin have been married for 41 years. They lost their oldest son Craig when he was 33. They now have three children, Vanessa, Bethany and David. They also have five grandchildren, Elyse, Aurora, Hayden, Molly, and Hudson. Kevin has been a music pastor most of his life and together they serve the Lord in a local church. Patsy loves to read, pray, and spend time outdoors and with family and friends. Her main desire is to bring glory to God through all the talents He has given her.
The Knight’s Map by R.C. Sproul with illustrations by Richard Lawnes, and published by Ligonier Ministries (2016) is a beautifully illustrated children’s storybook. It opens with a letter to parents explaining the purpose and inspiration for the story. The author suggests ways parents can enrich the reading experience. He quotes Matthew 13:45-46, which compares the kingdom of God to a pearl of great price. The story is an allegory based on the parables of Jesus.
A boy tells his father how kids at school are teasing him for reading the Bible, calling it an old book full of made-up stories. His father says that Grandpa may have an answer to that.
That evening, Grandpa gathers the grandchildren around him. He tells them about a knight named Sir Charles who wonders if the Great King that people talk about is real or just a story. One day, the knight receives a letter signed by the Great King, with a map inside. The map promises a wonderful treasure. Sir Charles is not sure if this is true, but finally decides to take a journey to find out.
The map is hard for him to read. He meets Mr. Skeptic, Mr. Idol Maker, and others, who confuse him. He gets lost. He almost gives up his quest. Then Mr. Pilgrim points him to the Lamp Maker, who says he made Sir Charles’ map. He explains the history of the Great King and his Son. After this, the knight understands the map better and is able to follow it more carefully.
On a mountainside, Sir Charles meets the Prince, the Son of the Great King. The Prince takes the knight to stay forever in the Great King’s kingdom. Sir Charles is full of joy.
Grandpa explains to the children that the knight’s map is a picture of the Bible. He says that they must learn to trust it as Sir Charles learned to trust his map as a guide for his life’s journey.
In the back of the book, the author explores the meaning of the story through questions and answers. He lists Bible verses to support each point.
This book would be good to read aloud to children or to give as a gift. It is 37 pages long. On opening it, the reader usually finds a picture on one side and text on the facing page. The story font size is large enough to be easily read. (The note to parents and the questions and answers are in a smaller font.) It is designed for children, ages 8-12. You can find it on Amazon.
Donna Fujimoto’s children love to read. She is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary. Her collection of short stories, 9 Slightly Strange Stories with an Uplifting Edge is available as an e-book at Amazon.
Who doesn’t want a little candy at Easter? Just a chocolate egg? Or two? OK, maybe three. So, we’re doing the candy thing, right? Because Easter is a sweet time.
But there’s a sweeter gift—God gave us the gift of forgiveness and new life–enabling us to be members of His Kingdom and daughters and sons of His Heart. Children need books that help them know about this sweet gift for their souls. We can recommend some.
God Gave Us Easter is another book in the series written by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura Bryant. It is published by Waterbrook Press (2013).
Papa Bear surprises Little Cub when he says that Easter is better than Christmas. “Why?” asks Little Cub. Papa Bear explains that because of Easter we can go to heaven and be with Jesus forever.
On a walk, Papa Bear and Little Cub discover all around them ways to better understand Easter. Papa Bear points out ordinary objects like a tree root or a pine cone, but then likens them to extraordinary things. When they come across an egg, Papa Bear explains that the chick cracking out of the egg is much like Jesus coming out of the grave and later rising again.
I really enjoyed these comparisons. Some of them, such as a tree root to the root of Jesse, deal with more advanced truths not usually mentioned in a children’s Easter book. Bergren tackles these difficult concepts but uses simple language in doing so. Older children can be led into some interesting discussions of Papa Bear’s teachings. Younger children will be satisfied to merely soak in the story. A possible drawback of the book is that the cross is not mentioned. Parents of older children will want to bring it up and discuss the importance of the cross.
Bryant’s watercolor and pencil illustrations display spring on each page.
Bergren shows that Easter is more than candy and Easter eggs. Easter is God’s forever love gift of His Son given to all who believe.
Carol Green, a graduate of Northwestern, is the mother of three adult children. Her five grandchildren affectionately call her “Grams cracker.” She is the published author of many poems for both adults and children; three coloring books: God Gave Me Five, ABC Fun Book, and Color God’s World Bright; and the picture book: My Mom Loves Me.
The Best Thing About Easter was written by Christine Harder Tangvald, illustrated by Kathy Couri and published by Standard Publishing, (first paperback printing, 1997). It will let your pre-schooler delight in the fun customs of Easter, but your child will also discover that there is more to Easter than dyeing eggs and eating candy. This little book is short and its words few, but the truth that it conveys is rich and deep and wide. Jesus and His love for us is the best thing about Easter.
Speaking to the child at eye level, Christine romps through all the customs that many of us keep, helping the child to see the joy in them. With each custom, the author involves the child, asking the child questions about what they like. The story builds—she doesn’t give away the ending before it’s time—and we are in suspense as she tells us that there is something better than dyeing eggs, eating candy, enjoying Spring, and even being together in church. Jesus, she says finally, is the very best thing about Easter.
She tells the story of Easter, acknowledging that it started sad, but she moves quickly and emphatically (“Jesus Did Not Stay Dead! No, He Did Not!”) to the joy that his friends had and that we can have too. With gentleness and yet abundant enthusiasm, she lets the child know that Jesus’ death and resurrection was part of God’s amazing plan. God loves us. A child will hear that God loves them personally and that “Jesus died and lives again . . . for me.”
I don’t think this book will impress adults. It’s not visually sophisticated and the questions the author asks will not intrigue adults. But I think small children will love this book. It is written at their level. And I think it does something else. It helps a child begin to see what is most important in life, what is best to seek after.
The Bright Light and the Super Scary Darkness written by Dan Dewitt, illustrated by Rea Zhai and published by B&H Kids (2020) uses a poetic approach, looking at darkness and light and echoing the words of John, Chapter 1. This picture book begins by talking to the child about the fear of darkness. Almost all children will relate. Then, as the Bible does, the author likens sin to a kind of darkness. The story says that this kind of darkness entered the world with Adam and Eve. In the next pages it explains that it grew. “It seemed like the darkness was definitely winning.”
The reader then turns the page and receives hope. “But God had not forgotten His people. When the time was right . . .” And then turning the next page . . . “God sent the child of light! . . .His name was Jesus.”
It seems again that darkness wins when Jesus is killed, but then we are told that the darkness is really a scaredy-cat. More than that the darkness has lost–Jesus is alive.
I think you and the kids are going to love this book. The illustrations are evocative, but kid-friendly. There is enough detail to ground the story in the actual events, but it moves beyond and gives us an overall picture of the battle between light and darkness. The book is comforting and reassuring– the light of Jesus wins for those of us who trust in Him. The book is appropriate for children, ages 4-8.
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue, mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.
Spring forward/fall back can throw us for a loop. My pastor jokingly told the 11 o’clock service that he was surprised to see that anyone had showed up that morning for the 9 o’clock. At my house I’m not sure when I should start cooking dinner. It’s too light out; it’s still afternoon I tell myself. For little ones and school age children, bedtime can seem way too early. They might even be giving you more of a hard time when they are told its time for bed. Perhaps there’s a way to smooth that out–sweeten the deal. Maybe extending story time a little–or creating a story time if you don’t already have one. Patsy has some great books to recommend. (And you can access more Books 4 Christian Kids suggestions on Book Lists.)
From Patsy Ledbetter –Two Bible storybooks for young children have really impressed my own grandchildren, and I think your little ones will appreciate them as well.
The first, The Jesus Story Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is published by Zonderkidz (2007). It is full of bright and beautiful illustrations, and it presents each Bible story in a way that children can understand.
Uniquely, it focuses on the story beneath all the stories in the Bible. “At the center of the story, there is a baby, the Child upon whom everything would depend. From Noah to Moses to King David, every story whispers his name. Jesus is like the missing piece in a puzzle–the puzzle that makes all the other pieces fit together.” (from the back cover)
This storybook is definitely one that your children will enjoy. It is well-written and exciting. Recommended for children preschool age through sixth grade, I think children as young as two years old will like it.
The second Bible storybook, God Gave us the Bible: Forty-five Favorite Stories for Little Ones is written by Lisa Tawn Bergen and illustrated by David Hohn. It is published by Waterbrook (2019).
As in Bergren’s other picture books, (see God Gave Us the World, God Gave Us Easter, God Gave Us Christmas) the characters in this Bible storybook are animals. “Mama Bear gathers Little Cub and all her forest friends to tell them the story of God’s love–through the Bible.” (from the back cover) This storybook has lots of animals and they are adorable. Children love animals and they will love these.
God Gave Us the Bible is a book young children can easily relate to and understand. It includes questions that children might ask. Bergren has the young animals ask the questions and Mama Bear answer them. For example, Little Moose asks this question, “What’s a parable?” Mama Bear replies, “It’s a kind of story that Jesus used to help his followers understand the truth. And it helps us understand God better too.”
One of the pictures in this book I really enjoy is a big table with all the animals gathered around listening to Mama Bear read Bible stories. I know that children enjoy seeing pictures of animals communicating with each other.
This book is recommended for children preschool through second grade, but I think younger children and even some older children will enjoy it.
I believe the children in your life will find these storybooks very interesting, fun as well.
Patsy Ledbetter says she has many titles, but her favorite is being mom to her six children. Her two daughters, two sons and one son-in-law and one-daughter-in-law are her joy. A teacher with forty years experience Patsy has taught children of all ages and also special needs children and adults. She writes occasionally for a local newspaper and performs in church theater productions on a regular basis. She and her husband have been married for more than 35 years. She says, “It is my desire to bring honor and glory to my Lord Jesus in every area where He has allowed me to minister.”
“The Lord bless you [today and all the days to come] and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; and the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. “Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
Let that wash over you and soak in. It feels good, doesn’t it?
I love it when someone speaks a blessing over me. I love to be reminded that the grace and peace of God is mine and that He is watching over me and filling all the empty places of my soul.
I think kids want to hear it too. I think they need to hear it. Despite our best efforts, we cannot shelter them from the evil that comes against them or the evil that is happening in the world. They are vulnerable.
God though can shelter them with His strength and His love. He can give them joy and lift them out of fear and sadness. He can give them courage. He can give them direction. He can give them hope. He wants to. He longs to. A devotional may help them seek Him and hear Him.
For older teens, young women and adults we can recommend: Adventures in Prayer, Praying with Jane, The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, and New Morning Mercies.
We think you and your little ones will like: The Little Visits. . . series; Words to Dream: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayers
For school age children we have read and liked Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids; Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God and Science , The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions about God and Science.
For teen girls we can suggest Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women
For family devotions we think you and the family will be enriched with: Faith Forward Family Devotional; Grace for the Moment Family Devotional; Kingdom Family Devotional .
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue, mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.
“A book is like a garden in the pocket” – a Chinese proverb
Not all books are alike. Some books are worthy of a child’s time and interest while others are just . . . and some–I hate to say it, really–should be avoided by the young. Thank you for letting us, this past year, recommend some good books to you and your young person. We hope you tried a few and found them a pleasure.
In the new year we’ll keep reading and searching for other books that we can recommend. Meanwhile don’t forget to dig into Book Lists. You may find some books you’ve missed or forgotten.
On Saturday night we made potato latkes at our house. I found a recipe some years back and I’ve loved this treat ever since. You and the kids might like them too.
Latkes which are fried in oil are a traditional part of the Hanukkah celebration. The book of John (John 10:22) tells us that Jesus was in Jerusalem during this Jewish winter festival which John calls the Feast of Dedication. I think it is interesting to consider why John gave us this detail. I ask myself what does God want us to know.
This Jewish celebration is known as the Festival of Lights because of the candles or oil lamps that are lit in Jewish homes for eight nights beginning on 25th day of Kislev. The festival was a celebration of the rededication, in about 165 BC, of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Temple had been misused. When the Jews rededicated it, they had only enough holy oil for one night, but miraculously that oil burned for eight nights, enough time for new holy oil to be prepared.
The Temple had to be rededicated. A Greek ruler, Antiochus IV, had set up worship to other gods in it and even had pigs sacrificed on the altar. It was part of his plan to Hellenize the Jews–get them to blend in and stop being Jews. He also outlawed circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, and adhering to dietary laws.
What he was doing from a Christian perspective–though I’m sure Antiochus didn’t know he was doing it–was trying to overrule God and God’s promises to the Jews both to preserve them as a people and to send them a Messiah. Antiochus IV failed. God was faithful. He would not be overruled. The Messiah who would crush the head of the Evil One and who was to come from the seed of Abraham, through Isaac, through Jacob, and from the tribe of Judah, came just as God had promised. Jesus was born.
I think when we learn the story behind Hanukkah, we learn something valuable–something adults and children need to grasp if we would not lose heart as we follow Jesus. God’s plans cannot be thwarted. His promises are a sure-thing. And there will be setbacks, dangers and even darkness on the path to their fulfillment.
Hanukkah, 2023, began on Thursday night at sundown and ends on Friday, December 15 at sundown. Walk with Y’shua Through the Jewish Year can give you more info about this holiday and other holidays that Jesus and His disciples would have celebrated.
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue, mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.
I just finished reading God Is in the Small Stuff at Christmas written by Bruce & Stan and published by Barbour (2007). I thought it might be a book I could recommend to you, and–fanfare, please–I was right. The book blesses adult readers, particularly those already familiar with the Christmas story by taking us more deeply into the story and the people involved. The experience of looking into the “small” stuff of Christmas is a little like doing a jigsaw puzzle, focusing on single pieces to see the detail so that you can better consider how the pieces fit into the whole.
God Is in the Small Stuff at Christmas, however, is not an Advent devotional in the strictest sense. It has 41 entries and an introduction. If you were to read one entry a day starting at the beginning of Advent, the book would take you past Christmas Day, past New Year’s Day and into the early days of January. That might not be a bad idea–more days to enjoy the season. Unlike other devotionals the entries don’t contain prayers. Each entry ends with summary thoughts on the topic and action points. These thoughts and action points, though, might prompt you to compose your own prayer. Entries do have scripture, but they don’t all start with scripture.
Some entry topics are expected: Mary, Joseph, The Star, Angels, The Shepherds. Others are not the usual fare: When Love Came Down, John the Baptist, Gifts and Giving, Forgiveness, Prepare Him Room. But I think each entry will give you something to think about; something to look at a little differently than you did before.
For example, from the entry When Love Came Down: “What makes love such a powerful Christmas theme is it doesn’t stop after the holiday like a truce between warring armies. Because love comes from the heart of God to us, we have the power to share that love with others.”
From the entry entitled Faith: “If you would argue that the Christmas story requires a lot of faith, we would agree—but not for the reason you might think. . . It doesn’t take any more faith to believe the historic fact that Jesus was born than it does to believe the historic fact that George Washington crossed the Delaware River. . . On the other hand, if by “faith” you refer to the action required on our part to act on what we know to be true, then we are on the same page.”
From The Birth of Jesus: “Our disinfected view of the birth of Christ would be shattered if we had seen the real event. It was messy and unsanitary. . .But God the Father loved you so much He was willing to let His Son endure this experience. Sure, God could have made things easier. But that was never the deal with Christ’s life on earth.”
Advent can be a soul-enriching time for adults and children. A devotional can help. I think God Is in the Small Stuff at Christmas would serve adults as would the glorious Christ in the Carols. Young children and elementary school age children need something different than these two books offer. 25 Days of the Christmas Story and The Way to the Manager are better and great choices for families that have young children.
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue, mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.
OK, the dust has settled–new backpacks, new shoes, new clothes for the ones the kids have outgrown all purchased; new carpool organized. The new school year is happening.
The new school year will bring new opportunities and it will bring new challenges. You and the kids should not go it alone. And you don’t have to. God wants to go with you. In fact, He would be delighted for you to invite Him into your everyday life. He has seen what is ahead. He has also made plans–good plans for you and the kids. Family devotions will help you walk with Him.
Family devotions after dinner can be tough to pull off. Know that ahead time. Everybody is tired and— there’s homework, instrument practicing, dishes to wash, emergency runs to the grocery store (you’re out of cereal, out of cheese, out of the cupcakes for the school party that somebody forgot to tell you about). But make time, breathe, rest in the God who made the whole universe, and go into His presence. You and your family will reap benefits that you cannot begin to imagine–because God is that loving and that wonderful and that generous.
We can recommend some family devotionals. And think about, pray about, letting the kids take turns leading. Sometimes they like to be in charge.
Faith Forward Family Devotional
Grace for the Moment Family Devotional
Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God and Science
The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions about God and Science
Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) Her latest works for children are I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue, mystery novels for girls 10-13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.
In 2014, Lysa TerKeurst, Christian author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, published her first children’s book, It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change. This picture book was illustrated by Natalia Moore and published by Tommy Nelson: Illustrated edition (2014).
Synopsis
The story starts with Little Seed living comfortably in a seed packet in the good, kind Farmer’s shed. Little Fox, who is afraid of his own shadow, lives in the nearby woods. One rainy night, Little Fox meets Little Seed when the fox is forced to take refuge in the Farmer’s shed. Little Seed and Little Fox become fast friends.
The two friends are separated one morning when the Farmer takes Little Seed out of the packet. While planting it, the Farmer tells Little Seed to trust him because he has a good plan for it. Sitting in the dark, messy underground, Little Seed is lonely and scared. Above ground, Little Fox, also scared and lonely, does his best to encourage his friend and stays by Little Seed day and night. Meanwhile, the good, kind Farmer takes care of them. One spring morning, the two friends are reunited when Little Seed breaks above ground as a new sprout. Over time, Little Seed grows into a large, strong tree and provides shelter for a happier, more confident Little Fox.
Reading Level
Second graders confidently can read this advanced picture book independently. Kindergarteners and first graders can enjoy the book when they read it with an older sibling or adult. Guided Reading Level and Lexile Framework for Reading ratings are not available. This book is available at local public libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.
My Opinion
Have you wondered how to explain to a young child where God is and what He is doing while the child is struggling with a difficult circumstance? Lysa TerKeurst wrote It Will Be Okay to help caregivers tackle this challenge.
This story is an allegory that teaches children that God is good and kind, takes care of them, and has a plan for them during the tough times in life. Little Seed shows children how to trust in God’s good, kind character when they are going through scary situations and cannot see Him. Children learn from Little Seed and Little Fox that God uses these situations to nurture them into confident, beautiful adults He created them to be. Little Fox demonstrates to young readers how to support a friend who is going through a hard time.
The author reinforces the Biblical truths in the allegory at the beginning and end of the book. In her introductory letter to caregivers, she lists ten Bible verses children can memorize to build their trust in God. At the end of the allegory, she exhorts young readers to trust in God’s goodness and kindness just as Little Seed and Little Fox trust the Farmer.
Moore’s colorful illustrations draw children to open the book and start reading, but they may need nudging to continue reading past the first few pages. The first half of the book is slow-moving, with many pages devoted to setup and background. The pace picks up when the problem-solution plot is introduced halfway into the story. This plot holds children’s attention to the end.
The next time your children are worried or scared about a situation, read with them It Will Be Okay, along with the ten Bible verses. Their hearts will be filled with peace by the end of the book.
Carissa Excelsis is a storyteller and a mom. She has been telling original stories ever since she captivated her kindergarten classmates with her story about a mama bunny going to the hospital to have a baby bunny. She loves to capture children’s imagination through oral and written stories. Prior to being a mom, she created product branding strategies and wrote marketing copy. She hopes one day to have her children’s stories and God-stories published.
nancyellenhird.wordpress.com 