The Extra Special Baby: The Story of the Christmas Promise by Antonia Woodward (A Christmas anytime book)

You're probably wondering just what is going on when a blogger reviews a children's "Christmas" book at the end of January, and I really do realize it is a long time until Christmas 2018 rolls around. But given all that and for some unknown reason the book simply wasn't available until now. But I want to review it and I want to do so now. Amazon.com shows the "release date" as January 16, 2018 so I am just assuming this is such a lovely book they can't wait until "Christmas 2018" for the release. I heartily agree.

My thoughts: First of all I simply love the illustrations and tones of color used in the illustrations. And then I believe the author Antonia Woodward has retold the Biblical text in a charming, lyrical, and beautifully flowing story that brings dignity to what often is told in a "cutesy" style for young readers. When telling a young child the story of the Christ Child's birth or any other retelling of Biblical events, it is important that one recount the story on a level easily understood by the listener but to do so with beauty and dignity that Biblical accounts richly deserve.

The story begins with the Wise Men seeing the wonder in the heavens.

A long time ago, a long way away; some very clever men were doing very clever things. The read lots of scrolls and studied the stars. They discovered a very exciting promise written across time. Someone was coming..... Someone so extra special.

And then they go on their way, their long journey to find this someone special. The story then speaks of Mary and the annunciation. ..... "Your baby will be extra special because he will be God's own Son, come from heaven to live on earth."

Then the announcement by the angel in a dream to Joseph is made. Time goes on and and they travel to Bethlehem for the taxing and find the inns full but.... "The Extra Special Baby that God had made, and the angel had announced was born not in a palace, not even in a house, but in the corner of a stable, surrounded by animals."

And then the angels announced the birth to the shepherds in the field.... "Suddenly an angel in glorious glow flooded the hillside with light....."

The recounting of the Wise Men finally reaching the special child - when he was a toddler - is told and the book ends with another angel visitation where Joseph is told to leave..... "It is no longer safe for you here....travel ... to another land.... child can be out of harm's way."

The book doesn't end there, but shows the child growing to a special man who brought the blessings of heaven to the people of earth.

Antonia Woodward's art for this book is done in warm, soft pastels and neutrals in a cozy style that gets to the heart of God's love in giving His Son to Earth.

So, I don't see this as just a Christmas story, but a beloved retelling of Christ's coming to Earth to bring God's blessings to Earth.

You can find a copy at Kregel.com or perhaps at your favorite book vendor.

About the book: A long time ago, a long way away, some very clever men discovered a very exciting promise! In Bethlehem, under the quiet night sky, an Extra Special Baby was born. Let Antonia Woodward’s beautiful retelling of the Nativity story take you back to the excitement of that very first Christmas night. Read about the baby that was so extra special that life on earth would change forever, in this exquisitely illustrated Christmas picture book, full of warmth.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson children's books to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible by Peter Martin & illustrated by Len Epstein

My thoughts: Children love picture puzzle books because they are fun, intriguing, and provide more to do than just read a story. In The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible the author Peter Martin tells short stories beginning in the Old Testament with Noah and ending in the New Testament after the Cross with telling the good news. To these short re-tells, Len Epstein brings his delightfully humorous drawings that show a two--page spread image jammed full of people and activities that tell the story.

Factor into this the opportunity to find specific images that are hiding in the maze that is the whole illustration, and you have fun combined with learning a little more about those wonderful events and people that are in our Bible.

Some might say that these types of books make too much jest of such serious topics and happenings. I can agree with that but I also see it as an opportunity that lets the kids know that Christians do have a sense of humor and can see a bit of fun in much of life.

So I think Bible Picture Puzzle books have a place, albeit limited, in the homes of Christians.

About the book: Are you a super sleuth? Have you got an eagle eye? This book is a treasure trove of wonderfully detailed pictures from the world of the Bible. You will have hours of fun trying to find people and objects from ancient times. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you will also become a real expert on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible’s greatest stories. Watch out for the wily fox. He’s hiding somewhere on every page.

DISCLOSURE; I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson Publishing to facilitate a review of my honest opinion which is freely given.

Forgotten Bible Stories by Margaret McAllister & illustrated by Alida Massari

Grade Level: 2 - 4

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lion Hudson
ISBN: 978-0745965208

My thoughts: This is a beautiful book by Margaret McAllister who seems to have a true story-teller gift as she verbally draws word pictures of the events of the often neglected people in the Bible. Having been a long time attendee to worship services with good, indepth preaching, I learned about many often overlooked Biblical people. But as time progresses, we do tend to forget. So this book is a treat because it is a reminder to those older (well, mature) readers as well as for youngsters who have not yet heard about Balaam, Mephibosheth, Naaman's Servant, and many more (even new to me).

Illustrated by Alida Massari whose books I have previously reviwed, Forgotten Bible Stories comes alive in gentle hues rich with reds and blues and designs particular to ancient times and the lands in which these stories took place.

I love the story of the "The Widow" whose cruse of oil kept filling the many large vessels or jugs. She had nothing but ended up with much. And then the story of the "Naboth's Vineyard" is wonderful because it teaches the greed consumes the greedy.

The stories encompass both the Old Testament and New Testament.
As with any retelling for children the wonderful truths from the Bible, care must always be taken to not embellish with additional people, words, or actions. I did feel license was taken in some, but essentially the book is a delight and a wonderful opportunity to share these stories with the young.

My rating: 5-stars for illustrations and writing; 2-stars because I think the stories incorporated people, words, and actions not Biblical.

About the book: An elegantly illustrated collection of 13 lesser-known Bible stories. Margaret McAllister imaginatively retells these tales of often-forgotten people, specially chosen for their care and compassion towards the vulnerable, and their (sometimes unexpected) strength of character.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel and Lion Hudson Publishing to facilitate a review of my opinion which is freely given.

Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus & Candle Day by Day Bible from Kregel Publications

ISBN: 9781781282915 | $9.99 Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus The Story of Jesus Retold in 40 Days By Juliet David & Jane Heyes About the book: beautiful gift book makes a wonderful addition to the award-winning Candle Day by Day collection. The story of Jesus' life is told over forty days, and presented in the elegant day-by-day styling with page borders and richly colored pictures. Includes an introductory note to suggest how the book could be used. My thoughts: Such a treasure of a little book. Comprised of 40 stories about Jesus from His conception to his ascension. Each page is designated for a day - Day 1, Day 2..... Day 40. Each day has a side bar with a verse.. "All who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Then there is a "thought" question... "What did Jesus' answer to Mary mean?" On the page there is a picture illustrating the simply told story....  Nobody seemed to have seen Jesus since they had left Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph felt worried. "We need to go back," said Joseph. So back they went to Jerusalem.......... This little book will make a great story book for the child to tuck away in his treasured spot or in a backpack to travel (or just ride in the car about town). While varied versions of the Bible are used for the Scripture text, the meat of the story is present. It is wise to always remember that these are Bible story books prepared to be entry level studies for the young child. I love how this book ends.... Then a cloud took Jesus away, Suddenly, two angels appeared. "Why are you staring at the sky?" asked the angels. "Jesus is with God in heaven. One day he will return. Now do as Jesus told you." A clear message that Jesus is with God in heaven and He will return to us. Also, a clear admonition to do as Jesus has told us. I highly recommend the Candle Day by Day Walk with Jesus as it will give the child the opportunity to walk with Jesus throughout his Earthly ministry.

ISBN: 9781781282816 | $16.99 Candle Day by Day Bible In a Year By Juliet David & Jane Heyes                                                                                        About the book: The award-winning Candle Day by Day Bible is now available in a spiral-bound desk calendar format. All of a child's favorite stories and illustrations are easily accessible and on view all day long. One story per day.  My thoughts: What a great design and presentation style for this children's 365-day Bible story book. Bible verses rephrased and explained in short format tell the story just as though you were reading "through the Bible in a year" style. The difference? It is in child-format for easy understanding and in a desk or table top style that can remain standing throughout the year.  The child can pick it up and easily flip through to re-read the stories. This is another example of the fine quality and dependable Bible story books from Candle that are authentic.  The illustrations are vivid with a sense of realism and yet have a slight modern or abstract feel to them. Children will love them. I just love Noah on the cover with the two zebras.  I can easily and heartily recommend this for your child or to gift to another during this special season. DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from Kregel Publishing on behalf of Candle and Lion Hudson to facilitate this review of my own opinions.

My Advent Activity Pack (age+) by Juliet David from Candle Books

ISBN-13: 9781781282342

As we approach the holiday season (yikes, we aren't even at Thanksgiving yet!), I'll be reviewing lovely books and products that will make nice gifts for you to share. Today, we're looking at the My Advent Activity Pack (age 3+) from Candle Books which is an imprint of Lion Hudson. I always enjoy their children's publications.

The My Advent Activity Pack makes a lovely little gift for the small child so they can "count down" the days until Christmas and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. In this pack there is a small activity storybook in which they can place stickers (inside the pack).

There is also a "pop up book" that is the layout of the nativity scene. On the "floor" of the pop up book, there are flaps that the child can lift one-per-day. Also, some of the flaps are tucked into the straw roof of the scene. Underneath the flaps are figures and items involved in the story.

The little accompanying storybook provides opportunity for coloring, sticker fun, and story time.

This is perfect to have on hand so that December 1st the child can begin to enjoy and anticipate.

About the activity pack: My Advent Activity Pack by Juliet David, and illustrated by Lucy Barnard, is a fun activity pack that includes a beautiful pop-up stable scene---just peek inside and see Jesus in the manger! The scene has 24 windows set into the base to open throughout advent. Also included is a 16-page Christmas coloring book, and two sheets of fun and festive stickers. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Candle Books to facilitate this review of my honest opinions. I was not compensated for this review.

"The Bible and Me: Stories with a Message to Live By" Louis Rock, author & Alida Massari, illustrator

ISBN: 9780745964959
Hardback $14.99
Lion Children's Books

My thoughts: The artist, Alida Massari uses a style of art and coloration that is somewhat different from the typical children's story book, especially Bible story books. Colors tinged with rustic burnt sienna and blues of different hues and greens sprinkled throughout the browns along with the style that has an Italian flare or Russian iconic semblance bring a totally different and welcome sense to this book, The Bible and Me: Stories with a message to live by. Ms. Massari's bio is "Alida Massari is an award-winning artist who studied Illustration at the European Institute of Design in Rome. She finds inspiration from ancient art and architecture. She describes her work as modern with an ancient atmosphere."

As I began to look into The Bible and Me I note the comprehensive scope of this children's book. It begins at the Bible's opening, Genesis 1, and concludes with the final story of The New Jerusalem from Revelation. At the end of the first story, Genesis, a song from Psalm 148 is in verse.... "Praise the Lord from heaven, all beings of the height! Praise him, holy angels and golden sun so bright." 

Each story is clearly a gentle rendering of Biblical text so a child can understand and yet is not couched in such simplistic phrasing that takes away from the meaning and majesty of God's Word. And each story concludes with a Psalm, a hymn, or some other beautifully appropriate reading.

Bible selections are taken from or adapted from the Good News Bible. My Bible version of choice is the beloved King James and I would have preferred reading the selections in that version. I found this to be a beautiful book and the stories are sweetly told holding to an accurate telling of the Scriptures. This does not replace a Bible. It is a Bible story book with re-tellings of the most familiar stories from Scripture and beautifully illustrated by this unusual art form.

Many will find this a book to have in their homes or to gift a child. Again Lion Hudson Children's books has produced a winner.

The author's bio shows her talent and experience to be.... "Lois Rock has established an international reputation as a children's writer. Specializing in Bible stories, prayer books, and information books, her books have been translated into over 30 languages with sales approaching 4 million copies. She draws on her experience as a mother of three, and as a leader of church children's groups."

About the book: Lois Rock and Alida Massari have teamed up to create a Bible storybook full of inspiration and delight, sure to elicit moments of contemplation. Thoughtfully written, each section begins with a Bible quote and ends with a prayer or psalm that fits the theme of the story to help readers reflect further on what they've read. Alida Massari's richly colored and deeply peaceful illustrations fit perfectly with the meditative theme. Includes twenty stories from the Old and New Testaments.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson and the author to facilitate this review of my opinion. I was not compensated to render a review.

My Toddler Bible By Juliet David & Chris Embleton-Hall from Candle Books

ISBN:9781781282410
$12.99 | Hardback| Candle Books​

My thoughts: Getting the little ones to sit still while we share God's Word with them can be daunting at times. So we resort to imparting God's truth to them with various tools. These can either be too dense and wordy or either too short and trite.

With the My Toddler Bible I found that the size of the book is just right for toddler's hands. The illustrations clear, bright, and enticing to the young child. Now the meat of the book is really what it says or the truth it imparts, isn't it? Well, Juliet David again does a fabulous job of giving enough, well worded text that the story is told with enough detail to gain the attention of that little listener and yet not bore them.

The clincher is this..... at the end of each little story, the truth of the story is effortlessly stated so that not only is it "story-time" but it is also "truth-in-learning" time. Wonderful!

For example: with the story of the lost sheep, the last lines are...

How pleased the shepherd was that he'd found his lost sheep again. God is happy too, when Jesus finds lost people and they return to Him.

And the parable of Sowing the Seeds....

Jesus explained this story to his friends. "Sowing the seeds is link sowing God's message," Jesus said. "Some falls on the path, or on rocky ground. People get excited by God's message - but soon they give up. But some falls on good soil. People hear God's message, and keep it in their heart.

The stories are separated into Old Testament and New Testament and follow the same sequence in which they would be found in the regular version of the Bible. Each of the 20 stories is several pages long with several lines of text and a picture on each page. The text flows effortlessly in "story-time" style.

An ideal little book for toddlers and one that they will fall in love with and ask repeatedly for "Bible Time." The toddler probably will still love this book when they begin reading on their own. And families with several children will find that this is a great way for the older children to read to the young ones.

About the book: Fans of Chris Embleton-Hall's cheerfully distinctive artwork will be eager to see this new Bible! Twenty stories--nine from the Old Testament and eleven from the New--are retold in a concise and friendly manner in a rounded, easy-to-read font. Very, very bright, and very, very fun!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of the author and Lion Hudson publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

The Unquiet Bones (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #1) by Mel Starr

ISBN13: 9781854248855

Lion Hudson Publisher

Kregel Pub.

About the book: Hugh of Singleton, fourth son of a minor knight, has been educated as a clerk, usually a prelude to taking holy orders. However, he feels no real calling—despite his lively faith—and he turns to the profession of surgeon, training in Paris, and then hanging his sign in Oxford.

Soon after, a local lord asks Hugh de Singleton to track the killer of a young woman whose bones have been found in the castle cesspool. Through his medical knowledge, Singleton identifies her as the impetuous missing daughter of a local blacksmith.

The young man she loved—whom she had provoked very publicly—is quickly arrested and sentenced at Oxford. But this is just the beginning of the tale.

The story of Singleton's adventure unfolds with realistic medical procedures, droll medieval wit, romantic distractions, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion.

My thoughts: To my sorrow I  began reading Melvin R. Starr's books featuring the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, about mid-series. After reading several in a row, I now have the opportunity to begin at the beginning and that is with The Unquiet Bones.

If you're not familiar with Starr's wonderful qualifications to write about this period of medieval life, check him out. (click here) And if you've not read any of his "Hugh de Singleton" adventures you have missed a treat. Set in a real historical site that contains remains of Church of St Beornwald near the castle of Bampton.

Cloaked in terminology and tone that take you back to the 1300s and yet entirely readable here in the 21st century, these stories easily bring you to the place of walking the paths and conversing with the Lords, villeins, and fair maidens of that time. In the opening of The Unquiet Bones the cesspit (oh my what a stinking horror to clean) is being cleaned out and bones are found. Thought to be pig bones (and why on Earth would pig bones be in a cesspit?) but on closer examination they are found to be human. This is where the surgeon, Hugh de Singleton, is called in to do some 1300s forensic science and identify the bones and cause of death.

As the story progresses, a high ranking man's fancy garment is found in the woods and covered in leaves. This leads to more investigation. 

I have inadequate words of my own to express how enjoyable Starr's stories are. The droll expressions of Hugh de Singleton, the terse comments, and the wonderful flow of story and character development.

I highly recommend the series to anyone who wants a delightful romp in the 1300s with Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Lion Fiction and the author.

Ashes to Ashes: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton by Mel starr

ISBN 9781782641339
$14.99 | Paperback
Lion Fiction

My thoughts: I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my journeys into the 1300s in the company of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and Baliff. The author, Mel Starr, has a unique style that reads easily; and the prose and droll humor of Singleton makes this reader readily visualize characters as they engage one another and traipse along the countryside solving the mystery and crime of the moment.

Not being encumbered with the fast pace and "stuff" of today's world, Hugh de Singleton thinks deeply and lucidly. Life is more simple in the 1300s than in the year 2015, but the stuff of good and evil still abounds even in the slower pace of life. Men are still evil and some are good.

The church features prominently in the story in that it was prominent in everyone's life, especially in small villages, during medieval times. This is reflected in the heart and mind of Singleton.

Singleton rides his Palfrey (definition: a riding horse with a comfortable gait), eats his maslin loaf or his wheaten loaf (breads of the day), and ends the day sitting in his toft (area around his house planted with vegetables) with his wife whom he loves. And he practices his skills as a professionally (Paris) trained surgeon in addition to seeing that the laws of the village and land are adhered to.

I like that events generate moments of deeper pondering to Singleton. Throughout Ashes to Ashes, as in each of his other books, he frequently crosses Shill Brook at which he pauses and ponders.

"I left Arthur and the palfreys at the castle and walked to Galen House [Singleton's home]. Again I stopped at Shill Brook to gaze into the stream. The psalmist has told men that they should "Be still and know that I am God." I admit that in the busyness of the day, I had not considered Him nor sought guidance of the Lord Christ. I amended the fault there upon the bridge."

Singleton is skilled as a Surgeon but he is equally skilled at deduction and detective work ferreting out wrong doers and bringing them to justice.

It is always a please to read Mel Starr's Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton.

About the book: The morning after the festivities of Midsummer's Eve, the villagers of Bampton make a grisly discovery

Master Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer’s Eve fire. The next morning Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones.

Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder.

Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labor service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder . .

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Ashes to Ashes from Kregel to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.