Reviews (3)

The strength of prayer
The bond of grandson and grandfather in this handsome and heart-warming tale about a Tallit is indeed good for people of all ages and all faiths--girls and women, boys and men. It tells of the undying human urge for freedom and fulfillment and reinforces the importance of prayer, and the strength of tradition and family. Alyssa A. Lappen

A Bar Mitzvah Gift
I got this as a pre Bar Mitzvah gift and at first I thought it wasn't what I wanted because I figured it was for younger kids but when I read it I felt it was for everybody, even people who aren't Jewish. It was a story about a person's whole life and how they change which was pretty neat to think about especially when you are having a bar mitzvah. My grandmother gave it to me because she said it was like her dad's life. It is sort of getting me ready for my bar mitzvah to think about the importance of tradition in your life

A moving celebration of famiy and religious tradition
This is a beautiful, moving story that was a gift for our son on his bris. (It moved me to tears when I first read it.) Exquisitely illustrated and well-told, the story celebrates values, tradition, and intergenerational relationships. It will be a great conversation starter with our son, when he is older, about our own family history. It would make a great gift for a bar mitzvah or any occasion. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Creation Myth Without Guilt or Sorrow
This re-telling of the mythical events of human creation resonates with great love and support of the human condition. It is a simple but profoundly moving story of how our human spritual journey began. I read this to my grandchildren so that they might not be isolated in the view of failure and rejection as the story is commonly told. This presentation, with its exhuberantly colored drawings and unique explanations of the paths we must all travel, encourages and inspires the reader to understand mistakes and the resulting growth while under the care and company of a loving God.

A Wonderful Book
I agree with the previous review and I wanted to add that this is a beautiful book, the art work is bold and colorful and the message is loving. I bought this book last year and was saving it to give to someone this Christmas. As I was starting to wrap it, I read the book to my children and I remembered how much I liked it. I am ordering a couple more for other friends!

a loving rendition of the creation story
This story retells the creation story without the judgemental overtones of "human sin" which most of us grew up with. It is a loving account of God's creation of us and all of our frailties, explaining how all of our lifes experiences, be they good or bad, are part of our growth in faith. An absolute must read for families who seek to give their children a view of a loving and forgiving God. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Inspiring adventure story
This is an exciting adventure story that keeps the reader's interest while modeling values without being preachy. My eight-year-old just finished this as part of our Viking studies. He enjoyed it greatly and would read us his favorite passages. I found the historical elements complemented what we had already learned from non-fiction. While this type book is generally what would be considered a "boys' books", the presence of a strong major female character might make this book more appealing to some of the girls than other stories of this genre. Ness is in the midst of the action, and exhibits courage, intelligence, and compassion. These and other virtues are shown in the characters as traits worthy to develop. Specifically, Beorn learns the dangers of pride and how a Viking chief can be both gentle and strong. A great book - I highly recommend.

Great Historical fiction for homeschoolers
I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in the 9th century ofIreland. The main characters are Beorn, 12 year old son of a Vikingsea king, and Ness, a young Irish girl who has just witnessed the raiding of her village by the Vikings. Ness is taken captive by Beorn and is forced to go to Denmark with the Vikings. The contrast between the gentle irish farmers and the proud and cruel Vikings is great, but we also see the courage of both races as the two slowly become friends. Ness' christian faith shines amidst the turmoil of constant raiding and plundering. The living conditions of the Irish and the Danes are seen and hints of the influence of Norse history. It is easy to care about Ness, but Madeleine Pollands skillful writing made me start to care about Beorn also. Exciting, inspiring, historical and good literature make this book a good resource for homeschoolers. ... Read more

Book Description

A beautiful story of the hope of resurrection and new life symbolized in the sand dollar ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A tender and heartwarming story of renewal
Illustrated with a superb elegance of grace and form by Rick Johnson, The Legend Of The Sand Dollar: An Inspirational Story Of Hope For Easter by Chris Auer is the story of an eight-year-old girl who learns the story of Easter in the sand dollar. The five holes in the sand dollar shell (only dead sand dollars wash up on beaches, and live sand dollars shouldn't be collected, the author notes in the very back of the book) symbolize the nails and the spear that pierced Jesus Christ, who died for humanity's sins. And when the sand dollar is broken, there appear five white particles representing doves and their promise of new life - the promise of Easter. A tender and heartwarming story of renewal.

THE ILLUSTRATIONS
I am a professor, an artist and a writer. In looking for a book for my little ones I spotted this book. It wasn't the right age group for Hannah, butI spent some time viewing the illustrations and they are wonderful. So I ordered a copy from Amazon for my own collection of illustrated books and art books. I've not seen the work of Rick Johnson before but the paintings in this kids book are terrific. I look forward to seeing and buying more of his work. I did not review the writing of Chris Auer because I know nothing of children's books of this genre, but the art-superwelldone! Artists illustrators, take note-you can learn a few things by studying the work of this fine painter. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

It made me think.
The year: 1492. Spain is ruled by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Ruthlessly, the monarchs ordered all Spanish Jews to convert to Catholicism or face severe persecution. Jews and other non-Catholics were fleeing Spain by the thousands! No-one felt safe, not even Conversos, people who had converted to Catholicism. All Spaniards were ordered to find people who were not truly Catholic --- and those found were questioned, tried, convicted and severely punished.

14-year-old Maria Sanchez finds herself in a difficult situation. She has lost her parents and her little brother to sickness and she has no food or money to survive. Her uncle is the captain of a ship, but he's always at sea. But then one day, the Catholic Church helps Maria find a job working for the wealthy Delgado family in exchange for money, clothes, and food. Sounds great, but Maria must also do the priest a big, sneaky favor: she has to spy on the family! The priest wants to know if the Delgados are true conversos. Maria accepts the opportunity, grateful for any help, and that's when the adventures and trouble begin.

Juan Pablo, the Delgado's son, is being offered the opportunity to sail with Christopher Columbus. His father wants him to go but Juan doesn't. The whole family goes to Palos to look into the offer. One night while everyone is sleeping, soldiers of The Inquisition come into their house and take Dr. Delgado in for questioning. Maria feels guilty --- she told the priest what the Delgados were doing to help the poor and desperate Jews.

The Delgados once treated Maria as family, but now they can no longer trust her. Maria tries everything to help the family but nothing works. Will the Delgados be able to stay in Spain? Will they be persecuted by The Inquisition? How can Maria help the family?

Reading this book will make you think about how loyalty, honesty, betrayal, and keeping secrets really affect other people. It made me think about what I would have done if I was Maria. Read this book to find out what happens to the Delgado family, Maria, and a country that is filled with fear, accusations, poverty, and despair.

--- (...)

Secrets in the House of Delgado
This young adult novel plops the reader into Spain of 1492: not the Spain of Columbus and his travels to the Americas, sponsored by the King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, but the Spain of the Inquisition. One experiences the Spain that drove out the Moors and mandated conversion to Catholicism by all Jews who chose to remain. Maria, a fourteen-year-old orphaned,peasant girl, gains employment in the home of wealthy Conversos (Jews who converted to Catholicism) via the intervention of a priest. He mentions that she must look for signs of heresy; she readily agrees hoping for a roof over her head and, perhaps, even a welcoming home. Built into the plot are accurate historical descriptions of daily life and background explanations outlining the complicated history of the Jews in Spain. Maria has some personal and ethical decisions to make and the reader, too, becomes swept up in the conflict, ironically similar to issues of religious tolerance debated today. Though at times the characters need more development, and the plot is predictable, I found the novel made history feel real. It would be a great addition to a humanities class studying anything from the Crusades, the "discovery" of America, Spain and the Inquistion or the history of religious conflict.

One girl's difficult choice during the Spanish Inquisition.
The year is 1492, the place is Spain, and fourteen-year-old Maria is on her own. Her parents and little brother are dead. She hasn't seen her only living relative, her uncle, who is a sea captain, in years. Desperate, she goes to the church her family attended to ask for help. The church helps her to get a position as a maid to a wealthy family, the Delgados. The Delgados are Conversos. They are Catholic now, but in the past, the family was Jewish. The church has placed her in the Delgado home as nothing more than a spy to find out if the family is secretly practicing their old religion. At first Maria is repulsed by the idea of working for a family that was once Jewish, but she comes to see that the Jews are not the evil villains the church has portrayed them as. When suspicion of heresy falls on the Delgados, she is forced to make a difficult choice. I highly reccomend this well-written and fascinating historical novel. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A wonderful bedtime book
What a wonderful bedtime story! The lovely, rhyming verse and supporting illustrations provide a comforting, evocative,and beautiful prelude to sleep.

Best Book Ever!
I loved this book! Especially the beautiful illustrations. The colors and the unusual perspectives are so interesting. I recommend it highly! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Discipleship 101 for kids... and a whole LOT more!!
I am a mom to 5 boys and our family has been hooked on the adventures of the Sugar Creek Gang for a few years now! We originally discovered the stories through an awesome set of cassette tapes. The books were dramatized for an radio series by Paul Ramseyer of Northwestern College Radio in Minnesota and our family is now a part of the ministry, helping to produce the audio series for families to enjoy at home! Do you want your children to learn gentle lessons of courage, faith & friendship on THEIR level? Do you want to see real growth in their character? The stories are fun adventures with the truth of God's plans woven skillfully throughout. See the world through the eyes of Bill Collins, a freckle-faced, firey-tempered red head. You'll enjoy Bill's antics and the barefoot fun of all the boys in the "gang"! (As a side note, I do recommend the books be read in order. They tell an ongoing story from beginning to end.) From the back of the tapes: "Step back in time... to one-room schoolhouses, hot summer days of fishing, fun and barefoot boys. Sugar Creek Gang stories engage the imagination and draw a child's heart into a living relationship with God! Hymns, scripture verses, nature lore, poetry; sensitivity toward the disabled, the oppressed... and the courage and confidence to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ." --- Just the right recipe for training up a child! ... Read more

Book Description

They open a door and enter a world.

Narnia...the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy...the place where the adventure begins.

Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first, no one believes her when she tells of her adventures in the land of Narnia.

But soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of an eye, their lives are changed forever.A fully illustrated version of the most popular book in The Chronicles of Narnia, with glowing full page artwork and an abridged text for easier reading.

... Read more

Reviews (319)

Book 1 in The Chronicles of Narnia
When four English siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) are sent to the country to avoid the air raids in London, they find a secret passageway in a wardrobe that leads them to an imaginary land called Narnia. Here the four young children meet a few interesting characters: Tumnus the Faun, a half-goat/half-man that befriends Lucy when she's lost; the Beaver family who help the children elude the White Witch and her dangerous allies; and, lastly, the White Witch herself, who has laid claim over Narnia with her year-round winter spell and her self-proclaimed title: "Queen of Narnia". She is also the one who lures Edmund to her side with endless supplies of Turkish Delight and subtle hints of him becoming King.

During their adventures, the four children ultimately meet Aslan, the rightful king of Narnia who has returned, at last, to reclaim his land from the evil queen. Together they--along with the help of several other mystical beings--aim to defeat the White Witch and return Narnia to its original state and ownership.

After reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", you'll definitely want to read the following books in this series: "Prince Caspian" (#2), "The Voyage of the 'Dawn Treader'" (#3), "The Silver Chair" (#4), "The Horse and His Boy" (#5), "The Magician's Nephew" (#6), and "The Last Battle" (#7). Although "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is geared for children age 8 to 12, I consider it appropriate for all ages and encourage everyone to read it.

I received the entire Narnia collection from one of my aunts when I was a kid, either for my birthday or some other holiday--I don't remember. Anyway, this book/series has been one of my all-time favorites ever since. It's a wonderful fantasy meant for children, but will inspire adults as well. Highly recommended. It also makes a wonderful gift. ;)

There are some Christian undertones in this book, such as the terms "Daughter of Eve" and "Son of Adam" for humans in Narnia, as well as Aslan's sacrifice for Edmund; however, I don't really regard The Chronicles of Narnia as a religious series. You can expect a wholesome story, but not to worry--it isn't preachy or overly self-righteous.

Several years after it was published, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was made into a TV series in the late 60s, which I never saw because I wasn't born yet. Plus it only aired in the UK. About ten years later, in 1979 (the year I was born), a cartoon movie was made, but I didn't see that one either. The only movie I vaguely recall watching was the 1988 movie starring Richard Dempsey, Sophie Cook, Jonathan R. Scott, and Sophie Wilcox. I remember that even then I wasn't too impressed with it, not as much as I was with the book.

So, for those who love children's fantasies, or are just C. S. Lewis fans, then I highly recommend this book and series. It's well worth your time.

Lindsey's Great Review
The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe is an adventure and mysterious book of four kids, and an unknown world beyond. Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan get sent to live with a professor because of a war back in London. While the four explore the mysterious mansion and play games, Lucy finds a secret wardrobe with a country just beyond.
C.S. Lewis's story of, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe is one of the greatest books and definitely one I loved to read!
Lucy was the first to go to the magical land beyond of snow, a place called Narnia. As soon as she finds her way out, tales are told to the others about all the different creatures and things inside of the wardrobe. But all they seem to think of her is that she is a crazy liar. But soon to find out Lucy wasn't lying at all, it was a magical place they saw for themselves. With an evil spell the White Witch made it always winter but never Christmas. Trouble begins when Edmund betrays the others (not knowing anything about her) and takes side with the Witch. Because of Edmund'Lucy, Peter, and Susan need to get Aslan (a lion) to change everything and defeat the White Witch himself to break the spell and get Edmund back with them.
This book's theme can let you learn that you should always think and know before you except upon others. Well at least that's what I learned.
I loved how C.S. Lewis made parts of the book where you thought one thing was going to happen, but then after you read on, you find out you were totally wrong. That was the best thing about this book!
I would let people of all ages read this adventures novel, no matter how old you are. It's a book that you wont be able to stop reading once you start! But what will happen to Edmund, and will Aslan make the Narnia change? Your going to have to read it to find out!

I want to go to Narnia
How can you not adore this? You know how food can be labeled "comfort food" - well this is the type of story that's a "comfort story". I felt so protected, secure and safe while reading this. It takes me back to a time in my life when I reguarly daydream adventures like those in Narnia. I think it reminds us of imagination, and freedom, and child-like wonder. Such a beautiful, wonderful story. Allow it to take you away and suspend your disbelief - you won't be sorry.

Hope
I chose to read this classic by C.S. Lewis because every one else I knew had read it when they were younger. I was told that it was an allegorical novel by a friend, which spiked my interest in what I considered just a child's fantasy. Lewis fills his world, Narnia, with a wonderful array of different and interesting characters. Fauns, Nymphs, Dryads, Naiads, and hospitable beavers all contribute to the fantastic nature of this story. Lewis must have been a creative man to imagine such wonders and write them down. A place where perpetually deadened by the cold of winter, with no Christmas and, therefore, no hope would be a terribly bleak setting. The depiction of Aslan as a symbol of Christ was quite interesting. Even the girls, Susan and Lucy, become similar to the two Marys in the gospel in their caretaking of the lion. So as not to give away the story to anyone else I will end saying this unique world provides more than just a fantasy escape. To both children and adults it provides a reminder that there is hope, even in our world, when it too seems cold and dead.

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe a reveiw by Irene
Have you ever imagined being sent away to someone's house, that has a secret that no one knows but you? The house in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe had a secret , which only Peter, Susan,Edmund, and Lucy knows. Once they went through the wardrobe in the house,their adventures would begin in the land called Narnia, and their lives will change.

I love this book, because it tells about Lucy trying to save her friend Tumnus. It tells about the wonderful adventures she had with her friends, Peter, Susan, and Edmund and the great dangers they faced in Narnia. I also liked the little rhymes that describes Aslan, the great lion.

I wish that this book would be longer and the adventures of Narnia would countinue in this book.

I recommend this book for people who like adventure stories, because this book is filled with adventures.

My favorite part is when the dwarf made Edmond a prisoner and used a whip to threaten him to go faster. If the White Witch ( a terrible witch) that calls herself queen of Narnia wants Edmond to go faster, the dwarf whips him until he goes faster.

My other favorite part is when Edmond got tricked into bringing Peter, Susan and Lucy to her because she wants to turn Edmond and his friends into stone. They are smart and she doesn't want them to break the White Witch's spell. The spell is a spell that will keep Narnia always in a winter season.

On the map, I think it is a little confusing because it doesn't show the place where Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy came through the Wardrobe to Narnia, but the story is exciting. ... Read more

Book Description

Teaching and leading five- and six-year olds in children's ministry is an adventure! Promiseland Year A curriculum for this age level is called LOOKING AT THE PIECES God's story: Genesis through Revelation. Throughout the year, children will hear stories from the Old and New Testament. They will begin to see a sequential view of the Scriptures, and discover core Bible truths, and how they apply to their lives. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Expressing love and gratitude to God
Thankful Together is a reverent Christian picture book that combines Holly Davis' narrative story with inviting color illustrations by Valerie Sokolova. Very highly recommended for young children, Thankful Together is the engaging story of a faithful squirrel family underscored with simple verse to express praise and thankfulness to God for His loving care. Squirrel mother and child celebrate playtime, bath time, and bedtime with prayers expressing love and gratitude to God in the delightful and warmhearted read. ... Read more

Book Description

This moving story of misunderstood gargoyles and the gentle angels who console them will touch the heart of anyone who has ever felt alone and unloved. With poetic words and lavish illustrations of stone creatures come to life, this unforgettable book will forever alter our perceptions of the once-frightening stone guardians of gothic architecture. “By using the popular gargoyles as his messengers, Pilkey will catch the attention of many children, who otherwise might be oblivious to the pain of the outcast.”--Booklist
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Reviews (10)

'Gargoyles' lets children know they are always loved.
I bought 'God Bless the Gargoyles' after reading a few quoted lines of the verse in another story I read, and I must say that this is one of the best children's books I have ever seen. The paintings were beautiful, and so was the poem. I'm a little old myself for children's books, but I find myself glancing over the book often; it appeals to all ages, for everyone has felt alone at one time or another. I also read it to my energetic four-year-old nephew, who loves 'Gargoyles,' the animated television show. The paintings, gentle rhymes, and subject matter held his attention the entire time I was reading, and it was a great way to let him know that he was loved. This book should be in every children's library in America.

God Bless the Gargoyles
As we sell cement gargoyles at the Amador Flower Farm, I have chosen this book for our school children that come to visit. I have probably read it to them 30 times and always have a hard time keeping my voice from cracking at the end. It's a great story and has beautiful pictures as well.

Now more than ever...
Today is the Friday following the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. For some reason, I went through my stacks of children's books this evening (I'm a teacher BTW), and I had to pull this one out. I've never been able to get through this story/poem without my voice cracking and tears in my eyes, but this evening - it was full scale balling! The words and images just seem to fit so well with the way we're all feeling.
"God bless the hearts and the souls who are grieving
for those who have left, and for those who are leaving.
God bless each perishing body and mind, God bless all creatures remaining behind.
God bless the dreamer whose dreams have awoken.
God bless the lovers whose hearts have been broken."
Buy this book and share it with those you love!!

A wonderful book with fantastic artwork!!
I am 35 and I have purchased this book several times for friends. I love this story, I have read it to my nephews who are 5 and 7 and have shared it countless times. The drawings are gorgeous and it is probably one of my favorite childrens book of all time. The prose is wonderful and the story moving and sweet. You will not regret this one!!! It will be in your home library YEARS after the kids are moved out and on their own. A very special book.

One of my all-time favorite books
Dav Pilkey's artwork is mesmerizing and the message is powerful. If you know someone who loves gargoyles or you just need a new book to introduce to your child/ren, give them this book! Better yet, give it as a gift to yourself. ... Read more

Book Description

An exciting look at biblical sites and stories.For boys ages 8-12 ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Anne Provoost's In the Shadow of the Ark, Re Jana and her fishing family have fled their overflowing marshes to find work with thousands of others in the desert territory of the Rrattika: "the people who wander." One of the wanderers, a mad man named Noach, is building a huge ship in the middle of the desert. Re Jana’s father, a shipwright, reluctantly joins the community of workers who have made their homes at the base of the ark. Re Jana, a healer and masseuse, charms Ham, one of Noach’s sons, with her scented oils and her talent for divining a particularly sweet water source. She is initially amused, and then slowly alarmed at his insistence that his father’s god will create a flood mighty enough to lift the great ark from the desert floor. Despite the fact that Ham chooses another woman for his wife, Re Jana is sure that his true love for her and her family will insure them a place upon the ship, should the rains really come. Her father, hedging his bets, builds a boat in secret, hoping to cheat Noach’s god, who has declared that only Noach and his family will survive the looming deluge. As Re Jana struggles to understand how any god could be so unfeeling as to wipe out all life, the waters begin to rise. As the terrifying prophecy unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear to the doubters that Noach’s mad ravings were true. Will Re Jana and her family survive the flood? For the sake of all mankind, they must try.

Belgian author Anne Provoost has taken a familiar Bible story and created an epic so panoramic that we see this long vanished world through new eyes. Provoost is a powerful storyteller who creates secondary characters that are just as vibrant and luminous as her curious and questioning adolescent narrator. Readers will ache with the foreknowledge of the story’s end, hoping that the people they have come to know and cherish will escape their seemingly inevitable fate. Weaving together timeless themes of justice, faith, love and hope, In the Shadow of the Ark is at once classic and immediate, completely familiar, and yet radically indefinable. Masterpiece is not too strong a word to describe this all-encompassing story. Pair it with Elsie Aidinoff’s The GardenThe Garden or The Red Tent by Anita Diamant for a provocative mother-daughter book discussion.--Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Book Description

Dreamy Asian shadow puppet illustrations enliven this whimsical tale of an enchanted mouse who turns into a cat. Seeing the bliss of the cat,young readers will be fascinated by the idea of becoming someone else, to walk in another's shoes, or paws. Told as an endless loop (the end of the story becomes the beginning again) it's a metaphor for change. It's also a subtle introduction to the idea of interdependence, an original example of what Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh calls Interbeing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Delightful graphics, great story, fantastic ending!
I just received this book yesterday, and read it to my 8 year old daughter last night. The illustrations and story kept both of us engaged throughout the book.

We found ourselves completely involved in the story, and my daughter particularly delighted in the way the story ended. "You see, Daddy, it goes on..."(I won't spoil it, but I highly recommend buying this book!)

The illustrations are just wonderful, and we both found the story very engrossing.

Bravo for a very well written and illustrated book!

... Read more

Book Description

A beautifully illustrated story of the Nativity

He was just an ordinary donkey, but on his back he carried a miracle. He carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem on the night she gave birth. Along the way he dreamed he was carrying a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose. He dreamed he was carrying a lady full of heaven--and he was. Barbara Helen Berger's glowing artwork and lyrical text perfectly convey the beauty and majesty of the story of the Nativity.

"Like the Christmas message itself, this is simple enough for young listeners to understand yet full of complexities for older children and adults to ponder."--Booklist, starred review

* A 1985 Golden Kite Award winner
* An ABA Pick of the Lists
* A Booklist Editors' Choice Book

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 32 pages
* Ages 3-8 ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Old Favorite
My Godmother got me this book for christmas of 1985, and I still love to curl up on the couch on christmas and read it. It tell's a beautiful story with beautiful pictures to help tell the story. This is a great gift for the younger children.

A poetic story of the Savior's birth
What a beautiful story. It is very moving. I highly recommend it.

A Story For Everyone
I decided to write this review because I love this book very much, I love this author/illustrator's beautiful work and I love this timeless mythological story. People say and rightfully so that this book tells the story of the night of Christ's birth. One of the reasons that I love this book is that it tells this familiar story that actually predates Christ by centuries without ever once using the well-known names of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph or Jesus. You see, it is told from the perspective of the humble little donkey that carried the Mother who was pregnant with Her Son. A little donkey would know nothing of names, nothing of salvation, nothing of the doings of kings or priests or tax collectors. By telling the tale from this humble perspective no one is excluded from it's sweet and graceful message. I am a Pagan and at Winter Solstice or Yule I celebrate the Goddess's labor and delivery of her beautiful Son/Sun, the light,the sacrificial king who comes to renew the world, as the wheel of the year turns from it's dark half unto it's light half. The message of hope and life that the returning and growing rays of the sun promise to the sleeping earth fills my heart with gladness. I begin to anticipate spring and I renew my faith in the wisdom and love of the Earth's cycle.
The pictures in this book are exceedingly beautiful and tell the tale of the little donkey's dreams as he walks along. He doesn't know that he is carrying the hope of the world on his back, but he feels the magic in his dreams and thinks of a magnificent city glowing with promise, a huge rose glowing with softness and beauty, a fountain that waters the desert and brings the barren world to life with lush plants, and a sailing ship that carries him over the waters on his path. Like all good myths this story is timeless and transcultural. The symbols of one path speak the same language as others. The text is surrounded by lovely blue forget-me-nots on many pages and I think it is a gentle reminder to everyone to remember the inclusive message of the Winter Solstice and of Christmas that sees us all as one, bravely and faithfully facing the darkness together with hope in our spirits and love in our hearts. Ms. Berger uses a wonderful jewel-like blue color in many of the illustrations and it evokes a serene and peaceful feeling that adds to the overall message of the pictures. The Queen of Heaven is draped in the softly glowing folds of a starry sky and her little baby son gives off a gentle glow in her arms. The story is so gentle and humble. I love this book because it tells a story that belongs to the whole world and it doesn't make anyone feel left out.

a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose...
"The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.

As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten.

I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower.

a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose...
"The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.

As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten.

I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower. ... Read more

Book Description

Every night before she goes to sleep, a kangaroo prays under the stars for a baby to love and hold. One day, as she rests under a tree, a baby bird falls out of its crowded nest—plop!—right into her pouch!

Now, every night before they fall asleep, Momma-Roo and Little One thank God for all their blessings . . . but especially for each other.

The book closes with a quote from Ephesians 1:5: “In love he destined us for adoption to himself. . . .” ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A delightful story that will touch your heart
As a single adoptive mom, I have struggled to find books that would appropriately relate to both the special story of our family as well as present the concept of birth-mom/adoptive-mom in a non-threatening way for my toddler. This story is so well written and beautifully illustrated, it will touch your heart even if your family is not touched by adoption at all. But if you are an adoptive family, this is a GREAT story for young children. If you are a single parent, this story is a must! I can not adequately explain how relieved I felt when I read it -- here was my story, told through the eyes of a Kangaroo. Here is my daughters' stories, told through the eyes of a Baby Bird. And here is their birth-families stories, introduced in a non-threatening, easy to understand story for very young children.

Of all of the books we have on adoption, I am especially fond of this one. I am particularly grateful for Ms. Henderson and Ms. Edge .... your story has been a big help to us.

Very Sweet!
This is a very sweet book. I've been reading it to my son since we adopted him as a newborn. (He's now 3.) We both love it. No, it will not really answer your child's questions about adoption. It is a starting place. This book's message is that the adopted child (bluebird) is a blessing to his adoptive mother (kangaroo). You can detail your own child's adoption story to them as they are ready, but I'm sure the basic message you'd want them to always know in their heart is that your child is a blessing to you. If you longed for a child and prayed a lot before your prayers were finally answered by adoption, I would definitely recommend this book as a must have! (You'll probably cry the first 5 times you read it, though.) ;)

I disagree with Publishers Weekly
I think this book book is fabulous!...

Adopted babies are not accidents!
I liked the Biblical perspective (although children of the target age don't understand the abstract concept of our adoption by God, anyway, so it's more for the parents!), but I was surprised that this story was written by adoptive mothers, because the "adoption story" is basically the idea that a baby bird fell out of its nest...oops!...and fell into the kangaroo's pouch and became her child. My daughters did not "accidently" fall into our family. Two wonderful birthmothers agonized over the decision to place their precious children in our home, and made a conscious choice to do so. This story does not reflect that type of struggle and concern on the part of the birthmother, and that bothered me.

Very sweet...... HOWEVER..........
While I thought this was illustrated beautifully, and the story line was quite sweet - I have one major concern.

The momma kangaroo wants a baby - her pouch is empty and she sees other families doing "family" things, and it makes her feel unfulfilled, incomplete...

A baby bird falls from an overcrowded nest of siblings... momma bird smiles down at mama kangaroo, who now has a baby bird in her pouch calling her "momma"... suddenly, momma kangaroo has a baby of her own to do "family" things with.

Hmmmmmm... no "approval" from momma bird, other than a smile, that her baby, who has accidentally fallen from the nest, is just going to be taken by a stranger? No discussion on WHY it would be better for baby bird to be with momma kangaroo?

My daughter immediately asked me if momma bird was upset that momma kangaroo just hopped off with a baby that wasn't hers without any discussion or approval from momma bird. This may be a stretch.. but doesn't that mean momma kangaroo sort of "kidnaps" baby bird (for lack of a better description)?

No discussion on why it is better for baby bird that he/she go with momma kangaroo - no mention of how momma bird loved him/her, but could not feed/house all her babies (yet keeps the other siblings). Yes, the nest is too crowded, but there are lots of big families out there who find ways to make it.

The only thing I liked about this book, other than the beautiful illustrations, was that baby bird is different in ALL ways (physically) from momma kangaroo.. yet they're a family.

If I were the author, I would have created a story line illustrating the loving & difficult decision of momma bird to give her beloved baby to a capable loving mother due to impossible circumstances (not just a small nest). ... Read more

Book Description

Last year at this time, Jordan never would have thought her junior year would be like this: stuck in a twisted love triangle with Shawna Frye and Timothy Lawrence. But when Timothy broke up with Shawna--to date Jordan!--what else could she have done?

When Shawna lures Timothy back, Jordan feels absolutely green with envy--so much so that she considers doing anything to get him back. Anything. Eventually, her frustration draws her back to her former best friend, Kara, who knows what it's like to be betrayed. She introduces Jordan to someone who can change her whole life.

Carrying over characters and themes from the first book of the TrueColors series, Deep Green introduces new layers of complexity and depth. Includes jealousy related discussion questions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Book..
this book was very good, im not really into reading, the first books i read of melody carlson's were the diary of a teenage girl series. they were good too, then i read dark blue, and it was good, and deep green i read in one day. i never get that into reading. haha it was very good ... Read more