Children’s books

Review: Happy As Your Moose

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Cover image of "Happy As Your Moose" by Doris Brocke

Happy As Your Moose

Happy As Your Moose, Doris Brocke, Photography by Doris Brocke and Dale Brocke. Brocke House Enterprises (ISBN: 9780991835539) 2026.

Summary: A children’s book with stunning photography showing moose feeding on a variety of plants in every season.

Several years ago, Doris Brocke reached out to me from her home in British Columbia, asking if she could send me her Character in the Garden book for review. A coffee-table style book arrived filled with lush nature photography of the gardens and woods near her home, coupled with quotes about character. More recently, she sent me two books, ABC Munchkins, a delightful illustrated alphabet book of fascinating creatures munching their way through fruits and vegetables from A to Z. The other was this book, Happy As Your Moose. One thing I would note about all three books is the joy they brought to my heart as I looked at the text and images.

This book features incredible photographs of moose, either singly or in groups of two or three. In most, they “Nibble, Munch, Browse” as the subtitle suggests. One of the fascinating things I noticed was the diversity of their diet. They eat pear tree leaves, spruce and poplar twigs, rose hips, golden canola, green peas, berries, birch leaves, chard, spinach, and kale, and so much more.

Not only do the photographs capture their diet but also what majestic creatures they are, up close. We see eyes, ears, their elongated snout, nostrils, teeth–and sometimes the glimpse of a smile. Then we see them, both at rest and running in the snow. In addition, one of the photographs shows one moose sniffing one of the photographers hands. From the number of close-up shots, it appears there is a great deal of trust between animals and photographers. Also, many appear on their property with arbors, barns, garden tools as well as in their gardens!

Doris Brocke’s text provides helpful narrative to help children identify what they are seeing. For example, the book opens with “happy as your moose/munching on green pear tree leaves/nibble, nibble ~ yum!”

In sum, we see not only happy moose in all seasons. As parents and children page through and read Brocke’s narration, we enter into the happiness and wonder. And in the end, you are “happy as your moose”!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review.

Review: ABC Munchkins

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Cover image of "ABC Munchkins" by Doris Brocke

ABC Munchkins

ABC Munchkins, Doris Brocke, Illustrators: Shawn Brocke and Caroline Brocke. Brocke House Enterprises (ISBN: 9780991835522) 2024.

Summary: An alphabet book with alliteration and fun characters delightfully illustrated eating veggies and fruit from A to Z.

From an early age, parents teach their children the alphabet as a basis for learning to read. Many are a variation on “A is for….” Doris Brocke with the help of illustrators Shawn and Caroline Brocke have created a book that makes learning the alphabet, particularly in a read aloud setting, far more fun.

It’s a tale that begins with a group of children (the ABC Munchkins) looking for good food to eat. But as they go along they meet unusual creatures eating vegetables or fruit. And as it happens, both the creature and the vegetable or fruit begin with the next letter of the alphabet (with the exception of ice cream for “I”)!

But the fun is just beginning! Each one of these encounters is alliterated beginning with “Astronauts ask all about apricots.”

“Astronauts ask all about apricots” From ABC Munchkins (https://dorisbrocke.wixsite.com/rhubarbtoroses/garden-centre)

It only gets more fun from there. We observe that “Cycling cyclops cannot carry carrots.” Meanwhile “Elegant elves enjoy eating eggplant.” One of my favorites was “Garlic gargling gargoyles go gallivant.” The illustration looks like something out of Where the Wild Things Are.

Can you see how much fun this could be to read aloud with a child? Childrn are already attuned to sounds, which the alliteration emphasizes. At the top of each page, the alphabet letter appears in upper and lower case. The alliterated sentences offer an example of this and the sound(s) each letter represent.

I also learned two new words–haskaps, a kind of berry, and xigua, a kind of melon.

In addition, the book seems like a fun and subversive way of encouraging kids to eat their fruits and veggies. Not only is there an incredible array of healthy foods. All the creatures are exuberantly enjoying eating.

In conclusion, this book just works on so many levels. Above all, it is a book to read aloud with great joy. I can’t wait to hear of families who try to eat all the fruits and veggies topped off with an ice cream dessert!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review.

Review: Doing Something New

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Cover image of "Doing Something New" by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Andres Landazabal

Doing Something New

Doing Something New, Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Andrés Landazábal. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514013328) 2026.

Summary: A prayer for children beginning something new, drawing upon the life of Jesus and the promises of the Beatitudes.

Change is exciting. And scary. Beginnings are a part of all of our lives but can be especially scary for children who do not have lots of past experiences on which to draw. A new home. A new school. And a new bus route. New friends. And new social situations.

Mitali Perkins has written a wonderful children’s book that explores a number of these changes. First days at school. Missing family. Making friends. Going out of one’s way to show kindness. Then there are the challenging social situations. Standing up for the bullied. Comforting friends losing someone they love. Not yielding to peer pressure to look at questionable material on a phone. Or helping two friends caught in the blame game.

All of these beginnings are woven into a prayer that runs through the book. The prayer connects the child’s experience to something Jesus experienced in his life. For example, the book begins with this:

“Jesus, now I come to you,/at the start of something new.

People didn’t know your name./Here I am, a bit the same.“

The simple rhyme scheme makes it enjoyable to hear and memorable.

In addition, the book incorporates the text of the Beatitudes. These offer promises of how Jesus will help in each of the situations depicted. For example, the child who is homesick may trust the promise: “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Likewise, the child who stands up for another who is bullied is reminded that “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.”

Also, the illustrations of Andrés Landazábal bring the prayer/narrative vividly to life. The scenes look like school and neighborhood settings. I particularly appreciate how he captures the emotions of children. In addition, he portrays a multi-ethnic mix of children on each page.

The book concludes with “A Note from the Author” in which Mitali Perkins describes her various homes in five countries before living in the United States. She also discusses growing up in a Bengali home. Lastly, she lists some of the influences that inspired this book and what she has tried to do.

I like the portrayal of all the situations in which a child can trust Jesus in their Monday to Friday world at school. In addition, I appreciated how children are helped to see why Jesus would understand their fears and their prayers. Then the weaving in of the Beatitudes does not at all seem forced but flows naturally out of the various situations children encounter. Finally, as in all good children’s books, the truths found here are both simple enough for a child to understand and profound enough to sustain adults in all the changes they face.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: God Chose Me!

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Cover image of "God Chose Me!" by Lexa Hale, illustrated by Dana Regan

God Chose Me!

God Chose Me!, Lexa Hale, illustrated by Dana Regan. Paraclete Press (ISBN: 9781640609778) 2026

Summary: For children 0-3, affirming that they are God’s loving, good creation just the way they are and that their worth is in God.

Who of us hasn’t wondered at some point why we are the way we are? And who of us hasn’t wondered what God thinks of us, the way we are? Perhaps this accounts for the impact of Fred Rogers simple words, repeated on each show:

“You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” -Fred Rogers

That is the message of this new board book for children, ages 0-3, written by Lexa Hale and illustrated by Dana Regan. Hale affirms that God chose every aspect of who we are. For example, our gender, the color of our eyes, the shape of our nose, and whether our hair is curly or straight. Then God knows all our moods and even the times when we don’t like how we’re made. He also knows how we compare ourselves to others. And knowing all this, God loves us. “So, I’ll love who I am with all of my might!”

The colorfully illustrated book includes both boys and girls, and children of representing various ethnicities. There is also a boy wearing glasses (that’s me!) and a girl in a wheelchair. So, I’ll admit it. I struggled with self image because of those glasses! Here is a sample from the book:

Sample page from God Chose Me, Lexa Hale, illustrated by Dana Regan from publisher’s website

Hale uses a simple and memorable rhyme structure. This is one of those books to read with a child cuddled in one’s arm. I can imagine a child even saying these things with a parent as they read and making these truths their own. And who of us doesn’t need reminders that God chose, made, and loves us just the way we are?

Finally, this is the perfect gift for a baby shower, a baptism, or baby’s first Christmas or Easter. Then, if you have grandchildren, you may want a copy for when they come to visit. So, this is a book you might buy in quantity!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: One Star, Three Kings

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Cover image of "One Star, Three Kings" by Rebecca Grabill, Illustrated by Isabella Grott

One Star, Three Kings, Rebecca Grabill, illustrated by Isabella Grott. Paraclete Press (ISBN: 9798893480122) 2025.

Summary: Imagining the journey of the Magi, blending scripture and history as they follow the star and seek the newborn King.

I love the idea of celebrating TWELVE days of Christmas after the preparation of Advent. And the twelfth day celebration is pretty special. Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of the child Jesus as the King the wise men or Magi had sought. But we know little more than they followed a star, coming from the east, sought counsel with Herod, were directed to Bethlehem, and were led to the place Jesus was staying by star, bringing treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as they worshipped the child king. Then they returned a different way, warned not to go back to Herod. But we don’t know their names or number or where they came from more specifically. Tradition says there were three, to go along with the gifts, naming them Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior.

Rebecca Grabill takes what we know from scripture and tradition and weaves a story that captures the significance of Epiphany. Balthasar is a prince whose father urges him to seek his star, for there he will find his treasure. By day he works with his people gathering the ‘tears” of myrrh and at night seeks the star. Finally, he leaves to seek what he has not yet found taking a precious gift.

On a boat, he meets Caspar, who speaks of hearing a star sing. Balthasar cannot but he joins Caspar in the quest. Then they arrive at the palace of old King Melchior. And Melchior remembers the stories of the prophet Daniel and ancient scripture. Together, they go to the ruins of Babel and there they spy a brilliant star. They follow it to Jerusalem where they meet Herod but no newborn king. Then they learn it is to Bethlehem they must go and the star leads them to the house.

They find mother and child, the King of kings. They bow and offer their gifts, a chest of gold from Melchior, frankincense from Caspar, and the myrrh Balthasar has gathered. Balthasar reminds us that myrrh is for weddings…and burials. Yet the givers realize that they have received the greatest gift but that the trasure is not for them alone but the whole world.

Woven through the re-telling of the story are “I Wonder” questions about biblical texts, legends and traditions, ideas about Gabriel, the nature of the star, and the origins of the magi. Finally, the book concludes with information of how Christians celebrate Epiphany around the world today. Isabella Grott’s colorful and detailed illustrations complement the written story. It is written for children kindergarten through third grade. Often children this age are in Christmas pageants and this is a great book to help them understand the story they are acting out.

And the story reminds all of us of the wonder of the manifestation of Jesus to the nations that is part of the Christmas story. No Christmastide celebration is complete without Epiphany. Likewise, this book completes the nativity stories and narratives of this season and will be a “gift” to your family!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: Charlie Can’t Sleep!

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Cover image of "Charlie Can't Sleep!" by Rachel joy Welcher, Illustrated by Breezy Brookshire

Charlie Can’t Sleep!, Rachel Joy Welcher, illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514010013) 2025.

Summary: A child’s bedtime fears prevent him from sleeping until his mom reminds him that God never sleeps and will care for him.

Houses make strange sounds at night. Is there a robber trying to get in? A werewolf? Or is the house going to be swallowed up in a sinkhole? Charlie has all these thoughts. He’s terrified. He does all he can do to stay up with Mom and Dad–even extra chores! And when Mom and Dad get ready to leave for the night, he wails…and tells them why he can’t sleep.

Then mom reads to him from Psalm 121. She reads “he who watches over you will not slumber.” Charlie asks, “What’s slumber?” Then Dad explains slumber means sleep and Charlie figures out that God never sleeps. Therefore, God is awake and watches over Charlie when he sleeps.

But Charlie still feels alone at night. However, Mom has felt this and explains how prayer helps. And Charlie prays all his fears. Next thing we know, Charlie is sleeping with his dog at his feet.

This is a wonderful book for children (or adults!) with night fears. Mom and Dad take his fears seriously and he gets to name them all. But there is no shame. Rather, just a parent who shares what has helped her. Charlie learns to trust God’s promise from Psalm 121 and turn his fears into prayers.

Breezy Brookshire’s illustrations visualize Charlie’s fears, but in an atmosphere of warmth, tenderness, light and peace. An author note informs us that this story reflects Rachel Joy Welcher’s own childhood experience.

This is a story, as the dedication says “for anyone who has ever been afraid of the dark.”

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.