Children’s books

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.

Review: Abigail and the Waterfall

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Cover image of "Abigail and the Waterfall" by Sandra L. Richter, illustrated by Michael Corsini

Abigail and the Waterfall, Sandra L. Richter, illustrated by Michael Corsini. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514008928) 2025.

Summary: Abigail’s family hikes to a waterfall, sees the creatures that live there, and learns to care for their home.

Abigail’s family hikes in the nearby forest on the first Saturday of the month. This Saturday, they are hiking to Abigail’s favorite place! They walk through a thick forest, noticing the birds and animals that make their home there. Then, she notices the mist in the air and dragonflies flitting about. They are getting close!

But as they run ahead, mom encourages them to stay on the trail. Creek banks are fragile environments, and creatures shelter under vegetation, which also filters the water. Finally, Abigail’s favorite place comes into view, a freshwater creek with a waterfall! The darters in the water are a sign of the creek’s health.

Then they enjoy the delicious lunch mom packed while enjoying the sound of the water, the coolness of the air and the way the sun’s light filters through the trees. Butterflies and ducks look on. Afterwards, they are careful to pick up all their trash, remembering the time they rescued three darters caught in a plastic bag.

After lunch, it’s time to climb the rocks by the waterfall. As they peek over the top of the rocks, they see something “slimy and scary with BIG googly eyes!!” Dad identifies the creature as a Mountain Dusky Salamander. Abigail gets eyeball to eyeball but doesn’t touch and notices how beautiful is this creature who loves the waterfall.

Then it’s time to leave. As they return to their car and look over the forest valley, their hearts are full of thanks to God and a resolve to care for the home of all the creatures they’ve seen–especially the Mountain Dusky Salamander!

This delightful story invites us all to care for God’s world and the creatures who make it their home. Implicit in the story are things like limiting plastic use, caring for creek banks, and the self-purifying mechanisms of waterways. The author mentions these in the back.

The text is set against the lush, verdant illustrations of Michael Corsini. Children may be encouraged to look for creatures on each page, which are identified. The one thing you’ll have to watch if you read this with your children is that they may want to go on a hike like Abigail’s family takes. Prepare to plan one together!

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

Review: Penny Preaches

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Cover image of "Penny Preaches" by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon, illustrated by Jennifer Davison

Penny Preaches, Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon, illustrated by Jennifer Davison. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514008584) 2024.

Summary: A young girl loves the big ideas she hears in Sunday sermons, aspires to preach, but friends discourage her.

Penny loves going to church with her family. She especially loves the sermons and the big ideas her pastor shares about God, about his love that has no limits. Penny likes that the important words start with the same letter. She even likes the tiny microphone he wears.

Penny wonders if she could do that. She wants to share big things about God. So, she begins by practicing with her animals after she has searched and written down some of God’s words in her notebook. Then she invites her neighborhood friends.

But they don’t applaud. Instead they question. “Girls can’t be preachers, can they?” She wonders if they are right and tucks her notebook under her bed.

But God gives her more words. And she writes them down in her notebook.

And that Sunday, her family visits a new church with a pastor named Sarah. When Pastor Sarah shares amazing stories and important words (that begin with the same letter), Penny claps loudest of all. But what happens next, when Pastor Sarah notices Penny’s notebook, exceeded Penny’s wildest dreams.

This is a wonderful story that affirms that there is room in church for everyone’s gifts, even girls like Penny and women like Sarah. And I love the idea that preaching is about sharing the words God gives, the big and important truths about God.

Bright, colorful illustrations by Jennifer Davison capture the joy of sharing God’s words with God’s people. They effervesce with the excitement of a young girl who finds God giving her words she wants to share. Together with the wonderful turn in the story the Dixons tell, we learn that God’s good gifts for God’s people are given to all and should be shared by all.

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

Review: Birth of the Chosen One

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Cover image of "Birth of the Chosen One" by terry Wildman, illustrated by Hannah and Holly Buchanan

Birth of the Chosen One, Terry Wildman, illustrated by Hannah and Holly Buchanan. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514007020) 2024.

Summary: An account of the birth of Jesus based on the First Nations Version reflecting Native oral storytelling.

Many of us who have read and heard the narratives of the New Testament have appreciated hearing the story afresh through the First Nations Version of the New Testament. This is a true translation by a team of First Nations translators led by Terry Wildman. They sought to translate the New Testament into English in a way that captured the idioms of indigenous storytellers. One distinctive is the translation of names, which carry great meaning among indigenous peoples. Instead of translating the Aramaic pronunciation of the name, they translate its meaning. For example, in this story “:Mary” is translated “Bitter Tears” and “Jesus” is translated “Creator Sets Free.”

The Christmas story is one of those familiar stories. However, this book, using the First Nations Version and illustrations by Native artists reflecting Native settings, dress, and imagery, offers a fresh rendering of the familiar story. For instance, consider these words from the Annunciation that sent chills through me:

“Do not fear! The Great Spirit has chosen to honor you and give you a son. You will name him Creator Sets Free, for he will set people free from their bad hearts and broken ways. He will be chief over all the tribes and his chiefly guidance will never end.”

Bitter Tears asked, “How will this be?”

Creator’s Mighty One answered, “The Holy Spirit will spread his wings over you, and his great power from above will overshadow you. This holy child born to you will be the Son of the One Above Us All.”

Then, on the opposite page from these last words we see Bitter Tears overshadowed by wings and light. This is challenging to render and done beautifully.

The desert journey and search for a place to give birth captures the precarity of this journey and search. We witness the awe and joy of the shepherd, the adoring visit of the Seekers of Wisdom. Meanwhile, the angelic host are rendered as a spirit messenger surrounded by great soaring eagles representing spirit warriors.

The Native artists, twin sisters, sumptuously illustrate the book with a vivid color palette including deep shades of violet skies filled with stars, colorful Native clothing, desert landscapes and a young mother filled with ponderings of what this all means.

While designed for First Nations readers, the translation and renderings helps all of us see and hear an old story with fresh eyes and ears. Pick this up now to have it on hand for your Christmas celebrations later this year.

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