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.

Review: Zion Learns to See

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Cover image for "Zion Learns to See" by Terence Lester and Zion Lester, illustrated by Subi Bosa

Zion Learns to See, Terence Lester and Zion Lester, illustrated by Subi Bosa. IVP Kids (ISBN: 781514006696) 2024.

Summary: Zion goes to work with her father at the community center and learns how those experiencing homelessness matter to God.

Terence Lester leads a community mobilization organization addressing various poverty issues. One Saturday, as he was headed out the door to work, he asked his daughter if she’d like to come with him. She decides this is more interesting than helping with household chores. As they drive to the center, she notices the neighborhood changing. she sees tents on the sidewalks.

Dad stops to get her favorite breakfast sandwich–then orders 50 more! They are for the people on the street around the center. Dad calls them “friends.” He knew their names and introduced each to Zion as she gave them a sandwich.

These happy moments are disturbed when Zion hears a driver curse out a homeless family. She can’t understand why someone would do that. Terence doesn’t know either but says that when you understand that every person matters to God, you begin to see them differently.

They talk about why these people don’t have homes (in the afterword, we learn over a million school children are homeless). As they pass out basic necessities, Zion meets lots of homeless people that day–adults, teens, and young children. They share about God’s love.

Zion decides two things. She wants to go back and also tell others what she saw. And some amazing things happen after that, including this book!

This beautifully told story by the Lesters is accompanied by the illustrations of Subi Bosa. Together, story and art convey the joy of treating people as those who matter to God. But there was one unhappy person in the story– that irate driver who just saw people living on the street. It’s a story that builds compassion and shows how we can matter to those who matter to God. Even when they don’t to society.

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

Review: Not Finished Yet

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Cover image of "Not Finished Yet" by Sharon Garlough Brown, illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans

Not Finished Yet, Sharon Garlough Brown, illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514007952) 2024.

Summary: While “painting prayers” with Gran, Wren discovers she can honestly share all her feelings with God.

An old shed behind the farm house was a wonderful place for Gran and Wren. It’s where they painted together. Some of their paintings didn’t look like much. But Gran defended the mess, saying that you finish a painting when you sign your name.

One of the things Gran and Wren like to do was “paint prayers.” For example, a painted squiggle served to say “Dear God.” Wren wanted to paint feeling special. She picked out colors that felt “special.” But when she put paint to canvas, it looked like an ugly dark blob. Instead of special, she felt awful. Gran asked her for a title to express all the feelings in the blob. Finally, she said, “disappointed.”

Gran asks her to think about and paint her disappointments. A lot had to do with how others treated her at school, or when animals died. Then she dares to admit she sometimes God disappoints her. Gran calls her brave to be able to admit that, and if Gran wasn’t disappointed with her, maybe God wasn’t. And so she paints the sad and scary things she wants to say to God.

It ends up that she does feel special. Heard. What she thought and felt mattered to God. And she signed her name. And in Gran’s embrace, Gran talks about how God isn’t finished yet with the scary, broken world and imagines with her the day he signs his name.

Some, who know Brown’s novel Shades of Light will recognize Wren. But even if not, the story stands on its own as a beautiful statement about how we can be honest with God about all our feelings. It even suggests how we might use the arts in giving expression to what is within us. Complementing the text, the illustrations of Jessica Linn Evans take us into the feelings of Wren. Most of all, Sharon Garlough Brown reminds us of what it means to face the sad and scary and lean into the hope that God, too, will someday be done.

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

Review: Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World

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Cover image for "Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World" by Helen Lee, Illustrated by Shin Maeng

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World, Helen Lee, illustrated by Shin Maeng. IVP Kid (ISBN: 9781514009161) 2025.

Summary: Kaylee and her grandfather learn of needy children in the news and struggle for words to pray.

“God, do you care about this boy?

“God, do you care about all these children in the world?”

“There is so much to pray for!”

How do you pray when it is all jumble and you can’t find the words?

Kaylee and her Korean-American grandfather Halbi read the newspaper at breakfast each morning. When they see a story of a child in need, they cut out the picture and pray for the child and pin the picture to a world map full of pictures.

This morning, Kaylee sees a picture of a boy from Turkey, standing in front of a row of tents, made of blankets. He looks sad, with tears in his eyes. Kaylee wonders if God really cares for him. She looks at their world map and sees so many pictures. Children from North Korea, India, South Sudan and even the United States.

There are so many, Kaylee is not sure how to pray for all the brokenness in the world. She remembers God promises to help when we don’t have words and she prays “Help me, Holy Spirit.” And suddenly the words come as she prays in English, Halbi in Korean, and Keedo, their dog, in his own language (“Keedo” is Korean for “prayer”).

Helen Lee takes the hard questions at the heart of intercessory prayer and offers the quiet hope that God helps and hears that bears fruit in joy and peace. She also offers in this story a wonderful model of learning about and responding prayerfully to the world’s needs. She even introduces us to the Korean practice of tongsung kido, the Korean practice of simultaneous prayer.

In addition, the illustrations by Shin Maeng captures the shifting moods and emotions in this story while visually portraying the world’s children for whom they pray. In short, this briefly told story speaks to the challenges parents and children face as they pray. And it invites us to ask the Holy Spirit’s help to untangle our words and help us pray. It is a story to speak to a child’s heart. It spoke to mine.

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

Review: Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World

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Cover image of ":Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World" by Tara Hackney.

Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World, Tara Hackney. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514010495) 2025.

Summary: A board book with a fresh version of this song and images representing all the children of the world.

Many of us grew up singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School. But in more recent years, some have struggled with the racially stereotypic language of the third line of the song. Yet the idea of Jesus love for all children (and we were all once children) is a wonderful truth, especially in our divisive times.

IVP Kids is publishing a wonderful new board book written by Tara Hackney, who founded Jesus Loves You Ministries. And one of the first things I liked about this book are the fresh lyrics to this familiar children’s song. There are three verses of them! Here is the first. And notice the new third line:

Jesus loves the little children,
all the children of the world.
Every color, every shade,
just exactly as he made,
Jesus loves the little children of the world!

As is evident on the cover image, the photography in this book represents children from around the world in all sorts of settings–different seasons, activities, and dress. In addition, I particularly appreciated the representation of children with disabilities. The images include a child who appears to be undergoing cancer treatments, a child in a wheelchair, and a child with Down Syndrome.

Another plus of this book is that it is child safe. Not only are the page edges rounded but the publisher indicates that the gloss coating is non-toxic. Young children not only like to read books. They have to taste them as well!

In conclusion, this book is an absolute joy to look at, read, and even sing to your children. Not only does it speak of Jesus’s love for all children. It shows it. I can’t think of any better for a child’s first book!

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