We Believe in Christmas by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

Bright, realistic illustrations created by Daniel Brown adorn this book by well-known author, Karen Kingsbury. Through the Christmas experiences of one family, children will learn to connect the familiar aspects of Christmas — some secular– to the true meaning of the season. For example, as we prepare for Christmas, we can remember how Joseph and Mary prepared for the birth of Christ. When we give gifts, we take time to rejoice in the gift of Jesus, our Savior. In showing hospitality, we think about the three kings who travelled far to visit the baby Messiah.

Children will enjoy the bouncy rhymes and will be able to relate the examples to their own Christmas experience. It may become a holiday favorite!

VERDICT: 5 STARS. An easy way to teach youngsters the Christmas story, using familiar activities.

For more books for children see:

The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne–Book Review

Far Flutterby by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

Far Flutterby by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

Far Flutterby is the story of Cody the Caterpillar and his metamorphosis into a butterfly. Bored with his existence in the town of Better-Than-Brown, he is assured by Beulah Lee Bird that God has a good plan for him. He is meant to fly to the land of Far Flutterby, but he must have faith.

Bouncy, rhyming dialog is accompanied by illustrations, which are not exceptional in my opinion. Cody’s world changes change from monotones to bright and vivid colors as he undergoes his transformation into a butterfly.

The Christian message is a bit ambiguous. God has a plan for us, and struggle will get us there… but what does that mean? All I can see in this story is the implication that things will be more exciting, and we will be happier. Young children aged four to seven, will not be able to grasp the allegory which is pretty slim at best.

VERDICT: 2 STARS. I was not impressed.

For more reviews of books for children see:

This Little Light of Mine by Kathleen Long Bostrom

The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

Gracie’s Garden by Lara Casey — Book Review

The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

This is a typical fairytale for children, dressed up with a bit of Christianity.

The king is in search of the perfect knight to marry his daughter. He must be not just courageous, strong, and loyal — he must also be kind and have a deep faith in God. Only this sort of man would be worthy of the Princess. After a variety of tests, the final three must perform one last feat — and the winner is not the bravest or the most accomplished, but the one who loves the Princess best and will always protect her.

The book begins with a quote from 1 Corinthians:

“Love is patient, love is ind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard are charming, and If you’re expectations for the story are not high, you may enjoy it and be able to begin a conversation about kindness with your children

VERDICT: 3 STARS

For more books for children visit these posts:

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard — Book Review

Little Sweet Pea, God Loves You — Book Review

Gracie’s Garden by Lara Casey — Book Review