'Round About the Church

We can't begin too soon to read books to children - reading to children will help them become people who enjoy books and reading as they get older and a good picture book is a great way for young children to learn simple lessons. We will take a look at a number of excellent children's books designed to teach simple lessons in fun and memorable ways!

See the Country - See the City
Author - Crystal Bowman
Illustrator - Pam Thomson
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - 2 - 4

Mommy May I Hug the Fishes?
Author - Crystal Bowman
Illustrator - Donna Christensen
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - 2 - 4

Favorite Features:

bright, colorful, interesting, cheerful illustrations - excellent!
simple stories the right length to keep a preschooler's attention
helps communicate the wonder of what God created as well as limits and obeying
books are written to generate conversation with young children
"Mom's Moment" - excellent and encouraging thoughts for mom . . . and dad, too!

These books are well written for preschoolers and are sure to become favorites. They are simple enough as preschoolers become familiar with the story, they will be able to help "read" the book! Be certain to cuddle with your preschooler when you read these books - make reading to preschoolers memorable and enjoyable moments together! Extremely well done Crystal, Pam, Donna and ZonderKidz!

Are Tigers Ticklish?
Author/Illustrator - Debby Anderson
Publisher - Gold 'n' Honey/Zonderkidz
Ages - 1 - 3

Favorite Features:

sturdy board book
colorful, fun friendly illustrations
question format text allows for interaction between parent or teacher and children - excellent!
emphasizes God's creation and the wonder and joy creation brings
encourages basic learning of colors, animal identification, counting and animal sounds

I especially love the ending to this book - "God shows us what He is like by what He has made. Because God is kind, He made the kittens and puppies. Because God is awesome, he made the dinosaurs. Because God is love, He made us!" What a tremendously powerful and important lesson - extremely well done Debby and Gold 'n' Honey/ZonderKidz!

The Beginner's Bible Favorite Carry-Along Stories
- Noah & the Ark
- David & Goliath
- Daniel & the Lion's Den
- Jonah & the Big Fish
Artwork/Text - James Leininger
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - 4 & under

Favorite Features:

sturdy board books
sized for small hands
colorful, fun illustrations
carry-along case

These books are a fun choice to help our youngest ones learn Bible stories while beginning to learn about God helping us, protecting us, praying and obeying. Nicely done James and ZonderKidz!

Ripples Raccoon Shares His Balloon
Author - Lois Keffer
Illustrator - Ken Spengler
Publisher - Gold 'n' Honey/ZonderKidz
Ages - 2 - 4

Favorite Features:

sturdy board book
colorful, bright, fun illustrations
built in puppet adds to the fun
includes Scripture verse and has a point

This is a fun book for kids and parents or teachers and will generate opportunities to talk with young children about the important lesson on sharing. Nicely done Lois, Ken and Gold 'n' Honey/ZonderKidz!

Esther and the Mighty King
Author - Alice Joyce Davidson
Illustrator - Tammie Lyon
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - 4 and under

Favorite Features:

sturdy board book
colorful, fun illustrations
simple, basic re-telling of Bible story

I firmly believe in the value of providing books for your youngest children as it helps them develop a love for books and provides a tool to do some basic, simple teaching. The "My Bible Friends" board books are a fine choice for children to enjoy on their own as well as with parents and teachers. Nicely done Alice, Tammie and ZonderKidz!

God's Creation, Splashtime Book of Animals
Illustrator - Bob Filipowich
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - infant to 4 years

Favorite Features:

fun foam construction adds to the enjoyability, durability and color!
colorful
questions about the animals and what they say - provides opportunities for interaction with children and adults
Bible verse in the end

This creative and fun book is an excellent choice for the youngest ones! What an unique idea for a bath book our little ones will enjoy and learn from. Very nicely done Bob and ZonderKidz!

Where Do You Live?
Authors/Illustrators - Sally Lloyd Jones & Rick Brown
Publisher - ZonderKidz
Ages - 4 and under

Favorite Features:

question format for text of story encourages interaction with parent or teacher and child - excellent!
colorful, fun illustrations
"lift the flaps" add to the fun of the story
includes Scripture
story has a point

This story is interactive and fun and should provide opportunities for parents to talk with their children about God and how He cares for us and His creation. Very nicely done Sally, Rick and ZonderKidz!

Children's Resources Table of Contents

'Round About the Church - Children's Resources

Last Updated June 3, 2001

Web Page by Lynda Freeman

Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@roundaboutthechurch.com