resources for effective children's ministry
For all the reasons in the previous "Seasonal Idea" section, I wanted to take a look at the "Noah's Park" line of videos, books and toys. Just as I found with the "Veggie Tale" videos, books and toys, I am pleased to see the emphasis in these books, videos and toys on not only presenting a fun, entertaining and delightful story, but also to genuinely teach children in creative ways they will remember and understand about how much God loves us, made us special just as we are and how we truly can live in our day in day out lives this truth and show it in the way we treat others. Even young children are captivated by these stories and understand what they mean in their own lives. Again, as I found with the "Veggie Tale" resources, I am delighted to see the variety of "Noah's Park" puppets, stuffed toys and other items. Far too many of the toys available for children relate to Saturday morning cartoons and are not a healthy choice for young children. I believe when children play with these toys they will be encouraged to remember the lessons they learned from the books and videos which gives tremendous value to the toys.
Noah's Park Dreamer Has A Nightmare - Video
Camel's Don't Fly - Video
Author - Richard Hays
Animation by - Double Vision Studios
Publisher - Faith Kids/Cook Communications
Ages - 3 and upDreamer & the Mystery of Cozy Cave - Book
Honk's Adventure - Book
Ponder Meets the Polka Dots - Book
Author - Richard Hays
Illustrator - Chris Sharp
Publisher - Faith Kids/Cook Communications
Ages - 4 - 7Stretch & Honk Plush Toys
Dreamer & Ponder Plush PuppetsFavorite Features of the videos:
Favorite Features of the books:
- teaches Biblical values - trust and cooperation
- deep, rich colors in the 3 - D animation
- young children will learn important lessons about God and how to treat others
- characters children will come to know and love as well as enjoy
Favorite Features of the toys:
- faith parenting guide to help parents/teachers better aid children in understanding and living the Biblical values taught in each book - excellent!
- each book teaches a Biblical value - courage, acceptance and forgiveness
- colorful, interesting, fun illustrations
- exciting, creative, fun stories children will enjoy, remember and want to hear over and over again
I especially appreciate books and videos that go beyond a creative and fun story line to actually teach truth in ways children will remember and understand so they can make it a part of their life. These books and videos do exactly this. The stories provide opportunity for parents/teachers to spend time with children, learning together - excellent! Extremely well done Richard, Chris and Faith Kids/Cook Communications!
- soft, colorful plush
- faith parenting guide to help parents connect the toy to a Biblical value - excellent!
- fun, interesting characters children will come to know and love
We are thankful for the opportunity to interview the author/creator of Noah's Park, Richard Hays and are delighted to share this interview with you. Thank you Kathleen for arranging this opportunity!
Lynda - Richard, why did you decide to write a series of books for children about the animals from the ark?
Richard - When I was five years old, I asked my Sunday school teacher, "What happened to the animals when they left the ark?" Her answer did not satisfy me, and for more than 40 years that question stayed with me. When I had an opportunity to write a Christian series, that was my first thought - to create my own answer to the question and to use the animal characters from the best known and loved Bible story to introduce the idea of God to children.Lynda - Which book is your favorite and why?
Richard - "Dreamer Has a Nightmare" is my favorite book for the lesson it teachers. I had many nightmares when I was a child. Only the realization God was with me even when I was sleeping finally gave me peace. "Camels Don't Fly is my favorite story as the idea of Honk the camel trying to fly creates endless silly images for me!Lynda - Why did you decide to add the puppets, toys, etc. to this series?
Richard - It is my belief once kids fall in love with storybook characters, they want to touch, hold and play with them. Puppets and plush makes this a reality. I especially like the idea of puppets because it allows children to act out their own stories with the characters.Lynda - When you begin writing a book, how do you decide what point you want the story to make?
Richard - I have a number of lessons, virtues, etc. l that I personally want to offer in my books. To that end I have a master plan (that changes constantly with story ideas and concepts that will accomplish my goals. Cook has also offered a list of virtues and lessons they wish to include in the books. Fortunately, our lists have been more or less congruent to this point.Lynda - How would you encourage parents/teachers to best utilize these books, videos, puppets, toys?
Richard - The main idea behind the Noah's Park Property is to introduce the idea of interacting with God on an everyday basis. I want children to understand they can and should talk with God all the time. It does not have to be on certain days or at special events. I wrote all of the books and stories with this in mind. It is my hope parents will start with the books and reinforce with the videos and toys. As a writer, I really want to encourage parents to expose their kids to reading. Reading with their children is one of the most special things parents can do.Thank you Richard for taking the time to answer some questions!
Table of Contents
About The Children's Department - Volume 4, Edition 2
Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated November 25, 2000
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at dfreemansr@earthlink.net