Classics, Nonfiction, and Children's Literature
The Out of Jerusalem series by H.B. Moore (Covenant Communications, 2003-2006) retells the story of Lehi, Nephi, and their families as they leave Jerusalem and head for the promised land, giving the characters in the early parts of The Book of Mormon distinct personalities. Although there were many aspects I enjoyed as a part of
Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick (published by Mott Media, 1990) is titled to be a book telling a narrative story of the early patriarchs of the Earth, beginning with Adam and going through Abraham. Unfortunately, it really feels like a paraphrase retelling with very little narrative. It seems unfair to say: there was
Timna by Lucille Travis (Herald Press, 2009) shares the story of the wife of Shem aboard the ark as the world is flooded. With supposed Biblical accuracy, this middle grade novel also captures the perspective of two dogs who “stowaway” to enter the ark along with the other animals. The dog’s developing faith echoes that
I read the trilogy The Kingdom and the Crown by Gerald Lund because I finished all the currently produced episodes of The Chosen! I was craving more immersion in the historical world of Roman-occupied Israel. We are studying the New Testament at church this year, and I’m the Sunday School teacher, so I promise I
The story of Noah in the Old Testament has always troubled me, as I grapple with the implications of a worldwide flood. However, in the young adult novel Storm (Simon & Schuster, 2014) by Donna Jo Napoli, the author takes a creative approach by envisioning the experience of a teenage stowaway named Sebah on Noah’s
After Abel and Other Stories by Michel Lemberger (Prospect Park Publishing, 2015) is a collection of short stories about women in the Old Testament that may often be overlooked. Lemberger attaches emotions, motive, and/or backstory to bring these women to life and help us consider just what these event may have been like. Here are
As as you would imagine, Gathered: A Novel of Ruth by LeeAnn Setzer (Cedar Fort, 2003) is a fictionalized retelling of the story of Ruth from the Bible, from when she first marries Naomi’s son until her betrothal and marriage to Boaz. Reading this well-researched historical fiction gave me a fresh new perspective on Ruth’s
On That Christmas Night by Lois Rock and illustrated by Alison Jay tells the true story of the first Christmas, beginning with the Annunciation to Mary about her special role. I love Allison Jay’s artwork, and this book does not disappoint in that regard. It is beautiful and tells the story appropriately. There are a few times
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (illustrated by Holly Meade; Candlewick, 2011) captures the tradition of Noah and the flood by focusing on Noah’s wife in the evening calming the animals. Tradition suggests her name may have been “Naamah,” which means “great singer,” and Susan Campbell Bartoletti builds on that tradition by
My Caldecott challenge: Although these Caldecott winner and honor books are not, for the most part, books I’ve read aloud to my son, I still found them interesting. A few I had strong negative opinions of; they show that even books that earned the Caldecott award do become dated! As with They Were Strong and
My Caldecott challenge: Although these Caldecott winner and honor books are not, for the most part, books I’ve read aloud to my son, I still found them interesting. A few I had strong negative opinions of; they show that even books that earned the Caldecott award do become dated! A familiar religious story can be
The animals of the stable are often the focus of children’s Nativity picture books, possibly because children tend to love animals and because they are so lovely in illustrations. The image of the babe in the manger, humbly surrounded by gentle animals, is a memorable part of the season. One such book that I love
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