Book Review: Pirates on the Farm

I love reading and reviewing children’s books.  As a mother of two, I’ve spent countless hours reading to my children.  My latest read is Pirates on the Farm written by Denette Fretz and illustrated by Gene Barretta.  I love the idea of using a good story book with the goal of imparting Christian virtues to children.  This book addresses the second greatest commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself.  But what if your neighbors are pirates?  Can you really love someone who lives their life in such a different way?

It’s a fun story that is full of lively characters.  Who doesn’t like a good pirate adventure?  Depending on the age of the child, the vocabulary might be more of a stumbling block than a teachable moment.  The author does include the Seadog Definitions at the back of the book, but words like doubloons, hardtack, landlubber, and salmagundi might actually just confuse the reader and take away from the message.  It makes this book better for the older child, I think the message will be lost on the youngest of readers and read out loud listeners.

The illustrations are whimsical.  They show movement, action, and capture the character’s personalities.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: 20 and Something

20 And Something: Have the Time of Your Life (And Figure It All Out Too) is a book written by David H. Kim with Re/Frame by Phylls Tickle.   It’s a pocket sized book that the Barna Group, a trusted analyst of religion and culture, has produced.  The series is called FRAMES.  The topics of each FRAME is varied, but I selected this title for selfish reasons; I am a parent to two 20 somethings, better known as Millennials.  I have to be honest; there are times that I just don’t get where they are coming from.  I need help figuring out how they tick and why they approach life the way they do and why so many are living in their parent’s basements?  This quick read did shed some light and provide some hope for a bright future.

Every generation struggles with the differences between generations. That is nothing new. It doesn't have to be a stumbling block.  It doesn't have to be negative or cause discouragement.  All we really need is a chance to get to know what our differences are so we can begin to relate on a positive level. 

Sure, we know this generation has had access to the world through technology, has been impacted by the reality of terrorism at home and abroad. But what we are just beginning to unravel is the mystery of how these things really shape how they view adulthood, marriage, career, and organized religion.  When my 22-year-old says to me “YOLO … you only live once” when I am stressing over something, it makes me pause and think how much her generation really does want to make the most of this life that they have.

This FRAME gave me a clear lense to look through; one without judgment but filled with facts.  Having read it I can say I better understand by own 20 somethings.  I celebrate our differences and see a bright future.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Let There Be Light By: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

God is good and all that He has made is good.  Let me tell you that this book, Let There Be Light, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Illustrated by Nancy Tillman is certainly good.  The Creation story has been told many times in many ways, but never with such joy, acceptance, and vibrant visuals.

The story line is obvious; a retelling of the Biblical account of the Creation of the world and all that is in it.  The descriptive words used by Desmond Tutu place us in a new world that is wondrous, dazzling, glorious, and joyous.  I love his word choice when he says, “And on the seventh day, God laughed, and rested, and enjoyed his glorious creation.”  What a wonderful image of a God who is well pleased with His Creation.

Now don’t get me started on these illustrations.  Each page is a work of art.  Nancy Tillman captures the beauty and newness of the world and its inhabitants.  The images are bright and filled with color and light. Even the animals look like they are smiling.  There is also an overriding theme of diversity of cultures.  I was delighted by this book and honored to read both its words and images.   

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.