B&H Publishing Review: Little Tree Found written by Troy Schmidt

Christmas is right around the corner! I enjoy reviewing books, but I absolutely LOVE reviewing children's Christmas books. The most recent book I reviewed for B and H Publishing was titled, Little Tree Found, written by Troy Schmidt and illustrated by Rob Corley and Chuck Vollmer.

My Thoughts
This 32-page hardcover children's book had a beautiful cover with bits of glitter shimmering on the snow-capped tree limbs. The book is about a lonely tree in the middle of the forest who attempts to make friends every chance he gets. One day he is yanked out of the ground - the only home he has ever known. The tree expresses the fear, loneliness, and pain due to the experience. As the other trees disappear from the tree lot, he begins to feel lost, worried, and thirsty for water (life). He feels hopeless. He begins to wither away until a father and his son buy him and give new meaning to his life. I feel that the father and the son are representative of our Father in Heaven and His Son. The author says, "Then out of the darkness and into the light stepped two friendly creatures. One was the father and the other, his son, but they walked together as if they were one." The little tree hopes that they will purchase him after he bows and gives his word offering his life to them. The little tree is no longer feels lonely and finds joy and happiness with his new life - a life which celebrates Christmas year-round.

The message of salvation which can only come from Jesus Christ wasn't necessarily clearly stated in terms for young readers. An adult may need to discuss this message further with their child. It's a story about a new life or beginning with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

A parent connection is included as a bonus feature. Basically, it consists of a series of question prompts to jump start a conversation with your child about what the story means and is intended to be utilized and discussed after reading the story. There is a prayer towards the back of the book that your child can repeat when they accept God's Love. They'll make a commitment to live with Him forever.

Prices
B&H $12.99
Lifeway $9.74
Amazon $11.57

Note: All prices are subject to change without notice.

Recommendations
This was a good, sweet story about salvation. Honestly, this book wasn't at the top of my book list to read during Christmas, but it still contained an important message. The book is suitable for Christian parents with children between the  ages of 4-8 enrolled in preschool through 3rd grade. I also recommend this book for Sunday School teachers.

Disclaimer
I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the B and H Publishing Group Book Review Program in exchange for an honest, unbiased review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

BookCrash Review: The First Christmas retold by Janice D. Green

I recently reviewed The First Christmas as retold by Janice D. Green with illustrations by the talented Violet Vandor. I strive to focus on the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season. I'm already preparing for Christmas by reading and choosing books for my Christmas Book Tree Advent Countdown which is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I also try to tie in an activities related to the story read aloud. Let me tell you about a book I reviewed that includes both a familiar story we must all hear and a fun activity that'll engage your child.

Book Description (From the Website)

The First Christmas, by Janice Green and illustrated by Violet Vandor, tells the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. Adults and children alike will enjoy snuggling up to share these thirteen colorful scenes and the engaging discussion questions as this timeless story unfolds. Even older readers may be surprised to learn something new as they read again of the Messiah's birth.

My Thoughts
The 32-page paperback book gives a well-written, detailed, and complete account of the Nativity Story. The message is one that has been heard by many over the years but is of great importance for all children. I really appreciated the italicized conversation starters or questions found on each page that enable the parent to check their child's understanding following each section of the story. These questions will help you interact and engage with your child and help them focus on key topics. The questions help children make personal connections to their lives and feelings in relation to the story. For example, the author asks the child in the book "How do you think Mary and Joseph felt to have to walk or ride a donkey for days? Can you think of a time when you were very tired but you couldn't stop and rest?" The questions will spark a conversation and get the child thinking about their lives.

The lovely illustrations are simple and suitable for all children. There are not any inappropriate or violent illustrations in this retelling. There is a relevant illustration on the left side of each two-page spread of the story.

I love books that include meaningful activities within the pages of the book. This children's book concludes with a Bible Quilt activity that reinforces the truths from the Bible. The First Christmas coloring pages for the family activity are found on the publisher's website, however they are not FREE. They cost $1.50 for a PDF downloadable file which is reasonably priced considering the memories and possible traditions you'll create with your family. I do feel that it would be in the best interest of the author to offer these coloring pages FREE to individuals that purchase the book. This could be done using a special link and/or password added at the front of the book.

I would like to note that this book begins not with the angel's announcement to Mary, but that it begins with Gabriel's visit to Zachariah and Elizabeth about the birth of John the Baptist. You'll hear about Mary and Joseph's visits from the Angel, Mary's visit with her cousin Elizabeth, their travels to Bethlehem, the discussion with the innkeeper, Jesus's birth, the angel's visit with the shepherds, and lastly the journey of the Three Wise Men as captured in 13 colorful scenes depicting this retelling of Jesus's birth.

A small suggestion to the author would be to capitalize any words or phrases that reference God or Jesus. Another minor suggestion would be to make the story more concise for younger readers who may not be able to sit still for long time periods. It may be a little too wordy for readers in the youngest age group.

Recommendations
I recommend this delightful book to Christian families with children in preschool through early elementary ages 4-12. You could read the book as part of your morning devotions or bedtime read aloud during the Christmas season. I will be giving this book to my daughter for Christmas this year. You could even break the story up over several days reading a little each day to make it easier on younger children. It would make a perfect Christmas gift for relatives and friends. There's a good chance that this book may become a tradition if you enjoy reading Christmas stories every year. I know every year we enjoy telling the story of Jesus's birth. If you do too, then this read aloud book can be added to your collection. You may even want to share this title with the Children's Ministry staff members at your church or even with grandparents.

Price
HoneyComb Adventures $9.95
Amazon $9.95

Note: All prices are subject to change without notice. Websites may include selected pages to preview before purchasing the book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash book review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."