Bright Night: Lorie Ann Grover

A lovely review from Publishers Weekly!

Grover effectively reduces the Nativity story to quippy rhyming phrases in this padded board book, whose cozy mood is bolstered by Parry’s soft, gauzy-looking digital artwork. “Carry Mary,” reads the opening spread as Joseph leads a donkey down a road as birds, butterflies, and a rabbit dance around the couple. From there, they land in the “safe place” of the stable, celebrate “boy joy” when Jesus is born, and enjoy a little “swaddle, coddle” before visitors arrive, having followed the “far star” in the night sky. It’s a simple, punchy, and jubilant retelling. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)

Preorder is available here. 

Bright Night

by Lorie Ann Grover

illustrated by Jo Perry

Zonderkidz, Oct. 3, 2017

Heaven, God's Promise for Me: Anne Graham Lotz

Here's an interesting work that will provoke thoughts and discussion. What does Heaven look like? Laura J. Bryant pictures the state for your totz in Anne Graham Lotz' Heaven, God's Promise for Me.

Two children ponder where their dead grandmother has passed to. With words and images springing out of the Bible, they are able to gain peace. Their grandmother has no more pain in Christ's presence. She is safe in the light.

Verses are taken literally and illustrations portray them in the same way. There is liberty taken for what the place may be like in a variety of details, but the image of Christ's face is kept hidden.

Thought provoking with a call to follow Christ, this work has the potential to comfort your totz.

Heaven, God's Promise for Me, Board Book
by Anne Graham Lotz
illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
Zonderkidz, 2014

More, More, More: Psalm 23, Richard Jesse Watson

It's as awesome as I hoped! Match the 23rd Psalm with the paintings of Richard Jesse Watson, and you have a classic. I'm so thankful Zonderkidz and Watson brought this book to our shelves. What a work of truth, comfort, strength, and beauty. Truly. It's as if you fall into this great book as it quotes the King James Version of the most popular Psalm of David.

Watson's bold, brushstrokes are layered and create beautiful tones and textures. There's a nod to Byzantine imagery with golden halos while there's also a loose, free line throughout, allowing the spreads to breathe. Modern children and lambs are included in the illustrations; we are all lambs being led. Rich endpapers portray eight child shepherds from around the world.


photo from jubileereviews.com

You don't want to miss this masterpiece in children's literature. Share it with the older siblings of your readertotz! Let's hope there will be a board book edition...

Psalm 23
illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson
Zonderkidz, 2013

The Baby Beginner's Bible: Zonderkidz

I'm so happy to find this series from Zonderkidz and recommend that you share it with your totz. The Baby Beginners Bible hits the tot target with simplicity and clarity. Each biblical event is illustrated with one word, usually a noun but sometimes an adjective or verb. The story is presented beginning to end in ten images, with a fuller telling on the final spread for older totz.

Pulley's computer illustrations are light-hearted and fun. Each image sits within a circle above the block type word. From the introduction of concrete items to piecing together biblical stories, these works hit the mark.

The Baby Beginner's Bible Series
Jonah and the Big Fish
Daniel and the Lions
Creation
Noah's Ark
edited by Barbara Herndon
illustrated by Kelly Pulley
Zonderkidz, 2013