This artistic book will take its readers on a 49-day journey through God's story of redemption, from Genesis to Revelation. Each intricate, handcrafted page presents an aspect of God's Covenant Promise, leading individual readers and families through a devotional study of the redemption story that culminates in Jesus' death and resurrection. The study is timed to coincide with the season of Lent. With each drawing, the writer points her readers to its biblical source, prompting a journey through familiar and unfamiliar passages of scripture. The drawings were created with such detail that each journey through the book highlights something new. The target audience is families, who will be able to use the book annually.

This is a children's devotional book about unconditional love. The main character is a sophisticated pig in waiting, Porka-Bella-Snu. The animals of the Little Wood discover a carving on a tree uncovered by a recent storm. Each animal thinks the letters A-H-A-W mean something different. Bella believes it's a message of adoration and success, Doolaah thinks it means she's been caught being imperfect, and Willy senses a message of rejection due to poor performance. The animals have a Friend [Jesus] who often comforts them with wisdom and hope. "Friend" reveals that the carving was from a Daddy reassuring his daughter that he loves her--Always Has, Always Will.

Our society applies incredible pressure on our children about physical appearance. Even the most attractive children will have "flaws" they feel are major problems. A child is never too young or too old to hear the truth that God does not make mistakes. This is the story of a little rainbow that God created with no yellow stripe. She had every other color, but where her yellow should have been there was only an open space. She knew she was different and was filled with disappointment and self-doubt. She was teased and wanted to hide herself. The rainbow follows gentle advice to trust and obey the call of God. Like the blind man in John 9, the little rainbow finds joy when God uses her "flaw" to display his glory to the hurting world.

The content highlights children's emotional needs with a little support from a cat. Eight-year-old Roberta and her cat Alex go from one adventure to another. As she deals with a particular emotion in each of 11 chapters, Alex seems to know just what Roberta needs and helps her work through that emotion. At the end of each chapter, the "Talk It Over" section describes the key emotion and offers discussion guidelines to use with the child to aid in emotional development.

This is a beginning-reader story with ten chapters and is based on events in the writer's own life as a child. It presents a girl whose best friend is a young boy named Johnny. He is small for his age and has a skin disorder that keeps him from doing what most boys his age like to do. The two friends create a fort where they use their imaginations to make up stories. When the girl stands up for her friendship with Johnny, there are consequences at her school. But when she realizes that she isn't the only kid being left out by others, a whole new world of friendship opens for her.

This is a story written for young children ages 3-8. It seeks to help them understand that the baby Jesus they celebrate at Christmas is the same person who died for them at Easter. Its simplicity and strength delivers its message.

Jesus would often use stories or parables to help people to understand spiritual truths. In the same way, Harmony Hollow is a series of stories for children using forest animals to help teach them deep spiritual truths. Each story is followed by a short devotion to help draw out those truths. The first story, Welcome to Harmony Hollow: The Hoppies and the Floppies, tells a Good Samaritan tale of two families of rabbits. It teaches the importance of overcoming differences, preserving unity, and settling disagreements. Harmony Hollow: The Path, tells how a young deer learns the importance of friendship, forgiveness, and staying on the path. In Harmony Hollow: The Light Bearers, a group of fireflies decide to stop shining their light. This story focuses on the difference even one light can make. Harmony Hollow: Buford the Blue Jay, tells how a blue jay struggles with pride and gets himself into funny and humbling situations.

In Guarding the Deep mid-teen Colin struggles to understand life during crisis. His beloved grandfather and mentor has died. Colin is called upon to keep vital, top secrets that might endanger the country's national security during a Cold War Era. When Colin discovers these US top secrets, including ones that involved his grandfather, he must decide which is more important, exposing the truth about the man he loved, or guard the secrets he uncovers.

Written for ages 9-12. Sam and Leah are orphaned and living on the streets of New York City in 1908. Unable to find work, Sam cries out to God. God answers with food and a job. Sam and Leah must be on guard as they walk to and from work. Sgt. Foster has vowed to rid New York City of the street kids. Sam and Leah are caught and taken to jail for vagrancy. They are rescued by their new friends, the restaurant owner and his wife. The restaurant owner has been able to obtain passage on one of the orphan trains. The orphan train is taking Sam and Leah to a place they have always dreamed of - the Oklahoma territory.

The growth of a grudge, holding a grudge and nursing it, feeding it with hateful thoughts and compaints about others--this practical book for children has had a ministry with adults as well. The growth of a grudge is explained from grudge (when it is small you can put it down), to resentment (you don't hold it, it holds you), and ends up as bitterness (which sends roots down deep and cause you to hate the ones you should love). Throughout the book, "Don't Hug A Grudge", the Word of God answers the questions of how to send the 'disguised unforgiveness' on its way by washing/renewing your mind with the Water of the Word.

This is a children's picture word book. It was written in a rhyming style as a "parent reader" for their child. Noah's Alphabet provides the parent with the opportunity for quality literary parent/child time together. It presents a great teaching tool to introduce their child to the letters of the alphabet which are represented by many of God's animals and creatures that entered "Noah's Ark". It also exposes the child to one of the well-known stories in the Bible.

Squeegee Luigi, window washer, is loved by everyone. He is known as a kind older gentleman who loves God and all the people around him. The neighborhood kids love to watch him do his work. Billy Parker is an energetic child who loves video games of all kinds. With mom and dad delayed at work one day, Billy takes the opportunity to explore game web sites that are scary and violent. He knows what he is doing is wrong and stops playing the game, but not before the pictures have been imprinted in his mind. He talks with his trusted friend, Luigi, about the situation. Billy thinks out loud while Luigi listens and then guides Billy to make wise decisions about this situation.

A little girl and her mother find a lost baby goose and set out to find its own special family. This book told for young children teaches them the importance of being part of a family. God gives us each a family that will love and care for us. Based on a true story and Psalm 68:6.

Every kid loves a comic book complete with superheroes! Rescue Me! is a simple book designed to help children learn about the essentials of the gospel message through the language, imagery, and themes of comic book superheroes. Each lesson begins with a portion of a superhero story about "Captain Sun." Children can follow the hero story, which directly connects to a short, kid-friendly, biblical lesson paired with it. A preview edition (75% of the book) can be viewed at www.itscaptainsun.com.

A sunflower seed is stopped in her journey to grow by rocks in the road, rainy weather, and hungry birds. Each time she encounters a trial she gets a gentle nudge from God in her heart to continue. She acknowledges that she is not taking the easiest path, but with each struggle there comes a reward. By enduring these obstacles, she emerges a beautiful sunflower who trusts that God is in control and leading her down the path he has chosen for her.

Scarlet's Garden: The Visit is a heart-warming tale about a little girl whose cat dies and she becomes determined to find out if pets go to heaven. Real life inspired characters, along with scriptures from God's word, offer hope to readers who eagerly look forward to seeing their pets again. It offers a fresh look at good overcoming evil and the abundant blessings resulting from waiting on God's perfect timing.

The Rock-a-Teller series is made up of nine books, each featuring a different rock that is found in scripture. For example, this book features the rock David used to win his fight against Goliath. Each book begins with a family portrait of the Rock-a-Tellers, followed by the words "Rocks don't walk and rocks don't talk, but if they could . . ." This sets a captivating stage for The Rock-a-Tellers to communicate God's truth from their point of view. The Rock-a-Tellers use a creative "rock-talk" to describe the biblical scenes that kids will love to learn. The "rock-talk" brings difficult theological terms to kid level, like "resurrection" being translated "God's great deeper-sleeper-awaker-maker." Each book in the series builds upon the previous and invites the reader into a "Rock-talk" glossary contained in books two through nine." The Rock-a-Tellers bring biblical exposition of the entire text to kid level, not just the highlights of a story. Every page contains creative illustrations that capture the biblical text in a picture form.

Here is an elementary-age story about a goose who, having been raised in a pig pen, assumes herself to be a pig. Mirey's natural instincts stir nightly dreams of joining geese in flight. However, she dare not think of flying because, according to farm owner Mrs. Brown, pigs can't fly. A chance meeting with a goose couple takes her to a glistening pond which the geese call the looking glass. It is here that she discovers what she is and experiences the weight of pig pen muck washed away. In analogy of the looking glass to the Word of God which she has heard quoted by Mrs. Brown, Mirey overcomes her fears, accepts the true reflection of herself, finds purpose in her life, and learns that these purposes can be fulfilled by acting on her new-found freedom. Before the day ends, she not only has had a flying lesson but is asked to join the geese's V, whereupon she is given a new name.

This mirrors the popular, secular tale The Night before Christmas. Instead of having the narrator describe how each family member anticipates the arrival of Santa Claus, the narrator, the innkeeper who provides shelter to the Holy Family, tells of the events which occurred the night Jesus Christ was born. The scene provides parents a nonfiction resource targeting children ages 2-12.

The White Feather is a mystery/adventure book for middle-grade readers. In this story, the son of a missionary pastor living in Italy must find a stolen manuscript and clear the name of his friend, while dodging a gang of thieves. "I think the story would really appeal to boys. Searching for treasure and solving mysteries is something that middle readers would like. The book had a very contemporary feel to it with the boys using modern technology to solve a crime while at the same time there was an innocence and nostalgic tone that felt very 1950s Hardy Boys," states reviewer Sharon Dunn, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries.

Stuck shopping with his family on the last day of Christmas vacation, ten year old Jimmy wants to go home and play paintball with his friends. However, the sight of eight amaryllis plants triggers his family to play their family game: Make Something Good Happen by buying and giving away the eight plants."Unbelievable," Jimmy says, "Why do I have to be stuck in the nicest family in the world." Realizing that cooperation is the quickest way home, Jimmy feigns enthusiasm for the game as he spars with his sister Kathryn who sees his true motive and threatens to unmask Jimmy: "I'll have you crying to Mom and Dad before we get home." While visiting at the nursing home, Kathryn unexpectedly accomplishes her goal by pushing Jimmy into the room of William, a nineteen year old quadriplegic. Stunned by encountering William, Jimmy and Kathryn confront the tough truth that not everything gets fixed in this life. With the loving guidance of their parents, both siblings grow in compassion. Serendipitously, the Smiths' kind acts are returned to them in a surprising way that encourages them to keep making good things happen for others.

Not Me is a story about a boy who learns, through prayer, to say "Not Me" when he is tempted to disobey and stray away from God's 10 commandments. In humorous, rhythmic text, the story continues with the two friends from So You Say You Don't Pray reminiscing about the awkward day when one friend asked the other if he prayed. The boys laughed about that awkward day and the silly nickname "Not Me." "Not Me" explains why he ran away to avoid the question and then the two friends begin another playful conversation. This time "Not Me" leads the conversation and explains to his friend that the silly nickname actually helped him when it came to obeying the 10 Commandments - something he struggles with and prayed about.

This 1200 word children's story is a gentle tale of a humble donkey that carries Mary and the unborn baby Jesus to Bethlehem. The storyline deals with three very prideful horses and one lowly donkey, communicating to the reader of how pride goes before a fall. It is one of those heartfelt stories that can be read traditionally every year during the Christmas season by the entire family. The story can also be easily adapted to a children's or adult holiday play at Christmas time. The underlying message of the story is the setting it provides for sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the gospel message.

This is a compilation of eight stories based on Bible verses from the book of Proverbs. Each story uses little lambs and the Shepherd who watches over them to illustrate the verse and make it easy to apply to a young life. The 25 stories help children to get to know the heart and discipline of our loving Savior. Children, ages 5-10, will be delighted by the humor and the fun interplay and experiences of the characters. These stories, written in verse, have been used in a Sunday school setting, on a kids' fun night at church, and as bedtime stories by church families. Others in the series include Little Lamb's Lessons from Luke, Little Lambs Sing the Psalms and Little Lambs Christmas.

Bianca is spending the night at her grandfather's house - a hole in the wall of a church, where Pappa is caretaker. Bianca hears the Lord's Prayer prayed during an evening church service and asks her grandfather the meaning of its phrases. As the two mice do a variety of chores, have dinner, and prepare for bed, he explains the meaning behind the prayer, line by line.

This is a fictional easy-to-read chapter book (reading level grade 2). Jack lives on a farm with his parents, brother Jeffy and sister Jessie and a big shaggy dog named Otis. The writer's vision for the book is to be high interest especially for boys with the intent to help children become hooked on reading, focusing on those kids who may have difficulty with reading. The content will teach important values-- respect, responsibility, caring-- and short discussion questions at the end of each chapter will make it easy for parents and teachers to reinforce important behaviors.

Written for ages three to six but suitable for all children, this encourages each child to realize that no matter what his chosen profession may be and no matter what he may look like or where he may go, he will always be God's child. This book is ideal for a creative illustrator, and there is an opportunity for an accompanying CD with the text set to song.

This story illustrates how distractions and doubts can hinder people from following through with good deeds. It also demonstrates how when things are left undone, they can have far-reaching consequences. The Open Field tells about a boy who returns home to tend for his father's farm while his father is away. The boy enthusiastically sets out to plant a field of corn. However, the field goes unplanted after a series of doubts and distractions get in the way. Later that fall, the boy is visited by three sets of local villagers, all of whom could have benefited in different ways from the corn crop had it been harvested. After making this realization, he follows through with an act of kindness to one of the villagers, realizing that he can still make it right.

One cold December morn, our unlikely hero hears the news of the king of creation's birth. He sets out for Bethlehem to honor the child and bring a precious gift to adorn his royal crown. Along the way, he encounters a number of very unusual but eager characters who wish to make the journey with him. And even our hero is surprised by the unique and cherished gifts that each of them are inspired to bring to honor the king that first Christmas day.

This book is a simple adventure and learning story that takes place on a Pacific Northwest beach. The adventure is seen primarily through the eyes of a young boy and covers the length of one day. The family wakes, plans the adventure, and travels to the beach in search of a mysterious quarry: the big squirt. The boys experience the beach, hunt the quarry, and then learn what it is and how it functions in its environment. Although not overt in the story, the premise of the book is based on Proverbs 25:2: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." The book will inspire conversation about what God has created and how He desires us to be curious and to learn more about who He is and what He has delighted to share with us.

This is an illustrated children's story about two sisters and the love they have for one another. It is set in the countryside in post Korean War, South Korea. The theme is the importance of sharing and loving your siblings. Readers follow Soo as she goes to school where a special treat of cornbread is served, but only occasionally. The bread is delicious and Soo wants to eat all of it, but knows her younger sister, Soo-ga will want some as well. Soo, tries very hard to save part of the cornbread on the long walk home. The saved piece shrinks in size, as Soo gives in to temptation. While not all temptation is met with self-control, there is a little prize for Soo-ga when Soo finally reaches home. This story is based on the author's life.

This playful ABC rhyme will introduce children to Jesus. Starting with A is for Abraham then continuing with Jesus' birth, his miracles, death, and resurrection, each letter of the alphabet will provide a nugget of truth from the book of Matthew. The Letter J contains the crux of the story and reveals why God sent Jesus to earth: "J is for Jesus. He's God's chosen one. / Oh, how God loves him. He's pleased with his Son. / God planned for Jesus to live on this earth, / And save us from sin ever since Jesus' birth." The rhyme concludes with a challenge for children to tell others that Jesus is alive and with us today.

The manuscript develops the challenge of teaching children to find solace in faith when they've lost one or both parents, through death or divorce. Neal's father was killed during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and his mother has gone to visit her parents so that she can openly grieve. Rose's father left home before she was born and her mother is in the hospital. Both children are temporarily staying with their grandparents, who are next door neighbors. Rose's cousin comes to cheer her up, and begins to feel that she should apologize for her doting parents and popularity at school. The three are drawn together by a tiny white creature, which is neither bird nor bug. Under the watchful eyes of Rose's grandparents, Neal and Rose are allowed to look into the garden, where miniature angels take a vacation from their earthly responsibilities.

Designed to capture the imagination of the first-time reader with suspense and surprise, Turtle's Fall follows an embarrassing incident when Turtle brags to friends about how his shell protects him from outer harm, so unlike the dangers they face in the forest. Told through the techniques of alliteration and within-line rhymes, he learns the value of having good friends and the biblical principle that having pride brings no gain.

The Most Beautiful Afghan incorporates the importance of family and giving rather than receiving. The heroine is Mamma, a true Proverbs 31 woman. The book is written in a text format helpfully repetitive. Phrases are repeated so that very young children can "read" along or repeat as the book is read to them.

Out of a deep appreciation for the practical life wisdom contained in the book of Proverbs, the writer developed a devotional book for children that would bring those principles to life. In this twenty story volume, the reader follows the regular, everyday adventures of two Christian kids in a loving and spiritually grounded family setting. The family environment is very similar the writer’s own upbringing and also mirrors many of the interactions she and her husband have with their own children. The characters, Eric and Joanie learn practical lessons on wisdom, speech, friends, listening to advice and other such topics when their experiences intersect their parents’ guidance and teaching, as Lou Priolo likes to say "in the milieu." With tenderness, wisdom and a bit of humor, this volume (easily the start of a series) targets ages 6-8 and can be used effectively as a story book or a devotional book with application questions.

Watering Hole Adventures teaches God's truths through six very different animal friends. The friends (a hippopotamus, a parrot, an ocelot, a sloth, a giraffe, and a capuchin monkey) meet early every morning at the watering hole. Each animal brings its unique personality, flaws and all into the friendship mix. During these meetings, news of the daytime and nighttime jungle is shared. Phillip, the parrot, brings news of the village of humans, including Pastor Sam, Old Mose, and the children. Together with God's help, the six friends learn about God and his love. Along the way, they also learn to appreciate and accept each other and themselves. This is the first book in a series.

The story is about the adventures of a stuffed animal, a mouse named Lester, who is mailed by his owner to her brother. The brother is in the military and is deployed to the Middle East, and Lester is included in a group of packages the man's sister mails to him for Christmas. The point of the story is that Lester learns that while celebrating Christmas is a wonderful thing, the truly important part about Christmas is that we should celebrate the birth of Christ every day, and not just once a year.

This manuscript anticipates publication as a non-fiction picture book showing how the author's daughter Piper discovered her cat allergy and how she copes with not being able to have a cat for a pet. Piper is your typical four year old girl who embraces life at full speed. Young children can relate to her exuberance in living life, her longing to have a pet, the fun of pretending to be a cat, and the heartbreak as she learns to live with disappointment but still can be a happy, joyful person.

These five stories for children are in the fairy-tale genre. The main characters are children who confront and overcome danger and evil. The children are courageous but not perfect; they are not without shortcomings, humor, and hubris. The stories are set in early northern Europe just as Christianity was taking hold. They include topics such as the Ten Commandments, idolatry, and redemption, and touch on mythical themes such as the Call, the Journey, the Ordeal, the Underworld, and the ultimate Boon.

This is a children's picture book based on Genesis 1 and Psalm 139. It shares the foundational truths about creation and how each child's life is planned and intimately known by God, our Creator. Because God Said will plant seeds of God's Word into the receptive soil of children's and their parent's hearts to teach them they are loved, special and have a purpose. It also will help them appreciate the world that God created and teach them that he's so powerful - he spoke it into beginning.

This is a picture book about a mouse that loves to take tea. It's intended to deal with the topics of friendship and hospitality in a loving and lighthearted manner. the writer sees this book as the first in a series, each future book dealing with a different topic such as cooperation and Christian fellowship (ex. Teatime Tillie Bakes a Cake and Teatime Tillie Goes to Church). Illustrations might convey warmth.

Begun as a letter to grandsons, the manuscript grew from the writer's awareness of male stereotypes portrayed in popular culture and their potential negative impact upon young boys. He wanted to show them a better model using the virtues exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ and a fictional character of "John Mouse" Each story addresses a virtue through the situation and decision-making of John Mouse. The writer notes, "Although the character is fictional, the situations are realistic and ones that young people face today. Leading each chapter is a definition of a virtue and a related scripture verse. At the end of each chapter I have included suggested questions for parents to begin digging deeper with their child into the motivations and decisions presented in the story."

In Milangar, everyone has magic in the form of uniquely colored lights that they use to grow, learn and create, except for Sitara. Her father explains that she has a special destiny as the magicless to discover the secret to making her own magic. A dethroned king, traveling traders whose strange wares destroy people's magic, steamy jungles, treacherous mountains, suspicious cave people and dark-caped kidnappers can't slow this girl down. Especially when Sitara learns to rely on the God and learns to believe that he has put her here "for such a time as this." Aided by dreams and a piece of string, Sitara discovers and puts into practice love in five different ways. Sitara realizes that everyone speaks a different language and that she must love them in a way they understand.

This story of dedicated possum parents show how, through a series of well thought-out plans, they creatively try to solve the dilemma of wild behavior being exhibited by their six wonderful children. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to curb the little possums' behavior, "Grandpa Pos" comes quietly to the rescue. With newfound insight, very happy possum parents discover the joy of teaching gentleness to their precious "Possies" with fun times to be had like never before. Relevant Bible texts are included.

Plant, Water, and Harvest is the title of a proposed series of nine children's books based on Galatians 5:22-23. Each book focuses specifically on one fruit of the spirit and contains those three steps. The story reading plants a seed in the young child's heart. After reading the story, the sown seed is watered by asking the child thought-provoking questions. This exercise verifies the story purpose and helps the child establish a personal application. The craft activities at the end of every book give the child an opportunity to harvest something from each lesson. For the book jackets, the author proposes the idea of a seed packet with the story title and a picture of the story premise. This book, first in the series, was written out of the writer's personal experience as an adoptive mother. "While my daughter wrestled to understand love and adoption, Kylea's Quest was born."

"Plant, Water, and Harvest" spiritual seed for children, ages 8-11, is the title of a proposed series of nine children's books based on Galatians 5:22-23. Each book focuses specifically on one fruit of the spirit and contains three parts; Plant, Water, and Harvest. The story reading plants a seed in the young child's heart. After reading the story, the sown seed is watered by asking the child thought-provoking questions. This exercise verifies the story purpose and helps the child establish a personal application. The craft activities at the end of every book give the child an opportunity to harvest something from each lesson. For the book covers, the author proposes the idea of a seed packet with the story title and a picture of the story premise. This book, first in the series, was written out of the writer's personal experience as an adoptive mother. "While my daughter wrestled to understand love and adoption, Kylea's Quest was born."

Seven-year-old Hannah brought an assignment home from school. Her teacher said; "Ask people you know to tell you what the heart is." My story is about what she finds out. Is the heart a secret chamber, or is the heart something more? Mother said her heart was there to love her. Her doctor said the heart was a pump. Grandma said her heart was a secret chamber. Mr. Smith said his heart was a volcano. Mr. Smith's nephew said his heart was a workaholic. Her father said his heart was a consultant. The pastor said the heart was where God wanted to live.

As God surveys the big ocean he has created, he feels that it needs something. With the help of the smallest angels, he decides it needs fish. "Who'll help me make them?" he asks. "We will!" the little angels eagerly respond. The designs of the creative, charming angels reflect their favorite shapes and colors, and, in spite of too much paste and crooked strips, their creations please both them and God. This story portrays a loving, affirming God who has a wonderful sense of humor. As the last fish, a big whale, disappears in the sea, a delighted God congratulates the angels for having done a fine job.

In this book two young brothers, Stevie and Cody live with their Uncle Harry, an aging farmer who is their legal guardian. Stevie is the central character, the irrepressible young hero who takes readers into the cliff-hanging world of play. Stevie does most anything to get out of chores. Entering into a world strong in imagination he evades monsters in dark mazes and discovers the virtues of self-sacrifice while escaping a Nazi POW camp. Each time Stevie and Cody spin out of control Uncle Harry, long-seasoned in the faith, provides a thought provoking foundation from which the boys can grow to become men.

The story exposes the emptiness of external beauty and the alternative treasure of virtuous character. It opens with the town's maidens in a frenzy, as the Prince is arriving in three days to chose as his bride, the maiden with the greatest gift. Paralleling our society, the women are side-tracked and focus solely on the external beautification of their gift. Though the main character, Grace, begins to follow suit in her desire to decorate with all the others, day after day, she is "side-tracked" from the current obsession because her virtuous character continually causes her to make noble choices with her time and money. Though her box sits undecorated, each night there appears in the box, priceless virtue stones that parallel the character qualities she displays each day. Though her box remained undecorated, she wants to be a part of the exciting events and joins the other maidens and their beautifully decorated boxes in the village square, the day the Prince arrives. As the Prince begins to examine the gifts, he is greatly disappointed to find that in their desire to catch his attention, they have focused solely on the external wrapping of the gift and have neglected to place a treasure inside. Something in Grace's gift catches his eye and though not decorated like the others; her gift is revealed as the greatest treasure. The writer states, "This story was developed as a tool to each my own children that instead of getting overly concerned with external appearances, they need to focus on developing the treasure of virtuous character, as that is the real gift, and not merely the wrapping."

Homer, a normal boy in every respect but one, reads at intergalactic speed. One Sunday, he reads straight through the Old Testament. This picture book, the first in a proposed series, is to be the vehicle for engaging children and their families in a major journey through the Old Testament. Beginning with Adam and Eve, readers of this series of picture books will cross the landscapes and times of the Old Covenant and the story of God's revelation of himself and his plan for man's salvation through Jesus Christ. A companion to each book will be a small family devotional in travel guide format featuring Mile Post, Rest Stop, Landmark and Hazard sign divisions. The goal is to lead families to read the Bible for themselves.

This is a reproducible, teachers workbook along with a student's workbook for children ages 9 and up. The workbook is designed for children to have an inductive Bible study of the book of Nehemiah. It allows children the opportunity to be introduced to a portion of the Bible that's not generally addressed in basic Bible studies. The workbook consist of memory verses, class assignments, homework assignments, life challenges, crafts and games. Children can discover what the Bible says and how it can be applied to their lives.

Mackenzie and Ben are two typical kids caught up in the rush of the Christmas Season until they are asked to help an elderly woman decorate her "Jesus Tree." While reluctant to help at first, their change of heart begins as the woman purposefully decorates her tree with decorations that remind her of Jesus. Each decoration helps tell the story of Jesus in a way that breathes new life into the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is about love. In the end, Mackenzie and Ben experience the real presence of God when the woman surprises them with a special Christmas gift.

These Christian back stories of familiar objects in the everyday world of young children illumine with a catchy rhyme, a clear and colorful illustration, and a simple, spare text. The writer's aim is that even preschool-age children will "get it." With these specific, concrete examples in their memories, preschool and primary age children will grow up knowing that their faith is relevant to everyday life. Adults also will benefit and be quite surprised by what they learn.

This is a 719 word Advent book. The text is written so that it can stand alone as a simple picture book that a very young child can take to bed at night, or published as a novelty book with stickers added, or published as a coloring book.

After the angels had told the shepherds about the birth of Christ the shepherds left to go see the new baby. That is all but little Zach. Zach was left because he was disabled and unable to make the trip. After awhile Zach sets out on his own. He falls many times. Finally he falls for the last time and is unable to get up. An angel appears and helps him to continue the trip to the manger where he sees the Christ Child and is healed.

Dan is the proud owner of his very own apple tree. He plants it and treats it with care - only to have a deer come along and eat it for dinner. Dan learns the valuable lessons of generosity and relying on God through his encounters with the deer. This book is a religious "easy reader."

Targeted to young adult readers. In post-WWIII America, with all religions banned, sixteen-year-old Terry and his two friends find a scrap of James chapter 4. As events seem to fulfill its message, the teens sense the presence of something other-worldly. Struggling to understand the mysterious words and the entity they proclaim, the teens initially accept the idea of God but want to know more. Their search takes them through dangerous adventures to a gentle old man and a musty cellar. There, they learn of the God-Man who died in their place. A twist in the plot returns them to Terry's home where someone is hiding. In the climatic ending, one of their friends is taken to prison and almost certain death. Terry's mother is threatened with jail time, and the teens must decide whether or not to trust in the God-Man as their Master, Savior, and Friend. The novel reads more like historical fiction in a not-too-distant future than sci-fi or fantasy, but it has elements of these.

This story relates a tale of a little turtle that has an unusual physical trait--his shell turns a beautiful coral color at the most inopportune times and this makes it necessary for Timmy Turtle to hide from some children on their way to school. While hiding, he overhears the children's conversation and discovers that one of them has a similar problem. He learns how they solve the problem and that in turn helps him. It is a gentle quiet story that lends itself to parent/child or teacher/student discussion. Some "starter discussion" questions have been included. As a bonus some turtle facts have also been included. This is a book about acceptance and being thankful to our creator God for blessing us all in very special ways. It could be used as a great teaching tool in many areas.

When Henrietta Harriett rebels against having her hair brushed, her wise mother warns her that when you "leave an ounce unfinished...it turns into a ton," then grants her wish. After a lazy family of Tangles moves in and starts inviting others to join them, a large bird builds a nest in her hair and starts laying eggs, flies start circling, and nasty smells start circulating, Henrietta learns that choices have consequences, ignored responsibility doesn't go away, and loving authority seeks to bless, not harm. In this read-aloud book character qualities are conveyed, not through heavy-handed preaching or reproach, but through humorous action within the boundaries of plot, conflict, and resolution; moreover, the book's universal theme resonates with anyone who has ever had to battle with those "naughty, knotty Tangles."

Imagination and reality playfully entwine through the 36 full color pages of My Wet Friend, Todd. Light-hearted rhyme portrays a young boy's wonder and amazement as he observes his remarkable Betta fish. Caring for the fish, he gains a deeper appreciation of creation and the Creator through Todd's silent witness. Scientific classification information, author notes, biography, dedication, and cover designs are included. Domain name has been registered.

Seven-year-old Deng Ding abruptly learns he is being sent away from his family in the southern Sudan to live in Ethiopia as a refugee. Sudan is engrossed in a civil war between the Arab Muslims in the north and the Christian Dinka tribes of the south. Muslims threaten to annihilate Ding's entire tribe if they do not convert. Sending boys seven through eleven years out of the country is the Dinka's way of preserving the heritage of their people and their faith in Jesus. Deng and his friends suffer starvation before the United Nations declares their settlement a refugee camp and begins to feed the boys and directs them toward Kenya. Through many physical and emotional hardships the boys arrive in Kenya, where Deng spends nine years achieving a high school level education. He is given the opportunity to attend college in the US. Arriving in Chicago, Deng has to learn new survivorship skills as he faces gang related attacks.

Angels Kaleb and Dawson struggle to help Sawyer through his first semester of junior high. As Sawyer strives to make new friends, and play on the soccer team his guardian angels support him through prayer and scripture. They are all tested, however, when Sawyer attends his first biology class and learns that he will be expected to complete a project on evolution. To make matters worse, the only other Christian in the class is the klutzy Preston-non exactly someone Sawyer wants to hang with. As God softens his heart to the new student, Sawyer finds a deeper type of friendship and realizes that with God, "no weapon formed against him will prosper." The manuscript covers issues of friendship, the role of prayer in daily life, and the right of the student to respectfully question academia when it contradicts the word of God. By using modern technology and likeable characters, readers are given a positive view of God's interaction and concern in their lives.

A Sweet Fragrance teaches biblical character traits to young girls through a simple study of wildflowers. Each chapter includes a story, illustration, and information regarding a selected flower. It could be ideal for a mother to read to her daughter(s) or an older sister to read to her younger sister as a mentoring tool. The stories are encouraging and educational, and will most importantly encourage girls in their faith and Christian standards. The focus audience is girls ages 6-16, Christians, homeschoolers (encouraging a study in botany), and hopefully non-Christians.

As a storm rages outside their home, Doug and Nicole's father tells them the story of Gabriel, a Canada goose, and the "legend of the windbreaker". Little Gabriel dreams of becoming a migratory flight leader just like his father. But little Gabriel has a BIG problem! He doesn't have any sense of direction! Gabriel pursues his dream against great odds and along the way he makes a discovery that will forever change the formation geese will use to make their long migratory flights. Gabriel will learn, that the One who lives above the heavens, loves, protects, and provides for him. He will also learn that the very things he needs to give him a sense of direction are already in place as part of God's awesome creation. By the exciting climax of the story, Doug and Nicole, will learn the Secret of the Rainbow and that Jesus is the God who puts dreams in our hearts...dreams that we cannot achieve without Him. He then gives us His grace to persevere through the storms and trials of life until He brings our dreams to fulfillment to His glory, honor, and praise. This story of hope intends to increase children's faith in Jesus, the only one who is our protection in the midst of the storm and the only one who can calm the storms of life and bring peace to our lives.

Jeffrey Barnes and Steve Johnson are stuck in an orphanage. Jeff finds out he's not even an orphan, but was snatched from his parents. He's depressed until Steve is moved into his room and they develop a successful thinking process. Steve learns in a science class how everything begins with thought, and together they develop their own philosophy of thinking. Then Steve is moved to another home miles away. His anger and frustration cause a bumpy detour in his life and he ends up in the army at seventeen to avoid jail time. He finally comes into his own in Afghanistan helping other soldiers see possibilities and teaching them a new way of thinking. His faith returns as the one solid fact in his life. A fellow soldiers changes from a timid, frightened personality to one who courageously saves his friends in battle, and dies in the process. His last words were to tell everyone what he'd learned from Steve. First in a series.

Papa Vianello buys a live lamb on the morning of Good Friday. As is their custom, the lamb will be fed all day Friday and Saturday and Saturday night he will slaughter the lamb, skin and cut it in different parts for their Easter dinner. When the lamb is taken to the Vianello house, all the children in the street play with the lamb they have named Delilah and when they find out Delilah's fate are upset. The three Vianello boys, Dante, Johnny and Carlo and the girl next door, Skipper, decide to save the lamb and try to come up with a perfect plan to save Delilah from being their Easter dinner.

Alley's ever-loyal commitment to her friends is admirable, but the painful sting of ridicule causes a misunderstanding of Billy's seemingly sarcastic ways. A sleepless night draws Alley into a journey of awareness, forgiveness and resolve. Closing the door to self, she is able to yield herself to wisdom's never-ending adventures of unexpected friendships.

Madeline Judith thinks that God is a really good artist. She wants to help and asks if she can paint the sky for him. Madeline learns that God has special jobs for each of us. The jobs he has for her won't always be big, but they are jobs that only she can do.

This is the story of a little green apple, different from all the other apples hanging on the apple tree. She is aware of the beauty of God's creation all around her, all having a specific purpose in God's wonderful plan. Yet, she is unable to see the beauty that God has created within her. All she sees is her being different, and she wonders if God had forgotten to give her a purpose in his plans.

When Jason decides to take one of his mother's bake-sale cookies, she uses the opportunity to teach him about the basis for all rules, the Ten Commandments. Using everyday examples and wording, she breaks down God's laws in ways a child can understand. The conversation ends with the need for a savior, since no one, not even Mom, can always follow the rules. The author provides the illustrations.

Horace felt the sharp edge of the broken ivory carving in his paw. Should he leave Fleur Gardens after all these years to search for a brother who wore the other half, a brother who might not have survived the night of the great fire? The mice of Fleur Gardens live comfortably in tunnels below the indoor gardens of a large office building. At night between the hours of curfew they enjoy the gardens and restaurant on the first floor within the strictly enforced borders of the first floor. Unknown to others, Horace and his friend Max have secretly visited the forbidden second floor. Inside an architect's office Horace has discovered his ability to paint pictures like those on the walls. His dreams of finishing his paintings, finding his brother and returning to Fleur Gardens bring instead arrest, shame, capture by rats, and a hard journey. Horace finds that telling ourselves the truth, finding courage to accept the fresh new page that waits for our markings is part of growing, and all a part of the Creator's plan.

Abby and Jamie Patterson are spending the summer with their grandfather in Delaware. While there, they stumble upon a clue that leads them on the most exciting adventure of their lives. The writer hopes this twisting story will have readers laughing and crying as they join the brother and sister in their search of Uncle Harold's enormous house. Abby and Jamie discover there is a time limit on the quest, and if they don't hurry, the treasure may be lost forever. While the main plot of the story is finding the treasure, the novel also addresses issues such as arguing, sneakiness, lying, and how these sins can affect not only us, but others around us.

This Advent story for ages 7-12, exploring the theme of incarnation, is divided into four parts corresponding to the Sundays of Advent. It can be read by children, or as part of family, church or Sunday school Advent celebrations. Jessica feels lonely and displaced when she moves to a new city just before Christmas, where she discovers the porcelain Jesus figurine from her family's nativity scene is missing. She finds an unexpected friend in Mrs. Martens, an elderly neighbor who also experienced loneliness and displacement when she fled persecution in post-war Russia. Mrs. Martens shows Jessica her treasure: a branch from a tree in her village. Although it represents memories of lost family and friends, she gives it to Jessica's father to carve a new figurine. Pondering Mrs. Martens' sacrifice, and holding the new figurine - something she'd never have dared with the fragile porcelain one - Jessica grasps the meaning of incarnation: Jesus came to earth so God could be touched. Many Christmas books have been written for young children (toddler to age 7) exploring themes like giving and love. The Empty Manger is written for children ages 7-12, who can grasp more abstract themes yet for whom there are few Christmas books on the market.

This is a book about the wonder of a crawling baby from the view of an older sibling. The sibling describes the things the baby does in relation to different kinds of animals (e.g., a splashing seal, stinky skunk, or playful kitten). It ends with the reminder that we are all under God's shepherding care.

This is a parable in verse about the "children of the king" and the marvelous kingdom that is theirs to explore. It tells of how, one day while they are playing, the children come upon a huge, wonderful mud puddle and proceed to get totally filthy. A new character arrives, sneers at them, and tells them that the king will no longer love them because they are so dirty. They despair over this prospect . . . until the king arrives and reveals to them all the real truth behind the puddle, and the depths of his love.

Easter is an especially significant and holy day observed by Christians. This book tells about many of the customs and traditions observed during the Easter season and relates them to the true meaning of the day. Readers may have wondered how Good Friday got its name, why we mark the beginning of Holy Week with palm branches, or have a service of washing-of-the-feet on Maundy Thursday. Arranged in an alphabetical format, the topics covered are mostly religious in nature although some secular customs such as Easter eggs are included.

A time-travel fantasy/adventure featuring a young mouse, Prudence Dapperling, whose faith helps her to overcome the consequences of sin, and to realize that being extraordinarily small in a big world doesn't matter when you belong to Christ.

Prayer can be confusing. Children can become frustrated when their prayers are not answered the way they want. In this story, Jackson Matthews finds that prayer works differently than he expects. While his parents run a soup kitchen, Jackson meets Patches, an older homeless man who comes in regularly on Wednesdays. While Patches enjoys his dinner, Jackson and he dream of different kinds of roller coasters, which Jackson draws onto his "secret plans." When Patches disappears with Jackson's drawings, Jackson discovers that the most important part of life is the people in it, not what they can give us. His prayers change from concern over his lost drawings to concern over his lost friend.

The book's purpose is to claim a positive, Christian meaning for Halloween. Alex and company are out trick or treating and "the company" runs into a problem - Alex doesn't want any more candy. What Alex does like, however, is exploring how things are put together. In this story, Alex and company do some exploring and are led by an unexpected guide to find out how Halloween is put together. They come away with a unique, yet transformational Christian understanding of Halloween.

Manna for Children is a collection of short stories for children seasoned with a dash of Caribbean flavor. The stories incorporate the teaching of language and literary skills in the transmission of spiritual, moral and family values. It encourages the training of character and the enhancement of oral and written communication skills.

Emily is afraid of the dark especially since Mum has taken on a night shift job and she is left alone with Dad who isn't sympathic at all to her fear. During the cold night, the moon shining into the tiny box room is like a miracle sent to help her. She is determined to find out who makes it shine. Her life goes from bad to worse though, when Dad leaves home and Frank the lodger, takes the key to her room. Rather than stay alone in the house at night with him, she runs away. Simon, the children's evangelist, from a nearby church, has befriended her and in his rising anxiety for her safety, calls the police.

The manuscript follows a young boy's struggles in daycare. He misses his parents while they are away and tries to replace them with special things they have given him, but these items are ruined or stored in the cubby. Frustrated, the boy talks with his parents and they point out the gifts God has given him: his mother's eyes, his father's smile, and both their hearts. Word Count: 646

This Bible-based how-to craft book is designed to make Bible learning fun and exciting for children between the ages of eight and twelve. It contains 48 craft projects based on Bible stories, verses, and Christian values. Each craft project has a user-friendly format, including: a scripture reference, mini-lesson, memory verse, list of needed materials, easy step-by-step instructions, and full-size patterns where needed. The projects, all fashioned from inexpensive materials, will be of special interest to those persons working with a limited budget.

Princess Abigail and the Rose is the story of a young princess who learns a lesson in obedience. On a deeper level it is also an allegory of the fall of man and the redemption offered through Christ.

Bucky and Friends is the result of forty years of experience in ministering to children. It helps to formulate and to deliver children's sermons and demonstrates the use of chalk artistry. It also gives valuable help in learning the art of ventriloquism. It also contains a list of seventy-five eye-catching object lessons.

Six-year old Theodore Isaiah Washington is a delightful young boy growing up in a Christian home where his parents teach him all about the Bible. As Theodore learns the Word of God he tries his best to do everything that God wants him to do. Only, because Theodore, like most children his age, has not fully grasped the difference between a metaphor and a literal interpretation, he gets mixed up. Theodore learns that "walking in Jesus' light" does not mean turning on all the lights in the house and walking underneath them every chance he gets.

She-Bear in the Beautiful Garden is an allegory dealing with the Fall of man from the perspective of a simple but big-hearted bear who loves Heartmaker and her friends One and Other One, but also her precious cub. When her friends must leave the garden, her cub fulfills a special destiny Heartmaker had foretold, in a way that she never would have guessed . . . or wanted.

In the first book of this middle-grade mystery series, sisters Amber and Kit stumble across the unconscious body of elderly neighbor Lucille Hawkins. Broken glass from the shattered upstairs window indicate that the woman fell through the glass into the garden below. The police are convinced it was an accident, but was it? The girls team up with best friend Coop to search for the answer, but instead find themselves caught up in danger and mystery when they encounter a spy and uncover two very strange clues pointing to the culprit and a hidden security box full of cash. As the three young sleuths delve into the mystery, they also journey into the deeper mystery of faith and God's forgiveness.

Tough Little Guy is an intergenerational story that compares the style of two men parenting sons. The first boy has a strict father who loves him, but through actions and responses to his son believes harshness will turn him into a tough guy. When grown they boy becomes the father of a son. The father adores his son. He rejects the parenting style of his father and chooses to teach the boy how to love and forgive when life hurts. The boy ends up teaching his grandfather how to love.

Gabe the Goggle Boy is one of a series of books about a boy who finds a pair of goggles that have amazing powers -- they allow him to see inside people's souls. Throughout Gabe's exciting adventures, he uses the goggles to help many different people find the path that God has chosen for them by revealing what lies deep within their hearts. Whether it's the class bully at school, or a neighbor who is lonely and sad, Gabe is able to set their lives in a new direction with the help of the incredible goggles. Each story is representative of themes from the Bible such as: loving your neighbor, reaching out to someone in need, and forgiving those who mistreat you. The aim is for Gabe's fascinating escapades to help kids learn themes and passages from the Bible as they are applied to many of the issues they may be faced with today.

When Mr./Ms. Elbarap ("parable" spelled backwards), the kooky teacher, opens his/her Bible, strange things happen in the Sunday school room. The room becomes a hot desert, marble walls spring up, and biblical characters appear - all in the imagination of the students, of course. They love to perform using only their imagination. Since the stories are biblically sound, they've become popular with the parents, too. They can be performed about ten minutes or less; they require few to no props or prior preparations; they have only six to eight essential characters. Since the Bible stories are heavily weighted toward male parts, two modern-day characters are used who, in most of the skits, could be boys or girls. The modern-day element also allows for applications of the Bible principles in a way that is relevant to the kids' own lives.

This is a spiritual guide to praying for children. It includes parenting strategies, ideas, and scriptural references. Each biblical principle is accompanied by helpful anecdotes that show the practical application. Each chapter closes with prayer.

Seventeen-year-old Paige Atkins takes her apricot-colored poodle, Cinnamon, on a vacation to visit family in the mountains. Even though Cinnamon is small in size, she gets into even more dilemmas than ever before. Meeting new people and creatures await Paige and her curious poodle, but nothing can prepare Cinnamon or her family for the discoveries lurking ahead! Cinnamon's quest for excitement and independence takes her many places -- from the deep waters of Jasper Lake to onstage at a pet safety contest. Can the sweet poodle with the big brown eyes summon the courage to face new emotions never felt before? Can she face her fears?

Good-bye, Grandpa is the story of two boys, James and Tom, saying good-bye to their grandfather. They're at Grandpa's farm shooting baskets and picking corn, but nothing is the same as Grandpa is dying. Tom and James go to the hospital to see their grandfather and are bothered by the strange sights and smells and seeing their grandfather lying in a hospital bed. Grandpa has tubes running out of his arms and bottles hanging all around him. Then, Tom "saw that his hands looked the same -- still big and strong -- so I reached to touch the hand that was close to me, but I stopped. I was afraid I looked at Dad and he nodded. I took his hand and put it in mine and James put his hand on top. It was like it was when we drove the tractor together -- Grandpa's hand holding the wheel and our hands on his." The writer hopes children will find comfort in this book and, through gentle questioning, a chance to talk about the death or coming death of a grandparent. Good-bye, Grandpa is a book that respects the emotions of sorrow and loss in children.

This is an allegory of the Kingdom of God and believers' relationship to Jesus as his bride. Told in a fairy-tale style with rich royal illustrations, the story centers on Kahlla, a young maiden who is angry and bitter. Searching for something better in her life, she discovers the peaceful Kingdom and begins to love the King and his Prince. Through them she discovers peace, hope, and the ability to forgive those who have wronged her. When she puts her trust in the Prince and lives his way, her heart is changed. Eventually she becomes the Prince's bride and rules the Kingdom with him. The reading level is appropriate for children ages 10 and up.

The world could be completely changed if even one second of time were thrown off course. This is the basis for the first in a series of middle-grade fictional adventures with a substantial dose of intrigue, suspense, and historical reference. Olivia McCormick, the thirteen-year-old leader of the Time Team, takes on her new role under the direction of her grandfather and the headmistress of Wethington Academy. Both were time travelers when they were students at the school. Emily Matsuo, Enrique Dominguez, and Ryan Phillips round out the all-student team and use their own God given abilities and their faith to battle the wicked Donogan. For ages Donogan and his minions have shifted through time altering events and unfairly influencing history for their personal gain. In this, the Time Team's first mission, they will find themselves battling evil itself in one of the darkest times in history.

The book of Hebrews describes a group of biblical fathers and mothers whose faith compelled them to live as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They did not receive the fullness of the promises God made them but saw them afar off and therefore confidently sought their fulfillment in a future place: the heavenly Jerusalem that is to come (11:10, 13–16; 12:22; 13:14). As we challenge and prepare our children to model their lives after these heroes of the faith, we must set before them the hope of their eternal home and the means by which it will come about. Eternity brings the subjects of Jesus’ Second Coming and the New Jerusalem into a joyful context children can engage with as they learn about the heavenly city that they hope for but do not yet see (11:1). Fun, rhythmic rhymes that stir the imagination are accompanied by more than thirty scriptural references and optional topics of conversation for the family to discuss and interpret together.

If your child has trouble falling asleep at night or you’re searching for wholesome bedtime reading, The ABCs of God is the book for you.  In rhyme, each letter of the alphabet is turned into a descriptor of God, appropriate for an elementary audience.  The effect is reassuring and calming.

For children needing to refine their alphabet and spelling skills or those who want to learn more about God, this simple exercise can be used with and without the book.  In fact, I often use the same strategy to soothe myself and my granddaughter to sleep.

Although the book is not currently illustrated, the art will be key to delivering a powerful message about who God is, what He does for us, and why it is important to have him in our lives.  This is a very approachable text that can not only answer questions about God, but initiate dialogue with their parents or other adults.

The impetus for this book was a series called The ABCs of Yoga (www.abcyogaforkids.com/).  This series, designed for a secular audience, has been hugely successful, with deck cards containing the alphabet, posters, and other spin offs.  Basically, each letter of the alphabet is used to describe a yoga pose.  A faith based book using a similar approach could be equally successful, since there is nothing similar to it on the market right now.

Sunday Schools, summer programs, and other venues will benefit from the book.  Spin offs such as a game, card deck, t-shirts, and more would not only add to the profit of this book but spread the message about our God. (250 words)

I’m trying to imagine Christmas without the finery.

Strip it to its simplest parts, as basic as can be.

What excess could we do without? What if we said, “No more!”

What would we miss if it was gone? What’s Christmas at its core?

Think of it…

Christmas is celebrated in many different ways—parties, plays, cards, decorations, food, gifts, cartoons, and church, to name but a few. Yet what could we leave out and have Christmas still be Christmas?

This short children’s book sorts through the “must haves” of Christmas to discover the heart of the season.

     Emily Mason is eight years old.  She has a favorite pair of tennis shoes, a dog named Roxy, a parakeet, and a stick of gum she's saving for a special occasion.  This is her book on how to think.  She's pretty much an expert at this point.  After all, she's been practicing for at least four years.

     Lots of times when Emily wants to think, she goes to her treehouse.  It's her special place!  Her dad made it just for her.  She has all kinds of things in her treehouse--crayons and paper, clay and silly glasses. She also has an enormous pile of dress-up clothes.  And her thinking book. It was a special gift from her mom.

     Emily's mom is always saying, "Choose your thoughts, choose your life." But choosing your thoughts takes practice!  So Emily's here to get you started! Those thoughts can be pretty sneaky.  But, don't worry, it's easier than you think!  See, there you go--thinking.  Thinking is so important!    

Amidst common kitchen chores, Brother Lawrence would retreat to a place within his heart to commune with God. No matter how mundane the task, his desire was to fill every moment in worshipful prayer and service.

Brother Lawrence Listens is a children’s picture book for grades 1-3 about the life of Brother Lawrence. My goal is to present with clear language the idea that God is always close to us. We can talk to God, listen for his voice, and live within the circle of his presence.  

In a world filled with many so distractions, Brother Lawrence’s life serves as an example of the close relationship that can be ours if we are willing to seek God each day. Little children will readily grasp the idea that God is near them, and that they can talk to him anytime and in their own way just like Brother Lawrence.

An author's note at the end of the book sheds more light on what we know about Brother Lawrence.

The way kids are or are not disciplined for misbehavior is a powerful influence in what they grow up to believe about themselves and about God. Unfortunately, too many well-intended Christian parents are not thoughtful about this. As a result, parents not only miss great opportunities to demonstrate what God’s grace and truth are all about, they often contradict it. Their kids call this hypocrisy. It is the killer of faith.

Steeped in biblical wisdom, Discipline that Connects teaches a profound and practical approach to children’s misbehavior. The goal of the approach is to woo a child’s heart to better understand God’s grace and truth through corrective discipline. The focus is less on immediate right behavior and more on teaching kids wisdom and right belief anchored in four powerful and memorable messages for discipline:

- You Are Safe!
- You Are Loved!
- You Are God’s Workmanship!
- You Are Responsible!

When parents take authority to communicate these powerful biblical messages, they become powerful influencers of their children’s behavior AND belief. They stay well connected to their children; their children’s hearts grow to be respectful, obedient, and responsive to God; and their families become a blessing to others.

 Men of the Holidays is a history book that introduces the lives and contributions of Saint Valentine, Saint Patrick, Martin Luther (Reformation Day), Squanto (Thanksgiving), and Saint Nicholas.  Comparisons with the life of Christ are briefly included. 

History is really 'His Story'- the story of God working all things in accordance with His will. The five men featured in the book were led and sustained by God. They were all captured; all, but Squanto, persecuted for their faith.  When they yielded their lives to God, they were able, by God's grace, to accomplish great things.  

Beautifully illustrated with 32 paintings, the fast paced stories will entertain, inform, and inspire all ages.  Written at a third grade reading level, the book is well suited for teachers to read and discuss with students ages 5 to 12.  Families will also want to read Men of the Holidays together.  A time line and maps are included.

"God Made Me" is the first book in a series created to cover a variety of topics and ideas.  Each book is upbeat and carries a positive message to children that God is Love and that His hand is in their every day lives.

"God Made Me" shares the truth to children that they are each God\'s creation -- from their eyes, to their nose, to their fingers and to their toes. 

"God Made Me" uses a contemporary style that is bright and inviting for pre- and early- readers.  It could easily be translated into many languages for markets around the world.  The series would work well as a board book, large picture book, and as a digital, interactive book.

Children have a myriad of questions about Christianity: Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? What is sin? How and why do we go to heaven when we die?

And parents are expected to have the answers.

The Simple Little Salvation Story is a picture book that makes understanding God’s loving plan of salvation easy and fun for young readers. Unlike other books on salvation it doesn’t start with Adam and Eve. It starts with robots. Yes, robots. Then it introduces freewill, what sin is, why God gave us the Ten Commandments, and why He decided to come live with us and teach us how to live a life based on love.

The book has already been beautifully illustrated by a noted children’s book illustrator, Shirley Chiang, and it is available through CreateSpace and Amazon. But it needs the backing of a publisher to be properly marketed and stocked by churches and bookstores. Excerpts from the story are available at www.SimpleSalvationStory.com 

This little book seeks to explain the gospel to young children in simple terms the concepts of sin, repentance, and salvation by faith and grace. It introduces them to Jesus as their friend and explains their need to love and obey God right from the beginning.

May the Spirit of God bless and guide those who faithfully share Christ with little ones, to touch their hearts and seal their souls for eternity.

The House that Granddad Built is a 968-word picture book that celebrates family life in rural Oklahoma during the 1950s. This was an era of no locked doors and no danger for children playing outside by themselves.  It was a time when children relied on books or their own imaginations for the games they enjoyed.  It was a time of family bonding and Sunday dinners and rocking on the front porch.

In the 50s it was unusual for a child to live with his grandparents. In this day, it is becoming more and more the norm. But what will draw readers the most are those common yearnings that people experience at all stages of their lives:  a desire for family and a need to belong.

The House that Granddad Built is unique because it is a quiet book without story arc or conflict. Although children desire excietment, they also seek--and need--an excape from tension.

This book is a collection of fifteen nursery rhyme-like poems based on the major (and some minor) stories of Genesis.  Although they are rhymes, the integrity of the Biblical stories is not compromised.  Children and adults both will enjoy these rhymes as they are sometimes humorous, sometimes profound, and always fun while remaining true to the Biblical text.  This book is perfect for any parent who wishes to read to his child the great Bible stories, and who hopes to have his child ask to be read them again and again.  Creation, The Fall, Noah, The Tower of Babel, Abraham, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers - it's all here and worded in ways that are whimsical, rhythmic, and memorable.

Something new for the word-search lover: shapes! Rather than ordinary puzzles trapped in a box, these word searches are shaped to match the Bible story. You will look for words in puzzles shaped like lamps, moons, numbers, and more. The Bible stories highlight Jesus' life on earth from His baptism to the Great Commission.  Some of the puzzles included are: "The True Light," taken from John 1 and shaped like an oil lamp; "The Last Supper," taken from Luke 22 and in the shape of a cup next to a piece of bread; and "The B-Attitudes," taken from Matthew 5 and shaped like the letter B.  Another unique feature to this book is that the word God is highlighted in bold letters within puzzles containing His name; this is done to symbolize that God is never hard to find.  

Sharpen your mind and your pencils and enjoy these unique and entertaining puzzles.

In WW1 seventeen Doughboys are ambushed in a French ravine by a German machine gun battalion. Nine Americans are instantly killed or wounded, and the rest dive for cover.   Only one, Corporal Alvin York, is able to fight back; but he’s been caught in the open and lies flat in the mud. Bullets fly inches above and around him. It looks hopeless: one man, with only a rifle and pistol, against more than thirty machine gunners and riflemen. And consider who this man is:  a conscientious objector who once said he didn’t want to fight. He actually believes the Bible, which says, “Thou shalt not kill.” Now he finds himself in a desperate firefight in the middle of the bloodiest battle in American military history: The Meuse-Argonne. Is he going to throw down his weapons, run away, and leave his friends to die? Or will he stay and fight, and violate his conscience in the process? York is a man with a troubled past and a stunning secret. What he does next is usually seen only in legends and fairy tales. Everyone in the ravine is about to discover that this fairy tale is true.

It's Christmas Eve and Faith longs to celebrate the holiday with her daddy, who has passed away. To fight their loneliness, Faith and her mama begin a new Christmas tradition. After recalling some favorite memories, they present Faith's daddy with a few of his favorite things in a Christmas stocking. But the most special of all their gifts travels miraculously through the night sky, past the Christmas moon, and through heaven's gates on a journey to her daddy's cheeks! 

This story reminds us that death is not the end. Heaven is waiting for us, and loved ones who trust in Jesus will be there too.

Coming with a fill-in page dedicated to each book owner's loved one, this book offers a means for surviving families to reminisce about their own loved one who has passed away.

The category of my submission is children, ages 3 - 7, The story is inspirational, family and devotional. The work is meant to have appealing cartoon-graphics and read as a bedtime story.

Little Caleb (name changed) in my Christian school kindergarten class once asked me if God is bigger than a hot dog. I floundered as I tried to explain the size of God in my own words. Isn’t it wonderful that even as adults we cannot begin to guess or fully express God’s magnitude? All kids have questions about God. The heart of Is God Bigger Than a Hot Dog? is to provide preschool and elementary-aged children with the Scripture-rich, yet child-accessible answer I wish I had given Caleb years ago.

This theological picture book is perfect for young readers and their parents. Drawing from verses in both the Old and New Testaments, it explores God’s character and how He created, sustains, and cares for the universe and its inhabitants. The simple yet powerful text, coupled with photographs or realistic illustrations, would allow young children a greater glimpse of God’s glory displayed in the aspects of His creation they see daily (e.g. the sun, ocean, rain). I pray little eyes would be opened to see that this book is not just a story, but the truth about themselves and their world: that God is real and profoundly loves them.

I Don’t Want to Fight is the story of Sgt. Alvin York, the hero of an astonishing, but nearly forgotten, event that happened in France during the First World War. It is written with older boys (age nine and up) in mind. Adults interested in military history or Christian biography may find it of interest also. Not a full biography, my focus is York’s stunning marksmanship. I sketch his life before the war with carefully-selected anecdotes and folktale accents. The narrative line aims straight to his famous shootout. A deeply troubled youth, York’s story demonstrates to the young reader that even a “hopeless case” can change his life for the good.

The “astonishing event” is this: In a French forest, on the morning of October 8, 1918, a German machine gun battalion ambushes a small American patrol, instantly killing six, wounding three, and pinning seven behind cover. One man, Cpl. Alvin York, is caught in the open, with no cover. He is armed with only a rifle and pistol, and a limited supply of ammo. He is also a conscientious objector and very reluctant draftee, facts which have made him an object of distrust and contempt. Now the lives of his seven mates depend upon him. To their surprise, he fights back with coolness and daring. Within fifteen minutes he outshoots over twenty machine gunners, defeats a six-man bayonet charge, and takes 132 prisoners. This impressive feat brings him the Medal of Honor. General Foch remarks to him, “What you did was the greatest thing accomplished by any private soldier of all the armies of Europe.”

I have synthesized the most trustworthy information from primary sources, later works, and recent archaeological surveys conducted with 21^st century technology. My account is aided by three in-person visits to the site in eastern France. My retelling aims to recapture the drama of the York legend, with clarity. Result: possibly the clearest, most accessible account of the York legend available today.

God Loves Me S-o-o-o Much is a whimsical, scripturally sound, three-book series that tells about God's wonderful love in ways which appeal to babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Parents will cherish this entertaining trio of books that lets them share spiritual knowledge with their little ones as they have fun with rhyming words and repetition. Educators applaud this method for increasing young children's abilities to read and spell.

Siblings and others will also delight in reading these precious, God-honoring books to small children. All three short stories are designed to be read over and over again and enjoyed by readers and listeners alike who, when exposed to the content of the books, may find their own hearts touched as they learn about God's wonderful character and love.

If you've heard of "the nursery rhyme effect", you're aware that children who are frequently read to long before they enter school are much more likely to become good readers than children who do not receive this kind of stimulation. This series presents a delightful way to help make that foundation Christian.

Lise Meitner was born into a Jewish community in Austria in 1879. She overcame great obstacles to obtain a doctorate and find employment in the field of science. Eventually she became one of Europe’s elite nuclear scientists as she and a fellow scientist conducted nuclear research in Berlin Germany. Then Hitler became the chancellor of Germany in 1933, and World War II began soon thereafter. Lise had to flee for her life to Sweden in 1938, because Hitler’s plan was to kill or get rid of every Jew and everyone with Jewish ancestors.

Hitler may have been denied a nuclear weapon as a result of this move, because Dr. Meitner discovered the principles of nuclear fission in Sweden instead of in Germany. In a bizarre set of circumstances, the discovery of nuclear fission was passed on to the Allies instead of to Germany. The discovery of nuclear fission was sure to have been made sooner or later, but the time and the place were no doubt important in the outcome of the War. Many see God’s hand in the defeat of Hitler and the Axis Powers, as well as in the return of many surviving Jews to the land of their ancestors, known today as Israel.

The Lord’s Prayer is My Prayer

  By Virginia Quackenbush

Helping You to Know The Lord Better Series Book 1

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The Lord’s Prayer is My Prayer 

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One-day Jesus was teaching his followers how to pray, how to talk to Father God. Here is what he taught them. Jesus said…

               Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Do you understand what Jesus is saying in this prayer? Let’s take another look at it.

Our Father which art in heaven….

Jesus wants you to know that we have a heavenly Father and we are to bring our needs and wants to him. Also, to call him Father means you’re his family, his child.

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Hallowed be thy name….  

Hallowed means holy. So, Father God is a holy God and a loving Father.

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Thy kingdom come….

By praying this we are asking God to reveal his kingdom in the earth.

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Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…

Jesus wants Father God’s will done in the earth. He wants us to do what Father says because only he knows what’s best for us and he wants the best for us because he loves us. 

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Give us this day our daily bread…

Father God is our provider. That’s how we need to see him. He gives us food for our bodies and the Word of God for our soul.

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And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…

Jesus is big on forgiveness. Even on the cross Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. If Jesus can forgive the people who nailed him to the cross we should be able to forgive others.

In fact, we can ask Father God to help us forgive people when they do something wrong to us. God will give us the love to forgive them.

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And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

With God’s help we can avoid getting into trouble. He will keep us safe. We need to look to him for guidance.

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For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen…

Now we give Father God all the glory. We acknowledge that he has all power, is The Almighty God and His kingdom will never end.

So be it! That’s what amen means. 

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Now that you know how Jesus taught you to pray, you can pray The Lord’s Prayer and you can say The Lord’s Prayer is My Prayer.

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Let’s pray…

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Excitement. Anticipation. Do these words come to children's minds when they think about Bible study?

Not many children coming to Bible class have a desire to repeat what they have been doing in school all week--and in fact, “schoolish” work produces the least amount of retention. The goal of this book, through hands-on involvement, is to make these Bible lessons that children will never forget.

Furthermore, what do the students most need to learn? Is it moral truths of how to live? Or is it God’s revealed Word telling of real people who lived in real history in our real world? His message is not merely random and unrelated stories; it is the story of His redemption of a fallen mankind. Let God Speak teaches the Scriptures in order, giving the context of the Bible as a whole and showing how it all points to the promised Deliverer.

This study will look at the Patriarchs. One man is chosen, and through this man's family, God will bless the whole world. But oh, the drama! Life is hard. Waiting on God and trusting in him is even harder. Still, there is hope! God keeps his promises and never gives up on his people.

Come experience some of this family's drama.  Prepare a party in honor of a three-year-old, decorate wedding cakes for a special couple, and design a thriving city in a fertile valley. But watch out! There’s trouble down there in that valley!
 

Mighty God is a picture book that vividly illustrates how God is the mightiest superhero of them all. Targeted at young boys who idolize superheroes, it teaches them about God by contrasting His abilities to those of comic book heroes.

The book could also be a touch-and-feel board book where the stars are cut outs, the moon is a round foil cut out, lava from the volcano is a red cut out, the lightning bolt is a cut out, etc. There are so few of these types of Christian books on the market.

Felt Need: Many young children have questions about God. My own kids have asked: What does God look like? Is He invisible? Does He sleep? What does He eat? This book helps young children learn about God’s character by describing Him in a way that they can understand.  

A chubby little boy sits alone in his room creating finger puppets.  He’s an only child with no one to play with.  At school, he’s often bullied and called names. 

Fred Rogers’ childhood was filled with angry feelings and disappointments.  With the exception of one bright light, his grandfather.  Fred McFeely showered his grandson with affection and wisdom. His acceptance of Fred “just the way he was” sank deep into Fred Rogers’ soul.  It informed his life in college, as an assistant producer at NBC in New York, and as a Presbyterian minister. 

The confidence that Fred acquired through the love of his grandfather was the kernel that inspired him to create Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, one of the most astonishing success stories in public broadcasting.

“One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.”

Fred Rogers’ incredible life proves Oswald Chambers’ quote to be true.  God used Mr. Rogers to inspire and educate young children and their families through the medium of television.  Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood magnified the value of relationships and the power of kindness and acceptance.

A Library in Ghana is a nonfiction picture book for 5-8-year-olds about a black African man and a white Jewish American woman who worked together to build a library in an elementary school in Ghana.

Ben Gyimah had been raised in a one-color world. Ben was 12 years old before he saw white people close enough for a handshake. They were missionaries, and he became a Christian. The only black person Merle saw in her childhood in the 1940s was the maid her mother hired. Willie had to hurry off Miami Beach by six o’clock or risk being arrested.

Merle graduated and worked with children of color in her job as a social worker. For fun, she traveled to other nations. One of her favorites was Ghana. Ben, by then a devout Christian, went to college in the United States and liked the American education system. Their paths crossed when Ben decided to build an American-style school in Ghana, and Merle, strolling through a backroad in Kumasi, spotted it. She came back with a request for Ben: She wanted to help. Together, they built a library.

Children can learn a little about one country in Africa, about working together in spite of differences, and about finding what is valuable in other cultures in this 990-word picture book. Back matter includes a timeline, facts about Ghana, and pictures of the school and some of the students. More back matter, such as teachers’ guidelines, can be included upon request.

As children grow, they have lots of questions about the Scriptures.They know the Bible is the Word of God, but they wonder where it came from. How Did We Get the Bible? is meant to be a picture book. Written in three short narratives within one large narrative, it introduces children to three things: formation of Scripture, the doctrine of inspiration, and historic figures in Christianity:

the scribe Tertius,

the letter writer Athanasius, and

the translator Jerome.

James used to laugh and joke with the other third graders. Now he was angry, aggressive, and defiant. James was hurting, but Pastor Becky didn’t know how to help. Like many children’s pastors, she didn’t realize that the children in her ministry were experiencing symptoms of childhood trauma. She wasn’t sure how to respond to big feelings and challenging behaviors. Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide for Reaching Hurting Kids helps children’s ministry leaders understand trauma and adapt their ministries to meet the emotional needs of hurting kids. Divorce, bullying, adoption, abuse. Learn how trauma touches the children you love and what most churches get wrong when it comes to teaching and disciplining traumatized children. Why does Isaac keep getting out of his seat? Why is Sara under the table crying? Make sense out the most confusing, frustrating, and heartbreaking child behaviors. Through inspiring, real-life stories, discover practical, research-based strategies to begin transforming your ministry this Sunday. Good intentions are not enough. Our changing society craves authentic churches equipped to reach all children. This powerful, groundbreaking book will help you: Cultivate caring relationships. Eliminate challenging behaviors. Encourage your team. And amplify your church’s impact in the community!

“I am exceptional. I was made with a plan. I was created by the great I Am!” That is the takeaway in I Am Exceptional, a beautifully illustrated children’s book proclaiming the uplifting message that special needs children are children of God who are, as the Bible indicates, healthy, chosen, prosperous, and loved.

Delightfully scripted, the book brings to light the wonderful truth that we are all God’s creation and made in His image with special gifts and abilities. “Through our weaknesses, God shows forth his grace. He uses His power to take my place.” As children and their caregivers travel through the book, they discover the unique ways God works through them every day and are reminded that what counts is on the inside; what truly matters is in their hearts. “Our world needs to see the change in our heart, so let’s work together and do our part.” Whether we can’t see or have limited mobility, a hearing impediment, or any other disability, all God’s children see and hear the Shepherd, and He works through them every day. All are needed to fulfill God’s plan.  

No Natives Allowed, a picture book biography, is the story of Elizabeth Peratrovich, whose role in the passage of Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945 is celebrated by Alaskans on Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, February 16. Born to the Raven Clan of the Tlingit Nation in 1911, Elizabeth experienced discrimination first-hand. As a child, it wasn't unusual for her to encounter signs reading, "No Dogs. No Natives" or "We Cater to Whites Only." As a young mother determined to shield her children from similar injustices, she and her husband, Roy, decided to speak out and work with peaceful but forceful activism against Alaska's rampant inequality. In 1943, Elizabeth joined forces with Governor Ernest Gruening to pen the Anti-Discrimination Act, which would make it illegal to bar Alaska Native people from public spaces. Elizabeth's fame, in part, stems from her compelling testimony before the Alaska Legislature, in which she slyly co-opted her opponents' words:  "I would not have expected that I, barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them, of our Bill of Rights." Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act finally passed in 1945, decades before the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Elizabeth’s Christian faith guided her peaceful activism of reasoning with people and touching their hearts. No Natives Allowed is a timely story in today’s social justice atmosphere and resonates well with Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. I have communicated extensively with Roy Peratrovich Jr., the one living child of Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich. He vetted my story and supplied photos and  information about his family, the values taught Elizabeth by her parents, experiences that were common during her upbringing, and conversations and activities that were typical of her childhood and adult life.

Aunt Eva loved company.  She enjoyed feeding her guests until they couldn't eat another bite.  But what would Aunt Eva do the day a carload of people dropped in unannounced?  She had nothing ready and her cupboards were bare.  How could she serve her surprise visitors?

Colorful In God's Image is a nonfiction picture book that celebrates racial diversity from a biblical perspective, intended for readers aged 4-8.  Following the creation narrative, the text explores the rainbow colors in the world around us and then the diverse skin colors that God beautifully imprints on His people - from ebony to ivory and all in between. Referencing Genesis 1:26-27, it declares the resounding biblical truth that every skin color has been made in the image of God! Lyrically beautiful and biblically faithful, this rhyming picture book presents the complex topic of racial diversity in kid-friendly language that is much needed today.

This book brings you into my home as I tell the story of Christmas to my children. Of course, we all know the story of Jesus's birth. But many don't know the history behind St. Nick and how he was a follower of Christ as well. Why do we leave our stockings by the chimney? For years, I struggled as a mother to explain to my kids the meaning of Christmas with Jesus and St. Nick. Every book I found told either the story of Jesus's birth or the story of Santa, but not both. My grandmother is the most giving person, and Christmas is her favorite time of year because she gets to be a "Santa" for someone else. I wanted to keep "Santa" as a part of our family tradition, so I wrote this book for my children so they would understand why we celebrate Christmas the way we do today. I recently posted about our tradition on social media and received so many requests from other moms for the text of the book that I decided to submit it as a children's book.

Adam is looking for a partner in the Garden of Eden. As he names each animal God created, he considers their personality and what traits he’ll need in a partner. Alas, no animal is suitable: Hedgehog? Too prickly. Quail? Too showy. Water buffalo? Too grumpy. Adam keeps searching and searching. Until God creates a perfect partner.   Illustrating Genesis 2:20, this book vividly depicts the animals using high-contrast, engaging drawings. High-contrast images are appealing to babies’ developing eyes. The illustrations and lyrical text thus appeal to even the youngest of children, helping them witness the range of God’s creative endeavors and the incredible value of a helpmeet.   Since Adam’s search is based on the animals’ values and traits, the book implicitly introduces children to the crucial notion that Psalms 31:10 articulates: a virtuous and capable character is more precious than rubies.

This book is a children's biblical rhyming book of the ABCs.  This book is perfect for the preschooler learning their letters.