Book Review: Meet My Best Friend by Shelia Walsh, Sarah Horne

Meet My Best Friend is a picturebook written by Shelia Walsh and illustrated Sarah Horne. The McDougal twins are excited to meet their new neighbor, Abby, who has just moved in next door. Poor Abby is sad that she had to leave her friends behind when she moved. To cheer her up, the twins lead Abby on a crazy hunt to meet their best friend, one that can go anywhere they go. But first Abby has to find it!

Meet My Best Friend starts off fairly well, with Abby trying to find her place in a new home and dealing with leaving behind her friends and everything familiar. The McDougal twins want to help her, and want to be friends. So far so good, with decent illustrations that are reminiscent of Dr. Suess and text. I like the idea so far, and it seems like it is going to be a sweet book. Then the twins take Abby on a wild game of hide and seek in search of their best friend. I like that they want to play with Abby and become her friend. That is good. Then the twins announce that their best friend is the bible. Silly me, I was expecting a pet or maybe even a tree or other more earthly answer. The bible is a book, an object. while I have loved and appreciated books, and escaped into them when the world is less than hospitable, it is not a friend. I would have had less of an issue if they had claimed God, Jesus, or any other religious figure rather than the bible. It just rubbed me the wrong way on several levels.

I was not paying attention when requesting the book, because I normally do not read religious fiction. Totally my fault for not looking, but I tend to get easily annoyed at books that push an agenda, any agenda, even one I might personally agree with. I am a practicing christian, but often find religious fiction to be too heavy handed to be realistic or enjoyable to read. This happened as soon as the twins announce that the bible is their best friend. I think this might be a good read in a Sunday School setting, or in a very religious household. I just found it over the top and a little unrealistic. For those that are looking for this style of book, I have discovered that this in the first in a series titled, The Bible Is My Best Friend.

Early Book Review: The Sheep That No One Could Find by Anthony DeStefano, Richard Cowdrey

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a picturebook written by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. This picturebook is based on the parable of the lost sheep and is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2014. This take on the old story offers more adventure than you might expect, and is best suited for children three years old and up. Richard Cowdrey's bright illustrations bring the tale of repentance and forgiveness is brought to life.

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a well illustrated story that follows one adventurous lamb that is eager to see the world well beyond his shepherd's pastures. During his big adventure the little lamb faces a hungry wolf, angry lion. and lying snake but in the end is saved by his dedicated shepherd. The story is an adventurous version of the parable, told from lost lamb's point of view. Young readers (or listeners) are likely to see a bit of their own desire to explore in the story, and the knowledge that the good shepherd will always come for them. While this is obviously a religious book, I think parents of a more secular bent can share this book with their children as well, noting that they will always love and care for their children just as the shepherd does.

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a good Christian picturebook that would be well suited for home and church libraries. I think the story will warm the hearts on many households, but the scripture based message is very much a part of the story, since it is a parable retelling, so those that are not of the Christian faith might find the message a bit over bearing. However, like most well done stories about love and hope, a heartfelt discussion about how much a parent loves a child could easily make this book more universal.

Book Review: Shadow Chaser by Jerel Law

Shadow Chaser by Jerel Law is the third book in the Son of Angels series.  In this installment Jonah, his siblings, and the rest of the quarterlings are honing their skills and preparing for some serious mid-term exams. However, the added stress of health problem for Jonah and his mother, his efforts to do good getting his friends hurt or in trouble, and the typical struggles of a young man trying to fit in and achieve praise are making things decidedly difficult. Can Jonah figure out what is going on around him, prepare for the exams, and keep his faith in Elohim strong? The challenges Jonah must face will put everything on the line, and be the hardest to overcome.

Shadow Chaser is the most action packed and exciting book in the Sons of Angels series yet. The struggle between Elohim and Abaddon is ramping up, and Jonah seems to be an important player. His life, and faith, are on the line from the first chapter of this book. The trials Jonah must face are reminiscent of Job's trials in the Bible, and both good and bad will come from the struggle. The interactions between Jonah and his siblings and friends are poignant and feel very real. I enjoyed many parts of this story, and had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to see how people would handle each new situation. There is no doubt that this is a piece of religious fiction; with weapons, defenses, and the ultimate goal of true faith.

I recommend Shadow Chaser to those that have read the first two book in the series and enjoyed them. I would recommend the entire series to parents and children that would like something with high action and fantasy that holds with the values of the Christian faith. Even those that are looking for a series full of supernatural fights and action adventure stories for children, and can handle some serious scripture and religious themes tossed in for good measure can enjoy the series.