Books for Children
St. George’s Library has a modest collection of children’s books divided into the following categories:
· Board books (0–2 years of age)
· Children’s Bibles
· Biblical stories
· Christmas
· Easter
· Prayer
· Christian stories
· Not-specifically-Christian stories
· Young reader
The following is a brief cross-section of the kinds of books available.
Reviews submitted by Anita Agopsowicz
This is a retelling of the classic Good Samaritan Story, encouraging God’s children to see others as neighbours, the way God sees them. The town of “Blues” (and its varied shades) simply does not mix with people from the town of “Yellows.” They don’t like each other and are too “cool” to care about the other. One day, while on the road, Midnight Blue is hurt and two of his neighbours pass him by, not wanting to get involved. Finally, a Yellow, named Lemon, stops, helps Midnight up, takes him to see her Dr. Gold, and even shares her delicious butterscotch cookie with him. There is a valuable end note for parents, teachers, and children in applying this modern parable to life today. Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Vickers, Roy Henry & Robert Bud. Orca Chief (Harbour Publishing, 2015).
Beautifully illustrated by indigenous artist and Member of the Order of Canada, Roy Vickers, Orca Chief tells a Northwest Coast legend of the Orca chief disciplining a group of hunters for their ecological carelessness. Page after page of Vicker’s vivid artwork enhances the telling of an ancient story that reminds both young and old of the need to respect our waters and their marine life. Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
This short chapter book tells of the adventures of Jeremy, a handmade, stuffed rabbit, travelling from England to America to be a gift for an awaiting little girl. He begins his journey with a prayer and a Bible verse—“He will give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways”—which help to sustain him in his travels. Travelling over land and sea, he encounters many characters who assist him on his way. Karon’s lyrical and descriptive writing style creates rich images for the reader. Adult readers may recognize the author from the award-winning adult Milford series. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Tutu, Desmond. Children of God Storybook Bible, illustrated by various artists (Zondervan, 2010).
Working with various globally recognized artists, Archbishop Tutu has written this delightful collection of 56 Bible stories, typically two pages each, featuring incidents from both the Old and the New Testament. It is well-balanced and age-appropriate; for example, it includes a sensitive telling of Jesus death with children in mind. Each story includes a short prayer that is related to the story, helping children to connect the story to their own lives. Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
Written by award-winning children’s author, Sally Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible includes 44 stories, typically five pages each, from throughout the Bible, brought to life with beautiful illustrations. The various stories are tied together by demonstrating how they all point to Jesus—hence the subtitle, Every Story Whispers His Name. A short personal message concludes the end of the book, offering God’s gift of salvation in a child friendly manner. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.