Archives

Emberly: The Impossible Princess by Jonathan Grant

May11

Oh How He Loves Us

Emberly: The Impossible Princess by Jonathan Grant is a beautiful and unique way to tell our daughters about Jesus who loves them.

Jonathan Grant has taken the bare bones of the Cinderella story and filled them with the truth of the Gospel. Seasoned Christians will be easily able to recognise the parallels and the truth of the Gospel within the tale.

As we read with our daughters, each page opens up a discussion e.g. the prince is searching for a bride, just like Jesus is searching for each and everyone of us. He will relentlessly pursue us because He does not want to lose any of His children.

We see that our sin, shame and secrets are laid on Jesus. The cross transferred our sins to the sinless One.

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The Garden Of Lost Secrets by A.M. Howell

May7

Searching For Answers

The Garden Of Lost Secrets by A.M. Howell is a wonderful children’s historical novel, just perfect for ages ten years and over.

The action is set in 1916, halfway through the first World War and seen through the eyes of Clara, a young girl. She is already scarred by events as her father was a victim of mustard gas.

Fear seems to be a natural state of affairs after being sent to stay with an aunt and uncle in the countryside. Everything is new, her aunt is not the friendly person she once was, and her brother is still at the Front. Clara has to adapt and rely on her strength of character. Like many, she is also holding onto a secret that is weighing her down.

Everyone responds differently to grief. We have to follow whichever pathway seems right to us in order to get us through.

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Shelf Life: Never Turn The Page Too Soon by Leslie R Henderson

May6

Entertaining And Cleverly Done

Shelf Life: Never Turn The Page Too Soon by Leslie R Henderson is a marvellous new series for children aged eight years and over.

The story is about books in a bookstore who come to life as the shop shuts. They all have their own unique personalities.

I found the whole story engaging, well thought out and well executed. It was extremely witty with a very clever play on words that might go over the heads of children but adults will love it. I kept muttering ‘oh that is good’, ‘oh that is so clever’ in my head!

We see the hurt and pain that isolation brings to a character and also the dangers of being led along blindly. There is much joy and rejoicing when a character finally finds the place in life where he is meant to be.

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Sweet Koala Kuku by K.S. D’arcy

Apr30

A Beautiful Heirloom

Sweet Koala Kuku by K.S. D’arcy is an absolutely beautiful book that is just perfect for the under-fives. Although I think it is a beautiful book for any age.

The book is written in rhyme, giving a wonderful bounce-along tempo, enabling our children to easily pick up and join in with the words.

There are lessons to be learnt. We need to just be who we were created to be and not be envious of others. Our dreams are unique to us and if we do not lose sight of them, we can achieve our dreams.

There is repetition reinforcing the dream of Kuku showing that she is steadfast as she strives to wear her tutu.

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