This page is full of great picture books that kids will love. These books are miscellaneous children's books for use with children at any time. Most of these reviews have come straight from the pages of KUCA News and are written by Marnie Agnew. Look for this sign: (KN) to see if it’s a KUCA News review.

Here are the books reviewed on this page.

1.      A True Person
2.      Award Bible Story Activity Books
3.      Big Bible Venture
4.      Big Rain Comming
5.      The Bully and Me: Stories that break the cycle of torment
6.      Butterflies  Under Our Hats
7.      Captain Grumpy
8.      email: Jesus@anytime
9.      Giraffes Can't Dance
10.    Hear Me Read - a complete story in 25 words
11.    Ian's Walk - A Story about Autism
12.    Jelly Bean's Secret
13.    Jesus' Day Off
14.    Jungle Drums
15.    Limpopo Lullaby
16.    Lost Sheep Series
17.    Milo and the Magical Stones
18.    The Oak Inside of the Acorn
19.    Pop-Up Parables and Other Bible Stories
20.    Rosy and Jack
21.    So, who is God?
22.    The Strong Tower - A story for tough times
23.    Where's God
24.    The Wrong Stone
25.    You me and Murrawee
26.    You Wouldn't Love Me If You Knew

A True Person
By Gabiann Marin Illustrated by Jacqui Grantford
New Frontier Publishing © 2007
ISBN: 978 1 92104 219 5 (HB) ISBN: 1 92104 192

Available from Dymocks or order through any good bookstore. RRP: $24.95 (hardcover)

Zallah and her mother fled their war-torn country, only to end up in a remote detention centre in Australia. As Zallah struggles to understand why she can't go beyond the fences, and what the promised 'new life' might be, she also is challenged by whether she's a 'true' person because she has no papers to say who she is.

While the story doesn't ignore the problems of living in a detention centre, it doesn't dwell on them either. This is not a violent or aggressively anti-detention book, rather it is a positive affirmation that who you are doesn't depend on meeting bureaucratic requirements, but on relationships - "eyes that see you and hearts that love you".

This is a celebration of the love between mother and daughter, and between people who take the time to recognise each other's worth. It's about priorities - putting people first. Beautifully illustrated with rich colours and vivid images, it's a book to share and think about, and to learn from.
 
Award Bible Story Activity Books
4 titles:
1.    The Sower: ISBN: 1-84135-364-7
2.    The Lost Sheep: ISBN: 1-84135-363-9
3.    The Good Friend: ISBN: 1-84135-366-3 (The Good Samaritan)
4.    The Noisy Neighbour: (Luke 11: 5-8) ISBN: 1-84135-365-6 [Luke 11:1-13: Teach us to pray]
Award Publication Ltd © 2005
Available from Unichurch Books: $4.95 each

This series of activity storybooks presents stories Jesus told to teach his listeners about God's love, for younger children to enjoy in the context of family sharing. The text has been simplified and turned into rebus puzzles. There are stickers to put in the right place in the text and a large picture to colour in  on every page, with picture stickers to help with  the colours.

A great way to encourage families to follow up the stories they hear in church. As part of your ministry to families, why not order enough for the families of all your younger kids when you know the stories are coming up?

You could do a similar thing with the Lost Sheep Bible Story books. These are written and produced in South Australia by Andrew McDonough, Stewart Bogle and Simon Pearce. It spearheads a new venture which aims to provide high quality story-telling resources to inspire and equip parents and others in homes, churches, schools and other ministry settings where children's spirituality is taken as seriously as Jesus took it.

There are 4 titles in each series. The books are brightly and appealingly illustrated and the stories are simply told. The authors aim to mirror the Biblical model of telling the gospel through stories, and also to make Bible stories fun. While they look as if they are designed for younger children, neither the language nor the message have been 'dumbed down', so older primaries would not feel it was beneath them and they would get a kick out of the humour as well as a new way of looking at a familiar story. Each book has The Back Page, for parents/adult readers, with the Bible reference(s) for the story, suggestions for questions to ask before you start and something to say or do after the story.
 
The Big Bible Venture - A bible reading program for primary aged children
By Heidi Jane Harding
ISBN 978-0-949656-82-7
Published by MediaCom Education Incorporated
Product code MC682   $24.95

Website

What is The Big Bible Venture? The Big Bible Venture is a home bible reading program that assists adults or older siblings talk about the bible and faith as well as pray on a regular basis with a child. Each series has 25 easy to read stories, written in interesting language that children can understand. These stories are based on a topic. The first in the series on The Life of Jesus is now available. The children read a story to a "grown up" then talk about the story and pray with the "grown up." It takes about 10-15 minutes per story, including discussion and prayer time. It is fun, and children who are involved enjoy the challenge and marking their progress on the chart in the front of their book. Each child gets a bright book which includes the stories, an activity that tests their knowledge and a certificate. The book also has some suggestions for adults about how they can talk and pray with the child.

The Aim of The Big Bible Venture
To enable the child and grown up to pray and talk about faith, To encourage children to enjoy reading the Bible, To assist children to understand the context and connection between Biblical stories. Group Starter Pack By Heidi Jane Harding The Group Starter Pack has all you need to coordinate a Big Bible Venture. The pack contains a Group Starter Guide, Participant's book, and a CD resource with certificates, forms and graphics.

 
Big Rain Comming (KN)
By Katrina Germain
Illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft
ISBN: 0 14 350045 7 (paperback)
Published: Puffin Books © 1999
Available from Unichurch Books, Pauline Books or order from any good bookstore.

Everyone and everything is waiting for rain... but when will it come? Bronwyn Bancroft's wonderful illustrations and Katrina Germain's evocatively simple text reflect the heat, the dryness, the waiting, the sultry final day, the thunderclouds... and the final joy of dancing in the rain.
Although set in a remote outback community, this is a story all Australians can relate to - and feel the heat of an Australian summer, the thirst, the sweat dripping off them as they experience this book.

The Bully and Me: Stories that break the cycle of torment (KN)
By Helen Carmichael Porter
Published by Northstone (Wood Lake Books) © 2006
ISBN: 1-896836-79-8
Available from MediaCom and Unichurch Books:
Includes Audio CD

This book appeals to me because it uses the power of story to reveal truths and bring about healing. Helen Carmichael Porter has been touring her stories about victims and bullies for over eight years. The ten stories contained in the book are based on her observations, interviews and personal experience, imagined from the stories of over 300 children and adults.
Through these stories Porter explores the idea that victims and bullies are two sides of the same coin and that the healing of both lies in dealing with this paradox. The stories will help victims to feel supported, bullies to recognise themselves, and the two together to communicate and find compassion for one another.
•    Parents and teachers can learn how to cope with both victims and bullies in various situations.
•    Children can learn that they are capable of changing a negative situation, if they feel empowered to do so.
•    At the end of each story there are activities and questions for discussion.
•    Three of the stories are included on audio CD, as Porter would perform them, with backing musicians, before a live audience.
Review by Marnie Agnew, featured in KUCA News. Click here if you would like to find out more about KUCA News or would like to subscribe.

Butterflies  Under Our Hats
By Sandy Eisenberg Sasso  Illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg
Published by Paraclete Press  © 2006
ISBN: 9781557254740 (HB)
Available from Unichurch Books:: $29.95.

What is worse than no luck? No hope. That's where the people of Chelm are, until a mysterious woman in a purple hat comes to town. This is a wonderful parable about how to discover hope right under our hats, so to speak.  This is the best advice the luckless folks of Chelm have been given in a long, long time.
Another unique offering from this thought-provoking Rabbi.
 
Captain Grumpy (KN)
By Russell Deal
Illustrated by Sue Jenkins
ISBN: 0 9580189 2 8
Published by Solutions Press 2003

"Captain Grumpy didn't want to be a pirate. He wanted to be an artist, But a pirate he became - and he was good at it because he was good at being grumpy." But when grumpiness became the boss of Captain Grumpy's life, his outrageous fun-loving crew mutinied.Captain Grumpy learns a lot about what happens when trouble pushes us around, what is of real value, and what are the real (inner) treasures that help us keep trouble at bay.

email: Jesus@anytime (KN)
By Hilary Robinson
Illustrated by Anthony Lewis
Published by Hodder Children's Books © 2003
ISBN: 0340 85537 1 (hardcover); 0340 855 38 X (paperback)
Available from Unichurch Books:

A new take on an old story - the life of Jesus in cartoon form, as it might be if he lived in the 21st Century and the media got hold of his story.
•    Could start some thought provoking discussion
•    Concludes with the essential truth that we can talk to Jesus any time we want to.
Review by Marnie Agnew, featured in KUCA News. Click here if you would like to find out more about KUCA News or would like to subscribe.
 
Giraffes Can't Dance (KN)
By Giles Andreae
Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
Orchard Books paper back edition 2000
ISBN: 1-84121-565-1
Available at Dymocks, Unichurch Books, Pauline Books or any good bookseller.

Gerald is not a good dancer. Every year he dreads the great Jungle Dance... until one moonlit night he discovers that all he needs is a different song to dance to...
A delightful, funny, touching and triumphant story in rhyme, written by Giles Andreae after a trip to Kenya, where he was struck by the gracefulness of galloping giraffes - 'I didn't expect such gangly creatures to move so beautifully. This led me to thinking that we can all do things which others don't expect us to. All we need is a little encouragement - just like Gerald.'
A story of encouragement for any child who feels inadequate or 'different', with gorgeously colourful illustrations full of life and movement.

A book which suggests a host of marvellous creative possibilities for playgroups:

•    Animal crafts, animal masks, a visit to the zoo...
•    Dance, music and movement...
•    Nocturnal animals, night-time...
•    The moon...
•    Painting patterns, camouflage...
•    Self esteem, each one is different...
•    Celebrating individual talents...

Plan a Children's Week celebration around this book - celebrating children's individual talents, learn some science, do some dance-related physical education...

Hear Me Read - a complete story in 25 words (KN)
Published by Concordia
Enquiries to Margaret Tembo, Unichurch Books, Melbourne.

Christmas & Easter stories, stories about Jesus, stories Jesus told ... Series for beginner readers available in both Big Book and small book formats. Useful for libraries, playgroups, Sunday schools, Junior Primary classroom use, for encouraging a love of both Bible stories and reading in pre-schoolers. For group reading and for individual home borrowing.

Ian's Walk - A Story about Autism (KN)
By Laurie Lears
Illustrated by Karen Ritz
Available through Unichurch Books or Dymocks

This story is told through the eyes of Julie who is going to the park with her older sister Tara and younger brother Ian. Ian is autistic, and on the walk through town Julie describes how Ian is interested in and experiences things differently.

Ian's Walk tries to openly and honestly communicate the unique characteristics of autism. While it is a relatively simplistic view, it is well suited to early primary aged children.
The illustrations by Karen Ritz are stunning, as they catch a sense of movement and life.

Children who have siblings who are autistic may find the story confronting as it brings up the way in which a sibling can feel a strong mix of emotions - resentment, anger, isolation, loyalty, and love toward their brother or sister. It may also help them to realise these emotions are not 'wrong' but are understandable and acceptable.
This book can be used to help broaden children's awareness of autism, as well as to identify different ways in which we all learn and experience the world.

Thanks to Bec Wilson, CECM, UCA Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, for this review.

Jelly Bean's Secret (KN)
By Molly Carlile
With beautiful greyscale water colour illustrations by Carolyn Marrone
Published by St Luke's Innovative Resources, Bendigo, as part of their Spinners series - Seriously optimistic books for kids.
ISBN: 1- 920945-02-4 © 2004

Available from: St Luke's Innovative Resources or from Unichurch Books, Melbourne

A new book for children on the important but often taboo subject of death and dying. Jelly Bean's Secret is the story of nine-year-old Abby, her brother Zac, and their love for their 'Grandma Jelly Bean.' A moving book which follows honestly yet sensitively the events that lead to Jelly Bean's death in hospital, and how the family copes. The book is the result of author Molly Carlile's years of study and work in palliative care as a nurse, counsellor and educator.

'I have come to realise that if we, as a community, acknowledge the inevitability of death and prepare ourselves and those we love in a way that identifies the realities, and not the myths, fear can be disempowered.'

Included in the book are notes from the author
•    about the book
•    about death
•    how to use the book as a learning tool
•    key understandings to assist with talking to children about death
•    some conversation starters and possible responses.

Jesus' Day Off (KN)
By Nicholas Allan
Red Fox/Random House © 1998
ISBN: 0-09-926273-8
Available from Unichurch Books, Pauline Books or order through any good bookstore

Another unusual view of Jesus from the author of Jesus' Christmas Party. This time Jesus has overdone it and is in sore need of a holiday ... so he takes one, with surprising results. A refreshing book that not only reinforces our need to take time out, but also shows Jesus having fun!

Jungle Drums (KN)
By Graeme Base
Penguin/Viking © 2004
ISBN: 0 670 04108 4 Hardcover
Available at Big W, Dymocks and other good book stores

Little Ngiri is the Smallest Warthog in Africa. Tired of being teased by his bigger brothers and sisters, he wishes he could be different. When Old Nyumbu the Wildebeast gives Ngiri a set of magic drums (warning him to be careful what he wishes for), he is sure his wish is about to come true. But all of the animals in the jungle are in for a BIG surprise as Ngiri's wish is granted in a most unexpected way.

A gloriously illustrated book, with less clutter than some of Base's other books, but still with plenty of surprises and a fun puzzle element. A magical and joyous fable of learning to be happy with who you are.

Limpopo Lullaby (KN)
By Jane Jolly
Illustrated by award-winning Dee Huxley
St Luke's Innovative Resources
Publisher: Limelight Press © 2004
ISBN: 0-9579352 -6-9 Hard cover
Available at Unichurch Books or any good book store should be able to order it in.

The mighty Limpopo River bursts its banks. A pregnant mother and her children find shelter in a huge tree near their village. They cling for their lives above the swirling waters for three days. It is not until the fourth day that help arrives and a miracle happens.

An inspiring story of love, bravery and new life, based on a real incident that occurred in the floods in Mozambique in 2000. A positive story to counter the devastating images of the recent tsunami.
 
  Lost Sheep Series (KN)
Series 1: Books 1-4;
Series 2: Books 5 - 8,
plus Series 1: Big Books: books 1 - 4
Series 3 due out soon.
Also on the drawing board is a Story disk, for use with data projectors - more details when they become available.
Written by Andrew McDonough
Published by Lost Sheep Resources © 2006
Small hardcover: $4.95 ea Big Books: $29.95

Available from Unichurch Books, and most other Christian book stores.

The four titles In Series 1 are:
Book 1: Cecil the Lost Sheep
Bible Link: Luke 15: 1-7 - a story about God's love [Set for September 16 2007, Revised Common Lectionary]
Book 2: Bob the Bird
Bible Link: Matthew 6: 25-26 (Do not worry... coping with worries)
Book 3: The Good Samaritan
Bible Link: Luke 10: 25-37 - a story about how to act compassionately
Book 4: Basil the Branch
Bible Link: John 15: 1-6 (I am the Vine, you are the branches; fruits of the spirit... fruitful living)
You can use this story to teach children that fruitful living doesn't just depend on themselves or their own efforts.
Series 2:
Book 5: Claudia The Caterpillar
Bible links: John 10:10: Jesus said, I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.
2 Corinthians 5: 17: If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
Book 6: Zac The Taxman
Bible Link: Luke 19: 1-10 (Zacchaeus meets Jesus) [Set for Nov 4th, Revised Common Lectionary - Sunday closest to All Saints Day]
Book 7: Jonah And The Whale
Bible Link:  Book of Jonah, Chapters 1-4
You can use this story to teach children about God's compassion for other people. Also ties in with the KCO SA theme for 2007 & 2008: Climb Aboard!
Book 8: Basil And The Secateurs
Bible Link: John 15: 1-6 (I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit.)
You can use this story to teach children that tough times can lead to better times.

 
Milo and the Magical Stones (KN)
By Marcus Pfister (author of the Rainbow Fish books)
North-South Books © 1997
ISBN: 1-55858-682-2 hardcover
Order through any good book store.

This is a book with a choice of two endings.

On a small island a mouse name Milo makes an extraordinary discovery, but how will this discovery change the lives of Milo and his friends? Will it bring good fortune or disaster? The reader must decide. Halfway through the story, the book splits into two sections, each offering a different ending. A thought-provoking story showing how the decisions we make can affect the future. It can be read as an environmental story, or as an allegory for life on a broader scale

 
The Oak Inside the Acorn
by Max Lucado Illustrated by George Angelini.
Published by Tommy Nelson © 2006
ISBN: 9781400306015
Available from Unichurch Books: $19.95 HB

As Little Acorn looks out on the world it looks big! Letting go is scary. His mother assures him when the time comes he'll be fine.
As he grows he wonders what is he to do? He can't grow oranges like the orange tree or flowers like the rose bush. Even when he becomes a Big Oak, and his branches are big and strong, he still he doesn't know what he is meant to do. Then one day Big Oak finds that his strong branches are just right for a very special purpose. And he is able to find a way to reassure another youngster that when the time comes to let go, she'll be fine.

The Oak Inside the Acorn is the story of the miracle inside each of us. For within every child is the special person God created, just waiting to grow.
This is the parable form of Cure for the Common Life and conveys the same message:  God made one version of you, so be the best you that you can be.
 
Pop-Up Parables and Other Bible Stories (KN)
By Carmen R Sorvillo & Helen M Moore
Concordia Publishing House (USA) © 1999
ISBN: 0-570-05353-6 Paperback
Available from Unichurch Books
Reproducible Teaching Resource
Age: Grades 1-3

A collection of mini-books to make for 14 Old Testament and 18 New Testament stories. Each mini-book is specially designed for children: the text is concise and easy to understand, and the pop-ups are easy enough that junior primary children should be able to make them with little or no help from adults. A great take-home follow-up to a Bible story lesson for Sunday School, kids' club or school classroom.

Rosy and Jack (KN)
By Nicole Reading
ISBN: 0 9580188 2 0
Published by Innovative Resources 2003

Rosy and Jack are a sister and brother who have had bad things done to them. This is a highly original picture book about sexual abuse and what can be done to stop it, and about having the courage to take a stand against bad things.
•    A story for children - learning about Rosy and Jack's experiences might help other children in similar situations.
•    And a story for parents - about the importance of listening to, trusting and loving their children.
•    A story for anyone who works with children, that sensitively invites conversations with children about staying safe and recovering from abuse.
•    A story about hope and healing

So, who is GOD?
By Robert Willoughby  Illustrated by Simon Smith
Published by Scripture Union © 2006
ISBN: 1 84427 123 4
Available from Unichurch Books: $28.50 (hardback)

30 questions like:
•    Is God a man?
•    Where did God come from?
•    Has God ever made a mistake?
•    Would God forgive a murderer?
•    Why do bad things happen to good people? And lots more.

You might not always agree with the answers but there's plenty to prompt good discussion.
Each question is dealt with in a 2-4 or even 6 page spread, with suggestions, discussion, more questions, Bible readings, verses to remember, brain teasers, extra 'fascinating' facts, connections to make, photos, and Simon Smith's  illustrations which have just the right touch of gentle humour.
 
The Strong Tower: Stories for tough times
By Robert Harrison and Roger Langton
Published by Scripture  Union © 2006
ISBN: 1 84427 122 6 (HB)
Available from Unichurch Books: $20

The Bible is full of people who did amazing things in difficult circumstances. The stories in this book are related to particular issues that children might be troubled by e.g. Jealous brothers: Genesis 37: (Joseph and his brothers) relates to step-family conflict, bullying, favouritism, being 'special', fear.
Notes on how to use the book also include helpful discussion starters, and pointers for dealing with children's problems, feelings and fears. An excellent book for the family ministries section of your library.
 
Where's God?
By Victor Kelleher & Elise Hurst
Lothian Books © 2005
ISBN: 0 7336 2158 9
Available from Unichurch Books: $27.95 Or order through any good bookstore

Peter is on a quest to find out where God lives. He has heard   a lot about God, but nobody seems too sure where to find God. Follow his adventures as he determines to make THE big discovery... Whether or not he is successful, well, that's left for the reader to decide...
Victor Kelleher is a well-known writer of books for both children and adults. He is a great believer in trying to discover things for ourselves.
A book for those not afraid to let their children wonder...
 
The Wrong Stone (KN)
By Russell Deal
Illustrated by Ray Bowler
ISBN: 0 9580189 0 1
Published by Solutions Press 2002

'I want you to build me a wall with only perfect stones,' said the big architect. All the stones tried to put their best faces forward. They hid their ugly bits. They tried to climb to the top of the pile. But there was one stone that didn't seem to fit anywhere... and all the others were laughing at him. What is it like to be different, to stand out, to feel unwanted? The Wrong Stone knows... will it be the crusher and the end of the road for him?
This book had my volunteer Jane alternatively in stitches and in tears. A truly important book for those who feel 'wrong' or different or unwanted.

 
You me and Murrawee (KN)
By Kerri Hashmi
Illustrated by Felicity Marshall
ISBN: 0-14-056499-3
Published: Puffin © 1998

Available from Unichurch Books, Pauline Books or order through any good bookstore: $14.95
In this lyrical, beautifully observed, almost dreamlike picture book, we see, through the eyes of a young white girl camping on the river with her family, life as it would have been 200 years ago for an Indigenous child.
Murrawee is spirit friend and guide through the rhythms of one day and night, heightening our awareness of the links with the Indigenous spirit of this land, which are possible simply through listening and sharing.

 
You Wouldn't Love Me If You Knew (KN)
By Jeannie St John Taylor
Publisher: Abingdon Press © 2003
ISBN: 0-687-07325-1
Available from Unichurch Books

This is a book about guilt and shame and forgiveness. A little boy has done something for which he feels he can never be forgiven. Even though he decides to do only 'good' things from now on, he still feels bad inside. He finally finds the peace he needs when he tells his mother what he has done, receives her forgiveness and together they pray.
What the little boy did that was so bad is never specified, so the book lends itself to discussion and opportunities for assurance of unconditional love. At the end of the book there are suggestions for discussion between adults and children, and if necessary, action and prayer.