Friday, June 29, 2012

Book of Books by Trevor Dennis

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Genre- Religion/Bible Story

Published by- Lion Children’s Books

Copyrighted- 2009

Number of pages- 480

Age Group- Children 9-12

Description of book- hardback, list price $16.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-7867-3

Split into 12 chapters, Trevor Dennis has retold different stories of the Bible from Adam and Eve to Job to some of Paul’s letters.  His enthusiasm for storytelling shows in his retelling of the Bible stories.

Each of the chapters begins with a short description of the chapter ahead explaining who wrote it, when, why and for whom it was written.  This description and the retellings help readers today gain a new understanding of the Bible.   

Excerpt from the Book!

About the Author-

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Revd Canon Dr. Trevor Dennis studied and completed his studies with a PhD at St. John’s College in Cambridge.  He is currently part of the staff at Chester Cathedral.

 

My thoughts-

I thought this book was well done.  The interpretations were well done as was the dialogue. 

This book was a nice change from other Bible storybooks and cardboard books that contain the most popular stories.  I really enjoyed the addition of stories that are usually not in children’s Bible, such as sections from Paul’s letters and the book of Job.  Another part of the book I enjoyed was the “Bible Reference Section,” because it is always good to be able to see the exact Bible verses that he used as a reference.

I would recommend this book to readers, ages 9-12 and to parents to read to their younger children.  I feel that younger children can gain more information from this book than they can through the simpler cardboard books.  And the older readers will enjoy having Bible stories they can easily understand.

What B (boy, age eight, third grade) Liked and Disliked:

The Book of Books: The Bible Retold was a good book.  I thought this book was good for kids my age to read to themselves.

What C (girl, age six, first grade) Liked and Disliked:

I liked the book.  It’s good for kids my age to have read to them.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Book of Books: The Bible Retold by Trevor Dennis for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Son of the Underground by Isaac Liu

Son of the Underground Cover

Genre- Religion/Autobiography

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 141

Age Group- High School and up

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $11.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-199-6

 

 

Written by Brother Yun’s son Isaac this book tells the story of his life and how he struggled with his life in China.  He was raised by his grandmother as his father was in prison and his mother worked in the fields.  He was exposed to a great Christian faith through his grandmother as she talked about Jesus to many house church meetings.

They realized that they would be unable to stay in China, so they moved to Burma and eventually they followed Brother Yun to Germany.  It was in Germany that Isaac decided to become and evangelist and lead others to Christ..

Excerpt from the Book!

The Author and His Family-

 

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts-  This book was eye-opening.  I had no idea that China was so anti-Christian, if it was not state sanctioned.

I learned a lot about modern day China.  I realized that I am ignorant about many things that are happening in this world.  This book has helped me realize that I need to learn more about the world outside of my own.

My favorite person in this book was Isaac Liu’s grandmother.  She had such a strong faith and no matter what she continued to go to people’s houses to tell them about Jesus.  Isaac’s father was in hiding a lot and his mother worked in the fields, so I don’t think Isaac would have the faith in God that he does have without his grandmother.  My favorite part of the book was the quote from his grandmother, “Much prayer, much power- little prayer, little power.  Prayer equals power” (page 23).  It was a statement I will always remember.

I would recommend this book to people from high school age and up.  It is a powerful thought-provoking book that people need to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Son of the Underground: The Story of Isaac Liu, Son of Brother Yun, “The Heavenly Man” by Isaac Liu with Albrecht Kaul for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.