Alicia Van Hecke

Storms

Book cover: Storms
Author(s): 
Seymour Simon

Like Seymour Simon's book on Lightning, reviewed above, this text combines incredible photographs with very interesting text to introduce young readers to some basics of severe weather. The text concentrates on thunderstorms, lightning, hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The statistics and little stories about these storms are weird and fascinating and you'll also find lots of solid scientific content.

The Happy Little Family

Book cover: 'The Happy Little Family'
Author(s): 
Rebecca Caudill
The Fairchild family - Father, Mother, Chris, Althy, Emmy, Debby and Bonnie - live in the hills of Kentucky in the early 1900s. We are particularly treated to simple stories of everyday life through the eyes of four-year-old Bonnie: her frustrations with trying to keep up with her older siblings, the love of her understanding father, the importance of "little" things, like sunbonnets and arrowheads. The large text, comfortable length and engaging storyline make it a great choice for young readers.

Happy Birth Day!

Book cover: 'Happy Birth Day!'
Author(s): 
Robie H. Harris
Illustrator(s): 
Michael Emberley
This is a simple story of a mother describing her baby's first day after birth. It focuses on how the baby looks and acts and how much the baby is loved by the parents and extended family. The best part, I think, are the illustrations. The illustrator has wonderfully captured the lovable yet wrinkly face of a newborn and the beautiful excitement and exhaustion of bringing a new life into the world. It is a wonderful book for toddlers and other young children to read while anticipating the arrival of a new sibling.

100 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Chart: '100 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus'

This fascinating wall chart delineates 100 prophecies of the Old Testament that were fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament. The prophecies are organized according to the following categories: Jesus' Birth, Jesus' Life and Ministry, Jesus' Death and Resurrection, and Jesus' Titles and Attributes. Each prophecy is briefly summarized and includes the pertinent biblical references from the Old and New Testaments.

The Armor of God

Book cover: 'Armor of God'

The Armor of God pictures a soldier in full battle gear - sword, shield, helmet, etc. - with descriptions explaining their figurative meaning according to Ephesians 6:10-18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Life of Jesus

Book cover: 'Life of Jesus'

We put this poster up in our upstairs hallway thinking that the colorful pictures would be attractive to the little ones and help them develop a better understanding of the Life of Jesus. The full color drawings are attractive but dignified. It's been a big hit so far. I find my six year old reading words here and there, my four year old asking about what happens in different pictures and my two year old pointing to her favorite scenes. The pictures include simple descriptions and dialogue along with Biblical references.

Rosary Reflections

Book cover: 'Rosary Reflections: Help Your Children Contemplate the Mysteries of the Rosary through Drawing'
Author(s): 
Joseph J. Oka

This simple booklet offers a new idea in helping children learn to meditate upon the Rosary. After six pages introducing the prayers and mysteries of the Rosary (including the Luminous mysteries), there are 26 coloring sheets with a rosary in the center and five segments where children can draw their own pictures of each of the mysteries. Each coloring sheet lists all 20 mysteries of the Rosary.

Pages