KID'S REVIEWS
By Lyda Whiting

IN GRANDPA’S HANDS
A Child’s Celebration of Family
Written by Marlena E. Uhrik, Illustrated by Barbara Cervone
“In Grandpa’s hands, there is… a cup.” On each page, Grandpa’s hands hold something: a bird, a flower, a hat, and, finally, his grandchild’s hand.

This simple and powerful book is a celebration of the strength, beauty and wisdom that shows in every line of the hands of a grandparent. It is a tender and warm tribute, and absolutely beautiful.
This tender story tells of the special bond between generations, and of the love that families share. The words are simple, just a sentence on each page, allowing the powerful message to come through subtly.

The full-page pencil drawings of the strong and lined hands are perfectly realized and elegant in their simplicity. The realism subtly gives the book warmth and life.
This book would be wonderful for very young children as well as early readers, who will be able to read the pages with little help. But this book is really appropriate for all ages, as it celebrates the special gifts and memories that the older members of our families have to share with us.

A peaceful book to share at bedtime, this is also a lovely book for story time. This would be a beautiful gift for any child, parent, grandparent, or teacher. This is one of those rare books that will never grow old.

Highly recommended for all ages.

Published by White Stag Press, this book is available at your local bookstore and at www.publishersdesign.com


GOD’S PROMISE
Written by Maureen Moss, Illustrated by Gerald Purnell
One snowy morning, a family welcomes a baby girl into their lives. While they were getting ready for her birth, Angelina was getting ready for her life on earth. Angelina was afraid she would miss heaven and be alone. But God assured her He would be with her always, and showed her the beauty of the world she was joining. He told Angelina that she already held a special place in each of her new family’s hearts. The angels gathered to encourage Angelina, and she happily set off on her exciting new adventure.

This book is a loving message told simply and effectively. The author is an internationally-acclaimed writer and speaker; her other books include “Commitment to Love “and” The Nature of Bliss.”
The full-page illustrations are amazingly beautiful and detailed. From the wisdom in the cat’s face to the glow of the angel’s wings, the paintings celebrate the beauty and joy of life. Some of the scenes are perfect and simple, while others are beautifully realized mixtures of images and scenes. The paintings show the realistic and the fantastic coming together to perfectly illustrate the message of the story.
This is a gentle and beautiful book celebrating the promise and beauty of new life. This would be a wonderful gift for any child, to let them know that they are indeed God’s promise to the world. It would also be a lovely gift for expecting parents.

Highly recommended for children, ages 3 and up.

Published by Illumination Arts Publishing Co., this book is available at your local bookstore and at www.illumin.com


KARNA, THE GREATEST ARCHER IN THE WORLD
Written by Vatsala Sperling, Illustrated by Sandeep Johari
Karna is the son of the sun god and a princess, but he is raised by a poor couple who love him and teach him well. Karna grows up to be a generous and honorable man, and the finest archer in the world. But when war comes, he must choose sides. Should he remain loyal to his friend, a greedy prince who cares only about power? Or should he side with his royal brothers, the good and rightful rulers?
To find the answer, Karna must confront his own mistakes and the mystery of his past. In the end, he finds a solution that allows good to triumph but which costs Karna everything.

This action-packed story introduces children to the heroic but flawed Karna. The dramatic retelling of a traditional story from India’s ancient epic, Mahabharata, will capture imaginations of children everywhere.

The beautiful illustrations glow with subtle shades and highlights. Created with watercolor and tempera paints using classical Indian painting techniques, the detailed paintings bring the story to life.
The book includes an illustrated cast of characters and an introduction about the Karna and the Mahabharata. This is the author’s latest book in a series of traditional Indian stories re-told for Western children.

Recommended for children ages 6-9, and anyone interested in folklore and mythology.

Published by Bear Cub Books, this book is available at your local bookstore and at www.innertraditions.com


THE BIRDS AND THE FROGS
Written by Brian D. McClure, Illustrated by Buddy Plumlee
One day, a frog and a bird had an argument. The bird said the frog’s opinion was silly and stupid. The frog was afraid of the bird, and agreed that the bird knew best. After all, the bird could fly, and that must make him smarter than an earthbound frog. The bird enjoys feeling superior, and keeps making fun of the frog. Before long, all the birds are taunting the frogs and saying frogs are worthless.
For a long time, the birds think they are better than the frogs, and the frogs feel inferior. Since birds can fly, they must know more than frogs. Or do they? When a group of tadpoles challenge the idea that one group is better than another, everyone learns an important lesson in equality.

Heartfelt and simple, this book conveys the gentle message that we are all important, and each of us has a special place in the world.
The colorful illustrations are joyful expressions of the beauty of each being on earth. The full-page paintings vibrantly use the colors of the rainbow to enhance and develop the story and theme of the book. Together, the words and pictures are energetic and enveloping.

Reading this book together can spark discussions on how to treat others with respect and dignity, and the importance of celebrating each person’s unique gifts and talents.
Recommended for ages 3-5.

Published by Universal Flag Publishing, this book is available at your local bookstore and www.universalflag.com