 I’m fussy about children’s books. And especially fussy when it comes to children’s books that include themes of faith. But every now and then a Christian children's book comes along that I not only like, but totally love. Julie and David Lavender’s Children’s Advent Stories for Bedtime: celebrate the true meaning of Christmas is one of those books. And because I love it so much, I made sure I posted this review quickly so you’ve got time to grab a copy for your family before December arrives!
But, ‘What’s so great about it?’ I hear you ask. ‘Isn’t this just another sickly sweet advent book for kids?’ Well, I can assure you there's nothing gimmicky about this book.
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 God’s love in a Nutshell is a brightly illustrated book about Chitter, an adorable junior squirrel, who is doing their best to understand God’s love. The story begins with Chitter asking Chatter (the equally adorable grown-up squirrel), ‘Can I keep God’s love in my nutchell?’. The answer is obviously no because, ‘God’s love is too big to fit in your nutshell’. This sends Chitter on a quest to figure out how to keep God’s love close all the time. It’s such a cute story opening with an important and relevant question, but there was one line in this adorable book (can you tell I liked the squirrels?) that made me pause...
 The World Needs The Wonder You See is a picture book invitation to see the world through the lens of creativity, wonder and imagination. It’s a large format picture book with a paper-feel matt cover and indented title and is quite lovely. I found my copy at my local Dymocks bookstore and took it home for a quiet, slow read.
 Offsides is Lori Z. Scott’s Christy award winning* YA novel. It tells the story of Dani, a soccer loving teen, doing her best to feel confident both on and off the field. When her best friend Sol decides they need to make their senior year one for ‘trying new things’, Dani is kicked from her comfort zone. On one hand this novel is a typical teen narrative about friendships, crushes and anxiety. However it’s also more than that. Told from a deep first person perspective, with engaging dialogue and great characterisation, this book takes a close look at the issues and vulnerabilities of teen victims of human trafficking. It also gently gives voice to Dani’s experience of faith and the encouragement God’s word can offer in difficult times.
 Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin is an upper middle grade (lower YA) historical novel set in North Carolina in 1950. It tells the story of 15 year old Anna Katherine (Katie), a White teenager from a rural tobacco growing town who dreams of being a journalist. Determined to pursue her dreams, and mentored by the local newspaper-man to find a voice to write about important stories, Katie moves to the big city to stay with her wealthy grandparents and attend a better school. Her move to Charlotte, however, brings Katie more than just new opportunities. Her grandmother has strict expectations of how Katie should dress and act, and forces her into a mold she’s not entirely comfortable with. Her new friends do the same, pressuring Katie to keep quiet about the things that matter. And then there’s Lillian, the Black teen working in Katie’s grandmother’s house, who consistently challenges Katie’s way of being in the world.
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The Penny DropsIn high school I used to write what I'd call 'thinks' - little bits of writing about whatever topic or issue I was mulling over at the time. I still write these little pieces. Categories
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