(2) K-3 Illustrated by James E. Ransome. This poetic picture book tells the inspiring tale of a young enslaved man, "a compilation of many of the real-life stories of the people who resisted, fought, demanded, and seized every opportunity at their disposal to gain the freedoms that literacy provided." Nicknamed Teach, he has secretly learned to read, write, and do arithmetic, bravely sharing his skills despite the great risks involved. The narrative follows Teach through the week, escalating to one of his most powerful acts of rebellion: a Sunday sermon in a concealed cabin, where he draws poignant parallels between the plight of the biblical Israelites and the hardships endured by his fellow captives, empowering them through his words. Cline-Ransome's engrossing first-person storytelling style, which features rich dialect reflecting the historical setting, brings out the character of Teach and the significant impact of his actions. Ransome's watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, offering detailed portrayals that vividly convey the challenges and dreams of Teach and his community. The skillful use of light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity of each meticulously rendered scene. An author's note underscores the importance of literacy and education as tools for freedom and resistance as well as the risks they entailed during slavery; further reading is also appended.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) 4-6 In her debut novel, Johnson (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) combines family history with an homage to such classics as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and Pollyanna, offering up her protagonist's memorable perspective on life in the early twentieth century. When their divorced mother remarries, young Ojibwe teen Norvia and her siblings are uprooted from their home on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan to Boyne City, Michigan. Not only does that mean adjusting to life with a new stepfather and stepbrother, but she and her siblings have been warned by their mother not to disclose that they are Ojibwe. Norvia had loved learning about her family's history and traditions from her grandparents; denying that part of her heritage feels wrong. She finds comfort in reading and longs to be a heroine like the girls in her favorite novels; she uses the stories from her grandfather, caring advice from her new stepfather, and the books she reads, along with her faith in God and the Bible, to become the heroine she wants to be. An author's note details Johnson's research process; a glossary, pronunciation guide, and family photos provide additional context for this engaging work of historical fiction.

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(2) K-3 DePaola distills the Nativity story of the Three Wise Men in this gorgeous book first published in 1983, the sumptuous acrylic paintings glowing with blues, greens, and pinks. A brief text follows kings Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar as they discover and follow a new, unfamiliar star; consult with the malign Herod; proceed to Bethlehem to deliver their gifts to the baby Jesus; and then, having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, return to their home countries. An informative note describes the evolution of the story, beginning with its first, detail-less written account in the Gospel of Matthew (the names and number of the Wise Men were added later). A welcome reissue of another title in dePaola's copious Christmas oeuvre.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Andrés F. Landazábal. In this brightly illustrated retelling of the Judeo-Christian creation story, spanning from pre-existence up to the world of today, Adam and Eve's brown skin offers a welcome shift from typical Eurocentric depictions. However, a preachy author's note makes for an uninviting start, and the text, which struggles to follow the format of "This Is the House That Jack Built," feels stilted.

Reviewer: Rachel Marsh

(3) K-3 Koffsky retells the biblical story of Creation through the colors of each new day. "In the beginning there was nothing," and the accompanying illustrations are shades of gray and black. On day six, God created people, and "soon there were many, many more in every shade and hue." Koffsky's textural, layered cut-paper collages give readers a new perspective on a familiar story.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sonya Abby Soekarno. Accompanied by colorful cartoonlike illustrations, half-page first-person narratives introduce fifteen Old and New Testament women, including Eve, Hagar, Miriam, and Mary Magdalene. Each entry ends with the refrain: "God did great things for me--and I did great things for God." The relevant biblical verse is taken from the New International Version. The whole is slight, but religious or home settings may find this useful.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. In Cooney's retelling of the medieval French legend, the little orphaned juggler of Notre Dame--having no other gift to bring to the statue of Mary and the Child--entertained them with his tumbling. The telling is dignified and tender, as is the art; black-and-white illustrations alternate with pictures in which bright colors--Christmas red and green and the luminous blue of stained glass--are added. This edition includes Cooney's original foreword and a new afterword by Jan M. Ziolkowski.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: December, 1961

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Daniele Fabbri. Bezalel, an Israelite slave in Ancient Egypt, collects unusual things. When the Exodus begins, the boy insists on bringing his Beautiful Things Box with him. When God asks Moses to build a mishkan, a house filled with beautiful things, Bezalel is the only one ready to provide treasures. Soft paintings convey a sense of wonder in this unusual retelling of a biblical story (discussed in the author's note).

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alessia Trunfio. The story of Jesus's resurrection on Easter morning is told in the style of "The House That Jack Built." The rhyming text and predictable pattern make this an engaging read-aloud for religious settings. The full-spread illustrations are luminous and purple-hued (the color traditionally associated with the Passion of Christ). Bible verses from the Gospel according to John begin and end the book.

Reviewer: Katie Darrin

(3) PS Illustrated by Leeza Hernandez. Inspired by Psalm 118:24 (included), the simple rhyming text encouraging children to make full use of their day--created for them by God--will be useful in faith-based groups or family settings. Colorful digital images show a diverse group of kids getting ready for the day, going to the park, acting in a play, enjoying school, and sharing "God's bright-shining light" with others who need it.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Words and thoughts from Paul's epistles are presented in the form of friendly letters, with handwritten-looking font that uses different colors and sizes (biblical verses are cited at the end of each). Young people will get a view of Paul that is approachable and sympathetic. Fluid watercolor sketches of the man, along with other images, adorn each page, almost like an illuminated manuscript.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Popular verses from Ecclesiastes are brought to life in Rylant's third picture book based on passages from the King James Bible (Creation; Nativity). Bright and simple, with expansive swathes of color and visible brush strokes, the acrylic paintings provide concrete interpretations of the text for young children.

Reviewer: Katie Darrin

(4) K-3 Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. This book of original prayers, translated from the German, guides discussion with God. Referring to specific Old and New Testament texts, each prayer focuses on a different emotion: fear, sorrow, guilt, amazement, etc. The spare, colorful illustrations mostly refer to biblical times but occasionally show contemporary children. While the book's appropriate audience is somewhat older than its title and picture-book format suggest, it's useful for Christian religious studies and homes. References included.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Vali Mintzi. Fourteen "strong biblical women" from the Old Testament are profiled in an informative and inspiring volume. A colorful, Gauguin-like illustration begins each informative chapter, all of which end with a fictionalized first-person story and a poem. Extensive sidebars and marginalia further elucidate topics; readers are referred to specific Bible verses for the original stories. A handsome book, suitable for study, research, or gifting. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Benjamin Schipper. After a young boy's grandma tells him how to look for God in everyday life, Galatians' "Fruit of the Spirit" (scripture quotation appended) is revealed to him as he goes about his day in the city. Though the illustrations have a slick, overly cartoonish quality, they reflect a realistic urban diversity that works well with the ode to opening one's heart and noticing life's little blessings.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(3) K-3 Familiar stories from both the Old and New Testaments are briefly described to introduce a related craft: a dove with Noah's Ark, shepherds with the Nativity, etc. Clearly illustrated step-by-step directions, simple equipment (e.g., glue, scissors), and easily available materials (cardboard boxes, felt, googly eyes) make the sturdy craft book accessible and welcoming to a range of crafting skill levels.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Annabel Tempest. As the title suggests, this picture book attempts to explain Christian theology using four words: "Wow" (the Creation), "Uh oh" (the Fall), "Yes" (Jesus' life and resurrection), and "Ahh" (human redemption through Christ). The stilted rhyming text may require some additional explication, but the bright, cartoony illustrations--especially closing spreads depicting an idyllic, multicultural New Creation--make the message seem inviting. Suggested Scripture passages appended.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Crecelius. Vacation Bible School turns into a magical, spiritual road trip in this collection of Bible stories. Three kids board a talking, self-driving van--and drive into the Bible. While this framing story is slight, the focus is on lively biblical retellings accompanied by cheery if slick cartoons. Numerous sidebars illuminate elements of history and culture as well as references to additional Scripture passages.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) 4-6 Who HQ: What Was...? series. Illustrated by Tim Foley. The long-running Who Was...? series (originally Grosset, now rebranded by Penguin Workshop) expands its coverage. This readable, informative volume is marred only by the caricatured cover art (typical of the classic series) and bland interior pencil illustrations. Otherwise, the book will give young readers a good sense of Moses's story. Occasional full- and double-page text boxes successfully illuminate related topics; photo insert included. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) K-3 Selecting relevant sections of medieval and Renaissance paintings and pairing them with the story of Christ's birth as told in the stately language of Isaiah and the Gospels of Matthew and Luke from the King James Bible, the Met has created a handsome gift book. On glossy paper, the large reproductions sometimes bleed across the gutter and small vignettes are placed above the text.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt