Mary Rose Pearson is the author of several classic children's devotional books, including Frogs in Pharaoh's Bed, Seven Ducks in Dirty Water and All About God. In that tradition, she has produced Bible Animal Tales for children 8-12 years old. In addition to an explanation of the Bible text, every devotional includes a delightful cartoon illustration, interesting facts about the featured animal, a personal application, as well as puzzles and games related to the Bible text.
The book lends itself to a variety of uses. Parents can enjoy reading it with their children for family devotions, or children can read it alone. Churches can use it for Sunday school classes, children's church, or vacation Bible school. Home schoolers can use it to teach zoology from a creationist perspective along with the Bible.
The devotionals build the faith of believers, but they also clearly present the gospel. 8-12 year olds make decisions that affect their lives and eternal destinies. Putting this book into their hands encourages them to choose God’s way.
336 Pages, Paperback
By Reverend Austin Miles www.MichNews.com Dec 28, 2004
Fair Havens Publications has just released, Bible Animal Tales, geared for ages 8-12. To say that this book is an answer to prayer is no exaggeration.
Parents, grandparents (including this one), aunts and uncles have struggled to find the right reading material that will not only hold the attention of the children in the family, but also to encourage and strengthen them in the faith.
Especially at a time when the public schools themselves use every means at their disposal to turn children away from faith in God and Jesus Christ.
This well written book is an effective antidote to the evolution theory that is being pushed upon impressionable children.
In fact, Animal Tales takes off on this immediately by showing the claims of evolution, and (in its very readable, simple language), pointing out respectfully that evolution is only a theory. The biblical truth that follows is self evident.
Most children are interested in animals. By centering this work on the animals in the various biblical stories such as a talking donkey, horses of fire and snakes, along with the significance of the animals, what we learn from them and some very interesting facts about each one, it all combines to make this an excellent and entertaining read.
For example, why does a camel have humps? Is water stored there? You may be surprised at this fact.
And how did Noah find the animals to bring to the ark? How did the animals know where to go? How could all of these animals fit into the ark? What kept them from fighting with each other and eating each other up? Where did the animals get food to eat? And which animals were clean and which were unclean? And by the way, were dogs adopted as pets in those days?
All the answers are found in this 319 page paperback book which is broken down into 50 short chapters. Each chapter (which tells a biblical story), includes 'Animal Facts,' and "How This Animal Tale Can Help You."
Puzzles and games are found in every chapter to enhance the teaching. And this reviewer can state that the kids love this feature.
I did some sampling. One of those samples was my grandson, Brandon who is nine. He was so intrigued by the book that he read a couple of chapters aloud to his friend Adam, also nine, who had come with him.
As Brandon glanced through the book, I asked him what he thought about it. He said, "This book's really cool!" He even asked that I complete my review as quickly as possible so that he could have the book.
Another youngster named Aaron, who is ten, came with his Uncle Jamie and spent 30 minutes reading it while I visited with his uncle. His review; "This is a neat book." I have promised to get him a copy of his own.
Bible Animal Tales written by Mary Rose Pearson and illustrated by Kerry Adcock is an outstanding work that every Christian family should give their children. The author has written several classic children's books including, Frogs in Pharaoh's Bed.
This work is not only delightful for children, [but] this reviewer highly recommends that all pastors have this book in their library.
Here's why. Man has managed to complicate the Bible and its promises to the extent that nobody knows what the Bible actually says anymore.
We need to get back to the simplicity of the Bible story. That's where the truth is. Thanks to the author of this book, the Bible is explained in refreshing simplicity that makes it easy to understand. Let it be emphasized that this is not a fantasy book. It is all a true story.
And this is why this reviewer, not only recommends this book for children, but also makes a special point to encourage all pastors to get a copy for their own libraries so that they can find a simpler way of telling the greatest story of all time that can be understood by all.
If this book is an example of the publications of Fair Havens, then they are off to a great start. Pastors should not only support them [but] get on their mailing list.
Rev. Austin Miles is an award winning writer-historian and chaplain. He was a writer-researcher for the multi-award winning TV Specials, Ancient Secrets of the Bible. He has reviewed books, classical concerts, and art shows, which earned him a Commendation for Critical Review from UC Fullerton, presented at Fresno State University in 2000.
This MilesTone Book Report has been distributed by; The Connecting Link P.O. Box 685 Oakley, CA 94561 Email address: chaplainmiles@aol.com Copyright © MichNews.com. All Rights Reserved.
