I hope you received or saw our most recent BookNotes which highlighted some great books for Easter baskets. It’s been fun sending out little board books and lush picture books and a few new children’s storybook Bibles.

And yet, there are so many more, older and newer, including some that just showed up here in the shop this week.

I’ll admit it takes hours and hours to describe the books I curate for you here and while good books usually take some explaining, and I’m here to do that, this time I’m  going to keep it somewhat quick. Scroll on down and hit that “order” button at the end of the column.  All these, like the previous ones, are 20% OFF.  Happy gift giving.

Many locations to which we send can get packages in a few days; we pretty sure most orders can get to you before Easter. We ready and willing — while supplies last.

God’s Holy Darkness Sharei Green and Beckah Selnick, illustrated by Nikki Faison (Beaming Books) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

I have written about this the last several Lenten seasons and even during Advent when it seemed right to celebrate the beauty of GOd’s holy darkness. Rather than repeat my lengthy discussion, I’ll quote from the back cover:

From the darkness at the beginning of Creation to the blackness of the sky on the night when Christ’s birth was announced, this captivating picture book deconstructs anti-Blackness in Christian theology by exploring instances in the story of God’s people when darkness, blackness, and night are beautiful, good, and holy.

And yes, it shows the darkness that entered the day when Jesus died making it ideal this season.

By the way, the art is pretty modern, edgy, fascinating, complex, even, and rich.

The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children Todd R. Hains, illustrated by Natasha Kennedy (Lexham Press) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

In that last BookNotes post about books for a child’s Easter basket I commended the fu and theologically solid “FatCat Books” from the good folks at Lexham Press. I mentioned a small and very brief board book that is drawn from this bigger, and delightful exploration of who Jesus is, who he seeks and saves — whether enemies of friends. The fat cat is there as in the others (including the excellent trio, The Lords Prayer, The Ten Commandments, and The Apostles Creed, all illustrated expertly by the very talented Natasha Kennedy.) I love the “all of God’s children” subtitle and I love the dark skin on our savior, King Jesus and I love their telling of how Mary searched for Jesus at the empty tomb and even moves the story along to the transformation of Saul “who killed Jesus’s friends.” I like how it carefully asks the reader if they, too, have been found by Jesus.

The fun spread showing all of Jesus’s friends so children can find them again is great. The ending prayer is mature and the endnotes for parents include helpful guidance. Happy Easter to all!!  Highly recommended.

Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide Laura Alary, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri (Paraclete Press) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

We have highlighted others in this lovely “Circle of Wonder” books for children that highlight seasons of the liturgical cycle of the church year. (For instance, see Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter, Breath: A Child’s Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Time, and Look! A Child’s Guide to Advent and Christmas.) These gentle books invite children (maybe ages 4 – 8) to revel in the colors and sounds of the celebrations and, also, to ponder: what does this have to do with me?

Some would properly insist that Easter’s joy invites kids to know the facts of their salvation, their forgiveness, and the hope of God’s victory of sin. This book brings a more age appropriate metaphoric vision — what does it mean to rise, to get a second chance, to find hope and goodness in the newness God is bringing. I love how this interweaves the Biblical story (of the post-resurrection encounters with Jesus) and the daily activity of the children in the story. As David Csinos (founder of Faith Forward and editor of the books about postmodern children’s ministry by that name) puts it, “Laura Alary has done it again…” He continues:

This book takes readers right to the heart of Eastertide, where they will encounter the grief, wonder, surprise, and joy that wraps around the season One can’t help but close this book and know that Jesus is alive. Hallelujah!

Sparking Peace Teresa Kim Pecinovsky and Hannah Rose Martin, illustrated by Gabhor Utomo (Herald Press) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

Oooo, I could say more about this brand new poetic tale which shows how weapons are turned into tools of peace. People can come together, the back cover promises, “to create lasting friendships and positive change.” What an interesting inspiring book.

Sparking Peace is a very redemptive story of a boy who helps his older neighbor clean up her yard and start a new garden. Later, the boy goes with his father to a community event that doesn’t only commemorate the sadness of gun violence but turns weapons into gardening tools just like the Bible predicts. The art is so vivid and moving — and at times exciting as community members (who are bearing grief, it seems) each take a moving swing at the forge under the supervision of their peacemaking blacksmith. You’ll love the ending, and the conversation starters at the end are really helpful. What a beautiful, beautiful book. Check out RAWtools.org which inspired the story.

The Long Road Home Sarah Walton, illustrated by Christina Yang (Crossway) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

Although they say this is for ages 6 – 8 it is so rich and lovely that I think it might even be for ages 5 and certainly up to 9 or so. It is summarized, as it says on the back, “Wherever you go, my son, I want you to remember that I love you with a never-ending love.”

This is a creative and wise retelling of the famous Parable of the Prodigal Son. It also has features and stylings of Pilgrim’s Progress with a character named Wander. Perfect. The painting is detailed and rich without being garish. The Long Road Home is beautifully done and tells a great story. It’s a nice square size.

Bible History ABCs: God’s Story from A to Z Stephen Nichols & Ned Bustard (Crossway) $16.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $13.59

Speaking of perfect square sized books for little ones, this is an old standard of ours here, an ABC book that is, admittedly, not for 2 or 3 year olds just learning their ABCs but maybe for older pre-schools who have an advanced sense of wit and curiosity. Because, man, there’s some fun stuff in here. It is very rigorously Biblical — Steve is a director at Ligonier Ministries, the organization founded by R. C. Sproul, after all, and Ned — known as the graphic designer who designed and illustrated the Every Moment Holy volumes and the beloved editor of Square Halo Books — is deeply committed to the drama of Scripture. Here they use the alphabet to unlock the nature of God as a promise-keeper and the unfolding sacred story as one of promise and fulfillment. But along the way you’ll learn about all sorts of people and events and animals and a small bit of goofy stuff. I bet this is the only Bible book for children that has an armadillo in the mix. Lot’s of classic art is reproduced as well, with a touch of Ned’s brilliance.

 

Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the World of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Katie Wray Schon (Waxwing Books) $18.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $15.19

What a lovely, somewhat oversized picture book — wonderfully, wonderfully done! — telling the story of the great Pauline Baynes, known for those famous black and white drawings in the original editions of The Chronicles of Narnia. She was raised in lush and beautiful India— she had pet monkeys with whom she drank her tea — and eventually ended up in rather dreary England before World War II. Books kept her imagination alive and she painted the very stories that she loved. The rest is legendary – doing first edition book covers for The Hobbit in 1961 (and, later, the beloved maps), Watershed Down, and so many more. She even designed stained glass windows for a church in England.

The Big Wide Welcome: A True Story About Jesus, James and a Church That Learned to Love All Sorts of People Trillia Newbell, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri (New Growth Press) $16.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $13.59

In the last BookNotes I suggested taking a look at the website of the whole “Tales That Tell the Truth” series, which we love. Echeverri is just brilliant as a whimsical and detailed illustrator who brings verve and energy to the story. The authors are all very skilled at catching the gospel-centered nature of Biblical stories and how old, old episodes are so very relevant for us today.

This one tells children that it is fun to have a favorite food or toy or teddy. Our favorite things mean a lot to us. But we are never to play favorites with people.

Discover in The Big Wide Welcome what a church learned about how Jesus chooses to love people and how they could love others in the same way — and find out how you give people a big wide welcome, too!

You know that some Christians and some churches are beautifully warm places and this can help children understand the welcome and acceptance they’ve experienced. On the other hand, some may be hearing on the news these days that some religious people are known for being unwelcoming, making this Biblical story so very urgent.

 

Strong – Psalm 1 Sally Lloyd Jones, illustrated by Jago (ZonderKidz) $12.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $10.39

Adapted from the Jesus Storybook Bible these large sized board books with padded covers are great for very little children. THere are six of them, and we’ve got them all. Bright colors, very nicely done by artist and designer Jago around Lloyd-Jones’s elegant, simple phrasing make these just fabulous, simple introductions for young ones. Strong (on Psalm 1) is the newest. Hooray.

My Little Library of God’s Great Love board book boxed set Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago (Zonderkidz) $24.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $19.99

We have a few of the recently-released boxed sets of four of the most popular Sally Lloyd-Jones board books, made smaller (without padded covers.) These small boxed sets — the slipcase itself is very cool — are tremendous gifts. The four smaller editions included in My Little Library of God’s Great Love and includes Found on Psalm 23 , Loved (on the Lord’s Prayer), Near: Psalm 139 and Known: Psalm 139.

Who Is Jesus? 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family Kat Hox, illustrated by Joe Hox (New Growth Press) $24.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $19.99

What’s all the fuss at church on Easter, some kids might think. We have presented this before, once suggesting it as a Lenten resource, although, honestly, it is a guide to the life, death, and resurrection and saving power of Christ, so it really is fine for at-home religious education for anyone. It could save the day for Sunday school teachers, too, if you need a quick lesson. It really is an amazing book, chock-full of ideas, truths, insights, Scripture — all based on 40 different symbols or graphics, with a key Bible verse for each one. And a song, too. What a creative couple they are. Author Kate, by the way, is a graduate of Dordt College in Iowa.

There are forty word pictures are cool ways to inspire kids to learn about Jesus, who He was and is, what He taught and did. You’ll find symbols of arks, rams caught in a thicket, snakes, sticks, rocks, tents, shepherds, sheep, water, bread and more. I suspect some families will resonate with some graphics more than others, some aspects of Christ will capture your attention, and you may not want to word things quite the way this sharp mom does.  But even if you want to expand the descriptions or moderate the tone just a bit, these ancient symbols — many from the Old Testament, drawing us into the large covenant drama which Jesus fulfills and carries onward — are good for conversation and they give you discussion start prompts and questions. A hefty hardback, maybe best for 6 – 12, I’d say, although you could adapt it for younger ones.

A Light to Share: Stories of Spreading Love and Changing the World Natalie Frisk, illustrated by Maria Diaz Perera (Herald Press) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

This is a fabulous book that introduces children to real people who had the light-switch turned on in their lives (as the author playfully puts it) and they learned to share God’s love and make a difference in the world. This is a book that helps celebrate the Five Hundred Year anniversary of the founding of Anabaptism (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, Hutterites, Quakers, and the like) even though it doesn’t say so.

In A Light to Share Natalie briefly tells the stories of 12 individuals who became followers of Jesus (sometimes under dramatic situations, sometimes not.) Some became missionaries, some pastors, one was a printer, another a flyer, Dr. Alta became a biologist and teacher, one African refugee became a global peacemaker. Not all are from the US, although most are. Although some of these testimonies are from previous centuries, many of the individuals are still alive— Kate Bowler and central Pennsylvania author, professor and anti-racist activist Drew Hart. (It notes that Bowler’s cancer story may sound sad but her podcast is joyful. It mentions that Hart has a doctorate, which they describe as “big degree.”) There sure are a lot of exclamation points in this book! The enthusiasm may become contagious.

In each story starts saying when the person “was your age…” and has drawings of them as a child. Then it shows them as younger adults and maybe older adults; you really get, in a page or two, the vibrancy and joy and service and faith of these remarkable people. By the way, they don’t say anything about Anabaptists and only once or twice do they mention being a Mennonite. So it really, truly, is good for anyone.

Drawn Onward Daniel Nayeri, illustrated by Matt Rockefeller (Harper Alley) $19.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $15.99

I’ve described this before and I’m happy to suggest it again. You know the author for his spectacular, true novel Everything Sad Is True (now out in paperback, by the way) and the Newberry Honor Book, The Many Assassinations of  of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. This is his most recent picture book, a dramatic story of loss and grief and adventure and battles and memory and love. Newbery Medal winner Matt De Le Pena (author of Last Stop on Market Street) called it special and enduring.” He’s right to say that “it is rare to find a book this clever that is also emotionally powerful.”

This looks like any number of fantastic adventure stories where a boy with a sword goes on some quintessential journey. But pay close attention to these amazing illustrations and art, and, more follow the plot as you enter a story of poignancy and truth, goodness and courage. It is a lush fantasy world which is the setting for a boy asking if his late mother was glad she was his mom. Oh yes, “a journey there and back.”

And it is all written in palindromes. Wow.

Mother God Teresa Kim Pecinovsky, illustrated by Khoa Le (Beaming Books) $17.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $14.39

The illustrations in this Biblically-inspired book are stunning, creative, captivating.  To say it is visually striking is an understatement; Khoa Le has won awards all over the world for her artful expression in children’s literature.

As importantly, the prose in these pages is full of what one reviewer called “page after page of magic and wonderment” in what has also been called a “delightfully powerful book. This brings Scriptural images to bear “vividly” says Rev. Will Gafney, of Brite Divinity School.

With lyrical, rhyming text, this book introduces readers to dozens of images of God inspired by feminine descriptions in the Bible. You will enjoy introducing your child to God as a creative seamstress, generous baker, fierce mother bear, protective mother hen, a strong woman in labor, a nursing mother, a wise grandmother, and a comforting singer of lullabies.  (All of this is metaphorical, of course — it goes without saying, I guess, but I sort of wish Pecinovsky would have noted that, or used the pedestrian “like” a time or two. But I quibble.)

If you love the Bible, you’ll find this a lively asset for your library. [And, I might add, for some of our readers, if this notion strikes you as odd, see the serious and helpful work Women and the Gender of God by Amy Peeler (Eerdmans; $24.99) or the old Is It Okay to Call God Mother? by Paul R. Smith (Baker Academic; $18.00).]

Listening for God: Silence Practice for Little Ones Katie Warner, illustrations by Amy Rodriguez (TAN Books) $16.95 // OUR SALE PRICE = $13.56

Anytime I read this or suggest it to Sunday school teachers or Christian educators or parents, I’m struck — some are reluctant, as if silence and solitude and a contemplative sort of spirituality is odd for children, or they are thrilled, glad to see this conservative Roman Catholic publisher do a book that so many can appreciate. This is a simple book on the story of and implications for us of 1 Kings 19 — you may recall Ruth Haley Barton’s great book In Search of Solitude and Silence that I commended at the start of Lent draws on this story for a burned out prophet who finds God in the “still small voice.” I wish these fun illustrations of Elijah made him look a bit more haggled (and a little less like typical illustrations of Jesus, which may or may not be intentional.) In any case, this is a rare children’s book that invites readers to settle down and listen for God in a “sacred silent time.” For ages 4 – 7.

Between My Hands Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Naveen Selvanathan (FSG) $19.99 // OUR SALE PRICE = $ 15.99

We celebrated this picture book before, too — we remain astounded at the quality output of Mitali Perkins (whose brand new one, coming in early May for adults is Just Making: A Guide for Compassionate Creatives.) We adored her book for adults about classic children’s literature called Steeped in Stories.

This picture book for ages 4 – 8 is the third in a series of “between” books (see Between Us and Abuela on separated families and the power of art and Home Is In Between, on immigration, new customs in a new school.)

The question on the cover of Between My Hands is “How will you namaste the world?”  It’s a good question. Although it is a tender and cheerful book, Perkins has a lovely author’s note in a page on the back noting that this third in the “Between” picture books is “an invitation to children to offer their gifts and talents in service to the planet through the Indian gesture of namaste, which means, “I bow to you.”

“Given the huge problems in the world,” she continues, “children may not believe they can make a difference for good.” She tells, then, about the character in the story (Maya) who lives in Oakland, California, home of murals and gentrification (and protests.) She says that she chose the names of her characters intentionally; Alvaro is a Spanish name that means “truth” and Jubilee is, she explains, based on the Bible’s Year of Jubilee when slaves were to be set free, and Karina is the Sanskrit word for “mercy.” Maya, Mitali explains, in her own mother tongue, Bangla, means “love.” Highly recommended.

The Princess and the Goblin George MacDonald (Walking Together Press) $29.95 // OUR SALE PRICE = $23.96

The Princess and Curdie George MacDonald (Walking Together Press) $29.95  // OUR SALE PRICE = $23.96

It is common to find cheap photocopied editions of these volumes with dumb covers and awful print runs — some online dealers feature these terrible versions as if they were legit, which they usually are not. It is uncommon to find a classy indie press who takes up reproducing vintage-like editions of these classic children’s fairy tales with charm and artfulness and we are delighted to have discovered these.

From the inside covers to the quality of the paper and print to the handsome full color art, these leather-covered and foil-stamped hardbacks are fantastic editions to your family library and must-have books for George MacDonald aficionados.

And shouldn’t most of us be fans of the great Scot thespian, poet, Shakespearean , novelist and preacher of the gospel, lover of God that he was? You know him, surely, for his fiction and prose “baptized the imagination” of C.S. Lewis, who was, as we would put it today, a fanboy. Lewis loved these tales.

And so, we are delighted to present these two handsome volumes for your own (or gift-giving) pleasure.

And, get this: Walking Together Press offers their books to fund their extensive book ministry sharing the printed page in Africa. Their support of grass-roots libraries there, like one in the slum neighborhood in Jos, Nigeria is beautiful.  Hooray.

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And, one more time, for those who missed it:

Easter: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus Wesley Hill (IVP) $20.00 // OUR SALE PRICE = $16.00

I’ve reviewed this book about the theology of resurrection and the way more liturgically-shaped congregations celebrate the season more thoroughly a few weeks back but want to underscore it’s value here, now. This series about the church calendar is succint and moving and this one is fantastic. It’s small, too, making a nice gift for nearly any one.

The newest in the great “Fullness of Time” series of hand-sized, succinct hardbacks, Easter is, I suppose, the one many of us have been waiting for. Advent, Christmastime, Epiphany, Pentecost and Lent have all been published (with Ordinary Time coming next year) and yet we’ve been especially eager for this. How excited and glad I was when I heard that Wes Hill was invited to write it. Edited by Esau McCaulley, each of these have been very good, each in their own way, by robust practitioners of the distinctive habits of the church year. Each offers a historical and theological overview of the church season under consideration and draws out practical stuff to do in order to more appropriately and fruitfully experience the blessings of each particular season of the liturgical calendar.

Easter, the season of resurrection, of course, carries a message and realty that we can simply never get enough of. Obviously I hope nearly everyone on our mailing list orders this. It’s that important, and Wes Hill does such a fine job, it deserves your attention. I mean that.

As I started to read Easter: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus I’ll admit to you, dear readers, that I was a tad reluctant. I wanted to read this fresh, for the first time, on Easter. Alas, an occupational hazard here on the frontlines of bookselling, I had to read it early.

Read the rest of my review here, or, just order it now. You won’t regret it…  Soon we will shout “He Is Risen!” This book will help you understand it all the more.

 

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TO PLACE AN ORDER 

PLEASE READ, THEN SCROLL DOWN TO CLICK ON THE “ORDER” LINK BELOW.

It is helpful if you tell us how you want us to ship your orders. We’re eager to serve you in a way that you prefer. Let us know your hopes. We’re not automated, so let’s talk!

Of course the weight and destination of your particular package varies but you can use this as a quick, general guide:

There are generally two kinds of US Mail options and, of course, UPS.  If necessary, we can do overnight and other expedited methods, too. Just ask.

• United States Postal Service has an option called “Media Mail” which is cheapest but can be a little slower. For one typical book, usually, it’s $4.83; 2 lbs would be $5.58. This is the cheapest method available and sometimes is quicker than UPS, but not always.
• United States Postal Service has another, quicker option called “Priority Mail” which is $9.00, if it fits in a flat-rate envelope. Many children’s books and some Bibles are oversized so that might take the next size up which is $9.80. “Priority Mail” gets more attention than does “Media Mail” and is often just a few days to anywhere in the US.
• UPS Ground is reliable but varies by weight and distance and may even take longer than USPS. Sometimes they are cheaper than Priority. We’re happy to figure out your options for you once we know what you want.

If you just want to say “cheapest” that is fine. If you are eager and don’t want the slowest method, do say so. It really helps us serve you well so let us know. Keep in mind the possibility of holiday supply chain issues and slower delivery… still, we’re excited to serve you.

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