What Is the Bible?
Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner;
Ying Hui Tan, illustrator
Convergent Children’s, ages 3-8
Published February 25, 2025
What Is the Bible? introduces younger children to the beauty, mystery and complexity of the biblical text. Featuring colorful illustrations by Ying Hui Tan and written in a direct style by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner, this short book alludes to many different biblical stories, closing with a powerful set of promises about Jesus’ message for us and how the Bible brings us closer to God. My children (ages 7 and 5) thought “it did a good job talking about the Bible,” and they liked hearing about different stories; they said it was a book they would read again!
Reviewed by Matt Helms, associate pastor for children, family and welcoming ministry at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.
Miriam’s Dancing Shoes
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso; Joani Rothenberg, illustrator
Ages 1-12
Published November 21, 2024
“As they crossed the sea of Reeds, Moses carried his staff and led God’s people out of
Egypt, but his sister, Miriam, brought her gold dancing shoes.” At first glance, we might think her choice ill-advised. But as we turn the pages of Miriam’s Dancing Shoes, we remember that God calls us to lead in different and often confounding ways. How do you bring comfort to those who are panicked and confused? How do you gather people when chaos pervades? Miriam does both with simple melodies and bright gold shoes. In these times, we need resources like Sandy Eisenberg Sasso’s book on our shelves, especially those emphasizing women’s crucial role in leading us where the Spirit is calling. God uses our gifts in beautiful and surprising ways, and Miriam’s Dancing Shoes is a brilliant reminder.
Reviewed by Jesy Littlejohn, social media producer for the Outlook and parent of two little ones.
We’re in This Together: Leo’s Lunch Box
Raphael G. Warnock; TeMika Grooms, illustrator
Philomel Books, ages 3-9
Published April 22, 2025
Pastor and Senator Raphael Warnock delivers a simple message for children (and their grown-ups): the more you share, the more you receive. He connects the story in which Jesus transformed a boy’s lunch of bread and fish into a feast for 5,000 with a modern story: Leo, whose tummy often rumbles with hunger, receives a magic lunchbox from his mom that ensures he has enough to eat and to give away. We’re in This Together: Leo’s Lunch Box is illustrated with simple yet vibrant pictures that brighten as the children fill with food and fellowship, reminding us that we all benefit when others flourish.
Reviewed by Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella.
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