100 Ways to Know God Loves Me, 100 Songs to Love Him Back Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Stephen Elkins is well known for his Christian picture books - often accompanied by CDs of his music - and his 100 Ways to Know God Loves Me is a welcomed addition with a unique twist.
Designed as a devotional for young children, each two page spread in this book focuses on, as the title suggests, a way we can know God loves us. For example, one devotional is titled "I know God loves me because He blessed me with a family." There is a colorful full page illustration showing a biblical-era husband and wife with two babies. On the opposite side of the page, we learn about how God made Adam first, but blessed him with a wife and children. We learn that Psalm 68:6 says God gave us families so we won't be lonely. On that same page, there is a color illustration of a modern-day husband, wife, and baby. On an accompanying CD, the song "My Family Matters" then fits in nicely.
Each devotional follows this pattern of a large illustration showing a scene from biblical times, a smaller illustration showing something similar during modern times, a Bible quote, and a quick devotional (usually two paragraphs long), followed by a note about an appropriate song to listen to on one of the two the accompanying CDs. Topics for the devotionals include "I know God loves me because:" "He answers my prayers," "He instructs me," "He made all the animals," "He picks me up when I fall," "He saves my soul," "He sends rain," "nothing will separate me from His love," and more.
What I Like: The concept for this book is excellent. Every person needs a good understanding of how vast God's love is. I appreciate that Elkins offers a Bible quote for each devotional, as well as bright, colorful illustrations. The devotionals themselves are short and sweet, making them perfect for reluctant listeners and very young children. The accompanying CDs are a great idea, too.
What I Dislike: Sometimes the illustrations are awfully static; there's not much action in them. Since this book is clearly designed for very young children (hence the brevity of each devotional), interesting illustrations are vital. The CDs' music is good, but the songs are sung by children and I've found many young kids don't find this appealing. The words aren't always easy to understand and there is a certain lack of emotion found in the young voices.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Kristina Seleshanko, Managing Editor, Christian Children's Book Review

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What better combination than 100 ways for young children to learn how much God loves them and 100 songs they can sing to show how much they love him back?This easy-to-read text and colorful art will have children eager to find out how much God loves them and to sing their loving praise back to God. Stories include: God Answers My Prayers, God Calms Me When I'm Worried, God Helps Me Make Good Choices, and God Gave Me a Family. Familiar Bible verses tell of God's promises and encourage little ones to thank Him for His great love. This is a great resource to help kids memorize 100 Bible verses. Includes 2 CDswith 100 songs written and recorded by Grammy-nominated producer, Stephen Elkins.

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