Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter

This book cracks us all up!

It is a great way to introduce to young kids the following concept:

When one rule is broken, often more rules follow.

Like in Eden...

...One rule...(Gen 2:17)

became a few...(Gen 3:21-24)

and  then added Ten...(Exodus 20)

and then many, many more.  (rest of Exodus:)

I love how the character Larry specifically states "there's only one rule"...then he starts guessing at others... finally he consults the book titled "so you've pushed the button" to reconcile the pushing of the button. Don't we as humans do just that: break a rule; guess at others to fix them; and hopefully finally consult The Word (both Scripture and Jesus himself) to reconcile all the buttons we push in this life.

A practical example we have used: I used blue painters tape (can even use long string for each "rule" to show how entangled we get in breaking rules; we think freedom is in breaking rules but really is more freeing to follow if it is right set of rules):
Parents tell you "don't play in this area; it is dangerous". You break rule, play and break your arm. Parents take you to the doctor and the doctor says, "you have to keep arm still for several weeks. (stick on piece of tape)  I am putting you in a cast. You can't play sports. (stick on another piece of tape) You can't get it wet, you can't take bath. (and another)You can't go swimming. (and another). You even have to be careful brushing your teeth. (and another)"

One rule has now become FIVE!

The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive

We so enjoy the pictures in this book! It is great opening into a conversation about the difference between circumstances and choices!

There will be bad days but we can choose to remember WHO has got the day and to maybe look at it in a different way!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - (Jesus) John 16:33

Nothing To Do by Douglas Wood; illus by Wendy Anderson Halperin

We are not "human doings" :) according to this author in the author's note. Love it!! This book is amazing especially illustrating growing through experiences that often are not achieving what the world would acclaim, something it would describe as "nothing".  This is one of those little reminders to look at everything that a book offers especially the illustrator's notes. The message is beautifully communicated and is perfect to bring up:

"Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10

and discussions on how the busy-ness of American culture can rob us of the worship of doing nothing!

In the Fiddle Is a Song by Durga Bernhard

This has rocketed to the front of my top favorites list for ANY age!!!! (even though it is a lift the flap board book)  Intriguing that such a trite thing has as much POTENTIAL as this little gem!

The art is beautiful and the message is amazing truth that easily reminds me of so many of God's Truth. All of the things in the book have amazing potential and there were plans for them that involved much change and transformations.  This book is a narrative of so many things that happen in nature and some of what is crafted by workmen's hands which both reflect the creativity of the Creator.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

"For we are God' workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

"'For I know the plans I have for  you,' declares the LORD. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

"And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:22

wish, change, friend by Ian Whybrow

Precious book about change in life and meeting new friends!

Change in life is challenging and often hard to say:) The pig in this story learns how wish and experiencing change can hold limitless relational wonders!

Another book, The Bible, holds God's wishes for us, will guide us through much change as He changes us, and will guide us to fellowship with other friends but most importantly the Ultimate Friend in Christ.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." -Hebrews 4:12-13

"You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." - John 15:14-17

Alphabet House by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Korwyn's favorite picture board book to use for learning alphabet.  Adorable bunny family living in the alphabet house with wonderful pictures of so many objects that start with each letter.  Loved the "D" page with "Daddy" and "Daughter" "Dancing".

Toy Boat by Randall de Seve

One of our family favorites!! I have used this for illustrating how encouragement can be so important for girls to do with one another by focusing on the fishing boat circling the toy boat and just being there with him during his struggle to return to the boy.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Upon my latest reading with Dax for a homework assignment, he correlated it to a theme of "freedom within boundaries". As long as the boat stayed within a safe distance of the boy, he could sail freely while being safe also.  So I included in our discussion a reading of 1 Corinthians 10:23 "'Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial.  'Everything is permissible' - but not everything is constructive." (Galatians 5:13) I want to add Matthew 11:29-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."