Recommended Reading for Children & Youth

Books Available In the First Congregational Church Library

Reviews written by Mary Hunt, Church Librarian
(Look for Mary's latest recommendations  in the most recent edition of the "Tower Notes")

 

Mouse Tales: Things Hoped For
Ruth Boling
(Y 263 Bol)
This book was a gift from Meg Shepherd. It looks like a bedtime story, with its charming illustrations: but actually it is a book that appeals more to the middle school through adult readership. It is filled with subtle themes of social interaction and biblical interpretation in today's world. Set in an imaginary mouse community church, with a fairly large congregation of mice, the reader soon recognizes many of the people we meet in our daily lives and in the church. It is a fantasy with a lesson or two to teach us. Boling uses the same method that Aesop did, and it still works! A good read.
Elliot’s Noisy Night
Andrea Beck
(J Bec)

A story about toys who gather at night for treats and conversation before going to bed.  The subject of this story is the kinds of noises that one hears and that can cause fear until they are explained.  In this entertaining story all the toys are frightened until they get together and comfort one another.  This is a story that may help little children deal with their nighttime fears.

The Grumpy Shepherd
Paddie Devon
(J 232.92)
Tells the story of how a shepherd’s life and personality are changed when he visits the baby Jesus.
Meet Your Bible and Discover Life
Branson Thurston
(Y220 Thu)
An attractive text for a class of middle schoolers, or just good reading for them individually. The author presents the background necessary for Bible study in easy to understand language (with sound scholarship behind it), and beautiful maps and colorful illustrations.
The Prayer of Jabez for Young Hearts
Bruce Wilkinson and Rob Suggs
(J220.9)
Retells in rhyme the Old Testament story of Jabez who learned how powerful prayer can be.  Illustrated by Sergio Martinez, it is a very attractive book for young readers or for “Read me a story” time.
What is God?
Etan Boritzer
(J291.2)
A book to help children understand that many very different religious beliefs have in their theology the search to know God.  In reading this book, the author hopes to lead his readers into an understanding of the similarities as well as the differences between the great religions of the world.
The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer
Laura Numeroff and Wendy Harpham, MD
(J Num)
A very special book that can be helpful to families where breast cancer is being experienced.  The introduction is written to adults, and the comments by the children show great maturity.  The illustrations by David McPhail are charming.
My Very First Bible
James Harrison
(J220.0 Har)
This is a beautiful book, illustrated by Diana Mays.  It is a retelling of some of our favorite Bible stories, including the creation of the world, Noah and the ark, the stories of Joseph, Moses, David and Goliath.  In the New Testament there are beautifully told stories about Jesus and his ministry. A good “Read me a story” book.
Learning About Prayer
Lois Rock
(J242.683)
This book uses the same question and answer format as Learning About Jesus, another good book for children (also in our library).  The author explains prayer so really young children can understand.  Beautifully illustrated, this book is one to check out again and again.
Love is…
Wendy Anderson Halperin
(J227 Hal)
A very special picture book, in the best sense of the word, using the great chapter 13 of 1st Corinthians as its source.  The illustrations are worth a great deal of thought, as is the text.
The Before I Dream Bible Storybook
Karyn Henley
(220.0 Hen)
Actually a book for parents to read to children.  It is both beautifully illustrated and beautifully written.