Ok, so this is a few days late on my goal of one review per week leading up to Christmas, but I think you'll find it was worth the wait. The next title I had the privilege to review is Love Letters from God, which was written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp.
This book is phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about it. It's definitely not intended for a very young audience. It says right on the front that it's a "lift-the-flap" book, which my Ellie loves. But these aren't the kinds of flaps where animals peek out from behind bushes. This is definitely geared toward an audience of at least age 6 and up. This book contains 18 Bibles stories (9 old testament and 9 new) told in a brand new way. The stories are written in a story-book style, reading almost like a fairy tale. So not terribly different than a story Bible. And somewhere on each page spread is a little section labelled "God's Wonderful Words to You" that shows the actual scripture that corresponds with the story. That's nice to help connect the story to the actual Bible for older kids.
But then there are the flaps. Oh, the flaps.
You open each one and inside is a letter, written from the perspective of God, telling about how He relates this story to YOU. Never as a child do I remember learning that the Bible was for ME. It was a book full of stories (and extra boring stuff) that would teach me how to be a good Christian, but never once did I think about putting MYSELF into the story. These "love letter" flaps do just that. Each one has a line that can be personalized with the child's name and sheds a whole new perspective on each story. That's one of the reasons that I put the age so high - because while kids as young as 4 might like this book, I think older kids are the ones who will actually get the most out of it. I also love the titles of the individual stories - calling the Crucifixion "The Saddest Story" and the Resurrection "The Happy Ending" is just so poetic to me.
You open each one and inside is a letter, written from the perspective of God, telling about how He relates this story to YOU. Never as a child do I remember learning that the Bible was for ME. It was a book full of stories (and extra boring stuff) that would teach me how to be a good Christian, but never once did I think about putting MYSELF into the story. These "love letter" flaps do just that. Each one has a line that can be personalized with the child's name and sheds a whole new perspective on each story. That's one of the reasons that I put the age so high - because while kids as young as 4 might like this book, I think older kids are the ones who will actually get the most out of it. I also love the titles of the individual stories - calling the Crucifixion "The Saddest Story" and the Resurrection "The Happy Ending" is just so poetic to me.
*Spoiler Alert*
The very last page of the book is super special. There's an invitation - and yes, it's that kind of an invitation.
But it feels so right for it to be there. It makes so much sense in the context of the letters in the book. And then there is a space for the child to write their own love letter to God. It's just such a great way to bring the book to an end. Because the Resurrection really isn't the ending, although it is quite happy. There's more to do and really finishes up bringing the child INTO the story and makes it their own.
But it feels so right for it to be there. It makes so much sense in the context of the letters in the book. And then there is a space for the child to write their own love letter to God. It's just such a great way to bring the book to an end. Because the Resurrection really isn't the ending, although it is quite happy. There's more to do and really finishes up bringing the child INTO the story and makes it their own.
OH and I almost forgot to mention the amazing illustrations! They are gorgeous! Honestly, there are so many layers and textures and tiny interesting details - I could look at them all day.
Ok, enough gushing. Final verdict: I LOVE THIS BOOK. I've been telling people at church that we seriously need to give one to every child that walks in our front doors. Because it will change the way they think about the Bible. And it just might do the same for their parents that read it with them. That's how good it is. You really can't even appreciate it unless you see it in person. Seriously - get it for your elementary-aged child or grandchild for Christmas. You will not regret it.
Disclaimer: Zondervan provided me with a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are 100% mine.
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