You may be familiar with Children's Bible Hour Ministries already. We used to listen to Uncle Charlie on the radio on Saturday morning before we moved here, and we've received their Keys For Kids devotionals in the past, as well. Now they've taken some of Uncle Charlie's radio scripts and adapted them into the Seasons of Faith storybook set.
About the series:
The Seasons of Faith stories are intended to teach children Biblical truths about their walk with God, and help them apply these truths to their lives. Each book represents a season in their Christian growth. The CBH website explains those seasons like this:
- Spring: This is a time when people experience new life in Christ. Faith develops and Christians begin to share the Salvation message with others. (Race With Midnight)
- Summer: The season when faith grows under God’s love and care. Fruit is witnessed and triumphs are gained through applying His Word and striving to be the best we can be in Christ. (You Can't Come In)
- Autumn: Times of struggle and temptation, peer pressure, making mistakes, and scary transitions happen during this season. Even though it might seem like nothing good can come from this time, God has promised us He will be there. He will teach us how to forgive and then grow in grace. (Seventy Times Seven)
- Winter: This season is the most difficult. Deep struggles, mourning, trying to make it through difficult times, or the death of a loved one can pull us away from God. He teaches us to lean on Him for comfort and peace. (Braving The Storm)
About the books:
Race With Midnight -- Becky spends spring break on her cousin Sarah's horse farm in Montana. Taking horse rides amidst the beautiful mountains and valleys, Becky tries to share her faith with Sarah as she talks about God's creation. Will Sarah listen?
You Can't Come In -- Adam and his new friend Zack decide to build a tree fort one warm summer day. After zooming down a hill and falling into a muddy pond, Zack asks Adam about going to church and salvation. Will Adam be able to explain his faith to Zack?
Seventy Times Seven -- Batter up! When Brad accidentally breaks the ice cream shop’s sign, the owner forgives Brad. But when his best friend Doug ruins Brad’s favorite baseball cap, will he be able to forgive Doug?
Braving the Storm -- When Thomás moves away from his neighborhood and into a mobile home in his grandparents’ backyard, he misses his friends. There’s nothing to do around the apple orchard with no friends, his dad works a lot, and his little brother was hurt in an accident. All his sister wants to do is play with her dolls. Will Thomás be able to rely on God to get through the difficult times?
The details:
Each of the Seasons of Faith story books is a softcover book, 8.5 x 10 inches, and includes a CD of Uncle Charlie narrating the story. The CD has the traditional chime so non-reading children know when to turn the page. Each book includes the ABC's of salvation at the end. Discussion questions are also available for parents and teachers to use with children.
The books have colorful, full-page illustrations. The first two books in the series are illustrated by Robert Sauber, and the second two are illustrated by John White. The artwork reminds me of the posters and illustrations used in many Sunday School curriculums.
My opinion:
The Seasons of Faith books are nice stories, with good moral lessons, and a strong salvation message. However, they failed to capture the interest of my children. Perhaps that is because the children I have in the target range for these books are both active boys who'd rather be building with legos and climbing trees. Or perhaps it's because the stories seem a little forced, as often happens when a story is written for the purpose of teaching a moral.
The Cost:
These books with CD can be bought from Children's Bible Hour Ministries individually for $10 each, or as a set for $40. If you buy the complete set between March 17 and April 15, 2010 you can use the code FREESHIPAPR15 to receive free shipping.
This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion. Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
Trusting In Him,
April
