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Jane Morton has put together an extraordinarily helpful combination of elements in Devotions for the Sandbox Set. Each of the 40 devotions presents a rhythmic, rhyming poem on the topic, a short Bible verse (NIV) reinforcing the theme, and a series of child-appropriate questions.
The topics are really on-target for the preschool age: "Where Are You?" addresses the predicament of placing God somewhere. "My Fears" acknowledges a child's sometimes-scary imagination.
Other devotions introduce new subjects in simple and appropriate ways: "Ten Lepers" on the rightness of saying thank-you; "My Grief" on the empty feeling when a pet dies and the healing love of God.
The illustrations by Sharon Dahl complement the written material well. Each is focused on one child and a single activity. In a captivating style that falls between realism and cartoons, she renders expressive faces and satisfyingly colorful scenes. The genius of Morton's questions at the end of each devotion is that they call for open-ended conversations between the adult and child reading this book together. You'll find yourself pondering your own answers and enjoying the give and take with the child in your lap as you share these devotions.
In Sand and Shells, Carousels, Silver Bells, Isabel Anders creates a poem for each month of the year. She captures a child's imagination with vivid images any child will enjoy:
I watch my feet make prints
In the soft and yielding sand
And wade into the water
Where it laps up to the land.
(from the poem "Sand and Shells")
These images are the gateway to understanding God's love for us. The wonders of nature show us God's great creative powers and His caring for the creatures of earth. The joyous occasions in our lives, holidays and parties, can illustrate God's love, too.
Lord, show me how each day is like
A package wrapped up bright,
Waiting to be opened --
A gift that's always right!
(from "The Thankful Season")
Each poem is a prayer: whether a prayer of thanks, of celebration, or of petition for growing faith. A short Bible passage (NIV) follows each poem, echoing the message from the pages of Scripture. With a big bright picture illustrating the prayer poems, this book provides meaningful bedtime reading or morning devotions to read with preschoolers and early elementary children.
Anders, a religion writer and editor for 25 years, is the author of devotional books for both children and adults.
Jeannie Crawford Lee is a reviewer in Nashville, TN.
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