REVIEW: Big Thoughts for Little People

* Mama Buzz, and reviewers, were provided with a complimentary copy of this book for blog tour purposes*




Big Thoughts for Little People by Kenneth N. Taylor

Ages 3-7

Hardcover retails for $14.99

I wasn't quite sure what I was getting when I agreed to review Big Thoughts for Little People by Kenneth N. Taylor. But, when I received the book, I was delightfully surprised...and so were my children. Their faces lit up at the bright colors and beautiful illustrations. I ate up the rich Biblical text full of engaging discussion. And by engaging, I mean, for me and my two year old as well as my older children. The ladybugs, especially, were a big hit for the kids and served as a tool to hold their attention while I read. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let's start with an explanation of the product. Big Thoughts for Little People is an ABC book written by Kenneth N. Taylor. You probably don't recognize the author, but you will recognize where he came from. He was the founder of Tyndale Publishing...a very large Christian publishing firm. Mr. Taylor wrote this book in the '80s. This current version has been republished with new illustrations from Andrea Petrlik Huseinovic.

So, here's how the book works: On the left side of the page a letter is introduced (great for beginning readers). The letter is introduced with a character trait, either good or bad with a four line rhyme that briefly introduces the trait. Then, in smaller print is more information about the trait...this information can include observing the picture on the right hand side or talking about how/who/why we need to have or not have that particular trait. Below the description of the trait is three questions pertaining to what was discussed or what is happening in the picture. And lastly, on the left side of the page, is a Scripture verse. And, as I just mentioned, the right hand side is a picture. There are children of all shapes, sizes, and colors doing all sorts of activities in each picture. Each of the pictures is just busy enough to keep my children gazing, observing, and coming back for more. In the pictures and on the pages are ladybugs. Lots of ladybugs in fact! So, part of the fun comes in finding all the ladybugs on the pages.

I've re-worked my schedule during the day to allow time for "school" for the younger children. This means, that we have time to sit and read, mostly. My first choice last week, was this book. The boys, Josiah and Liam, have loved cuddling on the couch, discussing what was in the book and then searching for ladybugs. Oftentimes, Liam would stop looking for ladybugs and want to discuss what the people in the picture were doing.

What a great opportunity to start introducing your young child to positive character traits and also to provide a way to talk to your child about them. This book would be ideal to help jumpstart devotionals/family worship with young children. The verses are short and would be great to start to "hide God's Word" in a child's heart. As a plus, the beautiful illustrations and rich text have drawn my children back to it time and again. I have a feeling this will be a go-to book for them!

And now, a funny from Liam.

When we were reading O for Obey. It discusses how when we don't obey we are disciplined or "punished." One of the questions pertained to what would happen if we disobeyed our parents. The answer should have been punish...

Liam's answer: "Mommy and Daddy punch us."

Not to self: Make sure, when reading, that you pronounce words clearly!