Loving the Old Testament by Alec Motyer

 I am currently in a class at our church for training for a certain role. Our teacher assigned this book for us to read last month. Through scripture connections, Mr. Motyer reinforces how the Christian needs the Old Testament to fully understand Christ and to fully understand (and appreciate) the New Testament.  My appreciation for the Bible as one whole book has deepened after reading this book. Chapter 14 "Settling Down to Our Task" especially challenged me. Its practical application appealed to me.

-I own this book.

The Vanished Kingdom #3- The War of the Maps by Jonathan Auxier

 Mr. Auxier finishes his trilogy featuring Peter Nimble and Sopie Quire with an exciting tale of two opposing forces-reason and magic. Whichever side wins, their reality will determine how the world functions.  When these forces war versus each other, the individuals involved realize that their conclusions about the other side may not be accurate. 

Mr. Auxier is a superb story teller, who uses figurative language aptly. I love his word play with the names of the members of the League of Maps. Additionally, it was fun reading about the Fable Stables (a transitional reader series) in this novel. It has been eight years since I read Peter Nimble, and five years since read Sopie Quire. To fully appreciate the series, the reader would find it beneficial to read the novels during a short span of time (not years apart like I did!).

I, however, was disappointed that Mr. Auxier included a nod to the transgender movement. On page 386 the Rooks are shedding their names given to them by the evil Mother and revealing their real parent-given names. One child says "their" name is Horace, but "they" always hated it. With fear, "they" declare "they" want to be called Shasta. All of the other Rooks have "he" or "she" in the sentences when sharing their name. But this one uses "they" & "their" pronouns. I had my fifteen-year-old son read this page, and he didn't pick up on it. He thinks kids are reading strictly for the enjoyment of  the story, whereas an adult reader is more attuned to these inclusions. 

Update warning-6/22/25-I just read World magazine's review of this book. Their reviewer also picked up on the inclusion of transgender. She also pointed out that Peter's sister, Peg, says she "isn't  interested in boys". I remember reading it and pausing, but then disregarding it because I thought I was reading too much into it. I probably was not.

Warnings: violence-quite graphic at times, pg. 386-transgender paragraph, character saying she isn't into boys,   discuss-Is everything black/white? What is the benefit of hearing the "opposing side's" story? What about God's Truth? Is all progress bad? What does progress squelch? 

-Borrowed from the library.

Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson illustrated by Dan Santat*

When readers first begin reading this book, they believe they are learning about the five main classes of vertebrates. The narrator then relays important information-the reader should not trust fish. At this point, the narrator leaps off onto a long bunny trail, listing all the reasons why the reader should not trust fish. Humorous and fun!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mighty-The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem by Henry Cole*

 Mr. Cole follows the growth of an oak tree over the centuries and its impact on creation. Mr. Cole captures its majestic appearance and all of the critters that depend on it very well. I loved looking for the animals Mr. Cole drew on the forest floor amid leaves and plants and in the oak's branches.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

 A cranky bird, Otto, could care less about life and often mutters, "What's the point?".  When he drops a seed on his dirty floor, a tree begins to grow. Each day he tells the tree a story about his marvelous adventures in his younger years. A transformation begins-in Otto and in his home.

I did not find the illustrations appealing.

-Borrowed from the library.

Miss Prim Goes Wild by Katy Rose illustrated by Thai My Phuong*

 Miss Prim is an organized, serious, predictable --well. ..  a prim lady. She especially looks for problems in nature and properly trims or disposes of them. When she hurts her back, she gains perspective on life and changes her opinion about nature.

I loved witnessing the character transformation as the book progressed. Alliteration and excellent word choice abound. The illustrations tell just as much of Miss Prim's story as the words. 

Pair with A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie & Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Where Are You, Bronte? by Tomie dePaola illustrated by Barbara McClintock

 Tomie's last fully written book before he passed away in 2020

Tomie relates how special his dog, throughout its life and how much he misses him when Bronte dies.

Written in 2nd person-directly to Bronte

Children who love their pets will connect with Tomie's love for Bronte.

Ms. McClintock mimics Tomie's illustration style well. She includes the dove with a heart on it throughout the pages.

-Borrowed from the library