Picture books, 40 pages plus end sheets
Written by Kathryn O’Brien, illustrated by Gillian Flint
Tyndale Kidz, March 2016, SRP $14.99
Ages: 3-6
I Can  ISBN: 978-1496411174
Be Still  ISBN: 978-1496411167
Give Thanks  ISBN: 978-1496411181
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Turn memorizing Bible verses from a duty to a delight AND give children age-appropriate understanding of the verses they are learning—that’s what this innovative new picture book series by Kathryn O’Brien does!

Experts know that the way to memorization is repetition, and the key to repetition is to make it fun. And again, that’s just what these books do.

Each book in the series teaches just one verse (from the New Living Translation):
Be still and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! Psalm 136:1
I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Each book opens with just the first word or phrase of the verse: Give

Turn the page and find a short, rhythmic list that focuses on and explains the word from the verse that was just introduced: Give a hug. Give a gift. Give a smile. Give a helping hand. Give it your all!

Turn the page again, and another word from the verse has been added: Give thanks

Another page turn and you will find: For a new day. For a safe home. For a warm bed. For a full plate. Give thanks. Give thanks. Give thanks.

The pattern continues through the pages of the book, until at the end the verse is complete. And very likely, after just a few readings, completely memorized!

I especially like the way the author describes God throughout the series, as in this text that follows the last word in the verse “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good”:
Good to you. Good to me. Good today. Good tomorrow. All the time, in every way, He is good.

Illustrations are colorful, not too complex, and multi-ethnic (which I applaud). The same four children appear throughout each book.

As the back cover says well:

Scripture is presented one powerful word at a time, along with charming art and applications to build meaningful connections between God’s Word and a child’s everyday life. Memory-verse learning has never been so effortless, effective, and fun!

The series is called “Sit for a Bit,” and when you have these books in hand that’s just what you’ll want to do—pull a young child on your lap and explore and learn God’s Word together.

DIANE

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