This upcoming May, the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference hosts their prestigious Selah Awards. Judges select their top three winners from recently published Christian books submitted to the contest. While a variety of classifications are listed, let’s pop in on the finalists for the Children’s Picture and Board Books category. Why? Because if these books got nods from industry leaders, they’re sure to get the thumbs up from you child.

Good Morning, God Loves You! by Crystal Bowman and Terri McKinley is a rhyming board book geared toward young kids. As suggested by the title, the story reminds readers how all creation shows how much God loves them. With a gentle encouragement to start each day with a joyful attitude, this book is sure to comfort snuggly children.

I Love You From Here to Heaven Above by Michelle Medlock Adams and Cecil Stokes uses delightful analogies to describe how much children are loved. Since it’s packed with Biblical references (the Red Sea, the Easter donkey, and so on), parents can use the book as a springboard to talk about God’s love.

I Made the Earth by Shannon Cook highlights Earth Day, but from God’s perspective. Written in rhyme, the book explores different aspects of God’s creation. As a bonus, end matter includes tips on ways kids can take proactive steps to caring for our world and fun facts about Earth Day.

Mr. OneEars and the Button Which Shall Not be Pressed by Jason Wallis will appeal to those who enjoy humor. This interactive text asks the question, “Will he press the button or have self-control”—a question that leads to hilarious situations where Mr. OneEars is sorely tempted to find out what happens if he presses the button. The book is described as a fully interactive early reader experience.

Noah’s Gloomy Joyful Ark by Jill Roman Lord provides a new perspective on a favorite Bible story, that of the great flood but from the animal’s point of view. Readers are encouraged to make animal noises as they read and are reminded of how joyful the passengers must have felt to be safe on the ark. The book is part of a series.

I don’t know about you, but all these books sound like winners to me! And for us at CCA, the best news is that two of our members made the list –Crystal Bowman and Michelle Medlock Adams. I hope you will take a moment to check these stories out. And if you do pick up a copy, remember to leave a review for the author. Next month, I’ll peek at another Selah Award categories.

Lori Z. Scott

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