Children's Book of the Week: 14

This week's book is a Christian children's book. My mom always finds us the best "church" books, as we call them. She's never even brought us the same one twice. We don't have any LDS bookstores in our area, so we count on her to introduce us to the newest and best church books. This one is perhaps my favorite. It's a board book with little flaps, but it's perfect for kids of any age. It teaches about faith and it's called:

I Know He Is There
by Rebecca GundersenThornley

It's the sweetest book, told from a young (redhaired) girl's perspective. She compares everyday experiences to the relationship she has with God, which helps explain the concept of faith in real terms. The author makes this difficult concept seem so tangible for young minds. Here is an excerpt:

"When Grandma calls me on the telephone I can't see her, but I know she's there. I hear her crinkly voice ask, "Do you like the birthday blanket I sent you?" I feel the thick, cozy, hand-knitted blanket she made for me. I taste a big bite of warm chocolate cake--Grandma's recipe. I don't see her, but . . . (lift the flap) I know she is there."

It goes on like this, the girl talks about hearing her little brother sleeping in the next bed, she can smell his stinky feet and hear him breathing, and even though her eyes are closed, she knows he is there. The last page reads,

"When I fold my arms and bow my head to pray, I can't see Heavenly Father, but I know He's there. I can't hear Him, but I know He hears me thanking Him for all my blessings. I can't see Him, but I know He sees me, and watches over me. I can't touch him, but . . . I know He is there."

It's precious, a must-have for every Christian family with young children, and you can find yours here.