The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers

Elizabeth and I have been enjoying The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2, by Carla Barnhill, illustrated with endearing Little Blessings artwork by Care Bears artist, Elena Kucharik. Intended for three to six year olds, each reading pairs a Little Blessings illustration with a short Bible verse and devotional thought to get parents and children talking about the simple truths of Scripture. A rhyming prayer or application completes each devotional.

Elizabeth and I started at the beginning – and then jumped right into the middle. The lesson from Psalm 139 is definitely a favorite; because of the avid little “painter” and “builder” at our house, I love the connection made between activities she understands and loves – communicating in terms she can grasp the wonder of the Creator’s delight in making her:

“When God made you, He picked out all your parts and put them together. So He knows and loves everything about you. You are His special creation.”

Another favorite is A Solid Rock, in which the qualities and uses of rocks are explained in terms little ones can appreciate:

“[Rocks are] really strong. Big rocks are great to stand on when you want to see higher or to sit on when you need to rest… God is incredibly strong, and He’s always there when we need Him.”

I do find myself fleshing out the more simple entries, sometimes substituting stronger vocabulary and more often adding in the message of salvation through Christ. For example, the entry on King David states: “He knew God loved him, even when he made bad choices and big mistakes.” I added: “Because God loved David and because He loves you and me, He sent Jesus to die for David’s sins and for your sins and my sins, too – so we can be forgiven!”

Elizabeth is captivated by the artwork, the letters on the page, the “just right for little people” size of the book, etc. Etcetera! We're looking forward to reading more together!

A complimentary book was provided to me, as a reviewer for Mama Bzz, by Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for posting a complete review on my bargain blog (B1G1, Bargains & Blessings in a “Banana”) as part of today’s blog tour.

You can read my complete review here.

A big “Thank-you!” to the folks at Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to review and enjoy this wonderful book!