Friday, December 5, 2014

B&H Publishing Review: Little Tree Found written by Troy Schmidt

Christmas is right around the corner! I enjoy reviewing books, but I absolutely LOVE reviewing children's Christmas books. The most recent book I reviewed for B and H Publishing was titled, Little Tree Found, written by Troy Schmidt and illustrated by Rob Corley and Chuck Vollmer.

My Thoughts
This 32-page hardcover children's book had a beautiful cover with bits of glitter shimmering on the snow-capped tree limbs. The book is about a lonely tree in the middle of the forest who attempts to make friends every chance he gets. One day he is yanked out of the ground - the only home he has ever known. The tree expresses the fear, loneliness, and pain due to the experience. As the other trees disappear from the tree lot, he begins to feel lost, worried, and thirsty for water (life). He feels hopeless. He begins to wither away until a father and his son buy him and give new meaning to his life. I feel that the father and the son are representative of our Father in Heaven and His Son. The author says, "Then out of the darkness and into the light stepped two friendly creatures. One was the father and the other, his son, but they walked together as if they were one." The little tree hopes that they will purchase him after he bows and gives his word offering his life to them. The little tree is no longer feels lonely and finds joy and happiness with his new life - a life which celebrates Christmas year-round.

The message of salvation which can only come from Jesus Christ wasn't necessarily clearly stated in terms for young readers. An adult may need to discuss this message further with their child. It's a story about a new life or beginning with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

A parent connection is included as a bonus feature. Basically, it consists of a series of question prompts to jump start a conversation with your child about what the story means and is intended to be utilized and discussed after reading the story. There is a prayer towards the back of the book that your child can repeat when they accept God's Love. They'll make a commitment to live with Him forever.

Prices
B&H $12.99
Lifeway $9.74
Amazon $11.57

Note: All prices are subject to change without notice.

Recommendations
This was a good, sweet story about salvation. Honestly, this book wasn't at the top of my book list to read during Christmas, but it still contained an important message. The book is suitable for Christian parents with children between the  ages of 4-8 enrolled in preschool through 3rd grade. I also recommend this book for Sunday School teachers.

Disclaimer
I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the B and H Publishing Group Book Review Program in exchange for an honest, unbiased review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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