Age 00-04. 5 Stars. The story is told with well-paced, pleasant repetition and a funny, dramatic climax with a visual joke at the end, as Baba inspects the mysteriously enlarged mitten. Nicki is a likable and energetic child with a nurturing, sensible adult caretaker, and the animals are rendered in their animal characters, with only a shade of human personality. But it is the gorgeous illustrations that really make this story… This story will surprise and delight children from a wide range of ages, from toddlers (there is a simplified board book version just for them) to readers.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. There are many legends about John Chapman, the quiet man who planted apple orchards across early America. This book captures the romantic mystery of these legends, while emphasizing that they are based on a real person’s story… This book, well-written in rhyming verse and illustrated by the gifted folk artist Kathy Jakobsen, is an excellent addition to any child’s library, but will be especially attractive for Christian readers because of its emphasis on John Chapman’s faith. It is a tribute that conveys well how Chapman’s influence is still felt in American culture, and it ought to whet the appetite for exploring the history behind the legend.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This tale is derived from European folktales and slave stories of the American South. In it, the industrious but unscrupulous Hare is pitted against the profoundly lazy Bear… There aren’t many funny books for children about the dangers of laziness, and this one is a keeper.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. This lovely tale illustrates the truth that although God’s decisions regarding the lives of His creations may seem inscrutable, He is always working for good purposes…. While the book does not present the full story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18), it is an excellent complement to the story. This would make a good addition both to your Christmas and Easter reading basket.

Age 04-08. 2 Stars. This story is one of several Swedish legends explaining why the Christmas Rose blooms in winter…. The story hinges on whether Robber Father can be forgiven, and in the end he is pardoned on the basis of the miracle, with no expression of contrition for his theft. The lay brother, in contrast, having realized his error in judging Robber Father, spends the rest of his life in penitence. Robber Father is met with warm acceptance, the lay brother with clinging guilt. This leads me to conclude that this is not so much a story about forgiveness, but is more of a moralistic story about religious self-righteousness.

Age 04-08. 5 Stars. A wonderful story about the importance of telling the truth…. Ping… Although he gives his best, Ping fails at getting the seed to grow. Nevertheless, he demonstrates courage in presenting his empty pot, and his honesty is well rewarded.

Age 00-04. 3 Stars. This is a hilarious retelling of a Cuban folk tale…. It is a lighthearted yet sincere tribute to bilingualism, and the family’s unity and affection (notwithstanding the cowardice of certain members in hiding behind Mother) is delightful.

Age 00-04. 4 Stars. A very nicely illustrated retelling of a traditional Kenyan folktale…. The tale of a shepherd shooting a hole in the clouds to water his herd is lighthearted in its delivery, but it also conveys on a child’s level the trouble that dry seasons can bring to a subsistence agrarian community.