(4) K-3 Illustrated by Justin Skeesuck & Matt Waresak. In this autobiographical, faith-based story, Marcus helps eliminate physical barriers for his best friend John, who uses a wheelchair; John, in turn, strengthens his friend's emotional resolve. Wholesome watercolor and ink drawings further the adult sentiments in a story that's enhanced by the knowledge that, as adults, author Gray pushed illustrator Skeesuck's wheelchair along Spain's famed Camino de Santiago.

Reviewer: Robyn Bahr

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Annabel Tempest. As the title suggests, this picture book attempts to explain Christian theology using four words: "Wow" (the Creation), "Uh oh" (the Fall), "Yes" (Jesus' life and resurrection), and "Ahh" (human redemption through Christ). The stilted rhyming text may require some additional explication, but the bright, cartoony illustrations--especially closing spreads depicting an idyllic, multicultural New Creation--make the message seem inviting. Suggested Scripture passages appended.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Crecelius. Vacation Bible School turns into a magical, spiritual road trip in this collection of Bible stories. Three kids board a talking, self-driving van--and drive into the Bible. While this framing story is slight, the focus is on lively biblical retellings accompanied by cheery if slick cartoons. Numerous sidebars illuminate elements of history and culture as well as references to additional Scripture passages.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) K-3 Prayer Monsters series. Illustrated by Bonnie Pang. R. J., an orange monster girl, appears to be afraid of nothing. In reality, she fears spiders, dogs, and the dark. Her younger sister realizes that R. J. is hiding something and teaches her about the power of prayer. Written for young Christians (a New Testament quotation ends the book), this didactic text with brightly colored cartoon illustrations may be useful in religious settings.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Flipside Stories series. Illustrated by Lisa Manuzak. The story of the sinning tax collector, whose soul is saved by Jesus, is told in two stilted rhyming narratives. Mid-book, the reader is asked to "flip" the book to "take another look" at the story: one is from the perspective of Zacchaeus, the other from Jesus'; it's an effective gimmick for the book's purpose. Bright cartoon-style illustrations depict people of many skin tones.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Goat Boy Chronicles series. Illustrated by Amerigo Pinelli. A pastor/storyteller retells some New Testament miracles from the perspective of eleven-year-old Gideon, a.k.a. "Goat Boy." Gideon and friends are witnesses as Jesus reveals his teachings, and they struggle to process both mildly humorous and serious events. The stilted language is quite contemporary, which may engage some readers to look at the biblical world differently. Occasional cartoony line drawings add little.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt