I delightful story with nice pictures that children will like to look at.

About a week ago, I was so excited to find another book review program for bloggers. It's called Blogging for Books, and they have quite an assortment to choose from. I just received my first book, God Gave Us So Much by Lisa Tawn Bergren in the mail today, and I was able to read through it tonight. I had seen this series of books in retail stores before, but I had not had a chance to read them. This particular book is a limited edition three book treasury. The three books included together are: God Gave Us the World, God Gave Us Love, and God Gave Us Heaven.

Each of these stories is about the life of a polar bear family of five--Papa, Mama, Little Cub and her two younger siblings. In God Gave Us the World, the family visits a bear exhibit, and Mama teaches Little Cub about God's great creation. In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub encounters a group of rambunctious otters who get her a little upset. Little Cub's Grandpa subtly reminds her of God's great love for her and the how she needs to love the otters. In God Gave Us Heaven, Little Cub asks Papa some very innocent, childlike questions about what heaven is like and what she will do there.

I enjoyed reading through these stories especially the first two. They provide great opportunities for discussions with your children. The last story, God Gave Us Heaven, was a little vague on how we actually get to heaven. I believe that is one thing that should never be vague especially in dealing with children. Also, I would probably wait on reading the last story until my two year old daughter was a little older. I think it is a little too early to be talking about death with her; although, you have to judge each child individually in matters like these. I absolutely loved the illustrations by Laura J. Bryant. She did a great job with the art for this book. The polar bears look adorable and cuddly, and the colors are delightful, bright and cheery.

I would recommend this collection of books as great bedtime reading; although you may have to read a little at a time as the stories are on the longer side. Be prepared to add what is not explicitly stated such as the Gospel. The opportunity is given, and it would be really easy to add.

** I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

Continuing in the "God Gave Us" Series by Lisa T. Bergren and Laura J. Bryant is a stunning triology called "God Gave Us So Much". There are enough words to the story to keep my 5 year olds attention (I frequently will read chapter books to her, so alot of picture books are too short for her) yet the words are simple enough that a younger 2 or 3 year old would also be able to keep up with the plot.

I'm always watching for clearance sales, and normally that is how I purchase books for my kids as well. Forget that with this book, it is a full price keeper! And there are actually 3 stories in book - "God Gave Us The World", "God Gave Us Love", & "God Gave Us Heaven". This is one of those books that is so special to my family I can see keeping it to pass down to my grandkids.

The illustrations & paper quality are the best. I actually find myself wanting to open up this book and touch the pages and look at the beautiful watercolor paintings without even reading the book! There is just the right amount of God in this book that I think it would still be a wonderful book for a family that doesn't typically buy children's books with a religious theme.

EducatingParents.org rating: Approved