Little Faith, The Child of the Toy Stall

by Mrs. O. F. Walton
Available from Amazon
*****

Little Faith lived and worked with a man she called her father. His wife had taken her in when her own mother died, and she had lived with them and helped their family until John Robinson’s wife died. Then his drunken mother in law, Mrs. Gubbins, came to “care” for the children, and she resented John’s providing for one who was not even his child, especially in their poor circumstances. But Mr. Robinson said that he and his wife had loved little Faith, and he was not going to turn her out. After Mrs. Gubbins complained again to him one night about Faith, she decided to leave; Mrs. Gubbins would be happier, and so would her dear father, for he would not have to be vexed by hearing complaints about her. She left that night, and tried to find someone who needed a servant, but there seemed to be nothing for her. She stepped into a church building to peer at her father through a window unseen. She was sad, lonely, cold and hungry, and she despaired of the Lord seeing to her needs or helping her in any way. Listening to the message afterwards, she fell asleep, but was startled awake by the words, “Little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” She thought Jesus and told the minister about her, and spoke to him afterwards, promising never to doubt Him again. She found that he had only been reading the words of Scripture, but he said that the Lord must have wanted to use that to get her attention. From there, little Faith’s world began to look brighter. She believed in God’s promises, and although everything did not immediately turn out, she trusted in His care.

This was such a sweet, tender little story, perfect for children and adults.

Venture and Valour

A collection of stories by different authors
Available from Lamplighter Publishing
*****

This book contains four very different stories by separate authors. Each story features individuals who display great courage to do what is right. There is a Scripture passage at the conclusion of each tale articulating the message the reader has just perused. The variety of the stories helps to illustrate the valor of the characters. Originally of British publication, some of the spellings, such as “valour” will be spelled the English way.

The first story is of an ordinary American railroad man who performs a heroic rescue.

The second is a legend of a princess in a far away country of which nothing but this record remains, as is often the case in legends. She was noble, and lived for her people after her father the king was killed. Although her father’s hateful murderer assumes the kingship and demands her marriage to him, the princess Sylvia surrenders her way of life and happiness by choosing not to escape his clutches. She understood it was right to live, and to find ways to strengthen her people. I cried at the happy ending.

The third tale is more of a mystery, told by a rather selfish man. This man witnesses the self-denial and vigilance of two people. These people had given up their own lives for one of much more difficulty and danger because of their love and respect.

The last account is of a chemist. His assistant had accidentally switched two people’s prescriptions, which was a matter of life and death. The poor chemist battles human indolence, a fierce storm on the sea, and his own limitations to set the matter right, and to save a life. He accomplishes this but only by giving the ultimate sacrifice.

These four stories of people whose lives demonstrate heroic bravery and sacrifice make this book an excellent little collection. The reading level is for teens and adults, although younger children would enjoy hearing it read aloud.

Rowland Bingham: Into Africa's Interior

by Janet & Geoffrey Benge
Available from Amazon
****

I was so inspired to read this biography! This man was the founder of the Sudan Interior Mission, and countless other projects. His life was devoted to serving the Lord and the Lord’s people, and reaching the lost for Christ. When he was burdened with a need, he didn’t bewail the fact that there was no group anywhere paying attention that he could associate with. He was a man of action, and when faced with a need, he found something to do about it. Living in comfort was not a priority to him, and change did not terrify him. His life was also characterized by determination, daring, sacrifice, and love for and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I think his life can be summarized in a paragraph from this biography. He was concerned for the countless men heading into World War II, and wanted a way to reach the unsaved soldiers and encourage the believing ones. The authors state: “The fact that it was yet another ministry that had no ongoing financial backing did not worry either of them [Rowland or his wife]. Rowland often told people that he did not have a great deal of faith, but that he had a little faith in a great God, and that great God would not let His causes fail.”

God is still the same God today. If He has place a burden in a particular area, and there is no existing solution visible, He can work through us to accomplish His purposes. I was so inspired by the life of Rowland Bingham to look around, and put my life to work where the Lord shows me I should, doubting nothing.

I encourage you to read this biography, and see the power of God in a man’s life.

Morgan the Jersey Spy

by James Otis
Available from Amazon and A Beka Book
****

In 1781, fourteen year old cousins Guy Peyton and Louis Poindexter wish they could be serving in the Continental Army with their fathers, but they were instructed to stay home with their mothers. Their fathers did say that they could participate in helping the Patriot cause if something came up that they could do, but only with their mothers’ permission. Both fathers and sons thought this could hardly occur, and all were surprised.

Guy and Louis were living outside Yorktown, and were having fun at the river when a man in a British red uniform accosted them. Morgan was an American spy for the Patriot cause, having enlisted in the British army to gain information. He asked them to carry a message to their fathers concerning the plans of the British. After receiving permission from their mothers, the boys began on their adventure, which takes them right into the British lines in Yorktown. Their courage and character is tested in the danger that follows.

I was pleased to read that although the boys were anxious to be involved in the war, respect and obedience to their parents ranked a higher authority. Many children’s adventures involve escapades carried out in spite of not having their parents knowledge, approval or permission. This adventure is in no way less exciting because the boys honored their parents and their parents’ wishes.

Written for teens, this book provides an adventure along with plenty of information about both armies in Yorktown. More interesting and memorable than a simple history lesson, the story gives material that will stick with the reader. Some children younger than teens may enjoy the story if it is read aloud, and older ones will enjoy breezing through it. Those who read the works of G. A. Henty will find this an easier though not simplistic read, in the same vein as Henty’s.

Add this one to your history adventure shelf!

The King's Book

by Louise A. Vernon
Available from Amazon
***

Nat Culver is the son of one of the translators King James has appointed, working on a Bible to replace the Geneva Bible. As we follow Nat during the period of the translation, we read some of the discussions this work provoked. Nat’s personal drama brings up the persecution of Catholics in England at the time, and his friend from the court brings us up to date on little tidbits of period history. Being well educated, as one might expect from the son of one of the translators, Nat became the tutor to a son of one of the other translators. As the men who worked on the King James Bible were not paid, Nat was also unpaid for his tutoring, but he was glad to receive food and a place in the family of his employer. As we read along with Nat and his adventures, we learn along with him much about the Bible as it was held in that time, interpretation, and views on the translation work. Even though King James commissioned this Bible, Nat finally declares that it “is not the king’s book” but “the King of Kings’ Book.”

I thought this a well researched book, and great for children. They will easily learn some of the period history, as well as the origins of the King James Version.

Hostage Lands

by Douglas Bond
Available from Amazon
*****

Fifteen-year-old Neil Perkins lived a reasonably good life. He lived on Hostage Heath, a farm near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, and his parents let him go where he please on his four-wheeler, as long as he accomplished his chores. Yes, he had a good life, except for his Latin classes with the ridiculous Miss Klitsa. Perhaps she would have been better off teaching a drama class.

After wrecking his four-wheeler near the Wall, Neil finds a spearhead and packet of tablets in the hole he made in landing. The tablets were all written upon, and in Latin, no less! He took them to Miss Klitsa and asked what they said, but she was too much of a teacher to tell him.

All of this merely serves as the introduction to the tale which Neil laboriously translated. The epic tale of Celts and Romans scheming, spying, fighting and dying around Hadrian’s Wall is reminiscent of the tales spun by Rosemary Sutcliff. We follow the centurion Rusticus, who must decide where his loyalties lay. The story is well told, and readers will hold their breath, instead of easily guessing the way everything will resolve itself. To make this drama even better than Sutcliff’s, one of these characters, Calum, is a Christian, although he does not proclaim it to everyone he meets. When the Celts sit around the fire at night, and call on him for a story, he tells them, “My tale is of a great King,” and gives the whole gospel. Calum’s service to the Prince of Peace does not however, make him any less valiant a soldier.

The book concludes with Rusticas telling a story of “a great King.” Neil wonders if the whole story is true, and asks questions. Will Neil, will the reader believe the story? What about the tale of “a great King”?

I have always loved Sutcliff’s books, but Hostage Lands ranks even higher on my list. I wish I could give it more stars, and highly recommend it to those 13 and up. Travel back to the misty, dangerous Britain of the Celts, when Romans built their wall, and flaunted their standards. You will learn to think like a Celt, and step quietly behind a tree when you hear footsteps. And maybe you finish this book, and read it again, and give it a place with your favorite Celtic books.

The Strange Intruder

by Arthur Catherall
Available from Amazon
****
The island of Mykines is the smallest of the Faroe Islands. The farthest to the northwest, it is closer to Iceland than Scotland. The climate is harsh, and the people are hardy, and when whales are sighted, all the able-bodied men left on the island set out to hunt them. All except sixteen-year-old Sven. He had been hunting sea birds with his uncle and six other men, and could not make it to the landing before the other men took off in the boats. This turned out to be well, as Sven would be needed on the island.

Sven’s father had been on the crew of a cod schooner, the Faroes Seeker. They had been out six months and were on their way to sell their catch and return home to their families. Just before the whale hunt the Faroes Seeker was damaged by floating wreckage and a man badly injured, and they radioed for help. Since the other men had left the island, they could not come to their rescue. A terrific storm blew up, and the ship was in imminent danger of being smashed against the rocky coast. The older men and the women on the island were ready to help the drifting men in the boat in any way, but it would need someone with more physical strength and endurance to aid the men if they were shipwrecked on the rocks.

To further complicate matters, the strange intruder showed up, and was very dangerous. Sven feels the responsibility to protect the people on the island, but he knows the men on the boat are depending on his help. His desperate dilemma is how to do both. He seems never to stop running almost from the beginning of the book, and eventually puts his own life on the line to protect those around him.

Although people live in the Faroes Islands, you probably haven’t read too many books that are set there. I was interested to read about a little about life in these islands. Arthur Catherall has woven an exciting adventure of a young man who needs the courage and strength to do what is right. A great book for a rainy day!

The Invisible Friend

by Lois Walfrid Johnson
Available from Amazon
*****
In the third book of the Viking Quest series, 13-year-old Brianna O’Toole has come to the Aurland Fjord in Norway. Captured from her home in Ireland, she is now a slave. Her captor, Mikkel, is only a year older than her, but he has the power go on raids and enslave captives. Of course, Bree finds that his father is not pleased with his son’s lawlessness. Mikkel spends the book searching his soul for truth and honor, coming to decide he wants to be trusted. He knows he can trust the word of his Christian Irish prisoners, and he realizes that he has a respect for people he thought he despised. Mikkel learns that to be trusted, he must prove himself to worthy of trust.

Bree becomes a slave to Mikkel’s mother and soon learns the ways of the Norwegians, all the while resenting her slavery. She, who was a chieftain’s daughter! One of her jobs is to tend Mikkel’s grandmother, who wakes every night with terrifying nightmares. Bree convinces Mikkel to let her take the Scriptures which were stolen from the Irish monastery during the raid, and to read them to his grandmother. The gospel makes a difference in the lives of each of the Norwegians, and also to Bree. When she pondered Jesus’ words, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” and “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” she understood that her physical slavery did not affect her spiritual freedom. She was not a slave, but a daughter of the King of Kings! And she was not alone. Jesus had promised to be with His own, and He was with her: her “invisible Friend”.

Bree became sure that she had seen her long lost sister Keely, but she could not manage to find her. Was she hiding from her own sister? Stones on the ground seem to leave a message for Bree, but can she follow them? Is Keely even the one leaving the messages? If Bree could find her, the sisters could be friends in this foreign world.

Devin reappears, and it seems that a homeward journey is almost in sight for Bree. However, everything takes an unexpected turn, and Bree and Devin face a renewed battle with fear and hatred. They are both willing to sacrifice much for the other, and in the end a heartbreaking sacrifice shocks the readers. The children are able to survive because of the peace in their souls, peace that only Christ can give.

The author has been to the Aurland Fjord, and her glowing descriptions of the scenery are firsthand.

This is another great adventure into the Viking times, and the Christian perspective makes it so much better.

Joseph Haydn, The Merry Little Peasant

by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher
Available from Amazon and The Book Peddler
*****

This is such a sweet little book for children, and adults will enjoy reading through it as well. The way Haydn’s childhood and early years are portrayed is delightfully entertaining, as well as educational. If this had been a little tale invented to amuse children instead of a factual biography, it could hardly be more enchanting. Readers will find it easy to remember these interesting details of Haydn’s life because they will be in sympathy with him in his escapades, disappointments, and successes. In addition to describing the life of this composer, the authors also attempt an introduction to his music. Several musical pieces are included for the reader to play on the piano to see for themselves how charming Haydn’s music is. Musical terms are also explained, such as, “A sonata, you know, is music written for solo instruments with an accompaniment”, or “A symphony is music written for an orchestra and is divided into several parts.”

I heartily recommend this excellent book, especially for children who may be learning Haydn's music in their lessons. The authors have done an outstanding job, and I will be looking for their other works.

Kingdom's Dawn

by Chuck Black
Available from Amazon
****

The tale of the Bible translated into a medieval Celtic kingdom is the basis for the Kingdom Series. Kingdom’s Dawn, the first in the series, follows Leinad, a young man who typifies many of the early Old Testament characters. Sometimes the allegory seems a little too strained, and Chuck Black does not have the most flowing style, but he certainly has come up with a captivating allegory. Leinad uses his sword, representing the Word, to fight for the King. At one point his people are enslaved in a land, and the allegory is very obvious, as the king who finally lets them go is named “Lord Fairos”. There are other like situations that are made very plain in case anyone might have forgotten what the series really is about. As in Bunyan’s Holy War – which is the best Biblical allegory I have ever read – the same people represent more than one Biblical character or image, so as to have a cohesive story that does not expand over thousands of years. This book correlates to the Biblical account from Creation, through the flood, and into the Egyptian captivity, although often couched in quite different (but very apparent) symbols, all while our hero Leinad is still in his youth. All in all, I enjoyed this book and all the fantastic imagery that reminds one of the Scriptures and their power, and our King.

Mystery of the Silver Coins

by Lois Walfrid Johnson
Available from Amazon
*****
Spoiler alert! This book continues the Viking Quest saga, which is full of adventure and lessons in faith. Bree and Devin learn about forgiveness and to realize the fact that God’s will is sometimes different than our own. At one point the gospel is presented, but the author never preaches to the reader. It’s a great series, but only read on if you’re interested in knowing more of the working out of the plot.

In this, the second of the Viking Quest series, Bree has escaped from her Viking captors, along with a Lil, an eight year old girl. Bree works out a disguise to protect her as she fishes for the food they need, and she is careful to hide her tracks to the girls’ hiding place. As they trek across the mountains, they are confidant of escaping from the island, and back home to Ireland.

Bree discovered that Mikkel, her captor, was not only interested in recovering the two girls for their value as slaves, but he also believed that she had stolen a bag of silver coins. The penalty for this theft was death, although it seemed perfectly fine to the Vikings to have stolen the coins from the Irish (We find later in the book that the coins were actually stolen from a Norseman living in Ireland).

Meanwhile, Bree’s brother Devin is also heading home, from the other side of Ireland where he was left by the Vikings. He nurses his hate for the Vikings, making a bitter enemy of one who had followed him. On his journey he comes to Dublin, and meets a Viking who was a friend of his own father. Devin comes to understand that he must surrender his hate, and learn to forgive.

Forgiveness was not a lesson Bree had yet learned, however. Lil became very sick on the mountains, and they stopped their journey over the island to wait for her recovery. She told Bree she was not afraid to die, and explained why she was lonely for heaven, giving the plan of salvation. Just after Lil’s fever broke, however, the girls were discovered by Mikkel. He had decided to search for them himself, fearing that his guards might harm them if they found the girls first. Bitterness and anger filled Bree, especially when she heard that Mikkel had prayed, not only to Thor, but to the Christian God, her God, for help in finding the girls. How could God help him? Didn’t God want them to escape? How could she be a light to the nations in captivity?

To clear her name, as well as to save her life, Bree set her mind to identify the real thief of the silver coins. Hints were dropped through the book, but you may be surprised to find out who he really was! His resentment at being detected turns into anger toward Bree.

The book concludes with Devin back home with his family, and Bree’s arrival at Mikkel's home, where she is to be his mother’s new slave. She thinks she has seen her long lost sister, but that, as well as all the other unfinished threads, is left for other books.

I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter With God

by Bilquis Sheikh with Richard H. Schneider
Available from Amazon
****

Bilquis Sheikh describes her journey, beginning with her initial interest in spirituality. She tells of her search for the truth, studying her Koran and the Bible she had requested, and struggling to know which book was God’s. She humbled herself to visit a missionary to ask questions. She knew how to pray; prayer had been a ritual performed five times a day. However, she was startled by the new thought of praying to God as a father. In which of the two holy books was God a father? She decided to accept the Bible. She studied it, and began to spend time with the missionaries. She listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and became convicted about so many things: baptism, her temper, her responses to other people. Christ gave her the strength to defy her family when they insisted she have nothing to do with Christians, as well as the courage to live calmly when her life was threatened. It was such a hard decision, even after she knew in her heart that she believed, and had become a Christian. Her family was close, and she enjoyed so many tender relationships cut off by her choice to follow Jesus. Her family, who had shared such love with her, even tried to kill her for rejecting Islam.

In this book, she chronicles this process. It is precious to see the Lord at work in hard places, like South Asia. We see that He is not limited, only we are. She also gives us insights into her own culture, and values of family and community which are remote from the individualism of the West. It is enlightening to glimpse into a Muslim family, and how she continued to live among her relatives after her conversion. Most of all, it is encouraging to read of another sister’s journey to live before God in communion with Him as He has called us all to do. It brings reflection on our own lives, and the depth and closeness of our own relationship with our heavenly Father.

At the end of the book, there is an epilogue of Bilquis’ life after the conclusion of the book. Then another perspective is added by Synnove Mitchell, the missionary to whom Bilquis first spoke about the Lord.

Written in an easy manner, this book can be read in an afternoon. Bilquis was open and honest about matters of the heart, and I did not find her to by dry at all. Who should read it? Those interested in this kind of conversion and culture, those wanting to know how God can be a Father, and Christians who want to understand this sister and those like her, and Christians who want to deepen their own relationship with our heavenly Father.

Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation

by Douglas Bond
Available from Amazon
*****
This story begins in the book “Mr. Pipes and the British Hymnmakers”. In that book, Annie and Drew meet Mr. Pipes during a summer in England, and through him, they come to know about many hymn writers. They learn the hymns and discuss poetry, the meaning of the words, and the lives of the writers. Annie and Drew believe on the Lord Jesus, and then returned to the States with their mother at the end of the summer.

In this book, it is the next summer. Mr. Pipes has invited the children to tour Europe with him, and they are delighted to go. There are more hymn stories, of course, and the hymns with music are included at the end of each chapter. As the title states, the hymns are from the Reformation era, and they contain signs of the spiritual upheaval of the time. Mr. Pipes also points out interesting facts about the places they visit, which adds the interest of culture and European landmarks. Their trip takes them to from England to France, Germany and Switzerland, although most of the book occurs in Germany. Annie and Drew were impressed with the character of the German hymns: martial with gentleness and tenderness. Mr. Pipes told them of some of the persecutions the people endured, and they could see it reflected in the hymns. From battling their tempers to outwitting a spy, the children learn character, history and doctrine from Mr. Pipes with plenty of apt humor thrown in. Annie and Drew return to the States knowing more history, and with a deeper love for and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I enjoyed this book so much. I think every Christian family should have this series, as the history of the hymns and hymn writers will draw the reader closer to Christ. Especially in this book, the hymns speak much of the preciousness of the person of the Lord. These books would also make great gifts for children from non-Christian families. Mr. Pipes is not preachy, and never pushes his strong beliefs on the children, although he never misses an opportunity to explain anything they ask about! Own this set of books!

Raiders from the Sea

by Lois Walfrid Johnson
Available from Amazon
*****
This is the first of the three “Viking Quest” series, which is continued in the “Raiders from the Sea” series. Bree is a young Irish girl who is captured during a Viking raid. Her brother is also captured, but effects an escape, thanks to his sister. The story begins with the first suspicion of a raid, and is concluded with the launch of Bree’s escape from the Vikings. Through the story, Bree battles her fear, anger, and resentment toward her young captor, constantly turning to the Lord for strength and courage. The Christianity did not seem at all forced or contrived, but flowed naturally, as it would in the life of a Christian.

I was pulled into the story, especially as I enjoy this time period. It was written for children, but adults will enjoy a nice quick read. The plot is not simplistic, and moved right along. It is Christian and clean, but not preachy.

I’m going to have to get the other books in the series! This book is followed by “The Mystery of the Silver Coins.”