Maybe the readers of By Quiet Waters know I love a good children’s book. As my own kids have grown, the youngest is in high school, I’ve passed on quite a few books. That’s been a challenging job because if my bookish daughters are around they will declare “they are all good books”. In any case, all the old friends are still on the shelves.
This love of children’s books is why I accept new children’s books from places like Tommy Nelson, Tyndale and Moody Publishers.
“I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat” by Max Lucado from Tommy Nelson arrived this month. Can I just say, the title grabbed me right away. The subtitle of this gem is A Prayer for When You Wish You Were Brave. Don’t we all need that?
The story starts out with “I’m a big cat. I’m a strong cat. I’m not a scaredy-cat…except when…”
I love that. We all experience fear, and the desire to be brave. Whether it’s Nana, a teenage auntie, or sweet little grand, we all experience the feelings of surprise when our big strong courage gets a little like a scaredy-cat. Over the years of parenting, I’ve watched and listened as my kids have faced fears big and small, significant and insignificant. Just as this little scaredy-cat repeats his short phrase, so do we.
The illustrations of this book are amusing, and the main character is an orange tiger stripe cat. The colors are bright and cheerful. Although, pink frosted doughnuts seems a little out of place. Small matter.
Maybe you are in a place of guiding young ones. This is a charming story that can be read for enjoyment. It can also be used a a tool, to guide little ones to the One Who can make us brave. This is a lifelong gift we ought to pursue everyday.
Thanks to FrontGate media for this new addition to my bookshelves, “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat, given in exchange for this review.
