I will start out this review by saying one word. Wow. This is a must read for believers. I really had no idea what to expect from this book as when I started it I had never heard of it before. I knew there was some controversy surrounding the book, but I didn’t know why. I began reading the story expecting it to be a suspense novel – and was I ever in for a surprise!

Now maybe you have started this book, got to the “weird” part, and are considering setting it aside. I urge you to continue. I admit that some of it is a bit weird. But the way that Mr. Young approaches such crucial topics such as forgiveness, why a good God “allows” evil, God’s love for us, Christ’s life in us, and our relationships with others is flat out outstanding.

I truly believe our lives would be so much richer and meaningful if we really believed that God loves us. Oh, we “know” it is true. The Bible tells me so! But how many of us live our lives waking up each morning feeling wonderfully loved by God? Do we feel that God is “especially fond of us?” The Shack will help you to see God’s love for you as a unique individual, and maybe even help you to see others more clearly the way God sees them.

If you have a 4 -8 year old, Russell and Lillian Hoban’s Frances books are a must for your library! These are some of my favorite children’s stories and “Bread and Jam for Frances” is one of the best ones. Frances has decided she really loves bread and jam – in fact, it is the only thing she really wants to eat. Soft-boiled egg? No thanks. Chicken salad sandwich? Nah. Just some bread and jam, please. What is her mother to do? (And all you moms of picky eaters out there can nod your heads in sympathy right about now). But Mother is clever and does indeed get Frances out of her rut. Read the story to find out how! All the Frances books teach a little lesson all the while being funny, entertaining, and whimsical. Parents will find a bit of reality in the comments and attitudes of the characters. Other titles in the series include: “Best Friends for Frances,” “A Bargain for Frances,” and “A Birthday for Frances.” Enjoy!

I have been reading some of my favorite books lately – to my class. I own about 30 of Robert Munsch’s books and they never fail to get the students hooked on reading! They beg to read his books! My most favorite is “Stephanie’s Ponytail.” I don’t want to giveaway too much of the 30 page story, but there is a twist at the end that always makes the kids go “AHHHHHH.”

Stephanie is definitely a forward thinker and a trend setter in her elementary school. My

favorite line is repeated throughout, “Ugly, ugly, very ugly.” This is just a very fun book to read as are all of his books. Another favorite is “Get Out of Bed.”

Robert Munsch is Canadian and his books are usually based on real-life children and the funny things they do and think. I HIGHLY recommend all of his books for a fun and bonding time with the children in your life.