Shirley Ng-Benitez

The book isn't just for kids. Max Lucado provides a letter to the parents. As in, I used to be one of these kids, afraid of the dark, of the Wolfman, waking my father up in the middle of the night. The letter gives us parents the encouragement we need during this time. It's frustrating to be woken up in the wee hours of the morning on a daily basis because our child is afraid of the dark or burglars possibly breaking in, or of a monster under the bed. I can't tell you how many times I've had to sleep in my child's bed or on the floor. Yay, that's comfortable (not)!

It's difficult to reassure our kids when we are only half awake. Perhaps reading this book before bedtime will help. In this picture book, our hero, the cat, is startled by unexpected or loud noises, feels the flip-flop of his tummy on the slide and a creepy crawly on his foot (and more). What he does again and again after these moments will provide what we want to teach our kids in moments of worry. Rely on God, pray and talk to Him.

This book is super cute. The illustrations of the cat are cute, too! He wears a blue bandana. Blue is my favorite color. I'm a fan of Splat the cat, so I guess it isn't a surprise I'd like this one. And for those that like books that apply to their child: the cat isn't noted to be a boy or a girl. I think I applied the male gender because it's my son that has more of a problem with anxiety. Really, that wouldn't make a difference to me. The subject is applicable no matter the child. The emotions of worry and sadness are obvious, as is the cat's delight when finding peace. This is a really sweet and colorful book. And the inside cover is filled with donuts and sprinkles! Makes me hungry. :) Now that I think of it, this might be a good book to read to my Sunday school class as they much on sprinkle donut holes.

This is a really sweet and colorful hardbound picture book. And the inside cover is filled with donuts and sprinkles! Makes me hungry. :) Now that I think of it, this might be a good book to read to my Sunday school class as they munch on sprinkle donut holes.… (mer)

I think everyone is afraid of something, especially in our former years of childhood. I suppose we learn how to deal with our innermost personal anxieties and in turn wish to teach our children and grandchildren how to face their fears. Inside the pages of this delightful picture book are fun-loving rhymes, along with excellent colorful illustrations. Most children love cats, so this cute young one, who's afraid of the littlest things, learns to immediately talk to God when he reacts to unexpected circumstances and immediately feels better. A quote from the book regarding the problem:

A leaf from a tree
Landed right on my knee.
I jumped with a bump, fell down with a thump - And that's what happened to me.

My favorite line from the book explaining the solution:

Then I pray:
"God, you are good.
God, you are near.
God, you are here!
And, God, you love me."
Max Lucado does it again! I love this one! 5/5 stars. Highly recommend.
Great for gift giving and an awesome addition for home and Sunday School libraries.… (mer)