Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
358928
REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

Milo is an angel who looks like this really cute little bear.  He wakes up one morning and says, "God, today I want to make a difference."  While walking down the street, he sees a beat-up, old, green wagon in the trash.  Even though it looks bad, it still works, so he takes it to his friends, Mary, Matt, and Mark.  Milo tells them that, since he had seen people at church the previous Sunday giving food for the needy, he has an idea to use the wagon to collect things for people who face difficult circumstances.  They all fix the wagon up and, as the ACT (Action Changes Things) Mission Team, start going through the neighborhood to ask for donations.  Will the neighbors help?  Will the four be able to assist anyone?  And what about the man sleeping on the park bench?

This is a great book to let children know, in a gentle and age-appropriate way, that there are those who are less fortunate and require a helping hand.  One of the great principles of the Bible that young people, as well as those of us who are older, need to learn is what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40.  "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."  It is good for them to see in a story such as this that many people are motivated by their Christian principles to assist those who are in need.  I give this book a hearty recommendation to help develop  in young readers a sense of compassion and a determination to do what they can to help.  Other books in the Milo series are Milo Moments and Milo with a Halo.
4696171
The Prairie Dogs of Mossy Meadow is a delightful collection of stories.  It helps children learn "life lessons" while enjoying the antics of Chipper and his friends.  Author Stokes has captured the critters' characteristics that hold the attention of children and adults, and readers and listeners will find it difficult to close the book when it's time for bedtime.  This is truly a great gift idea for special children in your life.
770289
This book is an excellent read for you and your children.  There are five stories in this book and each one is just long enough for two short bedtime readings.  The adventures are the kind that every kid can relate to and set in just the right tone so that it really captures your child's imagination and just might surprise you when they want you to keep reading.  I found myself laughing at several points and was impressed with the descriptions as the stories progressed.  There are plenty of illustrations in the book that help with reading the stories to younger children, but they aren't so numerous or simple as to bore older children.

Overall, I give this book two thumbs up, five stars, and a standing ovation.  I know that my son's copy is going to be worn out soon, because he has read it so many times, and I hope you will look forward with me for future publications from this rising star of an author.
459403
My kids love Bible stories and they just never get old. They are classics with lessons for a lifetime and so they never get tired of hearing them, especially when it's in a new version. The Treasury of Bible Stories Rhythmical Rhymes I was particularly excited about because I like rhymes! I feel like their catchiness makes it easier to remember things and when it comes to Bible stories, that's important!

My Kids

Since I have two children that fall in this age range at 5 and 6, I figured this would be perfect for our read aloud family devotional time. My five year old daughter Paige loved it! She couldn't get enough! Her favorite was the story of Jonah and the Whale. I think there's a little whimsy and humor in rhymes that make stories like getting swallowed by a whale less scary and more fun and relatable. I don't necessarily want all Bible stories to be funny BUT some can be scary to little ones and rhyming seems to soften that.

My six year old Reed, however, did not love the rhyming. He thinks it's "babyish" and apparently has outgrown rhyming. What a shame because I enjoy it! It makes reading aloud funner for me, especially for stories that I've read a hundred times. It's always nice when there's a new tweak to it.

It's a rare feat to bring anything new to stories that have been retold for hundreds of years!

The Illustrations

I think the pictures are amazing! They match the words perfectly and have that certain magical something to them that really draws kids into the story, even before a word is read. Even my eight month old Jax who obviously doesn't understand much, will sit on my lap and look at the pictures when I read this. And believe me when I say, that kid doesn't sit still for much!

The Length

I did find that the length of the stories was just a little too long for my five year old and she would start to squirm and want to go to the next story. The devotional we normally read has these same stories down to a page so when this book runs 15+ pages, it's a little long for the younger ones. The pictures do help and I love that they are on almost every page, whether they have words on them or not.

My Conclusion

I really wanted this to be our new family devotional so I was a little disappointed that my six year old didn't like the rhymes. However, my five year old and even my baby love Treasury of Bible Stories so I know it will be treasured by them for years to come.
2347917
My grandchildren love these magazines. It is one gift that I can give that I know they will enjoy.  Their mom reports of the smiles on their faces when they get them in the mail.
4678860
A wonderful collection of Jewish folk stories, both amusing and inspirational. Some of the translations (the original was in French) are slightly awkward, but for the most part the book is quite readable. I was hoping these would make good children's bedtime stories, but most would not. The concepts are often too complex for young children.

The paper used is very nice quality, the printing is excellent, and there is a selection of lovely illustrations. The binding looks nice and is of above average quality.
3927364
I order this for my Grandson who enjoys this magazine very much. He learns so much from it.  He looks forward to each issue.
561306
Have been reading the book to my grandchildren and they are mesmerized and wanting more. I am looking forward to more stories in the future
922025
My three kids could listen to these stories over and over again!
2498256
Well, my daughter wrote one of the stories so I thought that was wonderful. I read the other stories, too, and enjoyed them all. They spoke from their hearts about how they found that someone special.
1725048
This is a delightful collection of childrens stories. My boys aged 5 and 8 can't wait to read this at bedtime.
I too feel the pull of these stories. The language is beautiful. These stories feel timeless
3314108
The cover of the magazine is what caught my eye, it's fantastic! What a great find and the stories are wonderful =)
940015
My grandson enjoyed the book very much
. It keep his attention thru out every stories. Will certainly recommend this to my friends
1095177
This collection of stories is delightful and imaginative, and just the right length to read out to a child in one sitting. My son now reads these stories on his own but still loves to be read to; and we've read these stories over and over and over! I once had a group of kids from 4 to 7 sitting mesmerized to a story from this book - simple, creative and magical as Enid Blyton promises to be! I would highly recommend this book.
4443012
Our niece and nephew (ages 5 & 7) thoroughly enjoyed this book! We all laughed out loud while reading, "Uhhh ohhh oooooops!" which is about a loveable but ever clumsy canine named Rex to "Johnny the Friendly Ghost" who loved birthdays. This book is packed with loads of wonderful stories to read to your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews. There are also some fun hidden picture games with answers. All combined, this book delivers hours and hours of enjoyment. It includes very lovely graphics and all stories are very easy to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has young children in their homes. High fives to the author!
2361495
Excellent collection of stories perfect for family bedtime reading
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Title: Goodnight Wishes!
Author: Leea Baltes
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 25
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 25 readers:
25 would read another book by this author.
25 thought the cover was good or excellent.
25 felt it was easy to follow.
25 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
24 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
25 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers Comments
Good rhythm, solid story. It reminded me a little of what a refugee must face when fleeing home. Illustrations were bright and well-drawn. Primary teacher, aged 25
The message is fab! Mother of 7 yr old boy
This story is all about not giving up. Encased in wonderful rhyming prose and sweet illustrations, this would go down well with any 5  7 yr old. Primary teacher, aged 54
The pacing is excellent, as is the story. The author understands her characters and, also, her readers. Theres a message in there that parents will be happy for a child to learn. Visually strong  particularly the cover  this is a well put together picture book that any library or childrens book shop would want. Primary teacher, aged 44

To Sum It Up:
A super fun, rhyming story. A BRONZE medal winner and highly recommended. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards