The Children's Book of Virtues

This book came with scribbles on many pages and torn binding

This is a great book for exposing children to proper Christian values, while also having a variety of stories that holds their interest.

We already own Bennet's Book of Virtues and read from it frequently, but this book is so sweet & fun for the very young! It is definitely on my list of books to buy next. From the back cover: "Growing Up Wise Celebrate the virtues of generosity, courtesy, honesty, cheerfulness and a host of other positive character qualities with your children! Delightful rhymes and old-fashioned storytelling make this a perfect bedtime book or homeschool companion." And: "Includes more than 100 short, easy-to-read stories and poems for the whole family." The book is divided into sections according to virtue, which is first defined, such as: The Virtue of Compassion, "To be COMPASSIONATE is to take pity on those in need, to offer sympathy to those in trouble, to be tenderhearted toward those who are hurting... and above all to look for ways to show kindness and to be helpful." Following this page are all stories, poems, prayers related to compassion. The illustrations are all in black and white and very sweet. Here is a rhyme from "Generosity": "Selfish Sue, selfish Sue! With toys of every kind, You never share! You never share! You say, "They all are mine!" Selfish Sue with face so blue, The Bible says, "Be kind!" Share your toys with girls and boys, And then your face will shine!" From The Golden Rule, is a very cute story about Benjamin, "The Bear Who didnt Care! (No, he really didnt!)" Its filled with little songs that the bear likes to sing: "Oh, ho, ho! Im a very happy bear! Ive got five dollars and Im going to the fair!" and "Oh, ho, ho! Im going to the fair! I'll have a happy time when I get there!" As he encounters people in need along the way, his reply is: "I won't help you, I dont care! Ive got five dollars and Im going to the fair!" Then, at the fair he's robbed and so he leaves to return home. On his way back, he seeks help from those whom he earlier refused and here are some of the replies he gets: "To quench my fire, you helped me not! To quench your thirst, not one drop!" and "You helped me not in my time of need. You'll get no apple, no indeed!" until he comes to one last man (who was reading the Bible) and he gets this reply: "Do come and share my porch with me! We'll have a sandwich and some tea!" Benjamin is so impressed by this man's act of kindness (in spite of how he had treated him earlier) that he is moved to sorrow and then decides to sing a new song: "Oh, ho, ho! Im a happy helping bear! Why do I help you? Because I really care!" Emily Hunter is also the author of the classic Christian Charm Course, Bible-Time Nursery Rhyme Book, The Keepsake Bible Story Coloring Book and with her husband, Wayne, of Man In Demand. Terese Cooper (My children are 5.5, 4 and 2 and they all seem to love this book as much as I do!)

I used this book over and over with my two boys and now I am using it again with my daughter. I recommend this book to anyone with kids 3 and up. I love LAMPLIGHTER PUBLISHING books for teaching godly character but I often find that children are not able to grasp most of their books until about the age 5. A Child's First Steps To Virtues is where to start! It contains quick stories and poems with great illustrations. Children as young as 3 will be challenged. I especially love to refer to the story Happyville and Grumpytown when my children need a little reminder of acceptable behavior. The illustrations for this story really speak loud and clear. On one page the children are smiling, sharing and helping, on the other page children are fighting, crying and even the trees, flowers and dog are unhappy. I just ask my children "Do you wish to live in Happyville or Grumpytown?" and they quickly recognize their behavior. A great book for watering the soil, remember to point them to Christ for the growing.

Broken down into chapters like Cleanliness, and Honesty, this book creates an oportunity for a parent to deal with many important virtues in an entertaining way with kids. My four year old loved it. We read a selection every night. Often, when she does the right thing, we both wink, and say, "see....just like in the book!"