Abigails Secret Journal #1

I'm sending Volumes 1 and 2 of Secret Journals of Bible Time Kids for my niece. These books are really great for getting an idea of what it was like to live in biblical times. As I read Vol. 1: Abigail's Secret Journal, I could clearly picture the mixture of confusion and excitement the Israelites must have felt as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. Vol. 2: Rachel's Secret Journal is a wonderful story set in biblical times when Solomon was building his temple. Rachel's father is a talented builder, her sister is a great seamstress, and Rachel learns to appreciate her talents as a gardener. She also learns to value friendship. My 12-year-old niece will love these books!

In Volume 1 of her Secrets Journals of Bible Time Kids, Abigail's Secret Journal, author Bonnie Bruno has beautifully captured Bible history for children. Taking a wedge of time from the book of Exodus, readers are allowed an intimate look into the diary of twelve-year-old Abigail. With the manner in which she relates unfolding events in Egypt during the time of Moses, Abigaily, as her grandmother fondly calls her, keeps readers fascinated and involved. With youthful sincerity, humor, and sometimes passion, Abigail commits her feelings and emotions to her journal while facing the many unknowns looming in her future. In this well-written book, you are there, seeing through Abigail's eyes, God-events that liberated and shaped the nation of Israel. You are her age and see swarms of locusts pass above you, watch your father prepare your house to keep death away from your big brother, gasp with awe as a great sea splits apart before your eyes-and you walk between the waters-and that's just a beginning! Bonnie Bruno does an excellent job of weaving the threads of Abigail's friendships, family, and growing faith throughout this outstanding book. Never allowing interest or excitement to wane, a delightful surprise awaits as Abigail writes some ending entries in her journal. Following the story, the author doesn't leave Abigail's Secret Journal without touching on a vital life issue. She adds a "Spiritual Building Block" to enrich a child's faith-building experience. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the short, clear devotional that lifts the value of trust into the realm of a child's understanding. I highly recommend this first-in-a-series book by author, Bonnie Bruno. It's a must-give gift/must-have book for pre-teens. Sally Chambers (www.sallychambers.com)