A Book Review from Books At a Glance
By Kristin Stiles
Even young children are fascinated by mirrors. They enjoy looking at themselves and making funny faces and seeing that reflection show them how they appear. The Bible tells us that the Law of God is a mirror by which we are made aware of our sins. Just as a young child can use a literal mirror to see himself, a young child can also look at God’s law to see himself. This is what Hazel Scrimshire sets to do by writing this delightful book for the youngest of children that presents each of the Ten Commandments with a little story that they can understand and relate to.
Each of the ten sections begins with a tale about Sam and Katy and how through the daily course of their day, they are reminded of God’s commandments. Sometimes they are reminded because of something they are doing that pleases God and other times they are reminded because of something they are doing that breaks God’s law. I appreciate how Scrimshire was able to make each of these scenarios so simple and so applicable to the everyday life of a child. For example, they make idols by valuing their toys over God; they covet by desiring the pets and belongs of the friends that they visit; they appreciate faithfulness in marriage by observing the relationship that their parents have. The illustrations are very colorful and engaging, as well. There are lots of colors, animals, foods, toys, etc. that parents can point out in helping their children to develop language skills and also to promote interaction with the book.
The only section that might be problematic to some is the chapter on the Fourth Commandment regarding the Sabbath. This can be a tricky topic for parents who believe that this commandment was fulfilled in Jesus Christ and is no longer applicable to the present day believer. In the story, Sam and Katy go about all of their daily chores and activities during the other days and then spend Sunday in church and focusing on God. The aberration of observing the Sabbath on the first day of the week instead of the seventh, as commanded, can be problematic as can treating this commandment on the same plane as the others. Parents would need to use their discretion with this chapter.
Overall, this is really a wonderful book that gives a great introduction to the Ten Commandments at a level that is accessible to young children.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.
Buy the books
God’s Little Guidebook