Go ahead judge this book by its cover.  One look at the cover of Fearless, by Max Lucado will tell the reader exactly what it is about.  Fearless is about dealing with fear and worry as a normal person (as apposed to a Hollywood action hero who “knows no fear”).  Lucado opens Fearless with a chapter (appropriately entitled “Why Are We Afraid?) explaining fear itself and the how it affects all of us.  Each subsequent chapter approaches a specific area of fear, for example:  Chapter two deals with the “Fear of Not Mattering;” chapter seven addresses the, “Fear of Worst-Case Scenarios;” and so on.

This is actually the first Max Lucado book that I have ever read, and I have to say that I’m extremely impressed.  I began this book for no other reason except this review, but it has turned out to be extremely relevant for me.  Fearless reaches in and grapples with areas of fear and worry that everyone faces from time to time.  Max Lucado approached each area of fear from a Scriptural standpoint, laying down solutions that were both practical and encouraging.  Fearless is an absolute “must read” for anyone who ever suffers from fear and worry.

(Preview Fearless)

The I Believe Bunny, written by Tish Rabe and illustrated by Frank Endersby, is a wonderful little children’s book about the importance faith, the power of prayer, and God’s desire to use those who are powerless. In this story, the I Believe Bunny, weak in himself, had to learn to rely on God’s love and power to help him save a friend in desperate need. The book opens with Philippians 4:13 and goes on to illustrate the verse’s point beautifully. With its story written in rhyme illustrated with bright and colorful drawings, The I Believe Bunny is well suited to young children, up to about first or second grade.

Since this is a children’s book, I enlisted the help of my four children (ages 2, 4, 6, and 7) to help me prepare this review. When I read The I Believe Bunny to my children for the first time, they absolutely loved it and wanted me to read it again right away. The bright illustrations kept their eyes glued to the page and the story kept them wanting to know what was on the next page. There was no way I could have stopped in the middle of the book! Most importantly, the message of faith in God and empowerment was laid out so simply that my children could understand it. I recommend The I Believe Bunny to anyone who ever has occasion to read to young children.

* I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program http://brb.thomasnelson.com/.