This month I am excited to share reviews of The King of All Things and Wonders of the Ocean Realm. I love the writing in both these books, but I’d also like to focus on the wonderful illustrations, which, I think, make children’s books such a treasure.
As we head into the season of fall, I am reminded of the beauty of the world around us. The King of All Things, written by Shay and Catherine Gregorie and illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, showcases much of that beauty.
Shay and Catherine Gregorie do a great job of highlighting the works of God’s hands. From whales and tails to bees and trees, their simple rhymes can easily help children remember key elements of God’s creations. I also love how this book’s illustrations by Breezy Brookshire help to bring the words to life
I was first introduced to the amazing talent of Breezy Brookshire when I met Amy Parker and discovered her board books based on 1 Corinthians 13. Breezy’s adorable hedgehogs in How Big Is Love? won me over. I became enamored with the cute elephants in How Far Is Faith? Then I was captivated by the sweet birds in How High Is Hope?
I have also enjoyed watching Breezy’s creations come to life in her videos on Instagram. I think much of her talent lies in her use of subtle colors and the way she brings light onto the page.
One image in The King of All Things resurrects fond memories of the weeping willow that graced the front yard of my childhood home. The frolicking barefoot children and the tiny minnows all remind me of the simple years of my youth. I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
Wonders of the Ocean Realm, written by Tricia Goyer and Sherri Seligson and illustrated by Vlad Stankovic, is another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐treasure trove. This book takes kids on an ocean voyage and explores fascinating facts about marine life and oceanography. Details about five unique sea creatures can help children understand their individual uniqueness designed by God. Clever “Ocean Notions” share fun facts about all types of sea creatures, and “Deep-Sea Dive” sections provide kids with an opportunity to reflect upon their own spiritual lives and how God works in the world. I love the “Takeaway” section in each chapter:
“Like the clever mimic octopus, we have the ability to watch, learn, and change.”
From the seahorse to the peacock mantis shrimp, God’s creations reflect His Wonder!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”—Psalm 139:14
I encourage you to stop what you are doing, take a breath, and thank God for the precious uniqueness of your family members. Take time to bask in the beauty of the flora and fauna around you. Pause and smile as you listen to the laughter of the child playing in the yard next door. Stand a moment at your kitchen window and watch a leaf or two flutter in the wind. Watch a spider weave an intricate web. Notice the majestic beauty of a stallion grazing in a pasture. Savor a cup of coffee while pink ribbons streak across the sky during an early morning sunrise.
The wonders of the King are everywhere!
“I pray you give [me] eyes to see how your wondrous works surround us, ears to hear creation’s joyful noise, words to spread your light to all around us, and a heart to serve you with abiding joy.”—Shay and Catherine Gregorie
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.”—Cecil Frances Alexander
“He prayeth best who loveth best, all things great and small; for the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.”—Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Nature gave the word glory a meaning for me.”—C. S. Lewis
“Nature is the art of God.”—Dante Alighiere
“The earth has music for those who listen.”—William Shakespeare
Psalm 19:1; Psalm 95:4-5; Psalm 104:24; Romans 1:20
