Review of, I Believe in Jesus Too, by Mark S. Nielsen and Craig Stapley

Product Details:

• Title: I Believe in Jesus Too
  
• Author: Mark S. Nielsen
• Illustrator: Craig Stapley
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Deseret Book (February 21, 2012)
• Genre: Childrens Book; religious
• ISBN-10: 1609087410
• ISBN-13: 978-1609087418

Book Description:

Publication Date: February 21, 2012

All over the world, children attend Primary, enjoy family home evening, sing songs, and read scriptures. Mark Nielsen s simple and engaging book will help children understand that it doesn't matter where you live in the world, Jesus loves everyone the same. Full-color illustrations will round out this inspirational book. Features beautiful, full-color illustrations Teaches children that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide church A perfect family home evening book.

My Review: 

I Believe in Jesus Too is simply a beautiful book. The words are simple and heartfelt. The Illustrations are realistic, with colors that are bright, crisp, and bold. You truly want to keep looking through the pages, over and over again, because of how striking they are.

The publisher lists this book for children ages 9-12, but I think it works for all Primary aged children 3-12. What a wonderful idea for a book that let's all LDS children know, that regardless of where you live in the world, other children are living the gospel: going to church, being baptized,praying, reading the scriptures, just like them, but in different locations and slightly different ways according to their culture. This book can be used at home for Family Home Evening, at church in the classroom,for story time and would make a fabulous present for children from parents or grandparents. 

The main thing I loved most about this book,was how happy the children in the book looked. Whether they lived in Kenya or Canada,Tonga or Bolivia, they all had a peaceful look about them as they are taught that Jesus loves them, as they learn to believe in him. All children will be delighted to own this book. I can see them coming back, again and again, to have this book read to them. We definitely need more books like this that share the gospel message in such a simple and appealing way.

You can purchase I Believe in Jesus Too, at Deseret Book or at  Amazon.

About the Author:

Mark S. Nielsen is a seminary teacher in Mesa, Arizona, where he lives with his wife, Anne, their children, Mary and Sam, and their dog, Chula. They like to go on road trips, run through the sprinklers, ride their bikes, and pet the stingrays at the zoo. Like millions of people all over the world, they believe in Jesus too. 
 

Parents can visit Mark online at marksnielsen.com

About the Illustrator:

Craig Stapley is an illustrator whose work has appeared in The Friend and Highlights, among other popular magazines. He currently lives in northern Utah with his wife, Crystal, and their four children: Ethan, Kaiden, Logan, and their newest addition, Emily Jean. As a family they enjoy traveling and any activity that they can do together.

***I was given a review copy of this book. In no way did this influence the review that was given.***