Four reviews from our CALEB reviewers:
(1)
Kirrily Lowe’s colourful children’s book Joy is part of the series The Invisible Tree and is the story of a little girl who has lost her joy – her happiness. She searched under her bed, under the apple tree, in the outback, out to sea and many other places. Then she found that when she lived God’s way and cultivated an invisible tree inside herself that produced the fruit of the Spirit – love – peace – kindness – goodness – faithfulness – gentleness and self control, joy was there inside all the time. The search was over.
Joy should appeal to pre-schoolers as well as five and six year old girls. There are bright and cheerful illustrations on every page to complement the narrative. DS
(2)
Henry Smith’s illustrations are the hero of this charming little book. The colourful mixed media collages are filled with interest and humour. The story is aimed at pre-school children.
A little girl wakes up one morning to find her joy has gone. She looks for it in all sorts of places, orchards, the bush and the sea. She longs for her joy and concludes that it might be found in choices even on grey days; inside us and activated by God’s love.
I am sure Kirrily’s series of books about the Fruit of the Spirit will help children to understand this spiritual truth. LS
(3)
Introducing the Fruits of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-23), Joy by Kirrily Lowe is one of the titles in The Invisible Tree series.
BelBel has lost her Joy and sets out in search of it.
A hard cover picture book with interesting illustrations by Henry Smith, Joy is suitable for young readers and could be used by youth ministry as a springboard for discussion on the Fruits of the Spirit. KL
(4)
The author and illustrator combine to clearly portray the presence of Joy in the readers' lives, using the unique format of an invisible tree.
Volunteer reviewer - Bookseller's Prize section of CALEB Awards