WILD FAITH Devotional for Kids: Book Review

I have two grandsons, ages five and eight, who adore animals. The first time I heard about the devotional book WILD FAITH, I knew it would capture their attention.

Let’s take a closer look at this book to see if it might inspire your children as well.

The Author

Valerie Ellis is a children’s book author, speaker, and founder of the multi-author online resource, Our Everyday Parables, which offers book reviews and parenting ideas for families pursuing faith and compassion.

A certified teacher, Valerie is passionate about helping parents and kids connect with God and each other in the everyday moments.

Valerie is a member of The MomCo, SCBWI, and the Texas Library Association. She is also a nonprofit consultant, trainer, and grant writer in the Houston area, where she lives with her husband, Josh, and their two boys.

You can learn more about Valerie by visiting valerieellis.com. Also, you can read a delightful interview Valerie had with Kathy O’Neill on KathyThePictureLady’s website.

About WILD FAITH

The WILD FAITH Devotional for Kids contains “52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God.” I love that the author included a table of contents listing not only each devotion’s title but also the featured animal.

Readers will find familiar favorites such as sharks, sheep, and sloths. But they’ll also delight in the less familiar animals such as the DIY shell decorator crab, the peacock mantis shrimp with a punch so powerful it can break an aquarium’s glass, and the scaly mammal called a pangolin.

Each devotion begins with a scripture passage. Most are from the NIV Bible, but some are from other translations. A devotion usually covers 2-3 pages, beginning with some interesting facts about the animal. Then it connects to a biblical truth.

One example is the devotion about the Comb Jelly. The scripture comes from Matthew 5:14-16 about letting our light shine.  We learn about how the Comb Jelly differs from other jellyfish and about bioluminescence. Then, the devotion moves into how Jesus is the Light of the world and how His followers must choose to let His love shine through our words and actions.

All of the devotions end with two interactive elements. The “Make It Stick” and the “Live It Out” sections may include questions, prayer, drawing, or other activities to help children absorb and reflect on God’s creativity and His great love for them.

At the back of the book is a certificate recognizing the reader’s  “Awesome Animal Expertise.” The author also shares a link to free downloadable scripture cards.

The Illustrations

I love how WILD FAITH includes not only photos of the animals but also gorgeous illustrations by Jen Brickling. This beautiful, educational book features fifty-two of God’s unique and colorful creations that will fascinate children. What a wonderful way to point children to the biblical truths of our Creator.

The publisher states it is for ages 7 and older. However, I think even younger animal lovers will enjoy it when adults or older siblings read this book to them. I know our five-year-old did!

I received a free copy of this product. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Motivated by the power of story, history, and His Story, Sally Matheny’s passion is telling the next generation wondrous things.

Her nonfiction writing appears in national and worldwide publications, including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies. Connect with Sally on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.