Thank God For Rocks

Description

"Many years ago, a poor man bought a small farm with a small rickety house and a small rickety barn." So begins this wonderful tale of a farmer trying to make a living on the most rock-filled farm in the whole county. But it was the best he could afford. So the farmer thanked God for his farm, poor as it was, and that gratitude was the key to developing the most fertile land, the best buildings, the fattest cattle, and a happy, healthy, and large family by the end of the tale. This story, told beautifully by Esther Bender, and lavishly illustrated by Mary Anne Lard, helps children understand the nature and power of gratitude as a way of living in the worst and best of circumstances. (Ages 3-7) Esther Bender is the author of more than 100 published adult and children's articles, stories, and photographs, including April Bluebird, which was named to the C. S. Lewis list of 50 best picture books with Christian values in 1995. You can learn more at www.estherbender.com. Mary Anne Lard is a freelance illustrator and artist who lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She is also the illustrator of Jenny's Prayer and Seeds of Heaven, both available from Morehouse Publishing.

Esther Bender is the author of more than 100 published adult and childrenaEURO (TM)s articles, stories, and photographs, including April Bluebird, which was named to the C. S. Lewis list of 50 best picture books with Christian values in 1995. She lives in Cumberland, Maryland. You can learn more at www.estherbender.com Mary Anne Lard is a freelance illustrator and artist who lives in Carlisle, Pennsyvania. She is the illustrator of Jenny's Prayer (Morehouse) and Seeds of Heaven (Morehouse).

"The title alone made me want to open the pages. Written in parable style, Thank God for Rocks is perfect for young readers to listen and follow along or elementary readers to read out loud. The inspiring story of a farmer and his family who buy a rocky-soiled farm will inspire readers to make the best of every situation and thank God in all things. The illustrations - drawn in a dreamy style- leave room in the imagination, yet give enough definition to make the characters almost real enough to touch. By the end of the story, you'll wish you lived on the rocky farm with the thankful family--making your own project with the rocks God blessed them with." -- Becky Pummell, CBA Marketplace, March 2003 * Blurb from reviewer * "Entertaining to read, Esther Bender's picture book also imparts lessons on the importance of perseverance, positive thinking and praising God at all times."--Sharon Sheridan, freelance writer and editor and frequent contributor to Episcopal Life, Episcopal Life, April 2003 -- Sharon Sheridan * Blurb from reviewer * "Beautiful colored chalk illustrations fill the pages and complement the fairy-tale tone of the book. This is an excellent example of the quality of gratitude, and it will make a great read-aloud."--Christian Schools International -- Christian Schools International * Blurb from reviewer *