Michelle Medlock Adams is the author of twenty-three children's books and eleven books for women. She also is an award-winning journalist.
   Children fear things. It's as simple as that statement. However, the Bible says we should not be afraid. But unfortunately our world is unsafe at times and children feel fear and worry. Michelle Medlock Adams' book, I Will Not Be Afraid is a gentle story about fear and God's love.
   From hearing about war or nature's booming thunder and lightning striking in the darkness, and other things that go bump in the night, or meeting new people–children do not have to be afraid. In fact they can be confident because God is ever present, He is in control and He is love.
   I Will Not Be Afraid will help children from ages 4 to 7 understand that scary things happen, but they are loved and cared for by the Father and He is always present and He will care for them. And isn't that a good thing?
   I Will Not Be Afraid is a wonderful teaching tool that also entertains. I love that each page has a Bible verse that accompanies what is happening in the story. The illustrations are colorful, soft and inviting. I noticed that the little girl is painted in such a way that she could be one of many races. I'm not sure if the artist intended it to be that way, but it certainly includes everyone and thus will be attractive to a greater number of people.
   This is a book that must be in your child's library.
   Armchair Interviews says: I Will Not Be Afraid is a book to entertain and sooth a child's fear while learning about God's love.
   (from www.ArmchairInterviews.com)

   Facing and conquering real fears with a faith that grows through experience is what Michelle Medlock Adams hopes will happen when children read her new picture book, I Will Not Be Afraid (978-0-758-61335-6, $14.99), to release from Concordia Publishing House next month. The book is for children ages 4 to 7.
   Adams uses childlike wording to aptly describe fears that early elementary age children often experience such as being alone, being in a storm, braving the dark and meeting new people. Kids will resonate with the expressions of anxiety voiced by the central character, and see themselves in the illustrations by Jeremy Tugeau.
   "I actually got the idea to write a children's book dealing with fear right after 9/11," Adams said. "My girls were very young when that transpired, and they had so many questions and very real fears. But, I wanted to address more than just the fear of war and tragedy."
   Author of 22 other children's books, including What Is Easter? (Candy Cane Press) and Why I Love You, God (Concordia), Adams's own two daughters are now tween and teen age.
   Adams tests her writing by reading manuscripts to students in a local elementary school where she volunteers.
   "I can watch for the reactions on the students' faces," she said. "It's very exciting when they giggle and actually 'get it.'"
   I Will Not Be Afraid features an inventive design. Pages have a color illustration with text in an oval space. A black and white line drawing that emphasizes an element in the text offsets the color art on alternating pages. Each spread also presents a scripture promise related to the specific fear described.
   Adams ends the book with a "parenting moment." This helpful instruction section emerged from a situation the author faced with her daughter when Adams's father was seriously ill. She said the peace she experienced with her girls as a result of trusting God in that instant gave her a comfort that she wants to pass on to other parents.
   To order I Will Not Be Afraid or for more information, contact Concordia Publishing House at 800-325-3391.

   Here is an adorable book for the younger set. It asks, on the inquisitive child's behalf, What is Easter? Is it about the Easter bunny and the eggs he hides? Is it about candy shaped like chocolate Easter rabbits? The final answer...

   Okay, now I get it.
   The Easter Bunny is okay,
   And Easter eggs are fun.
   But Easter's not about that stuff...

   It's all about God's son.

   This quality board book abounds with illustrations that look like watercolored pencil drawings. They're fresh and lovely, a delight to the eyes.

   "From time to time, we all need to be reminded that God didn't give us a spirit of fear. Children, especially, need help learning this, and Michelle Medlock Adams's I Will Not Be Afraid, is a great tool for this purpose.
   Featuring colorful, impressionistic art by Jeremy Tugeau, this book begins by listing things that typically frighten young children: thunder and lightening, the dark, meeting new children, performing on stage, and the news (specifically news about wars). We see a little girl braving them all, as she explains that "I will not be afraid at all, 'cause I know God is there." She tells us God is in control of everything—even storms, the dark, and wars. She knows God loves her and that she can trust Him. He's "bigger than anything." She says God didn't make her to be scared, but if she does feel that way, she just prays.

   "'Cause even when my life is through,
   I know just where I'll go.
   I'll go to heaven up above—
   and there's no fear up there.
   I'll live forever with my Lord,
   forever in his care...
   I will not be afraid at all
   because You are my Friend.
   Your perfect love removes my fear,
   and Your love has no end."

   The last page of the book is a note to parents, suggesting they discuss specific things their children could be afraid of, then explain how to combat those fears with prayer. The author even includes a simple prayer that children can learn quickly and easily.
   What I Like: There are many secular books about childhood fears, but none teach children why they should not be afraid (because God is in control) and how they can effectively combat fear (through prayer). I Will Not Be Afraid does both these things. I also appreciate that each two page spread features a scripture that not only backs up the author's assertions, but can be used as a memory verse. Too, Jeremy Tugeau's illustrations are delightful. In warm colors, he shows truly kid-like children doing things most any child can relate to.
   What I Dislike: Nothing.
   Overall Rating: Excellent.
   Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4-8, but my two year old loves this book, too.
   Publishing Info: Concordia, 2008; ISBN: 0758613350; hardback, $14.99.
   Buy Now at Amazon.com for $11.69

   "My Funny Valentine is a hilarious collection of original poetry by Michelle Medlock Adams. These are poems that will have your elementary-aged kids rolling with laughter. For a kid, Valentine's day can often be filled with awkward feelings due to all the 'icky love stuff' going on. This book addresses the issue head-on and with humor. You'll also enjoy selections such as 'I Gave My Fish a Valentine', and my favorite, 'Ode to My Smelly Dog'. The illustrations are great too, they really make me chuckle.
   "As if this book didn't already have it all, twelve punch-out Valentines are included, featuring excerpts and illustrations from the book. Your kids will love passing these out to their friends. Check out My Funny Valentine for Valentine fun!"

   "If you're a Christian believer, then you're a Yahweh sister, and here's a book that celebrates the joys of being a modern woman in the family of God. Divine Stories of the Yahweh Sisterhood by Michelle Medlock Adams and Gena Maselli (Legacy 2006) is like a delightful group hug. It's filled with heartwarming stories, poems, prayers, and journal entries that can be used for personal reading or shared in a group setting.
   "Each chapter is followed by additional 'godly goodies' that the authors hope will give you further inspirational insight in your walk with God. There's a heart-to-heart section useful for group discussions and also a bonus section for the writer in you to add your own thoughts.
   "The authors say, 'There is much healing that takes place through writing, so we hope you'll take the time to journal your deepest hopes, thoughts, and dreams.' Each chapter is filled with ideas for deepening the fellowship among your Yahweh sisters. If you're looking for a light-hearted, fun way to rev up your sisterhood friendships, you'll treasure this book!"

   "These are truly delightful books to read to your little one. They are illustrated by two different illustrators, but the pictures are truly delightful in both books. I sat down with a little friend and started reading. The dialog is great for different 'voices' as the different animals take a turn carrying on a conversation. However, my little 3-year-old friend was much too busy pointing out all the different animals on each page to care about the words the first time through.
   "Conversations on the Ark is about Noah's ark, and the animals are trying to decide what's going on. The mockingbird has the answer why, "It's gonna rain today." Which leads the crocodile to observe, 'It's never rained before!' The bat boy asks 'So, what is rain?' The female crow answers, 'I think it's like a bunch of dew.'
   "The Sparrow's Easter Song tells the Easter story. The sparrow calls a meeting to tell everyone the news of the Easter miracle. And she does, starting with the chickadee being witness to the events leading to the cross, the sparrow seeing the stone rolled away and Jesus walking with two men - 'Alive as anyone!' The good news was shared and the animals go out to tell the whole world the awesome news that God's son still lives.
   "Both books are Biblical in sequence and very upbeat and will leave both you and your child happy being in God's family. I totally recommend them for the pre-school and lower elementary child."

   "Here is an adorable book for the younger set. It asks, on the inquisitive child's behalf, 'What is Easter?' Is it about the Easter bunny and the eggs he hides? Is it about candy shaped like chocolate Easter rabbits? The final answer...

      Okay, now I get it.
      The Easter Bunny is okay,
      And Easter eggs are fun.
      But Easter's not about that stuff...

      It's all about God's son.

   "This quality board book abounds with illustrations that look like watercolored pencil drawings. They're fresh and lovely, a delight to the eyes."

   "Toddlers will love this sweet 'valentine' to God."

   Children's Book Club Recommendation

   "Each spread of this appealing board book features one sentence telling why a child loves God. Cheerful, bright pictures of multiethnic children will bring smiles to young readers. They will want to join in to tell God they love Him because He made honeybees, roses, and mud pies and sent Jesus. Featuring age-appropriate text and made with sturdy pages, this book introduces preschoolers to God's love in a positive way. Highly recommended for church and preschool libraries."

   "Board books are always welcome on my desk and Michelle Medlock Adams's maiden venture into this format is no exception. She has done an outstanding job presenting first facts about religion to young children in a clever sing-song manner. Why I Love You, God is not only a delightful approach to what every child should learn; her rhyme scheme is perfect and her meter pure. What a relief to any reviewer! Young readers will enjoy the rhythm of the author's verse, while they are exposed to basic premises about their relationship to God. Vibrant and colorful illustrations by Bill Clark show God's multi-colored family and add to the value of this charming book, which is sure to be a popular gift. Concordia Publishing House can be commended for its high-quality production of this title. Highly recommended."

   "This is a delightfully told and well illustrated children's story of the birth of Jesus. It is told by the dove, who watched everything that took place in the stable, and who heard the story of how in later days the Magi came to visit. Children, of course, know that the animals in the manger had a special sense of the importance of what was happening, and they recognized even more than some humans, that the Son of God was being born. Children even imagine the animals could talk and understand. So Mrs. Dove tells the story to the other animals, who are enthralled and asked questions.
   "The story, written in rhyming verse, is good for reading to toddlers and children up through early elementary school. Mrs. Dove, after telling of the Wise Men's gifts, emphasizes that God gave the best gift of all, His only Son. The animals marvel that God gave His Son for them, since they are just animals. The Dove responds that God loves even the animals.
   "The animals discuss what gifts they might give the baby Jesus. This is my favorite part of the story. The field mouse would bring him a great big hunk of cheese. The goat said, 'I'd have given him myself, to be his bestest friend.'"

   "Today's busy mom is faced with a to-do list several miles long. How can a woman accomplish all she needs to do and still grow in her relationship with God? In her refreshing book, Little Lessons from a Big God, Michelle Medlock Adams allows readers to peek into her home where she is raising two daughters, Abby and Allyson. She doesn't know all the answers, but she knows a God who does, and He speaks to her while she moves throughout her daily routine.
   "The book is divided into twenty quick-to-read chapters with hilarious titles, such as 'Don't Look Behind the Chair!' and 'I Was Accidentally Bad Today.' Each section describes an incident from Michelle's life and how ultimately she was wowed into a deeper understanding of God's love for her as a mom. She ends each story with a 'Thought for the Day,' allowing readers to apply the author's lessons to their own lives. She also includes a suggested scripture reading and a short prayer.
   "Since Michelle also writes fiction, her storytelling is vivid, packed with detailed images and real conversations. We feel like we're there when she feels her first pangs of labor. We laugh with her when she discovers her daughter has cut off her blond ponytail, claiming 'Miller (the dog) did it!' We admire her as she handles tough discipline issues and appreciate her frankness at showing us she's not perfect, but God's grace abounds.
   "Little Lessons from a Big God would make a wonderful gift for moms-to-be and women in all stages of mothering and grandmothering. It's fun and inspiring to read, filled with stories that speak to the heart, drawing us into what matters most in life and faith."

   "All mothers know life can be hectic. Children's school and extracurricular activities, husband's needs, household chores, and employment demands keep us on the go. Sometimes stress attacks from every angle, and we can just barely keep moving forward. Where is God? Right in the middle of mess, teaching us lessons through our frustrations.
   "In Little Blessings from a Big God: Finding More of God through the Lives of Your Children, Michelle Medlock Adams encourages readers to view life from a different perspective. For example, through her premature labor and enforced bed rest, Ms. Adams learned all things come in God's time. During her second delivery, which progressed so quickly that her doctor couldn't administer an epidural, she realized we don't always get what we want, but God will always give us what we truly need.
   "The table of contents lists each story by title and a subtitle, which hints at the lesson contained within. Following each thought-provoking, often humorous anecdote, the author includes a thought for the day, scripture reading and a daily declaration.
   "Reading Little Blessings from a Big God: Finding More of God through the Lives of Your Children is like drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea while soaking in the bathtub. Ms. Adams's soothing words of encouragement help a mother unwind after a tough day and remind her to treasure every moment, even the less than stellar ones. Remember, with God's help our children are our best and brightest teachers. Ms. Adams words show us how to open our eyes and hearts to their lessons. I highly recommend you treat yourself to this author's inspiring perspective."