Reviews ~ Kingdom Files: Who was Esther? and Kingdom Files: Who was David? by Matt Koceich

Note: All is well here in coastal VA. Hurricane Florence stayed south and did not affect us as anticipated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those that have been impacted by the storm.

Paperback, 96 pages

Published August 1st 2018 by Barbour Books

About the Book

What do you know about Esther? 
Was she:
. . .the beautiful Queen of Persia?
. . .the woman who hid her Jewish heritage from the king?
. . .the courageous one who risked her life to save her people?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with Esther in a luxurious Persian palace, in the presence of a powerful king, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of Esther, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of the beautiful Queen of Persia, while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about the woman who hid her Jewish heritage from the king and ultimately risked her life to save her people. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of Esther while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter.

My Review

4 STARS

The story of Esther has always fascinated me. Koceich has done a great job making this condensed version rich in detail and characterization easy to read and understand for children ages 8-12. The story flow is smooth and intriguing with plenty of room for notes and questions to be jotted down throughout the book. Quality time can be spent with your child investigating and delving deeper into the story in God’s Word, and if you have an artistic child, maybe even creating their own illustrations. It would make a great supplement for a home school Bible study curriculum as well as a take-home resource for youth Sunday school attendees.

I received a copy from Barbour. No review was required. No compensation received.

Paperback, 96 pages

Published August 1st 2018 by Barbour Books

What do you know about David?

Was he:
. . .a shepherd boy turned king?
. . .a faithful harp player?
. . .a brave giant slayer?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with David in a field of sheep, in the presence of a towering giant, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of David, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of this shepherd boy turned king, while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about this faithful harp player and courageous giant slayer. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of David while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter. 

My Review
3 STARS

This book is targeted at children ages 8-12 but younger readers could handle the narrative too. Home school children and tactile learners might have fun making props to go with the story. My sons would definitely have been trying to make the weapons when they were that age. It could also be a resource for putting on a small play in Sunday school.

I expected this one to be as interesting as Who was Esther?, but the storytelling seemed snail-like and the illustration of David bothered me. I have never visualized him as having blonde hair and a blonde beard. Aside from that, the Power-Up section is great! It has encouragement and memory verses and room to write down a few thoughts.

I received a copy from Barbour. No review was required. No compensation received.