Friday, May 18, 2012

Book Review: Icky, Sticky, Hairy Scary Bible Stories by Jonathan Schkade

The fact is: not all the stories in the Bible are nice. Some are scary. Some are messy. Some involve hairy guys or guys without any hair. In this zany and fun poetry collection, children learn all about God’s love and how He is willing to do anything to “lift us up and set us free.”

I’ve probably been teaching Sunday school for close to twenty years. I can’t say I’m always the most entertaining or inventive teacher, but I know the kids are learning. The group I have at church now runs from ages five to thirteen. The challenge is in putting together lessons that span these ages. And honestly, teaching the same stories the same way over and again isn’t that fun. Icky, Sticky, Hairy Scary Bible Stories by Jonathan Schkade has helped me share more of the Bible with my students than ever before. From Jonah and the whale to demon pigs falling off cliffs, from the healing of Naaman to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, from Hezekiah’s plea for God to stop the attack of Sennacherib’s army to the truth in the Book of Revelation and more, these simple and funny rhymes not only engage youngsters, they help kids remember what they learned. Complemented by the wacky artwork of Tuesday Mourning, I find myself using this book time and again to share God’s Word.

Why do I know this works? Because months after reading, “Baldy, the Boys and the Bears,” my students can still tell me the details of Elisha cursing the forty-two boys for mocking him. They can still tell me the story of Esau and Jacob, because “A Hairy Scary Man” made it fun to learn. They also recall the death of John the Baptist, as told in, “Head on A Plate.” Starting off Sunday school lessons with fun allows us to have more meaningful discussions that all the children can participate in.

PURCHASE AT AMAZON!



  • Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  • Paperback: 125 pages
  • Publisher: Concordia Pub House (January 5, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 0758626711
  • ISBN-13: 978-0758626714 
  • Thursday, May 17, 2012

    Promo Day is Coming This Saturday!



    THE event for the writing industry is back!

    Promo Day is an annual event for people in the writing industry dedicated to promoting, networking and learning. This years event will take place on Saturday 19th May 2012 at the brand new website www.PromoDay.info.

    This online event organized by Jo Linsdell has evolved since its humble beginnings on the writer's personal website and grown into a world recognized event attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe.

    The 2012 event promises to be the best yet with the launch of the new website and internationally renowned workshop presenters. The program is filled with fabulous and knowledgeable presenters and workshop topics are ones you can sink your teeth into. You'll be sure to come away with valuable connections via the networking areas and have opportunities to promote your own work and services throughout the day.

    I'll be giving a workshop on coordinating virtual book tours. It will be filled with tons of advice from my years worth of experience working with Pump Up Your Book.

    This unique event is completely free to attend and registration is now open via the website homepage. Once you're signed up you will be emailed the password to gain access to the forums where the conference takes place.

    Since its inception in 2007, Promo Day has been incredibly successful and is a 'must-attend' for everyone in the writing industry.