Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning and John Blase; illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

I was so excited to finally receive this beautifully illustrated children's book.  I actually opened it in the post office, and showed it to friends before even taking it home!  I was not disappointed.  The pictures are so colorful and inviting - I wished I had a ready-made group of children around me to share it with.

The title is imaginative and appropriate, as it is a phrase which is used  throughout the story. I think this story would be well accepted by children in K-2.

The main subject of the story is the importance of looking around us to see God's gifts in the common things of our lives.  Through Willie Juan's question, "What is one thing you think Abba will ask you someday when you are in heaven?" he causes the children to not only think of God's love and His gifts, but also their responsibility in responding to the gifts.

Where the story is used in non-Spanish cultures, there would probably need to be a few explanatory remarks to help children understand the difference in culture and language, but this is not a negative thing, rather, an opportunity to expand horizons.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I probably would also draw the child/children into a discussion of more of God's gifts, including the best gift of all, Jesus.  The story provides a natural opportunity to take the discussion in this direction.  Overall, I would recommend this book with enthusiasm.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”