Author Review

Accept

Reject

Personal and professional history promotes Christ and Christianity? (1 Tim. 3)

Religious views and practices are harmonious with the Bible? (1 Tim. 4)

Other media produced by author are consistent with the one under review?

Text Review (not story-line; but actual text, wording & information conveyed)

Accept

Reject

Does the book teach real and meaningful content? (Phil. 4: 8; NAEYC)

Will the book provide solid, valuable knowledge? (CG, 193; 2 Peter 1:5-7)

Is the main character(s) in the story unfavorable at first? (Tsai, et al, 2007; Mares & Acosta, 2008)

Since children tend to be attracted to the exciting and initial introduction of a character, a yes answer here would indicate that this book should be rejected.

Will the text help to develop a child’s faith and trust in God? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Will the text help the child learn and establish Christian virtues? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Does the text promote the concept of temperance/self-control? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Does the text promote the concept of patience or forbearance? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Will the story help the child learn and establish godliness? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Does the story teach kindness, empathy, selflessness or service? (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Does the story promote pure charity/love? (1 Cor. 13; 2 Peter 1:5-7)

If a Bible story book, does the text share accurate Bible stories/concepts?

Will the text lead the mind to the real, natural and enduring? (CG, 188.3)

Is the text consistent with Philippians 4:8?

Story Line & Graphic/Picture Review

Accept

Reject

Does the story-line give the children something to think of that is out of and above themselves? (CG, 188.2)

Will the story draw the child toward Christ?

The storyline focuses on “how to ___” rather than “how not to ___”.

For example: Look for books that teach children how to behave rather than how not to behave. If you focus on the right there’s no need to introduce or focus on the wrong (Mares & Acosta, 2008).

The graphics/pictures promote the real, natural and the enduring? (CG, 188.3)

The graphics/pictures promote a love of self and showmanship?

The graphics/pictures promote humanism, pantheism, homosexuality, multiple gods, or use New-Age symbols, emblems, etc.?