These three books by Margaret Williams are part of the "Stories from Jesus" series from Candle Books. I think the books are best suited for preschoolers through first grade, but even my older children enjoyed them. The stories are simple, clear, and engaging; yet they remain true to the Bible parables. The illustrations are cute, cheerful, and colorful; and they really help bring the stories to life. I especially like the fact that, on the last page of each book, the author tells where to find the story in the Bible.

The Father Who Waited is the story of the Prodigal Son. I love the gentle way in which this parable is related--not too much detail or too serious but still getting the point across.

The Two Builders tells of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his on the sand. The book takes its readers through the building process for both houses and emphasizes how differently they were constructed. In the end, the wise man and his faithful dog are glad to come to the aid of the foolish man and his cat after the storm destroyed the foolish man's house.

The Shepherd Who Searched is about the good shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to find a single lost one. It tells how the shepherd cares for and protects his sheep and how diligently he searches when one of them is missing. It's a good book to illustrate how much God cares for us.

Margaret Williams's books are excellent for young children. Be prepared to read these books many times--your preschoolers will request them!

Product review by Jennifer Golombisky, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January 2008