Wrap up Christian music history, a devotional, beautiful text, peaceful illustrations, and a magnificent CD into one package and you will have Hymns for a Kid's Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada (illustrated by Sergio Martinez). This is actually book five of the "Great Hymns of Our Faith" series and I am pleased to see not only how well done this book is, but I like the purpose of the book as well. Here is an excerpt from the inside cover: "For centuries, Christians around the world have sung the great hymns of the church. The words of these hymns plumb the depths of God's character and usher us into His presence. Hymns instruct believers in doctrine; they provide hope in the darkness; and they give reason to celebrate. Why should this treasure be hidden from the children of this generation?" Indeed. I was raised on the great hymns of faith - they are precious to me, and I want to make sure I instill in my children their beauty and relevance to today's life.

Each of the twelve hymns is introduced by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, which I find so cool. For example, in the introductions for "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Bobbie gives a short lesson on Martin Luther and how he had a passion for music, Bibles, and people. She explained how he and other bold Christians put their lives on the line to see Bibles and hymnbooks printed and put into the hands of everyday people. Joni continues the introduction by giving a little devotional about how God had told King Jehoshaphat to gather a great choir of singers to go out ahead of the army, and how as they sang praises to God, the enemy became confused and began to turn on each other. As a result, the Israelites won! This story shows how important praising God is in our life!

The hymn is then shown with a simple musical score - guitar chords included - giving the reader a great opportunity to hear the music on the CD and see it written as sheet music. This is a super way to learn the hymns in the book.

If all that wasn't enough, they also include "A Verse for My Heart" and "A Prayer for My Heart," allowing for meditation on the concepts written in the hymns. AND this book includes a fully orchestrated CD of children singing our beloved hymns. Accompaniment tracks, sheet music and other ministry materials can be found at www.hymnsforkids.com.

This book would make a wonderful gift for any beloved Sunday school teacher, child, or new mom - just don't forget to get one for yourself!



-- Product Review by: Terri Miller, Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine