When Pioneer Wagons Rumbled West By Christine Graham Illustrated by Sherry Meidell Deseret Book. 32 pages. ISBN: 1-57345-272-6 Suggested retail price: $2.99 (US)
Reviewed by: Jacki Friedmann

This is only my second book review ever, and my first children's book review, so I hope you will all bare with me.

So simple in its words, and it context, this book delivers a powerful message. While simple for young children to read and understand, to an adult, the message comes through as loudly and as clearly.

The saying goes. . . . "from the mouths of babes. . . . " Well that is true here. While geared to a younger group of people, the message seems so much more pure.

Have faith, pray to God, thank him for all he does, and he will bless you.

It is a simple story of the pioneers crossing the plains. While doing so, through their hardships, their limited play, limited food, etc, they continued to pray to Heavenly Father, ask for his help, and they were eventually rewarded by reaching the valley and being able to live finally, happily.

What more can a book offer, but the uplifting words to have faith, pray and give thanks? And when we do, with the purity and innocence of children, we will be blessed always.

I loved this book, enjoyed the illustrations immensely and felt the hardship of their struggle, and the joy of their sucess. And of course, felt the power of the message, that caused me simply to be thankful to have read this book and once again be reminded of something so basic . . . faith.

I found this book to be aimed towards young, beginner readers, about 5-7 years old. However, the pictures were so elaborate, that non-readers would surely love to have it read to them while enjoying the pictures. And to the person reading it out loud, the whole feeling is just a joy.

The line repeated in the story, " and asked for God's help . . . ", till the last line . . . " and thanked God for his help.", is a simple synopsis of what is good about this book.

jacki
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Jacki Friedmann
email: JackiKF@worldnet.att.net
homepage: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/8163
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