I read this each night with my 8 year old daughter and we both liked the book and would recommend it to friends and family. There were a couple of places that felt like repeats of something we had read earlier but overall it was educational and helpful in building up young faith. This book is appropriate for ages 7-12

As a homeschool mom of four and a former Sunday school coordinator/curriculum organizer, I have looked at quite a few spiritual resources for kids. This is a book that I feel comfortable recommending. I did not find any theological issues.
First of all, I could definitely recommend to families looking for a devotional for their kids. I was able to easily read through the book in one sitting, and I feel like kids could be able to do the same thing. I feel like this book has a reading level suitable for most 10-13 year olds. That being said, if the book was being used as a read aloud, the kids could definitely be younger and still follow along.

I would also suggest this books for adults that are new to their faith if they want a basic introduction to who Jesus is.. Although some of the illustrations are geared toward children, there is still relevance to the ideas. The author does not talk down to the audience. I feel like as I read through the book, I was reminded of biblical truths.

Besides using this book as an individual devotional, I think it would be great book to read together as families. This could help guide family nights since there are 52 devotionals - perfect to use one each week.

With a bit of extra preparation, this also could be used for Sunday School or Children's Church lessons. Crafts or activities could be found for each theme. There is enough substance contained in each devotional that it could be the basis for a lesson. Children could be assigned Scriptures to read out loud in the class.

Not only did this book contain the names of Jesus that I would have predicted, they really delved into other names that we may not readily think about. I knew that they would pick John 14:6 for instance. Devotions are included that talk about Jesus being "The Way, The Truth and the Life." But one of the devotions references that Jesus is a "Shadow from the Heat" that is based off of Isaiah 25:4. The best part of the book is definitely that abundance of Scripture. Packing a devotional full of Bible verses chosen and geared toward kids is a great idea for a children's devotional.

I did have two small concerns about the book. First, this may be a tough book for a child to read independently without any adult input. At least once the author said "talk to your parents about this ..." If a child is not from a faith background, that could be problematic. This could be solved if another caring adult believer stepped in to offer guidance. If this is not possible, the child would still get enough truth out of the devotionals. They can always learn the deeper truths when they mature.

My second concern is more of a personal preference. The author used quite a few different versions of the Bible. In a few instances, the author used the Message but did point out that was a paraphrase rather than a translation. All of the Scriptures presented were biblical and reverent, and my guess is that the author did pick different translations, so that the wording would correlate with the 52 themes. The only way that these varying translations would matter is if the book is used for Scripture memory. That could potentially be confusing. That being said - I know many verses in KJV, NAS, NIV and more. I am surviving just fine.
For these two concerns, my final rating is 4.8.

I really appreciate Barbour Books and NetGalley providing me with a copy of this book. I feel honored to get to look at books that help children better understand the Bible. All opinions in this review are my own.

Marilee Parrish has prepared a wonderful collection of 52 devotionals focusing on the various names given to Jesus in Scripture. Though intended (as per the publisher) for children age 8 and above, this senior adult with a graduate school education found encouragement in the comments offered.

Each devotional begins with a decorative “title page” offering a quote where the name is used in Scripture. The devotionals are two pages in length - each ending with a brief one or two-sentence prayer and a question that aims to help the reader apply that days reading. A “Table of Contents” will help the reader find readings on a specific topic. Given that each devotion quotes two, three, or more, Scriptures, I was disappointed in the lack of a more complete “Scripture Index” being included as an appendix. For this reason, I can only give this book four-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

I wish I had this when I was a kid! This collection of 52 devotions focuses on the names of Jesus and what He means to us. I really appreciated that each devotion had a specific verse anchoring it and also included many related Bible verses within the devotion. There were many different translations of the Bible used (NIV, Message, NKJV, Amplified, NLV) depending on which version was most "kid-friendly" and/or connected best.
At the end of each devotion, there's a short one sentence prayer as well as a quick "Think About It" reflection/discussion question or suggestion for how to extend the lesson into your own prayer and quiet time. (Examples: What worry do you need Jesus to replace with his peace? // (after a list of scripture to look up) Which one of the scriptures you looked up meant the most to you and why? // Why do you think some things about God are still a great mystery to humans?).

The names of Jesus help us to know what kind of God we serve. His name is powerful, and He offers everything your heart needs.

The names of Jesus will help us understand our need for a savior. Each day begins with a name and a verse. A short commentary follows and ends with a prayer. There is place to think about what you have read that will engage your son and daughter to see Jesus.

I loved all 52 names and what they imply for me and how I can rest in him. Your child will find peace and I strong recommend to do this study as a family devotion. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Wonderful Names of Jesus
52 Devotions for Kids
by MariLee Parrish
Back of the Book: “Have you introduced the kids in your life to. . .
THE WORD (John 1:1)
THE LAMB OF GOD (John 1:29)
THE BREAD OF LIFE (John 6:35)
I AM (John 8:58)
THE WAY (John 14:6)
THE TRUTH (John 14:6)
THE LIFE (John 14:6)
The Wonderful Names of Jesus will introduce the kids in your life to 52 names of Jesus. Each memorable reading will help children, ages 8 and up, to understand not only who Jesus is, but also the depth of His unending, amazing love. Featuring names found in both the Old and New Testaments including, A Star, My Shepherd, The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Friend of Sinners, My Helper, and dozens more, kids will learn about the delightful character of the Savior and be encouraged to grow more like Him every day. Questions for further thought wrap up each reading to help them think deeper on Jesus, the strong and mighty Lord.”
Impressions: I think this is a great devotional to do with your children. My boys are 9 and 5 and we have been enjoying the book together. The devotions are short but have me personally dwelling on the names of Jesus and reminding the boys throughout the day.
Liked: I liked the “Think about it” section at the end of each day. It gives us something to put into practice.
Learned: I am learning to remind myself and boys to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Each name we learn about reminds me of who God wants us to be. It is a good reminder and one that helps me ground myself when I’m frustrated. I can only hope my boys will pick up the same habit from this book.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Wonderful Names of Jesus is a devotional for children with 52 devotions on the names of Jesus. This is a devotional for children ages 8 and older, but this is also a great devotional for the parents to read together with their child. These devotions go through the wonderful names of Jesus, reflecting on the character and name of the devotion. The devotions finish with a prayer and then a question to think about. I really like this devotional, how it helps the child to understand the names and character of Jesus by explaining them, usually referencing other Bible passages. The prayer at the end is a sweet thing to finish with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for my copy of Wonderful Names of Jesus by MariLee Parrish in exchange for an honest review. It publishes January 1, 2021.
I've been reading this with my elementary-aged school children, and this is a great resource! The chapters aren't too long, so they don't lose interest. I find the format to be nice, with questions to keep them engaged. We are all benefiting from this.
It would make a great gift for any kid in your life!

Such a great devotional and not just for kids but for the whole family. Filled with insight on all the names of God its a great way to come together as family to read, learn, and grow in your faith. The cover is stunning as well. The Devotions are easy to read & have a good discussion question at the end of each one. A great book to open facilitate conversations with the whole family. I would absolutely buy this and recommend to friends & even say it be perfect for a Sunday school library.