"Arlo and the Keep-Out Club" by Betsy Childs Howard. A Review

 

I am a grandpa, and the classic grandpa type, even down to the white beard and thinning hair. So, one of the things this means is that I'm usually on the lookout for kids books that I would like to read to my grandkids. "Arlo and the Keep-Out Club" is one. Betsy Childs Howard, author of several kids books, has given young children, parents, grandparents, church nursery teams, and others a delightful little story in this 40-page hardback. And Samara Hardy, freelance illustrator and designer, has given readers - younger and older - visually pleasant, colorful, attention-keeping pictures.

The storyline runs through Arlo's desires - to be part of the "Keep-Out Club," and the hard decisions he has to make during initiation. That's the tale in a nutshell. It's easy to follow. But also to put yourself in his place is effortless. Most of us will remember walking through similar feelings and challenges on the playground when we were Arlo's age.  And in the story dad is there. Yet dad doesn't make Arlo's decisions for him, nor save him from bad influences, but simply points him to Jesus and how following Jesus is not always easy, but wherever "we go, he's the best friend we have."

A simple story that's believable and relatable. The characters, according to the illustrations, are of a variety of sexes and ethnicities. Young kids will enjoy the book. Their guardians, parents and grandparents will enjoy reading it with them. And church nurseries could easily add this to their shelves. I highly recommend the book.

My thanks to Crossway for sending me the free review copy of the book at my request. My review is freely made and freely given.