Books with author Crystal Bowman

Jake is excited about going to the beach with Mother, Father, and his little sister, Kelly. He wants to help out so they can be on their way. After spilling the milk, breaking a plate, and sloshing pickle juice in the picnic basket, he finally goes to his room feeling like he’s just in the way. While waiting for Mother and Father to finish the chores, he reads books to Kelly. When they get to the beach, Jake helps Kelly build a sand castle and teaches her how to swim. At the end of the day, Mother and Father explain to Jake that he was a big helper even though he didn’t realize it.

Jake’s friend Jason comes over to play with Jake and wants to play baseball. After Jason hits the ball several times, Jake wants a turn to bat. Jake keeps striking out, so Jason gets frustrated and goes home. Jake is discouraged at his inability to play baseball. Mother assures Jake that with patience, practice, and God’s help, he will learn to hit the ball too. Grandma comes over for a visit and Jake asks her to play baseball with him. Grandma has the time, patience, and encouragement Jake needs to learn how to hit the ball.

A Lesson in AcceptanceNot many people like Zacchaeus the tax collector. But when Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus, Jesus calls him down to talk. How will the people react to Jesus meeting Zacchaeus?This is a Level One I Can Read! book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. It aligns with guided reading level I and will be of interest to children Pre-K to 3rd grade.

Jake and Father plan to go fishing, but on the way to the lake Jake spills the worms. Jake is noisy in the boat and then gets a fish hook caught in his pants. When things finally settle down, they catch several fish for supper and have a great day together. But feeling sorry for the fish, Jake decides to put them back in the lake. Jake feels like he spoiled the day by wanting to put the fish back. Father assures Jake that God gave them a good day to have fun and be together. Father stops by the store on the way home and they buy some crackers shaped like fish.

Jake is excited about having his own bedroom, but when it comes time to go to sleep, he is afraid of the dark and afraid of being alone. Jake tries to conquer his fears by turning on the bedroom light. When that doesn’t work, he takes his animals to bed with him. Then he tries crawling under his bed. When none of these methods work, he crawls back into bed and finally falls asleep. The next morning, when Jake tells his parents what happened, they get him a night light and remind him that God is with him all night long. The next night Jake has no trouble falling asleep.

Small children will eagerly open this pumpkin-shaped board book to discover the delightful story and colorful illustrations, by artist Claudine Gévry. Using sing-song rhyme, author Crystal Bowman describes a fun fall tradition―carving a pumpkin face. But she adds a twist that helps preschoolers grasp the concept of God’s life-changing love for them. Just like we scoop out the inside a pumpkin, God makes us clean on the inside too.