I highly recommend these books. My 2 granddaughters began receiving them for their birthdays last year. They love them and they are their favorite books. They have their mom read them every night. I love them because they not only show a powerful lesson from God's Word but more importantly show how to put into action. Also, beautiful pictures that draw children in. Hope they make a boys series. When I first purchased "Princess Joy" for my granddaughter's birthday, (mainly because of the powerful message), I had no idea it would become her favorite book. We most definately need more books like these that teach God's Word with action.

A sweet story with wonderful pictures. I really like that the village children have a variety of ethnic appearance. Great story that teaches a valuable lesson.

My granddaughters love this book and the others we purchased. Their mom says she enjoys reading them because of the values they teach, too.

A brand new series, "The Princess Parables" introduce readers to five daughters of the king -- Joy, Grace, Faith, Hope and Charity -- whose adventures prove to be parables of lessons Jesus taught. Joy's story reflects Luke 14:12--14.

Joy's sisters are planning a surprise birthday party for her, but when all the princes and princesses of the lands offer rejections and excuses, they aren't sure what to do. Joy, having overheard the plans and the disastrous outcome, is devastated, but with her father's guidance, she comes up with a better plan. Joy asks her father if they can invite "children who don't live in a castle or a nice house ... who don't have a fancy bike or big birthday parties." The king, delighted with her decision, assures Joy that she will be blessed by this birthday party more than any other.

Invitations are sent again. This time everyone wants to come! On the day of the party village children arrive, arms laden with gifts from the heart. Some have hand-painted items or homemade goodies; others bring wildflower bouquets. Then Joy has another idea. When her father and sisters bring their gifts into the room, Joy decides to give all of her fancy gifts to her guests instead. It becomes "the grandest birthday part of all time!"

The book closes with a personal note from Princess Joy to the readers. She explains that while things don't always happen the way we plan, sometimes that brings the best blessings. In this story she learned to serve others instead of feeling sorry for herself. Joy then explains that this reminds her of a true story her father reads to her from the Bible. The next page provides Luke 14:12--14 quoted from the New International Reader's Version (NIrV).

Illustrated by Omar Aranda, the book features computer generated images saturated with color. As expected, the princess are beautifully adorned with ballgowns, tiaras and lots of feminine features; all characteristics that instantly appeal to most girls within the target age range.

WHAT I DISLIKE: My daughter (6 years old) really likes this book! It's a sweet story that puts flesh on the teachings highlighted. I appreciate Joy's note at the back and the inclusion of Scripture. These two features together make the story personal and applicable to readers. Well done.

WHAT I LIKE: At first glance, this book feels like another instance of marketing people capitalizing on a cultural craze, trying to "Christianize" it for a profit. The authors made a valiant effort to keep the story distinct from popular Disney themes, but the illustrations, while of excellent quality, draw me right back to my initial skepticism. It seems to lack originality.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review