Review of Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids

[Lisa Heyvaert]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids" by Jemima Paul, Arvind Paul.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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I believe Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids is very appropriate for its young (Christian) audience. The language is suitable and very understandable for children. The descriptions were very imaginative, with fitting and beautifully drawn images. I also found it interesting how Bible verses are referenced and implemented throughout the story, which makes it live up to its claim of being an introduction to Christianity. Furthermore, I did not spot any typos or linguistic mistakes, so the editing deserves some praise.

However, I did not give the book a perfect score but a 3 out of 5. Although the intention of inclusiveness was clearly present, I would have liked to see more racial diversity in the pictures provided. I was happy to find some characters of colour but I believe it still could have been more diverse. The overall atmosphere of the book appears to be very loving and empathetic and I think a wider representation of different kinds of people would have nudged that message to an even higher level.

Speaking of which, I think the message was very clear, which is important in books targeting younger audiences. After all, it is not uncommon for children’s stories to have a moralising aspect, since it is also the case in many fairytales, for example. I imagine the lessons Emma and Bella learn are very useful and applicable to any young Christian growing up who reads the story. Nevertheless, I felt like the message at the end, directed to the reader's parents, read more like a pamphlet than the end of a story. Even without it, I believe that parents would understand the message as well as their children.

In sum, the book is sweet and caring and therefore very much in line with the Christian ideals it discusses, which is appropriate for the intended readership. The linguistically correct story and its beautiful images could still be more inclusive, however, and the part directed to parents at the end perhaps could have been less moralising than it is.

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Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids
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