Review: My Home Can Be a Holy Place (Children's Book) by Kristen M. Oaks

My Home Can Be A Holy Place by Kristen M. Oaks, Illustrated by Dan Burr
Published September 7th 2015 by Deseret Book
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


Description:

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord (D&C 109:15). This children's picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily's family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book. 

My Review:

I love the way this book shows various, simple settings in the life of young Lily's family. The artwork is beautiful, realistic, and descriptive, engaging an imagination. I read this with my nine year old daughter and she related really well to what was being said and the combination of the words and pictures brought these important concepts down to her level.

I love how each page talks about one way to bring the Spirit into our homes and most pages had either a scripture or quote by a General Authority at the bottom to support it.

This is specific to an LDS audience, but anyone can appreciate the different ways to bring a family closer together and make the home a haven of peace.

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About the Author: 

Kristen McMain Oaks has spent much of her life teaching. She earned a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in special education (both from the University of Utah), and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Brigham Young University. She was a former educational consultant in the publishing industry, instructing teachers and supervisors both nationally and internationally. She was also a Visiting Assistant Professor at BYU and served a full-time mission to Japan. After marrying Elder Dallin H. Oaks, she taught and trained auxiliaries in the Philippines for two years while he served as Area President. She currently serves on the board of trustees of the Deseret International Foundation and the Primary Children's Hospital and recently authored the book, A Single Voice. In addition to her love of teaching, she loves being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband reside in Utah. 

About the Illustrator:

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children's books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.