Bennie's Forever Gift

In Bennie's Forever Gift, written by Lynne Farrell,

Bennie loves to go for rides with his Grandpa Eldee. Bennie looks up to his Grandpa because Grandpa always makes him feel special and loved.

For his eighth birthday, Grandpa Eldee gives Bennie a special gift, a bright red horn for his bike. Of all the presents he got, it is his favorite. He puts it on his bike and he and Grandpa go for a ride.

Then Grandpa tells Bennie about the Great One and his Forever Gift. He explains that the Great One created each of us differently and gave us special gifts. Grandpa said the Great One's best gift of all is the Forever Gift. The Forever Gift is very special as the Great One only gives it to those who ask for it. If you accept the Forever Gift, you will be forever friends with the Great One and go to live with him when you leave this world.

The illustrations by Kathy Dache are colorful and expressive and the entire book's layout works well with the text.

What I Like: I like the story's message, a story about the gift of God's eternal grace and the promise that we will be with Him when we die.

What I Dislike: I didn't mention this previously, but just so you know, Bennie is a tricycle and Grandpa Eldee is an old-fashioned bicycle. I was a bit thrown off by the cover illustration as it is a picture of a tricycle with lots of balloons. With the title, Bennie's Forever Gift, I expected the tricycle to be a gift, not be one of the main characters. I don't necessarily dislike it, I just wonder why the author chose a bicycle and a tricycle as characters. Also, God is referred to as the Great One, instead of simply as God or our Heavenly Creator.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-12.

Bennie's Forever Gift is a charming book with beautiful illustrations. Each page is an marvelous work of art. This story of two bicycles, Grandpa Eldee and his grandson, Bennie, who reside in Spokesville is truly heartwarming. Grandpa Eldee teaches Bennie about all the many gifts in life. Bennie learns about the gifts of creation and about his own unique gifts. But most importantly, he discovers the gift of friendship with "the Great One" and "the forever gift". This perfectly crafted, modern-day parable not only will delight children of all ages but will teach them the simple message of Christ's saving grace.

This is a great book! It's a beautiful way to tell the story of how God wants to be friends with us, but we have free-will and we must chose to accept His gift. You'll want to read this to your children and grandchildren, and give to every parent you know! It would also be great in the hands of hospice workers, or those in elder care to open the conversation about salvation and how much God loves each one of us!

I really enjoyed the book and appreciate that the story introduces kids to the idea of a Creator in a very clever way. I like the way that the little bike learns about The Great One from his grandpa bike. Would be a good book for any parent who wants to help their child face the death of a grandparent or to answer questions about heaven.

This child-friendly story will inspire readers of all ages. With its timeless message of Hope for everyone who chooses to believe and accept God's offer of eternal friendship with Him, this book will be a true "gift" to any family!