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Be Still and Know #1
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter: Inspired by Psalm 46
Multiple winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award
As our children grow, we long for them to have a relationship with God. But teaching them to know and hear His “still small voice” can be challenging. In A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter , parents and young readers alike will journey through the story of a young boy who learns to hear God’s voice through everyday circumstances. Children will be encouraged to know God and hear His voice through this inspirational story based on Psalm 46. This book created by internationally award-winning illustrator and author Jan Spivey Gilchrist is sure to empower parents to continue the conversation about knowing God in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
As our children grow, we long for them to have a relationship with God. But teaching them to know and hear His “still small voice” can be challenging. In A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter , parents and young readers alike will journey through the story of a young boy who learns to hear God’s voice through everyday circumstances. Children will be encouraged to know God and hear His voice through this inspirational story based on Psalm 46. This book created by internationally award-winning illustrator and author Jan Spivey Gilchrist is sure to empower parents to continue the conversation about knowing God in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2019
22 people want to read
About the author
Jan Spivey Gilchrist
57 books8 followersJan Spivey Gilchrist is the award-winning illustrator-author of seventy-four children's books. Dr. Gilchrist illustrated the highly acclaimed picture book The Great Migration: Journey to the North, winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, a Junior Library Guild Best Book, an NAACP Image Award nominee, a CCBC Best Book, and a Georgia State Children's Book Award nominee. She won the Coretta Scott King Award for her illustrations in Nathaniel Talking and a Coretta Scott King Honor for her illustrations in Night on Neighborhood Street, all written by Eloise Greenfield. She was inducted into the Society of Illustrators in 2001 and into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent in 1999. She lives near Chicago, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 11, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
Nice little story about trusting in God, i just read this book with my 7 years old daughter and she just smiled, and than a little bit sad she said" i am like his sisters ...."
i gave her a big kiss and huge hug!
Nice little story about trusting in God, i just read this book with my 7 years old daughter and she just smiled, and than a little bit sad she said" i am like his sisters ...."
i gave her a big kiss and huge hug!
December 22, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a true tale told by the author about his brother when he was a little boy and he learnt how to talk, listen and believe in god.
The artwork is beautifully presented and the story (based on a psalm from the bible and a true event in the authors life) is well created and worded for children.
A beautiful story.
This is a true tale told by the author about his brother when he was a little boy and he learnt how to talk, listen and believe in god.
The artwork is beautifully presented and the story (based on a psalm from the bible and a true event in the authors life) is well created and worded for children.
A beautiful story.
July 22, 2019
An interesting story based on a true event in the author's life. How a young boy, the son of a preacher learned to love the God's word in biblical verses, and in his thoughtful times learned to discern a small voice in his ear. "Be Still".
The watercolour drawings freshen up the story and capture the mood as the illustrations bleed emotion into the scenes.
The voice throughout is pictured as a honey bee with thr soothing words "Be still".
I'm not sure if there is a link here, or if it is deliberately avoided as it is based on God's revelation in Psalm 46. but I could not help using the shorthand Bee Still. Not to devalue the spiritual message but the story seems to shout "Bee Still".
What I liked was the introduction and the impact Junior's journey had not just on him but his neighbourhood.
A simple tale of rich promise and God's blessing with a honest faith faith and response from a young man atuned to the world around him and God's role in it today.
The watercolour drawings freshen up the story and capture the mood as the illustrations bleed emotion into the scenes.
The voice throughout is pictured as a honey bee with thr soothing words "Be still".
I'm not sure if there is a link here, or if it is deliberately avoided as it is based on God's revelation in Psalm 46. but I could not help using the shorthand Bee Still. Not to devalue the spiritual message but the story seems to shout "Bee Still".
What I liked was the introduction and the impact Junior's journey had not just on him but his neighbourhood.
A simple tale of rich promise and God's blessing with a honest faith faith and response from a young man atuned to the world around him and God's role in it today.
July 17, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Discovery House Publishers and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
This is a touching book. It's heart felt and told well, about a little boy who is spoken to by God. It was really sweet and I really liked the last pages of the book where we are told about his life and who he grew up to be. This is a beautiful book.
4 stars.
This is a touching book. It's heart felt and told well, about a little boy who is spoken to by God. It was really sweet and I really liked the last pages of the book where we are told about his life and who he grew up to be. This is a beautiful book.
June 14, 2019
"A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter" highlights God's presence in the lives of all of His children, while giving an incredible true account of one young boy's personal journey with God. The boy in this story is named Junior, and he is the author's little brother. At an early age, Junior began hearing the still small voice of God, giving him guidance and comfort. This led to an even bigger and miraculous encounter with God. Lovely watercolored illustrations help tell this inspirational story.
This is a beautiful little book!
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
This is a beautiful little book!
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
July 12, 2019
What an amazing insightful children's story. This book should be in every home that has children. My grandchildren are all grown up now, but this would be a book that I would read to them over and over. I believe this would be one of their favorites too. The family dynamics pictured here, are true and typical to any present day family. I love the character Junior and appreciate the glimpse we get into his big heart. The watercolor pages are some of the best that I have ever seen. The story alone is great but with the artwork it becomes outstanding. I am sorry that I can only give this story 5 stars. I would rate this book a ten in every category. If you have a child or grandchild, you need this book. I received a complementary copy of this book from Discovery House through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 23, 2022
Inspired by the experience Gilchrist's brother, a young boy learns to be still and listen for God’s voice in everyday circumstances.
June 24, 2020
What a cute little book about trusting in God. I just read with my granddaughters and they loved it.
The illustrations were colorful and fun.
I received this through NetGalley as an e-book but I don’t have it anymore. :(. Such a cute book
The illustrations were colorful and fun.
I received this through NetGalley as an e-book but I don’t have it anymore. :(. Such a cute book
February 1, 2020
This book is beautiful. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is sweet. My daughter loves it and I love that it helps her to understand listening to that still small voice. I highly recommend this book for every child!
July 4, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for making a copy of this book available for review.
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter tells the story of an encounter with God as experienced by Jan Spivey Gilchrist's brother when he was a child. A voice spoke to Junior; one that "knew his heart, calmed his spirit, and made him strong every day and everywhere." This voice would comfort him when he didn't seem to fit in and gave him courage when he needed it most, telling his anxious heart to be still.
What a timely reminder to simply be still and rest in the assurance that God is with me, that he is my "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (from Psalm 46:1). I rest in this truth and am pleased to see a picture book for young readers that affirms this.
Jan Spivey Gilchrist is the award-winning author and illustrator of this beautiful book that is filled with heart-warming images that bring Junior's story to life. I especially appreciate those pages that speak to a father loving and guiding his son the way that Junior's did; edifying and encouraging him along the way. If you read Nikki Grimes book The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 (published in 2017), I think you might also really enjoy this one.
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter tells the story of an encounter with God as experienced by Jan Spivey Gilchrist's brother when he was a child. A voice spoke to Junior; one that "knew his heart, calmed his spirit, and made him strong every day and everywhere." This voice would comfort him when he didn't seem to fit in and gave him courage when he needed it most, telling his anxious heart to be still.
What a timely reminder to simply be still and rest in the assurance that God is with me, that he is my "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (from Psalm 46:1). I rest in this truth and am pleased to see a picture book for young readers that affirms this.
Jan Spivey Gilchrist is the award-winning author and illustrator of this beautiful book that is filled with heart-warming images that bring Junior's story to life. I especially appreciate those pages that speak to a father loving and guiding his son the way that Junior's did; edifying and encouraging him along the way. If you read Nikki Grimes book The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 (published in 2017), I think you might also really enjoy this one.
June 29, 2019
All my reviews can be found at http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will post on my site on July 16th, which is closer to publication day.
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This children’s picture book is the true story of the author’s brother that is also based off verses of Psalm 46. It shows children that God is our place of safety and gives us strength in times of trouble.
I liked how the bee was a constant in the illustrations throughout the story. The bee shows us how God is always with us. The colorful watercolor illustrations perfectly helped to capture the moods of the story. The illustrations bought to life the feel of darkness and fear when called for and then the light of hope at the end of the story. I liked how the illustrations showed us African American characters. I feel we need more stories that show diversity in characters, especially when the books are for younger children.
This story calls for us to remember to take some time out and remember to “Be still, and know that I am God.” It also encourages Bible reading by mentioning the exact verses that this story is based off of and other verses to knowing more on God.
As this is a story of the author’s younger brother, there is one page that tells us briefly of his life. He was the middle of five children.
This children’s picture book is recommended. Special thanks to the publisher for granting me an e-arc copy to read and review via NetGalley.
~~~~
This review will post on my site on July 16th, which is closer to publication day.
~~~~
This children’s picture book is the true story of the author’s brother that is also based off verses of Psalm 46. It shows children that God is our place of safety and gives us strength in times of trouble.
I liked how the bee was a constant in the illustrations throughout the story. The bee shows us how God is always with us. The colorful watercolor illustrations perfectly helped to capture the moods of the story. The illustrations bought to life the feel of darkness and fear when called for and then the light of hope at the end of the story. I liked how the illustrations showed us African American characters. I feel we need more stories that show diversity in characters, especially when the books are for younger children.
This story calls for us to remember to take some time out and remember to “Be still, and know that I am God.” It also encourages Bible reading by mentioning the exact verses that this story is based off of and other verses to knowing more on God.
As this is a story of the author’s younger brother, there is one page that tells us briefly of his life. He was the middle of five children.
This children’s picture book is recommended. Special thanks to the publisher for granting me an e-arc copy to read and review via NetGalley.
July 5, 2019
This illustrated book is a sweet message for children to "Be Still" when they feel angry or upset. It is a good reminder for adults too. It is a true little story lovingly told about Charles Spivey Junior, son of the Reverend Charles Spivey Sr. I like the stormy to peaceful feeling of the story. It isn't preachy by any means. It is a quick read to tell a child that he or she can be still in their hearts and know that the still and soft as a bee's voice is God.
The book is also 'softly' illustrated in muted colors. I particularly like the illustration of Junior and his dad plus another page with a floral display with a bee hovering nearby. A young child could be prompted to be interactive with the book by looking for the solitary bee that is included on many pages of the book.
This book can also be a really nice conversation starter for a child and adult. I like it very much.
Thanks to NetGalley for my PDF advanced copy of this book.
The book is also 'softly' illustrated in muted colors. I particularly like the illustration of Junior and his dad plus another page with a floral display with a bee hovering nearby. A young child could be prompted to be interactive with the book by looking for the solitary bee that is included on many pages of the book.
This book can also be a really nice conversation starter for a child and adult. I like it very much.
Thanks to NetGalley for my PDF advanced copy of this book.
February 5, 2020
"A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter" by Jan Spivey Gilchrist is a beautiful book. It is rated as for children 3-11 years old or for grades Preschool to third. The illustrations are lovely and the expressions on the characters faces say a whole lot all by themselves. The book is inspired by Psalm 46 in the Bible. I think this is a book that an adult will start reading then stopping to let the preschooler look at the illustrations and then asking a few questions , like "How do you think the little boy feels?" or " "Why did Junior feel that way?" for the first couple of pages and then looking at the illustrations throughout the book. As the listener/reader grows older they will understand and realize what the story is all about (I would say right around 7-8 years). Great book for Sunday School classes, as well as, for children who are ready to learn what is in the Bible and how it impact all of our lives.
June 26, 2019
God is our place of safety. He gives us strength.
He is always there to help us in times of trouble.
God’s blessings are like a river.
The Lord who rules over all is with us.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.
Being a preacher's son can put so much pressure on a little boy with a lot of energy such as Junior. When Junior heard a voice "Be still", it would help him to calm his heart and listen. This is his story to be told to other children. With vivid illustrations and the simple words of be still, we can find comfort when anger, anxiety, or uncontrolled thoughts wreak havoc on our hearts. This little boy listened to those words and became example of God's obedience.
A great study to share with your kiddos.
A Special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
He is always there to help us in times of trouble.
God’s blessings are like a river.
The Lord who rules over all is with us.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.
Being a preacher's son can put so much pressure on a little boy with a lot of energy such as Junior. When Junior heard a voice "Be still", it would help him to calm his heart and listen. This is his story to be told to other children. With vivid illustrations and the simple words of be still, we can find comfort when anger, anxiety, or uncontrolled thoughts wreak havoc on our hearts. This little boy listened to those words and became example of God's obedience.
A great study to share with your kiddos.
A Special Thank you to Discovery House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 16, 2019
"A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter" by Jan Spivey Gilchrist is an illustrative story about a boy's encounter with an inner voice that teaches him to stay still and calm. Junior, who is the son of a Christian preacher, is guided by this voice and protected during a thunderstorm. Junior has to determine if the voice is the memory of his dad’s voice, his own imagination, or God’s voice. After sharing his experiences with his father, Junior realizes he is hearing the voice of God. The story shows how obedience is important even when the guiding voice is soft as a bee's flutter. This 4-star read is great for young readers who enjoy metaphors especially those familiar with the Bible. A gentle presentation on how obeying the word and voice of God can impact everyday activities.
November 8, 2019
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter is a well written short story for children about learning to hear and listen to the voice of God. Junior just wanted to fit in and play with his sisters but they thought in he bad and made of snakes and snails. Often times he would let anger consume him but when it would he would hear a voice telling him to “be still.” One stormy night Junior had an encounter and the voice revealed itself. Junior then knew that God was with him. His life changed and it changed everyone around him too. I read this story to my 4 month old and will continue to read it to her as a way to teach her to listen for and heed the voice of God! 5 stars!!!!!
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 7, 2020
I read through this book a couple times. The first time I wasn't too impressed. I loved the illustrations, but the story didn't seem to have a good flow.
I decided to give it another try, and I liked it better the second time through. While the narrative still seems a bit odd, I think it's a good starting point for talking to kids about relationships and God, and how to hear God's voice when nothing else seems to be going right. I think it may end up being a favorite for many kids and one that they'll want to have read many times.
Again - those illustrations - so lovely.
I decided to give it another try, and I liked it better the second time through. While the narrative still seems a bit odd, I think it's a good starting point for talking to kids about relationships and God, and how to hear God's voice when nothing else seems to be going right. I think it may end up being a favorite for many kids and one that they'll want to have read many times.
Again - those illustrations - so lovely.
June 18, 2019
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee's Flutter: Inspired by Psalm 46 by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, author and illustrator. Discovery House Publishers. Discovery House. Children’s Fiction, Christian.
Publication date is set for 14 August 2019. 5 Stars.
Spectacular, profound, this picture book is a lighthouse for any child’s library. In this outstanding story of spiritual renewal in a child’s life you will find the presence of God abounding—vital messages on the soul level for both young and old. The art is colorful and soothing yet dynamic and captures perfectly the true story within. The author/illustrator is a winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award and has been inducted into the Society of Illustrators in 2001 as well as the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent in 1999. There are not enough stars in the sky with which to rate this book! Highly recommend!
Thank to NetGalley and the author and publisher for providing this ebook for review.
Publication date is set for 14 August 2019. 5 Stars.
Spectacular, profound, this picture book is a lighthouse for any child’s library. In this outstanding story of spiritual renewal in a child’s life you will find the presence of God abounding—vital messages on the soul level for both young and old. The art is colorful and soothing yet dynamic and captures perfectly the true story within. The author/illustrator is a winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award and has been inducted into the Society of Illustrators in 2001 as well as the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent in 1999. There are not enough stars in the sky with which to rate this book! Highly recommend!
Thank to NetGalley and the author and publisher for providing this ebook for review.
March 26, 2020
I like the idea of the book but I think the presentation could be hard for children to understand and relate to. Some of the illustrations also did not appeal.
February 8, 2020
This was a beautifully illustrated children's book. It was nice to read a book that was about Bible Scripture but msde understandable to a child.
February 10, 2020
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 28, 2019
Such a cute childrens book that talks about God and puts Gods voice into a concept most can understand. Read to my son and he loved it. It took maybe 5 minutes to read but it's worth every second.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews