As You Grow (Freedom Island, 2-8)

I bought this book because I wanted to see what all the hype and anti-hype was about. Before I bought the book I read through all the reviews, especially 1 star reviews about how it's "indoctrinating children" with propagandist "trash" so I had to read for myself what Kirk Cameron was trying to "do to children". I found NONE OF THIS in the book and laughed to myself while reading the book and reflecting on the reviews. I absolutely loved stories like this as a child because they possess simple isms a child's imagination can run with and are open to interpretation by the reader. I could see my child self lost for hours in all the little animal details found in each page of this book. The illustrations are exquisite and thought provoking. I'm super glad I purchased this book and that I took a curious gamble on it. I look forward to sharing it with my family and feel confident that the people labeling this book as trash are probably much closer to it than the actual book itself.

Let me start off by saying that I’m not a religious person and I’ve never followed Kirk Cameron (I only remember him from some movies in the 80s). So color me surprised when I heard that there were public libraries trying to prevent Kirk Cameron from holding book events where he read this book. I am not a fan of banning books or people from speaking engagements, even if I don’t have the same political beliefs or religious leanings as that person. So I decided to buy the book to see if there was anything bad about it and honestly I didn’t after reading this. The book doesn’t even mention G O D, it says “the one”, so I guess you can interpret that anyway you want too. I found the book to be sweet and positive, about overcoming hardship and dark times, it doesn’t preach to you about spirituality, so I don’t see any issues with this being for a child. I would say this is a great book if you are going through mental health issues as well (so great for any age really). We do live in uncertain times right now, and reading a book about overcoming hardship is really what we need currently. Great read and i would definitely like to purchase more because this is a part of a series.

First of all, I notice the bad reviewers did not purchase the book and haven't read it. Filter the reviews to see only verified purchases reviews. The book has 45 beautiful color pages in it. It is worth the $23. There was zero propaganda. The book is about growing up and as you are cared for, you care for others. Sorrow might come, but you can find joy and recover. We find joy in being kind and spreading love. All things you'll find in most kids books these days. Written beautifully, delivered sweetly. This story had a Bible verse in the epilogue. A verse about being gentle and kind. In the beginning of the book, it references "the One that loves you most" one time, just like that. If you are a Muslim, you'll read your kids Muslim books. If you're an athiest, you'll read them atheist books. If you're a Christian, you're going to read your kid Christian books. We all teach our kids what we believe to be true. This book is by a well-known Christian man. If a verse about being kind is too offensive to someone, this book is the least of their problems. Talking about what you believe to others is not propaganda. It's how we exist. It's how we connect. Not everyone has to agree. Don't read books if they disturb you. I can see the reviewers that gave poor ratings did not read it, and they shouldn't.

Great book

Don't expect to read a long story with characters in this book. It's 95% a very nicely illustrated book and 5% story with very few words. The pictures do speak for themselves, and you could have a lot of conversation with your littles about what's going on in each page. The pages themselves do make up a very good story, sort of like Kung Fu Panda illustrations with no words. (There are words, but they aren't about any specific characters, for instance: "Sometimes love hurts, but love is always worth it.") Then at the end of the book, there's many pages of things you can play with your kids, games that will teach them Christian virtues and such. Someone said that the book was poorly constructed. As someone who has owned thousands of children's books, I can say that that is 100% wrong. This book, as well as the accompanying map, are some of the highest quality construction I've ever come across! The pages are thick, with rich, beautifully colored illustrations. The huge map of an island is very thick and nice, and kids will love to hang it up in their room. Btw, Kirk's American Campfire Revival (facebook) is one of the best preaching/teaching things I've seen come along in a long, long time. Kirk did a good job with this book, but I think there is a lot more to what he is doing here than just this one book. For instance, the cover says "Saga Two: Book 8." So apparently there's a lot more stuff, but I've never heard of it before.

I love the illustrations & the book & can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren. I also like at the end where he has challenges set up to bring out so much more! I only wish it were cheaper as it is paperback. I wanted to order for several and give away but the price has already increased since I ordered. I’ll wait till the popularity dies down & then buy a few more. I know everything is expensive. I do love it, even for adults! Great job.

This book is a very thought provoking one, and it can lead to some wonderful and rich conversations with toddlers. It even has deeply educational games toward the back of the book for parents to play with their children. I was invited to a baby shower and the invitation asked each person to buy a children's book and write a personal note in the inside cover. I ordered this book and am so glad I did. It's full of the wholesomeness of God and I also had a reason to support Kirk Cameron, who is admirable. I also buy his sister's clothing on QVC. :) I thank God for believers like the Camerons, who stand for what's right no matter what kind of persecution comes their way. Happy to support them as a fellow believer.

This book is beautiful. It may not be a story, per SE. But each page has subtle wisdom, truths from the Bible, with each page telling a story of its own. The pictures allow you to have a pleasant conversation with your child. Theres is more to this book than the words. It actually touches your heart as you read it and view the pictures on each page. I enjoyed it immensely...and I'm 50. Lol. I can't wait to read it to my new grandchild. What a way...to remember the important things in life. Thanks Kirk....this book is right on time!