Reviews
How To Train Your Dragon – What an empathetic Viking can teach us about fatherhood and masculinity
Film: How to Train Your Dragon
The brand-new Lion Baby Bible is a thoughtful introduction to the Bible for toddlers
The Lion Baby Bible by Antonia Woodward is a gentle and engaging introduction to the Bible, designed especially for toddlers and preschool-aged children. With 45 short stories drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, it offers a broad overview of key biblical events and themes in a way that’s accessible for very young readers.
Faith, fun and real-life heroes: Paul Kerensa on writing for a new generation
Christian comedian and writer Paul Kerensa is best known for his work on TV shows like Miranda and Not Going Out, as well as his stand-up comedy and a range of books of adults and children. In his latest project is the Fantastically Faithful series, Paul brings to life true stories of inspiring Christians throughout history – from Harriet Tubman to Jesse Owens – in a way that’s engaging, exciting and faith-filled for children aged 7 to 11.
A creative world with no imagination – A Minecraft Movie fails to craft a story
Film: A Minecraft Movie
Snow White – A kingdom of love, not fear
Film: Snow White
Clever Club Bible Bingo: A great game to help children learn and meditate on Bible stories
Clever Cub Bible Bingo is a recent addition to the collection of resources offered by David C Cook. The game is designed to help kids learn Bible truths through a familiar and engaging format. As a mother of four, eager to make the Bible enjoyable for my children, I was immediately drawn to it. Packaged in a travel-sized box, the game includes 12 double-sided Bingo boards along with perforated sheets that need to be separated to make the calling and marker tokens.
New film The King of Kings is a pleasant, family-friendly, cat-approved retelling of the gospel
Angel Studios’ The King of Kings is an animated film directed by Seong-ho Jang, loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ lesser-known work, The Life of Our Lord. Boasting a voice cast so stacked it could pass as a Who’s Who of Hollywood - including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac - the film reimagines the gospel story through Dickens’ eyes, turning it into a bedtime tale for his son, Walter. And if that sounds like a quaint, heartwarming setup, don’t worry - there’s also a cat for comic relief.
The new Netflix series Adolescence raises difficult but essential issues for Christian parents to grapple with
Few television shows capture the emotional chaos of growing up as honestly as Netflix’s latest series, Adolescence. Diving deep into the complex struggles faced by young people today, this is more than just a typical coming-of-age drama. With its innovative use of single-take episodes, its raw and poignant cinematography immerses you into a world of identity crises, societal pressure, online dangers, and the hidden pain of those caught in the fallout of serious mistakes.
Christian parents will find that the Real Easter Egg collection from the Meaningful Chocolate Company is well worth trying
When it comes to Easter, there is one very important question that everyone should think about: When is it too early to eat a chocolate egg?!
The Garden the Curtain and the Cross is a great resource for Christian parents to try in the run up to Easter
As the last few remnants of the Christmas stock are in the seasonal sale aisle, in comes the chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. ‘Happy Easter’ is on bunting, hats, and toys everywhere we look. It can be difficult for Christian parents to navigate yet another consumer-hacked event in the calendar, as the colour pallet in the shops turns to pastel yellow, pink and green and the shelves are filled with chocolate eggs, and fluffy bunnies and chicks. So, how do Christian families manage this time of year as they explain the biblical account of the first Easter to children in a theologically accurate, yet age-appropriate way, especially as eggs, hot cross buns and bunnies can be easier to digest than sin, death and resurrection.
New Disney+ series for children Win or Lose has an openly Christian character in it, but that doesn’t mean it’s a complete cause for celebration
I’ve always loved Disney. I love the music, the predictability and the comfort of the familiar hero storyline. I marvel at the ability for its message to speak to 5-year-old me whilst still speaking to 45-year-old me, that’s meant that Disney has become a timeless classic in my life. There have however been some recent controversies, for example around Disney’s latest move to introduce characters who are gay (Strange World (2022) and Buzz Lightyear (2022)). This led some Christians to unsubscribe from Disney+. As a family we chose to keep our subscription. My children are now 21, 19 and 17, so Christian discussions around the cultural topics that Disney are highlighting are much easier. However, for many others, the way in which Disney portrayed gay characters accompanied by price hikes saw them choosing to cancel their subscriptions.
Step In - Premier’s new Bible podcast for children provides a rich resource for Christian parents
Teaching the Bible to children can be challenging, especially when trying to make God’s story meaningful for them. Over the past few weeks, my five-year-old son and I have set time aside before bedtime to journey through stories of the Bible together with the help of the Premier Step In podcast. This podcast invites listeners to step into biblical stories and discover what God might be saying to us through them.
Captain America: Brave New World – Can people change (beyond turning into a Hulk…)?
It’s been a while since we’ve had a smaller scale story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – MCU – based on earth and it was a nice change of pace to have a story with more personal stakes than an alien invasion.
Helping your children understand the Bible’s big story
Do you know the narrative of the Bible
Hikaru: Name above all names - helping non-churched grasp the good news
Do you have a book to give to a non-Christian child or teen?
Are Enid Blyton’s Famous Five OK for today’s Christian children?
Andy Peck is transported back to a wholly different time and world in a modern rendering of a classic children’s author
What films or series did Christian parents want to know about in 2023?
Your favourite film of 2023?
What grabbed Christian parents in 2023?
Do you recall any articles from the last year?
Wonka: Some powerful faith conversations lurk in this musical extravaganza
Your favourite Christmas film?
My favourite picture books and how I use them to talk about faith
Do you recall any picture books growing up?
Is the movie ‘Wish’ pointing us to something God has placed within us?
Do you have a favourite Disney movie?
All truth is ‘God’s truth’ - improve your family knowledge with the Storybots series
What was your best source of information growing up?
‘The book will break your heart into a thousand pieces, and with God’s help, put you together again’
What is your favourite book on parenting?
Christian values in ‘Paw Patrol’ make it a great series for your young ones
Do you watch children’s TV with your children or leave them to it?
The Hunger Games prequel’s war and violence: discussion starters for Christian families
Charles Merritt finds the prequel to The Hunger Games franchise provides much food for thought at a time when daily news is full of the same kind of violence
Sophia the First: friendship, loyalty, gender expectations - why Christian parents need to be alert to this long-running animation
Do you recall any pre-school TV having discussion points?
‘We listen to the Audible version on every car journey’: How the Wingfeather Saga has gripped a Christian family
What’s your favourite book series?
‘Came out as gay at his baptism!’: how Netflix’s Sex Education series handles faith and sexuality
Is this a series you would watch with your 18 year-old?
Dumb Money: probably a dumb choice of film for most Christian teens
Charles Merritt was confused and concerned by this stock-market comedy
The Creator - who’s the real villain, AI or human ambition?
Have you got to grips with what AI can do?
How is love for your family like a ‘superpower’? Watch Blue Beetle and find out
How ‘powerful’ are the bonds in your family?
The Haunted Mansion - Christian parents may want to give this a miss
How do your children respond to horror?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has community, forgiveness and unity - plenty for Christian families to discuss
What is your kids favourite franchise?
‘Barbie’ doesn’t like men! Don’t take your kids to see it
Did you have a Barbie doll or Action man growing up?
Elemental may look like a sweet film, but has ‘elements’ that make this is a ‘no’ for Christian kids
Have you ever warned your children not to watch a film?
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning (Part One) - Who decides what’s true?
Is this something you would take your family to?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - is faith a relic of the past?
Does your faith feel like an ancient or a present thing?
Modern Family - the TV series that raises so many conversation starters amidst a lot of laughs
Is your famly a ’modern family’?
Families might enjoy the discussion points in ‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’ more than the film itself
Have you taken your kids to a move which they didn’t enjoy?
The Flash is an enjoyable watch and has fascinating themes Christian parents can discuss with their kids
What’s been your best post movie discussion?
Bluey may be popular but my child’s behaviour has gone downhill. As a Christian parent what should I do?
What TV programmes seem to affect your kids?
Plenty of Christian themes in this excellent version of The Little Mermaid
Can you think of a re-make that is better than the original?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: A terrific film, with some Christian themes, but not for young children
In your youth did you watch a film that went way over your head?
Nintendo’s record-setting game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is a winner for Christian parents too
Were you a console player in your youth?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 - Does everyone deserve a second chance?
Do you think everyone deserves a second chance?
The Pope Answers - how the Pope handles ten teenagers' questions
What would you ask the Pope?
‘Naked in front of the class!’: That was me, and here’s why the C4 series ‘Naked Education’ is not welcome
Do you agree that this is ‘wrong’?
Top grossing film of 2023 so far, but The Super Mario Bros Movie has little for Christian kids
Have you ever hated a film everyone else loved?
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - How does death affect the way we live?
Are you familiar with the video game on which the film is based?
My son applied to be on Channel 4's ‘Teen First Dates’. Here’s how I talk about the show from a Christian perspective
Do you recall your first date?
This baffling Oscar-winning movie gave me some surprising insights as a Christian parent
Are you a fan of sci-fi?
Shazam! Fury of the Gods: A film whose positive portrayal of family life will delight Christian parents
Do you have a favourite family film?
Why I wrote The God Files - and why it might be just the Bible that your child has been waiting for
Did you have a favourite Bible growing up?
Lockwood and Co. How should teenagers think about the supernatural?
Are you comfortable with the display of the supernatural in a TV series?
Christian parents beware. Disney’s Bunk’d isn’t great. But it might be helpful as a conversation starter
What kind of comedy shows did you like?
Is there any Christian merit in watching Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania?
Charles Merritt finds very little to applaud in the latest Antman film
Should I take my child to a Beyoncé concert?
Do you recall your first concert?
Top five children’s worship songs you need to know
Sung worship has always been my favourite part of a church service. I love a good sing along, but more than that, I feel a real connection when I sing truths about God as an affirmation of who he is in my life. It’s something I therefore love to fit into my children’s work. Here are my favourite songs to bounce along to, whether with NSYNC style (other 90s boy bands are available) choreography or just by grabbing a percussion instrument and having a good boogie.
Mortality, humility and the search for gratitude: much for Christian families to discuss in the latest Puss in Boots film
Has any children’s film ever surprised you for its spiritual depth?
Sam Smith’s new song is called ‘I’m Not Here to Make Friends’. Parents won’t want to be pally after seeing the video
Can you image chatting about what your children watch?
Till - facing an ugly truth. How should Christian families respond?
Do you like watching gritty drama?
Is the series ‘Wednesday’ a blessing to Christian teens?
Do you recall the original Addams family?
M3GAN: Is this sci-fi horror film suitable for Christian teens?
How do you feek about horror films?
Is a family trip to Disneyland Paris a faith building thing to do?
Do you enjoy rides or prefer to watch?
Avatar: The Way of Water – Does It Live Up To The Big Expectations?
What’s the longest movie you have seen?
Violent Night: Is this film too violent for Christian teens?
What do you tell your children about Santa?
Is Mr Beast a YouTuber to avoid or a role model of generosity?
When did you last give money away?
Molly and Mack: the preschool drama series that introduces children to sin, forgiveness and the value of community
What was your favourite pre-school drama in your youth?
Is ‘Spirited’ the modern era's version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ ?
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
Kid’s TV - now and then. Has it got harder for Christian parents?
Jo Rowe reviews a Kids TV documentary that takes her back to her own viewing habits and causes her to reflect on helping children today
‘I want to watch this show more than my pre-schoolers!’ Why ‘Bluey’ represents everything good in Children’s TV
what was your favourite pre-school TV show?
Should you watch ‘I’m a Celebrity’ with your teenagers?
Would you want to appear on the show?
Wakanda Forever: This outstanding Black Panther film is full of spiritual lessons
The new offering from Marvel Studios offers some excellent family conversation starters around revenge, power and mercy, says Dawn Savidge
Is the Stranger Things series suitable viewing for Christian teens?
How do you get on with sci-fi?
TruPlay: The Christian gaming company that competes with Minecraft while offering Biblical truths
Are you familiar with the online gaming world?
Review: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor
Which was your favourite Doctor Who?
Why many parents are rejoicing that Bruno the Brake car has joined ‘Thomas & Friends’
Are you children fans of Thomas & Friends?
Don’t be afraid to influence your kids. But be careful how you do it
What would your children say matters to you?
Even supervillains are looking for spiritual meaning. What’s so good about Minions: The Rise of Gru
Why is this lastest film so good?
Review: Thor: Love and Thunder: If you can’t speak with your kids about God after watching this film, you never will
Can you handle the weighty themes in this latest Thor adventure?
One contestant left ‘Love Island’ to preserve his mental health. If you want to preserve the spiritual health of your children - leave well alone
Might this highly poular TV show be a good starting point for conversation with your children?
Choosing films for your kids? Why ‘Lightyear’ and the ‘gay kiss’ makes you stop and think
Is this a film you would take your kids to watch?
Many Christians say that ‘parenting’ is the toughest thing they do. Here’s a few books that will keep you on track
You read up on topics for fun and work. But what are you reading that will improve your parenting?
Father Stu
Former boxer meets girl and ends up in church. Can you guess what happens next?
Hotel Transylvania 4 – Transformania
If there’s a ’4’ at the end of a film title, does it mean it must be good, or inevitably worse than the first three?
Sex Education
Amanda Porter suspects your teens may well be watching but suggests they really shouldnt be
The Society
It’s an innocuous sounding title, isn’t this series as bland as it sounds?
Squid Game
When a series goes ’viral’ you sit up and notice. But that doesnt mean your children should be watching
Creeped Out
Horror and Sci-fi for children. Surely not?!
13 Reasons Why
Bad language and suicide - should you leave well alone?
Spiderman No Way Home
Spiderman has got to be a winner, right?!
Eternals
The title sounds like there may be some ’spiritual value, but is there?
Encanto
It’s Disney, you can always trust Disney can’t you?!
You are a champion - Marcus Rashford
What can a famous footballer teach you about parenting?
Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad
A series featuring a Dad and his son. Isn’t that a bit corny?
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Can an off the wall series be of value for children?
Anne with an E
How does the re-make of an old series stack up?
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Adult themes in a children’s series. How does that work?
Peanuts
A popular series before nut allergies were a thing. Is it still valuable?
Duck Tales
Can a series that was around in the 80s still pack a punch?
The Prince of Egypt
As a confirmed theology geek and musical theatre fan, I was excited to see this new West End show. However, I still don’t quite know what to make of The Prince of Egypt. The choreography (Sean Cheesman) and set design (Kevin Depinet) blew all my expectations out of the water, but the storyline differs so drastically from the biblical narrative that I left feeling slightly confused.
The Lion King
The Lion King was originally released in 1994, shaping emotional and spiritual landscapes for thousands of children and teens.
Games: Races
Children and young people can become extremely competitive in team-based situations and, while in some circumstances this can be unhelpful, it can help to create great memories and result in an enjoyable session. Try out some of the races below in teams. You could even put on your own ‘Games’ and give out medals for each event!
Music: Rise
Artist: Jonas Blue (ft Jack & Jack)
Music: This is me
Artist: Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman ensemble.
Music: Good day
Artist: New Hope Club
Music: Lullaby
Artist: Sigala and Paloma Faith
Music: Leave a light on
Artist:Tom Walker
Black Panther
Another superhero movie is hardly news, but Black Panther is having a huge impact globally, including on our children and young people.
Music: Secrets
Artist: Pink
Music: Blinded by your grace
Artist: Stormzy
Games: Reconnecting games
After the Christmas break, it’s good to help children reconnect with each other in their groups. Here are some games to help!
Reviews - October 2017
Review of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: Crybaby
Artist: Paloma Faith
Music: Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing
Artist: Tori Kelly
Reviews - July 2017
Reviews of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: What do I know?
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Reviews - June 2017
A round up of the latest books, albums and resources.
Music: Giants
Artist: Take That
Beauty and the Beast - should I take my kids?
It’s a tale as old as time. In March, news emerged that Disney’s live-action remake of majestic 90s animation Beauty and the Beast features a gay character and the studio’s “first exclusively gay moment”, and immediately a host of Christian voices loudly raised their objections.
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Reviews of books, albums and games.
Reviews
Two books.
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1 album and 4 books
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Review of 5 books
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2 books and 1 album
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