Biff & Becka's Stupendous Vacation

Biff & Becka's Stupendous Vacation is the latest in a children series written by Elaine Beachy (I have not read her other books). It is told from the viewpoint of Biff, an older brother bunny, who is disappointed when the family's plan for a vacation at the beach is cancelled and the family must improvise with a staycation.

This children's book is filled with godly values (forgiveness, family unity, generosity etc) and biblical truths (trusting in God, salvation message, answered prayers, etc) that are laid out plainly throughout the book, generally in conversation between the rabbits. Through the eyes of Biff, the reader can see the good (family playing together, helping stick up for each other), the bad (peer pressure, tension between family and friends) and the ugly (deception, guilt due to sin, parental separation) and how God can be glorified no matter the circumstance. At the end of the book are questions that would be good conversation starters for family discussions.

I thought this was a nice children's story and a quick read. I was a bit disappointed that it did not specify the appropriate age group (until I had downloaded it, I was not even able to see the length), and was not suitable for my four year old. I think he could learn from the lessons in her book, but felt it to be a bit wordy in the detail (and I am not a pithy writer!), which I felt detracted from the story. I also did not understand the necessity for a brief stint of a female character into Biff's life; unless it's for a later purpose, I felt she detracted from the story and though benign, I did not appreciate this secular, relational addition. Despite these reservations, I would still recommend this book for an elementary or older audience.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255