The following review was contributed by: PASCHAL EZE

Madeline Burnham's book is a thoughtful response to the need to steer tomorrow's leaders who are today's jewels on the path of knowing, loving and worshipping God as well as sharing the good news of who He is and what He is to us. In an age where children are bombarded with awful scenes on television, radio, on the streets, at schools and at home, every God-focused person should get soaked in the hope and prayer that children will not forget their merciful God and turn in worship to the pleasures of the world.

The Bible describes them as precious gifts. Psalm 127 verse 3 says ""Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."" They are so precious to God that Jesus said in Matthew 19 verse 14 that ""of such is the kingdom of God."" And He was reacting to His disciples who were barring children from coming to Him.

Unlike the disciples at that time, Madeline's book is encouraging children to come to Christ, bringing to the fore the supreme sacrifice of Christ on the Cross of Calvary and telling them about such important victory appropriation tools as prayer, faith and fellowship. And it is doing so in a way that makes complete sense to children - puppetry. ""Puppetry,' according to Madeline, 'is one way to reach children in a language they can relate to and understand,"" and I agree. It does not talk above children's heads. It rather talks directly to their impressionable minds.

The likes of Claude Allen, Tina, Emma, Jeremy and Mary Louise, the five main characters of the puppetry show book, are looking up to the elders around them, learning mostly by what they see them do. Imagine what will happen in our society if all adults think like Jeremy who does not want anybody to miss heaven because of his words or deeds. ""Ok, the plan is to tell everybody that we know about JESUS,"" only happens when children hear and see their elders, especially their parents do so. Are adult Christians telling everybody about Jesus? Madeline believes they should, which is why she points out that the book is not just for kids.

It is touching to read in page 74 of Emma's understanding that God is ""never too busy. He watches over us all the time. But He especially likes (for) us to ask Him for help. He likes (for) us to tell Him what we need."" This captures my interest as it is the central theme of my book, Help! My Success in Chains. When we know who God is and apply such knowledge to our situations, we dwell in victory.

Madeline's 160-page book with child-friendly illustrations points the way to puppet ministry in our churches and communities, offering a how-to-do and ""call-me-for-help"" nod from Madeline and even her loving husband.