What’s Up, by Joanna Adeyinka-Burford     

Recommended devotional book for Key Stage 2 children who have some knowledge of Christianity, created by someone with a strong understanding of the world of the child

What’s Up - 30 encouragements to fuel your faith                    
By Joanna Adeyinka-Burford
Sunshine Books/SPCK
ISBN: 978 1 915749 -01 7
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

 
Joanna Adeyinka-Burford will be known to children through her TV and stage work. Not only is she a practising Christian but also a mother herself. She has a strong understanding the world of the child. So straight away kids will want to look at, and read this book. It is at their level in lay-out, illustrations and presentation .
 
Aimed at Key Stage 2 children who have some knowledge of Christianity, it comprises 30 numbered but undated devotions, in a child-friendly format. The sections can be done day by day, week by week or just occasionally, as there are no dates.

Each starts in the world of the child with their experiences. It doesn’t preach at the child, give “blessed thoughts” nor does it talk theologically above their heads. It is ideally designed for this age group with short Biblical passages which are to the point, fitting each theme.
 
There are games, puzzles, interesting facts about themselves and the world around, real-life stories about people they will have heard of, and all included with humour and achievable activities and ideas. This is no book of devotional reflections by an adult who doesn’t understand the world of the child. Titles include; “What if,” “Robbers and Rolly-Polies,” and “Tune in,” among many other engaging ideas. Joanna knows exactly how children think and operate.

She understands the pressures our children face in today’s world too. I particularly liked the room given for thoughtful reflection and guided techniques on how to cope with the pressures our kids experience day to day, from a realistic, but also Christian perspective.
 
Over the years, I have read so many children’s devotional books and some are thoroughly cringe worthy, some way above the experience of the children for whom it is aimed, some preachy and some just plain boring. This is not one of them. I wish something like this was available when I was younger or when my son was growing up. The little girl in our church who tried it out thought it was “brilliant” and likes the “funny bits” and the activities.
 
I have only one caveat. In introduction Joanna states …… “ I feel I know you because I’ve thought so much about you while writing this book.” Eek!! No she doesn’t know the individual reader. But this is the only criticism I have of this brilliant little book. Ideal for any children in you church in Key Stage 2.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife