A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter: Inspired by Psalm 46
Author and Illustrator: Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Published: July 8, 2019
32 Pages

Reviewed By: Jessica
Date Read: June 25, 2019
Jessica’s Rating:  4 stars

Book Description:

Teaching children to know God and to hear His voice can be challenging. In A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter, you and your young readers alike will journey through the story of an African American boy who learns to hear God’s voice in the busyness of everyday life. Your little ones will be encouraged to know God and hear His voice while learning to trust Him through the story inspired by Psalm 46.

Jessica’s Review:

This children’s picture book is the true story of the author’s brother that is also based off verses of Psalm 46.  It shows children that God is our place of safety and gives us strength in times of trouble.

I liked how the bee was a constant in the illustrations throughout the story.  The bee shows us how God is always with us.  The colorful watercolor illustrations perfectly helped to capture the moods of the story.  The illustrations bought to life the feel of darkness and fear when called for and then the light of hope at the end of the story. I liked how the illustrations showed us African American characters.  I feel we need more stories that show diversity in characters, especially when the books are for younger children.

This story calls for us to remember to take some time out and remember to “Be still, and know that I am God.” It also encourages Bible reading by mentioning the exact verses that this story is based off of and other verses to knowing more on God.

As this is a story of the author’s younger brother, there is one page that tells us briefly of his life.  He was the middle of five children.

This children’s picture book is recommended. Special thanks to the publisher for granting me an e-arc copy to read and review via NetGalley.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US *Publication Day is July 22, 2019*
Amazon UK *Already published in the UK*