The Beauty Book (The Lily Series)

This is the nonfiction companion to the author's novel  Here's Lily! (Young Women of Faith: Lily Series, Book 1)  Both are part of the Young Women of Faith series.This book reiterates the emphasis of the novel: that God created all of us beautiful and our beauty shines brightest when we have confidence in Him. With a contemporary, conversational style, this book tackles hot-button issues of low self-esteem, beauty and personal hygiene. A God-focus permeates the text. The author answers questions like: Why is this important? Why does God care? What does God have to say about this particular issue?The first chapter encourages girls to stop putting themselves down, stop comparing themselves to others and stop idolizing models and celebrities. Rather, girls should adopt God's perspective of themselves: as something beautiful He created. The subsequent chapters possess a common format and are logically divided by topic. * Hair: Washing, brushing, styles to compliment face shapes and activity levels, dealing with chlorine, gum, dandruff, etc. * Skin: washing, moisturizing, protecting (sun lotion), dealing with blemishes and make-up * Shaving: when to start, how to do it properly, what to do if your parents say "no" or "not yet" * Hands and Feet: how to do at-home manicures and pedicures properly * Clothes: finding a personal style and promoting modesty * Extremes: piercings, tattoos, radical hair choices and remembering that our bodies are the temples of God * "Problem" Areas: dealing with "big uglies" like braces, glasses or unwanted birthmarksThe text includes fun quizzes, question and answer sections (featuring characters from the novel), tips for care and reasons why, as well as Biblical references and details on how this is a "God-thing." An area for prayer and journaling concludes each chapter.Steven Mach provided the interior illustrations which add much to the overall appeal of the book. Girlie doodles and monochromatic drawings of the characters sprinkle and compliment the text.WHAT I LIKE: I really like the concept. Girls love talking beauty, but I don't know how many receive this information from parents or other Christian-based sources. This book does a great job answering questions with grace and honesty. The author places great emphasis on honoring parents. No makeup, shaving or piercings (or whatever else may be in fashion) without getting permission from Mom and Dad first. Also, no whining, nagging or going behind Mom and Dad's back. I love the constant God-focus of the book and the frequent Scripture quotations.WHAT I DISLIKE: A few of the Scripture passages are taken out of context. This occurs rarely in the 104-page book, but I believe the point could have been made without manipulating God's Word for emphasis. Also, the book is dated. This should be expected with something as dynamic as fashion and beauty. The problem isn't limited to clothing and hair styles; it also extends to the language. Phrases like "yeah, baby" and "spastic" are used much more in this book than is common today.OVERALL RATING: Very good. (An updated version would be even better!)Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

It is a birthday present for my 11 old daughter. I am having a weekly appointment with her to read the book and discuss together. It helps very much to build our relationship in this area.

This book has helped my daughter not feel so anxious about the changes occurring in her body. I like that it uses a godly perspective to relay these changes

I got this to read with my girls, they liked it but it was a little shallow. I also encourage more natural products for beauty and this book isn't that way. I realize it is not a health book, but I am just expressing a personal preference.

This is so good and 5 Star loved it so much lovely lovely lovely it is just amazing wow great stuff

I bought this book for both my daughters when they turned ten. The easy-to-read book discusses the concept of true beauty (what God wants for us), as opposed to beauty as the world views it. It also offers tips on things like taking care of your hair and skin.

This is a great book for all young girls. It teaches them about how their body's are changing and how they need to take care of it. I gave it to my granddaughter who is 8...the perfect age to start learning.

The book i was looking for to help my girls prepare for puberty. Light hearted, open and well written.

This is the book I want girls in my care to be reading when they get to this age. Magazine format (appealing!) with great advice about image, personal care and cleanliness, and "self-esteem" in the sense of valuing yourself as a unique creation. My only criticism is the low-quality paper. I would be willing to pay more for this book to get nicer paper.

My daughter is enjoying this. I like the blend of practical beauty/personal care tips, along with the spiritual reflection and prayer journalling.

Being raised by my own dad, I was a bit of a tom-boy. Now raising a 9 yr. old girl of my own, I needed a book to help me teach the the ability to care for one self without it becoming this all consuming thing.

This was bought for a child and before gifting it, I had a quick look through. The language in some parts came across as being a bit harsh if the child were to read it without adult supervision. Decided to not go through and gift the item.

After reading this book I felt... Somehow cured. Knowing that God loves me no matter what I look like actually helps me think positive about myself