Customer Reviews:
 Didn't live up to my expectations September 22, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Written by Kathryn O'Brien and illustrated by Michael Garland, this is the boys' version of I'd Be Your Princess: A Royal Tale of Godly Character, winner of the Gold Medallion Award.
Similar to its counterpart, this book begins with a child's imagination. A young boy tells his mother: "If you were a queen, I'd be your hero." Together they imagine what the days would hold if they were royalty. They would explore kingdoms; enjoy jousting tournaments, big feasts and more. With each adventure, the mother encourages her son's imagination and reminds him of godly character traits. For example, when he says he will "stand guard in the tallest tower to ... make our castle secure," she affirms his strengths and declares "... because you are very brave." Her words are supported with Joshua 1:9 - "Do not be terrified ... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Scripture is quoted on nearly every page to reinforce the attributes of godliness. The virtues this book encourages include bravery, perseverance, skill, humility, wisdom, knowledge, strength, generosity and prayer.
The illustrations are full-page, saturated with color and sweet expressions.
What I Like: I love the gentle way the mother continually brings the conversation back to God and what He wants from us. It's a sweet guidance in training our children while letting their imaginations run wild. The plentiful Scriptural supports are fantastic, perfect for use as memory verses with young readers.
What I Dislike: I don't see little boys imagining these types of things. Instead of going to the marketplace or reading books in front of the fire, my son would rather be in a sword fight, chase a dragon or scale mountains. The book is sweet, but not near as good as I'd Be Your Princess: A Royal Tale of Godly Character. I think featuring more traditionally "heroic" activities (as the title suggests) would make the book better.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review
 A great story. September 12, 2005
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I bought this book for my infant son, but my daughters wanted me to read it to them and they loved it. It's a great story to teach the character traits of Godly people and the illustrations are top notch. I recommend any parent of a 3-7 year old boy to consider this book. The scripture verses are a nice added benefit to back up the traits that are given reenforcing that God commands us to have those traits.
5 Stars for Christian picture book! August 30, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
"I'd Be Your Hero" is beautifully illustrated. Not only that, it uses a little boys promises to his Mom, along with Bible verses, to teach Godly character. Wonderful!
Kristin Kirby-Austin, TX August 11, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
This book truly is superb, and captured my son's heart in a multitude of ways. He wants me read it every day! The story-line is interesting, and the pictures detailed and vibrant. The author-Kathryn O'Brien has a real talent.
Another Treasure March 19, 2005
20 out of 24 found this review helpful
This much anticipated 2nd title for O'Brien is also full of truly solid encouragement of character for every little hero ready to defend his castle. Garland's genius is remarkable! On the second page, his awesome illustration is SOOO designed for little boys!
The only drawback of this book is that it includes the father quite a bit, where I'd Be Your Princess left the mother out. I was expecting this book to be the ideal title for single mothers, but I'm afraid it must be designed with a whole family unit in mind. I wholeheartedly recommended it anyhow, because God is the Father to the fatherless, and the relationship between the boy and his father can easily be examined that way!
Good for mothers and sons of all ages.
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