Content-wise, this new 2022 edition of the classic "little red prayer book" is a very solid update. The typesetting and overall presentation are much better than the older version, and there are additional prayers added. So why the three star rating? Well, as pointed out in the product description, "the cover is no longer vinyl. It is a durable, paper cover." This wouldn't be a big problem in itself – although personally I did think the older cover was more aesthetic – but the real issue is that there is a (quite subtle) glitter coating applied to the front cover. I suppose this was done to give it a bit of flair so that it doesn't just seem like red construction paper.

I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I really dislike glitter as it gets everywhere and is difficult to clean up. What's worse is that this seems to be smaller than the glitter that you'd see on a greeting card or something like that, so I wasn't able to clean off the cover. If you run your finger down the front cover and look at it it will have small pieces of glitter on it. Because of the coating and the inability to clean it off, I deducted two stars. I hope that the next printing doesn't have this front cover coating, because without it this would be perhaps the best Orthodox prayer book of its size and price point.

Very attractive—being used already!

Precious! I’m giving her to my toddler grandson, so that he gets to know, love, and appreciate the Panaghia, and hold her close to his heart. This is an appropriate doll for all children, not just the little girls. We love it. It’s beautifully and simply constructed. The halos are glittery and so touchable. I love how soft and child-sized the doll is.

It's great! Thank you!

As a newly orthodox convert it has been valuable to me umderstanding more about the liturgy and has enhanced my engaging in and with the body of believers.

This book is a must read for all those interested in the hard, grace-filled work of healing. As a Clinical Psychologist, I found myself nodding along in agreement. This is one of few works that comes close to capturing, as well as any single volume can, some of the most essential pieces of the therapeutic process. I even found myself stopping a few chapters in to text a good friend and tell them to get this book! While no book can replace working with a trained professional, this book can certainly help those individuals committed to engaging in the work described in its pages journey ever closer to the healing God desires for them.

I bought several. It has been very comforting and helpful to me and my friends and family. Thank you.

Thank you, I had the booklet but we moved and I miss placed it. This is a God send, thank you! I love it!!

Very inspirational

We just read “Good News Bad News” by Alexandra Chakos and we really enjoyed it! We gave it a try based on the description, as a family with two boys and a girl it sounded like a good fit to engage them all. My oldest said his favorite part was the surprise ending… Which I will not give away. It was a really cute story, better than we expected from the description!
I wasn’t thrilled with the description of Mom, “just trying to keep up with all the activity.” But she is engaged and helpful in guiding her boys through the story. It portrays a realistic snapshot of a busy family with school aged kids. The father happens to be a priest, and while it is part of the family dynamic, it doesn't dominate the story. It is still an inviting story to any family.
I really appreciated that even though the plot revolves around the middle boy’s struggle it also includes struggles for the older son. There is no “good boy” or “bad boy”. There is an extroverted middle child who wants to be like all the other kids, and a quiet older brother, with perky additions from little sister. The plot talks about money, being responsible and hard-working in simple kid friendly situations with guidance of parents who are engaged. There was a fun twist, in how the parents learn something new about their middle son as the story unfolds through fall and into Christmas.
I chose to read it to all my kids; but its less than 90 pages and my oldest could read it on his own (3rd grade). My 4 year old really enjoyed the sketches in each chapter. It was such a cute story that we will enjoy again. My kids will be reading this on their own. Its one of those stories that the kids will glean new insight from it next time.

Brilliantly written. Very easy to follow

We love this book and ornament set! The readings are short and easy to fit in even at the end of the busy day. I read to the children just before night prayers each evening, and they take turns getting to hang the ornament on the Jesse tree after the story. We made a simple "tree" of ribbon on a large piece of cardboard. It helps us watch our progress towards Christmas as we move up towards the top of the tree. It's been a good way to help us focus on the season during our first Nativity Fast as catechumens in the Orthodox Church.

At the end of each reading, there are several questions and then some discussion points to help you think more deeply about the day's bible story. I sometimes skip these if they seem either too obvious or too complicated for my children's level, but we usually include them if there is time. Some are very thought-provoking and are good ways to get the children more involved.

Thank you for this wonderful book and the lovely ornaments! We will be using this set for many years to come!

I loved this sweet story through the eyes of a clergy family and how they go through everyday, normal activities just like everyone else. This would be wonderful for a children’s book club at church and it was an easy read and the storyline was very relatable and engaging that shows even the youngest can be stewards of the church. I would recommend for any child at the age of 7, but I think older children would enjoy it as well!

Very easy read but great depth of information.

Great prayer book, would highly recommend to others!

I absolutely love this cross. It’s beautifully well made.

Perfect size for larger wrists. Excellent quality. Affordable price. Love this one.

5 stars
Enjoyed this book a lot
Learned a lot

I found this book by Fr. Joshua to be immensely helpful in understanding my own trauma and more importantly my wife’s. Most especially the chapter on brain function and the physical effects of trauma.

I could never understand why my wife would look at any failure to treat her as well as she deserves would bring up all the past abuse and mistreatment I had inflicted on her. I learned in Healing Work that someone who has been traumatized experiences it as though those memories are happening right now, in the present. Lord have mercy on us!

Thanks be to God for this book and for Father Joshua’s love and compassion for all of us who read it.

Excellent assistance for priests to help self and community