It was a joy to review Abigail and the Waterfall, and as I read it, I kept thinking of this verse: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6). It’s encouraging to see faith-based children’s books growing in popularity—sales of printed Christian books rose by more than 12% in the first half of 2024, even while the general book market declined.
MY REVIEW
Abigail and the Waterfall by Sandra Richter, with art by Michael Corsini, is a story that pulls you outside—and doesn’t let you go. Abigail’s family has a rule: the first Saturday of every month means adventure. Not the safe kind. The kind where you climb high trails, get splashed by icy spray, and stumble on creatures hiding in the dark.
From the start, the pacing is quick. Abigail and her brother Levi rush out with their parents, ready for whatever waits. Every page pushes you forward: a flash of wings, the roar of the waterfall, the shock of finding a salamander staring with glassy eyes. Just when you pause to catch your breath, Richter’s words remind you—God made it all, and it’s ours to protect.
Corsini’s illustrations explode with color. Water sprays off the page. Ferns creep in from the corners. Even the fish seem ready to leap out of the stream. Together, the text and pictures make nature feel alive—and just a little mysterious.
But what makes this book special is the message beneath the adventure. It’s not just about a family hike. It’s about how God’s creation is bursting with life and how we’re part of it. Each page anchors the story with Scripture, tying the thrill of discovery to a deeper truth: we’re called to care for this wild, wonderful world.
Abigail and the Waterfall is lively, fast, and filled with wonder. It’s the kind of story that makes kids lean in, wide-eyed, and maybe, just maybe, a little braver the next time they step outside.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Abigail and the Waterfall! Plus, one grand prize winner will receive a special Book Lover’s Bundle—complete with a Starbucks gift card and the opportunity to select a book of their choice from Amazon.com.
Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/abigail-and-the-waterfall-awareness-tour/
ABOUT THE BOOK
Abigail and the Waterfall
Written by Sandra L. Richter
Illustrated by Michael Corsini
Ages: 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: IVP Kids (2025) | ISBN: 978-1514008928
Publisher’s Book Summary: Explore the wonders of creation with Abigail and learn to care for God’s good earth!
Abigail loves Saturdays—especially when her family goes hiking! Follow Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia, encounter fascinating animals, and marvel at a big, beautiful waterfall. On their adventure, Abigail learns about caring for creation — about loving and stewarding the world God created.
Written by parent and university professor Sandra Richter and brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Michael Corsini, Abigail and the Waterfall is more than just a storybook—it’s an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.
Why families will love Abigail and the Waterfall:
- A captivating story about faith, nature, and stewardship
- Thought-provoking themes to help kids learn to love the environment
- A special note from the author to encourage meaningful conversations about creation care
Give your young readers a story filled with wonder and discovery. With Abigail and the Waterfall, families can experience the joy of exploring and protecting the world God has entrusted to us. Teach children to love all of God’s good earth and get your copy today!
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, a member of the Committee on Biblical Translation for the NIV, and widely recognized for her work in Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic history. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters. Her newest project, Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth, is a children’s book about stewarding the gifts of God’s creation.
For more information, visit sandyrichter.org.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Michael Corsini is an artist and illustrator with a BFA in illustration from Ringling School of Art and Design and an MTS from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC. His mission as an artist is to renew the church with works of beauty and music, and he has illustrated several children’s books including The Night the Saints Saved Christmas. Michael lives with his wife and their five children in northeast Pennsylvania where they are growing a small family homestead.
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Monday, August 25, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Tuesday, August 26, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Wednesday, August 27, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Monday, September 1, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Tuesday, September 2, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review or Guest Post about Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Wednesday, September 3, 2025Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Sandra L. Richter |
| Monday, September 8, 2025Lisa’s ReadingBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025Mrs Makes Reading FunBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2025One More ExclamationGuest Post about Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Thursday, September 18, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Abigail and the Waterfall |
| Friday, September 19, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Abigail and the Waterfall |
Leave a Reply