Amon the Ammonite

Amon the Ammonite,by Rhonda Penson, is a book that will show children how very precious they are in God's sight. Amon is a sea creature who struggles because his heavy shell makes him slow and unable to swim. He feels sad when he sees his friends, (fish and seahorses), do things that he cannot do. His sadness causes him to run away and hide. However, God sees him and talks to him, comforting him and telling him that he is special:

"Amon, I have chosen you just as you are. You are special. Will you be my friend?"

Amon, who has never thought of himself as special is ashamed of his ugliness, but the hand of God cleanses his shell and he becomes beautiful.

Amon is no longer ashamed, and he finally begins to live a fulfilled life.

What I Like: This is a sweet and touching story that has clearly come straight from the author's heart. I like the short testimony that the author gives at the beginning of the book.

What I Dislike: I don't have a problem with the fact that an ammonite is used as the main character even though ammonite fossils are quite popular with evolutionists in promoting their theories. I do have a problem, however, with this statement in the beginning of the book: "Ammonites are extinct mollusks that lived in the open water of ancient seas millions of years ago." This is the position taken by evolutionists, so Creationist parents may want to be aware.

I would love to see more variety in the pictures as well, as they are quite similar from page to page. The price point is higher then I am comfortable with as well.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn't specify, but I would say 4-8.

Publisher Info: Derek Press, 2008; ISBN: 9781596844032; Paperback, $15.95.

Buy now at Bedfordpublications.com for $15.95.

Special Info: You can also buy this book directly from the author by emailing her at rapenson@carolina.rr.com.