Coming Home

Coming Home, written Max Lucado and illustrated by Justin Gerard, is an allegory, based on Jesus’ promise to his disciples that he would return and take them to Heaven to be with him always.

In Max Lucado’s story, three people, a ship’s captain and two young boys, Argo and Arion, are shipwrecked on a gray and desolate island. Several years after the shipwreck, the captain sails away from the island, leaving the boys behind. Before he leaves, he tells them, “I am going away for just a short time. I’m going to Bluestone to prepare your place. But I will come back and take you to be there with me.” He also tells them to remember what he has taught them and to be ready for his return. He gives them brief instructions, one of them being to stay out of the island’s forest. The captain is gone for some time, and of course, one of the boys, Argo, wanders into the forest while the captain is gone. When the captain returns, Argo is hesitant to greet the captain, as he knows he disobeyed the captain’s commands. But, the captain welcomes both boys onto the boat so they can set sail for their new home in Bluestone.

The painted illustrations are dark and gray, which mirrors the text, and they are extremely life-life and painted in great detail.

What I Like: Although it is a bit gloomy, the artwork is beautiful in its detail.

What I Dislike: I generally enjoy Max Lucado’s books. This story parallels the story of our lives on earth while we wait for Jesus to return and take us home to Heaven. The writing, itself, is flawless, and the artwork extraordinary, but I think the story falls short of his usual style and clarity. I like the idea of a story that is an allegory for the promise of Jesus’ return, but the setup for this story was a bit vague. There is very little background given at the beginning of the story as to how the three were shipwrecked or how long they’ve been on the island. When reading the story, I kept wondering why the captain was able to leave the island by himself and was not able to take the boys with him. That was never explained and it seemed odd that the boys would be left there by themselves.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: The publisher suggests 4-8 as the age group for this book, but I think it would be more like 6-12.

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 2007; ISBN: 1581347561; Hardcover, $15.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $11.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by Max Lucado. Visit the authors’ website. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Justin Gerard. Visit the illustrator’s website.

The Prince's Poison Cup

Theologian and pastor Dr. R.C. Sproul's The Prince's Poison Cup is nothing less than gorgeous.

In this allegorical tale, we first meet a modern-day little girl named Ella who has a minor illness and must take some distasteful medicine. She asks her father, "Why does medicine taste so bad if it's going to make us well?" Her grandfather gives the answer in the form of a "once upon a time" story.

He says that once their was a king called the King of Life because he made people, animals, and plants. He created a beautiful park where he could meet with his people and enjoy a beautiful fountain. He told them they could drink from any stream in the park, but they could not drink from that fountain. But when a stranger in a dark cloak appeared and told them the liquid in the fountain would do "wonderful things for them," they disobeyed their king. They didn't know the stranger was the king's enemy. Once they drank from the fountain, the water turned murky and they moved out of the park and began disobeying the king in nearly every way imaginable.

The king was angry enough to destroy his people, but instead he sent his son, the prince, to go to the park and drink from the fountain. By doing so, the king said, the prince would die from the murky poison - but the prince would also save the people. Even though it was very difficult, the prince obeyed his father. As he approached the fountain, the prince began to tremble with fear. With a cruel smile, the stranger in the dark cloak handed the prince a cup. With difficulty, the prince drank the poison and died. The people, led by the stranger, laughed and cheered...until the King of Life appeared and put life back into the prince.

"At that moment, the liquid bubbling up out of the fountain changed. No longer was it dark, murky poison. Now it was beautiful, clear, sweet water...The water seemed to be alive...[The prince said] 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.'"

Slowly, the people began to drink the water. And when they did, their hate was gone. They no longer wanted to run from the king.

Grandpa finishes up the book by saying:

"Ella, I want you to remember that we get sick because of sin. That's why the medicine that makes our bodies well usually looks and tastes bad. But the prince had to drink something far more terrible so that His people might be healed from the results of their disobedience. Each time you have to take bitter medicine, I want you to remember the story of the Prince's posion cup."

Ella promises she will, then replies, "And do you know what? I know another Prince who died for His people." "'Do you?'" Grandpa asked, with a twinkle in his eye."

This story is followed by a four page parent's guide, filled with questions children may ask and how they can be answered. (For example: "Who is the real King of Life?" and "What does it mean to drink from the cup Jesus offers?")

What I Like: The illustrations by Justin Gerard are absolutely gorgeous. They are vivd and imaginative, hearkening back to Medieval times and displaying both darkness and splendid light. This story couldn't have more appropriate or interesting illustrations.

The allegory itself is a creative way of helping kids understand the true meaning of Jesus' death and what it means to drink from his cup - difficult concepts, sometimes even for adults. I also really appreciate the parent's guide, which offers plenty of Bible verses to read.

What I Dislike: At times, especially in the part of the story set in the modern day, the dialogue seems stilted. At other times, the story seems truncated, as if the author was running out of room to tell his tale. For example, the story mentions that the prince traveled with friends, and that those friends disappeared when the crowds jeer, but their appearance in the book is so fleeting and ill-described they really add nothing to the story. However, even with such flaws, this is a lovely book and does a good job of offering enlightenment on the subject of why Jesus had to die on the cross.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but I think kids 6 and up will enjoy this book most.

Publishing Info: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2008; ISBN: 1567691048; hardback, $18.00

BUY NOW at ChristianBook.com for $11.99

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Special Info: Check out Justin Gerard's website for a peek at the sort of amazing artwork he offers up in The Prince's Poison Cup. Watch the publisher's website for a soon-to-be-released animated DVD version of this book. Click here to read our reviews of other R.C. Sproul books.

Sidney and Norman

Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales, has risen to new heights with Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs. Next door neighbors, Sidney and Norman are two pigs who are very different. Norman always found it easy to be neat and good and follow the rules. Sidney, on the other hand, struggled to get anything right. They were both aware of the strengths Norman possessed and the weaknesses that made up Sidney. One day they each received identical invitations -- to meet with God! Norman was immediately filled with excitement for the reward he must be receiving. Afterall, he was a good pig, much better than his sloppy neighbor. Meanwhile, Sidney was filled with dread. He was convinced God was disappointed in him, just like everyone else was. This meeting must be to tell him what a failure he was. The invitations were the same, but the messages God had for these pigs were very different. Norman knew God loved him, but he thought it was because he was so good. What he didn't know is that God loved his neighbors just as much as He loved him. Norman needed to put away his pride and see others the way God sees them. Sidney needed to only know one thing: God loved him. In spite of all his messes and short-comings, God loved him very much. This book holds a wonderful message for children and adults alike. The illustrations by Justin Gerard are at times monochromatic, but always enchanting. Filled with detail, the full-page paintings in a Caravaggio-like style feature wonderful contrast, reinforcing the vast difference between the two title characters.

What I Like: Everything! It is fantastically written and illustrated beautifully. My husband and I have both found great value in this book. It offers a profound and necessary message. Our kids are still too young to fully understand the story, but they love looking at the pictures. And don't miss the gems in the back! Some of the best parts of this story are in the "About This Book" and "Using This Book with Kids" parts.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: 4-8, though it is applicable through adulthood

Publisher Info: Tommy Nelson, 2006; ISBN: 1400308348; Hardback; $15.99

Buy it Now at Amazon for $11.67

Additional Info: Visit the author's website at www.philvischer.com.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

By turns desperate, dark and delightful, Andrew Peterson's On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is fantasy written with a skillful blend of humor and suspense. Peterson tells the story of Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby, and their escape from the menacing Fangs of Dang who rule their hometown.

Life in Glipwood Township has always been hard for the Igiby's. The three children live with their mother, Nia, and their grandfather, Podo. Nia lost her husband and Podo lost his leg in the Great War, and now, they try to survive without drawing unwanted attention from the horrible Fangs. Peterson writes,

"The Fangs walked about like humans, and in fact they looked exactly like humans, except for the greenish scales that covered their bodies and the lizard-like snout and the two long, venomous fangs that jutted downward from their snarling mouths. Also, they had tails."

Peterson's ability to use tongue-in-cheek humor even when he is describing something awful sets him apart from other fantasy writers I have read. Although the story is dark and Janner, Tink and Leeli only narrowly escape, there are countless times throughout the book you will grin, chuckle and laugh out loud.

When Nia gives the Fangs heirloom jewelry as a ransom for the children, the Fangs realize she knows more about the lost jewels of Anniera than they thought. From then on, the Fangs pursue Podo, Nia and the children. Janner, Tink and Leeli learn to face their fears as they follow the courageous examples of Podo and Nia. They overcome betrayal, the horned hounds and haunted catacombs. Not until they are rescued by crazy, mysterious Peet, the Sock Man, do they learn the truth about the Jewels of Anniera.

Podo and Nia constantly tell the children what it means to live a life in service to the Maker. Themes of faith, forgiveness, courage and invaluable worth are present, though written in a subtle manner similar to Tolkein's Lord of the Rings series.

Justin Gerard's muted pencil drawings evoke the mood and tone of the story, and are appropriately dark.

What I Like: Peterson is an excellent wordsmith. He creates vivid pictures in readers' minds, and he knows how to keep the story light and charming, while never losing its frightening edge. For instance, when the boys find a treasure map to Anklejelly Manor, they read, "If anyone reads this without permission, he will be most certainly and brutally slain. Or at the very least I'll chop off a finger or two. Or three."

The creatures living in Skree are sometimes whimsical (thwaps) and sometimes terrifying (the horned hounds), and sometimes a combination of the two (toothy cows). We learn more about these creatures, as well as traditions, games and Skreean history, in abundant footnotes. While rarely necessary to the story, they add depth and a realistic feel to the story. They would be fun to use if you were teaching students how to use footnotes, and they even include fictional source citations. Peterson has enough imagination for several writers, and uses it well.

I also like the themes in the story. In one footnote, Peterson discusses the folly of only believing in things you can see, (an obvious biblical parallel). At the end, Nia implores her father to forgive Peet the Sock Man, saying, "Your anger is becoming a burden you no longer bear alone. It's causing us to suffer with you. . . ." Readers will learn many good lessons about heroism, family and responsibility in the Igiby's fascinating journey.

What I Dislike: Many of you probably know I have a hard time with scary materials, both for myself and my children. While I would not recommend this book for bedtime reading, Peterson's humor keeps it light enough to be well worth the scary scenes. There are some scenes where a black carriage comes to take children away from their homes, and some of the boys' explorations and subsequent captures by the Fangs are also scary. However, Peterson does a good job of showing us how the children deal with fear, and a ray of hope always remains.

A few plot items weren't entirely wrapped up at the end, but thankfully there is a sequel.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Young Adult (I would say 9 and up, but not for children who are easily frightened or prone to nightmares).

Publisher Info: WaterBrook Press, 2008; ISBN: 978-1-4000-7384-9; Paperback, $13.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $10.19.

The Lightlings

We all know kids are sometimes afraid of the dark. But, did you know that some people are afraid of the light? In The Lightlings, well-known theologian R. C. Sproul creates a wonderful allegory about the story of redemption. He combines the stories of Adam and Eve and the Nativity.

In Sproul’s tale, the King of Light created people who loved the light and they shone brightly, as did the King. The King called his people the little lightlings. They shared in the King’s company and light until they decided to disobey him and go their own way. When they did so, the light left them and they hid in the darkness. They became very afraid of the light, as they were afraid the King would find them and punish them. After much time in the darkness, a bright light appeared in the sky. Some of the younger lightlings wandered off, searching for the light. They found it, in the form of a small family, a mother, father and a newborn baby of light. The children, both fascinated and fearful of the light, stayed and worshiped the new baby. When they returned to their people, they took some of their new light with them. Those lightlings who listened and believed in the story told by the youngsters, were no longer afraid of the light.

The author quotes 1 John 1:15 at the beginning of the book: “God is Light, and in him is no darkness at all." He has also included a special section in the back of the book for parents, designed to help their children understand the story in the book and the message of salvation.

The illustrations are beautiful in color and texture. Children and adults will both marvel at their detail.

What I Like: The story is written in a very child-friendly manner and the illustrations are amazing.

What I Dislike: At the beginning of the story about the King and the Lightlings, the narrator starts off with the words, “Once upon a time.” I don’t suppose there’s any harm in it, but I just don’t like Bible-related stories that start with those words. That brings to mind a fairy tale, and the Bible is not a fairy tale.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t give an age group, but I’d say children 4-8 would enjoy listening to the story being read to them, and children older than that would like to read the story themselves.
Publisher Info: Ligonier Ministries, 2006; ISBN: 1567690785; Hardcover, $18.00.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $15.99.
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.24.
Special Info: Watch the publisher's website for a soon-to-be released animated DVD version of this book. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Justin Gerard. Visit the illustrator’s website.