I am sharing a treasure with you today, dear readers. I know you will appreciate this book review, as most of you who have been reading my blog posts for awhile have a tender heart for the precious things of God.
I received this book this week, and I wanted to share it for those who have children and grandchildren because this is a tuck your kiddos into bed read, and one they will want to hear again and again.
Let’s have a peek into “The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father’s Never-Ending Love” by Sarah Walton.
First the artwork by Christina Yang is warm and inviting. Gentle, yet vibrant- each illustration a colorful expression of this story. I love the cover, it just invites you in, and I think that’s my childlike heart speaking! I looked forward to receiving this book, and was not disappointed in it.
The book itself is based on the well known story of the Prodigal Son told in The Gospel of Luke. It also is told in the style of writing made so well known in John Bunyan’s, The Pilgrim’s Progress. However this story is written for 6-8 year old kiddos. The church where I attend is currently offering a class on The Pilgrim’s Progress and it’s a wonderful challenge. But this beautiful story of the Father’s love communicated in the same style is sure to simultaneously encourage and challenge children in the ways all good stories do.
The brothers in the story are named Wander and Goodness, and as the story goes we can guess who stayed and who went. Wander visits each town searching for the ever elusive something he is not even sure he can name. The towns of Perfection, Prosperity, and Popularity all have lessons to teach him as he continues to wander.
Though we may know the end of the story as adults who have lived a few years and see things with a different perspective than our little ones. The opportunities will surely arise for questions, and ponderings that prompt seeds of grace and truth about God’s love to be planted.
I can remember many nights of story time with our daughter, Katherine, reading before bed. I loved her precious inquisitiveness. I can imagine her enjoying this story.
This refreshing version of a beloved Parable will warm the hearts of adults as well as the children with whom they share. If you are looking for a new book for young ones you know, I would think this would become a much loved storybook for years to come.
I received this book from Crossway. No review was required or requested but I loved it so much I had to share for the joy of sharing!
Thank you for reading!
I am putting out a small request this year, if you are one who enjoys my blog posts, journaling shares, and devotional writing. This year if you are able to support my writing, I could really use help. At the top of my website is a place where you can give a WordPress plan. I am in such a position this year that I would ask, if it is possible to help by paying for the plan, it would be a great blessing and relief. I know many have their own financial burdens. I ask only if you feel led or inspired to give and are able, this would be the time. Thank you!
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 