Wednesday, November 26, 2008

A Little Light(ling) Reading


As a parent with small (and medium and large) children, I'm always on the prowl for good books for the kids. And by good I do not mean "NEA Approved". I want something that will not only hold their attention but fire their imaginations and, most importantly, establish them in Scriptural principles. R. C. Sproul's The Lightlings fits the bill.
I wasn't really surprised, mind you. Sproul's other children's books, in audio format, are already some of my kids' favorite bedtime listening. But as much as my children love the books, I love them even more.
The Lightlings is the story of the Fall (Gen. 3:1-15), retold in a fantasy millieu for kids. The story of the lightlings, special creation of the King With No Shadow, presents the truth about man's rebellion, guilt, and redemption in a way that gives parents some priceless teachable moments. There is even a teaching guide at the end of the book.
With that said, this is a children's story, not a theological text (although many of those are also available from Ligonier ministries as well). As such, this story is designed to teach a small set of principles -- and it does so powerfully -- but the details will not stand up to nitpicking. But, then, it's not supposed to.
Accompanying Dr. Sproul's words are some of the most beautiful illustrations I have seen in a children's book in awhile. So many times good books are accompanied by mediocre illustrations, leaving our children with a handicapped aesthetic sense. Not so with The Lightlings.
Oh, yes, and there's a bonus. This is also the very best book for any Christian parents or grandparents who want to teach little ones not to be afraid of the dark.
Pick up a copy of The Lightlings for your kids or grandkids. It's not only a beautiful story, beautifully illustrated; it helps you to teach your little ones about the MOST beautiful story ever told.

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