Carl Laferton

Teaching young children the truth of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection is difficult. There is a fine line to balance between the beauty of His death and resurrection to pay the penalty for our sins and the horror of the very act of his death on the cross. So just how much to share with our wee little ones? How to share that information? How to instill a reverence and love for their Savior. How to NOT scare them or open a dark hole of fear and horror.

The scope of God's plan for man is encompassed in this little board book. Concisely told in a few sentences accompanied by captivating illustrations the text enables a child to learn of God's presence with man in the garden, how the temple curtain later on depicted the avenging angels guarding the garden after man's sin, and Christ's sacrifice on the cross for man's sin. Not gory. Not dark (though it most certainly is dark). A story of wonder, of loss, of love, and of redemption.

While a beautifully presented story-scape of man's fall and redemption, it still is a bit much for a toddler to comprehend. But with gentle guidance, the book can be used for the little ones and later more comprehensive as they mature in understanding. Tell the story. Don't gloss over it. But do it gently with love and care.

I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.… (mais)

This review was also posted here - https://cavetothecross.com/blog/the-garden-the-curtain/

One of my favorite books in the past decade has been "God Dwells Among Us" by G.K. Beale. In that, he takes us through the motif of the garden from Eden to the Tent to the Temple to Christ to the Church to the New Heavens/New Earth. It is a phenomenal, brain-breaking (in a good way) book. This is almost that book - for kids.

While focusing on the division of man from God as the result of sin that leads us out of Eden and causes division even in the Tent/Temple and then the destruction of the separation in the work of the Man-God Jesus, we have that thread that reaches back to the Genesis of it all to the End. The book doesn't get too heady, but calling it a service-level undertaking would be inaccurate. In fact, it would have been good to see a little more of that thread in other parts of Scripture but that is nitpicky. I would put this right on the shelf next to DeYoung's "The Biggest Story" as far a story structure and art. The art here is wonderful. Gone are the days of dentist's office, bland depictions of Jesus and children or simple round-faced drawings - there is frameable art here.

A good introduction to soteriology theology for kids! Final Grade - B+… (mais)

This is a beautifully illustrated and well-thought-out retelling of the Gospel in a way that even small children can understand. It’s true that it sums up the entire Bible seemingly quickly, BUT it also paints the Bible story for what it is—the grand plan of a loving God to save a lost and dying world. I loved the imagery and how it engaged my 3 year-old, while the wording was perfectly understandable for my almost 5 year-old. Both were engaged the entire time, and there were questions galore afterward. This one will definitely be in the regular bedtime rotation!… (mais)