You may have read “The Fox and the Crow” when you were a child. As you’ll recall, the famous story from “Aesop’s Fables” warns us to be wary of flattery.
Or, you may have read about Christian’s journey to the Celestial City in “Pilgrim’s Progress.” On the road to the Celestial City, Christian meets a giant named Despair. Just as Christian must overcome the giant, Despair is a reality many Christians face in their spiritual lives.
These allegories are celebrated not only because they are entertaining, but because they express timeless truths.
As we know all too well, Hollywood movies bombard our children with messages promoting worldly values. As a result, it’s crucial to find stories that help our children appreciate the Bible’s design for living.
If you are wondering where to start, there is a wonderful new resource available for children as young as second grade.
Michael Dowling’s book for children illustrates Biblical truths in succinct stories short enough to read at bedtime.
Frog’s Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables includes eight fables with crystal-clear lessons. The stories illustrate key traits such as humility, obedience, and wisdom. They also display core gospel truths, reminding readers that God’s love is a gift that is not earned, we are created for God’s glory, and Jesus is the source of all truth.
At the end of each fable, there is a page contrasting worldly wisdom and Biblical wisdom.
For instance, the world teaches, ‘You can do anything.’ However, the Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
The world tells us, “Do whatever makes you happy,” but the Bible teaches that true happiness comes from following God’s word. The psalmist writes, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 199:97).
Dowling has written a number of books and previously served on staff at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He hopes his stories will inspire families to have crucial conversations.
“Our goal is to help readers better appreciate the wisdom of God’s Word,” Dowling said, “and how it is often at odds with the conventional wisdom of the world.”
Frog’s Rainy-Day Story contains captivating illustrations and a glossary to help young readers with difficult words.
A free study guide, Burrowing Deeper, is available online for schools or small groups.
Dowling’s book is available in hardcover and as an e-book from all major online book retailers.
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