Friday, October 7, 2011

With You All the Way

Sorry about the delay folks.  I missed this week's post earlier because Miss Bella the Bookworm got a job, and I was gone all this past Tuesday.  I've decided to go with some younger books this next few weeks.  They are written to be read to young children, although they are on about a fourth grade independent reading level.  But, I still enjoy reading them because they teach valuable truths that even adults sometimes need to be reminded of.

Title:  With You All the Way
Author:  Max Lucado
Illustrator:  Chuck Gillies
Target Audience:  Young Children
Reading Level:  Approximate independent reading level of 4th grade, but designed to be read as a picture book to younger children, perhaps kindergarten.

Summary:  The three best knights in the kingdom compete for the princess' hand in marriage.  The first to travel with a companion through Hemlock Forest and arrive at the castle will marry the princess.  But Hemlock Forest is dark and dangerous.  And the Hopenots live there--small creatures known more for their cleverness than any strength.  Some people even think the Hopenots are people who were lost while travelling through the forest and were changed by it.  Since Hemlock Forest is so dark and dense, the travellers will be led to the castle by the sound of a song played by the king three times daily.  Only the king and the prince know the song, and they have two identical flutes on which the song is played.  Who will escape Hemlock Forest first?  Carlisle, the strongest?  Alon, the swiftest?  Or Cassidon, the wisest?

Review:  As with many of Max Lucado's stories for children, With You All the Way is told in parable format.  Not everything has an extra meaning, but the story can be used to teach Biblical truth.  There is only One Person Who will be with you all the way, and Only One Who can lead you to the King through the forest filled with hopenots.  The story is easy for a young child to follow while listening to a reader.  The illustrations are beautifully done with strong colors that are not bright.  Most of the pictures are close-up, although one picture is from a long-distance viewpoint to show that no one can tell who the winning knight is as he comes out of the forest.
5 stars--Gourmet meal.
Great book. Nothing wrong whatsoever. It's pretty close to, "I don't think I could ever read anything better. " I think everyone should read this book. It is likely that very few books will get this rating.
Although the book is geared to younger readers, I think many could benefit from reading it occasionally and reminding themselves of the One Who is always by their side.  I know I have.
Speed and strength are no defense against imitation of the truth.

Love in Christ,
Bella

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