Thomas Christie

God is like an immovable rocky mountain, a sheltering cave, and a constant companion (tiny rock). God's regular and trustworthy presence in life is the prime message of this heartfelt tale of a young owl and her father. The illustrations serve the mood and tone of the narrative well. There is always a risk in the way in which God's providence is proclaimed because profound tragedies still visit people of faith. While it is true that God is a shelter, the difficulty comes in determining how God shelters his people from life's storms. In the "Did You Know..." section following the narrative we are told that God provided special wings for owls so that they might sneak up on their prey. God's creative providence doesn't work out very well if you happen to be the prey. But these are big questions for bigger books and aren't necessarily in view for the essential purpose of this children's book.… (mais)

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4. This is a Christian picture book about dealing with separation anxiety. It is a beautifully illustrated story with soft, peaceful pictures of an owl father and his son. The prose is also very reassuring. Quinn is worried about getting separated and lost from his father when they go out at night to hunt. His father takes him to the mountain and talks about it always being there, just like God. They get caught in a storm and shelter in a cave and once again Quinn listens to his father tell him about the sheltering arms of God and finally, once on the ground, Quinn receives a small rock to symbolize that God is always with him. This is a great book for children to share with them Christian beliefs about God and that he is with them at the times when they may feel anxious or alone. The back of the book has a Note to Parents about using this story along with some bible verses. This book is not going to be for everyone, but is very sweet. The publisher, Harvest House Publishers, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.… (mais)