Missing something...

Recently, I received the CBD catalogue arrived in the mail and I saw a book by R.C. Sproul called The Lightlings on the front.  I haven't read any of R.C. Sproul's books actually, but I know that I would feel comfortable reading one of his books.  I was curious about this book, because the description said that it was for children and that it is an allegorical tale about the fall and the birth of Christ.

Typically, when I review books, the publisher sends me a hard copy of the book.  I like this because I am one of those people that writes in their books (actually all over them!).  I also like being able to pick up a book and not having to turn on the computer to read it when I can catch a few quiet minutes in my house.  It is also far easier to share a book with my children if I have the book in my hands.  It doesn't work so well for all of us to try and look at a computer screen.

In this case, that was my option for reading this book.  I contacted Reformation Trust, R.C. Sproul's publisher and I was sent a pdf file of this book rather than a hard copy. 

So, yesterday afternoon I sat down and read The Lightlings.  It was a very quick read.  It's written for about 5-8 year old children.  The vocabulary is right about that level and the illustrations are very engaging.  The illustrations were my favorite part.

The story was okay.  I think it could have been a lot better though.  In not adding in too many details, the heart of the story seemed to be missing.  The biggest hole in the story was why the king of the lightlings sent the baby to live among them.  Without knowing the reason, it didn't make sense to me.  What I felt as I finished the story, was that I just wanted more.  More details, more story.  I think this story would have been better fleshed out with more details written for 7-10 year olds.

I wouldn't recommend this book.  It might be nice to check out of the library, but I think there are other books that would help children understand God's story more easily and gain a deeper understanding.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of a pdf file of this book from Reformation Trust for review.