Gill Jacobs
Day One Publications
112, £6.00
ISBN: 978-1-84625-333-1
Star Rating: 4
This book is part of the new Day One youth fiction series “Faith Finders”, which the catalogue recommends for 8-12 year olds. That’s probably an accurate reading age bracket, but I’m looking forward to reading it to my 6 year old son now, albeit with the reassurance that it has a happy ending! The story is well-paced, and although the chapters vary slightly in length, none are too long to read at bedtime. It is a satisfying and not contrived blend of fiction and fact. Events from the Gospels – Jesus’ “I am the Good Shepherd” teaching, raising of Lazarus, clearing the temple, the triumphal entry, Jesus’ death and resurrection – are faithfully interwoven with the daily life of 9 year old Ben, son of a Jewish shepherd. Through Ben’s inquisitive eyes we are given a window into 1st century Palestine, and the final year of Jesus’ life. All the characters are engaging and endearing with plenty of colour but in no way eclipse Ben’s journey of discovering the Lamb of God. Ben’s grandfather provides his own heart-warming testimony of Jesus’ birth, and key relevant passages from the Old Testament – the first Passover, Psalm 23 & Isaiah 56 – are considered through Ben’s lessons at the synagogue school. The potentially parallel fate of his pet lamb at Passover contributes to the drama of the plot. It is a very cleverly written story that is a pleasure to read, giving vibrant everyday-life perspective on the events of the Gospels, and fresh understanding of our final Passover Lamb. Its focus on plain Biblical truth is a welcome change from either overly fantastical or moralistic fiction that many Christian youth books tend towards. I think it will make a valuable and enjoyable contribution to our own children’s journey of discovery – praise God, our Lamb is not hidden!
Elisabeth Epps, Stevenage
