Customer Reviews

John Calvin

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Simonetta Carr's biography of John Calvin is a nice treat. In sixty three handsome, colorful, and well illustrated pages, Carr gives the reader the basics of Calvin's life and teaching in a very readable and interesting way. She doesn't focus on insignificant details, but sticks to the main points. The seven chapters (which chronologically follow Calvin's life) are the right length and depth of information to help the reader/teacher/student divide it into manageable portions to study or write about. Though very young children may not be interested, it is a great tool for kids aged 7-12; no doubt parents and teachers will also learn a thing or two about Calvin!

This book should be on the shelves of Christian schools, church libraries, and in family libraries. It is an open window into the Reformation, reminding us of those who have gone before us in the faith.

As a homeschooling mom of three, I have found this biography very useful in teaching about John Calvin as well as the historical and cultural events of the Reformation. The illustrations are beautiful and many of the details the author revealed of Calvin's life were very interesting (and sometimes humorous)to my kids as well as myself. A lot more than just a biography, I would highly recommend it.

I found the text clear, unexaggerated, staight to the point and with extraordinary illustratiion. While I have read theological material relative to Calvin, I was not exposed to this very human side of the man presented in a most understandable way. I have heard that the author is considering a similar work on Augustine. That should be quite fascinating.

I just finished reading this book yesterday and I really enjoyed it. Yes, it's written for young readers, but even I as a 30+ adult found myself eager to flip pages. Since I was reading aloud my 7 year old would occasionally as a question since he was being sucked in as well. It's a wonderful mixture of history, theology, and readability. The illustrations are mingled with real life pictures of Calvin's life which brought it to life even more.
Buy it for your young reader or for yourself. I loved it!

This is the year of John Calvin. In celebration of the 500th anniversary of his birth, many ministries are holding conferences to discuss his life and impact and many Christian publishers are releasing biographies of the man who did so much to form the Christian faith and the Western world. Reformation Heritage Books has taken a unique route by producing a biography targeted at children from ages 7 to 10. Written by Simonetta Carr and illustrated by Emanuele Taglietti, the book combines the story of Calvin's life with excellent watercolor illustrations.

The publisher describes the book in this way: "In this attractive volume, Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the life, thought, and work of one of the most famous Reformers of the Christian church. Readers will come to know Calvin's personality, his devotion to God and the church, and the personal challenges he faced. They will understand the struggles of the early Reformed church faced at that time, not only surviving attacks of the Roman Catholic Church, but also achieving a clear identity and a unified doctrine."

In just about sixty pages, this book gives a brief overview of Calvin's life, from the cultural and religious setting into which he was born, through his education and training, his years of writing and ministry, and his death. The author discusses not just Calvin's life but also his impact, including his influence on the religious liberties codified in the American Constitution. It concludes with some suggestions for children who may wish to learn more about Calvin and with a series of interesting facts about the day in which Calvin lived. There are original watercolor illustrations or relevant photographs on just about every page.

This is a very good little biography of Calvin and one that does a very good job of speaking to its targeted age group. It easily held the attention of my six year-old and nine year-old children as I read it all in one sitting (though my two year-old fell asleep before I had completed the first page). It led to some interesting questions and answers afterward, as we discussed persecution, martyrdom and a life lived for God's glory. The children seemed to enjoy the book a lot. I would recommend this book to any parent who is interested in introducing his children to the life and times of a great Christian of days past. I am hoping that this is just the first in a series of similar books.

There is no doubt that John Calvin is a major historical figure. His critiques of the Roman Catholic Church helped to fundamentally change the world. If you are going to teach your children world history, Calvin is as an important person to learn about. Yet, there are relatively very few children's books written about him. "John Calvin" is written from a religious perspective. It was written by and for "Calvinists". Having said that it is also a balanced book that does an excellent job of laying the details of John Calvin's life in an age appropriate manner. It was an interesting book and I am glad that I read to my child. Recommended.

John Calvin's writings are extensive and important for those of the Reformed faith. Many theologians have studied
his works for years and many books are written to clarify his positions on important topics. Yet, he is also an important
man for young people to learn about. His biography is well written and has pictures, which helps visualize his life
and something of his literary works. I would recommend this book as a cheerful and happy book to study
and enjoy knowing that John Calvin is a great Christian to emulate as well as learn more bout.

I just found this book a week ago and am impressed enough that I'm having all my kids read it. I'm our church librarian and have been looking for a good and readable biography of Calvin for elementary age children for several years now, and when I saw good reviews on this one, I bought it. I had no idea it would be so attractive and well-illustrated. I sincerely hope there will be a series of biographies like this.

Highly recommended.