Customer Reviews

Parables From The Pond

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What do newts, frogs and snakes have in common? They all have something of value to teach us. Well, at least they do in Parables from the Pond by author Peter Black. This delightful children's book is perfect for bedtime storytelling, Sunday School lessons and family time.

The main characters are three friends - Nancy Newt, Francis Frog and Cecil Snake. While most snakes would eat the newt and the frog, Cecil is more concerned with the Commonwealth of the Pond and is somewhat of a Patriarch of the pond and its inhabitants. His words of wisdom for the youngsters of the pond are words you want to immediately get across to your own kids.

The stories are educational, inspirational and of course entertaining. While reading this book I was often drawn to the pond in my own backyard. I love to sit and listen to the flowing water on a summer's day. It was calm and peaceful. Now, when I see a frog hopping around on a lily pad, I think of Francis Frog and wish I had grandchildren to teach the marvellous lessons from this book.

Children ages 6 to 10 will be delighted with the stories and the opportunities for colouring provided in the book. Parents will love the questions that dig a little deeper, addressing such issues as teasing, friendship, fears, trust, grace and even the environment.

Not just a story book! The Introduction: "This collection of fables was written with children in mind, but is also for all those who have ever taken a delight in exploring life around a pond. It is written for those who have long left the scenes of childhood but had the thrill of holding a frog in the hand or perhaps the dubious delight of having a newt run along their arm or under their shirt, and for those who never had the courage or opportunity to, but wish they had.

It is for those who've often wondered what really goes on in the murky water of nearby nature - that other world - just at the edge of the urban jungle, or even in the midst of it, in a park or a common wetland. It is also for those who know that the Creator's creatures do speak, and have something to say - to us.

Truth is, these stories were never meant to be a book. They were written as a back-of-the-bulletin series over several late spring-through-summer sessions for the kids (big and small!) of my church congregation in the village of Watford, Ontario, Canada, and some of which were used for discussion starters for family devotions. Collectively, they represent a little of what a fellow's imagination can get up to amidst the frenentic demands of modern living and pastoral ministry in North America."

Each story has questions for discussion between parent and child, verse references to add to the discussions, and a page for the child to contribute to the book by writing or drawing their own story.

Each of the stories is a true parable from which can be learned character qualities that everyone wants to see their children learn. Fun for kids and a great tool for parents!