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Monday, March 26, 2012

Book Review: The Donkey Who Carried A King


Are you looking for a great resource to help you share the Gospel with kids this Easter? If so, you might be interested in R.C. Sproul's latest children's book, The Donkey Who Carried A King.

From the Publisher:
Riley gets upset when his playmates pick him last for their games. When Grandpa hears about the problem, he asks, "Riley, have you ever heard about the donkey who carried a king?"

Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate--and Davey's master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. Afterward, Davey felt proud of himself and believed he should do only special jobs. But Davey's master put him to work doing ordinary things. That made Davey grumpy.

A few days later, Davey saw something terrible--some angry people were making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it, but another donkey, old Barnabas, helped him see that the King was being a Servant. After that, Davey made up his mind to do every task without grumbling.

Through his story, Grandpa helps Riley see what Jesus was really carrying on that terrible day.

My kids (especially my five and seven-year old) have asked me to read The Donkey Who Carried A King again and again in the short time since we have received it. Sproul helps kids deal with real-life struggles by pointing them to our Savior who suffered beyond what we can imagine. He also brings children important lessons about gratitude and true servanthood. Most significantly, Dr. Sproul clearly shares the Good News:
"Jesus died on a cross that day. When He died, He gave His life to save His people from their sins. In a way, he carried their sin and their guilt. By dying for them, He took the punishment that they deserved for sinning against a holy God -- the punishment that you and I deserve. He was a king, but He was a servant to His people" (pg. 33).
Furthermore, Sproul shares that Jesus didn't stay dead but was raised on the third day and reigns forever with His Father in Heaven.

Like several of Sproul's other children's books, The Donkey Who Carried A King includes helpful questions, answers, and Scriptures at the conclusion of the book to help parents and children better understand the message of the story. I pray that this touching book will be beneficial to many families who are seeking to impart Gospel truth to the children in their lives and am happy to recommend it to you for your consideration.

You can find more information as well as a book sample at Westminster Books.

Happy Easter, my friends!! May you rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

*Many thanks to Reformation Trust Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

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