Stories Woven in Silver
In Stories Woven in Silver, Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson point children to the gospel through children’s literature.
This book shows how good stories delight us because they reflect the true story—the gospel story—and point us to the hope of the ultimate happy ending: our adoption as God’s children through Christ’s death and resurrection.
What I loved most was the idea of “storytime as a ministry.” Parents reading books aloud to their children provides daily discipleship opportunities and encourages them to encounter Christ.
Practical Counsel
In Part One, Korrie Johnson draws on her experience as a book reviewer to offer practical counsel on selecting children’s books in a culture that seems determined to undermine Christian discipleship.
What challenged me most was the reminder to make Scripture reading and family worship a priority for my family. Children should know the difference between a Bible storybook and the Bible itself.
I was especially pleased to read about how to use and effect change in your public library—something I know she is passionate about, having seen her share about it on social media. I appreciated her solid wisdom on magic versus miracles in the Bible, Shakespeare, and Greek mythology.
Guidance
In Part Two, Kathryn Butler offers guidance for fostering gospel-centered discussions of literature with children. Themes such as sacrificial love, light and hope in the darkness, the reality of sin, redemption, and the new heavens and the new earth are presented.
She guides us through The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, the Wingfeather Saga, among others, as case studies, showcasing a synopsis, gospel themes, words of truth, and notes for discernment.
In Part Three, they offer recommended websites and book titles. Classics such as Anne of Green Gables and Charlotte’s Web are discussed.
Train Your Minds
Perfect for teachers, parents, and teens – reading this book will train your mind to see gospel themes and threads of the Christian narrative in children’s literature.
Three questions to ask of books:
What is the goal of this book, and is it a good goal?
Does the book achieve its goal, and, if applicable, does it do so biblically?
Does this book glorify and normalize sin, or does it condemn it?
I received a media copy of Stories Woven in Silver (Amazon, save an extra 5% off Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.