"The Long Road Home" by Sarah Walton. A Review

 

Fond memories swirl through my head about reading loads of books to my kids when they were little. We found plenty of material, but when it came to Bible stories and little books that focused on one Bible story or another, the field was antiquated and narrow. Old 1950s and 1960s art work, script that could be a bit corny, crayon marks, and all. Though our children have long been grown, I'm still always looking for good material for parents to read with their youngsters. Sarah Walton, author, wife and mother, has pulled together a pleasant retelling of our Lord's story of the prodigal son and his stuffy brother in the 56-page hardback, "The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father's Never-Ending Love". The delightful illustrations are provided by Christina Yang, a seasoned illustrator and designer. Between the two, "The Long Road Home" is just the kind of book I look for when thinking about reading to kids and grandkids.


The story encompasses two sons, Wander and Goodness, and their father. Wander is the one who wonders away, while Goodness stays put, self-satisfied, "Good thing my father has me for a son, since I would never be so selfish." Yet, as Wander meanders off with his inheritance, the father's words linger and haunt him, "Wherever you go, my son, I want you to remember that I love you with a never-ending love." But Walton adds a small twist to the story. She incorporates some imaginative details that feel like John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress". It's still the tale that Jesus told, but the added features show up as Wander journeys away from his father, and traipses through the towns of Perfection, Prosperity, Popularity, and Desperation. This whole portion was quite artful, especially when helping our kids to know that they, too, will face these social pressures and temptations.


The story, of course, "ends" where Jesus leaves it. Wander comes to his senses in the far country, returns, and finds his father's love is true. And Goodness, well, his self-satisfaction is exposed for what it really was all along, pride. And the story ends quite open-ended. What will Goodness do? He too was invited into the feast. He too was welcomed by the father. He too....but will he?


"The Long Road Home" is a delightful retelling of our Lord's parable that is very much in tune with our Lord's purpose in giving the story. The illustrations are not gaudy or garish. Rather, they are pleasantly modest and stay with the story. Together, it is a fine piece of work that should make for wonderful snuggle times with the kids, as well as thoughtful reflective discussions. I highly recommend the book.


My thanks to Crossway for sending me a copy for this review. They made no demands on me. Thus, this evaluation is all mine, freely made and freely given. 

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