Camden Bucey and Erica Bucey discuss The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New, an illustrated systematic theology for children. Written by experienced children’s author Marty Machowski, The Ology is an excellent resource for families. The book is targeted toward 6–12 year olds and includes Scripture memory passages and study questions. The examples and analogies, along with thoughtful illustrations, make complex theological concepts accessible to even very young children. This book will help children understand more about God and how they relate to God, while always pointing them to Scripture.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Erica Bucey

A children’s book about the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism? Sounds dry. REALLY dry. Surprisingly, William Boekestein’s book, The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism, provides an engaging history that young readers will understand. With bold illustrations and large type, the book traces the lives of three men (Caspar Olevianus, Zacharias Ursinus, and Frederick III) who were instrumental in creating the catechism.

The main theme of the book is comfort for God’s people. This includes comfort during difficult circumstances, but the real focus is on assurance of salvation and resting in God’s promises. Boekestein discusses the book in depth during Episode 214 of Christ the Center.

As members of the OPC, our family uses the Westminster Standards. However, I think it is valuable for adults and children alike to have an understanding of other catechisms in the Reformed tradition. This book pairs well with Weight of a Flame, which I read and reviewed last month. Olympia Morata’s journey ends (1555) in Heidelberg, Germany, shortly before the Heidelberg Catechism was written (1563).

William Boekestein (M.Div., Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He previously taught in a Christian school for several years. He and his wife, Amy, have three children.

Simonetta Carr’s latest book appears to have everything a young female reader could want. Romance. Castles. Adventure. Far-away places. And let’s not forget elegant wardrobes. These things are just the backdrop for Carr’s story, though. Set during the Italian Reformation, Weight of a Flame is the story of Olympia Morata, a young woman whose faith burned bright during a time of persecution.

After reading the introduction and first chapter, I am looking forward to completing the book and writing a full review. Classified as historical fiction, it’s already clear that Simonetta Carr researched her story extensively. She includes several pages at the beginning of the book that provide historical details about each character in the story.

I will admit that I know almost nothing about the Italian Reformation. I anticipate that this book will be a pleasant, yet informative, read. Although the intended audience is young readers, I found myself drawn in by the story during chapter one.

Stay tuned for the full review. Normally this would be a Saturday afternoon read, but it might take a while longer with a four month old keeping me busy.

In her series, Christian Biographies for Young Readers (published by Reformation Heritage Books), Simonetta Carr has given the church helpful tools to educate the next generation in church history. Her clear explanations, vivid illustrations, and articulate maps assist readers young and old alike, to appreciate the lives of these faithful saints who have gone before us.

Carr maintains the same organizational structure throughout, beginning with a brief overview of each life and some of their significant contributions to the Church.

Carefully, she transitions into the culture and politics that were present during their upbringing. This is essential in understanding Augustine’s education, for example, which was drastically different from our own today. She also highlights important incidents that shaped each life further down the road. For Augustine, this was a prank of stealing pears that he later reflected on as he grasped his sin. John Owen endured a rigorous training that left him with little sleep, potentially damaging his health as he grew older. Finally, throughout the book, Carr traces each life chronologically, noting various theological issues and debates that arose during their lives. Most of these concepts are difficult for younger readers, but Carr does an excellent job using terms they are familiar with and highlighting incidents that they can relate to. Notably, Carr explains Augustine’s challenges in exposing the false teachings of the Manichees, which is conceptually difficult for younger readers, in a way children can understand.

The illustrations throughout are tastefully done, capturing what life would have looked like. Also, they expose key events in each life, many of which were very dramatic. Carr also includes current pictures of locations. For Augustine, she inserted the ruins of Carthage, and in John Owen’s biography, various portraits taken at the time. Finally, one of the most helpful aspects, are the maps Carr includes at the beginning. These allow the readers to trace and understand where significant events happened.

Carr has summarized these lives clearly and in a way that younger readers (age 6 -12) can not only read but also enjoy. Her illustrations and age appropriate wording make these books ideal for covenant families. These books will be used in our home as we seek to give our children an appreciation for those faithful believers who have gone before us.

Godâ€s Alphabet for Life

Reformation Heritage Books writes that the aim is to stress

that, like adults, children must be born again, come by faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and live lives of thankfulness to God for His great salvation.