Forced to flee for his life, Darwin searches for the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories. But will they accept a scaredy-mouse like him? Darwin’s journey to find the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories introduces him to mountain animals who teach him about the King of all Creatures and what bravery really means!
My Review
Darwin Finds Freedom is a delightful Christian children’s book by author NicoleLisa Schrader. It is beautifully illustrated by HC Ward. Children will love the vivid pictures that go along with the story.
This is the story of Darwin, a deer mouse, who happens to be a very scared one, too. His tale of finding freedom from fear and faith in the “King of all Creatures” is exceptionally penned accompanied with the most endearing pictures. Children ages 4-8 are sure to adore this book and glean the priceless message of trusting Jesus over their fears and gaining freedom.
Along his journey, Darwin encounters various animals and birds. Their conversations are quaint and thought provoking for young ones. Kids will easily become engaged with the characters and this wonderful story. I have no doubt with all of the animals it will become one of their favorites.
After the story are some discussion questions. These are followed by photos of each animal or bird that was in the story. Each picture is accompanied by some facts on that real life creature. Children love learning about animals and will delight in this.
There is so much to like about this fabulous book. I enjoyed the story with all of the additional characters. The Christian message was greatly appreciated. It is a wonderful way to plant seeds of faith in the kiddos’ minds. With the questions and facts at the end, it allows for parents to dig deeper with their children during reading time. Plus, the author even asks for suggestions for a sequel.
I highly recommend this book. It would be perfect for a Church to use in junior church, a library, or their Sunday School. This is a great book for any gift need, birthday, Christmas, or just because.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars – Fantastic Book!
Ireceived a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Nicole Lisa Schrader loves reading to and writing for children. She is a retired homeschool mother of three and currently lives in central Florida with her husband. Nicole actively encourages mothers of young children online, in homeschool groups, churches, and in her community. For more about Nicole, visit www.nicolelisamaria.com.
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The Postman’s Lantern by author J.C. Comerfield is a Christian children’s Christmas book. This was a hard one for me to review. The blue cover was inviting with its snowy church scene. The message is very nice.
It is the story of a father’s great love for his children, like how our Heavenly Father, Who loves us even more. It emphasizes the importance of helping others and working together. Keeping our eyes on the light and let it guide us (Jesus). Just like the postman delivers messages, we too must deliver the good news of Jesus to our friends.
The story is heartwarming and will hold children’s interest. It is a very nice story that leaves room for deeper discussion and teaching. If corrected, it would make a nice Sunday School or Junior Church book.
What bothered me was I noticed some errors that slipped by editing. Even more than that was the author’s use of “Lord” and “God” in vain. As a Christian this is so offensive to me. I have family members – adults and children both – that I constantly remind that they should not do this. In today’s world it is acceptable to many, but it wounds my soul. I can only hope that the author changes that in the next printing along with the other errors.
The story gets a 4 star rating, but the overall review is that as it is I cannot recommend this book in good faith. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, and these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: The Postman’s Lantern
Author: J.C. Comerford
Genre: Christian Children’s Fiction, Christmas
Release date: January 8, 2020
During a devastating Christmas Eve snowstorm, John the postman arrives at his last stop, at the steps of the Frost family. Here, he rediscovers a stowaway letter in his mailbag, not for his route. It’s a letter from a hospitalized grandfather, to a very special grandson. John feels obligated to make the delivery. His unselfish act of kindness leads him, and then the Frost family, on an unforgettable journey across a seemingly endless track of farmland. Little does John know what he’s actually carrying. The lantern he carries becomes a mystery that guides their way through astonishing events. They finally arrive at the Evans house, where they find themselves before an extremely sick boy, a mother’s pain, and the mystical workings of God.
John Charles Comerford grew up playing hard, on the streets and fields of Washington Township, New Jersey. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Grammar School through 8th grade. He then jumped across the street to attend Westwood High School, where he soon began playing guitar and composing songs at the age of sixteen. Writing short musical stories would soon turn into a more involved field of composition, as he later attended Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. Here, he developed a desire to become a paperback writer. While attending college, he took a job with the US Postal Service as a mail carrier and is still delivering, thirty years later. He is still a performing musician and a recording artist on itunes. He now resides in Pawling, New York with his wife Bridget and his son Jack.
More from John Charles
I was just a little kid at the time. The temperature outside was 93 degrees. I had awakened earlier that day, because it was a Saturday. I wanted to catch some early morning cartoons, instead of lying in bed, waiting for my dad to give out chores for the day. I knew it was going to be a hot one, and I dreaded going outside.
Before long, there I was slapping paint on the side of my house. Soon after, I was weeding and watering the front lawn before it reached into the 90’s. At about 12:00, I went inside to cool off. I ate some lunch and relaxed a bit, listening to the “Boston Pops” my dad had put on.
From a calm and collective state of mind, I was suddenly burdened by the noise of my barking dog, at the front window. I went to the front door and opened it wide. As I looked up, the mailman was looking down. His face was dripping sweat, and his uniform was soaked. He had a big smile and said, “Too hot to play today.” He laughed a bit and handed me the mail. I heard my mom and dad yell out “Thank you, do you need a cold drink at all?” He said “I’m all set but thank you.” He moved on, while adjusting that full bag of mail that he was carrying around his shoulders.
It was then that I decided I would never become a mailman. God, no, not this kid. That was no easy job.
14 years later, I was working for the post office, with a packed satchel around my neck, and a can of pepper spray, to boot. I was now walking that mile, in my old mailman’s boots. Many times I’ve prayed to God for help and to keep me from dozing off in trucks that reached 120 degrees inside. I prayed for help from dog attacks that would occur five times a day at least. I prayed for help from the pain you feel when it’s 30 degrees to 20 below and you’re soaked from rain. Your fingers are ready to fall off after being soaked from the rain or as they burn to the bone.
So I wrote my book, seeking the world’s attention to the mail carrier’s integrity, and a forever caring attitude to those who patiently await their arrival.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 