Because I Love You

I was a little concerned about this story line because I felt it may result in bad dreams for my young boys. The little boy gets lost in the woods because he disobeys. The "father" figure goes out to find him in the end. In my opinion, not a calm bedtime story.

Shaddai lived in a "wonderful village. It was more than any child could dream." (I'll leave the descriptions to Max--I can't say it any better.) But the thing that made it most special of all was the fact Shaddai was always near. The children listened to his terrific stories and songs and loved his smile and the way he made them laugh. But most of all the children loved the way he made them feel--understood, loved and accepted for who they were. "His giant heart had a hundred strings--each held by a different child. And Shaddai loved each one the same."
That's why he built the wall.
He warned the children that they weren't made for the the terrible land beyond the wall and to stay where they'd be safe and where they belonged--with him.
One child, Paladin was a very curious child. He questioned Shaddai about the wall and then told Shaddai that if he didn't fix it the children might leave. Shaddai replied, "I know, Paladin. But I want the children to stay because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to."
The ending is beautifully poignant. Please get this book for your child. It's a great start or reinforcement for helping them understand that God has chosen them but THEY have to choose whether or not they want God. God loves us enough to give us free will.

This story is talking about how God is always their for you even when you've done something wrong. Sometimes you think that it's God's fault for letting the situation happen to you, but always remember in the bible it says "I will never leave you or forsake you". Always make sure you read your bible everyday. It's funny that I thought of this verse because I don't even read the bible and where I here that verse at is from the word of the Lord I hear at church.

The book is wonderfully simple in its depiction of God's love. While it is certainly geared toward children, its message can touch adults. .................. a book that can be read out-loud in under ten minutes.

My daughter received this as a Christmas gift. My first impression, just glancing at it after she unwrapped it, was that it was too wordy for a younger audience but it had some pretty nice illustrations. Then I read some of it. I have to say, I don't want my daughter thinking its okay for a commune of young children to live and be trapped by an older man who is always with them. Nor do I want her to think it's wrong to be curious, or that it's bad. Children learn best through exploring their curiosity, and this book almost detriments that. It's dressed up bible nonsense. Beware.