This is No Fairy Tale

This is No Fairy Tale, by Dale Tolmasoff
(Crossway Books, 2005), hb. 32 pp.

This book seeks to explain to children the story of Jesus by contrasting it with the typical elements of fairy tales. This works well especially for families (like ours) which talk about fairy tales and adventure stories. This can be very useful since we do want to be clear with our children about the difference between made up stories and true ones- like the gospel. My kids have had no problem differentiating these, but that is at least partly because we have had numerous conversations about the difference. This little book can be one more tool in that sort of conversation.

As the book explains the life and work of Jesus it also makes good points which illuminate how we are to follow Jesus’ example. This can open up some good conversations on Christian living. I would think that this book would also make a good gift for a family who is open to Bible stories but who has not come to faith. The basic presentation can be useful not only to the children but also for the parents reading it.

Lastly, this book is very nicely illustrated making it quite attractive for children. The age range stated on the book jacket is 4 to 8 years old. I think it will more likely appeal primarily to children more in the range of 2 to 5 years old. For such children this book will provide a visually attractive meaningful discussion of the life of Christ.