Book Review-The Flowering Cross

This is a book review of “The Flowering Cross” by Beth Ryan and illustrated by Renee Graef. The Flowering Cross is written in a parable like form, encouraging children through story to love their neighbor. Katie and Nolan are neighbors with the “Mean Old Jack” but inside of showing fear of him, Katie’s family shows “Mean Old Jack” love by caring for him and being kind to him. This family’s kindness eventually leads to “Mean Old Jack’s” decision to accept God’s love that has been given to him so undeservingly, just like the love of Katie’s family. Jack and Katie’s family celebrate Easter by placing beautiful flowers from Jack’s garden in a large cross at church as thanks to Jesus for dying on the cross. Mean Old Jack is “renamed” Papa Jack and becomes part of the family’s Easter Tradition, even building the family their very own cross to place flowers in. This book is well written and the story unfolds beautifully. My oldest daughter was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover and illustrations. As a parent, I enjoyed the Faith Imprints that were included at the bottom of some of the pages. The Faith Imprints are cues for parents to discuss with their child as they read the book, such as “share how Katie’s family loved their neighbor”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”