PDF The Garden the Curtain and the Cross Carl Laferton Catalina Echeverri 9781784980122 Books

Product details Hardcover 32 pages Publisher The Good Book Company (February 23, 2016) Language English ISBN-10 1784980129

The Garden the Curtain and the Cross Carl Laferton Catalina Echeverri 9781784980122 Books Reviews

• I'm pretty picky about extrabiblical kids books. I'd rather they read a wholesome secular book than a Christian book that contorts or misrepresents the Gospel or the nature of God or core doctrines. This book held up just fine to my scrutiny. It's quite sound. It's also very engaging even though my boys are only 3 and 4, and it's beautifully illustrated.
• The only thing I didn’t like about this book is the lack of acknowledgement that repentance of sin is necessary. It starts in the beginning making clear that sin is what separates us from God, and that Jesus took our sin...but it doesn’t clarify that we must turn from our sin. Maybe I’m nit picking. It truly is a wonderful book and I correct the above with talking to my kids about the story as I read so it really isn’t a big deal to us. It is however far superior to other books in biblical accuracy and clear communication to children.
• I'll give y'all two bits I liked and two bits I didn't like. First up is The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross by Carl Laferton. I appreciated the clearly illustrated truth that sin separates us from God, but because of Jesus’s death and resurrection we can be redeemed and righteous before God. The story continually points to Jesus, and walks through the biblical timeline from the garden to the curtain to the cross. Overall, it sums up the gospel pretty well.
  
  Now, the things I didn't like. Jesus is never described as fully God. Only God’s son. Perhaps it's implied, or basic knowledge, but I think it's a point worth noting. Second, there are no stressors put on faith and repentance. At the end of the book, it states, "BUT I died on the cross to take your sin...So all my friends CAN now come in. Of course, you could argue here the definition and intention of the word, "friend." A friend is more than a stranger or an acquaintance, true. I just would have liked to see the steps necessary to obtain salvation.
  
  Side Note Satan is not mentioned in the garden during the fall. Also, I had to go into some detail to explain the significance of the temple and the curtain to my daughter. She was perplexed by this idea.
• This is the very best Biblical, 'gospel presentation' for children I've ever seen. It bridges the Old Testament and New Testament with beautiful illustrations too. We purchased this for another child after receiving it as a gift. I wish that this book had been available for me as a child to help make a the connection between God's law and grace. However, it seems equally helpful for adults!
• This is a great overview of the bible story, obviously focusing on the garden of Eden, the temple curtain and the cross. The illustrations are beautiful, definitely enough to hold my toddler's attention while I read (she points to sinful Adam and Eve and says, "Sad"). It is well-made with thick pages that I expect to last. It's also a great reminder for me of the effects of my own sin and Jesus' work on the cross. Best of all, the book suggests to the child that they say thank you to Jesus at the end; mine loves to oblige with sign language. Really a great book for sharing your faith with your children!
• THIS BOOK! I cannot say enough good things about this one. It is everything a kids book should be. Fabulous illustrations, beautiful storytelling, faithful to the big story of the Bible, and a delight to read. Sometimes I feel bad at how much I dislike most 'bible story' kids books. We are so spoiled with a wealth of great storytelling available in kids lit/picture books and this one rises to the occasion on all levels.
• I didn't realize when I had kids how hard it would be to find well illustrated, easy to understand bible stories. This one was recommended to us by a friend. Most bible story books I had found previously did not keep my child's attention. He is now 4 and he will actually pick this book out to read, which is a huge change from other bible stories in the past. I love this book. It's easy to understand and the illustrations are great. You also have to flip the book sideways at one point and that is so great to keep their attention. It amazes me how lacking our bible story books are, so this is fantastic! I highly recommend.
• Well written and illustrated. Highly recommended. Watch and listen to the author read the story on YouTube then buy the book and read it to your children. Read it often. It will help to spark vital real life conversations about God, ourselves and life.