Book Review: The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, Illustrated by Renee Graef

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, Illustrated by Renee Graef

This is a delightful Children’s Book with a wonderful Easter theme. 

Katie’s family has befriended a next door neighbor called Mean Old Jack. Over time Katie and her brother learn that Jack isn’t so mean and they now call him Papa Jack. The children and Papa Jack pick flowers in his garden and work in his workshop together. 

Papa Jack decides to go with Katie to church one Easter Sunday and because of the kindness Katie and her family have shown Papa Jack he realizes that God’s love is even greater.  The Flowering Cross is a fine example of how building relationships with those who aren’t in the church is an important first step to showing them God’s love.

This book would be appropriate for children ages 4-9, however my 13 year old sat and listened to the story also and was interested in participating in the craft idea presented in the back of the book.

Renee Graef’s illustrations are bright and charming. This book is a welcomed addition to our family library. As a mother I loved the Faith Imprints ™ shared throughout the book and the scripture verses were simple enough for children to understand.  I would recommend this book to families with children who want to refocus what the Easter season is really about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”