Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
With teaching and a busy life, I noticed I was not as focused on my spiritual growth as I have been in the past. Every time I go to our church for the past few years I have an allergy attack in the sanctuary. Like an embarrassing cannot stop coughing and sneezing attack, so I haven't been going. Add in getting up early all week and trying to get things done on the weekends and I lost most of my motivation. With Hazel out of Christian school, I also haven't been looking at the Christian books as much. That is going to change. Today we are sharing a fun Christian picture book called The Heavenly Juggler by Demi. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Publisher's Summary:
Barnaby is a poor juggler who goes from town to town performing tricks to earn his daily bread. But when winter comes, the crowd disappears and so does his work. Cold, hungry, and alone, Barnaby is taken in by the friendly prior of a monastery. There the monks make beautiful works in dedication to the Virgin Mary: books, paintings, statues, and hymns—all are composed to honor her. But simple Barnaby is saddened that he has nothing to offer to the Virgin Mary—until one day, he realizes that he, too, has a special gift to honor the Virgin Mary and rushes to the cathedral to show her. What follows is a miracle for the pure of heart. Adapted from a beloved old French legend by award-winning author, Demi, this is the heartwarming story of how faith can lead us to use our talents in God’s service.
From Me:
In this tale there is a poor juggler named Barnaby. He travels and puts on a show for people to earn his living. However, when it is winter the crowds are not outside to see the show and support him. He struggles until he meets a prior who takes him to the monastery to live. He sees all the talents of the different monks and how they contribute to the monastery and God. He wonders how he can contribute. He knows his only talent is to juggle and feels that is not enough of a gift for God. However, it is his only talent, so he juggles and sees the Virgin Mary smile at his show and knows his talent is worthy.
This book shares how each person is important and how each person's talents are important no matter what they are. For Barnaby his talent was to entertain and bring joy which is important in the world. After all we need to smile and laugh. It also shares not to compare oneself with others based on talents. Each person matters and has been created the way each is and this is what matters. I love that this tale shares entertainment as an important talent when it is often overlooked by many including the monks at the monastery. It is a fun tale and would be great to discuss with kids about what a talent is and what their talents are. It is also a great discussion to have about everyone being important no matter their situation or wealth.
