The Bright Light and the Super Scary Darkness
This book uses a relatable concept that all kids can understand - the fear of the dark - to explore the deeper themes of sin, light, and the transformative power of Jesus. From the very first page, which asks "Have you ever been afraid of the dark?" my kids were hooked.
The story follows the storyline of the entire scripture, starting with the perfection of the Garden of Eden and the entrance of sin, which is described in such a vivid, kid-friendly way ("screek, smorg, splurt!"). As the darkness grows, we see how people began to love it more than the light, until God's promise of a Savior is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.
What I love most about this book is how it takes abstract theological concepts and makes them accessible for young minds. The way it contrasts the "bright light" of Jesus with the "super scary darkness" of sin is brilliant, and the repeated refrain of the darkness being a "scaredy-cat" is sure to elicit giggles from little readers.
But beyond the entertainment value, "The Bright Light and the Super Scary Darkness" offers plenty of opportunities for meaningful discussion. The included parent guide poses thought-provoking questions like "What is something that is super scary for you?" and "Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin?" These prompts can help foster deeper spiritual conversations with our kids.
If you're looking to add a new children's book to your home library that will both delight and disciple your little ones, I highly recommend checking out "The Bright Light and the Super Scary Darkness." It's a shining example of how to make complex theological truths accessible and engaging for young readers.