Review by Canadian Novelist Donna Dawson
Parables from the Pond
by Peter A. Black
It's a somewhat difficult task to review a book written by adults and intended for children. [Reviewers] must force themselves into a childlike way of thinking. They must ask themsleves questions such as: would a child understand this? Would a child think this is funny? Is the lesson clear? Is the author talking down at children or across to them?
As a reviewer of Parables from the Pond by author Peter A. Black, I have found it much easier than first anticipated.Using a marsh setting, Mr. Black reaches out to his young readers in a gentle and fun way. He begins with three primary characters; Natalie Newt, [Francis] Frog and Cecil Snake. These three with their delicious consonant-repeating names are loveable creatures not only because of their simplicity but because of the lessons they learn right before the readers’ eyes.
The book begins with the planning of a celebration. This celebration is directed toward the Creator of the pond and we are immediately interested in the worries and excitement in anticipation of the event. Each episode is a complete story in itself. Yet each one leads right into the next after a small handful of questions are offered which are intended to engage the young listeners or readers.
Mr. Black progresses through the book as though he has designed the chapters to age with the child who is reading them. The stories within the story become more detailed with added characters and more complex problems. The lessons at the end of each chapter become more challenging, forcing the reader to grow as he or she engages.I dove into the book with the same gusto as Natalie and Francis showed when diving into the pond to escape one more rascally character Tyler Turtle. Every possible swamp creature is weaved into the tale and we are forced to look at them as parts of creation, each with their own roles to play within an ecosystem. And yet every one of them is given a likeable personality that is very different from all the others.
Mr. Black is a masterful story-teller for children, creating what could potentially have the same durability as the stories of Jemima Puddleduck. Mr. Black’s language has the same formal overtones as Beatrix Potter but he has woven a lovely collection of moral messages throughout the pages without having that message sound preachy. Parables of the Pond is a classic children’s book that could very easily become the next bedtime story of choice. It is an engaging tale that does more than just entertain.
Thank you, Mr. Black, for taking me back to the delicious memories of my childhood. memories of my childhood.
Donna Dawson Author – June, 2008. (www.authordonnadawson.com)
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From Maranatha News review: Parables from the Pond is a wonderful gift to children between the ages of 6 and 10 and their grandparents[!!]. The best endorsement any children's book can have is when children beg for more....
Reader Comments
Eva, of St. Thomas, Ontario, who purchased a number of copies for both children and adults in her life, enjoys reading an episode each day and looks forward to the next, curious as to what adventures our Pond Friends get up to. She says, "Cecil Snake is my favourite character. I always want to see what advice he has to give."
Antonia (8) has been trying to read a chapter a night to Fiona (6) and me, but she has been struggling with some of the big words. We ask Nicole to read the words that she can,and if I do say myself she is a pretty good reader. After we have read a chapter we all sit down and work out what the parable is trying to say. I must be getting old because the girls are able to work it out faster than I am (maybe the Sunday School is giving them an unfair advantage!). Malcolm McD., New Zealand.
It is a wonderful book ... I read the first three stories as soon as I got home. I will read myself a few more tales for my bedtime story tonight. Delightful and memorable. Glynis B., Ont.
I just wanted to let you know that we are using the book for our summer Sunday School classes! There are 3 preteens who are taking Junior Leadership course, and they're going to practice their leadership skills to teach the younger kids in the Sunday School program for 6 weeks this summer, and they're using Parables as the basis of their lessons! ... this book [is] helpful as a tool/catalyst for ideas in lesson planning in teaching character and faith in children. Tara H., Ont.
I am ... enjoying it tremendously! Everything that seems to be happening in the book brings back fond memories of when I was a youngster and played around a pond near our house. Collecting tadpoles and pollywogs, etc. – it's GREAT!" Dan G., Ont.
... The best endorsement is that tonight they actually asked me for another story from it. They are a typical 9 and 10 year old who love to spend time playing on the computer, or watching movies, and one of them is an avid reader on her own, but they don't typically take the initiative to ask me to read them a story.... they both snuggled up on either side of me in rapt attention and when I finished they asked me for another one tomorrow. I love the book! The characters are endearing and the stories are just the right length. The character questions are perfect for a short discussion and I love the short scriptures that tie in so wonderfully. This book is a wonderful way for grandparents of 6-10 year olds to share our faith with them. It would be perfect for parents of small children too ... I just had to share the joy! ... any book that captures my grandchildren's attention like this, and is a vehicle for advancing [God’s] Kingdom in their hearts, has my vote.... Where can people get more copies if interested? B.Burston,Ont.
Every story showed an awareness and appreciation to our Creator and how we need contentment in our daily lives. I especially loved and appreciated that in this book ! May God give you many blessings as I pray that this inspirational book will find its way into the hands of many teachers and youngsters. Thank you for writing this great children's book! ... I have a sister living in the Ottawa region and she teaches at a grade 4 level at a Catholic school. I will certainly bring this devotional book to her attention! Annette S., Ont.
