On the scale of 1 to Adore, I really like this book.  Lysa TerKeurst tells us the story of a seed and a fox who learn to live the subtitle of the book: Trusting God through fear and change.  Seed and Fox face a number of changes in the course of the book.

Seed’s greatest desire is to stay safe in his packet in the shed, but we know that’s not what seeds were created to do. Fox is pretty much a scaredy-cat.  He’s scared of just about everything–except Seed.  Together they form a great friendship and learn about the goodness of the Farmer in the process.

TerKeurst does a great job of not preaching to little (and not so little people) in the book.  She shows how the Farmer intends good beyond imagination for both Seed and Fox–even in “dark, messy places.”  I like the way the main characters lives change, but their friendship doesn’t end when their circumstances shift.  I really, really like the way the Farmer doesn’t treat Seed and Fox exactly the same in his care for them; he gives each what they need.

I love the list of 10 Scritpture verses to memorize that are printed before the story begins.  I’m enchanted by Natalia Moore’s artwork.  It’s simply charming, and it fits the story so well.  I like that it’s applicable to everyone.  It isn’t aimed at TCKs, but it certainly fits.  I can see it working for kids heading overseas for the first time, TCKs headed to their passport countries, and kids who are being “left behind.”

There are a few things I might try to change, if I were given all power in the world of books.  First, although this book illustrates John 12:24, it’s never mentioned.  I see that as a great opportunity lost.  Of course, it would’ve been a great way to prep future readers of The Brothers Karamazov, but I doubt most authors of kids’ books based on spiritual principles are thinking in that direction.  The only other thing I’d change is to push it in a little more post-modern children’s literature direction.  (I know most of you don’t care.)  There’s repetition in the book, but perhaps not enough for participation.  The endsheets, while cute, aren’t really part of the story.  (Like I said, most of you don’t care.)

Bottom line?  Buy it!  Buy it for your kids.  Buy it for the friends they may leave somewhere else in the world.  It’s worth the investment.  I’m glad it’s going on the bookshelf in my classroom, and it may even find it’s way into a lesson plan!

Book cover courtesy of Amazon.com.  (No, I don’t get a kick-back from Amazon or Tommy Nelson)