By Karen Pettingell
Frankie Dove Publishing
www.frankiedovepublishing.com
PO Box 3875
Federal Way, Washington 98063
In her book Nosy, Karen Pettingell provides a wonderful backdrop for introducing children to the significance of the Passover and its correlation to Christ's work of salvation on the cross. The story appears to be directed toward the preschool or early elementary child. However, like most stories in a homeschooling home, the older ones will lend an ear and be drawn in quite thoroughly by the end. The illustrations done by Debra Hoskins add to the playful nature of the book.
Nosy, the little lamb introduced at the beginning of the story, becomes a friend and playmate for Benjamin's son, Saul. Benjamin has brought Nosy into his home as a year-old lamb without spot or blemish. Unbeknownst to both Nosy and Saul, Benjamin was very much aware of his family's need for just such a lamb to fulfill their sacrificial obligation before the Lord. However, this year's sacrifice would be used in a different way.
As the story unfolds, it is Nosy's blood that protects young Saul during the Passover and allows his family to join Moses as he parts the Red Sea and escapes from Egypt with the Israelites. The theme of the God's deliverance is paramount in the story, as it rightfully should be.
At the end of the book, the author provides Scripture references for the Passover account. In addition, she adds a letter to the reader that makes the connection between the Old Testament deliverance of the Passover and Christ's deliverance of our souls on Calvary's cross. A prayer of salvation is also included.
I loved the scriptural accuracy of the story and the wonderful illustrations, but I was plagued by the feeling that it was not complete. The story doesn't begin at the beginning. We hear of Nosy giving his life and of his blood being used on the doorposts of Benjamin's home. However, there is no mention of God's judgment on Egypt and the significance of the blood on the doorposts. The author's letter to the reader certainly connects the blood of the Passover lamb with the blood of Christ on Calvary. Unfortunately, the majority of the story focuses on the Israelites' deliverance from the Egyptians at the Red Sea.
At first, I was somewhat concerned at the number of words on each page. I wondered whether it would pose an attention issue for my preschooler. But this did not prove to be an issue.
Overall, Nosy by Karen Pettingell is a wonderfully entertaining and scripturally accurate story of God's deliverance of His people. By introducing the Scriptures related to these events, parents can effectively share with their children the connection between Passover and Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Product review by Dawn Oaks, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February 2009
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