As you might imagine, we are often surprised by books. While this does happen in the good sense, it much more often happens when we are disappointed in books we read. Sometimes this is because we thought we had found a Christian book/author to bring forward to Christian parents (which is half of our mission) only to be let down by the actual story. Sometimes these are books where we feel the author is likely a Christian, but there is nothing in the story or even the pre and post story content to support that (e.g., Green Ember and many others). We recently found ourselves feeling let down by a couple of books in a row and wanted to review something we felt nearly 100% confident would not only be “good”, but actually be an excellent book. We knew just where to turn, Lamplighters (see our other Lamplighter book reviews by searching on the site to see why).

While this title is not nearly as intentional in weaving in direct faith-focused content as any other Lamplighter book we have read to date, it still shares the same rock solid core of morality, fantastic characters and life-changing lessons all baked into an incredibly engaging story that we have come to know from this organization.

Here are a just a few of the great things we really enjoyed to help you get excited about sharing this with your child, and potentially even enjoying it yourself (it is that good):

We will share a note from the intro that captures the essence of this book so well, “If ever there was a gripping story that teaches the principles of work ethic, responsibility, manners, sacrifice, caring for the needs of others, humility and justice, this is it… I believe it will inspire children and adults to choose to walk a different road that leads to the King and His Kingdom”. Couldn’t agree more.

The story opens to a young prince, one day to be king, that has none of the qualities his father knows he will need to one day rule the kingdom. And it is getting worse. What is to be done for his son and the future of the kingdom. A radical plan that parents will be so happy to see unfold before their child’s eyes.

The Christian content that is present in this one is woven in well (“May God go with you both”)

The change that comes in the young prince is honestly remarkable, but it is also realistic. It is obviously told by someone who has seen real repentance and heart change take place.

As a nice bonus, the book is historically educational. These types of books often teach in a way that is much longer lasting in the mind of a young child than traditional history books.

The whole book is great, but the end of the story is beyond excellent.

Do yourself (and your family) a favor and order this one today. You will be glad you did. This is one we HIGHLY Recommend.