Machowski,  Marty. The Shadow and the Promise. Illustrated by Blair Files. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2024
Redemption Tales, book 1

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Summary

Take a front row seat along with the animals who watch as a terrible shadow mars God’s perfect world—yet redemption is not far behind!  

While two newly created rock badgers explore their growing world, they encounter a dark foe—the great dragon, the serpent of old. The sinister creature interrupts the badgers’ joyful exploration of the growing landscape to reveal his wicked plan to destroy God’s creation. When the enemy takes flight, the badgers race to warn Adam and Eve of the impending danger. With every thunderous flap of wings, the serpent draws closer to his perch in the forbidden tree. Will the badgers make it in time to expose the evil plan?

The Shadow and the Promise by bestselling author Marty Machowski follows the adventures of the animals who witness the events of Genesis and Exodus unfold before them.Join badgers in the Garden of Eden, an array of animals in the Ark, groundhogs at Babel, Abraham’s donkey, sheep from Joseph’s herd, the cats in the palace in Egypt, and a dog and oxen present at the Passover.

• First of four books in the Redemption Tales series for ages 8-12, retelling Bible narratives from the perspective of the animals who could have witnessed the events firsthand.
• Includes discussion questions to acquaint kids with the “truth behind the tales.”
• Offers a new point of view of God’s overarching story of redemption found throughout his Word.

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My Kid Review

Have you ever thought about how animals might view different events in our lives? I love the concept of The Shadow and the Promise. Author Marty Machowski retells some well-known Bible stories from the point of view of the animals that might have experienced the story. The Shadow and the Promise is the first book in his new series Redemption Tales. The stories in this volume can be found in the Biblical books of Genesis and Exodus. 

The stories in The Shadow and the Promise can be read as short stories. They would make good bedtime stories or classroom read-alouds. They would also make good examples for challenging students to rewrite stories (Bible or other or even real life events) through the eyes of an animal.I would advise adult discretion in sharing the pictures with young children as some of the illustrations are a bit scary. Other than that they do a great job of helping children visualize the story. 

The Shadow and the Promise would be a good addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate as a read-aloud for all ages, as a read-alone for upper elementary and up, and as a writing example for all ages. 

I received a complimentary copy of The Shadow and the Promise. This is my honest review.

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