Kid Review – Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin – picture book
Read my kid review of The Two-Cent Piece
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Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children
Book Details:
Book Title: Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin (In God We Trust Series) by Dennis Conrad
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 52 pages
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date: October 30, 2023
Content Rating: G. This book is for children. There are three Bible verses. It has no bad language. May God get the glory for all those who read and whose hearts are changed by reading the book.
Book Description:
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the Ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the Emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus finds himself making a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image. Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?
Book Title: Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin (In God We Trust Series) by Dennis Conrad
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 52 pages
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date: September, 2022
Content Rating: G. This book is for children. There are Bible verses. There is no offensive language.
Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.
My Kid Review
Conrad, Dennis. Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin. Illustrated by Courtney Smith. Plymouth, MA: Elk Lake Publishing Inc. 2023.
In God We Trust series
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is loosely based on Matthew 22:15-22. Dennis Conrad has crafted a story that young children will enjoy. The main character is a child who has a tendency to “mess up.” He goes on a journey with his father that takes him to a silver mine as well as to a place where they minted coins. The story ends in Jerusalem at the time of the story in Matthew 22.
The story answers questions young children may have – where does the silver come from for coins? How are coins made? What was Jesus talking about when he mentioned paying taxes to Caesar. It will also guide them into thinking about the second part of Jesus’ command in this story – “give to God what belongs to Him.”
The book ends with information on the denarius and Emperor Tiberius as well as a glossary and some teaching tips.
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for younger elementary-aged children.
I received a complimentary copy of Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin. This is my honest review.
Meet the Author – Dennis Conrad:
A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.
Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.
Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.
Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
IN GOD WE TRUST SEries Book Tour Giveaway
Sounds like a great book def will check it out!
Thank you for your kind review. May all who read the book be blessed.
You are welcome