Tales of Wordishure: A Book Of Christian Bedtime Stories
Author
Mick McArt
Publisher
Outskirts Press
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What is Wordishure?
It is a collection of seven children's stories in one book. The first six chronicle the adventures and lessons of the various inhabitants of Wordishure. Story number seven brings all the characters of the first six together for one grand adventure.
These stories are written for children of all ages and can be enjoyed by parent and child alike. Each adventure includes Biblical lessons that will inspire the reader and also start a dialogue between parent and child about God and personal accountability. Children tend to have a natural love for Jesus Christ, but sometimes they grow away from Him as they get older because they never truly got to know him. Some just seem to love Him because they sit in church every Sunday and they see that their parents are pleased when they say they love Him. Children need to get to know Jesus at a level they can understand, and that their decision to follow Him requires a willingness to change their heart and behavior.
I have written the Tales of Wordishure because I have seen very few pieces of Christian literature that are written in the style of children's classics such as "The Ugly Duckling," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Hansel and Gretel," or "The 3 Little Pigs." The Lord used parables to help people understand the mysteries of God. Tales of Wordishure does the same thing, but at a level that children can understand and have fun with at the same time.
There is no magic in Wordishure. Today's popular children's literature emphasizes the use of witchcraft, numbing the child at an early age to think that it is okay. Wordishure is an alternative. There are fantastic situations in the stories, but all are resolved through prayer, proper decisions by the characters, and trust in the Lord. Children need to know at an early age not to put their trust in secular fantasies, but to trust in sound Biblical doctrine.
Where is Wordishure?
It is an imaginary realm where modern technology does not exist. It is a world seen from a child's point of view.
Are there adults in these stories?
There are parents in all the stories, and although never named, they are seen as wise and to be obeyed.
Are there wicked villains in Wordishure?
There are no true villains or fear of death in Wordishure, only the misunderstood, or creatures that have lost their way from following God's word.
What is the age range for the reader?
Children of all ages call enjoy The Tales of Wordishure. The characters in the stories fire up the imagination of the smallest child, while word play and Christian principles hold the attention of the older kids and adults.
Why is there a scripture verse at the beginning of each story?
Each story is built around a Bible principle that the child should learn as the story progresses. Some stories have more than one Biblical lesson, though!
Reviews
Tales of Wordishure, written and illustrated by Mick McArt is an interesting compilation of stories for children.
There are six stories, with the seventh bringing all the characters together for the grand finale. Children are the focal point of each story, with a few animals to interact with.
The names are clever, but sometimes a bit distracting. There are many made up names for everything, giving the stories a fantasy like feel.
Sometimes the stories felt “preachy”, or too forced. My children don’t talk like the children in the stories, and that felt awkward. Also, everyone quickly goes to the Fellowship Church at the end of each tale. Hmmm… 100% conversion? I know, I know… this is fiction for children. Sorry!
The first story is about a boy who gets his basket of Squishberries stolen by a goose. The goose repents and refills the basket for little Edward.
In the second story, a hat-eating dragon is the focal point. He changes his hat-eating ways after hearing Princess Irelynd’s beautiful voice. Instead of eating hats, the dragon joins the princess and friends in gobbling candy.
The third story is about treasure and what is important in life. Micah and Jonah set off on a treasure hunt with a map found in an old bible. They help an owl and see that Jesus’ sacrifice is the map to which we all can find treasure.
Story four is about a helpful giant, Bigby. There are bees, honey and a hive in the story, but the bee’s hive sounds more like a wasp nest… and Bigby helps to fill the hive with honey, which leaves out the miracle of bees turning pollen into honey.
The fifth tale is about a tree fort and making new friends.
The sixth is about the music of your soul and a lost song that is found, along with new friends.
The wrap up story gathers everyone in Wordishure together, which should delight the children who enjoyed the previous tales.
Reviewed on 06/21/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Vikki Gremel
“Tales of Wordishure” is a charming book of Christian bedtime stories that will inspire the hearts of children and adults alike. Author Mick McArt has created adorable, loveable, faith-based characters that help teach children about Christian living and good strong values while taking them on cute little adventures in the land of Wordisure. Each of the seven stories contained in this beautiful written storybook begins with a Bible verse that corresponds with the story. “Tales Of Wordishure” is a Bible based storybook that helps to instill Christian values. A refreshing book of good old fashioned Christian bedtime stories that will capture children’s attention, imagination and take them into a world of faith filled fun. I highly recommend this book to all parents, Sunday School teachers, and adults.
Reviewed on 04/07/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Angela Simmons
With all of the talk and fascination with vampires and werewolves, witches and warlocks and things that go bump in the night, Tales of Wordishure by Mick McArt is both refreshing and needed.
The books contain bedtime stories highlighting various characters and Christian values that will truly give little ones sweet dreams and older ones something to ponder.
A scripture precedes each story. One particular story that I liked was about a little girl and her gift of song. Before she could write the final notes to a song, she anticipates singing at church on Sunday, a gust of wind blew her papers out into the forest. Although she was sad, she came to discover that her music brought much joy to the other animals that found them. In the end, she realized that music was in her heart and the hearts and prayers of those that heard it. Plus, it was THAT song that God wanted to hear all along. The scriptural reference for the story is Psalm 69.30.
I believe parents and children alike will love these stories. Parents will love the spiritual references and values. Children will love the characters and playful names.
This book is a must read. – a must have for parents wishing to put Jr. or little baby girl to bed with a thought of faith and values that line up with God's will for their children.
Reviewed on 03/25/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Paula Gardner-Porter
Tales of Wordishure: A Book of Christian Bedtime Stories BY: Mick McArt PUBLISHED BY: Outskirts Press PUBLISHED IN: 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4327-4424-3 Pages: 97 Ages: 8-12 Reviewed by Billy Burgess “Tales of Wordishure” has seven cute stories that children and adults will enjoy reading. In the first story, “The Skipping Stone of Wordishure,” Edward goes to collect squishberries for his grandma. He puts his basket down for a few seconds so he can skip a stone across the water. His basket of squishberries disappears. Philip’s sister is missing in “Three Princesses of Wordishure.” He gets Princess Irelynd, Princess Tara and Princess Ashtyn to help him find her. Micah discovers a well worn book in his attic in the story “The Treasure Map of Wordishure.” He takes the book with him to the Oldwood Creek, where he runs into his best friend, Jonah. Inside the book is a map with some Xs on a hill. They follow the creek in search of treasure. While playing the game ‘Seek the Lost’ in “Bigby The Giant of Wordishure,” Bigby must help the Humblebees find their missing hive. In “The Tree Fort of Wordishure,” Gideon and his friends build a tree fort in the willow tree named Fordywinx. When the kids learn that today is Fordywinx’s birthday, they go in search for the prefect gift. One day the wind blows away Melody’s music lyrics in “The Silent of Song of Wordishure.” With the help of Preston the gopher, Melody hunts down her lost pages. All the characters from the previous stories join forces to help fix the cracked bell in “The Church Mice of Wordishure.” I enjoyed reading the “Tales of Wordishure.” These are wonderful stories, filled with beautiful illustrations. You’ll enjoy exploring the world of Wordishure with your children.
Reviewed on 03/07/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Billy Burgess
