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1. The whole family will love it!

   Posted by L Anderson on 4th Dec 2018

   The Barn & The Book is the second book of the Sam and Saucer series by Melinda Johnson, but you can jump right into this book without being lost. It’ll make a lovely Christmas Eve read aloud since Sam is determined to see if animals (especially Saucer) really can speak at midnight on Christmas Eve. Melinda has a way of creating realistic settings and characters that just has a way of pulling you into the story. Saucer’s antics will keep kids smiling and laughing all while learning about faith and doubt from the eyes of the children as well as the sisters, showing us that monastics have the same struggles as everyone else. My whole family is impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!

2. Lovely story about faith and kindness

   Posted by Kate on 21st Nov 2018

   The Book and the Barn is the kind of book that expresses a great deal of feeling with simple language. The story begins, and you feel as if a friend were gently guiding you down the path of the monastery where the gentle but anxious Sister Anna lives down to the farm to meet their goats. The story predominantly revolves around Grace, an enthusiastic young girl; Sam, an energetic young boy who’s best friend is the monastery dog, Saucer; and Sister Anna, a Sunday school teacher and nun.
   This book tells the story by sharing with you specific events that are crisp and present. While the book does have a loose plot, these snapshots predominantly deal with the internal world of its characters. Sister Anna and Sam struggle with faith while Grace struggles with finding her place in the world.
   I loved seeing the internal discomfort of all the characters as they encountered their challenges. As a preschool teacher in a Christian school, I often notice how Christian literature often fails to meet the challenge of explaining struggle of faith in a meaningful way. Too often stories gloss over the moments of weakness or doubt that people face. I was stunned to read the way that Johnson writes about these uncomfortable moments in a way that is both child-appropriate and compassionate.
   If you are looking for a story to read to your children this holiday season, pick up the Barn and the Book. If you are looking for a conversation-starter about faith with your whole family, read this aloud. If you are looking a gentle story about kindness, curl up with this book, as I did with a cup of tea.

3. touching story, enjoyed by all ages

   Posted by MA on 20th Nov 2018

   I especially appreciate books that can be enjoyed by my 3 year old when I read aloud, but are also enjoyable to adults-- this one fit the bill. Orthodox setting combined with relatable characters (adult and children characters alike!) and a storyline that I think most kids will relate to.

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