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Customer Reviews for Kregel Kidzone Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Kregel Kidzone Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Over and over Jotham screamed for his family, but there was no one to hear him. They had vanished. He was alone. Where had they gone? How long ago had they left? Through quick, stabbing sobs Jotham told himself, "I must look for my family, I must search until I find them." And so his journey begins. In this widely popular, exciting story for the Advent season, readers follow ten-year-old Jotham across Israel as he searches for his family. Though he faces thieves, robbers, and kidnappers, Jotham also encounters the wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to the Savior born in Bethlehem. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Average Customer Rating:
(54 Reviews) 54
Rating Snapshot (54 reviews)
5 stars
49
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
23 out of 2496%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Review 1 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Excellent Book
Date:January 2, 2013
Shelley Dillard-hamm
Location:NC
Age:35-44
Gender:female
My family loved this book. We didn't want to stop each night because we wanted to find out what was going to happen next. I also purchased the next 2 books in this series and I am sure they will be just as good. We may not wait until next Advent season to read them!
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Review 2 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Excellent but caution for younger children
Date:December 27, 2012
Debbie S.
Location:CT
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
A well crafted tale with thoughtful questions/conversation starters. My husband and son (9 yrs) really enjoyed listening to the readings every night. We were left hanging every night, eager to hear what would happen next. My daughter (4 yrs) was afraid of some of the characters and suspense. Although the age recommendations are for 4 and up, I would advise caution for younger children and those who may be sensitive. That said, we are looking forward to reading the next book in the series next year.
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Review 3 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
NOT appropriate for under 12!!!!
Date:December 10, 2012
northland
Location:MN
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
2
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
Wow, I REALLY wanted to love this book. It does have some wonderful biblical truths tied from the devotional part to the story. BUT, those truths can be taught without this story! I am in SHOCK how violent and scary this book is....a children's book. It has cliffhangers that are inappropriate to send kids to bed with if they are to have sweet dreams, but also the story itself is based on parental abandonment, and an incredibly evil man chasing and wanting to kill the 10 year old boy. There is also a very scary encounter in the boys dream with a jackal. There is so much fear taught in this book in way too vivid of a way for children. I am so glad I paged through this book before handing it to my 10yo son to use as his personal advent devotional. It immediately raised flags, so I began reading it front to back. Yes, it was a fine read as an adult...but I would never read this to a child. 12 is the absolute YOUNGEST that this could be appropriate for. Children have enough to fear in this world, and do not need fuel added to that fire in order to learn the bibilical truths in this story such as obedience, the value of friendship, love etc... I am shocked that this book receives so many rave reviews with the content being so violent, gruesome and scarey. My only guess is the desensitation that is occuring in our culture. Please prayerfully preread this book before reading this to your children. I really beleive there are better stories to be reading to our children that can have the same benefits without instilling these horrible thoughts into our children's minds. This is one of the most night-mare causing children's books I have ever previewed....and it is to teach biblical truths....shocking!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
in the words of my kids...
Date:March 19, 2012
busymum
Location:Australia
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I thought it might be good to type out what some of my older kids had to say about this story.
13YO- An enthralling story of love and obedience filled with adventure and Messianic prophecies, for the whole family.
10YO- Can love and obedience be learnt through an action packed adventure? Join Jotham on his journey and learn about the Messiah and how it all happened that first Christmas. This great story helps you understand how the birth of Jesus happened.
12YO- As Jotham gets separated from his family, he tries desperately to reunite with them. I loved the breathtaking moments in every chapter and this book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I like stories that have unexpected elements and are unpredictable, I will always remember Decha's evil laugh resonating through the dark, gloomy cave. It is a story that helps you think about why it is important to be obedient.
8YO I didn't like missing chapters when I went to stay with my Grandma, so I read them to catch up.
13YO- An enthralling story of love and obedience filled with adventure and Messianic prophecies, for the whole family.
10YO- Can love and obedience be learnt through an action packed adventure? Join Jotham on his journey and learn about the Messiah and how it all happened that first Christmas. This great story helps you understand how the birth of Jesus happened.
12YO- As Jotham gets separated from his family, he tries desperately to reunite with them. I loved the breathtaking moments in every chapter and this book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I like stories that have unexpected elements and are unpredictable, I will always remember Decha's evil laugh resonating through the dark, gloomy cave. It is a story that helps you think about why it is important to be obedient.
8YO I didn't like missing chapters when I went to stay with my Grandma, so I read them to catch up.
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Review 5 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Brings together facets of Nativity story
Date:January 29, 2012
Chris
Location:Orange County, CA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Clever construction of the story of a young shepherd boy who through personal character flaws finds himself at the mercy of forces which bring him into contact with all the major players in the nativity story.
Chapters are well structured, though obviously contrived, to last throughout the advent weeks, with cliffhangers at the end of many chapters which will have you tempted to read ahead, rather than day by day.
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Review 6 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
We love these Advent Adventures
Date:January 12, 2012
Kris
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
After 8 years my 4 boys still love these adventures and they add to our advent season. I highly recommend them and I always give them as gifts to my family and friends. Faith, edge of your seat excitement, and historical fiction all add up to this series. I wish the author would write more. We have also enjoy his adventure for Lent with all the same main characters.
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Review 7 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
wonderful for whole family!
Date:January 12, 2012
Amers
Location:Newton, Ia
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Our family..14 year old son and girls 10 and 12 loved this book and the others in the series. Our son is not a reader, but he throughly enjoyed me reading this book. Great family read! Well written Good message!
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Review 8 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Exciting and meaningful!
Date:January 5, 2012
Pikasway
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Excellent adventure story. My children (and myself) were on the edges of our seats each night, and they always begged to read more. This brought to life, the true story and meaning of Christmas. We were all so excited for Jotham to find his family, and for the birth of the Messiah. It really made this Christmas season very meaningful! Lots of detail and adventure, without being too scary. My youngest is 4 and she was not afraid of Jotham's encounters. My oldest is 9 and it was perfect for his age, since Jotham is 10. We cannot recommend this story enough for Advent!!!!
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Review 9 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
a thrilling 'journey' for all ages
Date:December 30, 2011
Susie R
Location:Florida
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
We purchased this book on a friend's recommendation, assuming it would hold the interest of our 9-year-old son. We discovered that the well-written story and short devotionals after each chapter spoke to everyone in the family, adults included. We've thoroughly enjoyed this nightly treat and look forward to doing the same next year with the following book!
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Review 10 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Perfect for a family read-aloud!
Date:December 28, 2011
Kristin
Location:West Chester, PA
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book is an excellent read-aloud for the advent season. The well written story portrays the salvation message and the true meaning of Christmas in a way that will stick with your children. My children, 4, 7 and 9 were eager to read every night and even my 4 year old sat and listened with interest and anticipation. The story opened the door for some great family discussions!
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Review 11 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
This story blessed our whole family!
Date:December 27, 2011
Lady Gray
Location:Southern California
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a great way to prepare Children's hearts for Christmas.
Our children looked forward to our Advent time.
Our children looked forward to our Advent time.
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Review 12 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Exciting adventure story for a variety of ages
Date:December 22, 2011
chuckabean
Location:Markleysburg, PA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
We have a 5,6,9, 14, and 16 year old sitting around our table and this story had all of our attention, including mom and dad.
It is a true adventure with kidnapping and bad guys and even death, but no one had any nightmares and everyone looked forward to the next nights reading. Excellent
It is a true adventure with kidnapping and bad guys and even death, but no one had any nightmares and everyone looked forward to the next nights reading. Excellent
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Review 13 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Excellent book for Advent
Date:December 15, 2011
rbsmom
Location:Oklahoma
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I am pleasantly surprised with this book! It is a story of a boy who gets separated from his family. As he searches for them, he meets people who teach him about, and are looking for, the coming of the Messiah. It has given my children a child's-eye-view of life at that time. I bought all 3 in the trilogy and plan to read another one next year.
It is a little scary at times, as the boy must fight jackals, dishonest men, dangerous people, is sold into slavery, and make tough decisions.
Complete with suspense, humor, joy and sorrow, this book has brought us to truly look forward to Christmas day as the day of Christ's birth!
It is a little scary at times, as the boy must fight jackals, dishonest men, dangerous people, is sold into slavery, and make tough decisions.
Complete with suspense, humor, joy and sorrow, this book has brought us to truly look forward to Christmas day as the day of Christ's birth!
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Review 14 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Wild ride, bringing us into the story
Date:March 1, 2011
Julie T
Location:St Louis, MO
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a great book! Jotham, and his companions Tabitha and Bartholomew, are heroes of the story. You have a set schedule for the readings, one each day, leading to Christmas. Jotham is placed in Israel, right before the birth of Jesus, and experiences many trials and joys as the book draws to the climax and conclusion. The pace and writing remind me of the way those Saturday matinee movies were supposed to be in the early 1940s and 50s. While I wasn't alive to see them, I hear that the plot was action packed and each wild episode ended with a cliffhanger. That's the feel of each day's Jotham's Journey reading. HOWEVER, this wild ride has great truth in it. Couldn't ask for more.
While I am usually a fan of only great literature for myself and the kids, I love this series.
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Review 15 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Excellent family read aloud book for advent!
Date:February 22, 2011
James
Location:California
Age:Under 18
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I enjoyed reading this book. When the chapter was finished, I couldn't wait to read the next one. Jotham reminded me of the Prodigal Son who learned from his mistakes and was reunited with his family.
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Review 16 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Wonderful!!
Date:January 31, 2011
KAHH
Location:Nebraska
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This advent series was wonderful!!! It was given to us by a friend as I was looking for something to bring the real meaning of Christmas back into our family. We talked about Advent and this daily family devotional. This was a perfect fit for our family. The story is fictional but well researched in Hebrew culture in the time of the Nativity . There is a cliff hanger each day that draws us to come back each night. Although you can guess the endings my husband and I cry each time we heard the part where the savior of the world was born. I have 5 children ages 18yr.- 2yr. The 2yr. old was not into the story but she wanted to be with the family so we gave her other books a quiet toys to play with while we listened. The older kids looked forward to it each night. They reminded us to read before we had other activities so we wouldn't get behind. What a cherished tradition these sweet books are to our family. We have purchased all 3 and the Lenten book as well. I have recommended these books to others to give as baby gifts or Christmas gifts to families.
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Review 17 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Captivating
Date:December 30, 2010
bullwinkle
Location:Lancaster County, PA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I read this book several years ago & could hardly refrain from reading more than one chapter at a time [intended to be read one chapter a day in preparation for Christmas]. The story is exciting & meaningful, especially good for mid to older children, I think. I just bought several copies for my grandchildren, hoping they enjoy them as much as I did.
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Review 18 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Wonderful Advent Tradition
Date:December 17, 2010
Nancy Ann
Location:California
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I was very surprised at how engaging this book is and well written. There is a bit of flowery language from time to time but overall my son has been very engaged in the story. My son is also not easily engaged in literature even though we are homeschoolers and I read to him often. For Advent we also do what is called The Jesse Tree and we read the bible stories going up to the birth of Christ and put homemade ornaments on a small tree. This book has been a wonderful addition to our Advent season. I highly recommend it.
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Review 19 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Excellent introduction to Advent
Date:December 10, 2010
Misti
Location:NM
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is another way to slow down and remember what Christmas is. I believe these books will become a family treasure as the years go by and we wait for His arrival.
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Review 20 for Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent
Overall Rating:
Date:December 8, 2010
Djammers
Location:Tri-Cities, WA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This books draws the reader in right away and keeps you coming back day by day for the next advent reading. Great way to understand the world Jesus was born into and then effectively bridged to personal application for today.
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