The Darkest Day

How can you share a story in the Old Testament with your children and still point them to the Gospel? In The Darkest Day, Jonny Atkinson tells the good news in Joel.

Ruin, Repentance, Restoration

In just around 60 pages, Atkinson is able to distill the book of Joel so children can understand the story. Even better, children can connect it to the truth of Jesus and see how it is relevant to their life.

Atkinson shares the dialogue in simple sentences, giving the Scripture references as proof texts. The storyline is broken into four parts: (1) ruin, (2) repentance, (3) restoration, and (4) Jesus and Joel. It is a simple outline that is faithful to the text and easy to understand.

Jesus and Joel

Caitlin Blaylock’s illustrations are beautiful, with contrasting light and dark pages throughout the book. God’s people are shown in beautiful dark skin tones and hair. The illustrations help keep the plot flowing while also showcasing epic moments in the story.

This book is an excellent way to introduce young children to an under-appreciated book in the Old Testament. It will tell them of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It will warn of God’s judgment, and help you see our Savior.

I received a media copy of The Darkest Day and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.