Who Is Our King?: A Jesus Seek and Find Board Book

A FatCat Book

by Todd R. Hains, Natasha Kennedy (Illustrator)

12 pages, Board Book

Published September 18, 2024

About the author

Todd R. Hains (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is an academic editor at Lexham Press, where he launched and edits the Christian Essentials series, Lexham Ministry Guides, and a children’s catechism series (FatCat Books). He was previously the assistant project editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture and is the co-editor of the Acts volume in that series.

Reviews

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really do not understand the concept of making this book. Mostly, it is irrelevant with its subject line.

Jesus is shown black, really?? Moreover, for the toddlers who have been focused while writing this picture board book, are not young enough to get this. This has to be read to them but for the pictures, all seems to go backfired. There were only animals and no humans. He seems to go dancing while being crucified, seriously?
What kind of depiction is this that the man who have been made famous as a god to save the world and set all free, real god knew who and from whom?, was himself got beaten & eventually crucified. Is this what author tried to teach god? In next page where Jesus was shown opening his arms to let all come close was also having his same palms as same as from the previous page where he was illustrated to be hanged with nails in the middle.

This is more like a cartoon rather than really bring someone closer to Jesus. Better, if this had been in the form of gospel in simplified words despite of Jesus's representation as some prop to animals to praise. Black, if Jesus is not the one, then shouldn't be presented as one to appease blacks. This is more like making them to convert themselves to Christianity. This is more like to present to Blacks so that they accept Christianity and count Jesus one of them and not Jew for real.

In spite of creating so much politico-religious camouflages, author must have focused on giving toddlers what make their future safe and make this board book more realistic with facts and not lies with comedy. Even if this has to be a preaching then must be in a way to let them go closer to Jesus and not create ambiguity for whether this has to be followed or not.

My NetGalley review

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth FatCat book is a board book for the youngest readers! This twelve page board book is packed with brightly colored, jolly animals surrounding Jesus through His life. The book opens with Jesus as a baby then follows his life stages through adulthood, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. Hains’ simple (but no less important!) narrative focuses on Jesus as our God and King through whom all things were made.

Fans of the FatCat series will recognize many of the animals from previous books in the series, along with a whole new animal kingdom cast (illustrator Natasha Kennedy’s eye for detail is exceptional here). While the reader seeks and finds Jesus on every page, the back cover also encourages readers to find specific animals ("King Jesus' friends") hidden throughout the book. The colorful, friendly animals (and the bright, friendly Jesus) are eye-catching and appealing for young children 1-2 years old. And the simple vocabulary and minimal words would make this a good book for older children learning to read.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for free from the publisher. I was not asked to provide a positive review, and this in no way affected my review.

[Sean McGever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently gave Who Is Our King? to friends of mine who have a one-year old. They love it and I'm so happy I got it for them. This book beautifully introduces little ones to Jesus, from His birth to His resurrection, using simple sentences and vibrant, creative illustrations that keep kids engaged.

One of my favorite parts is the character FatCat. It’s fun to search for FatCat and his friends on every page. This interactive element makes it more than just a reading experience; it becomes a playful adventure. The art is both creative and engaging. It feels warm and accessible for little ones while also being fun for parents. The robust board-book format ensures that it's durable enough to handle the excitement of toddlers. Overall, this book is perfect for parents looking for a faith-filled, interactive book to share with their children.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book thinking "Is that it?". I thought I'm missing a page of the book or something. So I read it again. For the second time it felt that something is wrong with the book. Then it hit me that this is a book for toddlers. I got used to reading this because my last book with this series is very epic tackling the Apostle's creed. So in a brief and simple book, our little ones are introduced to Jesus through moments of his earthly life including events that are foundational to the Christian faith. Simple and short words that are meant not to overwhelm small kids. My only disappointment is are artwork by Natasha. It seems her redition of Jesus and the animals is kinda off. Nevertheless the book is good. I just expect that it was that too short.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Who Is Our King? by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy! Geared toward young ones, Who Is Our King? is a lovely book that helps teach our kids who our True King is. The illustrations are beautiful. I believe Who Is Our King? would be perfect for any Christian Education setting or to read as a family with your young ones. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children's book is definitely aimed at very, very young kids. It's extremely short, contains barely any text (so parents will have to fill in the gaps and bring the story to life). Honestly, it feels a bit lazy as a concept. Some parents might not have the tools to add to the reading experience to make it more relevant.

[The Bookworm Girl Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book for children! This simple story shows Jesus' life and his love for all creation. The illustrations, featuring beautiful animals and creatures, will draw little readers into the story. I would definitely recommend this story to parents with little ones!

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

A little too short and sweet. I feel like there could be so much more to this board book, but it's a good start. I did love that Jesus was shown as a black man.

[Sarah D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this book to my child. It's delightfully simple, and makes Jesus feel real, warm, and accessible to our little ones, as we know He was.