Friska, My Friend

by Patricia St. John

Knowing that Jesus paid a great price that everyone might belong to God, Colin decides to make a similar risk of himself to get back his missing dog Friska.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Christian

75 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

About the author

Patricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my granddaughter. Very sweet with good lessons.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Don’t be afraid; I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine.”

A delightful story built around this verse from Isaiah 43, providing an easy to understand illustration of redemption. It is aimed at lower primary children, who could easily read and comprehend this story for themselves, but it would also work if read aloud to slightly younger children, and as an adult was a quick, joyful read.

Another lovely book from Patricia St John.

[Amber (Her Home and Hearts) Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Can Colin believe that God will help them?"

This precious story was loved by myself and my boys! Follow along with Colin as he rescues an abandoned dog and makes her his own. A heartwarming tale of friendship and love between a boy and his dog. We enjoyed the gentle faith message: "Don't be afraid; I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine." And I just have to add here that I loved the character of Pastor Dixon - his care and concern for even the little ones of congregation was so touching. 🥹
This short chapter book (8 chapters) makes a wonderful family read-aloud or personal children's read. Suited best to ages 8-12. Contains a few scattered black and white illustrations throughout. I highly recommend this touching children's book.
5/5 🌟 by myself and my boys!!
A perfect story for dog lovers. 🥹 And a fabulous read-aloud choice for children new to listening. 😉

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy learns about and repeats “Don’t be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name. Now you belong to me.” (paraphrase of Isaiah 43:1). An experience with his dog helps illustrate the message for him and readers.

FYI, The boy goes off alone without his parents to do something a bit dangerous, but he calls his father for help rather than trying to do everything on his own. During the time alone, he tries to remember not to be afraid because God is with him. There’s a bit of the idea that he can do something somewhat dangerous because God helps him not be afraid, so that’s not ideal, haha! But it also represent how many kids would apply the verse and I’d say the overall message of the book is good.

[Emily Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Don’t be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.”

Based on this verse from Isaiah, this heartwarming story centers around a boy and a little dog he rescues named Friska. They quickly become the best of friends and are inseparable until one day she goes missing. Cole is heartbroken and will do just about anything to find his little dog. This is such a sweet story, and I love how the author brings the gospel message into the storyline as well.

[Sarah Loft · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girls (6 and 9) and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Patricia St John has a beautiful way of adding tension and drama to a story that keeps you reading, coupled with beautiful life lessons to consider and learn from.

[Beth Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that good...