Courage in the Colosseum: Join Maggie and Mikey in this second installment of the Virtue Adventures series as they travel back to Ancient Rome. After lying to avoid being bullied about her faith, Maggie is filled with guilt when Mikey appears with another mission from God. This time our pair will race in the Circus Maximus, witness the Great Fire of Rome, hide in the catacombs, and learn how the courage of one martyr can inspire thousands. But will Maggie stand up for what she believes even after witnessing such courage? Or will she lie in order to fit in again?
The OdysseyEver been lost and want to go home? Join Odysseus as he struggles to return to his family in this epic retelling of the adventures of The Odyssey. Retold for a children audience, The Odyssey, the first entry in the new Poetic Primer’s series, is filled with vibrant illustrations while still maintaining the poetic format of the original work. Together you and your reader can enter the world of Ancient Greece and see how our hero, Odysseus, exemplifies a multitude of classical virtues as he courageously slays monsters, patiently travels to magical lands, and prudently takes back his home and family. Filled with educational materials and discussion questions, The Odyssey is bound to be you and your child’s next favorite epic.
I had a chance to interview the author to learn more.
Why did you write these books?
The Odyssey - I wrote this retelling for three reasons. Firstly, I wanted to expose my children to this great tale. The Odyssey is one of the greatest stories ever told and there are so many things to learn from it. Secondly, I wanted to expose my children to poetry. So much poetry is either too shallow or way over their heads. I wanted to write poetry that can capture that upper elementary school child and give them an appreciation for it. Lastly, each of our 'Poetic Primers' will have a character development section in the back where we review some of the virtues and vices of the characters from the book. There are reflection questions so the reader can apply the lessons learned to their own life.
Virtue Adventures - I wanted to give kids a fun, action-packed Christian adventure through History. We know that History is really 'His'-Story and I read Magic Tree House and felt like it was lacking that Christian perspective. Additionally, my two oldest kids are growing to be the age of young chapter readers and I find this to be a critical time to capture their imagination. I want them to read fun, engaging stories with critical moral lessons. So why not write it myself?
How can books like this help teach and reinforce positive values?
The Odyssey - I really think that the character development sections are crucial here. We can learn so much from stories but sometimes we have to spell out the lessons for the child and relate it to their life - that way the lesson sticks. This is the reason we made an animated video of the spreads and an audio drama. We want the reader to be able to listen to it in the car, watch it on their tablets and of course, crack the spine of a book and read it. The lessons are there for the reader to learn, however they engage with it.
Virtue Adventures - Each book of the Virtue Adventures covers a different virtue. The first book is Justice on the Acropolis, the second is Courage in the Colosseum and the third (coming next year) is Hope on the Nile. There will be seven of these books, covering the cardinal and theological virtues. By connecting with Maggie Murphy (our fearless ten-year-old protagonist) kids can grow with her in these virtues. It is my goal to have the reader reflect on their own lives, conflicts and struggles alongside Maggie as she acts on History for the glory of God.
Why is it important for kids to learn about people and stories from classic literature?
The Odyssey - Even though the Odyssey is about Greek Mythology and there is no mention of the one true God in it, it does not mean that there are not critical lessons in the story. Children need examples of how to act and how not to act. They need to see Good vs Evil and Good triumphing. GK Chesterton once said, "Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
Virtue Adventures - History is crucial for kids to learn because as Mark Twain tells us, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme." By learning about those who have come before us, they can see the consequences of other's actions, learn from other's mistakes and strive to emulate more noble characters of our story.
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