Good Good Father. Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett. 2016. Thomas Nelson. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]
First sentence: A colorful kite soared in the sky, and then whoosh--it caught on an oak tree branch. "Don't worry. I can help!" Tucker called, tugging the kite this way and that. Tucker was a littler bear. Helping others made him happy...and his friends needed lots of help.
Premise/plot: Tucker, a small bear, decides to go to see the King who lives in the castle where the door is always open. He's going because he wants to ask the King for help. Along the way, he meets a lot of animals. He hears a LOT about what the King is like. He's a warrior. He's a teacher. He's a farmer. He's a doctor. Tucker doesn't know what to think. He just knows that he must see the king and bring him the perfect gift. Tucker learns a LOT after he meets the King himself. He knows exactly how to describe him--He's a GOOD, GOOD FATHER.
My thoughts: I love, love, LOVE the song "Good, Good Father" written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown. This picture book was written by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett. Does it work as a story? Yes! I really loved this one. Does it work as theology? Yes and no. As long as one doesn't try to make it an allegory, I think it works well enough. Doctrine can come later. And the point of picture books isn't to drill one on doctrines. (For example, none of the animals describe the King as jealous or angry or a judge. While some of his friends are described as being sick or in need of help, Tucker himself doesn't come with a need of his own. He doesn't see himself as being just as much in need as his friends. Also, to be theologically precise, God is not the Father of every single person. We are not all children of God. The 'door is always open' to God's children (believers) but the door is Jesus Christ. There is no other door. And it is through him that we become the children of God.) This picture book won't give readers--of any age--a full treatment of God's attributes. But I don't think it should have to. Picture books should not necessarily be weighty. Overall impression: LOVED it.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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