Finding Wisdom
The latest Tiny Virtue Hero storybook: Wisdom Finds a Way is a fresh retelling of the visit of the three wise kings to bring gifts to the child Jesus. While it is a perfect addition to everyone’s read-aloud library for Christmas, this tale is designed to inspire the desire for the virtue of WISDOM in readers at any time of year. Children sometimes enjoy reading it at a non-Christmas time because it is silly and fun to do…and it brings the joy and warmth of Christmas into an otherwise “ordinary day.”
This book is built to be read over and over; in which the depth and breath of meaning is discovered a little more deeply with each reading. The basic story is framed around Amel the Camel. He is the “sidekick’ storyteller. He relates his tale about his hero, wise king Balthazar. This enables readers to imagine themselves seeking with great anticipation the newly-arrived King of Kings, Baby Jesus. But along the way, children are gently invited to emulate Amel’s respect for the wisdom figures of the three kings in his caravan. Readers are infused with an appreciation for the virtue of wisdom as they see it in the actions of both Amel (who is learning it) and the kings (who model it) by: “doing what others don’t do, and seeing what others miss”. By extension, children’s hearts are seeded with the notion of respecting, learning from, and admiring the wisdom figures that they encounter in real life. At the close of the story, each child is invited to make the virtue of wisdom a personal habit of their own, and Amel introduces them to someone else he admires: Francis of Assisi. The holy saith is described as a “Mission Virtue Hero” whose wisdom and love for Christ inspired others to practice virtues like wisdom, also.
The other quiet, yet important, feature of the story is the emphasis highlighting the nobility and strength of Balthazar, the king of color. In modern times, characterized too often by divisiveness, this story very intentionally is created for children to see and admire his wisdom and leadership. In addition, Balthazar’s love of Jesus, manifests in a willingness to even die for the Christ Child. He is truly heroic…and the cooperation among the kings in the caravan with Balthazar, and their generosity with the Holy Family, and everyone in Bethlehem, is a portrait of unity and love that children of every race and ethnicity can be blessed by.
Each Tiny Virtue Heroes story is built around around the Tiny Virtue Heroes™ tagline: “Characters who build character in kids!” The charming imaginary animal or insect character in each story points children to admire real biblical and missionary role models of virtue. Thus, each story inspires children to want to live their life with the spiritual strength of virtue, and to be on a mission to help others to live with virtue also. In contemporary culture where virtues like wisdom seem lost or out of reach, Wisdom Finds a Way is a story that helps children and families find fresh ways to imagine and internalize it.
The publisher’s book description captures some more of the appeal of the story:
“It's his first time in a big caravan, and Amel the camel cannot see the wisdom of making such a long journey by following a star - just to bring gifts to a baby in a tiny place like Bethlehem. After a discouraging detour in Herod's Jerusalem, Amel learns a lot from the love, prayer, and sacrifice shown by the kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Amel discovers that what is truly wise and noble in a king can be hidden in very surprising places.
Amel the camel is the not-so-tiny virtue hero of WISDOM. He invites readers to admire his hero, King Balthazar. Wisdom Finds a Way is part of Cathy Gilmore's Virtue Heroes™ storybook series. Gently reframing our notions of super heroes, each story unfolds through the eyes of an animal character witnessing a major moment in Christian history. Each super sidekick is the icon of a specific virtue. Readers who get to know and love these heroes will effortlessly learn the virtues they represent. What a great way to teach our kids that heroic virtue is their REAL super power!
The Heroic Way of Wisdom book trailer video gives a quick glimpse at this powerful story.
Yvonne on Amazon gave the story a very generous review: “This book, along with A Mouse and A Miracle (first book in the series) are absolutely AMAZING!! They're filled with wonderful faith content, perfect for capturing and maintaining children's attention and interest. These books provide a very entertaining, inspiring, and hopeful way of learning about God and the many virtues that are a part of living our faith. Absolutely recommend!!”
Get your copy of Wisdom Finds a Way TODAY!