"My friends Champ Thornton and Andy Naselli have written a delightful tale that transports readers from the present into another place and time and back again. The way they craft the story reminds me in some ways of Pilgrim's Progress and in others of The Chronicles of Narnia. If you enjoy those classics by Bunyan and Lewis, you and your children will like The Serpent Slayer. Parents of middle-grade kids will enjoy reading this to them and explaining how the adventure presents the storyline of the Bible (there's a guide in the back to help with this). But beware: the kids may find the story so captivating they won't be able to wait for family reading time but will finish it on their own."Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Praying the Bible, and Family Worship"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles will hook your kids from the very first page and take them on a mysterious present-day adventure as they travel through the Bible to discover the gospel message hidden from ages past but revealed to those who believe. This book has everything kids love dragons, heroes, suspense, mystery, riddles, and clues, with twists and turns. I can't wait for my grandchildren to read it."Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of Dragon Seed, The Ology, Long Story Short, and other books and resources for church and home"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is attention grabbing fiction and so much more! This suspenseful story exposes Satan's malicious plans and reveals our Savior Jesus Christ's victorious plan! Get your kids ready to grasp biblical truth for their heart and life!"Barbara Reaoch, Author of A Jesus Easter; former director of the children's division of Bible Study Fellowship International"As a mom and a pastor's wife, I'm always looking for good stories that teach deep truths to put in the hands of my own kids and the kids in our church. The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is just that kind of book. With its engaging, time-travel plot peppered with intriguing riddles, The Serpent Slayer will draw kids in to learn more about the narratives of Scripture and, ultimately, to consider their own place in the Bible's big story of redemption. Parents will appreciate the story's theological substance, careful treatment of biblical texts, and Christ-focused framework. But perhaps the highest commendation I can offer is to report that my own son couldn't put the book down, finishing it in a single afternoon. He, for one, will be waiting eagerly for the sequel."Megan Hill, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church; a pastor's wife and mother of four"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is the story inside a story. Thornton and Naselli weave a creative narrative around the story of redemption. Readers of all ages will turn the pages quickly to see how the riddle unfolds for Emmet and Nomi. This is a book that can get kids thinking about how the popular scenes of Scripture (e.g., the garden, the exodus) fit together as one grand narrative of God's determination to rescue his people from the serpent and the dragons that oppose them. Highly recommended!"Todd R. Chipman, Dean of Graduate Studies and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary"As a boy, I devoured adventure books Willy Wonka, Narnia, Bobbsey Twins mysteries, The Hardy Boys . . . you name it. If you know a kid like me, he'll love The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles. Many resources today aim at teaching redemptive history to children, but few approach the task of highlighting a biblical theme as creatively as this sibling adventure. I'm already excited about the next chapter."Jared Kennedy, Editor at The Gospel Coalition; author of The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission"In The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles, Champ Thornton takes readers on an action-packed journey that spans the entire biblical narrative. As our heroes, Nomi and Emmett, fall headfirst into the pages of Scripture, we get to tumble in after them and see ancient biblical moments come to life in whole new ways. As they're plunged into the action, we find ourselves being drawn in closer too. Filled with fun ideas and memorable moments, this book will not only help young readers see the big story of the Bible with new color and clarity; it will offer them a fresh opportunity to discover that King Jesus, the true hero of this story, is the hero of their story too."Chris Morphew, Chaplain at PLC Sydney; author of Best News Ever and the Big Questions series"I could wax eloquent about the engaging prose and riveting plot of The Serpent Slayer, but maybe it's better just to quote my ten-year-old son: 'It's awesome!' It is indeed. Thornton and Naselli have written a page-turner that will engage young readers' imaginations and capture their hearts. Most importantly, it will immerse them in the redemptive story of Scripture and point them to the One who rescues them from evil. I highly recommend it!"Drew Dyck, Editor; author of Your Future Self Will Thank You
