Fans of Creative Orthodox will be delighted to learn that two new books have joined the author’s other offerings! Michael Elgamal, the artist and author behind Creative Orthodox, first offered the graphic novels Anastasis (about Christ’s victory over death), and Forest in the Desert (about St. John the Short). Both are helpful tools for older children and lovers of graphic novels. Then he created My Saintly Friends, a coloring book about the saints, and Pope Kyrillos Loves to Pray, a board book especially for little ones. Now he has added two new picture books to help young children learn more about the Faith.
Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet is the story of the leaves on a palm branch, who each want to be the reason that St. Antony rests under their palm tree. What happens to the big, proud leaves? Does St. Antony rest under their tree? Which leaflet gets the most attention from St. Antony, and why? Readers will see the beauty in humility through the leaflets’ story, which is told in rhyme and playfully illustrated. The book also includes a prayer to St. Antony, and a brief retelling of his life story: all illustrated in the fun, engaging manner for which Creative Orthodox is known.
My Saintly Family takes a look at an Orthodox Christian family’s life in a way that young children can understand and appreciate. Colorful pages and rollicking rhymes (i.e.: “My family is my Church, my church is family, too. With Jesus in the middle, uniting me to you!”) One child of the family introduces the reader to the rest of their saintly family. Not until the part of the book called “About the Saintly Family” does the reader realize that they already know the family who is featured! Which saintly family is featured in this book? Read it to find out! The book includes a prayer asking for the saintly family’s prayers for the reader, an introduction to the real family featured in the book, and a QR code in the back that opens a page full of free, related, coloring pages!
Both Saint Antony & the Humble Leaflet and My Saintly Family will be read and enjoyed again and again. They are written in a way that is fun to read (or hear) and are joyfully illustrated with an appropriate touch of humor. Each has a positive message that will encourage readers to grow in the Faith. These books will be helpful to both families and church schools, and would make great gifts for young children!
You can buy Creative Orthodox books (and also find some free downloads/printables!) here: https://creativeorthodox.com/
The Department of Christian Education thanks Michael Elgamal of Creative Orthodox for providing copies of these books for us to review and share.
Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.
Orthodox Christian Sunday Church School Teachers 