The Squire and the Scroll

My oldest son has always felt intimidated by reading and this book is the first thing I've seen him actually get excited to read. He was 10 when I got it for him. (I bought it earlier in 2019 but am only now getting around to reviewing.) I usually have to tell him to read a page a day of something just to get him to read, but he wouldn't put this down until he finished it. I bit my tongue to keep from getting vocally excited that he was willingly reading something because I didn't want him to stop out of embarrassment. "Mom, is it okay if I read the whole book today instead of reading a page a day like you suggested?" Um, YES?!?! "Mom, is it okay if I read the book again?" and later my then-8 year old daughter (who is much more of a willing reader than her older brother) was trying to read it and he was sitting beside her helping her!As far as the book itself, it was a good allegory for valuing purity, without any gore or horror. (I've seen some other children's allegories that seem to think they need to have a lot of shocking content to make their point.) It was interesting and exciting. The illustrations are nice. The mock-old-world language was a bit hard for my son to follow. He wasn't sure what some of the words meant, so it was good that I was on hand to explain. He then explained them to his younger sister as she got hung up on the same words. Thankfully the uncommon words didn't deter either of them from reading and enjoying the book! My then-12 year old even read it with at least mild interest, but she reads everything from the cereal box to encyclopedias.I would say this book would be a great read-aloud for a kiddo who isn't a reader yet but has the attention span for listening, and a good book for an older child who CAN read but isn't devouring long chapter books yet, but an adult should be on hand for help with some of the uncommon words and phrases.

Read this at my son’s birthday party. They all had sleeping bags & I read next to the fire place. It was interesting, mysterious & valuable lessons passed to a group of kiddos… through the narrative symbols. 5 Stars. Hope there will be more!

I love this book! My kids love this book! It is a great read for bed time for my kids. Great message about how we should be living or lives and how we should treat others!

The book itself is wonderful. It is a great story. I also purchased the study guide to go along with it. I am very pleased with the book itself.I am not happy with how it was packaged, it arrived damaged. It was packed with other items but not carefully and it is bent. I was upset because I paid for a brand new book and it is damaged.

The books are a Christmas present for my grandchildren. When I asked my daughter in law said they had not recieved the package. My son just told me that they did recieve the package. I knew my son had not put up outside lights until December 8th. I didn't know my daughter in law had put some outside lights out on Thanksgiving. I am so sorry I said that the package had not been delivered. I just found out 20 minutes ago that the package was delivered.

Sometimes when we have storytime, my eight year old does his own thing. He likes to read his own books or a magazine. But when I started on "The Squire and the Scroll" not only did his ears perk up, he came to sit next to me--and even started reading it for me when I had to tend to his little brother. It's a sweet story about a squire who goes off with a knight to rescue the lantern which "gave freedom to the kingdom."The squire's parents raised him on the rules contained on a scroll. These are the rules that end up determining whether or not his quest will be successful. They are:1) Listen only to words that are pure.2) Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.3) Keep the unclean far from your lips to guard the wellspring of your life.4) Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.5) Breathe only that which is pure.For non-Christians, there's a small Bible verse (Psalm 119:9) at the end of the book....but that's about it. You could elect not to read it if that bothers you. Either way, my kids really liked the story.

This is the best book ever written in English. It has shaped my worldview since before I can remember. 10/10

This is a tale of the importance of guarding your heart from evil. I bought this as a Christmas present for my two sons, ages (both nearly) 4 and 6. While it was a bit over the head of my 4yo it certainly captured my nearly 6yo's attention.The kingdom in the book relies on the Lantern of Purest Light for peace and joy in the land. An evil dragon steals it and many seek to recover it, only to be lost themselves. The king sends his last and most trusted knight (along w/ his squire) to retrieve the lamp lest the kingdom perish. The squire was raised according to a scroll by parents who honored the Lantern while the knight is aware of it but doesn't allow it to dictate his actions. Who (I wonder...) will survive the perilous journey to the dragon's lair and bring the lantern back?This is a Christian allegory that illustrates 5 main concepts in Christian living (i.e. keeping your gaze focused and not turning to the left or right) and it ends (in very tiny print) with a quote from Psalm 119:9. While it is aimed at young boys, it also serves as a reminder to parents to raise their young squires rightly, too. Highly recommended book. I also appreciated the sturdy hardcover binding.

This book should be read to all boys.

A relief force at a time when purity and all virtues are despised. So far read it twice to my daughter and I'm sure we'll read it once more. The message is well delivered. I think it will last.

Inspiring story for children, especially boys, to teach them to treasure their modesty

I am reading this to my grandchildren as part of their education in virtue. We need many more books to teach our children well these days.

Great book to teach a boy about temptations and the reward or being strong enough to resist tempations.