At the core of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, is an ongoing poem by the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins. The poem is a wonderful summary of the experience of adventure. It is also a wonderful summary of the experience of life. It offers us a great opportunity to help…
Fiction
“The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde: Summary, Meaning, and Questions
“The Selfish Giant” is a short story for children by Oscar Wilde. Wilde lived a complex and controversial life but, like the Giant in his story, Wilde had a conversion to Christianity late in life. He wished to be baptized and received into the Church on his deathbed in 1900. He wrote this Christian fable…
Stone Soup Story, Summary, and Questions for Kids
“Stone Soup” is one of the best known folktales among parents, teachers, and children. It contains some important lessons about generosity and teamwork that are important for young people to learn. I wrote version of the story for you to share with kids along with some questions to discuss after reading the story. Stone Soup:…
Two Boats and Helicopter Story (Parable of the Drowning Man)
This religious parable goes my many names. It has been called the Parable of the Drowning Man, the Parable of the Flood, or simply “Two Boats and a Helicopter.” I first heard it in an episode in the first season of The West Wing. Share this story with your kids when they are struggling to get…
The Parable of the Cracked Pot for Kids
Here is another non-Biblical parable to share with your kids. This story has been told often in Christian settings, but it’s original source is unknown. It’s origin is most likely an ancient Indian folktale. It is a story about brokenness and embracing our weakness to allow God to work through us. The Parable of the…
