I have 2 boys.
They are my inspiration.
Seeing them grow brings a deep, warm joy in my father-heart.
They other night, our 7-year old stepped nervously into the living room. It was 9:00 – a little past his bedtime.
“What’s up, buddy?” I asked.
With boyish shame, he quietly admitted that he was scared of the dark.
“It’s okay. Come here, bud.”
We sat for five minutes or so.
I listened to him.
We read scripture.
We prayed.
Here’s what I learned: When my boys are scared of the dark, it doesn’t do much good to tell them there’s nothing to be afraid of. Because that’s not really true. There is. But it’s much better to tell him that he’s brave. And that “brave” isn’t something he’s supposed to feel, but something he is becoming.
For me, reading good fiction (emphasis on “good”) is crucial part of parenting. I want my kids to understand what heroes look like – not so they can idolize them, but so that they can learn from them. I want them to see fear and faith living in tension. Like you, I believe my kids have tremendous potential to impact their world for Christ. Like you, I want to help them unlock it.
From time to time, we come across resources that aren’t created by Awana, but still blow us away. I want to share a series of books with you that have brought the ideas of fear and faith into focus for us. They’re a series of three books by author and illustrator C.S. Fritz, “The Cottonmouth Trilogy.” Aimed for 8-12 year olds, these books are simply beautiful.
If you’re the kind of parent who would love to send your kids into with world with purpose, confidence, and wonder I encourage you to check these out. There’s metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, yes. But more than that, these are just incredible stories that have inspired my kids to the live the adventures that God is calling them to.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
“Cottonmouth and the River”
In this first book of the series, we’re introduced to Frederick Cottonmouth, the protagonist, whose adventure is ready to begin. He lives by himself (it comes to light that Freddie is an orphan) on the banks of a river. One day, the river brings him something he didn’t expect. Soon, he meets a hero (a lovable, furry monster named “Tug”) who changes his life forever. Freddie learns about love, sacrifice, and courage. After my family read it for the first time, my boys both said quietly, “Daddy, I love Tug.” If you’ve read this book, you know what that means.
“Cottonmouth and the Great Gift”
Freddie’s journey deepens as he leaves home for the first time. He meets a new friend, a gentle hummingbird named “Yellowthroat,” and begins to understand why he has been given such a great gift. He also begins to feel the tension of stewarding that gift well in a world that might not always be kind. As the second book in the trilogy, this moves the narrative along, but also sets the stage for the final book with huge anticipation for how young Freddie will respond.
“Cottonmouth and the End”
Released just this month, this is perhaps the darkest and most powerful of the three. Here, young Freddie’s fears are realized when he is brought face to face with darkness – an image that typifies the uneasiness that most of us probably feel as kids. But by courage and grace, Freddie learns that he’s never alone and that just when things seem the darkest, God is near. Honestly, I cried when I read this one. Go ahead, laugh if you want to, but it’s pretty beautiful.
We’d like to make it as easy as possible for you learn more. David C. Cook, the publisher of the Cottonmouth trilogy, is offering readers a chance to win an original, signed piece of Cottonmouth artwork and a drawn-in copy of “Cottonmouth and the End.” If you’d like to enter, click here. It’s going to be incredible!
Also, if you’d like to inspire your 8-12 year old with something really special, we’re offering fun way to connect with Freddie called “Pen Pals with Cottonmouth.” It’s simple: Your son or daughter can write a letter to Freddie and receive a letter from Freddie. My boys are on it!
I hope you and your kids enjoy getting to know Freddie and his world. If you pick up a copy (or several copies), please let us know! We’d love to help spread the word!
Here’s to courageous kids who’ll change the world!
