Kathryn Butler's Blog
August 4, 2026
Escape from Rome Releases Today!
Escape from Rome, the second book in the Lamplight series of decide-as-you-go adventures, releases today! This series has been so much fun to write. I hope it brings the young people in your life a spark of joy, all while pointing the to the wisdom and hope of God’s inspired word.
“Reader Beware: Peril Lies Ahead! Kathryn Butler has written a fast-paced adventure story that introduces brave readers to profound truths about the Christian quest. In Escape from Rome foolish choices often lead to sorrow, and wise choices sometimes yield feasts and joyful reunions. Just like in life, though, circumstances can also spiral beyond the chooser’s control―for good or ill. And sometimes the miracles of redemption and forgiveness intervene, both where they are sought and where they are least expected. Whatever perils you face as you battle lions, gladiators, and flames in these pages, dear reader, you can trust your character’s fate in the hands of this gifted storyteller who points all endings to the sovereignty and love of God.”
―Ginger M. Blomberg, author, Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal; mother of five
“The Lamplight Series captures all the adventure and excitement of the ‘choose-your-own’ books we loved as children yet thoughtfully remains grounded in a biblical worldview. Readers will return again and again to explore new paths, carefully considering how each choice shapes the outcome. A thrilling and delightful read!”
―Korrie Johnson, children’s book reviewer, GoodBookMom.com
“You open this book and are pulled right into a fun and exciting decide-as-you-go adventure by Kathryn Butler. What do you do next? If you want to travel to ancient Rome, come face-to-maw with lions, feel the heat of the Great Fire, and pray with persecuted Christians for God’s deliverance, turn to the next page! Book 2 in the Lamplight Series delivers another fast-paced story with deep biblical truths for kids.”
―Amanda Cleary Eastep, author, Tree Street Kids series
Make Quick Decisions to Escape Nero and the Great Fire in Book 2 of Kathryn Butler’s Interactive Series, The Lamplight
Pacing around a dusty museum with your cousin, Lusi, you can’t imagine a more boring summer vacation. Then, you spot an ancient oil lamp with a fascinating inscription. Its mysterious blue light transports you and Lusi to Ancient Rome, just before the start of the Great Fire. Where the story goes next is up to you.
In this immersive novel, the reader is the protagonist. Each suspenseful chapter ends with two or three courses of action. Kids choose one and see where the story takes them. Bible verses throughout reassure children that, whether the outcome of their decision is good or bad, God is with them. As readers confront gladiators, prison cells, and the reign of the evil Emperor Nero, they’ll learn how to apply biblical wisdom and rely on God’s grace along the way.
Escape from Rome is the second book in the Lamplight series, written by Kathryn Butler. Each immersive novel teaches kids how to make choices inspired by the truth of Scripture. With a variety of story combinations, children will love reading and rereading this unique book.
June 5, 2026
Biochemistry Literacy for Kids
For all the science teachers, homeschool parents, or grown-ups just excited to encourage kids to learn and explore in innovative ways, I wanted to share this fantastic curriculum.
Dr. Daniel Fried is a Yale-trained chemist who’s put together a wonderful biochemistry program for all ages, Biochemistry Literacy for Kids. It’s based on molecular modeling, so even elementary students can pick it up.
I love so much about his methodology. He takes big, complicated concepts, but anchors them to real-world phenomena that kids can identify and visualize. It’s an intuitive approach toward cultivating a love for the intricacy of the molecular world–which, for those with eyes to see, points to our awe-inspiring Designer.
The course consists of videos, workbook content, and customized modeling kits. He also offers live Zoom lessons. I’ll be using his program to teach biochemistry to middle school students at our co-op in September, and I can’t wait!
For full details, check out the website: Biochemistry Literacy for Kids
June 2, 2026
Stories Woven in Silver Releases Today!
I’m delighted to announce that my latest book, a collaboration with the amazingly talented book reviewer Korrie Johnson, releases today!
Stories Woven in Silver: Pointing Kids to the Gospel through Children’s Literature aims to help families choose read-alouds with discernment, and to reinforce gospel truths with every tantalizing story. Details below!
From epic quests and evil villains to happily-ever-afters, there seems to be a formula for every good book. But good stories do more than entertain. They echo deeper truths that reflect the greatest narrative ever written. They speak truth, stir hope, and point us toward the ultimate happy ending: salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This concise and practical guide helps parents and caregivers navigate the world of children’s literature through a gospel lens. Exploring Christianity’s most beloved children’s books, children’s author Kathryn Butler and book reviewer Korrie Johnson―both mothers themselves―offer wise advice and tools to improve read-alouds and biblical discussions with kids. Summaries of featured books include accessible content for quick reference, including a brief synopsis, key gospel themes, Scripture connections, and notes for discernment. With the help of this guide, these stories will work in the hearts of children as they recognize both the beauty and brokenness of the world and place their hope in Christ, the true Redeemer.
Practical Resource for Parents: Advice and helpful notes for those approaching family read-aloud time as an opportunity for discipleship Offers Wisdom: Helps caregivers thoughtfully evaluate books while addressing topics such as magic, the role of bad guys, and other objectionable elementsConcise: Designed for quick reference, these brief yet rich summaries provide the perfect tools for busy parents and caregiversTools for Family Discipleship: Each book entry includes a short synopsis, gospel themes, Scripture connections, and notes for discernmentExplores Beloved Christian Kids Books: Including The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Wingfeather Saga, and more“In Stories Woven in Silver, Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson invite families to discover the wonders of a good story. Beginning with Scripture and God’s grand narrative of redemption, they show how the greatest tales borrow from gospel themes―and how parents can use them to nurture faith. Practical and inspiring, this book equips readers to evaluate stories, build a meaningful family library, and delight in reading together. A must-read for parents and educators alike.”
―Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series
“Stories Woven in Silver is a guide for finding treasure in great stories. It’s as if Butler and Johnson are saying, ‘Hey, look over here!’ and pointing out a shining truth nestled in Shakespeare or Tolkien or The Wingfeather Saga. They invite families to explore powerful tales, find a beautiful scene, hold it up like a jewel to God’s light, and witness the beauty of the gospel reflecting back to them―even in the darkness. This means Stories Woven in Silver is not just a guide to treasure. It is a treasure.”
―Ginger M. Blomberg, author, Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal; mother of five
“Finally, authors with both biblical and literary understanding answer the common questions of faithful Christian parents (magic, mythology, and more) and offer practical guidance through some of the best children’s literature. This is a much needed and invaluable tool!”
―Becky Aniol, Founder and Curriculum Designer, Living Heritage Homeschool Curriculum
“Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson have written a fantastic book that is gospel centered, biblically rich. It will equip you to intentionally utilize the best literature to help your children treasure Christ. Kathryn and Korrie are expert guides that teach you how to read books aloud to your family, offer helpful advice for choosing good literature, provide a list of books that your children will love to read, and show you how to have gospel conversations using the books you read with your family. Stories Woven in Silver belongs in everyone’s home, and we highly recommend it.”
―Josh and Jen Mulvihill, authors; Hosts, The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast
“Stories Woven in Silver is a must have for every family. This is not a book that tells parents what their children should or should not read―rather, it shows them how to read with a kingdom mindset. Kathryn and Korrie give a framework, informed by Scripture, that helps parents think clearly and concisely about how to teach their children to read to the glory of God. It’s beautiful, refreshing, and incredibly needed today.”
―Anne Sey, Founder, Library 4 Kiddos
“Stories Woven in Silver comes alongside parents and caregivers, equipping them to look at stories through a gospel-centered lens and encouraging them to pursue good and worthy books for their children. Building on a biblical foundation, Kathryn and Korrie shine a gospel light as they ask and address important questions regarding literature. The authors help their readers see how individual stories can point to the truest and greatest story, showing connections to Scripture, biblical themes, and gospel-centered ideas. With helpful summaries of featured books, this book is an excellent resource, and readers will find themselves referencing it again and again.”
―Leah Nicklaus, Creator, Living Bright Homeschool
March 3, 2026
Goodreads Giveaway for Kraken
Crossway has hosted a giveaway for free copies of The Hunt for the Kraken on Goodreads!
If you’re a Goodreads member, you can find the event here: Kraken Goodreads Giveaway
Thank you, and blessings to you!
The Hunt for the Kraken Releases Today!
“Well-executed and action-packed; a great choice for Christian action-and-adventure story readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Hunt for the Kraken is a thrilling pick-your-path adventure that puts readers in the driver’s seat. With each decision, they’ll face danger, dodge premature endings, and uncover new twists―whether it’s time travel, a legendary sea monster, or a ruthless captain who will stop at nothing to achieve his dark plans. Woven throughout are Scripture passages that help guide the journey. Kathryn Butler has crafted an unforgettable experience that children are sure to love.”
―Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series
I am so delighted to announce that The Hunt for the Kraken, a decide=as-you-go middle grade book in which Bible verses interweave with adventure, releases today! This book is the first installment of The Lamplight Series, an offering of interactive novels that place young readers in the position of the main character. The second book in the series, Escape from Rome, releases this July, and books three and four are in the works!
Details below! Many thanks to Crossway for the privilege of partnering with them on such a fun project.
Purchase links:
Kids Choose the Course of This Fast-Paced Sea Voyage, the First Interactive Novel from Kathryn Butler’s The Lamplight Series
One minute you’re fishing on a lazy day in Massachusetts. Suddenly, it’s the 18th century and you find yourself aboard the whaleship Valiant, manned by a greedy pirate named Blackviper and his crew. Their quest: find the mysterious sea monster, the kraken. Where the story goes next is up to you.
In this immersive novel, the reader is the protagonist. Each suspenseful chapter ends with two or three courses of action, and kids choose one and see where the story takes them. Bible verses throughout reassure readers that, whether the outcome of their decision is good or bad, God is with them. As kids have fun steering the crew through raging storms, cannon fire, and giant sea creatures, they’ll also learn how to apply biblical wisdom and rely on God’s grace.
The Hunt for the Kraken is the first book in the Lamplight series, written by Kathryn Butler. Each immersive novel teaches kids how to make choices inspired by the truth of Scripture. With a variety of story combinations, children will love reading and rereading this unique book.
“This book has everything the fifth-grade version of me wanted in a story: danger on the high seas, a heroic dad, monsters, maelstroms, maps, and magic. As a parent reading it aloud with my own kids, I love that it is also a book that makes its readers long for redemption, love goodness and courage, and be amazed by the power of our God, with whom all things are possible. The Hunt for the Kraken is a fresh reminder that a good tale, well-told, makes us want to decide as we go with both wisdom and grace.”
―Ginger M. Blomberg, author, Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal; mother of five
“Kathryn Butler invites readers to enter a story where their choices matter and could lead to wild adventure, unexpected friendship, or deep regret. Yet in this story, as in life, even the worst decisions carry the hope of forgiveness and redemption. Open this book and embark on the adventure!”
―Carolyn Leiloglou, author, The Restorationists series
“How fun to reimagine the classic concept of readers choosing their own adventures! Kathryn Butler pays homage to this fine tradition, even casting the narration in the second person as the originals did. The creative mind behind The Dream Keeper Saga comes through in spades with the first installment of this series. Parents will smile as they’re taken back to their own childhood reading, and kids will be thrilled by the amount of agency the book offers. But there’s a twist: These stories aim to do more than put young readers in the driver’s seat. With Scripture verses at every turn to provide guiding light, The Hunt for the Kraken not only shows the consequences of our choices; it reminds us that the grace of Christ outsizes all our decisions and that even our best needs mercy. A book that can help children take that message to heart is definitely one worth choosing, every time.”
―J. D. Peabody, author, The Inkwell Chronicles series
“Life is full of choices, and a decide-as-you-go adventure experientially teaches kids that choices have real consequences. Parents understandably want to protect their children from making bad choices, so fiction is an excellent way for children to imaginatively experience the school of hard knocks. The Hunt for the Kraken has no shortage of hard knocks, peril, and godly wisdom. You may regret some choices along the way, but you won’t regret picking up this book!”
―Betsy Childs Howard, Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Arlo and the Keep-Out Club
“Hang on tight, children! You’re about to embark on a journey to an unforgettable reading adventure. Kathryn Butler casts you―for you are the main character in this choose-your-own adventure―right into a sea of harrowing choices. But this book isn’t like others in this genre, and that’s what I appreciate most about it. Not only will young readers be swept away by the exciting story possibilities, they’ll also learn how much their choices matter, in real life as in fiction. Through the vibrant engagement of her readers’ imaginations, Butler enables children to better understand that, whether a decision tosses them onto the safety of dry land or into the claws of a villain, God’s will, grace, and love form the plotline and always triumph in the end.”
―Amanda Cleary Eastep, author, Tree Street Kids series
February 24, 2026
Good Book Mom
Good Book Mom has just released its spring book order club, a Christian alternative to the Scholastic Books catalog, and I realized now might be a good time to point families to this fantastic resource.
Good Book Mom is a site run by Korrie Johnson, a homeschooling mom who’s reviewed over 2,000 children’s books from a Christian perspective. She regularly posts book reviews, partners with 10-of-Those to offer an alternative to Scholastic, and offers an affordable membership with book lists, articles, and author interviews. Whether you’re looking for your next read-aloud, or trying to discern if a book your kids have brought home from the library is Christ-honoring, I’d highly recommend her site: Home – Good Book Mom She’s also on Facebook and Instagram.
In full disclosure, Korrie is both a dear friend of mine and my co-author for an upcoming book release…but she became these things because I so deeply respected her dedication to helping Christian families read well!
Happy reading!
January 29, 2026
The Last Keeper Is an Audie Award Finalist!
Some exciting news! The Last Keeper, the finale to The Dream Keeper Saga, is a finalist for the 2026 Audie Award in the faith-based category! The Audies are the official audiobook awards sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA). You can read more about them here.
I’m deeply grateful to Crossway for shepherding this audiobook, especially the leadership of Josh Klos. Additionally, many thanks to Shannon McManus, whose expertise in narration brought Lily’s story to life!
Soli Deo Gloria.
July 22, 2025
The Dream Keeper Saga Is Now Available as a Boxed Set!
Today marks the official release of the boxed set of The Dream Keeper Saga! All five books in a single package, with a beautifully-illustrated case. Now available at Crossway, Amazon, Christianbook, Barnes and Noble, Westminster Books (half off, only $34!), and other booksellers.
June 5, 2025
The Hunt for the Kraken: Book 1 in the Lamplight Series
Writing is a joy. Truly. How delightful is it to dive into your imagination, weave a story, and then share it with others?! Every time I have another project I feel like a kid stepping wide-eyed into a candy store. Or more accurately, a Roald Dahl-esque chocolate extravaganza! I’m so grateful and blessed to be on this journey.
Those feelings of wonder and gratitude are especially prominent with my newest forthcoming release. I’m thrilled to announce that The Hunt for the Kraken — the first in the Lamplight Series of decide-as-you-go adventure books — will release from Crossway in January 2026!
In these interactive and fast-paced books, your young reader is the main character of the story. The Lamplight Series is specifically geared toward Christian families; a relevant verse from Scripture will greet your kids at every decision point to illustrate how God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105). In this first installment, young readers will journey to the North Sea where they’ll face a greedy pirate, intriguing legends, terrifying sea monsters, and a mysterious blue light that beckons them onward.
Details below!
Kids Choose the Course of This Fast-Paced Sea Voyage, the First Interactive Novel from Kathryn Butler’s The Lamplight Series
One minute you’re fishing on a lazy day in Massachusetts. Suddenly, it’s the 18th century and you find yourself aboard the whaleship Valiant, manned by a greedy pirate named Blackviper and his crew. Their quest: find the mysterious sea monster, the kraken. Where the story goes next is up to you.
In this immersive novel, the reader is the protagonist. Each suspenseful chapter ends with two or three courses of action, and kids choose one and see where the story takes them. Bible verses throughout reassure readers that, whether the outcome of their decision is good or bad, God is with them. As kids have fun steering the crew through raging storms, cannon fire, and giant sea creatures, they’ll also learn how to apply biblical wisdom and rely on God’s grace.
The Hunt for the Kraken is the first book in the Lamplight series, written by Kathryn Butler. Each immersive novel teaches kids how to make choices inspired by the truth of Scripture. With a variety of story combinations, children will love reading and rereading this unique book.
April 22, 2025
The Storyteller’s Bible Releases Today!
Have you ever noticed how your heart thrills when you hear a good story?
J.R.R. Tolkien argued that this pulse of joy and wonder arises because all the best stories reflect the truth of the One, Great Story — the Story of how God sent a Savior to save mankind from inescapable peril.
Reflecting this idea, The Storyteller’s Bible offers kids the story of redemption in a book intended as a read-aloud. I’ve been honored to work on many book projects over the years, but this one was a special labor of love. My goal was to capture for kids the tremendous gift of the gospel as revealed throughout the entire biblical narrative, in a storybook that is at once engaging, theologically rich, and faithful to the biblical text. The talents of 32 illustrators from across the world bring the stories to life. I’m so grateful to B&H Kids for their partnership in this project!
The Storyteller’s Bible is now available on Amazon, Christian Book, Westminster Books, and elsewhere.
A world being created from nothing. A boy facing a giant on the battlefield. A Savior giving all for the people He loves. The Bible is full of incredible true stories that not only enthrall listeners but also connect them to the original Storyteller—God.
This unique Bible storybook helps you excel as a storyteller too, by offering:
Each story takes about five minutes to read aloud, perfect for sharing at the end of class or at the end of a long day. Together, the stories offer a cohesive retelling of the gospel, pointing children’s hearts and minds to the greatest Storyteller of all.
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