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Lily, the Lemur and the Lamb King: The Me Tree and Other Adventures
Imaginative Christian adventure book for children 7 years+The whimsical and imaginative short stories in this chapter book will transport children to a different world, giving them a fresh way to engage with truths about Jesus and what it's like to follow him.
They’ll join Lily and her friend the Lemur on a series of adventures in the Lamb King's mysterious playground. They'll tickle a tiger, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold! Along the way, children will find themselves exploring key truths about Jesus' kingdom—such as how to be welcoming, what gives people value, and why a self-sacrificing king is the best king of all.
Perfect as an independent read for children aged 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.
They’ll join Lily and her friend the Lemur on a series of adventures in the Lamb King's mysterious playground. They'll tickle a tiger, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold! Along the way, children will find themselves exploring key truths about Jesus' kingdom—such as how to be welcoming, what gives people value, and why a self-sacrificing king is the best king of all.
Perfect as an independent read for children aged 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.
160 pages
Published February 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 8, 2025
This really was such a cute book for kids. With chapters full of whimsical stories, all of which with big messages - it was cute.
As you meet the main characters, I wondered how the author would lay out the stories. However, you’re introduced to the characters in the beginning chapter, which in a way sets the stage for the rest of the stories included.
Also, the explanations of the meanings behind the story, and even including the Bible verses, were impactful. They have depth and understanding, which I really appreciated, and the summaries gave background info. It’s a great prompting and informational tool to use to discuss the stories with kids.
Overall, a cute story book, with great teaching/learning opportunities.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @thegoodbookcompanyusa . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
As you meet the main characters, I wondered how the author would lay out the stories. However, you’re introduced to the characters in the beginning chapter, which in a way sets the stage for the rest of the stories included.
Also, the explanations of the meanings behind the story, and even including the Bible verses, were impactful. They have depth and understanding, which I really appreciated, and the summaries gave background info. It’s a great prompting and informational tool to use to discuss the stories with kids.
Overall, a cute story book, with great teaching/learning opportunities.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @thegoodbookcompanyusa . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
February 12, 2025
💭 THOUGHTS: Wow, this book surprised me in a very unexpected way! Not only did these twelve stories teach my girls Gospel truths through creative storytelling and engaging illustrations, but they ministered to my own adult-heart, as well.
I also appreciated how the author provided at the back of the book the Biblical stories and Scripture references that inspired each chapter, thus allowing for a more thoughtful and in-depth discussion on the themes presented in each story.
Overall, we enjoyed this one! My girls were highly engaged and eager for me to keep reading. With that said, it is quite whimsical, and so I recommend pre-reading it or reading the sample chapter on the publisher’s site to ensure it is a good fit for your family.
🍎 WHO IS IT FOR: Recommended as an independent read for children ages 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.
💫 CONTENT TO CONSIDER: Grief/Loss of a grandparent
Thank you, @thegoodbookcompanyusa, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
I also appreciated how the author provided at the back of the book the Biblical stories and Scripture references that inspired each chapter, thus allowing for a more thoughtful and in-depth discussion on the themes presented in each story.
Overall, we enjoyed this one! My girls were highly engaged and eager for me to keep reading. With that said, it is quite whimsical, and so I recommend pre-reading it or reading the sample chapter on the publisher’s site to ensure it is a good fit for your family.
🍎 WHO IS IT FOR: Recommended as an independent read for children ages 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.
💫 CONTENT TO CONSIDER: Grief/Loss of a grandparent
Thank you, @thegoodbookcompanyusa, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
Whimsical | Imaginative | Children's Fiction
Join Lily and her Lemur friend as they encounter The Lamb King. Together, the trio embark on imaginative adventures. On 12, exciting adventures spanning one chapter each, they meet new friends and discover strong moral values that cover topics like fear/worry, selfishness, materialism, bullying, patience, grief, equality and more. Each adventure is short, stands alone and has adorable illustrations. The characters are relatable, quirky and fun for young readers.
I'd recommend this as a read-aloud for early elementary readers, but it can easily be enjoyed as a chapter book for the more advanced reader. I read this book to my first grader (age 6.5). After each chapter, we paused to discuss what happened in the story, how the characters felt and the moral, using the reference key at the back of the book to relate the parallels of Jesus to the Lamb King, as well as the truth of who God is and what His Word says.
My daughter's favorite story was "Not That Kind of King". The animals wonder what sort of king the Lamb King is, then witness him give away all his wool to help a squirrel family who is cold and hurting. Through that, they learn he is a giving king, a beautiful parallel of Jesus who gave His life for all mankind.
My favorite story was "Nan's Handbag", where the animals meet motorcycle-riding Nan (Lily's grandma). Lily jokes that Nan keeps everything in her purse. As a result, Nan has trouble carrying it. The Lamb King offers three times to carry it for her and on the third time, Nan relinquishes it. Lily later notices the load has lightened and the lamb is tired. It's another parallel of God, who takes and bears the weight of all man's sin.
Overall, we loved this imaginative book and highly recommend it!
Note for sensitive readers: In one story, a grouchy hermit crab is snatched away by a big bird, thus ending his life. The last story covers grief (loss of Lily's Nan), and while hopeful for the Christian/believer, it is sad. I recommend reading these together with a parent or guardian.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
Join Lily and her Lemur friend as they encounter The Lamb King. Together, the trio embark on imaginative adventures. On 12, exciting adventures spanning one chapter each, they meet new friends and discover strong moral values that cover topics like fear/worry, selfishness, materialism, bullying, patience, grief, equality and more. Each adventure is short, stands alone and has adorable illustrations. The characters are relatable, quirky and fun for young readers.
I'd recommend this as a read-aloud for early elementary readers, but it can easily be enjoyed as a chapter book for the more advanced reader. I read this book to my first grader (age 6.5). After each chapter, we paused to discuss what happened in the story, how the characters felt and the moral, using the reference key at the back of the book to relate the parallels of Jesus to the Lamb King, as well as the truth of who God is and what His Word says.
My daughter's favorite story was "Not That Kind of King". The animals wonder what sort of king the Lamb King is, then witness him give away all his wool to help a squirrel family who is cold and hurting. Through that, they learn he is a giving king, a beautiful parallel of Jesus who gave His life for all mankind.
My favorite story was "Nan's Handbag", where the animals meet motorcycle-riding Nan (Lily's grandma). Lily jokes that Nan keeps everything in her purse. As a result, Nan has trouble carrying it. The Lamb King offers three times to carry it for her and on the third time, Nan relinquishes it. Lily later notices the load has lightened and the lamb is tired. It's another parallel of God, who takes and bears the weight of all man's sin.
Overall, we loved this imaginative book and highly recommend it!
Note for sensitive readers: In one story, a grouchy hermit crab is snatched away by a big bird, thus ending his life. The last story covers grief (loss of Lily's Nan), and while hopeful for the Christian/believer, it is sad. I recommend reading these together with a parent or guardian.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
February 12, 2025
“I know I have said it before, but this is a very strange playground.” Discover this strange playground filled with big bunnies, tiny elephants, donut trees, and more in Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King: The Me Tree & Other Adventures by Bob Hartman with illustrations by Keila Elm.
Lily and her friend the Lemur want to do “something interesting. But also something safe.” That’s when they meet the Lamb King. This fun and unlikely trio embark on twelve adventures that ultimately point to Christ. Each chapter is inspired by something Jesus said or did. These whimsical tales shine a light on gospel truths in a way that is understandable for the whole family. Adults will enjoy the simplification (without the loss of its meaning) on hard truths like death, anxiety, forgiveness, regret, pride, and selfishness to name a few. These topics are difficult for all ages to comprehend, and these stories can help. I kept thinking about Jesus’s use of parables so that His followers could understand the secrets of the Kingdom; Hartman uses these retellings to do the exact same thing.
For example, one of my 6-year-old’s favorite chapters was The Ice-Cream Van, which showed in a practical and entertaining way how Jesus moves us from last to first with His grace. The Lemur really wants ice cream, so he is annoyed when he ends up stuck behind a Slow Loris at the end of the line. What he doesn’t know is that Slow Loris knows the owner of the Ice-Cream Van who happily lets them cut the line. “There’s no need to rush to be first, when you have friends.” And we have a friend on Jesus who gives us grace, grace, and more grace.
Esther and I adored this original and creative collection of stories filled with adorable illustrations! Included at the end of the book are the Bible stories that inspired Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King’s adventure in a very strange playground.
*I was provided with a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.*
Lily and her friend the Lemur want to do “something interesting. But also something safe.” That’s when they meet the Lamb King. This fun and unlikely trio embark on twelve adventures that ultimately point to Christ. Each chapter is inspired by something Jesus said or did. These whimsical tales shine a light on gospel truths in a way that is understandable for the whole family. Adults will enjoy the simplification (without the loss of its meaning) on hard truths like death, anxiety, forgiveness, regret, pride, and selfishness to name a few. These topics are difficult for all ages to comprehend, and these stories can help. I kept thinking about Jesus’s use of parables so that His followers could understand the secrets of the Kingdom; Hartman uses these retellings to do the exact same thing.
For example, one of my 6-year-old’s favorite chapters was The Ice-Cream Van, which showed in a practical and entertaining way how Jesus moves us from last to first with His grace. The Lemur really wants ice cream, so he is annoyed when he ends up stuck behind a Slow Loris at the end of the line. What he doesn’t know is that Slow Loris knows the owner of the Ice-Cream Van who happily lets them cut the line. “There’s no need to rush to be first, when you have friends.” And we have a friend on Jesus who gives us grace, grace, and more grace.
Esther and I adored this original and creative collection of stories filled with adorable illustrations! Included at the end of the book are the Bible stories that inspired Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King’s adventure in a very strange playground.
*I was provided with a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.*
April 23, 2025
Young readers have a delightful early chapter book - chapters are just a few pages long and have engaging and fun black and white illustrations that will capture their interest. Parents will love having their child read uplifting stories about a child and an assortment of critters.
These retellings of stories from the Gospel with playful Lily and friends in on the action, teach lessons in a fun method but do not detract from the actual Gospel. At the back of the book, each chapter has an explanation of the Biblical account's interaction with the story of Lily and friends and can be used for a time best suited to make applications.
A delightful book for young readers or even to be read to those who can't yet read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
These retellings of stories from the Gospel with playful Lily and friends in on the action, teach lessons in a fun method but do not detract from the actual Gospel. At the back of the book, each chapter has an explanation of the Biblical account's interaction with the story of Lily and friends and can be used for a time best suited to make applications.
A delightful book for young readers or even to be read to those who can't yet read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
April 23, 2025
I read this book when I was ten years old.
It teaches some very important life lessons, and has fun and lovable characters.
It was very devotion-like and had a dozen chapters. The main characters were in the title; Lily, the Lemur and the Lamb King.
My favourite part was when the Lemur stuffed himself with apples.
I would recommend this book to children aged 8-11
Things to be aware of: Passing away.
It teaches some very important life lessons, and has fun and lovable characters.
It was very devotion-like and had a dozen chapters. The main characters were in the title; Lily, the Lemur and the Lamb King.
My favourite part was when the Lemur stuffed himself with apples.
I would recommend this book to children aged 8-11
Things to be aware of: Passing away.
January 14, 2026
I read this out loud to my kids, but I was entertained and convicted myself. And my daughters loved it. They were constantly talking about the characters, drawing scenes, and telling others about the book. (And begging me to read more!)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews