The Big Father and His Little Boy

by Katie Schuermann

A little boy is born to a big father. The big father is mighty in power but weak in love, and the boy must flee for his life or die. But with the help of a singing milkmaid, a mute farmhand, a beekeeper’s daughter, a stubborn dog, and a rather adventurous cat, the boy learns to trust in God the Father Almighty, who is bigger and stronger and wiser than the only father he has known.

Genres: Childrens, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published July 31, 2024

About the author

Katie Schuermann is "a first-class storyteller” (Cameron MacKenzie, 2023) whose “earthy and joyful” (Mark A. Miller, 2014) voice is as refreshing and invigorating as the Midwestern sunshine in which she was raised. Writing in vignettes which so perfectly suit the charm of small-town life, Schuermann's stories call to mind the warmth and realism of Montgomery's Avonlea as well as the grounded sense of place and community of Berry’s Port William.

When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nearest tree.

Reviews

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book. It was a joy to read aloud to my nearly 10 year old son. As soon as I finished a chapter he asked for more. I loved how the story was woven together with the catechism. We are looking forward to the next installment. Thank you Katie for sharing your gift of words with young and old!

[Richard Bicknase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this story reflecting on the 1st article of the Creed has a different scope and is meant for a younger audience, Schuermann brings all of the same care and depth of insight to her storytelling in this work as her previous novels, and it should prove to be just as edifying to readers of all ages.

We learn or are reminded of many truths:
‎ ‎ ‎● The care of cows comes before the care of clothes
‎ ‎ ● Creation knew its Creator died, even if the people didn't
‎ ‎ ● God places an abundance of Mercy in our path (even if we may not fully understand her)

But most importantly, the story clearly speaks this truth to its readers:
You have a heavenly Father, God almighty, maker of heaven and earth . . . and even you.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But Yahweh will take me up." - Psalm 27:10

How does the love of God reach a child whose mother's love has been stolen by death, whose father's love has been stolen by sin? Watch the miracle of God's unfailing love unfold as such a hapless child is led step by step into the loving arms of God's family by children, animals, neighbors, & even the elements of nature. For all of us who felt abandoned in our youth, this little book shows us where to find the love we thought was missing. You too will be able to declare: "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, make of heaven and earth."

[Amy Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! The language and illustrations are simply enchanting and will delight readers of all ages. But the message is eternal...pointing us to Jesus Christ. Cannot wait for the rest of this series! Bravo, Katie! ♥️

[Jamie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that helps explain the creed

[Eliza Rockhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all of the reviews I have read for this book, one word is always used, and that one word is really all that needs to be said about this book. It's simple and true. This word, of course, is "beautiful". The story is beautiful. The writing style is beautiful. The characters are beautiful. This one word can be used to describe anything throughout this entire book.
I loved the way the catechism is used throughout the book, and various bible stories are told (mainly by a young girl named Mercy). This book is the perfect story for young children, besides just the overall enjoyment of a wholesome story, they will also get the chance to learn the catechism, and some basic bible stories.
This story shows off Mrs. Schuermann's writing skills in the best way. She can write different books for all ages, while incorporating the Gospel into it.
Thank you for this wonderful read! I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Christine Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher in a classical Lutheran school, I have been begging for this book and a hundred more like it for years and years. It's beautiful and true and oh, so good!

It is steeped in a strong, American tradition of lyrical storytelling and tall tales, in a fiction that is true and a truth that is stranger than fiction. The Biblical allusions are woven in masterfully, and in a way that draws in a child's heart. Add beautiful illustrations and stir all of that together, and you are left with a beautiful understanding of who God the Father is and how much He loves us, His children.

This is a must-read for every Christian home.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story, Katie's writing is lovely and poetic. The kids really grasped the concepts demonstrated by the story, and cared about the characters. I loved the ties to Whistle Grove, which is my favorite book to date by this wonderful author!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this. I couldn’t put it down! Such a wonderful story and a great book to read with a family.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ten-year-old’s teacher read this book to them in class and he immediately brought it home and told me I HAD to read it, that it was sad, but soooo good. He was right. It was a beautiful book that honestly looks at how God takes care of his children even through unspeakable suffering.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Schuermann has done it again! She's shared her God-given gift of storytelling with us to illustrate His Truths; this time for little readers. God richly and daily provides us with all that we need, and this story will help readers of all ages consider how God goes about doing that. This book will be a wonderful addition to your family and church libraries. I can't wait for the next installment!

[Briee Roehrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely beautiful. I wasn’t sure entirely what to expect having never read a book from this author, and now I’m greatly anticipating the rest of this series! Bravo Katie! For a beautifully written children’s book showing us the love of our Father and how all good things come from Him.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional book! To God be the Glory indeed for this delightful story of a child who might have been lost but for the kind hands, hearts, and homes of strangers. The overarching theme, that God cares for all of his children, is told in song filled language and is reinforced through the author’s beautiful imagery. It reminds me of the poem, “The world is filled with the grandeur of God” by Gerard Manly Hopkins only in story form.

[Amanda Winkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a children’s book. Absolutely loved it and immediately passed it on to my 11 year old to read and discuss.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

All children should be so blessed as to have a Mrs. Schuermann in their lives. How wonderful that, now she is writing books at middle grade level, they can!

If you take the word count of THE BIG FATHER AND HIS LITTLE BOY and tripled it, you might approach the number of intentional, thoughtful decisions that went into the writing of this book. One more word count, and you might approach the amount of thought that went into the illustrations, publishing, and marketing of this remarkable volume.

I just really love so much about this work, it's hard to pick highlights. It's a retelling of my favorite Bible story from when I was a kid. It's an American tall tale told in the fantasmic tradition of George MacDonald. It's a beautiful and moving meditation on the first article of the Apostle's Creed. It's a book for Right Now that does not get caught up in whatever has everyone's attention right now. It made me think of Oliver Twist. It also scandalized one of the grandparents (you will just have to trust me when I say this is a ringing endorsement).

We read this aloud as a family, and it really does sound good out loud. The prose has song-like, poetic qualities. The story sparked many good and interesting conversations among the children who could understand what they were hearing, but even the babies and the special needs child enjoyed listening.

[Madelyn Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a wholesome, didactic, engaging story for your children or you with your children to read, The Big Father and His Little Boy is the book for you.

https://madelynrosecraig.com/2024/09/...