'Possums and the Empty Tomb

Picture Book Apologetics with James and Ruth #3

by J.D. Camorlinga

While James and Ruth are playing outside, they meet a trio of 'possums that challenge their belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Join them as they think carefully about what they believe and why they believe it as they defend what they know to be true.

This colorful story will encourage deep conversations, help you equip your children with faith-strengthening tools, and embolden them to defend their Christian beliefs from an early age.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Possums voice typical objections to Jesus resurrection. In this story, the children are ready with answers. They are good models of thoughtful replies. The use of an animal as an antagonist helps avoid human stereotypes, and takes a little pressure out of the situation for young children. That's the age group this series is designed for. Adults will benefit, too. Our family enjoyed it.

[Rachel Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Ruth are outside playing when they are challenged by three ‘possums about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Follow along as they listen to common arguments against the resurrection and see how they respond with boldness and grace to prove this historical event in ‘Possums and the Empty Tomb by J.D. Camorlinga.

“Do you think Jesus’ tomb looked like this big rock?” James asked Ruth, after they discovered a big hollowed out rock. Suddenly ‘possums’ appeared out of the rock, and they wanted to know who Jesus was. After James and Ruth explain His death and resurrection, the ‘possums are not convinced. “What if the disciples just stole Jesus’ body… Maybe Jesus’ friends went to the wrong tomb… Maybe He pretended He was dead…” the three ‘possums argue. From the soldiers guarding the tomb to the location of the tomb not being a secret, James and Ruth answer in kindness, grace, and love to every question.

The authors note points out that the Christian faith is a historical faith that is rooted upon the historical event of Jesus being raised from the dead. If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). This book teaches kids, and even adults, how to respond to disputes accurately and courageously. Prepare your children now, so that they will know what to say when they are inevitably attacked by “possums.”

This book is fantastic and theologically sound in showing children how to walk in their faith. The story is short and simple, yet it packs in so much wonderful information. James and Ruth successfully convince the ‘possums of the resurrection because they are patient with them, kind to them, and take the time to thoroughly answer them without ever undermining their questions. I highly recommend adding this thought-provoking story from Picture Book Apologetics to your Easter baskets, so that your kids can learn not only about the resurrection, but how to boldly defend it!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book apologetics with James and Ruth, the two siblings meet some possums that question the validity of the empty tomb of Jesus. Was it a lie? Was it the wrong tomb? Was it really empty?

This is a good book to address these questions with some really logical answers. A good read for Easter.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique among the world's religions is the Resurrection of Jesus, as it is a real event in the real world in real history that can be really investigated. Camorlinga tackles one of the key points of the cumulative case for the Resurrection with this address of the empty tomb. This is a must read for the youngest minds.