Blotch: A Tale of Forgiveness and Grace

by Andy Addis, Tatio Viana (Illustrations)

Blotch is a boy who lives in a kingdom where everyone has blotches on their skin. Each time a person is mean or does something wrong, another spot appears. Hoping to find someone who knows how to get rid of the spots, Blotch strikes out on a journey. At the first village he meets the Hiders, who merely cover their spots. Next, the Pretenders simply deny they even have spots. A third village is full of the Blamers, who constantly fight and blame each other for their rapidly multiplying stains. Fearful and frustrated, Blotch finally meets a kind stranger who has the solution for removing the spots permanently. But an elated Blotch is shocked to find out that the humble stranger is actually the King, and the solution requires that the King take the spots on Himself—a sacrifice that will change Blotch and his family forever.

Much like Jesus' use of parables to help His listeners understand and remember spiritual lessons,  Blotch  is a parable that helps kids grasp the concepts of sin, salvation, and redemption in a way that is memorable and engaging. Each chapter includes a parent/child discussion guide that would also work well in small groups or classrooms. A simple story with an accessible message, Blotch is an excellent vehicle to teach kids about the Gospel.
 

64 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2016

Reviews

[Tres Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my preschoolers (simplifying the questions a bit for their age)! It helped them to better grasp the concepts of sin and redemption through our King!

[Tom Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables often teach us better than any other form of communications. Jesus used them effectively in His ministry. Andy Addis has found a profound way of taking the gospel message and sharing it in a simple way which touches the depth of our hearts. Every person on earth is looking for a way to overcome the blotches(sin) which we all have. Every parent wants to help their children understand the issue of sin, it profound effects on our lives, and how to overcome this human curse. Addis shares Biblical truth in such a way that children of all ages, from eight to eighty-eight, can understanding it. This is a book that each parent will want to read for themselves. Then they will want to read it with their children. Churches would do well to consider giving this to each family in their church as their children reach the “age of accountability.” Addis has provided us with a tremendous tool and an invaluable gift which we can now use to share God’s truth in a new way with those we love. #blotchparable

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A fine allegory, in many ways akin to John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, following the journey of a child named Blotch as he seeks the answer to how his stains can be removed. He encounters three groups of people who give him false answers before he finally meets the King, who is the only one to take away his stains. Obviously, there are many biblical parallels. There is a slight Arminian flavor toward the end of the book when the King tells Blotch, “I’ve waited for you to understand that the stains were yours, that you needed someone else to clean them for you.” (46) A parent discussion guide is included in the back of the book.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this story to our kiddos, who are teen and preteen, and who have read similar stories like this, but yet they still liked it. It was part of the Summer Reading Program through Lifeway, and not easy to get a hold of but our library actually ended up purchasing it, so now it'll be on the shelf for others to read and understand how God forgives each of us through Jesus's sacrifice, if only we will believe and trust in Him and ask for and accept His forgiveness and gift of salvation.

[Emily McIllwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illustrates sin and human behavior in a way that children (and adults!) truly get it! I read it with my oldest several years ago and then read it again with my 3rd grader last night and it was unforgettable for all of us. For a book to be so moving, so thought-provoking for all ages is an extraordinary feat. It is for everyone: young, old, whether you are a new believer, a Christian with decades of church experience, or a non-believer! This book is simply a TREASURE.

[Karis Ens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Blotch: A Tale of Forgiveness and Grace" was written by Andy Addis and illustrated by Tatio Viana. It's a beautiful story about a young boy in search of how to remove the stains of his sins from his body.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that both kids and adults could benefit from. I loved the artwork too.

[Patrice Doten · Rating 3 out of 5]

More showing and less telling would’ve kicked this one up from 3 stars to 5, because it’s an engaging premise with a sweet protagonist and a great message.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the story & doing the discussions/visuals with my 4 kids! So good 😊💜

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Explains salvation in simple, easy to understand language.

[Tami Hungerford · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone who came to the King found healing. Their stains were finally gone.”

Such an amazing book!! There’s also a really good chapter by chapter discussion guide in the book too.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this children's book. It's a hardback chapter book about a young boy named Blotch. He lives in a small village in the kingdom. The book begins with Blotch sitting by the water pondering as he does every day. How can he get rid of his spots. You see he is covered with marks and blemishes that multiply daily based on his actions. Each wrong thing adds a stain. He really wants to get rid of his spots but doesn't know how.

After receiving permission from his father to go on a journey in search of an answer he starts out for the next village. Sadly, in the villages, he finds only concealers, pretenders, and pointers. But no one to help. Tired and discouraged he begins to cry. In that place he is found by a man who has all the answers.

It is difficult to brag on this book without revealing too much. Obviously, if you're a Christian, you will figure out who this man is. This story is a wonderful way to introduce children to the Savior. It also helps them understand sin, that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Each chapter, five in all, is a part of his journey - from recognizing sin and meeting other sinners to finding a Savior, then sharing with others. The back of the book contains discussion questions for each chapter. This is a great help for parents looking to introduce their child to Christ, or teachers looking for another way to share the plan of salvation with their class.

I was blessed with this book by B&H Publishing and Lifeway in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a positive review.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book to teach your children about sin and their need for a Savior. Blotch is a book that will take your family on a journey of discovery — how do we get the blotches that mar our lives and what can we do to clean them up? I loved each chapter as title character Blotch finds people with the same blotches on their skin and the many ways they either hid them or ignored them or blamed others for them. At the end of his journey Blotch discovers that only the king could remove his stains. And what a great picture of our King as He removes our sins and takes them on Himself! Blotch includes a chapter by chapter guide for parents, including object lessons and discussion questions. I wish I had had this book when my kids were growing up! It is a fun and clear picture of our falling short of the mark and God’s provision through His mercy and grace.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: families.

(Thanks to B&H for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)