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The Lightlings
In The Lightlings , Dr. R.C. Sproul weaves an allegorical tale that captures the essence of the biblical story of redemption in a manner that will fascinate and delight children. A race of tiny beings known as lightlings are a picture of humanity as they pass through all the stages of the biblical drama – creation, fall, and redemption. In the end, children will understand why some people fear light more than darkness, but why they need never fear darkness again. The Lightlings is an excellent introduction to the key themes of Scripture. Richly detailed illustrations by Justin Gerard will hold children’s interest, and discussion questions with Scripture references in the back will help parents guide children into the deeper meaning of the story.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2006
19 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,982 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 31, 2022
5 Stars ✨
“You see Charlie, we’re afraid of the dark because we were made to live in the light.”
*Audio version read by the author*
What a unique children’s book about the story of creation and what it means to live in the light. Charlie doesn’t understand why he’s afraid of the dark, so good ole grandpa tells him a whimsical story of the fall, the King of Light and redemption that ultimately comes through Jesus. What a simple profound truth told in a powerful way. This type of book is what makes me love stories because of the impact they can have on a person. Now I need a physical copy of it for our homeschool library! Such a great allegorical tale for all ages and people. Highly Recommend ❣️
“You see Charlie, we’re afraid of the dark because we were made to live in the light.”
*Audio version read by the author*
What a unique children’s book about the story of creation and what it means to live in the light. Charlie doesn’t understand why he’s afraid of the dark, so good ole grandpa tells him a whimsical story of the fall, the King of Light and redemption that ultimately comes through Jesus. What a simple profound truth told in a powerful way. This type of book is what makes me love stories because of the impact they can have on a person. Now I need a physical copy of it for our homeschool library! Such a great allegorical tale for all ages and people. Highly Recommend ❣️
May 24, 2020
this is a not so subtle allegory of people falling to sin and Jesus rescuing them.
I haven't read this book in a long, long time and I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much if I read it now but I just remember that was (one of) the first times I really started getting enthralled by reading
basicaly, this book is okay... it's the nostalgia that earned the four stars
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I haven't read this book in a long, long time and I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much if I read it now but I just remember that was (one of) the first times I really started getting enthralled by reading
basicaly, this book is okay... it's the nostalgia that earned the four stars
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Want to read
August 31, 2022Beautiful illustrations for an equally beautiful allegory.
November 13, 2024
A beautiful children's book that presents the gospel and our need for a savior!
February 2, 2023
Every now and then I enjoy pulling out some good old childhood picture books and revisit the past for a bit. 😉 This is one of my favorites that reminds us of Jesus being the light of the world! This books shares that message in a way that should be comprehensible for kiddos and even has discussion questions at the end. Plus the beautiful illustrations should be entertaining for them as well! And even if you don’t have any youngsters around, go ahead and read it for yourself! I think you’ll find the way R.C. Sproul shares the story very enlightening! 😊
June 29, 2022
Loved the story, but the illustrations were a little dark and hard to see the details, at least for my bad eyesight!
December 25, 2020
An allegory about children of light who disobey the King of Light, Who sends His Son to bring the people back to the light. A friend from college illustrated the book, and his illustrations make the book almost worthy of 5 stars.
Bought the audiobook and listened to it on Easter Sunday 2017. I read this to Kate's 3rd grade class on Nov. 22, 2019. Listened to audio on Dec. 24, 2020.
Bought the audiobook and listened to it on Easter Sunday 2017. I read this to Kate's 3rd grade class on Nov. 22, 2019. Listened to audio on Dec. 24, 2020.
January 20, 2019
Another lovely allegory by R.C. Sproul of the fall and saving of those who were made to live in the Light and are saved by the Light of the world!
February 14, 2013
The Lightlings is an allegory of God's redemption of man told for kids. But is it ever possible for a story on this theme to be um... boring? Is that sacrilegious to say? Don't get me wrong. This story covers all the bases theologically: creation, fall, redemption. But as I'm reading it, I keep wishing for more depth.
And I argue with myself. The lush illustrations are absolutely drool-worthy. Mystical woodland creatures flit across every page. The lighting is dramatic; the setting is enchanting. And yet, if you'll excuse a little allegory of my own, The Lightlings is perhaps an example of why movie-making giant Pixar touts the motto "Story is king." Pixar mastered the art of computer generated animation to wow us all on the big screen. But they also don't release a film until they have a story that equals or exceeds the caliber of illustration they are offering.
I shudder to think that I could critique the biblical story of redemption. As it unfolds through the whole of the Bible, it is undoubtedly the richest, most beautiful story imaginable. So why do I struggle to find satisfying richness in The Lightlings--a story that purports to mirror the very same plot as the Bible's greatest story? I think it has to do with the fact that it is too two-dimensional. It follows the letter of the story, but doesn't fully capture its spirit.
I received The Lightlings free from the publisher as compensation for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
And I argue with myself. The lush illustrations are absolutely drool-worthy. Mystical woodland creatures flit across every page. The lighting is dramatic; the setting is enchanting. And yet, if you'll excuse a little allegory of my own, The Lightlings is perhaps an example of why movie-making giant Pixar touts the motto "Story is king." Pixar mastered the art of computer generated animation to wow us all on the big screen. But they also don't release a film until they have a story that equals or exceeds the caliber of illustration they are offering.
I shudder to think that I could critique the biblical story of redemption. As it unfolds through the whole of the Bible, it is undoubtedly the richest, most beautiful story imaginable. So why do I struggle to find satisfying richness in The Lightlings--a story that purports to mirror the very same plot as the Bible's greatest story? I think it has to do with the fact that it is too two-dimensional. It follows the letter of the story, but doesn't fully capture its spirit.
I received The Lightlings free from the publisher as compensation for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
--Jen
December 24, 2018
It has been over a year since RC Sproul passed away and reading this book to my kids made me missed him. While I read this books to my kids twelve years after this book was first written it is still as relevant as ever; that’s because this work is based upon Christian truth about the Gospel, with the theme of creation, fall and redemption told in the form of an allegory. I would say this work is a classic.
The story begins with a little girl telling her grandpa being told by his grandson that he’s afraid of the dark. This turns into a teachable moment in which the grandfather tells a story. That story is an allegory involving beings called “lightlings.” In this story we learn people are not only afraid of the darkness but they are also afraid of the light. Lightlings here in the book became afraid of their maker. There’s an analogy of Jesus Christ here along with the incarnation.
The artwork for this book is beautiful and well done. My children enjoyed it. I recommend it.
The story begins with a little girl telling her grandpa being told by his grandson that he’s afraid of the dark. This turns into a teachable moment in which the grandfather tells a story. That story is an allegory involving beings called “lightlings.” In this story we learn people are not only afraid of the darkness but they are also afraid of the light. Lightlings here in the book became afraid of their maker. There’s an analogy of Jesus Christ here along with the incarnation.
The artwork for this book is beautiful and well done. My children enjoyed it. I recommend it.
November 13, 2022
There are plenty of kids books based on Christian allegories that are great. The Narnia books, Tomie dePaola’s The Clown of God, and lots more.
This is not one of them.
My kid picked it up out of interest in the art, and it was very disappointing to find it based on such hackneyed and frankly boring writing, built around a frame story that doesn’t even make sense. This is not a story, but a Christian tract masquerading as a picture book.
This is not one of them.
My kid picked it up out of interest in the art, and it was very disappointing to find it based on such hackneyed and frankly boring writing, built around a frame story that doesn’t even make sense. This is not a story, but a Christian tract masquerading as a picture book.
December 20, 2024
"Every time you see the sun, the moon, or the stars, or light a candle, or turn on your night light, remember the story of the child the King of Light brought into the darkness of this world. And remember that He gave us this baby as a present. As long as you remember that, you will never, ever have to be afraid of the darkness again.”
April 5, 2024
I think from this book the king of light is God and we are the lightlings we flee to the shadows and our soul fills with darkness and fear and the baby is Jesus. I like this book because it represents the Gospel.
December 12, 2021
A treasure! Very unique.
March 12, 2024
What a fun adaptation of the greatest story ever told!
August 13, 2025
BEST BOOK EVER
July 3, 2023
Uma estória curta fazendo analogia da criação do homem por Deus, o distanciamento que tivemos devido ao pecado e a nossa redenção através de Cristo. É perfeito para ler com as crianças e ensiná-los mais sobre a nossa fé. Adorei!
February 5, 2010
The Lightlings is both adorable and a wonderful, allegorical story about Creation, the Fall, and Man's redemption in and through our Heavenly Father. An easy read, The Lightlings, is a great night-time or any time story to share with young children or even for older children to read for themselves.
What impress me about ,The Lightlings, is the beautiful drawn illustrations by Justin Gerard not only captures the world of ,The Lightlings, but it also will capture the eyes and imaginations of your children. With discussion questions and Scripture references in the back,The Lightlings, with innovative use, can be use as well, as either a self contained Unit Study by the homeschooling mom, or a great introduction to understanding about our Father's Creation, Man's Fall, and our redemption through Jesus Christ.
In addition to the book, there is not only an audio, but also a dvd, that I'm looking forward in eventual getting for the kids, said to have capture both the beautiful illustrations and the world created by Dr. R.C. Sproul
What capture my eyes, while reviewing the book, is just the parchment look of the papers in the book, and the elegant type used to print the story in. There is just a very classical, ageless look to the book as a whole that promises to be a well bought edition for any library.
What impress me about ,The Lightlings, is the beautiful drawn illustrations by Justin Gerard not only captures the world of ,The Lightlings, but it also will capture the eyes and imaginations of your children. With discussion questions and Scripture references in the back,The Lightlings, with innovative use, can be use as well, as either a self contained Unit Study by the homeschooling mom, or a great introduction to understanding about our Father's Creation, Man's Fall, and our redemption through Jesus Christ.
In addition to the book, there is not only an audio, but also a dvd, that I'm looking forward in eventual getting for the kids, said to have capture both the beautiful illustrations and the world created by Dr. R.C. Sproul
What capture my eyes, while reviewing the book, is just the parchment look of the papers in the book, and the elegant type used to print the story in. There is just a very classical, ageless look to the book as a whole that promises to be a well bought edition for any library.
January 10, 2017
I loved this book! But it's RC Sproul, so that's no surprise. What I loved was the allegory and the dip into fantasy. The illustrations were gorgeous and a bit whimsical. While it may my be the most 100% accurate allegory (parts fail a bit) it is still a lovely story that starts conversations about the gospel.
June 24, 2020
For my Calvin, Christmas 2010
2/3/19 - Read to my Pre-school Sunday School Class. They loved it!
2/3/19 - Read to my Pre-school Sunday School Class. They loved it!
September 25, 2025
This picture book helps children to understand sin and the fall. It focuses on light as an allegory for knowing God and His truth. The illustrations are evocative and add to the story. Because there is not much character development the story is not scary for young children. This works well for a unit on Genesis, or, because the light king sends his son to bring light to the lost lightlings, it even works as a Christmas book.
The book opens with a child wondering why we are afraid of the dark. His grandfather then answers him by telling a made up story that serves as an allegory for creation, fall, and the birth of Christ. The allegorical humans are little light "fairies" who live in a forest.
For kids who are too young for exciting fantasy allegories such as CS Lewis, books like this can serve a somewhat similar purpose. It is neat to reflect on truths of the gospel through the lens of an allegory. The allegory is very straightforward, making it easy for younger kids to grasp. The illustrations help the story come to life.
Note, there is minimal character development, so it is not like a fantasy novel that is gripping and draws the reader in.
Age: 3-8
30 pages (There are also three bonus pages at the back with guided questions and scripture answers.)
For more reviews like this one, visit my website and Instagram where I list and review resources to equip families to explore God's Word together. | https://homebibleschoolonl.wixsite.co... | @homebibleschool
The book opens with a child wondering why we are afraid of the dark. His grandfather then answers him by telling a made up story that serves as an allegory for creation, fall, and the birth of Christ. The allegorical humans are little light "fairies" who live in a forest.
For kids who are too young for exciting fantasy allegories such as CS Lewis, books like this can serve a somewhat similar purpose. It is neat to reflect on truths of the gospel through the lens of an allegory. The allegory is very straightforward, making it easy for younger kids to grasp. The illustrations help the story come to life.
Note, there is minimal character development, so it is not like a fantasy novel that is gripping and draws the reader in.
Age: 3-8
30 pages (There are also three bonus pages at the back with guided questions and scripture answers.)
For more reviews like this one, visit my website and Instagram where I list and review resources to equip families to explore God's Word together. | https://homebibleschoolonl.wixsite.co... | @homebibleschool
October 4, 2022
Unfortunately, not nearly as good as I was anticipating: the illustrations are a bit drab and cheaply printed, and the story itself doesn't show much of the luster or imagination one would want from a children's book.
For example, Sproul doesn't describe or reimagine how the Lightlings came to be banished from the Garden of Light; instead, he simply says that they "sinned" and "didn't do what the King wanted them to." Simplistic writing like this doesn't allow children to enter into the story of the creation, fall, and restoration of man, it just teaches them how to employ the usual vocabulary and take this (truly remarkable) story for granted.
Overall, while I've heard better things about some of Sproul's other children's literature and would be willing to give it a try, this book was a woeful example of the impotency of contemporary Christian art, particularly that which is intended for children.
For example, Sproul doesn't describe or reimagine how the Lightlings came to be banished from the Garden of Light; instead, he simply says that they "sinned" and "didn't do what the King wanted them to." Simplistic writing like this doesn't allow children to enter into the story of the creation, fall, and restoration of man, it just teaches them how to employ the usual vocabulary and take this (truly remarkable) story for granted.
Overall, while I've heard better things about some of Sproul's other children's literature and would be willing to give it a try, this book was a woeful example of the impotency of contemporary Christian art, particularly that which is intended for children.
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April 24, 2025Melhores trechos: "...Nós temos medo do escuro, porque fomos criados para viver na luz. Mas, um dia, todos nós que amamos esse filho iremos viver com ele para sempre no céu. Quando formos para a morada do filho, que agora é a luz do mundo, nunca mais haverá escuridão. Não apenas isso, mas também não existirá mais a lua, nem as estrelas, nem mesmo o sol. Não haverá abajur, nem lâmpadas, nem lanternas, nem velas... Toda vez que você vir o sol, a lua, as estrelas, ou acender uma vela, ou ligar seu abajur, lembre-se da história do filho que o rei da luz trouxe para iluminar a escuridão deste mundo. E lembre-se que ele nos deu o seu bebê como presente. Enquanto se lembrar disso, você nunca, nunca mais terá que sentir medo do escuro novamente..."
June 7, 2024
What a stunning work of art by R. C. Sproul in his book The Lightlings. The beauty of the gospel is illuminated through this story when a young boy who asks his grandpa a troubling question about himself and his compassionate grandpa helps his grandson in understanding, yet he also points to the gospel. My children didn’t make a peep the whole way through, glued to every word. For me as an adult, I got a lump in my throat, moved by the contrast of sin and God’s glorious light, in this allegory of what great lengths God would go to in sending His Son in order to bring us back to the light. Wow! So good and powerful!
March 5, 2022
Uma pequena e linda história. Sproul tinha tremenda sensibilidade e conseguia criar estórias cativantes com base nos preceitos bíblicos. Outro destaque são as ilustrações de Justin Gérard, assim como um pequeno questionário de perguntas e respostas para auxiliar os pais na orientação dos pequenos. É realmente magnífico.
December 31, 2017
This is a beautiful and simple Christmas allegory that brings profound truth to a level even our preschoolers can relate to. We read several time this advent season at their request. This will be a Christmas classic in our house.
March 24, 2021
Heart light
A sweet rendering of the story of redemption through Christ told with simple loving language. A wonderful way to have a memorable moment with a little one. An opportunity to start a discussion of God's love and provision for his people.
A sweet rendering of the story of redemption through Christ told with simple loving language. A wonderful way to have a memorable moment with a little one. An opportunity to start a discussion of God's love and provision for his people.
July 18, 2021
Uma singela e curta história sobre crianças em busca da luz, para sair do escuro em que estão. Pode ser lido em qualquer tempo para/pelas crianças, mas recomendo especialmente para o Natal. Vai para a estante de "leituras para meus filhos".
January 22, 2022
Wonderful story illustrating the gift of God’s son Jesus to save the world from darkness.
The story follows the biblical truth in a way a child can understand and relate to. Beautifully drawn images the capture the whimsy of the characters.
The story follows the biblical truth in a way a child can understand and relate to. Beautifully drawn images the capture the whimsy of the characters.
February 13, 2022
This book kept popping up in one of my classic literature groups and people loved it so I ordered it on a whim. It’s a Christian allegory and beautifully illustrated. We liked it and happy to add it to our library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews