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The Sower
From creation to final restoration, Scripture paints a vivid picture of God as a gardener—sowing seeds, planting gardens, and bringing life through the power of his word. The Sower introduces this biblical imagery to young readers to help them understand the story of redemptive history and look forward to future reconciliation.
Vibrant illustrations complement the book's lyrical style to engage a child's imagination and display God's cultivating work in creation and in the hearts of his people.
Vibrant illustrations complement the book's lyrical style to engage a child's imagination and display God's cultivating work in creation and in the hearts of his people.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published May 17, 2022
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 24, 2022
The Christian band Wolves at the Gate has a lyric that is a weighty theological reality and prompts much thought:
These words immediately came to mind when I read Stott James new children book, The Sower. This short book uses creative narrative to draw in young readers, making them aware of God’s redemptive purposes. The book begins in eternity past:
The author reveals the creating and sustaining power of the Sower and shows how sin separated the first parents and all of humanity from him. People stopped listening to the Sower and their hearts turned away from him.
Young readers will discover how the Sower pursued his sinful creatures and how he revealed himself in God’s Word and also in human flesh:
To mend broken people, to make them whole again, he took their brokenness and made it his own. He laid himself down, buried like a seed in the ground.
In the end, The Sower paints a beautiful picture about how the Lord Jesus redeems a people for his own possession. The Sower is a tool that parents can use to introduce the Christian worldview to children. But more important, he rivets their attention on Jesus - the Sower, the One who came to set his people free.
Scott James teams up with Stephen Crotts who provides incredible art to accompany this powerful little book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
A bloody tree and empty tomb sends root below for life to bloom.
These words immediately came to mind when I read Stott James new children book, The Sower. This short book uses creative narrative to draw in young readers, making them aware of God’s redemptive purposes. The book begins in eternity past:
Once there was a Voice in the darkness, full of life and life, it was the Voice of the Sower. With a word he sowed seeds, and a garden grew.
The author reveals the creating and sustaining power of the Sower and shows how sin separated the first parents and all of humanity from him. People stopped listening to the Sower and their hearts turned away from him.
Young readers will discover how the Sower pursued his sinful creatures and how he revealed himself in God’s Word and also in human flesh:
To mend broken people, to make them whole again, he took their brokenness and made it his own. He laid himself down, buried like a seed in the ground.
In the end, The Sower paints a beautiful picture about how the Lord Jesus redeems a people for his own possession. The Sower is a tool that parents can use to introduce the Christian worldview to children. But more important, he rivets their attention on Jesus - the Sower, the One who came to set his people free.
Scott James teams up with Stephen Crotts who provides incredible art to accompany this powerful little book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
May 15, 2024
This picture book is so beautiful. Though the words and prints might seem simple at a glance, both become breathtaking with a little thought.
December 30, 2022
Do you like the feel and look of old books which tells a grand truth simply told with beautiful illustrations at every turn of a page? Get this one. Gift this one.
April 12, 2023
A beautiful parable that leads to thoughtful reflection on the biblical narrative. Our newly minted 3yo was picking up what the author was putting down.
May 28, 2022
A beautiful book about how God tends and cares for the little field that is his people. A great choice for kids who love working outside with Mom or Dad in the backyard and garden.
In many ways, this is the children’s edition of Andrew Peterson’s God of the Garden. Different publishers but with the same illustrator (Stephen Crotts) who did cover design for Peterson’s book. Peterson wrote the introduction to The Sower as well, and the themes there are direct appeals to his book.
In many ways, this is the children’s edition of Andrew Peterson’s God of the Garden. Different publishers but with the same illustrator (Stephen Crotts) who did cover design for Peterson’s book. Peterson wrote the introduction to The Sower as well, and the themes there are direct appeals to his book.
June 8, 2022
Are you a gardener? I am. When I saw this beautiful book, The Sower by Scott James, I knew that I had to get a copy.
The Crossway website says this book is aimed at children five to 10 years old. It is 48 pages long and approximately eight inches square in size with a dust jacket. I think the illustrations are beautiful in an artsy sort of way.
Andrew Peterson writes the forward, which I think is beautiful as I can relate to his love of nature and God's creation.
The Sower is an artistic metaphorical book relating God to a Sower. It seems to me that this is a book that one would appreciate more as they got older. I think younger children require some explanation to go along with the book. There is a Bible verse before the book begins and one at the end. If I were reading this book to my son when he was younger, I would have read slowly and taken time to explain some of the meaning, which I think would be made easier by the fact that we actually garden so he knows how that looks in real life. I think The Sower is a beautiful book but it may be a bit deep for younger minds to grasp until they get older without being able to relate it to real life. As the publisher page states it is an introduction to "the grand story of redemption in an artistic way."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Amazon Vine program. All opinions within this review are my own.
The Crossway website says this book is aimed at children five to 10 years old. It is 48 pages long and approximately eight inches square in size with a dust jacket. I think the illustrations are beautiful in an artsy sort of way.
Andrew Peterson writes the forward, which I think is beautiful as I can relate to his love of nature and God's creation.
The Sower is an artistic metaphorical book relating God to a Sower. It seems to me that this is a book that one would appreciate more as they got older. I think younger children require some explanation to go along with the book. There is a Bible verse before the book begins and one at the end. If I were reading this book to my son when he was younger, I would have read slowly and taken time to explain some of the meaning, which I think would be made easier by the fact that we actually garden so he knows how that looks in real life. I think The Sower is a beautiful book but it may be a bit deep for younger minds to grasp until they get older without being able to relate it to real life. As the publisher page states it is an introduction to "the grand story of redemption in an artistic way."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Amazon Vine program. All opinions within this review are my own.
June 21, 2022
How can you help your children see that God not only creates but also cares for his people? In the Sower, Scott James shows children how God affectionately attends his people.
After a short forward by Andrew Peterson, the book begins with a Voice in the darkness, the Voice of the Sower. His word brought life to the world and to people. But as people doubted his words, their hearts grew hard. The Sower’s Word would become flesh to save his people.
Imaginative and Enchanting
This retelling of the gospel story is imaginative and enchanting. With artful illustrations by Stephen Crotts, the book has a minimal yet classic feel. This is Biblical theology made alive. The timeless truths will serve you and your family well as you remember our Maker.
Read this book with your children to teach them the beautiful story of the one who softens the soil of our hearts. Plant gospel seeds of faith in their lives. Pray that they will sprout into salvation and good works. Help your children hear The Voice that gives life and light to those he loves.
I received a media copy of The Sower and this is my honest review.
After a short forward by Andrew Peterson, the book begins with a Voice in the darkness, the Voice of the Sower. His word brought life to the world and to people. But as people doubted his words, their hearts grew hard. The Sower’s Word would become flesh to save his people.
Imaginative and Enchanting
This retelling of the gospel story is imaginative and enchanting. With artful illustrations by Stephen Crotts, the book has a minimal yet classic feel. This is Biblical theology made alive. The timeless truths will serve you and your family well as you remember our Maker.
Read this book with your children to teach them the beautiful story of the one who softens the soil of our hearts. Plant gospel seeds of faith in their lives. Pray that they will sprout into salvation and good works. Help your children hear The Voice that gives life and light to those he loves.
I received a media copy of The Sower and this is my honest review.
March 31, 2024
Enjoyed the story of connecting the sower parable with the whole story of the Bible. I had never thought of it quite in this way.
February 5, 2024
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11
6/25/22 Read with Julia
2/4/24 Read with my preschool class
6/25/22 Read with Julia
2/4/24 Read with my preschool class
May 20, 2022
This picture book combines lyrical text and unique, earthy illustrations to share the gospel story with children. Unlike some books, which focus on simple language and concepts, The Sower takes a metaphorical approach, using imagery from Scripture to write about God as the sower and the gardener who creates and nourishes life, and who rescues his people even after they turn away from Him. The book emphasizes God's love, Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and the way that God tends to His people and creates fruit in their lives.
I enjoyed Scott James's eloquent writing and descriptive language, and the illustrations from Stephen Crotts are unique and detailed, with a natural color palette and distinct style. This book is best for elementary-aged readers and older, due to the metaphorical language and sometimes abstract illustrations, but it could also be a great family read-aloud that includes younger children who will learn to understand it in time. The book will also appeal to many adults who enjoy well-crafted picture books, regardless whether they have children.
I would especially recommend The Sower to Christian children and adults who are so familiar with the gospel that they lose a sense of its wonder. This book's unique approach to the redemptive story and vivid use of metaphors can help readers view the story through a different but deeply biblical lens, encouraging them to see God as a gardener and to connect with the nature metaphors used in Scripture. This book is different from any other Christian picture book I have read, and I appreciate the author's and artist's creative approach.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Scott James's eloquent writing and descriptive language, and the illustrations from Stephen Crotts are unique and detailed, with a natural color palette and distinct style. This book is best for elementary-aged readers and older, due to the metaphorical language and sometimes abstract illustrations, but it could also be a great family read-aloud that includes younger children who will learn to understand it in time. The book will also appeal to many adults who enjoy well-crafted picture books, regardless whether they have children.
I would especially recommend The Sower to Christian children and adults who are so familiar with the gospel that they lose a sense of its wonder. This book's unique approach to the redemptive story and vivid use of metaphors can help readers view the story through a different but deeply biblical lens, encouraging them to see God as a gardener and to connect with the nature metaphors used in Scripture. This book is different from any other Christian picture book I have read, and I appreciate the author's and artist's creative approach.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2024
There is simply no children’s book that has ever tugged at my heart like this. It is a profound glimpse into the Biblical narrative from cover to cover. To be able to see God’s work of creation, to the fall, the love of God in redemption, and the glorious future. I’m truly astonished and very thankful for ‘The Sower’ to read it to by kids - and many times on my own - to bask in the wondrous works of God with such beauty and clarity. I love the detailed illustrations which pulls us in even deeper to ponder what is being said. I love the poetic wording, packed with meaning, able to convey the truth of the gospel to even young readers.
July 1, 2022
"Lovely." - Ruth (3)
"Bababababa." - Katie (1)
They're both a little young for the suggested age, but both enjoyed it. The pictures weren't quite as gripping, but will be ideal for the suggested range (5-10), and by then they can read it themselves as well.
This is a fantastic book. The writing is lyrical and lovely, the art stunning. Production quality is 10/10.
The story is a well told allegory of God's care for his people, outlining salvation history in a simple way that I look forward to using with my kids as they get older.
Highly recommended for all Christian parents.
"Bababababa." - Katie (1)
They're both a little young for the suggested age, but both enjoyed it. The pictures weren't quite as gripping, but will be ideal for the suggested range (5-10), and by then they can read it themselves as well.
This is a fantastic book. The writing is lyrical and lovely, the art stunning. Production quality is 10/10.
The story is a well told allegory of God's care for his people, outlining salvation history in a simple way that I look forward to using with my kids as they get older.
Highly recommended for all Christian parents.
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January 8, 2026As a children’s book, I don’t really love this one. The artwork is very abstract and muted, which my toddler isn’t really interested in. The words are very poetic, as the whole thing is intended to be a poetic, metaphorical telling of the Biblical story. Way too complex for a toddler.
However, I really like it for myself. It’s simple Gospel truth written in a beautiful poetic style that causes you to think and reflect in different ways than a typical telling.
Great book, just not actually great for toddlers…maybe my kids will love it when they’re older
However, I really like it for myself. It’s simple Gospel truth written in a beautiful poetic style that causes you to think and reflect in different ways than a typical telling.
Great book, just not actually great for toddlers…maybe my kids will love it when they’re older
February 26, 2024
This story begins in creation and ends with life renewed in the garden. It beautifully tells the story with God as the divine gardener sewing seeds, speaking new life into the lives and hearts that he tends.
Even now, the Sower calls out with wondrous power,
and the world sings in return.
The garden once lost, is being remade.
One day we will live with him there,
and as we listen to the sound of his Voice,
we will see him face to face.
Even now, the Sower calls out with wondrous power,
and the world sings in return.
The garden once lost, is being remade.
One day we will live with him there,
and as we listen to the sound of his Voice,
we will see him face to face.
June 24, 2024
The Sower is a beautiful book full of truth, written in lovely, lyrical words that come to life. This gospel picture book, full of garden illustrations, helps children to understand and imagine who God is and how God created and cares for His creation. I love that the book takes us from the very beginning to the end, finally pointing readers to our future hope that God, the Sower, will restore His garden once and for all.
November 30, 2024
We are donating this book to our church,nursery, but we let Jack read it first to test the quality for us. Honestly, Jack wasn’t terribly interested in it, except for when I very enthusiastically pointed out leaves and trees. I think the illustrations were a little muted and abstract for his age range, but he did listen while he played and snuggled with Dada and Nana, so that’s good enough for me.
October 20, 2022
Absolutely beautiful printmaking artwork! And they story gives good imagery and language for further discussion about life and God
January 4, 2023
What a beautiful book, painting a picture of the Sower with words; both lyrical and life giving.
December 24, 2023
Loved the imaginative story and the woodblock prints.
March 19, 2024
a biblical theology book but for kids
July 22, 2025
A great keepsake! Love the illustrations and the artist's style. The poetic story is a familiar one based on the story of the Bible.
August 14, 2025
I beautiful way to plant the seed of Gods word in your child’s heart.
October 30, 2023
A wonderful short story about how God is the Sower of good in people and in the world. Growing takes time, but it’s a beautiful gift of what He’s been doing from the beginning of creation, and will continue to do through redemption. A great kids book! I’ll definitely use this for the illustrations in showing others.
September 8, 2023
> tells the overarching biblical story of creation to final restoration
> stunningly beautiful and unique
> With God as the gardener, we have nothing to fear and everything to look forward to
Type: biblical picture book
Ages: 3+
This is one of those children’s books you want to read to yourself every day for the beautiful reminder it brings! Author Andrew Peterson says of it: “The words and pictures in this book tell a true story about the way God is making the world (including us) new.”
If you’re very familiar with the Bible, you’ll hear direct verses coming through the words of the story. It stays true to the Text.
Not only do I recommend owning this book, but it would also make a wonderful gift. From baby showers to birthdays to all days in between, share the joy of this book!
Isaiah 61:11
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.
> stunningly beautiful and unique
> With God as the gardener, we have nothing to fear and everything to look forward to
Type: biblical picture book
Ages: 3+
This is one of those children’s books you want to read to yourself every day for the beautiful reminder it brings! Author Andrew Peterson says of it: “The words and pictures in this book tell a true story about the way God is making the world (including us) new.”
If you’re very familiar with the Bible, you’ll hear direct verses coming through the words of the story. It stays true to the Text.
Not only do I recommend owning this book, but it would also make a wonderful gift. From baby showers to birthdays to all days in between, share the joy of this book!
Isaiah 61:11
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews