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Benjamin Buys Time
This book is a great prayer starter to read at bedtime. It begins with humorous mishaps that teach Benjamin about being thankful. The rhyming story is fun for parents to read to young children or for young readers to enjoy as they read independently.
Benjamin wants to do things his way. He doesn't want to go shopping with his mom or do any chores. One day, he encounters his wise, old neighbor who tells Benjamin he will sell Benjamin time to do whatever he wants. For just a dime, Benjamin can go play, go fish, or do whatever he wants to do. Benjamin gives up his last dime to do whatever he wants but when his wishes are granted, does it turn out as Benjamin expected?
Benjamin wants to do things his way. He doesn't want to go shopping with his mom or do any chores. One day, he encounters his wise, old neighbor who tells Benjamin he will sell Benjamin time to do whatever he wants. For just a dime, Benjamin can go play, go fish, or do whatever he wants to do. Benjamin gives up his last dime to do whatever he wants but when his wishes are granted, does it turn out as Benjamin expected?
34 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 19, 2022
If you've read Terry's work, you understand her ability to bring words to life on the page. Now she's added pictures! This sweet story is one I'll read more than once to my grandchildren. It is lyrical and engaging while packing a powerful reminder of the consequences of getting your way.
August 3, 2022
Loved this story and Plan to read it tote youth group at my church the book is very inspiring and sends a strong message.
June 3, 2022
“Benjamin Buys Time” by Terry Overton is the children’s adaptation of the moral: love and joy can’t be bought, they should be recognized and enjoyed when they happen.
Benjamin is a small boy outside playing his games when his mother shows up to ruin his fun and force him to stop everything that means anything to him! At least this is how Benjamin sees it, but in actuality, his mother tells him that, for the time being, it is time to end his playing so she can go to the grocery store. To say Benjamin is unhappy is an understatement; he throws a fit, but on his way home he meets up with his “wise old neighbor” with a suggestion for Benjamin that is intriguing – pay him any amount of money, and he’ll transport Benjamin to a place and situation of his choosing; he’ll gladly send him to his next choice if he isn’t happy in his current location.
How can Benjamin pass this up?! This is the chance to be and do what he wants instead of having to listen to his mom and her selfish wants! It takes some time, but not too long before he realizes that what he thought he wanted to be doing maybe isn’t the best thing, and he realizes he misses those closest to him when he’s on his own too much. To end his eventful day, Benjamin recognizes the source of all of his (and everyone’s) happiness and gives a big “thank you” to the one responsible.
I read “Benjamin Buys Time” with my eight-year-old daughter and loved that there are multiple positive things mentioned in the story. The moral of the story was clear to me, so I asked my daughter if she understood. She responded with a correct synopsis of the story and said that love and joy can’t be bought, but needed to be explained the underlying lesson that Benjamin would be showing love to his mother by obeying her, and showing and living joy by doing her wishes in a positive and joyful manner. I am a fan of the multiple messages throughout the story and would recommend re-reading this book multiple times because of its important and relatable content.
“Benjamin Buys Time” by Terry Overton will appeal to readers who merely enjoy sitting down with stories, Christians, and those who want magic, as well.
Benjamin is a small boy outside playing his games when his mother shows up to ruin his fun and force him to stop everything that means anything to him! At least this is how Benjamin sees it, but in actuality, his mother tells him that, for the time being, it is time to end his playing so she can go to the grocery store. To say Benjamin is unhappy is an understatement; he throws a fit, but on his way home he meets up with his “wise old neighbor” with a suggestion for Benjamin that is intriguing – pay him any amount of money, and he’ll transport Benjamin to a place and situation of his choosing; he’ll gladly send him to his next choice if he isn’t happy in his current location.
How can Benjamin pass this up?! This is the chance to be and do what he wants instead of having to listen to his mom and her selfish wants! It takes some time, but not too long before he realizes that what he thought he wanted to be doing maybe isn’t the best thing, and he realizes he misses those closest to him when he’s on his own too much. To end his eventful day, Benjamin recognizes the source of all of his (and everyone’s) happiness and gives a big “thank you” to the one responsible.
I read “Benjamin Buys Time” with my eight-year-old daughter and loved that there are multiple positive things mentioned in the story. The moral of the story was clear to me, so I asked my daughter if she understood. She responded with a correct synopsis of the story and said that love and joy can’t be bought, but needed to be explained the underlying lesson that Benjamin would be showing love to his mother by obeying her, and showing and living joy by doing her wishes in a positive and joyful manner. I am a fan of the multiple messages throughout the story and would recommend re-reading this book multiple times because of its important and relatable content.
“Benjamin Buys Time” by Terry Overton will appeal to readers who merely enjoy sitting down with stories, Christians, and those who want magic, as well.
December 9, 2022
I rate this book a "5" for the story and a "4" for the pictures. My grandson's name is Benjamin so I can see us reading this book many times! It's the story (in rhyme) of spending time with those who are important to you! I enjoyed reading it.
December 21, 2022
I bought this book for a couple grand nephews and liked it so much I bought another copy for my other two grand nephews. Terry is such a good author. This book teaches a valuable lesson about getting your own way. I highly recommend this.
August 6, 2022
A quick read as it is a children's book. It says we should be grateful for what we have.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews