John Calvin

Christian Biographies for Young Readers

by Simonetta Carr, Emanuele Taglietti (Illustrator)

In this attractive volume, Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the life, thought, and work of one of the most famous Reformers of the Christian church. She tells about the life of John Calvin from his birth to his death, placing him within the troubled context of the sixteenth century. She also introduces Calvin's writings in a way that children will desire to know more about his ministry and influence. Readers will come to know Calvin's personality, his devotion to God and the church, and the personal challenges he faced. They will understand the struggles the early Reformed church faced at that time, not only surviving attacks of the Roman Catholic Church, but also achieving a clear identity and a unified doctrine. They will also have a glimpse of life in sixteenth-century Europe, stricken by pestilence, poverty, and wars. Simply written, and full of interesting facts, this book makes a great gift for children of this rich Reformed heritage. Table of
Early Studies
A Dangerous Faith
Under God's Mighty Hand
A Church to Pastor, a Family to Father
A Difficult Return
A Steady Course in Adversities
Last Days
Time Line
Did You Know? Series Description The Christian Biographies for Young Readers series introduces children to important people in the Christian tradition. Parents and school teachers alike will welcome the excellent educational value it provides for students, while the quality of the publication and the artwork make each volume a keepsake for generations to come. Furthermore, the books in the series go beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character.

Genres: Biography, History, Childrens, Nonfiction, Church History, Picture Books, Theology

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Simonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she has home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and family. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church.
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)

Reviews

[Jenna Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this for children? Yes. But did I learn a lot? Also yes

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Material fantástico!

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cold January day, in a January full of futility. The earth's vain attempts to bring forth snow burdened the year with disappointments, and our struggles to overcome illness were barely adequate. We were behind. Behind in life, behind in homeschool, and worn out from merely trying to get so far.

And so it was that in our efforts to slowly get back to the elusive "normal" our homeschool endeavor for yesterday was to read this book and create a history card on John Calvin. As we read, we were caught up in the story of the life and challenges of another, freed from the solitary quarantine of illness to travel another time and place.

Carr's simple language makes even the complex aspects of the story palatable; panacea for a somewhat muddled mind emerging from the fog of a five day fever. I did notice that this particular book seems to depend more on illustrations than other installments. I would have liked to see a few more location shots/ artifacts sprinkled in, but this is niggling.

"A Steady Course in Adversaries" was where we heard it. The LORD speaking to us in our weariness, encouraging us in the burden of chronic illness that extends itself beyond the weekly upset of a horrid flu shared among family. Even small, forward progress, can be used by the LORD. Consistent hard work does pile up, over time. I think it was even helpful to the students to know the unique hardships of our family are perhaps, not so unique, but common to the human condition.

To all this, I can confidently add that we learned about the Reformation and Calvin's role in it. Carr's sympathetic portrayal is human, informative, the kind of truth meets soul communication that enriches as well as educates. I highly recommend this book and the series. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I will snuggle in bed for another needed nap.

If you'd like to read the series in chronological order -- or make sure you have each excellent book! -- see the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Goodreads page, here...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...

[Katey Magill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this aloud to the kids over breakfast today. I appreciated the way the author limited the number of characters/ events to create a single storyline running throughout the book. Highlighted Calvin's 1) diligence despite sicknesses and family tragedy 2) willingness to make hard decisions (like the decision to return to Geneva) 3)voluntary poverty 4) desire for anonymity. Great emphases- relate-able for kids! Looking forward to reading more of the series.

Concludes with a challenge to children to find some of Calvin's writing to read for themselves along with a specific recommendation (Joel Beeke's daily devotional edited from Calvin).

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific biography for children of the consolidator of the Protestant Reformation.

[Jeremy Zilkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this introduction to John Calvin, and read it to the family after dinner for about a week. It is a short book that is nicely illustrated. Also, it introduced some important truths for which Calvin is known without overwhelming children with the scholasticism that scares so many people away from John Calvin. After reading this book to the children, I am personally looking forward to reading more about Calvin and from Calvin. Also, the older boys (11) and (10) seemed interested in learning more about Calvin in the future as well.

This series by Simonetta Carr is serving important purposes in the education and training of our children. She is bridging the distance between our children and these highly educated leaders of the faith. We should (in my humble opinion) not be afraid to help our children to aspire to read and think upon "old books" (like those written by Calvin) which have shaped the church as we know it and experience it today, and have encouraged men and women to really THINK on God and to "love the Lord our God with all our MIND..." as well.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated children's biography of John Calvin. The biography is accurate, understandable, and engaging.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an aesthetically pleasing and age-appropriate children’s biography of the Reformer of Geneva, John Calvin. I enjoyed reading it, and my kids love it. One star dropped for a couple of inconsequential statements that lack historical veracity or precision (on p.7 about the pope appointing the Holy Roman Emperor, and on p.63 about Luther singing “many hymns, often to the tune of popular songs”). Neither of these statements are important to the book’s purpose, and I found nothing else objectionable. The quotations which Carr included are judiciously selected and useful. The book is easy to follow, but not so simple that a grade-school child would be bored by it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read! It is a great book for young readers who want to learn about John Calvin, a reformer who served during the reformation. There are many chapters that briefly summarize the events, which is very easy to comprehend. This book will teach you a lot of things about the gospel and the Bible, the true word of God. I rate this book 5 out of 5 because it is great for historical education.

[Private Account · Rating 4 out of 5]

My eight year old thought this book was okay. I thought it was fine as well. I would have appreciated more about what he did that was important. He just sounds like a nice, religious guy who was persecuted.

[Dan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, short, accessible book on John Calvin for children and teens!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to learning about John Calvin for young readers. I like that it gave titles of other books to read more about John Calvin & his writings.

[Darla Damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good biography about John Calvin. I learned so much about his life

[Ashley Finfrock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a nice little introduction for children to John Calvin!

[Kevin L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An edifying easy read on the life of Calvin

[Argin Gerigorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of biographies so I read this with me little cousins. Factual yes and meant for children. Really helpful. Carr puts good pictures in every chapter so children can remember the historic events easier.

My cousins still recollect me reading this book to them and even do the "Calvin-finger-wagging" from the pulpit from time to time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJiaxD...

16 seconds in...

[Stella Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509. John knew that the bible was the only truth. After when John's father died, John came back to Paris and studied the bible. He started preaching until he was at he age to die. Some people named their dogs "John Calvin". John Calvin died on May 27, 1564. Since, I like this book so much I am going to rate it 5/5. I really recommend it to anyone because this book is very interesting to read.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to John Calvin's life and work, for young readers.
Covers not just his theology, but fascinating personal anecdotes.
Highly recommended series!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about John Calvin. Easy to read, kept the kids' attention, good information and pictures.