Somewhere in the depths of my parents’ basement is a book of parables retold, and its scenes and moments come to my mind in vivid ways when I least expect it. I don’t think the author would dare to say that he improved the word of God, but he (or she, the name escapes me at the moment) certainly gives a new life to them through the elegant retellings. Yes, they are all easily recognizable as the ones Christ tells in the Gospels, but now the characters have names, and the locations are more defined. Some conversation is added and maybe a tiny backstory — and I loved them all. So imagine my delight when I found a new book of biblical narratives, also retold, this time woven into a tapestry of fairy tale and lore.
Retelling biblical stories is nothing new, but Rose John Sheffler, in her book Past Watchful Dragons, presents age-old tales in an imaginative manner. Word on Fire’s Votive Imprint, which focuses on children’s books, has been on a roll recently, turning out beautiful picture books, cookbooks, and fantasy tales. Past Watchful Dragons is one of these newer publications, and after spying it on a friend’s coffee table, I knew I needed a closer look.
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