The Knight’s Map by R.C. Sproul with illustrations by Richard Lawnes, and published by Ligonier Ministries (2016) is a beautifully illustrated children’s storybook. It opens with a letter to parents explaining the purpose and inspiration for the story. The author suggests ways parents can enrich the reading experience. He quotes Matthew 13:45-46, which compares the kingdom of God to a pearl of great price. The story is an allegory based on the parables of Jesus.

A boy tells his father how kids at school are teasing him for reading the Bible, calling it an old book full of made-up stories. His father says that Grandpa may have an answer to that.

That evening, Grandpa gathers the grandchildren around him. He tells them about a knight named Sir Charles who wonders if the Great King that people talk about is real or just a story. One day, the knight receives a letter signed by the Great King, with a map inside. The map promises a wonderful treasure. Sir Charles is not sure if this is true, but finally decides to take a journey to find out.

The map is hard for him to read. He meets Mr. Skeptic, Mr. Idol Maker, and others, who confuse him. He gets lost. He almost gives up his quest. Then Mr. Pilgrim points him to the Lamp Maker, who says he made Sir Charles’ map. He explains the history of the Great King and his Son. After this, the knight understands the map better and is able to follow it more carefully.

On a mountainside, Sir Charles meets the Prince, the Son of the Great King. The Prince takes the knight to stay forever in the Great King’s kingdom. Sir Charles is full of joy.

Grandpa explains to the children that the knight’s map is a picture of the Bible. He says that they must learn to trust it as Sir Charles learned to trust his map as a guide for his life’s journey.

In the back of the book, the author explores the meaning of the story through questions and answers. He lists Bible verses to support each point.

This book would be good to read aloud to children or to give as a gift. It is 37 pages long. On opening it, the reader usually finds a picture on one side and text on the facing page. The story font size is large enough to be easily read. (The note to parents and the questions and answers are in a smaller font.) It is designed for children, ages 8-12. You can find it on Amazon.

Donna Fujimoto’s children love to read. She is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary. Her collection of short stories, 9 Slightly Strange Stories with an Uplifting Edge  is available as an e-book at Amazon.