Children's Book Review Spotlight: Marcus and the Emperor's Coin

 

Book Title:  Marcus and the Emperor's Coin (In God We Trust Series) by Dennis Conrad 
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  52 pages
Genre:  Christian Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date:   October 30, 2023
Content Rating:  G. This book is for children. There are three Bible verses. It has no bad language. May God get the glory for all those who read and whose hearts are changed by reading the book.

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About the Book

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Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the Ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the Emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus finds himself making a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.

Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?

 

 

My Review

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Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin Offers Many Lessons for Readers. This short book contains various lessons and discussion opportunities for young readers and parents or caregivers. From learning about coins, the coin-making process, history, and geography to life lessons about unconditional love, mistakes, purpose, confidence and courage to lessons in Faith, Scripture and serving God--this little book holds so much for Christian readers! While set in another time and place, the story is easy to read and relatable for little readers and grown-ups alike! There is an educational section of the book dedicated to the Scripture introduced and learning more about some of the terms and information included, as well as some extra resources to further engagement.

 

The Text and Illustrations Combine for an Engaging Story.  The simple illustrations highlight the characters' emotions and simplify the points for young readers and listeners.  While some of the storyline is quite serious as Marcus encounters some dangers and mishaps, the book is created in a way that offers something for readers of all ages.  Whether it's a silly look at Marcus' sore thumb when he banged it while learning to make coins--or a pondering look at the night sky while reflecting on God's message--the book engages readers on many levels from start to finish.

 

Would I Recommend Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin? This book is a wonderful little story to share life lessons and Christian messages with young readers. While the book could be read and enjoyed by an independent reader, many subtle messages make it perfect as a family storytime read or read-along. This book is great for families seeking to make learning something new, like coin collecting or Roman history, a little more entertaining.  I would definitely recommend this book for families with multiple children as the messages are relatable and adaptable for various ages.  

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Also Enjoy The First Book in This Series:

Book Title:  Marcus and the Emperor's Coin (In God We Trust Series) by Dennis Conrad 
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  52 pages
Genre:  Christian Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date:   September, 2022
Content Rating:  G. This book is for children. There are Bible verses. There is no offensive language.

 

About the Book

 Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

 

Buy the Book

Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

 

Meet the Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.

Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads​

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