Description
Told through simple dog training commands and illustrated in the color spectrum that dogs are able to see, this moving board book shows our Loving-kind God Whose Incarnation is good news for all creatures!
Includes scripture references for all of the stories represented!
Scripture References:
Come Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:2-11
Down Luke 19:1-10
Leave It Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-28
Stand Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56
Beg Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28
Speak Mark 7:31-37; Matthew 15:29-31
Watch Me Matthew 14:22-36
Wait Matthew 26:36-46
Stay Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:25-30
Fetch Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-8
About the Author
Summer Kinard is an author, Orthodox Christian Sunday school director, and mother of five. Her family lives with their dog Doctor Horatio Biscuit in Texas.
About the Illustrator
Kathryn Tussing is an artist, illustrator, mother of four, and Orthodox Christian priest’s wife. She and her family live with their dog April in Oregon.
Book Size: 5.625″ wide by 7.5″ tall
DISCOUNT CODES FOR BULK ORDERS:
At checkout, enter code bookshop at checkout to receive 35% off ten or more copies, and bookclub for 25% five to nine copies.
To order a full case of 60 at a special case discount, email editor@parkendbooks.com
Printed in the U.S.A.
Becky P –
In the past ten years, we’ve been blessed by a number of Orthodox board books being published. Come, Stay, Fetch is a new title that combines vibrant yellows, browns, and blues (the colors a dog can see) and boldly outlined illustrations with the simplest of texts, resulting in a book that’s appealing to both the youngest babies and new solo readers. The words are all simple commands one would give a dog, tied into a moment where that word or phrase ties in to an event in Jesus’s life, and the Scripture references for that event. For example he first is COME, with disciples in the background on their boat, and Jesus in the foreground, gesturing—a reference to “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” A yellow dog (featured on every page) stands between them, thrilled to be there. The cool and warm colors are used fantastically to draw the eye to our Lord, and this sweet little book may be one of the most age-appropriate board books I’ve seen, in terms of both text and attention-drawing illustrations.
Lisette Richardson –
My 18 month old son and I have been reading “Come, Stay, Fetch” for several days now and it has quickly become one of his favorite books (and admittedly, one of mine too – and I was a children’s librarian!). He will stand on his tippy toes and point at the bookshelf and make the sign for “book”. Then I proceed the winnowing ritual until I happen upon the book he wants to read: I hold up a book and after a moment’s pause, he will shake his head ‘no’ until I happen upon the one that he wants. These days, it’s “Come, Stay, Fetch”. I hand him the book when his face breaks out into a bright smile and he tears it from my hand, runs a short distance…. and hides in a corner so he can study the pages on his own time.
“Come, Stay, Fetch” manages to distill profound moments in the Gospel into simple dog commands. A yellow dog anchors us to the story and it is through its eyes that we can get an understanding of the events that took place. The illustrations, as well as the story, are brilliantly done. The colors may seem muted but they were chosen purposely in the color palette that dogs are able to see. Because of this, it makes the halo around Jesus that much more radiant, warming, and calming. The illustrations are striking beyond belief. Though simple, the expressions drawn on the peoples’ faces are complex and filled with emotion. It makes feeling empathetic with the characters so much easier for children. My two favorite scenes are “Stay” and “Fetch”. The first time I read “Stay” to my son, my voice caught in my throat with emotion. So beautifully, beautifully done. “Fetch” made me feel awe-struck and a sense of joy.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. I believe it to be award winner quality tier and a much needed addition to any library anywhere.
K B –
The gospel of Jesus Christ from a dog’s perspective…. brilliant idea! What a fun book! I absolutely loved it! I have already purchased several to give out as gifts because it is such a unique idea that the kids (and adults) will cherish! It is durable and brilliantly colored. It is simple, engaging, and easy to follow because the dog just has one-word commands per scene. Super cute and I hope there is a sequel one day. Maybe a cat? Or a donkey? Again, such a creative & adorable idea.
Helene –
My 20-month-old son loves “Come, Stay, Fetch”. There are times at home when I sense that things are a little too quiet… so I’ll peek around the corner and often find him flipping through this book, locating the dog on each page with an overjoyed pointer finger. The illustrations are wonderful — art with a touch of cartoon, and iconographic enough that my son shouts “church!” as we are reading it together. It took me a while to warm up to it, though. Initially I sat with my son in my lap, the book in my left hand and the phone in my right, scrolling hastily through the New Testament app to find the relevant passages. Predictably, the baby would lose interest every time, fuss or just crawl away. Once I found my sea legs in ad libbing scripture, however, I began to appreciate the book’s use as a springboard for introducing toddlers to the Bible.
Still, I would have loved to have more to read actually printed on the page. Perhaps one key verse, with other verses referenced below. The book’s description is quite clear, but please note that there is only *one* word per page: the command.
Vanessa Diamond –
My children (3.5 and 1.5) have enjoyed this book. My 1.5 year old loves finding and pointing to the dog and Jesus on each page. My 3.5 son year old has enjoyed discussing what Gospel story is depicted on each page. After reading he had the idea to create his own little set-ups with his toys of a few of the pages. Wishing I could post pictures here of the sweet crucifixion and resurrection dioramas he built and played with – it was wonderful to witness! As a parent I appreciated how this book served is enjoyable at face value but also serves as a nice springboard for deeper discussion. I agree with another reviewer that more text on each page might be nice (so I didn’t have to look up the verses/stories for some of the less well known ones). The illustrations are well done, but I was not a huge fan of the ‘through a dog’s eyes’ color scheme personally – others may enjoy that!
Kristina –
I was delighted to receive a review copy of this new book. I suspected it would garner lively discussion with my young church school students, and it did. The deceptively simple text of canine commands of course contains many layers of meaning, which is perfect for repeat reading, as several other reviewers have noted. All of the children were drawn in by the illustrations. My students noticed small details in the colorful, iconographicallly-inspired illustrations that I myself didn’t see, leading to new insights for all of us. They also interpreted some of the illustrations differently than I did, which was very interesting. Pairing a good, obedient dog with the Gospel is an accessible way to lead children into deeper discussion and knowledge – as well as adults, of course. We all know a good dog when we see one, and the hope is that someday we ourselves will learn to listen and obey as well as any well-trained canine. I look forward to continuing to share this book with the youngsters in my life. It lends itself to a wide range of lessons and discussion topics. Thank you, Summer and Kathryn!