Homeschool Friday - Go and Do Likewise

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review/review for each.

Go and Do Likewise

By: John Hendrix

Publication: February 2, 2021 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

40 pages

Genre: Children, Picture Books, Christian

Source: Own/Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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Goodreads description--The parables and teachings of Jesus are brought to life in this stunning picture book from award-winning author and illustrator John Hendrix

But Jesus was going somewhere.
His journey to find those most in need of him began anew each morning.
Jesus walked . . . and ever since, people have followed him.

Through parables of the good Samaritan and the prodigal son, the lost sheep and the beatitudes, Jesus taught his disciples the redeeming power of sacrificial love and showed mercy to everyone around him—especially the sick, the poor, and the downtrodden.

In this inspirational and richly illustrated book, John Hendrix brings to life the wisdom of Jesus. Interweaving hand lettering with his signature, award-winning art style, Hendrix captures the spirit of Jesus’s timeless message that will resonate with readers of any Christian faith.

First off, the illustrations of Go and Do Likewise aren't my favorite. Well, some of the pages I really like, and others I don't like at all. This isn't my preferred art style. I do like words being incorporated into art. I find it hard to describe the things I don't like. I'm not an artist at all, so I don't have the vocabulary to describe what I dislike.

This book is about the parables that Jesus taught. Of course, it doesn't cover all of the parables, only a few. He includes the good Samaritan, the Sermon on the Mount, the wise & foolish builder, the shepherd who left the 99, and the prodigal son, to name a few.

I appreciated the author's note at the end that told why the author loves parables so much and his personal connection between the parables of Jesus and his art. I also appreciated the section at the end on "retelling vs. translating." It should be noted (and is in this section) that this book isn't exactly a translation but a retelling. Retellings allow the author to use poetic license to adjust or add to the story to fit a modern reader or situational adjustments. These have been created for young audiences. I don't like the recommendation to read The Message as a translation. I'm not a fan of it and prefer to read one of the more literal translations of the Bible myself.

All in, Go and Do Likewise is another way of getting Biblical content in front of our children. Whether you're a believer or not, there's no teaching of Jesus that would harm your life. You can use all of His teachings to become better people for yourself and those around you. And I appreciate picture books that reinforce His teachings for my children. Go and Do Likewise gets 4.5 Stars from me. Have you or your child read Go and Do Likewise? What did you think? Let me know!