Blotch: A Tale of Forgiveness and Grace

I really enjoyed this children's book. It's a hardback chapter book about a young boy named Blotch. He lives in a small village in the kingdom. The book begins with Blotch sitting by the water pondering as he does every day. How can he get rid of his spots. You see he is covered with marks and blemishes that multiply daily based on his actions. Each wrong thing adds a stain. He really wants to get rid of his spots but doesn't know how.

After receiving permission from his father to go on a journey in search of an answer he starts out for the next village. Sadly, in the villages, he finds only concealers, pretenders, and pointers. But no one to help. Tired and discouraged he begins to cry. In that place he is found by a man who has all the answers.

It is difficult to brag on this book without revealing too much. Obviously, if you're a Christian, you will figure out who this man is. This story is a wonderful way to introduce children to the Savior. It also helps them understand sin, that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Each chapter, five in all, is a part of his journey - from recognizing sin and meeting other sinners to finding a Savior, then sharing with others. The back of the book contains discussion questions for each chapter. This is a great help for parents looking to introduce their child to Christ, or teachers looking for another way to share the plan of salvation with their class.

I was blessed with this book by B&H Publishing and Lifeway in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to give a positive review.

What an amazing children's book. This is probably the best children's book I have read in a long time. The book begins with Blotch, a young boy who is concerned with all the stains on his skin. He decides he wants to take a journey to see if he can find a way to get rid of them. After getting his parents permission, he sets out to find the answer.

Even as an adult I could see in my own life when I have come in contact with people like the ones Blotch meets in the book. We all know those who try to cover their sin or pretend they don't sin or even those who blame their sin on someone else. Blotch completes his journey no better off than he started. Will he ever find the answer?

This book is a great tool to teach about salvation. Even my children who have been in church their whole lives enjoyed this book. The way the author addresses the subject of salvation was very creative and enlightening but it didn't take away from what salvation is.

This book would be awesome for Sunday school teachers as well as any family. I was very impressed with this book and would be happy to recommend it to anyone.

Thank you to B&H Publishing and Lifeway for the opportunity to review this book. A positive review was not required.

This book is an excellent way to teach your children about sin and forgiveness in a very clear story. I expected this to be written for young children but not only did it appeal to my 5 year old but also my 8 year old. It is a light chapter book with plenty of pictures too. My children know about sin but thinking and seeing the actual blotches on Blotch, the main character, give it a new meaning for them. As the story progresses Blotch learns what people do to try and hide, deny or blame others for their sins and finally how to gain forgiveness. This book was even eye opening for me as I began to think more about how I deal with my own sins. It was thought provoking! This book not only contains the story but also discussion questions to talk about after each chapter. What a thoughtful way to start those conversations you might not ever have had. While doing the discussion for chapter one, my little boy stopped me and said that he wanted to "ask Jesus into my heart". What a proud and special moment! I cannot recommend this book enough!