Thorns and thistles! It makes me happy to welcome back my favorite co-reviewer–my daughter, Madeline–who joins me in offering her thoughts on this unique and informative novel for the younger readers in your life.

Sophie’s Quest by Sonja Anderson

About this book: Sophie Topfeather loves to collect people-things with which to decorate her life and home. When she finds a golden necklace, she is intrigued by its shape and shows it to her grandfather, the Great Wise Horned Owl of the Park. His reaction only stirs her interest even more; he calls it a holy symbol, and then a ‘t’ for ‘trouble’! All of which sets our young owl off on a Quest to learn its true meaning.

Little does she know that a day-dreaming, over-protected, adventure-seeking Pirate – er, mouse – named Timley has leapt into the brim of her hat as Sophie flies off on her Quest! And suddenly, their adventure takes its own turn as they find themselves on board a ship bound for the Holy Land. Thorns and thistles! Has the trouble started already? Can Timley convince Sophie she should not-I repeat, NOT-eat him?

This is also the story of the mysterious Sky Painter, who seems to be with them-no, leading them-on their Quest. So, why is he always leading them straight into trouble? Was the Great Wise Horned Owl right all along?

Come along on the Quest to find out! Cross oceans with Sophie and Timley to a land of mosques and synagogues, markets and Bedouin tents, and, like our unlikely friends, you may never be the same again!

About the author: Author Sonja Anderson has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in History, has worked as an elementary school teacher, a resident counselor in a children’s home, taught Sunday School, and has served for 12 years as the Christian Formation Coordinator for the North Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the NW Christian Writers Association. Married with two daughters, she has called Seattle home for over 20 years. Visit her online at SonjaAndersonBooks.com.

Genre: Fiction/Christian/Children/Adventure

Why I read this book: Because when I met the author and learned about her new book, I couldn’t resist.

If this book were a movie, I would rate it: G

Reminds me of… the books of Kate DiCamillo

Will especially appeal to… children ages 8-12 who wonder how to engage positively with peers with different religious beliefs.

This story matters because…it illustrates that regardless of ethnicity, family background, or creed, we are all called to seek to understand and love each other–as the God who created us does.

My take: I doubt I’m alone in my belief that the best children’s books impart a moral lesson. And that the best of these sweep readers into a place of imagination, where readers will wish to remain even after they’ve turned the last page. Sophie’s Quest delivers this and more, accomplishing its purpose through the power of story. It’s so filled with adventure and whimsy that lessons are painless and indeed part of the fun. No need for soapbox posturing when the adventures of Sophie and Timley do the job so winsomely.

In addition to the author’s compassionate approach to those who practice different faiths, I especially enjoyed the layered friendship between Sophie and Timley–which shows at a personal level the bigger lessons these characters are absorbing along the way.

The fun characters and engaging voice make Sophie’s Quest a delightful read. Some young readers will want to read it on their own. Others will enjoy having a parent read it to them–in which case, young and old alike will likely learn a thing or two. I know I did.

Madeline’s take: The prologue does a good job of introducing everyone. It’s not very long but it still gets a lot of things covered and interests the reader enough to want to continue. In other words, it has a good hook. Also, I like animals, and so I like books that have animals as characters. And I like stories that take me where I’ve never been and teach me what I don’t know.

In Sophie’s Quest, I especially liked how the story changed the characters. Because if it changed the characters, I have hope it can change me as well.

[Tweet “Thorns & thistles! Don’t miss this heartwarming adventure story about faith and friendship! @KatherineSJones”]

Thanks to the author for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

After words: What are some of your favorite books from childhood?

Though I try not to include endorsements in my reviews, I can’t help but repeat this one from Doreen Olson, Executive Director of Christian Formation for the Evangelical Covenant Church: “Some children’s books entertain well. Others teach important life lessons. Sonja Anderson’s Sophie’s Quest does both. From the ‘faint but urgent knocking’ of its prologue to the heartwarming scene in its epilogue, this story draws the reader into a world of adventure and learning. All of us — young and old — need to be reminded that differences need not form barriers when it comes to making friends. No matter our size or shape or background, we are all in this wild and wonderful world together to care for and learn from one another. Sophie and Timley, thank you for teaching that truth so beautifully.“

I couldn’t agree more!