Book 1: How a spider saved a mans life

By any reckoning, Charles Spurgeon's life was very remarkable. Having become a pastor at 17, at 19 he was called to minister in London where he remained until 1892. His biography is probably one of the best known within Christian circles; but what this author has done is to select various incidents from his life, starting with his childhood, and to recount them in 52 short stories, culminating with the construction of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Eighteen of them concern Spurgeon's childhood, up to and including his conversion at Artillery Street Primitive Methodist Church. Nos. 19-35 largely concern incidents during his ministry at Waterbeach; and the rest relate to London. Each short story is headed by an appropriate Bible text. Moreover, despite this work being entitled "52 Spurgeon Stories for children", like many children's books, it would undoubtedly appeal to adults, too. It could also provide preachers with the substance of several short children's addresses. Without spoiling the content for others, one might just broadly mention 3 incidents. No. 7 "An Apple in a Bottle" keeps the reader guessing, as it did the young Spurgeon, as to how the apple got there. Many will be surprised at how Spurgeon dealt with the problem of worshippers turning round during a service whenever a late comer arrived (No.44). Finally, there is a mountain of matter in the account of how his youth & stature caused a wealthy man initially to disdain him (No.33).

My husband is a Presbyterian minister in Chatswood, NSW, Australia, and our family has been greatly enjoying Tony Hutter's books of Spurgeon stories for kids. We’ve been using them as a daily devotional with our children (ages 6 and 4) after dinner each night, and they are learning so much. And of course, my husband and I love the stories, too! They are such a wonderful reminder of God’s power to change lives through the gospel.

Am very pleased to see that there are two more books in the series, as we have enjoyed reading a story at our family meal each day. It's a lovely book for all the family and is great for creating discussion on biblical topics such as perseverance, integrity and compassion.