The Book of Jonah
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What’s inside...
The Book of Jonah, illustrated by Peter Spier, is a visual adaptation of the biblical story of Jonah. It recounts the tale of Jonah, a prophet who is commanded by God to go to the city of Nineveh and warn its inhabitants of impending divine wrath. Instead of obeying, Jonah attempts to flee from God's presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. A great storm arises, and the sailors, realizing that Jonah's disobedience has brought this upon them, throw him overboard. Jonah is then swallowed by a great fish, provided by God, where he spends three days and three nights. In the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to God for forgiveness. After being vomited onto dry land, Jonah obeys God's command and goes to Nineveh to deliver the warning. The people of Nineveh repent, and God mercifully spares the city. The book, through Spier's detailed illustrations, captures the dramatic events and the timeless lessons of mercy and obedience contained within this biblical narrative.
Age
3-7
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jonah
Discussion points
What do you think Jonah felt when he was inside the big fish? Why do you think he felt that way?
How do you think the story of Jonah can teach us about making decisions and facing their consequences?
Why do you think it was important for Jonah to go to Nineveh?
What would you have done if you were Jonah? Would you have tried to escape your task like he did?
How do you think the people of Nineveh felt when Jonah finally arrived?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jonah's shoes, prompting them to consider how they might feel and act in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of responsibility and the importance of facing challenging tasks, similar to Jonah's mission to Nineveh.
Utilize the dramatic elements of the story, such as Jonah being swallowed by a big fish, to keep the conversation lively and engaging.
Ask your child open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and connect the story's themes to their own experiences.
Highlight the themes of redemption and forgiveness in the story, discussing how they apply both in the book and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: In the story, Jonah initially runs away from his duty to deliver a message to Nineveh, demonstrating avoidance of responsibility. However, he learns the importance of facing his obligations directly.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, whether it's doing their homework or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Forgiveness
Explanation: Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, he is shown compassion and given a second chance. The story also depicts how the people of Nineveh are forgiven when they show remorse and vow to change their ways.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the values of forgiveness and understanding towards others who make mistakes and emphasizes the importance of second chances.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: Jonah struggles with understanding why he should help the people of Nineveh, but ultimately learns the importance of compassion towards all people, regardless of their initial judgments or feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be accepting and understanding of others, recognizing that everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, deserves kindness and compassion.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: Jonah’s mission involves delivering an important message to the Nineveh people, emphasizing the role of clear and effective communication.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the power of words and the importance of communicating clearly and honestly in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Facing Consequences
Explanation: When Jonah runs away, he faces a severe storm and is eventually swallowed by a large fish, demonstrating that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices lead to outcomes and stresses the importance of making thoughtful decisions.