What is a Miracle?
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Grandma explains to her grandson the difference between a magic trick and a miracle. Although the results of both might seem similar, only Jesus performs miracles. Unlike magicians who learn and practice tricks, Jesus responds instantly to needs with miracles. For example, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, walked on water to rescue His friends, and acts as a healer, protector, and savior. This narrative emphasizes that Jesus is the real deal when it comes to miracles.
Age
5-15
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think a miracle is? Can you think of any examples?
How do you feel when something wonderful and unexpected happens?
Who are the characters in the story and what miracles do they experience?
Why do you think people believe in miracles? Do you believe in them?
How can we find or create miracles in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing a personal story of a moment you considered a miracle, encouraging your child to share theirs.
Emphasize the emotions associated with the miraculous events in the book and ask your child how they felt about those moments.
Connect the theme of miracles to the child’s personal experiences, discussing any moments they felt were magical or miraculous in their own lives.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they might create small miracles for others.
After reading, suggest drawing or writing about a miracle they would like to see happen or one they’ve experienced, to deepen their connection with the book’s theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy
Explanation: The characters in 'What is a Miracle?' show kindness and understanding towards each other's feelings, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion towards their peers and trying to understand different perspectives during social interactions at school or in playground settings.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of everyday miracles
Explanation: The book encourages children to recognize and appreciate small, everyday occurrences as miracles, promoting a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value simple joys like a sunny day or a family dinner, fostering a positive outlook and appreciation for life's daily gifts.
Example Lesson: The power of belief
Explanation: Through its narrative, 'What is a Miracle?' teaches children that belief in something can have a powerful impact on their perspective and approach to life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining a positive belief system which can help them overcome challenges and stay motivated in tasks like learning new skills or solving problems at school.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges but learn to overcome them, illustrating the trait of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing and overcoming difficulties is a part of life, teaching them to persist and not give up easily when confronted with obstacles in school projects or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The book depicts a variety of characters from different backgrounds, celebrating diversity and teaching children to embrace differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different cultures, races, and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their interactions at school or in community settings.