They are great.

This was a huge help to me by reframing my understanding of the events of the Bible to their proper context, alleviating a ton of modern confusion and misunderstanding.

I received a copy to review from the publisher, but I feel very strongly about honest book reviews online, since they're the only way to really know what you're getting before ordering. This is one that I would've been happy to buy myself.

Elizabeth is an happy elementary-school aged girl who lives at a monastery. She loves stomping the grapes into wine and going to church with the nuns. Her one frustration is that she can’t stop moving in church, and ends up distracted and frustrated—until she’s tasked with getting rid of a dragon on the nuns' land. When she pays more attention to the nuns and deacons and realizes that there are ways to pray that involve moving her feet, she gets the confidence to stomp the dragon right on the head and banish him! The story itself is funny and relatable, especially for the neurodivergent (it’s HARD to keep still!), and the details about the real St. Elizabeth at the end were interesting—especially the explanation about the characteristics the author chose to include in this book each stemming from different traditional stories about her.

The book is clearly set at an Eastern Orthodox monastary, signaled by the clothes and the icons, but no language should keep it from appealing to other Christian denominations with saints.

Visually, the book is very appealing, especially the way Elizabeth’s emotions are shown through body language. Illustrations are just right for a read-aloud (still clear at a distance). Fonts are easy to read and layout is enjoyable and fits with the story. The flyleafs with Elizabeth’s feet carrying her all around are such a cute detail that makes the whole book feel more elevated and more gift-y. I wish there were a spread with her wiggly feet finally being used in church!

Text is good as-is for a read-aloud for kindergarten on up! You should simplify as you read for wiggly toddlers or young preschoolers. I’m very picky on text being appropriate for the age the book is meant for (no boring flowery picture books that only appeal to grown-ups, no bad rhyming or rhythm allowed!). The little warning at the beginning not to step on animals in real life was A+.

Adding some pics so you can see the wording and my favorite spreads

My favorite Bible I’ve ever used.

Loved them. Very nice variety

Highly recommend. The quality is amazing!

Having read many, many books that claim to be a general overview for catechumens or for Orthodox seeking to learn their faith, I can honestly say that nothing compares to this. Every person should have it and read it multiple times! It's that good. Being a priest, I've been through it close to 100 times and I can honestly say that I still get nuggets from it that were previously undiscovered. I beg you, at Ancient Faith, to keep publishing this as it has been occasionally unavailable.

Overall it's beautiful, but the photo shows it to be a deeper gold with an antique look. Actual cross did not reflect that as much.

It is beautifully made . Much more than I expected.

Love it so far! I use it at work as I'm there more often than home and it has been very helpful and a great reminder to me daily.

A perfect baby shower gift <3. A wonderful journey.

I love your cards. Blessings to you!

Very well written and so informative.

I am finding all of the notes and prayers enhancing my reading of the Bible.

Very interesting book which provides beautiful story about metropolinan Saba life and give multiple life advices in a very nive way. I would for sure recommend this book.

Fr. Stephen creates a tapestry of raw characters, a Philadelphia setting, and God's abundant grace. He weaves in and out of families using threads of truth, fiction, and poetry. Ordinary people are illuminated by God's grace in ways that make me feel like heaven itself has cracked open to give me a glimpse of real love. I just love these stories, and I highly recommend you give one or all a try.

P.S. This St. Xenia cross is so much prettier than the picture!

I love these books as much as my kids do! Imaginative while still holding true to the stories!

Love to read the saints name celebrated each day of they day

Simple said: He’s enjoying the series very much!