In _Laurel and the Wind_, a new children’s picture book offered by Ancient Faith Publishing, author Gaelan Gilbert shares his deep love for his Orthodox Christian Faith. In this fantastical story, the text is imbued with religious imagery; “sweet fragrance on the wind” made me think of incense, and the Holy Trinity is alluded to at least twice – “where three waters meet” and “The winds spun as three, then as one.”

A dream sequence transports Laurel and the reader to Constantinople (according to the back cover, and evident by the illustrations, but never mentioned by name in the book’s text.) Christ’s raising of Adam from Hades is also a central part of the dream. The words Gilbert uses to describe this, and the accompanying illustrations, reminded me of the Paschal Exapostilarion’s words: “In the flesh You fell asleep as a mortal man, O King and Lord! You rose on the third day, raising Adam from corruption and destroying death. O Pascha of incorruption, the Salvation of the world.” Given Gilbert’s mystical style of writing, I did wonder what types of connections young readers would make, but they would certainly connect with the big picture of Laurel’s joy at the Resurrection.

Ned Gannon’s illustrations are lovely and will also draw in readers. Some of the illustrations that spoke to me included the swirling winds throughout the story, the sailboat scenes that look like they could be in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska with the evergreen trees meeting the water, the bright oranges in Constantinople, the inside of Haghia Sophia, and the closeups of Laurel (especially how she looks different in different lighting, and also the picture of her with the interior of the dome with the green mosaics and Christ and the sheep.)

_Laurel and the Wind_ will give readers young and old a chance to learn more about the Orthodox faith. It’s a book that may be taken at face value but could also be used as an opportunity to learn more about church theology (the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, the fall of Adam, and Christ raising Adam), hymnology, and history (of Constantinople and Haghia Sophia, for example). This unique and lovely book challenges children and adults alike to go beyond the face value and to delve into a more Spirit-filled life.

Ancient Faith Publishing provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely beautiful akathist! So thankful for these beautiful prayers.

nice burn and great fragrance !

Thank You!

Such a beautiful and useful Bible. I love the commentary. Will treasure.

We are very thankful for The Good Samaritan: A Children's Catechism book. It provides needed instruction of our Orthodox faith for our children and is educational for the adults reading it as well.

Laurel and the Wind has breezed into our home and become a favorite for kids and adults. With lyrical, poetic, descriptive writing by Gaelan Gilbert, it is a joy to read to my kids, ages 3-10, and is a pleasure for them to listen to. The art is outstanding, as is always the case with Ned Gannon's illustrations. There are elements of history, dreaming, reality, and spirituality swirled together in a wonderous and beautiful manner. While I often become weary of reading picture books again and again, this book is something different. I enjoy reading it, and look forward to sharing it with family and friends for many years to come.

Purchased for a gentlemen I had sponsored. He absolutely loves it. Thank you for such a great product.

Beautiful and we'll made.

I bought this akathist to prepare for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. And got much more than I bargained for. Fr Lawrence uses his mastery in Biblical scholarship to mine the Old Testament for references to the Theotokos and in so doing lays out the process thru which God has worked out the salvation of our race from of old. Joining the poetry and prophecy of the Old Testament with the Theology of the New Testament Fr Lawrence creates a mind blowing meditation on the Eternal Love and Providence of God. Praying this akathist helps my own love and awe for God to grow. Thank you Fr Lawrence!

Great

It's a great book

I highly recommend this book. It sets forth the Orthodox views on the second coming while at the same time critically rejecting the errors of fundamentalism and the interpretation of these writers. The errors of the rapture theorists are clearly rejected with a proper interpretation of the relevant scriptures. Well worth the read.
Dr. Ted N oble

I personally new this man of God Fr Gordon Walker...I was blessed to break bread with Fr Peter G and Fr Gordon at OCL regional meetings throughout the U.S....I was also blessed to visit Monasteries with Fr Gordon. Many fond memories of the both men of God but Fr Gordon with Elder/ Saint Paisios of The Holy Mountain were the most influential in my Spiritual Journey for God placed both of them in my life’s Spiritual Journey. Man was full of humble Love....Anthony Carris/Papou Andoni

Beautiful, exactly what I wanted. The picture and description matched perfectly with what I received.
Thank you!

Excellent

Wonderful

This was a fantastic book! Just what I needed to read at this point in my life.

Purchased this for grandchild Lucy and am very satisfied with how the story of the young martyr Lucy was integrated into an account of the traditions that have grown around her story especially in Sweden. Wonderful inclusions are the English translation of Sankte Lucia with accompaniment and the recipe for 'Lucie Cats' and an icon which reminds young readers of the enduring importance of St Lucy in the life of the Church.

Great!

Wonderful book with relevant thoughts on spirituality that be applied even to those who are not monastics.