Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal (Blomberg)

A Retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son 

We so often desire to save ourselves, either through running from rules or self-righteously following them—missing the true joy and rest found in the Father’s unconditional love. In this picture book for kids ages 3–7, author Ginger M. Blomberg retells the story of the prodigal son through the eyes of wild-child Eddie and his rule-following brother Charlie. 

Eddie decides to run away from home, taking his brother Charlie’s candy and his father’s new tie with him on his journey. When Eddie returns home feeling scared and guilty about his choice, his father is waiting for him with open arms. But Charlie, who is confused by his father’s immediately welcoming reaction, is hesitant to join in the celebration. This book, like the parable, doesn’t resolve Charlie’s story but instead invites young readers to imagine themselves in Charlie’s position—spurring thoughtful discussion between parents and children as they learn about sin, grace, and the unconditional love of the Father through his son’s death on the cross. A TGC Kids book. 

Author

Ginger M. Blomberg lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with her husband, five kids, and too many pets. She homeschools and writes regularly for the Gospel Coalition.  

Endorsements

“This sweet and relatable story will help little hearts and minds connect the truth of God’s word with our tendency toward wanting our own way or believing we need to earn God’s love. What a wonderful way to remind both children and parents alike of the never-ending love of the Father.”
Sarah Walton, coauthor, He Gives More Grace; Hope When It Hurts; and Together Through the Storms

“Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal retells one of Jesus’s best-known parables in a way that allows children to relate with both the prodigal son and his brother. With whimsically detailed illustrations, Charlie relays the stories of both the boy who ran away and the older brother with a prideful heart. What a wonderful addition to any Christian family’s bookshelf!”
Devon and Jessica Robyn Provencher, authors and illustrator, Big Theology for Little Hearts series

“Ginger Blomberg’s sweet and creative retelling of the story of the prodigal son made me laugh out loud—and convicted me. I am more like Charlie than I would like to admit, and I’m so thankful for my heavenly Father who loves me. Enjoy God’s mercy and grace afresh through this book!”
Kristen Wetherell, mom of three; author, For the Bible Tells Me So series and Help for the Hungry Soul

“One of the great challenges of Bible teaching is making the stories feel as fresh and convicting as they did in Jesus’s day. That’s all the more difficult when children lack the historical background of the biblical world. Ginger Blomberg brings perhaps Jesus’s most famous parable into our world where children can begin to grasp the revolutionary implications of grace.”
Collin Hansen, Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition; Host, Gospelbound podcast