A Light on the Path: Proverbs for Growing Wise (Book Review)

A Light on the Path: Proverbs for Growing Wise by L. J. Sattgast, illustrated by Nancy Munger

I’m always on the lookout for good Christian books for my children. They’re sometimes hard to find. They’re either insipid and shallow or the artwork is terrible. Sometimes the Scripture isn’t exactly used appropriately.

I’m especially interested in books on Proverbs. I found this book several years ago, particularly happy to see the illustrations by Nancy Munger, whom I appreciate for her happy faces.

The author selected Proverbs that are understandable and applicable to children. She explains each proverb in verse form, and includes the biblical text underneath. The illustrations match the text, and both are well executed.

The other day, I pulled this book out to read to my children. Bethel (age three) in particular enjoyed this book. She kept looking at the pictures long after I had finished reading.

I’ve seen the Elizabeth George books, I wanted to like them, but ultimately I was disappointed with the text and artwork. The poetry made me cringe, the application didn’t fit the Scripture, and the artwork didn’t seem to fit the audience. The Kenneth Taylor book on Proverbs does a better job with application, but I don’t like it as well as the Sattgast and Munger book.

Wisdom, what is it?
It’s treasure untold!
It’s better than rubies
Or diamonds or gold!

For when you know God
And follow His ways,
Then you will be wise
The rest of your days!

(The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

I saw a troop of ants go by
One sunny summer day.
They gathered up my picnic crumbs
And took them all away….

Wouldn’t it be lovely
If we were just as bold
To do the things we ought to do
Before we’re even told?