What 8 to 12 year old doesn’t dream of solving mysteries, of playing detective in real life, and of tracking down the truth?
What Christian parent doesn’t dream of having their child pour over their Bible, seeking answers?
Enter Mat Halverson’s wonderful mystery series: Concord Cunningham, Scripture Sleuth (Focus Publishing, Inc.). Written for 8-12 year olds, Halverson’s five books each contain 12 short stories. Each story is a mystery, and young Concord Cunningham is the star, with his ever-present Bible. The really fun part? Your children get to solve the mystery, too!
Here’s how it works: Concord (nicknamed Concordance) encounters a tough mystery that no one else is able to solve. His fantastic knowledge of the Bible, coupled with an observant spirit, sparks a connection between a Bible passage and the situation at hand. At the end of each mystery, your child is invited to look up the passage in their own Bible, contemplate the connection, and solve the mystery. The answer to each mystery is found in the back of the book.
Each short story is 5 to 6 pages, making it the perfect length for a fun mystery, or for a read-aloud to kick off your morning with the kids. I bought these books several years ago to use in devotions (I’m always looking for unique approaches to our devotional time), but I haven’t been able to. Instead, I keep finding my little detectives sprawled on the floor with a Bible, a pencil behind one ear, and a fan of Concord Cunningham books in front of them.
Good enough. They love the books, I love the books, they spend time in the Bible… it’s terrific!
Mat Halverson has a website where you can read about the books, watch a video, and even read a sample chapter. Check it out: Scripture Sleuth Official Website.
Do your kids love a good mystery?
~ Danika Cooley
Danika Cooley is a freelance children’s writer with a love for God’s Word, history, wisdom and small people. Her work has appeared in magazines including Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr.; Upper Room Ministries’ Pockets and Devozine; CBH Ministries’ Keys for Kids, and Cobblestone Group’s FACES and Odyssey. Her work also appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters.
Mat Halverson has a great website where you can read more about his fantastic series, and even read a chapter. Check it out: Scripture Sleuth Official Website.
Do your kids ever dream of becoming a detective?
July 22, 2012 at 8:51 am
Thank you for the post. This sounds perfect for my oldest girl!
July 23, 2012 at 6:29 am
Michael,
I’m so glad you’ve found a new resource! I hope your daughter enjoys these books as much as my boys do!
~ Danika