THE HIDDEN VILLAGE: Book review

If you’re searching for an early chapter book for young elementary students, then check out this book review of THE HIDDEN VILLAGE.

If you’re specifically looking for a Christian book about how children can share God’s love with other children, this fictional story is on the reading level of most 6 – 8 year olds. Also, this book makes a great read-aloud for groups of multiple ages, including the family.

Let’s learn a bit about the author and explore what can be found in THE HIDDEN VILLAGE.

The Author of THE HIDDEN VILLAGE

Bonnie Rose Hudson has served as an executive editor and director for Schoolhouse.com, the online publishing arm of The Old Schoolhouse magazine.

She has written numerous articles for The Old Schoolhouse, as well as for other print publications. Hudson has created educational courses; one I’ve reviewed here, but also courses such as “Asia: Its People and History” and “Asia: Trade Route Safari.”

In addition, she has guest posted about missions, the persecuted Church, and other topics on a number of websites.

Her author blog and website,  WriteBonnieRose.com, provides content for purchase, as well as many freebies, for homeschoolers and for writers.

In 2017, Journey Forth of BJU Press published Bonnie Rose Hudson’s 72-page book, THE HIDDEN VILLAGE.

Inside THE HIDDEN VILLAGE

The story takes place in West Bengal, India where the main character, a young boy named Manju lives.

The author writes with such detail, readers can easily envision themselves climbing the huge thirty-foot tall mangrove tree along with Manju. They’ll wonder, like Manju, what is causing the tiny stream of smoke in the distance. And off their imaginations will go stomping and stumbling through the thick forest to find out.

In essence, Manju discovers a small, hidden village of suffering people. They are literally starving, physically and spiritually.

Manju wants to ease their burdens but isn’t sure how. It doesn’t help when his parents don’t believe him when he tells them of the unknown village.

Nonetheless, Manju is determined to provide food and comfort. He also wants to teach some of the villagers how to read so they can read the Bible he gave them. Manju wants the people to know Jesus cares about them and that they are not forgotten.

But the tasks are more challenging than Manju ever imagined. He faces one challenge after another. Each time he prays and asks God for help.

Does God send help?  Does anyone ever believe Manju is telling the truth? What happens inside the Hidden Village?

You’ll have to read the book and find out.

Extras

Also, THE HIDDEN VILLAGE contains two extra bonuses in the back of the book. One, is a wonderful pronunciation guide to help with the pronunciation of the names of people and places.

The other bonus is a page of questions for readers to ponder on how they can help share the love of Jesus with other children around the world.

Recommendation

I highly recommend this book for young readers. Not only does it teach children ways they can show compassion and help others, but it also points little ones to seek God’s guidance. In addition, there are fascinating facts about the culture and the environment where Manju lives. This is a great book to inform kids about the work of missionaries. Also, it introduces ways we can help other children who live near us as well as those who live far, far away.

This book is very reasonable in price and can be ordered from book sellers like Christianbook.com as well as from BJU Press.

I received a free pdf copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, Practical Homeschooling, and The Old Schoolhouse. Sally also writes curriculum, inspirational articles, and has several children’s books in progress. Blogging at SallyMatheny.com, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things.