This book has a girl leave her house by herself and she finds a cross dressing looking man in a park and goes off with him. It’s extremely disturbing. I can’t believe BFB uses this book in their character curriculum. I’m very disappointed in the lack of judgement there. Now I do not want to continue with this curriculum🤔



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*Reply by Rebecca Manor - Author of the Teaching Character study



"Thank you for writing. The office sent me your concerns and I am sorry this book caused you discomfort and pain. In the many times I have read this book I never saw the things you pointed out and I experienced the story very differently. I believe the main element of the book is the truth that of all humanity bears His image and we are called to be emissaries of His love. When reading this book, I have always taken the narrator to be the (not-pictured but very present parent) proclaiming a blessing over his child as he accompanies her on this wonderful adventure. Viewing it this way probably eliminates the thought that it promotes children leaving home on their own. The character referred to as “a cross-dressing man” is a classical (even stereotypical) French artist/mime, and is someone who is very sad. The message that the little girl is receiving of love and purpose and design allows her to send that message to the mime character and therefore bring life and color and wonder to his world - just as our Creator brings life and love and color and purpose to our lives. The book concludes with the little girl safe at home continuing to pour these truths into her baby sister.



I truly believe the message of this book is a call for all of us to find our purpose in God’s delight over us and to spread that message to those around us using the talents He’s given us. It’s a blessing poured over a child who in turn blesses the world. And yes, it’s a little fantastical, a little adventurous, a little magical, but that’s how God loves us, in a irrational, generous, beautiful, and fantastical way. I hope this explains why I love this book and included it in the character curriculum. Seeing the world through the lens that everyone bears God’s image is the foundation upon which one learns to love their neighbor, to be generous, to be courageous in the fight against evil, to uplift the sad and speak for the downtrodden, to pursue justice. It’s the basis for developing character. Character without love is meaningless. Good character is based on recognizing that we have value as image bearers and are called to recognize and celebrate that in everyone we encounter. It’s an impossible task, but with our eyes on Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can pursue that goal and work to be a part of establishing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. To me this book captures our purpose beautifully."