Lydia Shares Joy, written by Bianca Serfontein and Nicola Meyer and illustrated by Francis Tomaselli, is inspired by Lydia of Thyatira, the merchant of purple cloth in the Book of Acts. This book seeks to build godly character in young girls as they learn to be grateful and generous.
We first meet Lydia, her mom, and their big, white French poodle, Pip, as they visit a cupcake shop, searching for the perfect treats for Lydia’s sleepover. She spots them- cupcakes! And they’re purple! Happily, they return home to prepare for the sparkly, special occasion. Unfortunately, purple is also Pip’s favorite color, and cupcake is his favorite flavor. Lydia is traumatized to find only two puffy purple cupcakes left after the pup has his way, but she takes no time unselfishly designating them for her friends Rebecca and Hannah. The three are great friends, and and when an opportunity arises during the sleepover for Lydia to share the Gospel with Rebecca, she and Hannah are overjoyed when Rebecca gives her life to Christ!
We discover Lydia has been praying for a way to assist in a project called “Helping Hands,” a fundraising program for the homeless. She loves brightening people’s day, so it’s no surprise the friends’ next pastel adventure involves using purple fleece to construct and sell Purple Poodle Blankets outside the family’s pet salon. Lydia acts as organizer and production line foreman as the girls, moms and grannies roll like a purple parade, creating enough blankets to generate a generous gift. Mom is proud of Lydia, sending praises her way for being grateful, hard-working, and generous with her time and talent.
With that in mind, the authors strive to convey the importance of being both grateful to Jesus for His many blessings, and seeking to pass those blessings on generously. Additionally, leading friends to Christ is the essential bottom line. Dove awards Lydia Shares Joy the All Ages Seal of Approval.
To order your copy of Lydia Shares Joy, visit https://www.amazon.com/Lydia-Shares-Her-Joy-Generosity/dp/1734048646.
The Dove Take:
Lydia Shares Joy, a young girls’ book, illustrates idealistically the importance of being grateful and generous.
