Catholic Review of: The Squire and the Scroll

Jennie Bishop has a flair for presenting morality and the way one should live, in a manner that engages little ones and plants the seeds for strong spiritual development.  The Squire and the Scroll is a beautifully illustrated adventure that teaches Catholic boys the virtues of having a pure heart and a clear conscience.

The young squire in the book is paired with an older knight to quest for the Lantern of Purest Light that had been stolen from the castle in the kingdom.  He is given a scroll upon his leaving home that contains the teachings he learned by which to live.  Through the journey to find the dragon who stole the Lantern the squire is tested along side the knight by a variety of temptations.  In the end it is the scroll the boy carried that is his best guide. 

Mrs. Bishop deals with the fact that many grownups explain away the wrongfulness of their actions. She also addresses the difficulties that young and old alike have in avoiding the easy way and sticking to what they know is right. 

I love the way the book reads.  It's fun to read out loud.  My son was drawn to it by the cover illustration. (Doesn't every boy want to slay a monster?)  As we read the book together he "oohed and aahed" the artwork.  I will be getting a copy for him. I bought it for our nephew originally but we couldn't resist and we read it before sending it away.  My brother loved it too. (I think I like it enough to keep if for myself!)  I have always enjoyed fairy tales and fables and this is the perfect blend to capture the imagination while teaching priceless lessons!