Book Review: Animals of God, Vol. 2

Since we enjoyed the first book so much, my kids and I
couldn’t wait to dive into this second volume of Animals of God by Susan Peek. Sure enough, this book was as delightful and entertaining as the first!

This volume contains two well-developed stories. In the first, two captive, ravenous lions anticipate their next meal—a human sentenced to die in the Colosseum—but when the lions race to attack the beautiful young Thecla, something amazing happens!

In the second story, Chester the gosling longs to be just like his older brother Cuthbert, so he joins him on a daring cornfield raid. When a horrible fate befalls his brother, Chester believes all hope is lost—until he witnesses a miracle and learns the true meaning of the word “saint.”

Animals of God teaches valuable lessons of courage, faith, love, mercy, and more. These lively and memorable tales are never dry or preachy. They contain just the right touch of fascinating “scariness” for children while providing excitement, humor, and happy endings. And the illustrations are gorgeous.

Each story is told from the animal’s point of view and is divided into five chapters. My plan was to read one chapter to my kids each night before bed, but I kept on reading because we just had to know what happened next! And when the book ends, the fun continues with bonus coloring pages.

When I asked my 7-year-old which book he liked best, he said, “I like them both best!” Indeed, both volumes of Animals of God are top-notch children’s books that deserve a place in every Catholic family. They’re sure to be well-read and well-loved.

Animals of God, Volume Two is available in paperback.