Hardcover –

May 27, 2019

by Marty Machowski (Author), Craig McIntosh (Illustrator)

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN-13: 978-1948130967

For young readers and families, Don't Blame the Mud paints a vivid and accurate picture of sin and God's plan of redemption. Written by best-selling children's author Marty Machowski, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children how to recognize the lure of temptation and the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences.

One day, Max takes the muddy path along the creek home, disregarding his mother's reminder to keep his school clothes clean. After crashing into a mud puddle, he tries to hide his mistake and discovers the stain of his sin goes deeper than the mud he can wash away. In this lovable, relatable, and heartwarming tale, Max learns his heart needs to be cleaned, and Jesus is the only one who can wash away his sin.

By clearly articulating the gospel, Don't Blame the Mud helps parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes in the freedom of Christ rather than place the blame elsewhere. Parents, teachers, and caretakers can help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin, understanding the value of God's salvation through the cross. Instead of teaching kids how to deal with a problem, Machowski uncovers the real issue of sin and provides a gospel answer.

My thoughts: DON'T BLAME THE MUD is a cute story about a little boy tempted to play in mud puddles despite his mom's orders to stay clean. When he slipped and fell he ran and hid, but the muddy tracks gave him away. He was quick to blame the mud, but his wise parents taught him where the fault lay.

The print/color is hard to read on some sections, but the story is well written, engaging, and teaches a valuable lesson.

Grab a copy of DON'T BLAME THE MUD for your favorite child today.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.