John Stott for tiny tots – and adults too!

JOHN STOTT:
Big Ideas and an Adventure of Faith
By Julia Cameron
Dictum Press. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 838 097 240

Julia Cameron’s book John Stott: Big Ideas and an Adventure of Faith is an immensely readable and engaging account of the life of John Stott which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Presented chronologically, Cameron combines real-life anecdotes about Stott’s childhood, university years and working life with more theologically-oriented snapshots of some of Stott’s beliefs and accomplishments, titled ‘Big Ideas’. For example, whilst writing about his studies during WW2, she speaks of his early pacificism and how it developed through his life. I particularly appreciated the way she touches gently on the historical and social influences which affected Stott and Christians at the time.

So many of us in the UK and around the world have benefitted from Stott’s clear and faithful Bible teaching together with his eye for contemporary issues and his concern for the poor and the natural world. This book touches on all these aspects of his life and ministry whilst giving the glory to the Lord he served. There are also numerous recollections, many humorous, from those who knew him best which gives the book authenticity rather than it becoming a bland hagiography.

There are some helpful discussion questions at the end which would work well with a book group or to talk through with older children and the book is attractively laid out with photographs and ‘Fascinating Facts’ boxes throughout. The clear and accessible language makes it suitable for those who would not consider themselves readers as well as older children.

This book is a great introduction for those who are not already familiar with Stott’s life and works. It is also a reminder for those of us who are to give thanks to God for this faithful servant whose ministry and writings blessed so many.