Blotch by Andy Addis Illustrated by Tatio Viana

Blotch is a boy who lives in a kingdom where everyone has blotches on their skin. Each time a person is mean or does something wrong, another spot appears. Hoping to find someone who knows how to get rid of the spots, Blotch strikes out on a journey. At the first village he meets the Hiders, who merely cover their spots. Next, the Pretenders simply deny they even have spots. A third village is full of the Blamers, who constantly fight and blame each other for their rapidly multiplying stains. Fearful and frustrated, Blotch finally meets a kind stranger who has the solution for removing the spots permanently. But an elated Blotch is shocked to find out that the humble stranger is actually the King, and the solution requires that the King take the spots on Himself—a sacrifice that will change Blotch and his family forever.

Much like Jesus' use of parables to help His listeners understand and remember spiritual lessons, Blotch is a parable that helps kids grasp the concepts of sin, salvation, and redemption in a way that is memorable and engaging. Each chapter includes a parent/child discussion guide that would also work well in small groups or classrooms. A simple story with an accessible message, Blotch is an excellent vehicle to teach kids about the Gospel.

Available @ Amazon as well as other retailers

About the Author

Andy Addis attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he earned his MDivBL and graduated as the first ever LifeWay Pastoral Leadership Award recipient. He is currently the pastor of the CrossPoint church (crosspointnow.net)—a video-driven, multi-site congregation in Hutchinson, Kansas, with 2,500 to 3,000 in weekend attendance. Andy also serves as the president of the Kansas Nebraska convention of Southern Baptists.  For more information, visit www.AndyAddis.com.

Here is what I thought.....

What an amazing children's book. This is probably the best children's book I have read in a long time. The book begins with Blotch, a young boy who is concerned with all the stains on his skin. He decides he wants to take a journey to see if he can find a way to get rid of them. After getting his parents permission, he sets out to find the answer.

Even as an adult I could see in my own life when I have come in contact with people like the ones Blotch meets in the book. We all know those who try to cover their sin or pretend they don't sin or even those who blame their sin on someone else. Blotch completes his journey no better off than he started. Will he ever find the answer?

This book is a great tool to teach about salvation. Even my children who have been in church their whole lives enjoyed this book. The way the author addresses the subject of salvation was very creative and enlightening but it didn't take away from what salvation is.

This book would be awesome for Sunday school teachers as well as any family. I was very impressed with this book and would be happy to recommend it to anyone.

Thank you to B&H Publishing and Lifeway for the opportunity to review this book. A positive review was not required.