It was on a dreary, barren weekend that Jack invented the fifty-ton, mile-long, giant, killer octopus stories.  He and I built a bonfire on the beach late that Saturday afternoon just as the sky was clearing and night was falling.  When we were all huddled close, he began his story . . .

 

Yours, Mine, and Ours

The Derwood family has a “yours-mind-and-ours” situation.  Jack and Penny’s mom died in a car accident and their father remarried a widow who had a daughter named Jean.  Freddie, Renee, and Marie soon join the family and now you have Derwood Incorporated.  Jack and Penny are mischievous, but well-meaning children learning to care more for their family, friends, and even some of their enemies.

These kids are characters that are admirable!  Yet, they are sinners and therefore flawed – just like their readers.  As I read this book, I was reminded of the good old days of childhood when innocence was an unrealized virtue.  Yet, I also recalled to mind the difficulty that comes with being a Christian child in the home.  There is a constant war against our selfish, childish desires.  At times it is very difficult to do good to others who have harmed you or to love and care for siblings when you would rather be out on your own adventure.  Derwood Inc. displays childhood quite accurately in this way!

Though I am quite beyond the elementary years myself, I believe I would have greatly enjoyed this book then (though perhaps I have been encouraged by it more now than I would have been at that age.)  However, while I find the characters relatable and true-to-life in their representation of the average child, the most important aspect for the kids reading this book stands out as the good, clean adventure that waits within the pages.

I don’t exaggerate when I say Jack and Penny have wild imaginations.  Children who read so frequently often do (and there are also children like me who lose all imagination the minute the book is closed.)  Penny frequently mentions Amy Belle (the lead character in a non-existent series of mystery novels) and even makes decisions based on what Amy Belle might do.  Though Jack is the second-born, he nevertheless often takes the lead and accidentally gets Penny into all sorts of mischief.  But Jack and Penny are always there for each other – no matter what kind of scrapes they end up in.

And so are their parents, church, and community.  Adventure as a child has great appeal, but at the end of the day nothing is more comforting than the warm embrace of your parents arms, except perhaps a bracing cup of fresh hot chocolate.

The combination of both mystery and thrill with every day occurrences blends into an evenly paced book.  The plot depth balances perfectly in a place that makes this an interesting read for both child and adult alike – a difficult feat these days.  I also enjoyed experiencing Jack and Penny’s character development and growth.  Not only did they grow in smarts and in stature, but they also grew in spirit.  They learn to pray, and to trust God (and their parents) in difficult times.  They also learn to do hard things when life isn’t necessarily going how they think it should.

To read or not to read . . .

All in all, a solid story built upon with admirable characters and a Christian-like quality rounds this book out to be one of the best novels I could recommend for your child.  With some mayhem and action, I would recommend this for 8+, but this would also make an excellent read-aloud book for the entire family.

Until the next giant killer octopus stalks your bathtub . . . go read a good book!