Arnold Ytreeide

Through Ethan’s eyes, Paul’s first missionary journey becomes a story of courage every child can carry. Ethan’s Challenge follows thirteen-year-old Ethan as he travels with Paul, Barnabas, and Mark through the real events of Acts 13–15 … a journey filled with mobs, danger, and the constant call to trust God.

Ethan doesn’t see himself as brave, clever, or destined for anything important; but God has a way of writing His story through unexpected people. As the reluctant boy faces show more threats he never imagined, he learns timeless truths: “Don’t worry about what others do, just learn to live in Christ and follow Him.”

This book is part of an amazing series from Arnold Ytreeide, known for weaving Scripture into powerful family stories. Each short chapter ends with a devotional thought that is both age-appropriate and spiritually rich. As the author notes, the book can be read any way that works for you and your family: one chapter each morning or evening, as a devotional after dinner, or simply as a story for children to enjoy on their own. However it’s read, the devotions are fantastic: grounding, memorable, and designed to linger in young hearts.

Ytreeide’s storytelling is vivid and faith-filled, with a few illustrations that invite children deeper into the journey. One of my favorite reminders in this superb book is: “Knowing God’s Word, and allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions, makes us more and more Christlike day by day.”

Perfect for ages 8–12, but rich enough to be read aloud with the whole family, Ethan’s Challenge is both exciting and spiritually grounding. For every child … and parent … who wonders if they’re brave enough, this story shows that true courage is found in Christ.

I pray this story stirs up in every young reader … and every adult … the courage to stand firm, proclaim Christ without fear, and to remember always: the Gospel is always worth every risk.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book and audiobook review are my own. My review focuses on the writing, illustrations, and content ensuring transparency and reliability. show less

Keeping our families focused on Christ at Christmas can be challenging in the busyness and distractions of life, sadly especially during this season. Simple and fun devotions, traditions, and songs are great tools. Now I have discovered Ishtar’s Odyssey which is “a family story for Advent” by Arnold Ytreeide. It is broken up into short chapters that are meant to be read together each day of Advent. Each chapter ends with a small devotion pulling out the spiritual lessons we can learn show more and how we can apply them as Christ followers.

Ishtar, a 10-year-old Prince of Persia, discovers a star and grudgingly leaves the comforts of his home to follow this star in search of a new king along side his father, a Persian wise man. He learns to not complain and to appreciate the wisdom and experience of those around him. Ishtar faces many adventures and dangers and changes of heart as he throws off the identity of being a spoiled child to confidently accept the role of prince and protector.

In this book Ishtar meets up with Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha - three characters that seem to be more important to the story than I would assume with how little they are included. However, then I noticed that there are three other Advent devotional written by Ytreeide - Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels.

I enjoyed experiencing the story myself, so I definitely look forward to sharing Ishtar’s Odyssey with my family this Christmas! Then perhaps checking out the others by Ytreeide for the next three. :)

How does your family stay focused on Christ during Christmas?

**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. show less

I grew up reading "Tabitha's Travels." I actually grew up with the previous two stories of Jotham and Bartholomew. For Advent, I just knew I had to go back to that world again. While I remembered the story so much that I was guilty of skimming, I still remember why I loved these stories. They engaged me as a youngster and I look forward to reading them with my own children.

It is such fun to see the fictional characters interact with Zechariah, Elizabeth, etc. etc. And then to see the show more storylines intersect between all three books.....I love it! Tabitha is also a strong female protagonist that young girls can get behind.

"Tabitha's Travels" always ended with though provoking discussion questions. Topics about peace and faith and trust. Those are always applicable no matter how old you are. show less

You can get one of those Advent calendars with the worst-chocolate-ever but there are better ways to help your kids enter into the season of Advent. Arnold Ytreedie has authored a number of children's books, including three other Advent devotionals. With Ishtar's Odyessey he takes families on a journey from Persia to Bethlehem.

I9780825443930shtar was a young prince, the son of a wise man. he begins the story as a somewhat sheltered ten-year-old, fearful of life outside the palace walls and show more he doesn't like his daily lessons. One night, reviewing the constellations he discovers a new star prophesying the birth of a king to the West. Honored for his discovery, Ishtar is compelled to accompany his father and uncles on a six month journey to pay homage to the new king. Along the way he meets new friends: Jotham, Bartholomew and Tabitha (all characters in Ytreeide's other Advent devotionals).

Ytreeide weaves his fictionalized tale of the magi's journey into daily readings for Advent. Each entry ends with a scripture and a short reflection on that part of the story. Ytreeide also suggests foods to enjoy on particular days of the week which correlate with the story and Advent customs to enrich and reinforce what children are learning through the story.

If your kids like stories, this is an interesting and engaging way to help them enter into Advent more fully. At the beginning of the story Ishtar is a pagan (named after the Babylonian goddess of love), at the end of the story he worships Jesus, the Son of the one true God. I give this four stars.

Notice of material connection: I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. show less