Probity Jones
and the Fear Not Angel

By Walter Wangerin
Augsburg, $15.99

ISBN 0806629924


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Joy Overcomes Sadness

Review by Mike & Amy Nappa

"The moon is as lonely as I am." So thinks Probity Jones as she lies on the sofa, too sick to go with her family to the church Christmas pageant. The world is severe to this poor, inner-city child who was robbed of her warm coat by street thugs. Left cold in the snow, she became sick and must now miss the most important event of the year for her family.

Yet Walter Wangerin's Probity Jones and the Fear Not Angel isn't a story of sadness, but one of joy. Probity has no idea of the adventure that awaits her when a beautiful angel knocks on her window and whisks her away into the night. Singing, warmth, and excitement are shared by the two when they revisit the first Christmas as it's being shared at the pageant.

Tim Ladwig's illustrations beautifully capture the spirit of the text. The outside world is vast and a child seems so small, while Probity's home is warm and secure. The expressions of surprise and joy on the faces of the young shepherds as they are seen from the angel's point of view gives a wonderful perspective to the reader.

Probity Jones and the Fear Not Angel, contrasts the harsh realities of life with the mystery and wonder of Christmas. Author Wangerin's characters are drawn from his work as pastor of an inner city church in Evansville, Indiana.

He and Ladwig offer hope to children -- and adults -- in this beautiful story of love, joy, and healing.

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