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January 2025 Book Club Recommendations
The Foundation Worldview Book Club aims to equip parents and caregivers to engage children in meaningful discussions by examining the worldviews presented in literature and comparing them to a biblical worldview. While we strive to select books with insightful themes that help children think critically, not all books reflect a biblical perspective. Our recommendations are not blanket endorsements of the books, their authors, or their other works. We encourage you to preview each book to determine if it aligns with the convictions and framework you have established for your family, church, or classroom. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning Foundation Worldview may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.
Book for Children Ages 8-12
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NHIM
Robert C. O’Brien
When Mrs. Frisby’s youngest son, Timothy, falls ill, it seems like all hope is lost. He cannot survive the cold spring nights outside, yet their cozy winter garden home will soon be overrun by Farmer Fitzgibbon’s plow. Mrs. Frisby seems to have run out of options until she encounters a group of strange rats–very strange rats. Rats who read and write, have electric lights and plumbing, and have plans to start their own civilization. Who are these rats, and why are they interested in helping Mrs. Frisby?
Questions Just for Fun
If any animal truly could learn to think and live as humans do, which animal do you think would be most interesting to do so?
If you had to predict, what do you think happened to the rats of NIHM after they reached their new home in the valley?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
Once the rats of NIHM received certain injections, they began to think, feel, and act as humans do. According to the biblical worldview, would it ever be possible for animals to become identical to humans?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:20-26. Discuss how God purposefully created different kinds of animals, but he created humans in His image. Humans alone possess God’s image, and no experiment, treatment, or injection could put the image of God into other creatures.
Once the rats of NIHM began to think like humans, they started feeling guilty over stealing food and other supplies. Nicodemus thought they began to feel this way because they became more highly evolved. However, according to the biblical worldview, why is it that humans are the only species on Earth that are held responsible for right and wrong actions?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:26-30 and discuss how humans are made in God’s. Because we reflect God and He has given us the free will to choose how we live, we are responsible for living according to God’s design. What the book describes–rats feeling guilt over steeling–would never happen. Rats are not designed in God’s image, so they hold no moral responsibility for taking things they did not work to earn.
Nicodemus noticed that once the rats no longer had to work for their food and other comforts, they became lazy, complained, and had no sense of accomplishment. According to the biblical worldview, why is it important for humans to work and put effort into caring for themselves and others?
Discussion Guide - Read Exodus 20:8-11, Ephesians 4:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. Discuss how, as God’s image bearers, we are to follow God’s pattern of six days of work and one of rest. This is how God designed us. When we work, we do not become lazy, and we are able to be generous to those around us.
The animals in this book had many characteristics that only humans have in real life. What are some of the admirable qualities you saw in different characters in the book?
Discussion Guide - Discuss any or all of the following:
- Mrs. Frisby met the needs of others (her children, Jeremy the crow, the rats, etc.).
- Mr. Ages sought to use his knowledge to help other animals.
- Nicodemus used his wisdom to guide the rat community.
- Jeremy was willing to sacrifice himself to help others.
- Timothy was selfless, willing to let himself stay alone in the winter house so his family would not be crushed by the plow.
- The rats willingly sacrificed their time and resources to help Mrs. Frisby.
Book for Children Ages 4-7
The Circus Ship
Chris Van Dusen
Fifteen circus animals set sail with their circus boss, Mr. Paine, only to be shipwrecked off the coast of Maine. They end up on a small island where the residents are unsure if they want the animals there. This playful book, written in rhyme, is one that can help our children begin thinking biblically about creation and animals.
Question Just for Fun
Were you able to find all fifteen animals hiding on the page where Mr. Paine was looking for them? If not, try to find them!
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
Mr. Paine did not treat his animals very kindly. According to the Bible, how should humans treat animals?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:27-28. Discuss how God has called humans to care for His creation, which includes animals. Only humans are created in God’s image, so humans should always take precedence over animals, but we are still called to care for them.
In this book, the humans and circus animals live happily together. We know that in our world, it would not be safe for a lion, tiger, bear, gorilla, or other wild animal to live in a house with humans. According to the Bible, why is this?
Discussion Guide - Read Romans 8:19-22. Discuss how all creation is under the curse of sin. This means that animals are wild and may attack humans.
Would it ever be possible for animals to live with people like they do in this book?
Discussion Guide - Read Isaiah 11:6-9. Discuss how when Jesus returns and makes all things new, humans and animals will not be at odds, and it will be possible for humans and animals to live in peace in this way.
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