Today, March 6, is Purim, a day Jews all over the world celebrate each Spring. The lively celebration commemorates the Jewish people’s rescue from annihilation in the Ancient Persian Empire. Their deliverance came through an unlikely hero, a young orphan woman named Esther.

Esther finds herself in an unfamiliar world of royalty when she and all young women in Persia are commanded to become part of King Ahasuerus’ harem. God gives her tremendous favor, and she is chosen as Queen of Persia. Influenced by a wicked man named Haman, and unaware that Esther is a Jew, the king makes a decree calling for the destruction of all Jewish people in Persia. Even though Esther may lose her own life, she appeals to King Ahasuerus and saves the Jewish people.

A Real Story

Sometimes, Esther’s humanity can feel lost in such a huge heroic tale. In Beautiful Bravery, girls hear the plight of a real girl, a girl much like themselves who God uses in a magnificent way.

The book begins with Esther’s story beginning as a little girl. The story is illustrated in pen and ink, followed by the devotional/drawing/activity section. Girls walk with Esther, learning her strengths as they also discover their own. They see how she handled her fears and thoughtfully process how to handle theirs. Along the way, they decorate dresses, work through mazes, and enjoy other fun activity and drawing opportunities.

You Were Made for Such a Time as This

Working with kids for many years as a classroom art teacher in a Christian school, I love hands on learning for children. One of the most important things I wanted to include in Beautiful Bravery is room for girls to express their own imaginations and thoughts. This is not just Esther’s story; it is their story too. They were made to be courageous. They were born for such a time as this.

Beautiful Bravery is for girls of all ages, but specifically targeted for girls aged 6-10. It is 50 pages.

CCA guest blogger, Melissa Ross is author and/or illustrator of more than 15 books for children including Forensics for Kids. Learn more about her at www.melissaross.org

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