Cottonmouth and the Great Gift

Tug was silent for what felt like many long minutes, and right as Frederick was opening his mouth to break the silence, Tug spoke listen very closely …Frederick. I have to tell you something very important. I need you to do something for me. I need you to go and deliver something to someone who is in grave despair. I don’t want you to be naïve, Frederic, this is a dangerous thing I ask of you.

The adventure continues with Tug and Frederick. Tug introduces a new friend Yellowthroat as Tug has to leave and prepare a place for Frederick. Now that Tug is gone, Frederick and Yellowthroat go on adventure of their own down the river where they meet up with trolls that have a special gift, a special book, that has an inscription To Frederick The Reckless, these words are here to bear record so that you might believe…With you always, Tug The Comforter The words of Tug that will guide Frederick and how our story fits into Tug’s story. With some suffering, Yellowthroat and Frederick continue on their journey with the book and a few gifts that the troll bestowed them.

The gift is the retelling of Jesus Ascension and his commission to his followers. With word imagery and a child’s imagination, a discovery of who God is comes into light.

A Special Thank You to David C. Cook and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Again we meet little Freddy who is alone in his house. It takes a little while before Tug shows up with the task he has for Freddie. Alone, with only a bird, Yellowthroat, as a friend Freddie has to set out on a dangerous mission, to deliver a black egg to a sad girl.
The illustrations are still as spectacular and simplistic as in the previous book. The narrative is easy to follow and it's just enough text.

"Tug was silent for what felt like many long minutes, and right as Frederick was opening his mouth to break the silence, Tug spoke listen very closely …Frederick. I have to tell you something very important. I need you to do something for me. I need you to go and deliver something to someone who is in grave despair. I don’t want you to be naïve, Frederic, this is a dangerous thing I ask of you."

It is easy to see how this story is a retelling of the ascension of Christ into heaven as an adult reading the story, but the hints are not overwhelming which makes the book readable outside of a religious context as well. It is a story of struggles and friendship, which everyone can relate to.

My kids love this series, a lot! We have reread this and some of the other books in this series. It is so good and entertaining to read. The love the message behind the story as well as the pictures that are creating for them in their minds. I love reading to my kids especially when it connects with them spiritually, thus this series is terrific. Thanks.

Cottonmouth and the Great Gift by C.S. Fritz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Children's Fiction

This review is for book two of a cleverly illustrated ongoing journey of Freddie Cottonmouth. Freddie is a 10 year old boy who loves adventure.

Freddie also loved a large, furry beast named Tug. Tug met his demise in book one of the series and has come back to visit Freddie. Tug gives Freddie a mission. Tug sends Yellowthroat, a hummingbird, to accompany him on his journey.

Excerpt from the book:

"Tug began to blow into his hands. He made the most beautiful sound, as if all the mighty rushing wind in the forest were flowing through his fingers. All the surrounding pebbles and rocks started to dance and jump with one another, and then the light. . . so much light."

This story captures the imagination and conveys the story of friendship, sin and redemption. Although not a religious book, the story is a parable of the ascension of Christ into heaven. I recommend this book for children of all ages.

ARC courtesy of author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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