SHINE A LIGHT TODAY. AKA: SALT
The Christian & Faith-Based go-to media review series that spotlights faith-driven books, films, and podcasts worth your time.
The Wingfeather Saga: Season One
The Wingfeather Saga (Season 1) is an animated show produced by Angel Studios, based on a book series of the same name by Andrew Peterson. This middle-grade fantasy series takes place in the land of Skree, where humanity is subjected by the ruthless, lizard-like Fangs. Three siblings — Janner, Tink, and Leeli — along with their mother Nia and grandfather Podo enjoy their not-quite-idyllic life under the Fangs’ control…that is until things are turned completely upside down by whispers of rebellion, a quest for legendary jewels, and family secrets finally revealed.
Kensuke’s Kingdom (2024)
Kensuke’s Kingdom is a breathtaking 2023 animated film based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 shipwreck adventure novel of the same name. In it, young Michael and his pet dog Stella find themselves stranded after being thrown overboard during a terrible storm. Washed ashore on an unknown island, Michael and Stella meet a Japanese man named Kensuke, who’s been in the untamed wilderness for decades.
ClosetWorld
ClosetWorld is a fantastical, supernatural adventure graphic novel illustrated by John Amor and written by Matt Yocum (along with his late brother, Richard Yocum). In it, young Johnny Shepherd hears a noise coming from his closet. He gets up to investigate, finding his favorite calculator missing. Thinking it’s some kind of prank by his brother, Johnny dives into his closet, armed only with a toy blaster and pair of fuzzy, dinosaur slippers. He finds his calculator…or so it appears…and goes on an interdimensional adventure filled with angels, demons, and temptations beyond his imagination.
Sketch (2024)
Sketch is a family friendly psychological “horror” adventure movie produced by Angel Studios. The story follows a widowed father, Taylor, and his two children, Jack and Amber, as they navigate the grief that has followed their recent loss. Amber’s dark, expressive drawings step into the real world when Jack discovers a pond with the mystical ability to bring things to life. In a story of healing, sass, and glitter-covered bogeys the Wyatts must learn to navigate their grief in a healthy way…and defeat giant monsters using really cool swords.
Potter Knows Best
Potter Knows Best is a children’s picture book by award winning screenplay writer and author Cheryl McKay Price. In it, the newly made Little Bowl seeks answers about why she was created and what her purposes is. In a charming journey of discovery and understanding the Potter’s heart, the Little Bowl finds her place in the world.
The Basket of Flowers (Lamplighter)
A Basket of Flowers Audiobook by Lamplighter Ministries is a full-cast, full-special effects audiobook based on Christoph von Schmid’s 1755 children’s novel of the same name. In it, Mary is taught to build her faith and reliance on God as she goes through trial after trial. The story is presented both richly and lovingly, with audio effects and top-tier acting, all while maintaining the story’s original plot and message.
Go Bible
Go Bible from Tyndale is a kid-oriented version of the NLT Bible with gobs of adorable pictures, fun factoids, and key verses to help kids read and understand the Bible.
The Dead Sea Squirrels (Books 1-6)
The Dead Sea Squirrels is a series of children’s novels by VeggieTales co-creator and voice actor Mike Nawrocki. Following the misadventures of Michael and his two ancient squirrels, this book series provides good, Godly messages and unravels the Bible’s timeline in an approachable format for kids. Filled with delightful humor, relevant life lessons, and cute, appealing artwork, this series stands out among its peers.
Invisible Tales (Series)
Davy Liu’s Invisible Tails or IT Series is a collection of stories from the perspective of an animal or set of animals that may have witnessed a significant event in Biblical history (i.e. animals heading to the Ark before the flood, fish in the Red Sea when Moses divided it, the colt that Jesus rode on during Palm Sunday). This mixed bag of art, story, symbolism, and historical fact is in many ways charming and delightful, even as it has a few confusing elements.
Take That, Hurricane!
Take That, Hurricane! is a kids’ illustrated book by Rebekah Hair featuring Super Tess and her Sidekick Nick as they work to clean up their town after a devastating hurricane.
Buzzle Billy
Buzzle Billy is a picture book written by Michael P. Waite and illustrated by Jill Colbert Trousdale. In it, kids are introduced to a message about sharing in the delightful world of the Buzzles.
More Pawverbs for Kids
More Pawverbs for Kids is a soon-to-be-released collection of animal-centric short stories for kids. Each one is delightfully written, with beautiful corresponding pictures and an apt verse from Proverbs.
Rescue Me! (Collector’s Edition)
Rescue Me! is a superhero-themed comic book devotional by Bryce Morgan and Mitch Martin. In this comic, the super powered Captain Sun must rescue Capital City from the evil Black-Out, a villain bent on covering the entire city in darkness.
The Little Red Hen
The Little Red Hen is an audiodrama for children created by the Academy of Arts (same folks who put on Logos Theatre). Designed as a musical play, based off of Aesop’s fables, and with an unshakeable Biblical core, this story follows the adventures of the Little Red Hen as she goes through the laborious process of making cornbread, starting with three kernels of corn. Filled with a variety of farm animal friends (including an owl and a possum), this delightful story focuses on the importance of teamwork, a servant’s heart, and reaping what you sow.
Jesus vs. the Bad Guys
Jesus vs. the Bad Guys is a new children’s book written by Connor Shram and Jared Neusch with illustrations by Daniel Duncan. This imaginative and Scripturally-based story takes a look at Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence and the love of one’s enemies. This story presents the richness of the Gospel in a charming and kid-friendly manner using age-appropriate metaphors and comparisons.
Professor Phineas T. Boggs: Lost in Space
The second installment of the Academy of Art’s Professor Phineas T. Boggs’ adventures, Lost in Space is a delightful audio drama for kids of all ages. In this story, Professor Boggs — along with characters from the previous drama, including Chester, Tina, Jake, Tess, Olivia, Michael, and Bonnie — travel through time to uncovering Biblical truths and learn important life lessons.
Paul, the Apostle
Paul: The Apostle by Mario DeMatteo is a graphic story Bible that covers the life of Paul (formerly Saul), from the New Testament. This takes the story of his life — both the good and the bad — and faithfully recreates it in a futuristic, sci-fi setting.
Mateo's Choice
Mateo’s Choice is an excellent Christian primer for kids! Written in a simple, but easy to understand way, it tackles major theological points about salvation, who we become in Christ, and why a renewed heart is a good thing.
Prof. Phineas T. Boggs: Elijah and the Famine
Professor Phineas T. Boggs: Elijah and the Famine is a time-travel audio adventure that is sure to delight children of all ages. Professor Phineas T. Boggs, renown inventor extraordinaire, and his Gobac time machine whisk away young listeners to the time of Elijah, during the…
The Forgotten King
The Forgotten King is a beautifully illustrated allegorical tale of God’s enduring love for His people, including the redemption brought by Jesus.