You can get one of those Advent calendars with the worst-chocolate-ever but there are better ways to help your kids enter into the season of Advent. Arnold Ytreedie has authored a number of children's books, including three other Advent devotionals. With Ishtar's Odyessey he takes families on a journey from Persia to Bethlehem.

I9780825443930shtar was a young prince, the son of a wise man. he begins the story as a somewhat sheltered ten-year-old, fearful of life outside the palace walls and he doesn't like his daily lessons. One night, reviewing the constellations he discovers a new star prophesying the birth of a king to the West. Honored for his discovery, Ishtar is compelled to accompany his father and uncles on a six month journey to pay homage to the new king. Along the way he meets new friends: Jotham, Bartholomew and Tabitha (all characters in Ytreeide's other Advent devotionals).

Ytreeide weaves his fictionalized tale of the magi's journey into daily readings for Advent. Each entry ends with a scripture and a short reflection on that part of the story. Ytreeide also suggests foods to enjoy on particular days of the week which correlate with the story and Advent customs to enrich and reinforce what children are learning through the story.

If your kids like stories, this is an interesting and engaging way to help them enter into Advent more fully. At the beginning of the story Ishtar is a pagan (named after the Babylonian goddess of love), at the end of the story he worships Jesus, the Son of the one true God. I give this four stars.

Notice of material connection: I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.














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Keeping our families focused on Christ at Christmas can be challenging in the busyness and distractions of life, sadly especially during this season. Simple and fun devotions, traditions, and songs are great tools. Now I have discovered Ishtar’s Odyssey which is “a family story for Advent” by Arnold Ytreeide. It is broken up into short chapters that are meant to be read together each day of Advent. Each chapter ends with a small devotion pulling out the spiritual lessons we can learn and how we can apply them as Christ followers.

Ishtar, a 10-year-old Prince of Persia, discovers a star and grudgingly leaves the comforts of his home to follow this star in search of a new king along side his father, a Persian wise man. He learns to not complain and to appreciate the wisdom and experience of those around him. Ishtar faces many adventures and dangers and changes of heart as he throws off the identity of being a spoiled child to confidently accept the role of prince and protector.

In this book Ishtar meets up with Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha - three characters that seem to be more important to the story than I would assume with how little they are included. However, then I noticed that there are three other Advent devotional written by Ytreeide - Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels.

I enjoyed experiencing the story myself, so I definitely look forward to sharing Ishtar’s Odyssey with my family this Christmas! Then perhaps checking out the others by Ytreeide for the next three. :)

How does your family stay focused on Christ during Christmas?

**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

Ishtar's Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide is the fourth in his Advent book series but it can be read as a stand alone book or as part of the series.

It is a historical fiction book that is strongly based on Biblical truths, Bible verses and of course, the story of Christ's birth. Mr. Ytreeide has brought history to life through this book (and series) that the whole family will enjoy as an Advent devotional.

The story is divided into short chapters to be read aloud for each day of Advent. After each chapter there is a short summation by the author with end of chapter "thinking points" that can be used to discuss what was just read aloud. He also includes a Bible verse for each day as well.

There are suggestions throughout the book that can be used to help bring the story "to life" even more. There is a list of Persian food that Isthar ate during his journey next to a "comparable meal for today" as well. At the back of the book there is a list of dates for "Advent through the years" that I think is extremely helpful.

All in all, Ishtar's Odyssey is a wonderful story and devotional that parents, children and families can share together to experience and celebrate the wonder and joy of the Advent season!

Thank you to Kregel publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I am so excited about sharing this book with the kids this year. We usually try to do something for advent, but end up fizzling along the way. This book is so interesting, I am sure hoping that won't happen this year. Mostly, because even if I fizzle with the busyness of the season, they will be so eager to read the next part of the story they won't let me forget. I think it is going to be great for our family devotions time.

The story takes place in the Middle East. Ishtar, the main character, is a young boy who lives in a Persian palace. In spite of having a life of luxury, he doesn't have many friends to play with and spends quite of bit of his time learning or listening when his father entertains. One night during his astronomy lesson, he discovers a new "star" - the star! And in doing so, he also joins the amazing adventure of following that star across the country to a strange new place. At first he really isn't too excited about leaving the pomp and comfort of his home, but some awesome adventures await him. His journey is action packed - many dangers await in the desert.

The story is read in increments, one day at a time beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. There is a guide in the book so you know exactly what to read and when. Each part of the story ends with a climax and makes you long for more. Included in this book are tips and ideas for making advent more memorable. There is a link you can go to that includes maps that add to the learning experience. The book also includes foods you can cook, or prepare as a snack while you read this with your children. This book will help children learn by using most of the five senses. And will make for a very memorable family escapade. I can guarantee you and your family will be learning something new!

Advent is such an important time. Looking forward to the birth of Christ and keeping our hearts in the right place amidst all the hustle and bustle is not always easy to do. This author also has other awesome adventures available for future advents. Don't miss this fun way to share the true meaning of Christmas with your children. I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. ( )