
Reach for this book when your child is facing pressure to follow the crowd or feels nervous about standing up for their personal beliefs. It is a perfect tool for families who want to discuss how integrity and faith can provide comfort during moments of isolation or fear. Jean Marzollo adapts this classic biblical narrative into an accessible format that focuses on Daniel's quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his values, even when faced with unfair rules. The story follows Daniel, a trusted advisor who is targeted by jealous peers and thrown into a den of lions for his devotion to God. While the premise involves peril, the tone is reassuring and emphasizes the theme of protection. This is an ideal selection for parents looking to introduce religious history through a lens of bravery and honesty. It helps children understand that while doing the right thing isn't always the easy path, it is the one that leads to true peace of mind.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe imagery of lions can be intense for very sensitive or very young children.
The book deals with religious persecution and the threat of physical harm (being eaten by lions). The approach is religious and the resolution is hopeful and miraculous. The threat is handled with a sense of divine protection rather than graphic detail.
A 6-year-old who is starting to notice that their family's traditions or beliefs might be different from their peers' and needs a hero who navigates that difference with dignity.
This can be read cold, but parents may want to discuss the concept of 'unjust laws' if the child questions why the King would punish his friend. A child expressing that they 'did what everyone else was doing' even though they knew it was wrong, or a child asking why bad things happen to people who are trying to be good.
Preschoolers will focus on the lions and the 'magic' of the protection. Older elementary children will better grasp the political jealousy of the advisors and the moral weight of Daniel's choice to disobey a law for his faith.
Marzollo's version manages to simplify the complex political structure of the biblical story into a clear narrative of integrity without losing the gravity of Daniel's situation.
The book recounts the biblical story of Daniel, a high-ranking official in King Darius's court. When jealous rivals trick the King into signing a law that forbids praying to anyone but the monarch, Daniel remains faithful to his practice. He is sentenced to the lions' den, where he is miraculously protected by an angel, leading the King to recognize Daniel's courage and his God.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.