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Don't Blame the Mud
For young readers and families, Don’t Blame the Mud paints a vivid and accurate picture of sin and God’s plan of redemption. Written by best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children how to recognize the lure of temptation and the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences.
One day, Max takes the muddy path along the creek home, disregarding his mother’s reminder to keep his school clothes clean. After crashing into a mud puddle, he tries to hide his mistake and discovers the stain of his sin goes deeper than the mud he can wash away. In this lovable, relatable, and heartwarming tale, Max learns his heart needs to be cleaned, and Jesus is the only one who can wash away his sin.
By clearly articulating the gospel, Don’t Blame the Mud helps parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes—in the freedom of Christ—rather than place the blame elsewhere. Parents, teachers, and caretakers can help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin, understanding the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Instead of teaching kids how to deal with a problem, Machowski uncovers the real issue of sin and provides a gospel answer.
One day, Max takes the muddy path along the creek home, disregarding his mother’s reminder to keep his school clothes clean. After crashing into a mud puddle, he tries to hide his mistake and discovers the stain of his sin goes deeper than the mud he can wash away. In this lovable, relatable, and heartwarming tale, Max learns his heart needs to be cleaned, and Jesus is the only one who can wash away his sin.
By clearly articulating the gospel, Don’t Blame the Mud helps parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes—in the freedom of Christ—rather than place the blame elsewhere. Parents, teachers, and caretakers can help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin, understanding the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Instead of teaching kids how to deal with a problem, Machowski uncovers the real issue of sin and provides a gospel answer.
- GenresChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 27, 2019
22 people want to read
About the author
Marty Machowski
58Ìýbooks115ÌýfollowersMarty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for more than twenty years. As leader of their children’s ministry, Promise Kingdom, he has worked for many years to develop curriculum and devotional material that connect church and home. His passion is equipping families to understand the Bible as one gospel story and help them share that with their children. He is the author of The Gospel Story for Kids series including Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God (OT); The Gospel Story Bible; and the Gospel Story Curriculum: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament and the forthcoming Old Story New (NT): Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and Gospel Story Curriculum: Following Jesus in the New Testament. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 21, 2019
Let me start out by saying that I'm not a Christian, and therefore am not the audience for this book. But I am interested in religion and trying to understand why people believe what they believe. I've read a few Christian picture books, and have enjoyed some more than others. This book, however, is one of the weaker ones I've read, combining a potentially confusing message with uneven illustrations and a trite plot.
Max gets muddy on his way home from school, even though his mom told him not to. So he tries to hide the evidence. It doesn't work, and he's forced to confess (and shower). But he still doesn't feel clean. It isn't until he asks God to forgive him for his sin that everything is hunky-dory.
As a non-Christian, I was confused for much of the book. It repeatedly talks about sin as going your own way and not God's way. What does that even mean? In this book, it appears to mean unquestioning obedience of your parents... which to me seems like an idea ripe for abuse. How many children have come to harm after an adult told them that what they were being subjected to was "God's way"?
The story itself is so bland and ridiculous, it will probably only appeal to very young children. Max is young enough to try to blame getting dirty on the mud itself, and yet in some of the illustrations, he almost looks like a teenager! So I'm not entirely sure what age group this book is aimed at. I'm guessing it's aimed at younger children, because there are a few pages at the back that are intended for parents. They, too, don't seem to know who their audience is. There are instructions on further brainwashing your children, but there is a lot of information that I would've thought Christian adults would already know (e.g., Jesus never had a bad thought in his life, we're all dirty sinners, getting nailed to a cross magically absolves everyone else of personal responsibility). Unless this is intended to be a conversion tool for the entire family, it doesn't make a lot of sense to put all those basics in there.
I tried to keep an open mind when I went into this, and until around the 3/4 mark I thought it was just a mediocre children's story about a kid trying to weasel his way out of trouble. It's the last 1/4 of the book that's going to narrow its audience. Unlike some of the other Christian titles I've read which were based on Bible stories, this seems to be little more than a tool to gain children's unquestioning obedience. But I don't even know how well it would work for that, since the overall message is kind of muddy (pun intended). How are you supposed to know what's your way and what's God's way? The only answer I get from reading this book is that if it's something you want to do, it must be wrong. That doesn't seem like a very healthy message at all.
But, like I said, I'm not the audience for this. Your mileage may vary.
Thank you to NetGalley and New Growth Press for providing a digital ARC.
Max gets muddy on his way home from school, even though his mom told him not to. So he tries to hide the evidence. It doesn't work, and he's forced to confess (and shower). But he still doesn't feel clean. It isn't until he asks God to forgive him for his sin that everything is hunky-dory.
As a non-Christian, I was confused for much of the book. It repeatedly talks about sin as going your own way and not God's way. What does that even mean? In this book, it appears to mean unquestioning obedience of your parents... which to me seems like an idea ripe for abuse. How many children have come to harm after an adult told them that what they were being subjected to was "God's way"?
The story itself is so bland and ridiculous, it will probably only appeal to very young children. Max is young enough to try to blame getting dirty on the mud itself, and yet in some of the illustrations, he almost looks like a teenager! So I'm not entirely sure what age group this book is aimed at. I'm guessing it's aimed at younger children, because there are a few pages at the back that are intended for parents. They, too, don't seem to know who their audience is. There are instructions on further brainwashing your children, but there is a lot of information that I would've thought Christian adults would already know (e.g., Jesus never had a bad thought in his life, we're all dirty sinners, getting nailed to a cross magically absolves everyone else of personal responsibility). Unless this is intended to be a conversion tool for the entire family, it doesn't make a lot of sense to put all those basics in there.
I tried to keep an open mind when I went into this, and until around the 3/4 mark I thought it was just a mediocre children's story about a kid trying to weasel his way out of trouble. It's the last 1/4 of the book that's going to narrow its audience. Unlike some of the other Christian titles I've read which were based on Bible stories, this seems to be little more than a tool to gain children's unquestioning obedience. But I don't even know how well it would work for that, since the overall message is kind of muddy (pun intended). How are you supposed to know what's your way and what's God's way? The only answer I get from reading this book is that if it's something you want to do, it must be wrong. That doesn't seem like a very healthy message at all.
But, like I said, I'm not the audience for this. Your mileage may vary.
Thank you to NetGalley and New Growth Press for providing a digital ARC.
July 6, 2019
"Unless you see that you have a problem, you don’t think you need a solution." -Marty Machowski" author of "Don't Blame the Mud"
This well-drafted picture book clearly articulates the gospel helping parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes in the freedom of Christ.
Max is our lead character and he is shadowed by a lurking companion - MUD. Max is dressed in navy blue pants, a white dress shirt, and a red necktie. He carries his backpack because he has been to school and is now on the way home .
First of all, Max must be enrolled in a private school or one of the few public schools that have stringent dress codes. He is dressed in his school uniform. But whether he is in uniform or casually attired in jeans, shorts, and/or shirt, he is still an active boy that tends to get in the dirt.
The author uses a dirt or mud aspect as representative of sin that lurks all around. The dirt of sin rubs off on us making us soiled. Can't wash that type of soil off in the laundry. Max's parents explain to him the problem of sin and the solution is Christ helping him own up to his own mistakes.
The entire gospel presentation is spot on Biblically sound.
The illustrations, though, left me somewhat wondering who the book's audience is intended to be. Boys the age that Max appears to be in the story - based on size - would not traipse through the mud, splashing, getting dirty. They would get muddy, dirty, grass stained playing ball in a field, fishing, hiking, etc. So I'm thinking that Max should have been a bit younger looking child.
I felt that Max's parents approached the subject of his soiling his clothes and hiding the evidence a bit intimidating and overbearing. Surely a gentler, less formidable manner would have resulted in the same outcome.
I have reviewed several of Marty Machowski's books and found each to be exceptionally well done and Biblically sound. Don't Blame the Mud while good, and Biblically sound, just doesn't quite meet what I have come to expect from Mr. Machowski's publications.
I still recommend the book because it is Biblically sound and children do need to learn that they can't blame a situation or the mud of life for things going wrong. They need to learn that they can be cleaned of their sin by Christ. I don't see this book appealing to non-Christian audiences so distribution would be limited to Christian households, church library, and Christian schools.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
This well-drafted picture book clearly articulates the gospel helping parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes in the freedom of Christ.
Max is our lead character and he is shadowed by a lurking companion - MUD. Max is dressed in navy blue pants, a white dress shirt, and a red necktie. He carries his backpack because he has been to school and is now on the way home .
First of all, Max must be enrolled in a private school or one of the few public schools that have stringent dress codes. He is dressed in his school uniform. But whether he is in uniform or casually attired in jeans, shorts, and/or shirt, he is still an active boy that tends to get in the dirt.
The author uses a dirt or mud aspect as representative of sin that lurks all around. The dirt of sin rubs off on us making us soiled. Can't wash that type of soil off in the laundry. Max's parents explain to him the problem of sin and the solution is Christ helping him own up to his own mistakes.
The entire gospel presentation is spot on Biblically sound.
The illustrations, though, left me somewhat wondering who the book's audience is intended to be. Boys the age that Max appears to be in the story - based on size - would not traipse through the mud, splashing, getting dirty. They would get muddy, dirty, grass stained playing ball in a field, fishing, hiking, etc. So I'm thinking that Max should have been a bit younger looking child.
I felt that Max's parents approached the subject of his soiling his clothes and hiding the evidence a bit intimidating and overbearing. Surely a gentler, less formidable manner would have resulted in the same outcome.
I have reviewed several of Marty Machowski's books and found each to be exceptionally well done and Biblically sound. Don't Blame the Mud while good, and Biblically sound, just doesn't quite meet what I have come to expect from Mr. Machowski's publications.
I still recommend the book because it is Biblically sound and children do need to learn that they can't blame a situation or the mud of life for things going wrong. They need to learn that they can be cleaned of their sin by Christ. I don't see this book appealing to non-Christian audiences so distribution would be limited to Christian households, church library, and Christian schools.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
December 31, 2019
Author Marty Machowski and illustrator Craig MacIntosh have come together and crafted a fun and unique children’s picture book about temptation and the consequence to making bad choices. Portraying temptation as mud is a unique way of capturing the attention of children in a fun and positive learning environment. This is not only a great parenting tool for teaching about temptation and consequences of bad choices, but also showing how God plays a role in it all. The story is fun and enjoyable and there are great parenting resources in the back of the book. A great read for children.
Genre: children’s, parenting
Publisher: New Growth Press
Publication date: May 27, 2019
Number of pages: 32
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Read with Audra. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: children’s, parenting
Publisher: New Growth Press
Publication date: May 27, 2019
Number of pages: 32
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Read with Audra. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
July 23, 2019
If you desire to have gospel conversations in your home and with your family in the everyday stuff of life, then you need to read and glean from 'Don’t Blame the Mud: Only Jesus Makes Us Clean' by Marty Machowski.
See full review at:
See full review at:
July 28, 2019
Are you looking for a good children’s book that talk about the subject of sin and forgiveness of sins biblically? This children’s book really did a good job giving an analogy of sin being compared to mud and also talked directly about the issue of sin, guilt and Christ and the Gospel. Yet the author told this story in a way that kids would relate and certainly my daughters felt they could identify with the main character Max.
Coming in at 32 pages this book packed a lot of precious truths within its pages. It tells the story of Max who head back home from school chose to disobeyed his mom who told him before not to play with the mud until he comes home and change. I like the book’s discussion about temptation, disobedience and the most profound to me was the way it handled the topic of how we hide sin. Max used blame game by blaming the mud for his fault and also attempt to hide his muddy clothes even though it was obvious there’s mud (and mud everywhere!). What an analogy of our sins. But this book is not just a book on guilt trip; it points to God’s grace of how to be forgiven of one’s sin and guilt! This is the beautiful part of the book and through Max’s discussion with his parents readers will learn along with Max our need to confess our sins to God and also go to Christ for His grace. This is a first rate Gospel saturated children’s book that I wholeheartedly recommend without any reservation; I wished more children’s book can be just as biblical, as relatable and as fascinating as this one. The illustrations also helped tremendously for the story-telling to young kids and it led my daughters to point out what Max was doing and how irrational it was for him to lie that he’s got no mud on him! I give this book 5 start out of 5 star!
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by New Growth Press and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Coming in at 32 pages this book packed a lot of precious truths within its pages. It tells the story of Max who head back home from school chose to disobeyed his mom who told him before not to play with the mud until he comes home and change. I like the book’s discussion about temptation, disobedience and the most profound to me was the way it handled the topic of how we hide sin. Max used blame game by blaming the mud for his fault and also attempt to hide his muddy clothes even though it was obvious there’s mud (and mud everywhere!). What an analogy of our sins. But this book is not just a book on guilt trip; it points to God’s grace of how to be forgiven of one’s sin and guilt! This is the beautiful part of the book and through Max’s discussion with his parents readers will learn along with Max our need to confess our sins to God and also go to Christ for His grace. This is a first rate Gospel saturated children’s book that I wholeheartedly recommend without any reservation; I wished more children’s book can be just as biblical, as relatable and as fascinating as this one. The illustrations also helped tremendously for the story-telling to young kids and it led my daughters to point out what Max was doing and how irrational it was for him to lie that he’s got no mud on him! I give this book 5 start out of 5 star!
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by New Growth Press and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
May 21, 2019
The book is divided into two sections. The first section is the first person narrative of a little boy. He tells us how he yields to temptation then tries to fix the mess he has made. That part ends with his parents explaining to him that his efforts will never rid him of the guilt of his actions. The second section is a brief Bible study of sin, guilt, and salvation.
I love the message of this book, especially the last bit of the story and the Bible study part. The simple power of the message is so beautifully presented there.
Unfortunately, the story itself is not as good. The writing is rather choppy. Parts almost have a poetic rhythm, but it’s not a poem. The rest just seems to be very choppy or abrupt. That all changes when we get to the section where the parents explain the Gospel, the sentences smooth out and start connecting better.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and New Growth Press. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
I love the message of this book, especially the last bit of the story and the Bible study part. The simple power of the message is so beautifully presented there.
Unfortunately, the story itself is not as good. The writing is rather choppy. Parts almost have a poetic rhythm, but it’s not a poem. The rest just seems to be very choppy or abrupt. That all changes when we get to the section where the parents explain the Gospel, the sentences smooth out and start connecting better.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and New Growth Press. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
July 16, 2019
Don't Blame the Mud is a great way to introduce children to the concepts of sin, guilt, and forgiveness. Author Marty Machowski shows how a young boy named Max is tempted to do the very thing that his mother warned him not to do. Max gets dirty--very, very dirty--and he immediately feels guilty about disobeying his mom. As he tries to hide his muddy clothes and shoes Max realizes that his mother knows exactly what he has done so he then tries shifting the blame from himself. A discussion between Max and his parents helps him understand that sin is wrong and Jesus is the only way to get rid of the stain of sin and truly be clean again.
There are so many reasons to like this book. The illustrations are fun and colorful; the text is easy to read and easy to understand; and the subject is one that children will understand. All of us, no matter our ages, are tempted to do things that we know we shouldn't and then place the blame on someone or something else. Admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness is our only answer and the author shares scripture and suggests questions that will help parents and grandparents explain God's Plan of Salvation to the young people in their lives.
This is a special book to share with young people and my five year-old-granddaughter paid it the highest compliment. She immediately asked me to re-read Don't Blame the Mud the first time that I read it to her!
I received a complimentary copy from New Growth Press and I voluntarily chose to share my personal opinions in this review.
There are so many reasons to like this book. The illustrations are fun and colorful; the text is easy to read and easy to understand; and the subject is one that children will understand. All of us, no matter our ages, are tempted to do things that we know we shouldn't and then place the blame on someone or something else. Admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness is our only answer and the author shares scripture and suggests questions that will help parents and grandparents explain God's Plan of Salvation to the young people in their lives.
This is a special book to share with young people and my five year-old-granddaughter paid it the highest compliment. She immediately asked me to re-read Don't Blame the Mud the first time that I read it to her!
I received a complimentary copy from New Growth Press and I voluntarily chose to share my personal opinions in this review.
July 6, 2019
This is a great children’s story about sin and the book equips parents and teachers to teach our children about sin. The story is about a boy who makes the wrong choice by taking a muddy path home from school. Along the way he falls and gets his new school uniform completely dirty. When he got home, instead of telling his mom and dad the truth, he ran through the house straight to his room leaving a trail of mud behind him and tried to hide his muddy mess under his bed. His mom and dad saw the muddy track and confronted the boy. They asked him to get cleaned up and even after he took a shower the boy still didn’t feel clean. Deep down inside he still felt the mud. When it was time to confront his parents he initially blamed the mud but his parents pointed out that there is no one else to blame but himself. Eventually he confessed his sin to his parents and finally God. His parents taught him that we are all born with sin but it’s Jesus who saves us.
What is also helpful is that there are two pages for parents and teachers that focus on helping your child understand sin and the gospel. What’s really great is the author also adds in key Bible verses to remember at the end of the book. I had my children ages 8 and 9 read each page and they were able to grasp the concept pretty quickly into the story. The story is lengthy compared to other children’s books and the wording is small which may make it challenging for younger children to follow along. The pictures are very detailed which can be distracting for a young reader who is trying to read the small font. I would recommend seeing more books with characters of different ethnicities and different type of families such as adoptive families and/or including grandparents.
I was given a free copy. All views are my own.
What is also helpful is that there are two pages for parents and teachers that focus on helping your child understand sin and the gospel. What’s really great is the author also adds in key Bible verses to remember at the end of the book. I had my children ages 8 and 9 read each page and they were able to grasp the concept pretty quickly into the story. The story is lengthy compared to other children’s books and the wording is small which may make it challenging for younger children to follow along. The pictures are very detailed which can be distracting for a young reader who is trying to read the small font. I would recommend seeing more books with characters of different ethnicities and different type of families such as adoptive families and/or including grandparents.
I was given a free copy. All views are my own.
July 17, 2019
Marty Machowski's newest book, Don't Blame the Mud, is a children's book that addresses the sin living inside each and every one of us. But there is hope because Jesus can make us clean!
I have enjoyed reading through Marty Machowski's books. They are full of sound, biblical advice for working with children and teaching them the truth of God's Word. I liked the concept of this book. Mud is something that kids can comprehend because they have experienced it. And taking that experience and putting it into this story, was a great way for kids to identify with the idea of being soiled with sin. I also liked how even after the mud was cleaned off of the child, the child identified that he still felt dirty inside. From there, Marty moves into the presentation of the gospel and how Jesus is the only one who can clean us on the inside. Overall, the story is a good teaching tool especially with young kids. This book is pretty straight forward, but probably not one my kids would pick up and read over and over. I wish that after addressing salvation, the author would of talked about how being saved doesn't mean we don't sin anymore. And how we now can come to the Father and confess our sins to keep a right relationship with Him.
***I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I have enjoyed reading through Marty Machowski's books. They are full of sound, biblical advice for working with children and teaching them the truth of God's Word. I liked the concept of this book. Mud is something that kids can comprehend because they have experienced it. And taking that experience and putting it into this story, was a great way for kids to identify with the idea of being soiled with sin. I also liked how even after the mud was cleaned off of the child, the child identified that he still felt dirty inside. From there, Marty moves into the presentation of the gospel and how Jesus is the only one who can clean us on the inside. Overall, the story is a good teaching tool especially with young kids. This book is pretty straight forward, but probably not one my kids would pick up and read over and over. I wish that after addressing salvation, the author would of talked about how being saved doesn't mean we don't sin anymore. And how we now can come to the Father and confess our sins to keep a right relationship with Him.
***I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 14, 2019
Don't Blame the Mud Only Jesus Makes Us Clean is an effective resource that helps parents teach their children about sin, conviction, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I really like how the story's text and illustrations use a more relatable circumstance that younger children are more apt to understand. While in this instance the story involves an actual mud puddle, the mud also represents sin and how it can come in many forms. It first follows the main character around, tempting him to slip up. Once he makes the mistake, the mud trails after him and almost taunts him, reminding him that he had done something wrong. There is a very important lesson to be learned about being accountable for our own actions and why we should resist temptation. There are also additional features in the back of the book to help open the door to further discussions between parents and children. These talking points include helping children understand sin and what the Bible says about it, as well as an introduction to the Gospel and how to spread the good news to others. While I had received an advance copy of this book, all opinions are 100% honest and my own personal views.
June 19, 2019
I found this book to be simple and relatable. Teaching kids about sin and the guilt that comes with it in very practical terms. But it definitely does not leave them there.
Teaching a child about salvation with this book is entirely possible. The progression is fast, because it is a short story, and can’t possibly convey the many similar experiences beforehand. But that’s ok. The truth is that God pricks each heart at different times. When a heart is ready, the experience isn’t slow.
I found the illustrations engaging, and the story easy to follow. I could relate on a personal level to Max. His good intentions and getting distracted by something fun.
The Mud “monster� is great! Really helps get the point across just with the illustrations.
I would recommend this book to any elementary kids. My 6 year old enjoyed it, and has asked to read it several times already. We will read in often.
📌 I received a copy of the book from the author for free. I chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
Teaching a child about salvation with this book is entirely possible. The progression is fast, because it is a short story, and can’t possibly convey the many similar experiences beforehand. But that’s ok. The truth is that God pricks each heart at different times. When a heart is ready, the experience isn’t slow.
I found the illustrations engaging, and the story easy to follow. I could relate on a personal level to Max. His good intentions and getting distracted by something fun.
The Mud “monster� is great! Really helps get the point across just with the illustrations.
I would recommend this book to any elementary kids. My 6 year old enjoyed it, and has asked to read it several times already. We will read in often.
📌 I received a copy of the book from the author for free. I chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
June 27, 2019
This is the cutest story of a boy who is not supposed to get muddy on the way home from school, but alas, he "cannot" help himself and ends up covered in mud on his way home. He tries to "blame" the mud for getting all over him, instead of admitting that he was not obedient to his parents. It's a great illustration of how we often try to blame others, or sin, or the old "the devil made me do it" idea rather than assuming the responsibility for our actions. The ending talks about how when we admit we are sinners and ask God's forgiveness he washes us clean.
In the back of the book, there are a lot of good pointers on leading a child to Christ and helping your child understand sin and the gospel. Personally, I found this book to be very unique and fun to use with kids. I am hoping to use with my Awana kids this year, as I think they will really be able to grasp and relate to the story.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of New Growth Press and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In the back of the book, there are a lot of good pointers on leading a child to Christ and helping your child understand sin and the gospel. Personally, I found this book to be very unique and fun to use with kids. I am hoping to use with my Awana kids this year, as I think they will really be able to grasp and relate to the story.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of New Growth Press and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2019
I loved how this book beautifully explains about sin and temptation. Mud being sin and the trail being the temptation.
Max knew what he was doing was wrong, but the temptation to walk that trail was too inviting. Like most people, we choose not to obey God's word and we do things on our own, then later we try to cover up that guilt and shame, by blaming someone else or the object of our guilt. And no matter what we try to do, that guilt stays on us. Maybe from the outside we look clean, but from the inside, it's mud and it festers and begins to stink, and we don't know how to get rid of it. The only way to get clean is through Jesus Christ, He is the ONLY one that can disinfect, wipe clean all of that mud and festering stench from our mind, soul and body.
It's a whimsical book with beautiful illustrations that takes you on Max's journey to salvation. I highly recommend this read, it's very easy for young children to comprehend and at the end of this book, there is help for the parents on teaching children to understand sin and the gospel of Christ.
Max knew what he was doing was wrong, but the temptation to walk that trail was too inviting. Like most people, we choose not to obey God's word and we do things on our own, then later we try to cover up that guilt and shame, by blaming someone else or the object of our guilt. And no matter what we try to do, that guilt stays on us. Maybe from the outside we look clean, but from the inside, it's mud and it festers and begins to stink, and we don't know how to get rid of it. The only way to get clean is through Jesus Christ, He is the ONLY one that can disinfect, wipe clean all of that mud and festering stench from our mind, soul and body.
It's a whimsical book with beautiful illustrations that takes you on Max's journey to salvation. I highly recommend this read, it's very easy for young children to comprehend and at the end of this book, there is help for the parents on teaching children to understand sin and the gospel of Christ.
October 4, 2019
I found this to be one of the best children's books in telling in a very simplistic way how sin stains us and how only Jesus can take that sin away. This story is about a boy who disobeys his mother and what follows is exactly what she said would happen. No matter how careful he was, he could not miss stepping in the mud on the trail that he thought looked so much more fun. After getting all muddy he then tries to hide his guilt. Unfortunately that only made matters worse and led his parents right to the place where he thought he could hide.
His parents were fair and loving and explained to their son about salvation. I have really been enjoying author Machowski's books geared to explaining the Gospel to children. This was a delightful story book with lovely and colorful illustrations.
I received a copy of this novel from the publishers. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
His parents were fair and loving and explained to their son about salvation. I have really been enjoying author Machowski's books geared to explaining the Gospel to children. This was a delightful story book with lovely and colorful illustrations.
I received a copy of this novel from the publishers. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
June 4, 2019
It's not my fault, I thought. I was doing fine till I slipped and fell. My clothes were all clean till the mud splashed on me. It's all the mud's fault, that's easy to see.
A little boy learns a lesson on obedience and what it means in simple terms. How we blame others for our bad choices (sin) and how we are redeemed when we take responsibility for our bad choices (sin). It is a great lesson on how we think we know better than those in authority. Mom/dad vs kids. It is the same with God. This is a great lesson in teaching our children. How our desires cause us to make bad choices that lead to sin.
If as a parent you are serious about sin and teaching sin to your children, I highly recommend this as way to teach good doctrine.
A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A little boy learns a lesson on obedience and what it means in simple terms. How we blame others for our bad choices (sin) and how we are redeemed when we take responsibility for our bad choices (sin). It is a great lesson on how we think we know better than those in authority. Mom/dad vs kids. It is the same with God. This is a great lesson in teaching our children. How our desires cause us to make bad choices that lead to sin.
If as a parent you are serious about sin and teaching sin to your children, I highly recommend this as way to teach good doctrine.
A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 28, 2019
This book is a great way to explain the gospel to children. It does a good job of showing the dirt on the outside and relating that to guilt in the inside. There is an excellent couple of pages at the end of the book to help parents explain sin and the gospel to their children. The only aspect of the book I felt was less than perfect was the small print. It is not always so easy to hold a book so children can see the illustrations while reading the text. I can see Sunday School teachers using this book in such a way. Larger print would have been better for a broader use.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 28, 2019
Marty Machowski, author of Don’t Blame the Mud, created Max as a typical boy who wants to do good and listen to his mom, but adventures sometimes get in the way. Max isn’t trying to get into trouble, but trouble seems to find him, and he has to find a way out. Because Max didn’t intend to get into trouble, he decides that the blame for his problem doesn’t lie with him, but elsewhere.
I like Christian kids� books that have a moral, or underlying message. This one is simple and straightforward and would be a blessing for parents who want help in knowing when or how to discuss salvation with their kids.
I like Christian kids� books that have a moral, or underlying message. This one is simple and straightforward and would be a blessing for parents who want help in knowing when or how to discuss salvation with their kids.
June 7, 2019
DON'T BLAME THE MUD is a cute story about a little boy tempted to play in mud puddles despite his mom's orders to stay clean. When he slipped and fell he ran and hid, but the muddy tracks gave him away. He was quick to blame the mud, but his wise parents taught him where the fault lay.
The print/color is hard to read on some sections, but the story is well written, engaging, and teaches a valuable lesson.
Grab a copy of DON'T BLAME THE MUD for your favorite child today.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
The print/color is hard to read on some sections, but the story is well written, engaging, and teaches a valuable lesson.
Grab a copy of DON'T BLAME THE MUD for your favorite child today.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2019
"Don't Blame the Mud" is a simpler portrayal made for children toÌý better understand our sins and what they do to us. It explained in a heartfelt yet easy to understand way, using creative illustrations that connect the child to the story.
It was a very good message, but would need to be for a child old enough to sit still for a period of time as the book is a little bit longer and requires attention. But all in all, a good way to get across the message of repenting.
It was a very good message, but would need to be for a child old enough to sit still for a period of time as the book is a little bit longer and requires attention. But all in all, a good way to get across the message of repenting.
June 4, 2019
I want to thank #netgalley for giving me a copy of #dontblamethemud to review. This was a book about taking responsibility fur your actions. I liked the metaphor of the mud. The discussion guide and bible verses are a nice addition.
August 2, 2019
Don't Blame the Mud is a cute little book that teaches children some good lessons. I give it four stars.
September 17, 2019
Excellent
April 12, 2020
Read this with the boys on Easter today! Great kids book!
August 10, 2019
Wow!! I have been a fan of Marty Machowski's for a while now. We are actually currently working our way through one of his 10 minute devotions, Wise Up: Ten-Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs. So we were excited to dig into this short story book for kids. It is the perfect length that will keep everyone engaged, even younger kids. The illustrations are very adorable and my kids enjoyed them. The story is very skilled at representing our sin and how we need God to clean us. It shows that we are responsible for our own sin and only God can help us to get clean.
Not only is the story very engaging and entertaining but it clearly shares the Gospel through Max's parents. Max understands His need for a Savior and actually comes to Christ right in the pages of the story. So this is a terrific way to get conversations started. I actually wish I had come upon this book when my kids are younger, but we will be sharing it with everyone.
At the end is a space for parents to help guide you in talking to your kids about salvation and some steps to take if they are ready. This is such an amazing resource that should be in every home.
Thanks to the publisher for our free copy, no review was required.
Not only is the story very engaging and entertaining but it clearly shares the Gospel through Max's parents. Max understands His need for a Savior and actually comes to Christ right in the pages of the story. So this is a terrific way to get conversations started. I actually wish I had come upon this book when my kids are younger, but we will be sharing it with everyone.
At the end is a space for parents to help guide you in talking to your kids about salvation and some steps to take if they are ready. This is such an amazing resource that should be in every home.
Thanks to the publisher for our free copy, no review was required.
September 19, 2019
You can read my fuller review at Spoiled Milks (6/28/19).
Marty Machowski gives a simple story to parents that is illustrative of how sin often occurs. In the story, Max is on his way home from school, and he hears his mother’s voice resounding in his head not to fall into the mud and get dirty. But he sees a muddy path, and he knows he can just run along the trail next to the creek to skip stones and find frogs. Yetâ€� Max gets the mud on him. Just as Paul personifies sin in Romans 6-7, illustratorÌýCraig McIntoshÌýpersonifies the mud. The mud grabs him and covers him. It gets everywhere. So Max sneaks in to his room, hides his muddy clothes, puts on new clothes, and jumps in bed as if nothing ever happened. His mom sees right through him. Max showers off the mud, but he still feels dirty. He then lies to his dad and blames it on the mud, but Dad sees right through it too.
Machowski presents the gospel story to kids in a way they will understand. It helps them to understand what guilt is and why they feel it. It does feel like they can’t get clean, but there is an answer. We can’t play with sin, but Christ died to wash away our sin and to clear us of guilt. When we put our trust in Christ, we no longer serve sin (or mud) but Christ. The book ends withÌýways to help your child understand sin andÌýways to help your child understand the gospel.
The illustrations here seem dated. They remind me of the goofy 90s Christian clip art that you would see on different computer programs or books. The illustrations do get the point across, and kids may not care.
Though the illustrations aren’t up to par, the message of the book is very important. It is a good way to teach your little ones that Christ is the answer and that they don’t have to go to the mud.
Marty Machowski gives a simple story to parents that is illustrative of how sin often occurs. In the story, Max is on his way home from school, and he hears his mother’s voice resounding in his head not to fall into the mud and get dirty. But he sees a muddy path, and he knows he can just run along the trail next to the creek to skip stones and find frogs. Yetâ€� Max gets the mud on him. Just as Paul personifies sin in Romans 6-7, illustratorÌýCraig McIntoshÌýpersonifies the mud. The mud grabs him and covers him. It gets everywhere. So Max sneaks in to his room, hides his muddy clothes, puts on new clothes, and jumps in bed as if nothing ever happened. His mom sees right through him. Max showers off the mud, but he still feels dirty. He then lies to his dad and blames it on the mud, but Dad sees right through it too.
Machowski presents the gospel story to kids in a way they will understand. It helps them to understand what guilt is and why they feel it. It does feel like they can’t get clean, but there is an answer. We can’t play with sin, but Christ died to wash away our sin and to clear us of guilt. When we put our trust in Christ, we no longer serve sin (or mud) but Christ. The book ends withÌýways to help your child understand sin andÌýways to help your child understand the gospel.
The illustrations here seem dated. They remind me of the goofy 90s Christian clip art that you would see on different computer programs or books. The illustrations do get the point across, and kids may not care.
Though the illustrations aren’t up to par, the message of the book is very important. It is a good way to teach your little ones that Christ is the answer and that they don’t have to go to the mud.
August 27, 2019
Our family has been incredibly blessed by a number of resources written by Marty Machowski, most notably, his Old and New Testament devotionals for families so, I was excited to read his latest work for children, "Don't Blame the Mud". The Gospel message communicated through the parents was crystal clear and the follow-up questions provided in the parent section were helpful for drawing the kids out to think about ways that they struggle to obey, seek to blame-shift, etc. We honestly didn't love the story and read it repeatedly. Perhaps some of your kids will receive the story better. The Gospel message and follow-up questions certainly make it worth giving a shot. :)
*Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me a complimentary copy of "Don't Blame the Mud"! This is my honest opinion!
*Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me a complimentary copy of "Don't Blame the Mud"! This is my honest opinion!
May 22, 2019
Author Marty Machowski once again gives parents a great tool for helping their kids understand sin, forgiveness, salvation and restoration with his new children's book, "Don't Blame the Mud." After main character Max ends up in the mud when his mom told him to stay clean, he has to deal with the consequences of his choices. Max's parents lovingly, yet firmly, help him understand sin, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Machowski's goal is for parents to use the book as a jumping off point for conversations with their kids, even offering parents tips for the conversations and questions to stimulate conversations with their kids.
This book is a winner, especially for parents, grandparents, children's workers, and other caregivers who want to talk to their kids about salvation but may not be sure where to start. Machowski offers a biblical, trustworthy resource that helps parents grow in their own abilities to teach and train their kids as they tackle a topic of eternal significance. F.or me, the only negative with "Don't Blame the Mud" was the illustrations. They weren't my style and didn't beckon to me to pick up the book. Still, the content is so great that this book is worth looking past the lackluster illustrations.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a winner, especially for parents, grandparents, children's workers, and other caregivers who want to talk to their kids about salvation but may not be sure where to start. Machowski offers a biblical, trustworthy resource that helps parents grow in their own abilities to teach and train their kids as they tackle a topic of eternal significance. F.or me, the only negative with "Don't Blame the Mud" was the illustrations. They weren't my style and didn't beckon to me to pick up the book. Still, the content is so great that this book is worth looking past the lackluster illustrations.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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