Soul Fuel for Young Explorers by Bear Grylls

An excellent book to start children off on their age-appropriate daily walk with God using language, illustrations and Bible verses that will actually mean something to them and develop their Christian faith in a modern world

Soul Fuel for Young Explorers
By Bear Grylls
Hodder and Stoughton
ISBN No: 9781529347746 (e-book version 9781529347760)
Reveiwed by Moira Kleissner

Soul Fuel for Young Explorers is a book intended for Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) and above. It is written by Bear Grylls, who is not only an explorer and the Chief Scout but also an upfront practising Christian. And he doesn’t shy away from the fact.

The book has attractive line/cartoon drawings and contains seven chapters with ten sections in each, which is ideal for daily or weekly thinking/devotion times for young people. It is not preachy, nor is it twee but is firmly centred within their experience. It is also available in an e-version, which some kids will prefer.

In each section there is a Bible verse from either the Old or New Testaments. Bear Grylls uses these as a jumping off point for the reflections. There are titles such as: Where it all started; The bigger picture; The power within; Living well with others; Walking humbly; True freedom; and To Adventure.

I wish something as engaging and vibrant had been available when I was younger. This small volume helps the reader reflect on how the Bible relates to, and enhances the world and life that kids live and aspire to today, whether boy or girl.

I was so impressed with this book, that I suggested to those who run our Junior Church and Youth Club, that it might be an idea to get copies for the Key Stage 2 boys and girls. “They already have had copies” came the reply, “And they love it.” I was also told that the local parish church give copies to kids who have been going for confirmation this year. What better accolades for a worthwhile book, than by those for whom it is intended.

This really is an excellent book to start kids off on their age-appropriate daily walk with God using language, illustrations and Bible verses that will actually mean something to them and develop their Christian faith in a modern world. No pious platitudes here, just how Jesus and the Bible relates to our kids modern lives.

A five star book – and I don’t say that often!

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife

Baptist Times, 14/05/2021

Post Tweet

Fringe Dweller, by Jonny Baker and David Cotterill

Recommended devotional and resource book - 40 stories about people on the margins that Jesus met and ministered to in some way, with liturgies and responses you can use straight out of the box expanding on those ideas

God’s Book, by Andrew Ollerton

'Though I have concerns on a couple of aspects as a former medical doctor, this is nevertheless a highly readable, helpful primer on some of the Bible’s many tough topics, full of memorable anecdotes and allusions'

Altar Ego – Tales of the Punk Vicar, by Philip Chew

'Many anecdotes of what it is really like to be a priest and being in a punk band - an excellent illustration of the church exercising a wider community ministry'

No Visible Scars, by Sally Hope

Explores domestic abuse and the unique challenges Christian women face, aiming to help women undertake their own journey of healing

Unravelling DNA: Applying Christian Values to a Genetic Age, by Dr Chris Wild

'We are living through a genetic revolution. Yet few understand the science or appreciate the implications. Founded on Christian values, written in accessible style, this book empowers readers to make sense of these rapid scientific advances'