The Parable of the Prodigal Son


Children - Religious Theme
44 Pages
Reviewed on 04/30/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever done something really bad and believed you would never be forgiven? That’s what happened to a young man who wanted to venture out on his own. Convinced that life would be simpler and more fun away from home, he took his share of his inheritance and left the only home he ever knew. In Anthony Gonzalez’s The Parable of the Prodigal Son, the young man spent his inheritance without care or remorse and was soon left destitute and with no place to live. In desperation, he returned home where his father welcomed him with open arms, forgiving his wayward son. He was totally forgiven. That’s what God does; he forgives us for even the most despicable sin. We all make mistakes, but we all have the potential to rise above our sins.

Anthony Gonzalez’s picture book, The Parable of the Prodigal Son, the story Jesus shared with the crowds, is shared in a simplified manner to help young people appreciate the extent of God’s love for us. The plot follows the prodigal son as he leaves his home, foolishly wastes his money, and returns home to ask his father’s forgiveness. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and help move the story forward. The powerful message shared is the depth of God’s love and through God’s son, Jesus, we are all forgiven of our sins. This is a great way to teach young readers the important stories from the Bible.

Pikasho Deka

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a Christian children's picture book by Anthony Gonzalez. A long time ago, at a gathering, people came from all over to hear Jesus Christ speak. When the Pharisees and scribes started complaining that Jesus was talking to the tax collectors and sinners, Jesus began telling a story about a farmer and his two sons. The younger son wanted to travel to faraway lands and make new friends. He took his share of the inheritance from his father, left home for a far-off country, and began his life in a bustling town. He spent his money wildly on people who happily lived off his wealth. However, the money didn't last, and he was forced to return home to his father, who welcomed him with open arms.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful story about Jesus' unconditional love for His children. Within a few pages, Anthony Gonzalez tells an absorbing tale of a wayward son to show how a person's loved ones support each other through thick and thin and help them overcome adversity. The author does a brilliant job of infusing Jesus' teachings into a children's story that even adults can enjoy. The prodigal son is an interesting character. He makes many mistakes, which he later realizes, and humbly owns up to them and reconciles with his family. Apart from the tale itself, the lovely illustrations make the story even more enjoyable for the reader. Books like these help instill key moral lessons in children at a young age and introduce them to Jesus Christ's teachings. Highly recommended.

Constance Stadler

The Parable of The Prodigal Son by Anthony Gonzalez is based on a biblical tale. The focus is on making this seminal story about what being a Christian means much more accessible to young minds. It begins with the enemies of Jesus making debasing accusations. He could not be the Savior as he spoke to those who sinned and tax collectors – a reviled occupation. As the book explains, in response, Jesus told the story of the prodigal son. In Gonzalez’s words, the tale minimizes the possibility of a child’s confusion. The details are straightforward. A father’s youngest son wants to change his life instead of tending to his father’s lands. Demanding his inheritance, he goes into the world and recklessly spends it. He soon loses everything – even envying food fed to pigs. The depth of his remorse causes him to return home with penitence. The nature of the way the younger son returns home says much, but the point of the parable is his father’s response, which is why Jesus shared it when challenged.

The importance of making this parable understandable to children offers much concerning early understanding of the nature of Christianity. The essential purpose of The Parable of the Prodigal Son is to grasp the attention and interest of young readers and help them appreciate the meaning and significance of biblical text at an impressionable age. They will likely want to delve deeper into Christian precepts. Accessibility becomes instrumental in conveying more than a single biblical story. The writing is crisp and clear while fully encompassing meaning and importance. Vivid illustrations complement the narrative. As a result, this version will likely promote discussions among children, parents, and religious instructors. With this as the overall intent, Anthony Gonzalez admirably succeeds in reaching these goals.

Philip Van Heusen

In The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Anthony Gonzalez does a wonderful job of faithfully retelling the parable found in Luke 15. The story is about a father and his two sons—one remains at home as a good son, and the younger one leaves with his inheritance to enjoy the lure of wild living. Even children who grow up in a loving, Christian home are tempted to leave the church and seek worldly amusement. Children wonder if they can be forgiven if they disobey. This story helps them understand that the love of God is absolute and unconditional. God will always accept His wandering child back home. Those who pretend to be friends just because of what you can do for them are not real friends. You are much better off without false friends who will lead you down the wrong path.

Anthony Gonzalez brings the familiar story of the prodigal son to young readers in a very enjoyable and relatable picture book. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn and highlight the themes of the story. Reading this book with and to your children will help them understand how God forgives and loves them, no matter what they have done. Parents can discuss that they, too, love their children unconditionally and will always forgive them just like God forgives us. No sin is so big that it can negate the love and forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. Talk to your children about who they choose as friends and what true friendship is based on. Good friends help people stay in line and do the right thing. I highly recommend The Parable of the Prodigal Son to help your children understand a very important parable that Jesus told to show the love of God.

Amy Louise Hill

The Parable of The Prodigal Son by Anthony Gonzalez is a religious picture book for young children. One day a young man decides he wants a better life and asks his father for his share of the family's inheritance. His father is reluctant at first, as he wants his son to stay with him, but eventually gives it to him anyway. The young man heads out on his adventure and enjoys the new life he seeks. He spends his money in taverns, and on nice jewelry, and even acquires new friends who also enjoy spending his money. After a while, the man realizes he is running low on money and knows he must find a job if he is to survive. How will things work out for the young man? Find out in this book.

The Parable of The Prodigal Son was a pleasure to read. It is packed full of important life lessons for children to learn from. They will learn not to judge one another and to consider forgiving those who sin if they ask for forgiveness. This was my favorite of the crucial lessons included by the talented author Anthony Gonzalez. Not only will the young reader be educated by this book, but they will also be entertained throughout as it tells the heartwarming story of a father and son. The writing has been kept simple and allows young readers to follow along with ease. I enjoyed this book a lot, and I know children will too. Keep up the great work, Anthony. I hope to read more from you soon.