Barclay & Berk Builders: A Parable

Award-winning children's author Beverley Rayner and artist illustrator James Hensman have teamed together to produce a cleverly-told and colorfully-illustrated children’s adaption of the well-known parable of the wise and foolish builders. Based on Jesus’ parable in Matthew, chapter seven the book teaches with a narrative that will appeal to a young audience ages five-eight, without diminishing the integrity and intent of Jesus’ words. Barclay and Berk can build just about anything, from sandboxes to jungle gyms, but right now, they both need a house. Barclay plunges into his project with eager decisiveness, while Berk is cautious with making each building choice. When their springtime of hope turns into a stormy winter gale, Barclay discovers the valuable lesson that enthusiasm alone may not be enough to keep your walls from falling down.

Award-winning children's author Beverley Rayner, says that children and picture books are her favourite. To read aloud to little people and share the wonder of a story that inspires: these simple pleasures are her favourite. Working in school libraries and sharing bedtime books with her grandchildren: these too are her favourite. Reading the timeless words of Jesus, believing in their power to inspire young lives, she listens and writes. With a life brimming over with laughter, family, friends, and the great outdoors, all these treasured gifts are her favourite. But clearly, she hoards too many favourites! Her first picture book was released by Voice of the Martyrs won three awards from the Word Guild in 2019

James Hensman, a professional painter and artist was raised in Labrador, Canada, and New Zealand and presently lives in British Columbia. In NZ, while living in Hawkes Bay, with it’s Mediterranean climate, full of orchards, vineyards, sheep and beautiful light, he credits the rich patterns in the art of the Maori peoples of New Zealand and First Nations of Canada for influencing his artistic style with a love for pattern.  He describes his art as ‘towards’ Impressionism. He completed his fine arts degree later in his life.