The Prisoners, the Earthquake, and the Midnight Song by Bob Hartman

This book is a retelling of Acts 16: 16-40. Even though Paul and Silas were thrown in jail, they were singing praises to God. Then an earthquake shook open all of the jail cells. When the jailer prepares to take his own life, Paul and Silas tell him to stop. The jailer then takes Paul and Silas to his own home where he and all his household become believers. Just like Paul and Silas never stopped telling people about Jesus, you can tell people about Jesus too!

It’s no secret, I’m a fan of the “Tales that Tell the Truth” series. This is no exception. Echeverri’s illustrations are detailed, thoughtful, imaginative, and stirring. I love her use of color here, especially to show the movement of sound. This familiar bible story will come to new light for your children when they are asked to think about what sounds occurred that night: snoring, singing, a rumbling earthquake, crying, shouting, splashing. They are then challenged to make a sound of their own: telling others about Jesus. I highly recommend this for your family!

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1. Why were Paul and Silas thrown in jail?
2. Even though they didn’t deserve to be in jail, why were they singing praises to God?
3. Has something bad happened to you that you didn’t deserve?
4. How did to respond? How could you have responded differently?
5. Who have you told about Jesus?