Art Spotlight: The Wingfeather Saga

Hi, friends! This week, I want to spotlight a book series called The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson (yes, the same Andrew Peterson who writes songs :). Many of you are probably familiar with The Wingfeather Saga, likely because you've heard my family mention it. However, I wanted to share about it here since it's had a deep impact on me personally.

I began reading The Wingfeather Saga a few months ago. The books are considered middle-grade fantasy novels, so I sort of expected them to be sweet, light reads. However, as I finished the first volume and delved into the second, I was astonished by the amount of emotional and spiritual depth. By the end of the series, my head was spinning. I felt it would take weeks to process the story I'd just absorbed.

For those of you who don't know anything about Wingfeather, here's a brief synopsis. Three children named Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby live with their mother (Nia), ex-pirate grandfather (Podo), and dog (Nugget) in a town called Glipwood. Glipwood is under occupation by lizard-like beasts called Fangs, who answer to the ruthless Gnag the Nameless. However, the Ibigys have a mainly happy, peaceful existence. Then Dragon Day rolls around, and the family is thrust into the adventure of a lifetime...

Countless beautiful themes are explored in this series, including family, identity, corruption, redemption, grief, the power of the arts, and sacrifice.

There are some heart-wrenching and darker scenes in the later books, which may be frightening for younger children. The first book is lighter, though, and might make a good family read-aloud. I would recommend the entire series for ages 10/11ish and up. However, this is just my opinion. :)

I'm not ashamed to admit that I love kids' stories. They're usually innocent, simple, and whimsical, but often bear hidden meanings. This is certainly the case with The Wingfeather Saga. Even if you're an adult with no children or young teens in your life, I'd still encourage you to explore this series. I've found that when I spend time with children or doing childlike things, my heart is softened, and I experience Jesus in tender new ways.

Many of you might not have the time to read multiple large novels. But there's also a new animated Wingfeather Saga show, which I believe beautifully captures the heart of the books. It can be viewed for free on YouTube or the Angel Studios app.

(Also: The first episode of the show and the first book in the series start off a little slow. The pace soon picks up, though, and the story grows increasingly more intriguing.)

Praying for each of you to experience the Father's love in deep ways this week. Blessings!

---

"Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this little child is the greatest one in heaven's kingdom realm."

- Matthew 18:4 (The Passion Translation)