The Outdoors
From a Different Perspective

As a retired intermediate reading-teacher, it is always a joy to discover a book that I can recommend to young adult readers and teacher friends. Thomas Trock’s book series on Moondog is one of those series. There are three adventure books about a young man, Joseph, and his yellow lab, Moondog. Step into the story as they find themselves in a strange land, dealing with bullying, peer-pressure, loss, disappointment, wild animals, and storms. In many situations, Joseph learns to lean on the Lord and his knowledge of Scripture to help them survive.

Thomas Trock is a wildlife biologist with Fish & Game, and has very skillfully incorporated information on plants, animals, survival skills, and Christian living. If you have a child who is a reluctant reader, read a couple chapters with them. They will be drawn into the story because it is a page-turner!! These books would also make a great read-aloud for intermediate students, and would make family or class discussions quite lively!

I highly recommend these books.

Joseph and his dog Moon took me on a trip back to the times of Jesus. I re-experienced the story of the Gospel through the travels of this pair and the people they met. Cautioned by an occasionally present angel to observe but not to interfere, young Joseph and Moondog beautifully transport the reader to the time of Jesus. There we witness the birth, life, impact and purpose of His life. Thomas Trock has brought the life of Jesus off the pages of the Bible through the eyes, ears and heart of this observant young man. I had a hard time putting this book down until I read the last word (which is uttered by Moon). This is a book that will touch hearts and encourage young readers, animal lovers, parents and grandparents.

I just finished Moondog Forever Free. Oh my goodness, I don’t even have the words. Had me in tears!! I believe Thomas’s writing is God-inspired. I could envision all the sights and sounds and he just brought such perspective to stories we’ve read countless times and how he wove those Bible stories into Joseph’s story. And his description of the demons and vile creatures was amazing – sort of putting faces to evil instead of some slight mention of evil that you can just ignore or brush off. I could just visualize the scene at the cross so vividly. Well done, well done!!! I’ve stayed up till 2 and 3 in the morning the last couple or so nights reading cause I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Can’t wait to read the other two books.

“My family received “Jesus In Prison” as an Easter Gift. What a wonderful book! Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Cover to cover it is filled with real live stories of how we can make a difference in someone’s life. As you read, the message of this book becomes clear, it will cause you to focus on your own daily life and you will ask yourself,  “Have I done anything today that REALLY MATTERS!””

“This book relates incidents/evidence of just what the Holy Spirit looks like in the darkest places: light, hope, healing, redemption… It is well written in a humble, story-telling style which makes it easy to read and comprehend. I found it very inspirational and do recommend it to all who bear the name of Christ or are even curious in such matters.”

 I was given the book “Jesus in Prison” from one of my customers. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. The stories were so powerful, I read them to my children over a period of several evenings for devotions.  Jesus’ salvation is the greatest power against evil in the world. It really encourages my children’s faith to see that power displayed in people’s lives. God bless you.