“The King’s Locket” by Jacob Stull

How do you help young children understand the concept of the Trinity, or the Biblical account of the fall and original sin – topics difficult enough for a lot of adults?

One thing you can do is tell a story – about kings, queens, princes, good and bad knights, and adopted children.

That’s what Jacob Stull has done with The King’s Locket, a story for children that will also interest adults. Not a single theological term is mentioned, but the idea becomes clear the more you read the story.

King Pador, Queen Sonya, and Prince Verdon live in a kingdom, and are joined together in unusual ways. The hands of the king and prince are connected; the queen’s hair flows throughout the kingdom. The king was good and powerful, known for his smile and laughter. The queen is known for her beauty and kindness. The prince is known for his bravery, love, and compassion.

They are served by knights, and over time one knight, Talon, by name, becomes jealous and envious. He attempts a coup, but is banished from the kingdom forever.

Jacob Stull and daughters

And one day the royal family discover two infants, a boy and a girl, and adopt them, raising them as their own children. The two are inquisitive, and explore all parts of the kingdom. And then one day, they’re tricked (by Talon) into an act of disobedience. That leads to their imprisonment and the need to save them.

In narrative-fashion, author Stull has told the Biblical story of the Trinity, the fall, and the redemption. Yes, it’s a story about a royal family and knights, but it also introduces children (and likely many adults) to how the Trinity is comprised, the fall of Adam and Eve, and how humanity is redeemed.

The King’s Locket is beautifully illustrated by Irene González Frizzera. It’s a charming story in and of itself, but it is also a story that does much more.

Top: Illustration from The King’s Locket by Irene González Frizzera.