Experience the most exciting events of the New Testament from a new point of view—as told from the animals who could have been there.
On the rocky hill the young jerboas watched as the one they called the king hung on the cross, dying. Suddenly, the earth began to tremble, then rumble, then quake. Rocks split and tombs broke open. The dove said, “They will take Jesus’s body and lay him in a tomb. The serpents think they’ve won a victory, but on the third day Jesus will rise, just as he said. The serpents don’t realize that darkness has already been defeated and soon Jesus will appear—alive!”
The Death and the Victory by bestselling author Marty Machowski follows the adventures of the animals who could have witnessed the events of the New Testament from Jesus’s death through Revelation. Join jerboas at the cross, horses at Christ’s empty tomb, leopards watching Jesus ascend to heaven, turtledoves at Pentecost, squirrels who follow Saul to Damascus, and many animals on the island of Patmos with John.
Marty Machowski is a family life pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 30 years. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, curricula (including the Gospel Story for Kids), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Treasure, Angels on Your Side, and the Redemption Tales series. He and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren and reside in West Chester, PA.
Marty Machowski is a family life pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over 30 years. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, curricula (including the Gospel Story for Kids), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include The Treasure, Angels on Your Side, and the Redemption Tales series. He and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren and reside in West Chester, PA.
“Join a wily cast of talking desert mice, polecats, horses, rock rabbits, squirrels, leopards, and more as they experience the unfolding story of Jesus’s death and resurrection and the birth of the church—all while avoiding those evildoing vipers at every turn! Marty Machowski weaves scriptural narratives with colorful vignettes to invite young readers to encounter Jesus in a fresh and faithful way. This will be perfect for bedtime reading and dinner table conversations.”
Gregory R. Lanier, Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary
“The Death and the Victory invites readers to experience the most powerful story—through the eyes of animals! An impactful read-aloud and Bible study resource for families who want to experience Scripture in a new way, this book explores the death and resurrection of our Savior, the growth of the early church, and the ultimate victory of our King.”
Becca Wierwille, Award-Winning Author of the Road Trip Rescue Series; podcast cohost, Ice Cream with Authors: Christian Books for Kids 7–13
“A rare treasure, this book masterfully weaves biblical truth and an engaging storyline. With gospel clarity and depth, it invites children to lift their eyes to the risen King. Captivating and theologically sound, it offers families and churches a resource that not only delights but also encourages lasting faith in the One who reigns forever.”
Josh Slotegraaf, GospelKids Director and pastoral resident, Hespeler Baptist Church
“Marty Machowski has an impressive track record of creating theologically rich family Bible studies. The Death and the Victory provides a resource for engaging kids narratively in the most important story they will ever hear, the story of Christ’s death and resurrection.”
Ginger Blomberg, Author of Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal
“Marty uses a cast of courageous and curious creatures to drop kids into scenes from Jesus’s final hours, Saul’s transition to Paul, and John’s writing of Revelation. His animals watch the events unfold and echo the same great questions kids might have in these stories. Marty, with his typical wit and clarity, answers them masterfully while pointing them to Jesus.”
Trey Kullman, Managing Editor, Gospel-Centered Family; coauthor of Faith Builder Catechism
“As a mom, I long for my kids to see the wonder of Jesus’s death and resurrection. The Death and the Victory tells this story with creativity and biblical faithfulness, helping children see and celebrate the good news that Christ has conquered sin and death forever.”
Whitney Newby, Founder, Brighter Day Press; author of Lift Your Eyes
“Are you looking for a fun and engaging resource for family devotions? I highly recommend The Death and the Victory, the fourth book in Marty Machowski’s Redemption Tales series. Marty stays true to Scripture while weaving an imaginative story told from the viewpoint of animals. This fresh perspective helps children experience the events of Holy Week in a new and meaningful way. Daniel the Dove, a character reminiscent of the Holy Spirit, brings encouragement to the animals and explains the significance of the biblical events they witness. This book is a wonderful way for families to celebrate together the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Perfect for families with elementary-aged kids who want to dig deeper into the meaning of Easter.”
Laurie Christine, Author of The Dragon Slayer Bible Series
“Marty Machowski has a wonderful way of communicating ancient truths with fresh perspective. In this final book of the Redemption Tales series, Machowski steps into the biblical narrative of Christ’s death and resurrection with exceptional storytelling that sparks the imagination while remaining solidly faithful to God’s Word. The Death and the Victory is a book your family will cherish.”
Scott James, author of The Sower, The Littlest Watchman, Mission Accomplished, The Expected One, and Deep Breath, Little Whisper
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Marty Machowski is so gifted at making theology and Bible stories accessible to kids without watering them down! These books were no exception. This is the final installment of the Redemption Tales series where Bible stories are retold from the perspective of the animals. My girls love stories about talking animals and these are so engaging while not compromising the actual biblical account. I really appreciate how theologically sound these are, the dialogue is often directly from scripture. This book takes place from the betrayal of Christ to Revelation where we learn of his triumphant return. Study questions are included for each chapter at the back of the book with answers written out. We absolutely love this series and are so thankful for engaging chapter books that reinforce what we read in the Bible. I’d recommend this whole series!
I was so excited for The Death & the Victory, the fourth and final book in @martymachowski Redemption Tales series, and it did not disappoint! Aimed at age 8+, the narrative is told from the perspective of the animals who could have witnessed key New Testament events. This book focuses on Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, Pentecost and growth of New Testament Church. Throughout, Machowski gives children a fresh lens on the redemption story by letting them imagine what creation itself might have seen and heard. The book also includes Bible study questions to help readers dig into the “truth behind the tales.” ♥️ Why I Love “The Death & the Victory” ? It tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection through the eyes of animals. ?️ The perspective of creation gives kids a fresh, imaginative way to see God’s plan, showing that all of heaven and earth were part of the story of redemption. ? It beautifully captures the emotion of the crucifixion — darkness, trembling earth, and grief — while pointing to the bright hope of resurrection that follows. ? Each animal’s point of view connects to a key moment in Scripture — from Calvary to the empty tomb, from Pentecost to John’s vision on Patmos — making the whole story of salvation come alive for kids. ? The included Bible study questions at the end invite families to go deeper and see how every “tale” ties back to real Scripture. ? The message is powerful yet gentle: Jesus’ death was not defeat — it was victory, and that victory changes everything.
The Death and the Victory offers a brilliant explanation of Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven. In this chapter book, readers follow two young jerboas—desert rodents—who witness these pivotal biblical moments. Shamira, the older sister, and Nava, her curious younger sibling, ask many questions as the events unfold, turning o Daniel, a wise Dove, for guidance and understanding. I appreciate how these inquisitive jerboas search for answers, and the Dove’s thoughtful replies help both them and readers better understand what is happening and why it matters to everyone. The book features detailed, full-page illustrations that enrich and bring the story to life. In the last pages, five study questions and related scripture passages for each chapter are provided for deeper exploration. An answer key is also provided, supplying responses for every question. #CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
Cheers for book #4! Another great read from Marty Machowski!
