“There once was a spring that could not go dry.”

 The Eternal Spring tells the story of an endless spring of water that not only quenches the thirst of all those that draw from it, but delights all in its presence. A monk, knowing this miraculous spring could only be from God, builds a beautiful fountain over it. The water shoots towards heaven to honor and thank our Creator. The fountain brings joy to all who see it. All is well for a while, until one disbelieving man takes an interest in the endless spring.

 Faith is gift from God. Sadly, there are many disbelieving people. Seeing the joy and faith of others is often hard for them to understand. The disbelieving man can’t understand this endless spring of water. How has it not dried up? Why does no one question it? He takes matters into his own hands causing destruction. Phillip MacArthur both writes and illustrates this poetic story. The illustrations drawn in colored pencils, guide the story well. Drawings of peaceful animals, happy people, and a thoughtful monk are drawn with bright colors. The disbelieving man is drawn in grey.  These color distinctions will help children see the difference between the two. Although this is a somber tale, it ends with hope.

Reading this book, I couldn’t help being reminded of the progress and destruction that is happening in my own neighborhood. I am fortunate to live in the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. There is so much natural beauty surrounding this area. In fact, each Sunday on my way to Mass, I get a glimpse of the Blue Ridge mountains on the horizon. In the name of progress, fields and trails are flattened to make room for businesses that may or may not last in the next ten years.

I recommend this book to all Catholic parents and grandparents. Although Protestants will enjoy the poem, they might not care for the drawings of Catholic images. Parents of very young children will enjoy reading this book and pointing out God’s creation. For slightly older children, parents can discuss faith and hope.