What if classic Bible stories were reimagined as epic fairy tales full of faith, adventure, and wonder?
Instill in your children a love for Scripture through the magic of storytelling! This beautifully illustrated collection transforms timeless Bible stories into enchanting fairy tales, making biblical wisdom both exciting and accessible for young readers.
Past Watchful Dragons:
Biblical Stories Retold
Written by Rose John Sheffler
Illustrated by Michelle Carlos
Word on Fire Votive | March 31, 2025
Hardcover | 176 Pages | 5.875” x 8.125”
Suggested Age Range: 9–15
Retail Price: $29.95 $23.96
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About Past Watchful Dragons: Biblical Stories Retold
Welcome to the world of Erith, where the stars sing, dragons roar, and heroes rise. In this land of mystery and wonder, the greatest stories of Scripture are reborn as epic fairy tales—filled with warriors, kings, maidens, and mythical creatures—while staying true to the timeless truths of the Bible.
In Past Watchful Dragons, acclaimed author R.J. Sheffler masterfully reimagines classic biblical narratives like the fall of Satan, Adam and Eve, Queen Esther, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Ruth and Naomi, the Tower of Babel, Hannah, the life of Christ, and more as captivating, adventurous retellings. But these stories are not just rewritten—they are brought to life with rich world-building, vivid characters, and themes of faith, courage, and redemption that will inspire and engage young readers.
Paired with breathtaking illustrations by Michelle Carlos, this stunning collection draws children into timeless biblical wisdom through fantasy, adventure, and imaginative storytelling. Past Watchful Dragons will ignite their imagination, deepen their faith, and help them see Scripture in a whole new light—one filled with wonder, heroism, and the power of God’s story.
Here’s What People Are Saying...
“Fairy stories hold up a mirror to man. They show us ourselves. They are where storytelling and truth telling meet with the kiss of wonder. This collection of new fairy stories takes us to many once-upon-a-time places which always point to the happy-ever-after that awaits the virtuous soul.”
– Joseph Pearce, Director of the Center for Faith and Culture at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tennessee; author of Frodo’s Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Lord of the Rings
“Rose John Sheffler’s wildly imaginative, delicately written, poignantly moving fairy tales combine the vision and artistry of C.S. Lewis and Hans Christian Andersen. Like Lewis, she enables her readers to re-experience the stories of the Bible in such a way as to restore their original power, freshness, and strangeness. Like Andersen, she touches on that which is most elemental in human nature, thus allowing us to discover ourselves in the most fantastical of stories. These tales will instruct and delight children and adults of all ages.”
– Louis Markos, Professor in English and Scholar in Residence, Houston Baptist University; author of On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis
Contents
Note from the Author
Chapter 1 - The Loreman, the Star, and the Terrible Word
Chapter 2 - The Magician King
Chapter 3 - The Dragon’s Queen
Chapter 4 - The Tale of Bjorn and the Four Fleeces
Chapter 5 - The Sparrow King
Chapter 6 - The Baron and the Horse Maiden
Chapter 7 - The Gatekeeper of Rakuen
Chapter 8 - The Fox, the Wolf, and the Hound Dog
Chapter 9 - The Keeper of the Roodtree
Chapter 10 - The Mountain Boy and the Ocean of Fire
Chapter 11 - The Proud Princess and the Reluctant King
Chapter 12 - The Story of Wistan and Carreen
Appendix
Pronunciation Guide
About the Author/Illustrator
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About the Author
About the Author
Rose John Sheffler is a Catholic writer who has been telling stories since before she can remember. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her philosopher husband and three children.
About the Illustrator
About the Illustrator
Michelle Carlos is a Filipino illustrator based in Germany. Her art is largely informed by her lucid dreams, adventures abroad, and fascination with amazing stories about majestic creatures. When not exploring, Michelle is constantly creating things while singing her heart out and drinking lots of tea.
“But supposing that by casting all these things into an imaginary world, stripping them of their stained-glass and Sunday School associations, one could make them for the first time appear in their real potency? Could one not thus steal past those watchful dragons? I thought one could.”
