Murph's Turf (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781940816425)

The grass is always greener? Maybe so...But is it really grass? And is it worth it to break the rules, give in to temptation, and find out that you really had the best life before you chased the "greener" marketing?

This is an important set of lessons for all humans - especially your children.

Murph's Turf is a funny, cool, and powerful story that teaches kids aged 4-12 about contentment, temptation, obedience, and trust in God.

The Story: Murph is a kind, athletic, purple "sleep-sheep" who is loved by and cared for by his shepherd, Elvin O. Heen. Murph is totally happy and grateful to live amongst his sheep friends and to follow a good shepherd. He has EVERYTHING! But one day, the sheeps' favorite plaything (a frisbee) flies over the huge black wall that separates their pasture from the next, and Murph decides that he should be the one to retrieve it.

Murph had always been warned by his shepherd that none of the sheep should cross from their side of the wall to the other, but when a kind voice from the other side of the wall door invites him to come over, meet another flock, get his frisbee, and taste the greenest, green grass on earth, Murph considers it. Murph decides to trust the "kind voice" and opens the door to the other side. When he looks inside and sees happy "sheep" playing on the greenest grass, he gives into temptation, goes into the other pasture, and even tells all of his flock to join him.

When Murph and all his friends are on the other side, standing there hypnotized by the super green grass, the "sheep" from the other side, shut the door and lock it. Then these "sheep" take off their sheep costumes revealing that they are really wolves. Before Murph and his friends notice the wolves closing in, they taste the greenest grass and they realize that it is not grass at all - It is Astro-Turf - plastic that has been painted green. Murph is mad that he has been lied to about the grass and angry at himself for not being happy with the Everything that his shepherd had provided for them. But, when he sees that the lying "sheep" are actually wolves who are about to eat him and his flock, he is terrified.

Thankfully, the good shepherd bursts through the door and saves his flock. Murph apologizes to his shepherd for giving into the temptation, but is quickly forgiven and given a new frisbee. They all learn that just because "greener grass" is marketed, it is better to trust a shepherd who loves them rather than give into temptation that presses the buttons of their desires for MORE.

Amazing illustrations! Great Dr. Seuss-like rhyming! Vital life lessons! Parents, this is your next book buy! Don't miss Snapp and Redden's newest book!