Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin (In God We Trust Series #2) by Dennis Conrad | #BookReview #ChilrensPictureBook #Christian @iReadBookTours @DennisConradAuthor | $100 Gift Card Available
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. 
Quick Summary
In “Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin,” Dennis Conrad skillfully blends adventure, faith, and moral lessons, creating a delightful reading experience for young audiences. The book’s engaging narrative and Courtney Smith’s illustrations make it a worthy addition to the In God We Trust Series, providing wholesome content for children on their spiritual journey.
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Book Details
Marcus and the Emperor's Coin by Dennis Conrad
Series: In God We Trust Series Book #2
Published by Elk Lake Publishing on 10/30/2023
Genres: Children's Picture Book, Christian
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 52
Source: iRead Book Tours, Kindle Unlimited, Received from the author or publisher for review.Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus himself makes a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.
Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?
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Purchase Links for Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin
- Conrad, Dennis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 52 Pages - 10/30/2023 (Publication Date) - Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (Publisher)
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My thoughts on Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin
“Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin” by Dennis Conrad, illustrated by Courtney Smith, is the latest addition to the In God We Trust Series, classified as a Children’s Christian Picture Book. Set in the ancient Roman Empire during the time of Christ, the book follows the thrilling journey of eight-year-old Marcus and his father as they embark on a mission for the emperor.
The narrative unfolds as Marcus and his father visit a mine and a mint, providing young readers with a fascinating glimpse into the coin-making process. The highlight comes when Marcus crafts a denarius, a coin featuring the emperor’s image. However, the plot takes a significant turn when Marcus arrives in Jerusalem and encounters Jesus, who delivers a powerful message about giving to the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God.
As Marcus navigates his mission, his endearing struggle with clumsiness adds a relatable touch to the storyline. Despite his apprehensions about potential mishaps, Marcus emerges as a hero by thwarting robbers and saving the mission. The pivotal moment occurs when he internalizes Jesus’s advice, sparking a profound self-reflection on what he can offer to God.
The narrative entertains and educates, incorporating valuable information on coin collecting, coin identification, relevant scriptures for deeper understanding, and a handy glossary of terms. The use of simple language makes the book accessible to both early readers and those being read to, enhancing its suitability for Christian families and Sunday Schools.
In “Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin,” Dennis Conrad skillfully blends adventure, faith, and moral lessons, creating a delightful reading experience for young audiences. The book’s engaging narrative and Courtney Smith’s illustrations make it a worthy addition to the In God We Trust Series, providing wholesome content for children on their spiritual journey
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
You might also enjoy my review of Book 1 in the series, The Two-Cent Coin.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Dennis Conrad
A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis Conrad combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.
Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.
Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.
Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
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Guest Post from the Author of Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin
Pass On a Coin Collecting Tradition
Dennis Conrad
As a former coin collector for over fifty years, author Dennis Conrad, wanted a gift for his six and nine-year-old great, great nephews. He wanted a way to teach them a little about history, art, and money. Why not do the same for the children in your life?
First, get a magnifying glass. Second, visit a local coin shop and buy a smaller or larger a collection of coins from the 1900s. Here is a possible list:
Indian Head Cent, Lincoln with Wheat Ear Cent, Zink-Coated Steel Cent (1943), Lincoln with Memorial Cent, Liberty Head “V” Nickel, Indian Head or Buffalo Nickel, Jefferson Nickel, War Tim Liver Alloy Nickel (1942-1945), Barber or Liberty Head Dime, Winged Liberty Head or “Mercury” Dime, Roosevelt Dime, Barber or Liberty Head Quarter, Standing Liberty Quarter, Washington Quarter, Barber or Liberty Head Half Dollar, Liberty Walking Half Dollar, Franklin Half Dollar, and Kennedy Half Dollar.
Some may choose to add to the list to include dollar coins and gold coins.
During the author’s conversation with his nephews, he had them look for and find the dates. He explained how the dates on the coins related to historical events. He had the boys line up all the pennies, nickels, dimes, and so on, from oldest to most recent. When the coins were lined up, he had them look at the coins as art. Children can even draw a picture of a coin of their own design.
Next, there was a lesson on the value of rare coins. Because some coins are made of silver, and/or no longer in circulation, they can be worth more money than their original face value.
Be encouraged. Consider sharing a coin-collecting tradition with the next generation.
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Purchase Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin online from your local bookstore.
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Book Trailer
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Easy Amazon Links
- Conrad, Dennis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 52 Pages - 10/30/2023 (Publication Date) - Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (Publisher)
Please let me know if the above Amazon button does not route you to your country’s Amazon page. I will get you a link. Every click and/or purchase helps to support my blogging efforts.
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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Giveaway!
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin
Win $100 Amazon gift card and author-signed copies of MARCUS AND THE EMPEROR’S COIN and THE TWO-CENT PIECE (one winner – USA only) (ends Mar 1)
IN GOD WE TRUST Series Book Tour Giveaway
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Book Title: Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin (In God We Trust Series) by Dennis Conrad
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 52 pages
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date: October 30, 2023
Tour dates: Feb 5 to Feb 23, 2024
Content Rating: G. This book is for children. There are three Bible verses. It has no bad language. May God get the glory for all those who read and whose hearts are changed by reading the book.
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I think kids would be excited to design their own coin!
I agree Nancy. I know my grandkids would love that.
Great book for my grandson.
Looks like a good book to read with my son
This sounds like something I’d like for my kids to read!
This sounds like an interesting and informative book for families to read together.