On their tenth birthday, Markus and Junias are presented with two gifts by their father, the King - swords to learn to use, and keys to learn not to use. Each following year the boys are given additional instructions about their swords, their keys, and about two mysterious doors in the castle wall. Little do they realize how their choices today will determine the course of their lives. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children the importance of making wise decisions, the need to choose life-long blessing over immediate gratification, and the value of purity in relationships. A surprising twist to the conclusion of the story also introduces children to the hope of a new beginning through God's forgiveness. Each chapter ends with related Bible verses and discussion questions to help adults initiate thoughtful conversations with children and to apply the lessons of the story to life.

If you were a king, how would you prepare your sons to inherit your throne? And how would you know if a son is qualified to do so? This story is about a king with twin sons, Markus and Junias, who on their tenth birthday are presented with two gifts by their father - swords to learn to use, and keys to learn not to use. Each following year the boys are given additional instructions about their swords, their keys, and about two mysterious doors in the castle wall. Little do they realize how their choices today will determine the course of their lives. The book teaches children the importance of making wise decisions, the need to choose life-long blessing over immediate gratification, and the value of purity in relationships. A surprising twist to the conclusion of the story also introduces children to the hope of a new beginning through God's forgiveness. Each chapter ends with related Bible verses and discussion questions, to help adults initiate thoughtful conversations with children and to apply the lessons of the story to life. The book is beautifully illustrated by Himawari, a teenage Japanese manga artist, born and raised as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea. A compelling story and heartwarming artwork combine to offer a thought-provoking and entertaining tale of children becoming equipped for life.

Tim Cole was born and raised in Japan of missionary parents, and has spent most of his adult life in Christian camping, church planting, and family ministry in Japan. He has a B.A. from Wheaton College, a M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Pacific International Theological Seminary. Tim has been married to Katie since 1980. They have five adult children and three grandchildren. He co-founded Family Forum Japan in 1996 and served as its director for 10 years, doing lectures and seminars throughout Japan on parenting, marriage, and sexuality. He currently continues speaking and writing on behalf of Family Forum Japan, while serving as its associate director. In his free time, Tim enjoys camping, carpentry, and triathlons.