Children of the Fullness: A Gnostic Myth
Formats: Paperback, Hardback
Ages: 0-3, 2-5, 5-8
This delightful children's book presents an ancient Gnostic creation myth. Our myth begins in the heavenly realm with the Father, His Son, and the angels of the Fullness of God. One of the angels, Logos, falls from Heaven into a strange, dark emptiness. He leaves a part of himself behind in the darkness and flees back to the Fullness while his twin organizes the remnants of the fall that becomes our Earth. Logos and the angels pray for life and love to enter the twin's creation and so they send their children--all living creatures--down to the Earth. The myth tells how the children of the Fullness forget their heavenly origin and loving mission and become self-centered and angry with each other. The angels go to the Father and Son and pray for the Father to send a Princely Savior to Earth to remind creation of its mission of bringing love. The Prince is successful and redeems all of creation, which reminds the twin of his better half above in the Fullness. The twin rejoins Logos and all of creation returns home to Heaven to live in joy with the angels, Father, Son, and Prince forevermore.
This myth is based on one of the ancient books of the Nag Hammadi codices called The Tripartite Tractate. The author has rendered this complicated codex into a simple and understandable tale that will appeal to children and grownups alike. Unlike many Gnostic myths, this particular story forms the basis of Gnostic Christianity that was sadly excluded from the New Testament by the Catholic Pope, the Emperor of Rome, and the Nicene Council around 350 AD.
Reviews
goodreads: Oh wow, Children of the Fullness had me hooked! This ain’t your typical kids’ book — it’s like a magical trip back to ancient times with angels, cosmic drama, and a big dose of heart. The way it tells this old-school Gnostic myth is super clear but still packed with wonder and meaning. If you want a story that’s both fun and makes you think about where we all come from and why love matters, this book’s a total win. Trust me, it’s a keeper for storytime or just soaking up some spiritual magic. Children of the Fullness beautifully retells an ancient Gnostic creation myth in a way that is accessible and enchanting for both kids and adults. The story unfolds in a heavenly realm, introducing divine beings and their journey that eventually brings life, love, and redemption to Earth. What I really enjoyed about this book is how it takes a complex, historical spiritual text and transforms it into a clear, poetic tale that feels timeless yet fresh. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to deep ideas about origins, purpose, and hope. From Heaven to Earth and Back Again Children of the Fullness is like storytime with a cosmic twist—angels, love missions, and a dash of ancient mystery all wrapped in a tale kids can totally get (and grownups will secretly love too). goodreads reviews
Ropp reimagines one of Gnosticism’s most complicated myths in this picture book. In this simplified adaptation of The Tripartite Tractate from the Nag Hammadi codices, the author introduces young readers to one of the earliest portrayals of Christ, from a creation story long excluded from the New Testament. In the beginning, Father and Son set out to build paradise with the help of angels. The youngest, Logos, eager to create that paradise alone, falls from heaven and fractures into two beings, one remembering the Father and the Son, the other a shadow-self who has forgotten them. The broken paradise left behind becomes the world we know, tended by divine children who gradually forget their purpose (“They started fighting a never-ending war”). Ropp makes the intricate theology vivid and approachable, showing time and again a world that is broken until love returns to it. Elfaza Studio’s illustrations use bold lines and exaggerated expressions to depict a dynamic, approachable cast of angels, animals, and people. The color palette captures Heaven’s warmth, the dark wetness of a fallen paradise, and emotional shifts from love to rage to selfishness. The author makes the complex material accessible, drawing parallels between humanity’s past follies and today’s influencer culture and shallow consumerism. Making such challenging, meditative ideas sit comfortably on a child’s nightstand is an impressive achievement. A visually appealing Gnostic origin myth sure to engage spiritually curious families. Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2025 ISBN: 9798218801991 Page Count: 32 Publisher: N/A Review Posted Online: Oct. 15, 2025 Review Program: KIRKUS INDIE Categories: CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S
