top of page
Zac is Back! Front Cover

Zac is Back!
by Andrew Abel

Description

He asked for an egg. I gave him one, and hoped he’d go away. But now he’s back and wants more!

 

This is a tale of an annoying, crazy neighbor who soon became my friend. He loves a warm cup of tea, a slice of lemon meringue pie, and nice chat. And I’m so glad he told me how Jesus died to save people like me.

 

His real name is Zacchaeus Theophilus, but we just call him Zac.

Endorsements

This hilarious story will produce plenty of giggles, while reminding us to be kind to our neighbors and experience God's love. Creative and whimsical, this book will quickly become a well-loved story, and the sweet ending will catch you by surprise.

Crystal Bowman--bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 books for children. 

"Page-turning surprises and eager blue 'Zac faces' engage both child and adult. Well-written, with inviting rhymes, delightful drawings, and a message that goes straight to the heart, 'Zac is Back' belongs on every bedtime reading shelf."
—Denise Boiko, author, high school teacher, and grandmother

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, Cute & Such A Fun Story!
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
I really liked this book, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting to. I'm not a huge fan of religious books, as I feel like they can often feel too preachy, sacrificing a fun story for a lesson especially when it comes to kids' books. But this one was so well done. The artwork is quirky. The story is sweet and 100% spot on. It wasnt overly preechy and instead did a good job of telling a cute story and then connecting it to God. I liked the counting aspect and the rhymes and meter were nicely done too. This would make for a great bedtime story or a book for a Catholic school elementary classroom or Sunday School for little ones.

Sarah

 

Zac is Back! by Andrew Robert Abel is a heartwarming story about an unexpected friendship that blossoms through a series of small yet meaningful interactions. It all starts with the narrator at home when they hear the doorbell ring. When they open the door, they meet Zac, the new neighbor who has just moved in. Zac politely asks for an egg, and the narrator happily hands one over. Before long, Zac comes back for two eggs, and the narrator obliges once again. But things get a little funnier when Zac’s visits become more frequent. The next time, he asks for three eggs, and at this point, the narrator decides to turn off the doorbell. Not deterred at all, Zac knocks on the door and cheekily asks for four eggs. The narrator can't help but give him the eggs because they’re just too nice to say no. Though these brief visits might seem odd at first, they lead to a delightful surprise and carry a beautiful message about kindness, love, and faith. Their interactions show us how minor acts of generosity can create connections and bring people closer together. The story gently weaves in a faith-based lesson, making it an enjoyable read for kids.

Zac is Back! keeps things light and fun with its simple plot and repeating structure, which adds a bit of humor and anticipation. The pacing is just right, keeping the story lively and engaging for young readers. Zac is such a cheerful and friendly character, and the narrator’s responses feel very relatable. The themes of generosity and God’s love shine through in this everyday situation, making it easy for kids to understand. I loved the playful nature of Zac’s repeated requests, and the ending with the lemon meringue pie beautifully wraps everything up. Andrew Robert Abel's writing is perfect for his audience, delivering a lovely message about faith that is uplifting.

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars, Jan 2, 2025

© 2024 by Andrew Abel. Powered and secured by Wix

  • Facebook
  • Amazon
  • Etsy
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
bottom of page