"The Fourth Wise Man" tells the story of a man who got left behind by the traditional three wise men who followed a star seeking a baby king. On his journey, he got stopped many times and was faced with the decision to help a person in need or to continue his search for the King of the Jews. Years later, he thought he was close to saving the "King of Kings," but yet again was faced with the decision of helping a person or trying to save Jesus. He choose to help the young woman about to be sold into slavery. In that moment, a voice came to him and told him, "Peace be with you, Artaban." and praised him for his good choices. Although the "Three Wise Men" is a familiar story, this book puts a new spin on the concept of a fourth wise man. The theme of this story was that doing good out in the world was more important than meeting Jesus. Jesus wants us to live helping His people. ( )

The Fourth Wise Man was an interesting children's book take on the religious beliefs of Christian culture. It tells the story of the fourth wise man going on a journey in search for the King of Kings. In this search he makes many long journeys through different places and meets many people along the way. Through his journey he keeps jewels with him that he will give the King of Kings as a gift. But he ends up giving all his jewels away in order to help those unfortunate he meets along the way. I think the book is well written and illustrated. I do think that this story may be a bit confusing for young children. I think while reading this story to kids you would need to stop many times to explain some parts. I think folktale plays its part in the religious aspect of this book. At the end of this book it explains that some people did believe in a fourth wise man, and that is how this story came about. I also think this book can give a good lesson on kindness and helping others. Although the man did not have much, he used whatever he had to help those in need. Over all I enjoyed the moral of the story. ( )