Book Review: The King is Coming

Chris Pappalardo’s The King is Coming! is a unique Advent devotional designed to be used alongside Advent Blocks, combining simplicity with anticipation and depth. Pappalardo’s approach is less whimsical and rhyming than other children’s Advent books but emphasizes storytelling and building the expectation of Christ’s arrival. It’s a beautiful way to walk through the season of Advent as a family, creating a rhythm that goes beyond the holiday and fosters a daily time in God’s Word.

Each day’s reading includes a simple yet profound refrain: “For such a long time, God seemed far away. But now, he has heard what we hoped and prayed, God is coming to earth...to stay!” This repeated line throughout the book captures the heart of Advent anticipation, helping kids and adults alike connect deeply with the story of Jesus’ coming.

The King is Coming! stands out for its focus on creating a consistent daily devotional rhythm that highlights God’s presence over presents. The book’s detailed storytelling helps children—and parents—experience the events of the first Christmas with a sense of awe. The lack of rhyming or whimsical language may make it feel more serious, but the storytelling approach draws in the whole family with a sense of wonder at God’s plan.

This book is especially recommended for families with children 4 years old and older who want to make Advent a time of growing excitement not just for Christmas Day, but for the arrival of Jesus Himself. The King is Coming! was the first tool that helped my own family establish a regular time in God’s Word during Advent. When my kids asked, “Now what will we read daily, Dad?” the week after Christmas, it led us to continue with regular devotionals year-round. I hope this resource becomes an encouragement for your family, too, setting the tone for Advent and deepening the joy of Christ’s presence together.