MALACHI AND THE INNER LIGHT

In this debut graphic short story for children, a young boy learns about the divine light within himself

Malachi, a 7-year-old Black child, is sent to his room without dinner to think about his misbehavior. His parents also order him to clean his room. He’s both sad and angry, reflecting that “When I mess up and make a mistake, they scold and punish me. I sometimes wish I had someone to teach me how to be!” Malachi wishes his parents would catch him doing the right thing, and he misses being younger, with no expectations to meet. Instead of cleaning his room, he resentfully puts on pajamas and goes to bed, accompanied by his ankh-wearing Egyptian action figure. “It’s just you and me, King,” he whispers, the ankh glowing as the boy’s eyes close. Then, a shining, white-clad, dark-skinned “heavenly guide” appears to Malachi in response to his desire for a teacher. The angelic being has an encouraging message: the kingdom of heaven is within Malachi; his parents love him and their rules have reasons; and he is blessed. The guide explains how Malachi can meditate and pray to connect with his inner light. Encouraged, Malachi cleans his room; later, his parents apologize for being so harsh and make amends. In her inspirational tale, written in rhyming couplets, Amma provides spiritual affirmations at a level that kids can understand. Malachi gets it immediately, but readers may need more support. Wisely, the story acknowledges that Malachi’s parents also need to change: “We’re no longer calling you a ‘bad boy,’ / That’s just not right to do.” Drumond, a prolific illustrator of children’s books, contributes somewhat stiff and flat digital pictures that offer nice details and contribute to the storytelling. For example, the angelic guide predicts Malachi will be “a very great man” and the boy pictures himself as a distinguished adult with four diplomas on his wall.

A balanced, warmhearted tale about transformation for both kids and parents.