Publisher's Synopsis
Continuing on the themes of religion and spirituality of his first book, Pierogies with the Pope, Todd J. Barry's Shoofly Pie with the Pastor is a multi-faith book, slightly more advanced for young readers than the last, and more comprehensive than most Amish books, that brings back the main character Cindy. She once again finds herself in the company of spiritual genius, this time the burgeoning Protestant leader Bishop Patrick Templeton, Pastor and Bishop of a Pennsylvania Episcopal diocese. Cindy and Bishop Templeton set off on a trip touring the Pennsylvania Dutch country, filled with people of various religions, with inclusion of fifteen amazing drawings of the hardworking men and women of this area. Each pen-and-ink illustration is accompanied by a hidden cat, for youngsters to find. But, Cindy becomes lost in this strange world, this time the world of the Amish and Mennonites, who are explained in detail and depth, while Reverend Templeton offers keen observations about these and various other Christian and Protestant religions. After growing up in Amish country, and a life through an era of tumult, Bishop Templeton has risen to a leader in the Christian community, whose career as a pastor, author, international traveler, scholar, professor, musician, and teller and writer of life-lesson anecdotes is continuing to grow, and whose dynamic life is an inspiration to any young person. Shoofly Pie with the Pastor in so many ways is a testament that it is all right to make mistakes in life, and that only God is perfect, explained from an old Amish folklore. This is described in this short story book for young readers of all faiths, while introducing children to a remarkably realistic fictional character. It has an unforgettable conclusion, a test of faith that only Bishop Patrick Templeton can temper, followed by a meal in celebration that involves the sharing of shoofly pie.