The Story

Timmy, a black tuxedo cat, tells Teddy about the old days in the yard — including Tree Rat, a squirrel who improves every story he tells, and a bit of real Rockville, Indiana history. The Chautauqua becomes a doorway to ask what good news Billy Sunday preached.

Through humor, animal characters, and a gentle story about rescue, children encounter four simple movements:

A Bridge to Gospel Conversation

Children already understand what it means to be lost, stuck, or unable to solve a problem alone. Tree Rat and the Chautauqua uses that familiar idea to help them see that salvation is not a prize for being good enough. Jesus rescues sinners by grace, and we respond by trusting him.

The closing questions help children talk about the story, Timmy’s rescue, and the difference between receiving a gift and earning a reward.

How to Use It

• Family read-aloud — read together and use the closing questions to start a gospel conversation
• Sunday school or children’s church — pair with the Rescue Gospel Framework for Children for a fuller teaching plan
• Gift after a gospel lesson — give as a take-home resource after teaching the Rescue Gospel
• Conversation starter — use in a classroom, homeschool group, or VBS setting
• Children’s ministry outreach — give to families as an introduction to the gospel

Pair It with Rescue Gospel Resources

For a fuller teaching plan, pair the story with MinistryPlace resources built to help adults share the gospel clearly and without pressure or false assurance.