A new children's project from the Czech Church of the Brethren uses a detective story to help children recognise manipulation and resist temptation. “Mistrovský podfuk” (“The Masterful Con”) is published by the association Hisland in cooperation with the church's Children's Department. It was written in response to the constant flood of advertising, social media offers and enticements that children face every day, and to how hard it can be to tell what is genuinely good from what merely attracts attention.
The book is a detective story for children from about eight years old, in which suspense and adventure are interwoven with symbolism drawn from the gospel. Young readers join the main characters in uncovering manipulation and lures that are not as innocent as they first appear. The story was presented in experiential form for the first time in August 2026 at the United festival, through a theatrical staging and an interactive experience tent. The response from visitors, the organisers say, showed that the theme is worth opening up with children not only through a book but also through play, experience and shared discussion.
The project is expanding into a set of practical materials for congregations: an activity workbook for children's groups, discussion questions, a concept for a day camp and an audiobook, with further formats expected. The aim is to give Sunday schools, clubs and children's programmes a way to address current subjects that are not usually discussed so openly with children. The organisers say further materials and tips for working with the theme in children's groups will be released gradually.
(Originally published in Czech. Summary translated by CC / Connexion.)
Source: Církev bratrská (Church of the Brethren) — portal.cb.cz/cs/clanky/13683-mistrovsky-podfuk-kdyz-lakadla-nejsou-vzdycky-tim-cim-se-zdaji
