Fergus Crane: A Christian Perspective

Fergus Crane is a children’s book written by Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell. It is the first book in the Far-Flung Adventures series and was published in 2004. One night, a strange flying box comes into Fergus Crane’s bedroom with a letter saying he is in great danger. Fergus must then go on an adventure to rescue his friends.

I like the illustrations by Chris Riddell. I also enjoy some of the characters in the story, such as the penguins and Uncle Theo. The foreshadowing is well done, and there are things and characters mentioned that have more significance later. Fergus is a kind, brave, and clever boy who encourages and helps his friends. Mrs. Crane is loving and works hard to provide for both of them now that his father is gone.

One of my favorite scenes in the story is when Fergus forms a plan and takes action to save his friends from the villains in the book. Another scene I like is when Fergus reads his father’s log and finds out what happened to him. His mother doesn’t tell him much about his father because she’s too grieved, so the information he finds is crucial. It's interesting to see his father’s perspective on his adventure.

I like the curious contraptions Fergus encounters, such as the flying clock, and I enjoy the different places Fergus went, like the caves in Volcano Isle.

One scene I don’t like is when Fergus and his friends are in danger, they don't know how to get out of their predicament, and then suddenly, without explanation, they make it out. For some reason, Fergus and his friends have no idea how they managed to escape. The writer set up a scene where there should be tension, like an inflating balloon. But the tension is immediately deflated, giving the scene no meaning. If the characters are going to escape danger, there should be an explanation of how they managed it. The scene would’ve been better off not being in the book.

There is also an instance where something surprising happens out of the blue, but Fergus doesn’t seem as surprised or as shocked as he should be, especially for a young nine-year-old boy. His reaction came off a little strange and unrealistic.

I found it strange that Mrs. Crane seemed oblivious to information that she probably should’ve known. For example, Mrs. Crane doesn’t know the name of the ship her husband took on his last voyage, which proves to be important later. Why wouldn’t she keep up with that kind of information when she was concerned for her husband? Another thing is the book ends with a message from Fergus’s uncle asking him for his help, leaving a cliffhanger. I wish it didn’t end like that, but maybe there will be answers in the Hugo Pepper book.

One message seems to be the dangers of greed. The villains are greedy and selfish, which causes negative consequences for them. In a way, Fergus’s father was selfish as well. He went on a dangerous voyage against his wife’s wishes. He wanted to get wealth for the betterment of his family, but instead, he never returned. Had he simply listened to his wife, he would’ve been there for Mrs. Crane and Fergus. It’s generally not a good idea for a husband or wife to do something without agreeing on it first. After all, they are one flesh (Gen 2:24); what one spouse does affects the other. Also, going on dangerous adventures when you have a family at home generally isn’t a good idea either. It would’ve been better for Fergus’s father to stay to take care of the family.

From a Christian perspective, he should have trusted God. Hebrews 13:5 says “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” The villains, and perhaps Fergus’s father, were too concerned with wealth. Sometimes we may be so concerned with worldly things we forget we have an all-powerful and loving God who is willing to help us. We just have to be willing to let Him.

Another message is you must be brave and sometimes improvise. Fergus’s uncle tells him not to do any “dangerous heroics” and to follow the plan. However, that doesn’t work out. Fergus must take other measures to save the day. From a Christian perspective, if one plan doesn’t work out, it can help to pray and ask God for guidance. Proverbs 19:21 says “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” God’s counsel is what we need and what we must ask for in our lives. We have to trust, listen to, and obey Him.

Overall, I enjoy this book. But personally, I enjoy Corby Flood more. Corby Flood was more fast-paced. I liked the events that happened in that book more than the events that happen in Fergus Crane. I would recommend Fergus Crane for young readers, perhaps eight to twelve years of age, but you may want to know there are instances where cleavage is shown. I’m looking forward to reading Hugo Pepper to see what happens in that story.