I generally dislike the mixing of fiction with biblical events for young children, but at an age where a child can easily discern the lines of demarcation, The Robe can be a powerful book. Written by a minister turned author, many consider it a Christian classic, When I first read The Robe, I liked it but didn't love it. I read it to my oldest daughter, who felt much the same way. When I read it to our youngest daughter, however, it became one of her favorite books of all time, along with The Bronze Bow. She is a gifted young fiction writer, and she finds the use of a fictional story to relay great truths, particularly about Jesus, very inspiring.
The Robe is well-written, and provides a good overview of the Roman empire during this time in history (although some details are not historically accurate) without undue focus on the sensuality and sinfulness of the times which would far exceed what children need to know. I did choose to verbally edit a few passages in which the emotional and physical intimacy between unmarried couples exceeded our conservative standards, but this was easily done and the events necessitating this editing were infrequent.
The story is also a compelling look at a skeptic who eventually comes to faith in Jesus after investigating among the Jews and hearing His stories told by eyewitnesses. There is plenty of adventure and the story is fast paced, with elements to make it of interest to both girls and boys.
Recommended with mild need for parental caution . Best as a read-aloud, allowing for parental editing and commentary as needed, in my opinion.