Good News for Little Hearts Series: Gus Loses His Grip, Henry Says Good-bye, & Tori Comes Out of Her Shell (illustrations by Joe Hox)

A new series of hardback, illustrated children's books for three-to eight-year-olds each centered on an animal family bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces.

The last page contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are sad. Together children and parents will be guided into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will give children a practical way to remember God's words when they are sad.

Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much by David Powlison

My thoughts:  This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires.

The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness.

A sweet story and well done.

About the book: Gus, a raccoon who loves all things sweet, learns what happens when you want something too much. After Gus gets caught taking candy from the store, Papa reminds him that temptation might be strong for us, but it s not too strong for Jesus. Both Gus and Papa can ask Jesus for help when they want something too much.

Henry Says Good-bye: When You Are Sad by Edward T. Welch

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated book filled with critters and lovely scenes. The illustrations are perfect for the story told where Henry the Hedgehog (home is in a hedge) loses his pet ladybug. He is first sad and then angry at this loss of his beloved pet.

His father consoles him and leads him in understanding loss and how "God is close to those with a broken heart."

A lovely story and will help children who have lost pets or loved ones understand. It will also help those who have not experienced loss understand help those who have.

About the book: Henry the hedgehog loves his pet ladybug. She keeps him company and entertains him, his family, and his friends with her flying tricks. But one day, he has to say good-bye to his ladybug. Henry and his whole family are sad, but they learn to go to Jesus with their sadness and ask him to comfort them.

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely by Jayne V. Clark

My thoughts:  Shyness is hard at anytime and produces anxiety on a variety of levels to those shy individuals coping with it. Tori the turtle was not different from the shy child or introvert adult. Both face their personal fears.

Sure enough, going to her new school brought out the shyness and fear of the new people and place. Her teacher came to the rescue an shared how she, too, had overcome a similar problem.

The story has a strong Christian message about God being your friend and sticking with you at all times.

Terrific illustrations from Joe Hox that bring out the story in vivid scenes of woodland critters as Tori and friends live the story.


About the book: Tori the turtle feels all alone. She has just moved to a new pond and a new school with her family and it seems like everyone has a friend except her. Her teacher notices she feels alone and helps her remember Jesus is always her friend and then along the way she makes some new friends. The last page contains information for Christian parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are lonely. Together children and parents will be guided into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will give children a practical way to remember God's words when they feel all alone.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies of these books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.