Good News For Little Hearts 3 Book Review

I know I've mentioned it before, but I love storing up books for when I have grandchildren to read to. I was sent these books from New Growth Press to review! They're part of the Good News For Little Hearts series.

Gus Loses His Grip
Editor: David Powlison
Ilustrator: Joe Hox
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 978-1-948130-77-6

Summary:

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.

The last page contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are tempted. 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 want something too much.

My Review:

I was surprised at how deep this book is for the age group it's listed for. This series is for 3-8 year olds. I would say if you read this to a preschooler or younger you'll need to modify the story for them otherwise I'm sure it would go over their head. The story is very fitting for elementary age kids.

I think the author and illustrator came up with the perfect critter to represent a character who can't stop snacking. They are called trash pandas for a reason. lol I think most kids will get a kick out of how much Gus eats and will be able to relate to going overboard on their favorite things.

The great part about this story is that it will hit home for the adults reading the book. We can all take stock in how we can overindulge ourselves and how our kids see us doing that as a not so great example. I appreciate how God is woven into the story for the kids to be able to grasp the message.

The illustrations give kids a lot to take in so they'll be be able to listen to the story as you read it to them. The pages will definitely keep their interest.

About the Author:

David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context, Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness, Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken, God's Grace in Your Suffering, and Safe and Sound. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.

About the Illustrator:

Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa where he doodled whenever he wasn’t spading thistles or feeding pigs. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe earned his BA in Art and Education from Dordt College and his MA from the University of Nebraska. Today he lives with his wife and four children in Pella, Iowa, where he illustrates and teaches art. Joe has illustrated all of the Good News for Little Hearts series.

Henry Says Good-bye
Editor: Edward T. Welch
Ilustrator: Joe Hox
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 978-1-948130-78-3

Summary:

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.

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.

My Review:

When I got this book, I thought "saying good-bye" meant Henry was letting his ladybug go, but she actually passes away. I wanted to make sure that was clear because it's an entirely different topic to discuss with your child when you read the book.

I think the topic of death is covered well by the author. He helps Henry share his emotions in a variety of ways. As adults we understand there are varying responses to the loss of someone or something we love like: sadness, anger, confusion, etc. I think this book would be good in the face of the loss of a pet.

God's part in handling our sadness is covered in a way kids can understand. I love that Henry's father gives him scripture on a piece of paper that Henry can keep with him. I also like that it helps children to be aware of others who are possibly hurting.

At the back of each of these books are ways to engage the kids in discussions. They help adults have talking points when kids have various questions or even a way to talk about it more in depth with older kids.

About the Author:

Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a PhD in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. His biblical counseling books include: Shame Interrupted; When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness; Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love; and A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace.

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell
Editor: Jayne V. Clark
Ilustrator: Joe Hox
Publisher: New Growth Press
ISBN: 978-1-948130-76-9

Summary:

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 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.

My Review:

Once again the author and illustrator have picked the perfect critter who is shy and tries coming out of her shell. Moving and being the new student is rarely an easy change. It's also a terrific way for kids to see that they're not the only ones feeling lonely or scared.

The author made sure another character feels somewhat the same way as Tori. I also like how the teacher can help ease her into making friends. It's good for kids to see the different ways people can help each other out. I also like that Miss Minnick gives Tori a card like the ones on the back of the book.

Each book in this series has 4 tear-off cards. Kids can keep them with them or maybe even put them on the fridge to help keep them in mind throughout the day. For this book the scriptures would be great in lunch boxes as well. Once again God is an integral part of the story as well as showing kindness to others.

The illustrator also made Tori's room really cute (as well as the rest of the book). To me it looked just like a turtle's room would look if they had one. It was also nice to see the same characters drawn through each of the book so they're familiar to the kids and families who read the books.

About the Author:

Jayne V. Clark, MAR, is the Chief of Staff at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). She is also a counselor with thirty years of experience, a frequent retreat and conference speaker, and the author of the minibooks Single and Lonely: Finding the Intimacy You Desire and Healing Broken Relationships: What to Do When You’ve Been Hurt and many counseling articles.