Jesus Rose for Me by author Jared Kennedy (The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series)

ISBN 9781645070450

My thoughts:  The publications from New Growth Press that I have had access to have always been theologically sound and provide uplifting education through enjoyable reading.

Their children's books typically do not cater to the flippant telling of Biblical stories. In Jesus Rose for me the author retells the final week in the Earthly life of Jesus and breaks it out into four "chapters."

As a board book, it is directed to the younger child who typically handles books roughly. The text and the length of this book is geared, in my opinion, more to older "young" children. The illustrations are cute with the front and back covers of modern children and the prerequisite lamb and bunny. The interior of the book, though, reflects totally upon the Biblical recount often depicting with darkness facilitated by deep, dense colors expressing the emotional and spiritual portion of the story.

So while the book is longer than the typical board book might be, breaking it down into "chapters" and reading each at a different time, facilitates understanding on the young child's level. The vocabulary is fine. The four chapters include:

1. Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem
2. Jesus' Last Supper
3. Jesus Dies For Us
4. Jesus Lives

Opportunity is presented for discussion with pertinent questions at the end of each chapter. Not a "study format" simply along the lines of "think about" or "have you.....?".

I highly recommend.

About the book: Every Easter, we celebrate that Jesus is more powerful than death. But what does that mean for your little one? Jesus Rose for Me by author Jared Kennedy helps toddlers and preschoolers understand the true meaning of Easter in a personal, memorable way.

This board book is a part of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series. For children ages three to seven, this beautifully illustrated book begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter, when Jesus rose for us. Children will learn that Jesus is our king, and that everyone who trusts in him is part of his forever family.

Help your kids understand that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is alive!

This conversational book simply tells the story of the gospel and invites children to respond. Jesus Rose for Me helps toddlers and preschoolers celebrate that every day is resurrection day.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions and insights are mine, alone, and are freely given.

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.

The Moon is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson

My thoughts:  A picture book about a young family, and the father in conversation with his young son sharing that even though you can't always see it, "the moon is always round." This is used to convey the concept of God's love never changing, even when you can't see all of it.

The idea is instilled repeatedly by father to child that "the moon is always round" even in the face of loss. In this book's story, the young family is expecting a new addition but there is the sadness of losing that young baby and not being able to bring it home.

So the story is a good book for one who has experienced loss, but I don't see this as a book for the typical family. Even for reading to a child who has lost a friend or a grandparent, it might not be appropriate. But for the way it is written it would be appropriate.

The overall message is very good. It is that you'll be ok ..... because "the moon is always round" and that conveys the idea that God is also unchanging.



About the book: Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.

In this beautiful, full-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life.

Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton & Illustrated by Rommel Ruiz (New Growth Press}

My thoughts:  Don't you just love how young children ask so many questions? Of course, it can get to be a bit much from time to time with their repeatedly asking the same one. But that is how they learn. That is what their curious little minds are made to do in order to grow and store a vast encyclopedia of information. Little sound bites that their mind will organize.

In Why Do We Say Good Night? Mommy is tucking her child into bed for the evening......  and we are outside the book listening as she says

"When nighttime comes

and no more light,

you get in bed,

we say good night."

And, childlike, her daughter replies......

"But when it's dark,

and I can't see—

Why do you say

good night to me?"

Mommy then begins to beautifully narrate how it is good because the Lord made day and night. So night is good. O course, the little one has a retort and question about that.

The might, glory, power of God are beautifully brought out in these short rhymes, The child is encouraged to believe that God is watching and taking care of him even in the dark and that night, even though dark to him, is light and beautiful to God.

A treasure to read and share with a little one. I highly recommend

About the book: Going to bed and turning out the light can be a hard time for many children. Award-winning author Champ Thornton wrote this beautifully designed and illustrated book to help parents comfort their children with three truths about God. As a mother and her little daughter talk, they remember together that God made the night, he sees in the dark, and he watches over them just like a shepherd protects his sheep. Children and parents will want to start a new nighttime tradition of reading together about why we can say that the night is good.

In this important, engaging children's book, parents can bring comfort and encouragement to their children, reminding them Jesus is near.

AUTHOR: Champ Thornton is an the associate pastor at Ogletown Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware. He has pastored in South Carolina and served as director of SOMA, a ministry training school in Columbus, Ohio. He is host of "In the Word, On the Go," a ten-minute podcast for families and is the author of several books, including The Radical Book for Kids, Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation, Radically Different and Why Do We Say Goodnight?. Champ and his wife, Robben, have three children.

ILLUSTRATOR: Rommel Ruiz was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to sunny Southern California to pursue his passion for creative expression and storytelling. An accomplished designer and illustrator, he incorporates influences from theater, film, animation, and mid-century design. His work includes animated visuals for Cartoon Network and the award-winning Luther documentary, as well as illustrations for books including Golly’s Folly, The Gospel in Color, and more. He is also the cofounder and art director of Patrol. He and his wife, Anny, live with their two joyful girls in Los Angeles.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Don’t Blame the Mud: Only Jesus Makes Us Clean By Marty Machowski, illustrated by Craig MacIntosh

"Unless you see that you have a problem, you don’t think you need a solution." -Marty  Machowski" author of "Don't Blame the Mud"

Retail Price: $15.99

ISBN 978-1948130967

Religion / Christian Life / Children

My thoughts: This well-drafted picture book clearly articulates the gospel helping parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes in the freedom of Christ.

Max is our lead character and he is shadowed by a lurking companion - MUD. Max is dressed in navy blue pants, a white dress shirt, and a red necktie. He carries his backpack because he has been to school and is now on the way home .

First of all, Max must be enrolled in a private school or one of the few public schools that have stringent dress codes. He is dressed in his school uniform. But whether he is in uniform or casually attired in jeans, shorts, and/or shirt, he is still an active boy that tends to get in the dirt.

The author uses a dirt or mud aspect as representative of sin that lurks all around. The dirt of sin rubs off on us making us soiled. Can't wash that type of soil off in the laundry. Max's parents explain to him the problem of sin and the solution is Christ helping him own up to his own mistakes.

The entire gospel presentation is spot on Biblically sound.

The illustrations, though, left me somewhat wondering who the book's audience is intended to be. Boys the age that Max appears to be in the story - based on size - would not traipse through the mud, splashing, getting dirty. They would get muddy, dirty, grass stained playing ball in a field, fishing, hiking, etc. So I'm thinking that Max should have been a bit younger looking child.

I felt that Max's parents approached the subject of his soiling his clothes and hiding the evidence a bit intimidating and overbearing. Surely a gentler, less formidable manner would have resulted in the same outcome.

I have reviewed several of Marty Machowski's books and found each to be exceptionally well done and Biblically sound. Don't Blame the Mud while good, and Biblically sound, just doesn't quite meet what I have come to expect from Mr. Machowski's publications.

I still recommend the book because it is Biblically sound and children do need to learn that they can't blame a situation or the mud of life for things going wrong. They need to learn that they can be cleaned of their sin by Christ. I don't see this book appealing to non-Christian audiences so distribution would be limited to Christian households, church library, and  Christian schools.

About the book: Marty Machowski helps parents talk to their children about temptations, choices and consequences.

For young readers and families, Don’t Blame the Mud paints a vivid and accurate picture of sin and God’s plan of redemption. Written by best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children how to recognize the lure of temptation and the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences.

One day, Max takes the muddy path along the creek home, disregarding his mother’s reminder to keep his school clothes clean. After crashing into a mud puddle, he tries to hide his mistake and discovers the stain of his sin goes deeper than the mud he can wash away. In this lovable, relatable, and heartwarming tale, Max learns his heart needs to be cleaned, and Jesus is the only one who can wash away his sin.

By clearly articulating the gospel, Don’t Blame the Mud helps parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes—in the freedom of Christ—rather than place the blame elsewhere. Parents, teachers, and caretakers can help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin, understanding the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Instead of teaching kids how to deal with a problem, Machowski uncovers the real issue of sin and provides a gospel answer.

About the author: Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for thirty years. Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship.

He is the author of numerous resources for churches and families, including The Gospel Story for Kids series, The Ology, and Parenting First Aid. His latest release is the children’s picture book, Don’t Blame the Mud.

Machowski and his wife, Lois reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania. They have six children and two grandchildren. He is also the Executive Editor for Children’s Resources at New Growth Press.

Learn more at www.martymachowski.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@MartyMachowski).

About the illustrator: Craig MacIntosh was a newspaper political cartoonist and illus­trator for 22 years and the artist for the widely published comic strip Sally Forth. He and his wife, Linda, live in Minne­sota and have two grown children.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Christian Counseling in picture books for the young comes to life in the Good News for Little Hearts series

This a delightfully cute and sweetly illustrated series and children and parents will certainly love the illustrations by  Joe Hox. The critters that populate the pages of the stories are charming and beautifully drawn with a pallet of colors that delight the senses.

The text or story line is sweet and deeply infused with Biblical teaching that guides the critters through emotional mindfields helping them to understand reliance on God for help and control. The books are intentionally Scriptural and centered around Christian counseling.

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Buster's Ears Trip Him Up (When You Fall) by Edward T. Welch and illustrated b Joe Hox

Buster is a bunny rabbit and he is a lively character that loves to run, race, and win. As he goes off to camp he looks forward to running the race and being the winner. But he fails and feels terrible about it. He is consoled and learns a lesson from failing to win.

Zoe's Hiding Place (When You are Anxious) by David Powlison and illustrated by Joe Hox

Zoe doesn't pay attention to the teacher and gets lost and is scared or anxious. Having done the same previously and been counseled by her parents to handle her anxiety or fears realizing God is with her, she gets through the situaiton.

Jax's Tail Twitches (When You Are Angry) by David Powlison and illustrated by Joe Hox

Most everyone has issues at some point in their life with anger and managing it. Jax's dead giveaway is his twitching tail.

The story is how Jax gets angry and how he learns to manage the anger with God's help.

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The books are all a bit preachy but that is o.k. since the story line is intentionally designed to use children's story picture book venue to provide Christian Counseling. I think the books would be ideal for Christian school libraries, preschools, and Church libraries. Personally, I would take care about introducing these stories to children who do not exhibit these emotions or traits - anger, failing, and anxiety.

Find them at New Growth Press - click here 

DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies from New Growth Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

Bring God to the core of your child's thinking: GOD COUNTS and GOD MADE ME AND YOU from New Growth Press

GOD COUNTS by Irene Sun

ISBN: 9781945270796
Hardcover
Purchase on Amazon

My thoughts: This is NOT your typical counting book for the little ones. This book presents deep, theological ideas wrapped up in the beauty of numbers. It doesn't entail mathematics, yet states that the Maker of the Universe, God, created numbers and that they declare His glory. Yes, all of creation declares the glory of the Creator, God.

Information that is usually gleaned from sermons or Bible studies such as their being four rivers in the Garden of Eden, four wings on every butterfly, and four creatures before God's throne saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!" will enrich the parents reading aloud this interesting children's book.

"Six tells us God hates sin..... 'Here are six things that the Lord hates. unkind eyes, a lying tongue, hands that hurt, a wicked heart, disobedient feet, and lies that separate people.' Proverbs 6:16-19

The book is definitely for those who wish to give their children deeper ideas to think about. It goes far beyond the typical kiddie counting book. While it is a "picture book" the text, scope of thoughts, and theology don't fit a picture book pattern.

I can highly recommend the book. That recommendation is, however given with the caveat that the book is not to be skimmed over, quickly read and tossed in the book heap. It is to be delved into thoroughly and with each reading pursue further discussions about the implications of these ideas.

Product Description

In this engaging, illustrated children's book by Irene Sun, young readers learn how numbers declare the glory of God, discovering Bible stories and the truth, beauty, and goodness of our sovereign God through numbers and patterns. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.

Through simple language kids will understand, God Counts shares theological truths and helps children become familiar with Scripture, exploring the patterns of creation, numbers in the plan of redemption, and the intimacy of a personal relationship with God. This children's book explores how God counts every fish in the sea, every star in the sky, every hair on their heads, and every tear in their eyes.

By discovering numbers in God's world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. Families will be enriched as they learn together how numbers magnify God - just as a telescope magnifies the stars - and each numbered lesson points to a larger redemptive story of Scripture. On each page, the illustrations engage readers, displaying not only a picture but a mosaic of patterns.

This playful children's book serves as a beginner's theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns, introducing the Trinity, the God of order, the holiness of God, the problem of sin, the rescue and love of Jesus, and much more. Children who love to count will be filled with wonder, leading them to understand deeper truths about God, themselves, and the world around them.

GOD MADE ME AND YOU by Shai Linne

ISBN: 9781948130134
Hardcover
Purchase on Amazon

My thoughts:  First of all, the concept of this book is much needed and children - and adults - need to acknowledge that God is the Creator of each and everyone. And He designed just how each of us is made. And that we are all equal in His eyes.

In God Made Me and You the setting is obviously a Christian school classroom. That, therefore, limits readers to a smaller demographic. Homeschooling and public school families won't be able to internalize the concept of such a classroom, the Biblical quotes and lesson for the day. Secular books abound with the subject of diversity education and that is a good thing. It is also a good thing for children from Christian families to understand diversity acceptance and to understand it from a Biblical point of view.

All that being said, the book nicely addresses children learning to accept people of diverse complexities - dark skin, yellow skin, white skin, and disabilities in body, vision, hearing.

The book is lengthy and includes the origin of sin in the Garden of Eden. The story further relates that the behavior of hatred of others based on race or ethnicity as sin. The story continues with the solution of the sin as being provided when God sent Jesus to die for the sins of mankind.

This is heavy information for the young listener and the extent of material covered broad. Although a picture book, it is probably best as a read-aloud. All the concepts are good and Biblical.

I can recommend the book but that recommendation is based on parent use with the child or children.

Product Description

This beautifully illustrated children's book invites kids to explore God's design for ethnic diversity and challenges readers---both parents and children---to learn and live out counter-cultural, biblical views, fostering a lifelong celebration of diversity for the glory of God. Designed for four- to eleven-year-olds, God Made Me and You by Shai Linne is the second book in the God Made Me series, starting with God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb.
Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.

God Made Me and You is an approachable guide for families to begin conversations about cultivating a God's perspective on ethnic diversity, confronting the sins of racism, bigotry, and ethnic pride.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review from New Growth Press. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving "Youth Book Giveaway" 7 books in prize pack [Nov.26-Dec. 2 USA/CANADA]

Last week, I shared about books from New Growth Press for the youngest members of the family. Maybe your kids have outgrown that stage and are now preteens or teens.

Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!

Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.

This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).

Each gift box includes the following titles for youth:

The complete Rwendigo Tales series by J. A. Myhre:

• A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest
• A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue
• A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star
• A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World

Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure series teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference. The latest release is A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World, a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the Rwendigo Tales Series, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil.

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!

The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley

The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider's look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God's Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing. See your youth athletes' faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions.

Between Us Girls: Walks and Talks for Moms and Daughters by Trish Donohue

Between Us Girls was written for mothers with daughters between the ages of seven and fourteen. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship.

(Between Us Guys for dads and sons will be available in May 2019!)

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

DISCLOSURE: This post information/material was provided by Read With Audra and I received no compensation to share it on this blog.