I think sometimes we grown ups forget that the little peoples in our lives go through some emotions that we go through, even at their young age. This trio of books is designed to help little ones who get angry, fail, and are anxious. And maybe, just maybe us adults can learn something from them as well!
About the Books
This beautifully illustrated book invites children to remember that the Lord is near when they are anxious. Zoe, a fearful mouse, is worried about a class trip. As she talks with her parents, Zoe realizes that she can turn to God for help. Papa Mouse gives her a verse from the “Great Book” that she can read when she is afraid. She learns that she can tell God all about her fears, and he will comfort her. 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 afraid.
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 of each book contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps children apply biblical truth to specific issues. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.
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Buster was sure he was the fastest bunny in the meadow. But during a race at summer camp, nothing goes as planned and Buster gets tripped up. After his epic fall, his older sister, Ivy, helps him see that failure is an opportunity to grow. As Buster remembers God’s love, he is able to let go of others’ opinions and accept that it is okay to try your best but not always be the best. Edited by Edward T. Welch, Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching children how the gospel of Jesus Christ comforts and sustains us through failure and turns our focus away from ourselves and toward others. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will remind children and adults of God’s love and help for those who get tripped up.
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Everyone gets frustrated when something important to them goes wrong. In Jax’s Tail Twitches, the whole Squirrel family ends up out of sorts when acorn gathering doesn’t go according to plan. Although Papa, Mama, Jax, and Caspian Squirrel all get angry, they also learn about the power of saying sorry, seeking forgiveness, remembering God’s words, and praying together. Edited by David Powlison, Jax’s Tail Twitches ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching children how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes how we respond when life goes wrong. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will help children and adults remember to turn to God for help when they are angry.
Purchase at amazon.
My Perspective
What a fun way for younger readers to understand that they are not alone with their feelings, and God does provide a way to help them. This series has the perfect balance of good writing, engaging pictures, and a wonderful lesson. In each installment readers will see fun characters, a charming story, and will want to jump right into the story.
The bright, inviting pictures are whimsical and fun. Little ones will want to point to the characters being discussed, and perhaps make up some addition stories on their own. While it may appear there are a lot of words on the pages, I assure you it is written in a way that little readers will stay interested, and anxious to see what happens to these characters that go through similar emotions to themselves.
Even if your child doesn’t suffer from anxiety, failure (or the thought of it), or anger, I encourage you to read these books with them. It might help prepare them for the future, or maybe even help a friend! I received a complimentary copy of these books. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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.