Big thoughts for little hearts

Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer by Laura Wifler

Wifler’s picture book, the newest installment in the Tales That Tell the Truth series, encourages children to cultivate their prayer life by praying any time, any place, and about anything. The story shows children that faithful prayer is sometimes hard because of sin, but they can learn from Jesus, who always talked with God about what He needed and what He was thinking. Catalina Echeverri’s vibrant illustrations enhance the story with word balloons that depict various prayers people have prayed through the ages. (Ages 4-8)

The Acrostic of God by Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle

This first book in a new series of rhyming theology aims to help children better understand the attributes of God. C.S. Fritz’s illustrations accompany entries that could be read or even sung: “BLESSED is God, he’s overflowing in his gladness; But sin ruins us, so we’re groaning in our sadness. He knows that our sin will only kill us and destroy; So he sent his Son to bless us and fill us with his joy!” While parents could read aloud the book in one sitting, they could also integrate it into their family devotions one letter at a time. (Ages 5-9)

The Clubhouse by Nathan and Joy Clarkson

A boy and girl dream up all the different adventures they can have in their backyard clubhouse, which they turn into a castle, a cave, a secret island, a Wild West fort, and more. Sibling writers Nathan and Joy Clarkson use rhyming text to inspire children to use their God-given imaginations: “Through wood and nails a boy and girl play. What will the clubhouse be today?” Children will want to pore over each page of Joshua Timothy Taylor’s detailed illustrations, which feature splashes of blue and yellow amid the whimsical sketches. (Ages 4-7)

What Do I Do with Worry? by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub

Willow and her family have moved, and Willow is full of worry about all the changes. Grandma comes for a visit and shows Willow that worries, like birds, are not meant to be held but released to God: “When you let your worry birds go to the sky, that’s when you are free to fly.” Although the writing at times feels clunky, the message is timely for parents seeking ways to help young children process their fears and anxieties about the world in a healthy, God-honoring way. (Ages 4-8)

Afterword

In Betty Greene (The Good Book Company, 2021), Laura Caputo-Wickham charts the course Greene traveled from a childhood interest in flying to helping start Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (now Mission Aviation Fellowship) and serving as one of its first pilots. The picture book is part of the new Do Great Things for God series, which seeks to introduce young readers to inspiring women who served God.

In Jesus Is Bigger Than Me (New Growth Press, 2021), Jared Kennedy looks at four miracles Jesus performed and what they teach us about Jesus. The board book, which is part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story Book series, engages preschoolers in the narrative by asking a question at the end of each miracle that helps them relate the gospel truths to their young lives.

When I Hold You by Ashley Huffstutler and The Moon Speaks by Jason G. Duesing—both 2021 board books from B&H Kids—feature soft illustrations and ­lyrical text for soothing bedtime reads. —K.C.