Tales of truth and hope

Something Sad Happened

Darby A. Strickland
New Growth Press, 32 pages

When Sunny’s friend Wren dies, the little bluebird struggles with grief and uncertainty. Her mother and friends comfort her by reminding her to focus on things she knows to be true, including God’s love and care for her. They also help Sunny work through her questions and concerns before finding ways to honor Wren’s memory. During the story, Sunny sings a song to Jesus and tells Him how sad she is and how much she misses Wren. Strickland uses this portion to model for children the role of lament in the grief process: “To heal, we need to process our pain and embrace hope; lamenting helps us do both.” The endnotes offer suggestions for how parents can use lament to help their children walk through grief while also reminding them to turn to Jesus amid the sadness. Ages 4-7

Home Is Right Where You Are

Ruth Chou Simons
Tommy Nelson, 32 pages

Psalm 23 provided Chou Simons with the inspiration for her lyrical text reminding children wherever they go or whatever they face, the Lord is always near. Chou Simons wrote the book for her six sons, who she hopes will always remember that God is their dwelling place and their only true home: “Psalm 23 is the song of one who has traveled with God and knows—without a shadow of a doubt—that He provides, comforts, shelters, and leads His people through every beautiful and hard place of life’s journey.” Chou Simons’ soft and whimsical watercolors accompany the text, creating a soothing bedtime read. Parents reading to young children may want to expound on some of the text, using it as a springboard to talk about God’s care and presence in their lives. Ages 4-7

The Prophecy and the Hope

Marty Machowski
New Growth Press, 144 pages

In this second Redemption Tales book, Machowski uses animals to retell Old Testament accounts that foreshadow Christ. The book doesn’t shy away from harder parts of the record (e.g., how Moses ground the golden calf into dust and made the Israelites consume it), but it leaves out details that are not age appropriate (Rahab isn’t identified as a prostitute, for example). The text also sprinkles in key concepts children will continually encounter in their faith walk (e.g., what is a mediator and atonement). A study guide connects the chapters with Scripture and discussion questions. Note: In the final chapter, Isaiah’s sons have a revengeful spat, but the text doesn’t address their sin and provide correction. Parents reading to impressionable youngsters may also want to edit out some minor name-calling. Ages 8-12

Amon’s Mission

Arnold Ytreeide
Kregel, 208 pages

In this follow-up to Amon’s Secret (2023), Ytreeide returns to Jerusalem where Amon and his family and friends witness the growth of the early Christian church. Using Acts 8-12 as the backdrop, Ytreeide weaves his fictional characters with events and people in the Bible record. An older Amon is looking forward to his marriage, but first he must help Philip and Peter spread the gospel to nearby cities—and to Gentiles. Through Ytreeide’s careful research, the story offers children insight into the culture of the early church—including the significance of Peter staying with Simon the Tanner and the seismic shift in tradition that occurred when Peter visited the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. It also serves to encourage readers to be brave and bold in sharing the good news today. Ages 8-12