Here’s a new batch of upcoming children’s books from The Good Book Company and I hope you’ll consider getting them for your little (and not so little) ones. The links are provided to pre-order and for appetizers, some sample pages are provided. Enjoy!
The Man in the Tree and the Brand New Start (Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri) – The Laferton and Echeverri duo is at it again, this time is the story of Zacchaeus meeting Jesus. They bring out the best on their take on the story, both in art and in the narrative.
Laferton had this great hook in the opening pages that Echeverri don’t have to have a banger level of art to pull kids in the story. The Laferton’s hook is the banger. I enjoy how he weaves the narrative and how the fillers for the biblical narrative highlights the main story itself without taking over. Laferton made this story accessible to kids so that it doesn’t lessen the essentials. I commend how he touches the mission of Christ to save the lost and further expound it on the latter part of the book. The redemption of Zacchaeus is not making him nice but being right with God.
The sinner’s prayers may be the only thing I can object to this book and I’m so glad the last page provides a brief guide to older readers about Zacchaeus and the gospel.
The cover art is amazing. I think I can put this on the list of the best covers for children’s books that The Good Book Company has published. I really love it. The lettering is so good too. They, aside from the artwork by Echeverri, are eye grabbers too.
My verdict:
4.5 out of 5
Your Amazing Hands (Abbey Wedgeworth, illustrated by Emma Randall) – This is based on a toddler’s board book What Are Hands For? that I previously reviewed from the same author and illustrator. Basically it’s the director’s cut of that book. There are more words, artworks and pages geared for older kids. So the gospel and Christian living part has an expanded explanation.
As usual, the artwork is spot on with the content. Now that this is an extended book, there are lots of illustrations to enjoy. Emma Randall gave more of her art which means more scenes and color that kids will love.
My verdict:
4.5 out of 5
Little Me, Big God: Stories about Jesus Eight True Stories from the Bible (Steph Williams) – Wow! Eight stories of Jesus in one book. It’s an omnibus format of the individual stories in the Little Me, Big God series. The book, gave me an opportunity to spend more time on Steph Williams storytelling and artwork. Also see the advantage of being both the author and illustrator which really did well in this new book.
Steph Williams approached this “omnibus” like a Sunday School teacher. She wants not just to make the stories understandable and enjoyable for kids but never missed the big picture. She is a careful teacher that wants to inject doctrine like the deity of Christ, discipleship and salvation. Yes the humor and playfulness of the book is there through the narrative, art and lettering but as I have said Williams is careful not for kids to focus more of the fun side but to know something about Jesus and the gospel. The Notes For Older Readers are must read in every “chapter breaks” as a guide to dig deep on the story.
My verdict:
5 out of 5
Abigail and the Big Start Over (Bethany McIlrath and Katie Saunders)– Lastly, is this book for older kids and pre-teen. It’s a novel like book so it’s more of the text and less of illustrations but as I have checked it, it’s a solid read. This story revolves on Abigail, a Christian girl, and how she navigates her new school and meeting new friends (or enemies for that matter). It’s a relatable story for young readers to enjoy with characters that probably kids will identify in real life. If your kids are ready for long books, this probably is a good starting point complete with characters they can relate to and situations that are relevant to them.
My verdict:
4.5 out of 5
(Did you enjoy what you read? Did this article help you? If yes, you can say “Thank you” by sharing 10 Pesos or more at my G-Cash or Paymaya account: Marianito Gonzales – 09163315535. For international friends, you can send it through Paypal: nitoymgonzales@gmail.com)
Delighting Grace 