New Children's Books - Faith-Based Summer Releases from Tommy Nelson, The GoodBook Co., and Zonderkidz featuring Fiona the Hippo, Emily Ley and Senate Chaplain Barry Black!
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of these books from The Good Book Company, Tommy Nelson, and Zonderkidz. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. This blog post includes affiliate links. View my affiliate disclosure here.
One of my favorite perks of blogging is the opportunity I am awarded to read brand new books each month and share them with YOU. Summer is a great time to read with kids, as we all embrace the (hopefully) slower pace of the year and spend lots of time together as families. Reading is something that can be done indoors, outdoors, on-the-go, in the car or before bedtime. There are so many possibilities and finding excellent books that offer stories to transport a child’s imagination, spark their creativity or deepen their faith is very important.
Here are some fantastic new releases, each from faith-based publishers who offer great books for children. As you scroll, I’ve offered a little tidbit about the book, as well as my thoughts on the book and a link to where you can purchase your own copy! I hope you find this helpful and you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here.
Enjoy!
Is God Still Awake?
A Small Girl With a BIG Question About God
Written by Sheila Walsh, Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt
Published by Tommy Nelson
In this delightful full-color picture book that teaches children about prayer, bestselling author Sheila Walsh helps you show your kids how, when, and why to talk with God as they learn more of who God is and how much He loves them!
Inspired by the ways God has used her book Praying Women, Sheila Walsh wanted to share her passion for prayer with kids--a passion that began when she was a little girl who wondered if God could hear her any time of the day or night.
Is God Still Awake? introduces curious young readers to Poppy: a little girl who has big questions about God! Poppy wants to know how to talk with God and whether God listens to her. As she goes through her day with her cat by her side, Poppy discovers that God is always there--even when the world is asleep!
With humorous, rhyming text, Is God Still Awake? assures children that God loves them and is always with them. Whether it's day or night, God is awake, He's listening, and He loves to hear His children speak!
My Thoughts:
This little book is the cutest! My 4YO daughter and I loved the illustrations of Poppy, her pets, family and friends! Poppy, a little girl with big questions, wonders if God is awake or sleeping when she is. She wonders if He hears her and knows her thoughts, she wonders if He truly is near at all times. At the end of a busy day, with lots of musings, her dad reads to her from the Bible, answering her many questions. Poppy states “ The Bible answered my questions; it will answers yours too. If you’ve ever wondered if God’s watching you. Now here’s the big answer, and it’s truly the best: God never sleeps. He never needs rest. God is always awake, so I’m never alone.” We adored the short, lyrical style and silly pet antics. I found this book to be engaging, vibrant, colorful, and delightful! My daughter and I loved the sweet little prayer at the end and the Scripture that tied all the truths together.
This is a storybook that is well done, offering a strong faith message and delightful illustrations. I believe this would make a great gift for any young child, especially a preschooler, and would be a good addition to any church library!
You’re Always Enough
And More Than I Hoped For
Written by Emily Ley, Illustrated by Romina Galotta
Published by Tommy Nelson
Ages 1+
Kids often learn to fear messing up and worry about not being good enough. Combat perfectionism and build your children's self-confidence with this sweet, inspirational picture book from Emily Ley.
These days, more children struggle with mistakes, anxiety, and emotional well-being. But Emily's life-giving message of "grace, not perfection" gives kids the freedom to be themselves without any expectations, because they're already fully loved and treasured by God.
You're Always Enough and More Than I Hoped For? features vibrant illustrations of a diverse cast of characters and will encourage children who are always trying so hard, are afraid of making mistakes, or need reassurance that they are enough exactly as they are. Hold your child close as you share this sweet message and show them just how proud you are of the fun, amazing, and so very special person that they are.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet book that instills confidence and value in a child, told from a loved one’s point of view. These are words every child needs to hear and believe. As an adoptive parent, I couldn’t help but imagine a child in foster care or a newly adopted child hearing these words… What a wonderful gift of reassurance these words could be.
This is certainly a book that a parent, grandparent or caregiver should read to a child, out loud and often. It mentions the pride a reader feels for having the chance to call that child theirs and the opportunity to love them. Though a tab bit lengthy, it assures children that no matter how they act or what they do, they will always be loved, accepted and enough; that God created them for a purpose, to be who He has made them to be and that they are treasured by Him. That is such a powerful message to impact a young mind.
I do wish this story had a bit less "fluff" and more depth as to WHY a child is always enough, with a deeper Biblical message but it is still sweet and we can use it as a jumping-off point to have that more meaningful conversation with our children.
I loved the sweet, darling illustrations with diversity and subtle tones. This book is just beautiful from it’s soft embossed cover and fun, relatable illustrations, to its easy to understand phrasing and the significance of the message of devotion from the reader to the listener. A must have for any child’s library and a wonderful gift, especially for a foster family, adoptive family or child celebrating a baptism or salvation.
His Grace Is Enough
How God Makes It Right When We've Got It Wrong
By Melissa B Kruger, illustrated by Isobel Lundie
Published by The GoodBook Company
Ages: 3+
This illustrated, rhyming book will help parents explain to children the unique and wonderful Christian message of God’s grace—that Jesus offers forgiveness and allows us to move on from our mistakes.
It can be used to share the heart of the Christian faith with children or to remind them that Jesus is the person to run to when they mess up.
My Thoughts:
I love, love, love this little book!
What incredible truths are tucked inside for young hearts and minds!
This faith-based book is told from a loved one’s point of view, as they share that no matter how badly a child messes up, that “God’s grace is so big and so free and it is enough, for you and for me”. The story gives examples of ways a child might do wrong, and then introduces them to the plan of salvation after confirming that no matter how hard a child might try to right their wrongs, works is not enough to cleanse a heart. Only God can do that, through His grace, which He offers freely when a child repents and believes God will forgive and has paid the full price of freedom.
With lyrical, melodic text and engaging, illustrations full of color, this delightful book is a favorite new addition to our library!
This book would make an excellent gift to any child in preschool or elementary school and is a must have for a church or school/homeschool library! Also, be sure and pop over to The GoodBook Co.’s website and grab free coloring sheets to accompany this book!
A Prayer for Our Country
Words to Unite and Inspire Hope
Written by Barry Black, Illustrated by Kim Holt
Published by Zonderkidz
In A Prayer for Our Country, US Senate Chaplain Barry Black leads children in thanking God for America, while also exploring the ways we can model God’s love to support our country’s citizens, heal hurts that divide us, and look to a stronger, united future.
Senate Chaplain Barry Black believes words matter and that healing and unity are possible in America if we see the image of God in others. In this prayer for children based on wisdom from his almost two decades of daily praying over the US Senate, Black offers needed and inspiring text to help the next generation grow stronger in faith and forward America’s dream.
A Prayer for Our Country:
Uses kid-friendly language to show children how prayer can be part of our everyday lives
Explores ways children can live out their faith
Presents a positive message about kindness and respect
Helps readers ages 4-8 see how they can help support and shape our nation
Contains stunning illustrations that represent the diversity of our great nation by illustrator Kim Holt
My Thoughts:
I believe this book can be used as powerful tool to help young children understand modern day events and assist them in knowing how to pray for our great country. I love the diverse, beautiful illustrations showing children and adults alike coming together, serving one another and helping one another. There is a heavy focus on love, respect and working together. The book starts with gratitude and praise to the Lord for our great nation and its beauty; for friends, family and acknowledging the evidence of God’s presence in these things. It address serving one another, asking God to use us as His hands, feet, eyes, ears, and heart to bring joy to others. What a powerful request, and beautiful portrayal of the Gospel commission.
There is a phrase I love that asks God to teach us to use words wisely and remind us that harsh words hurt and kind words heal. I also loved the focus this prayer has on asking God to remind us that all people are created in His image and to focus on loving one another. There is also a portion that admits to facing problems and the emotions many children and adults experience when feeling scared, hurt or lost - reminding kids through prayer that God is always with us and He will help us overcome challenges, face fears and make our country a better place.
I absolutely loved every single word and feel that this book is a wonderful resource to families who want to teach their children to pray for our country in a simple, yet powerful way. I believe this book can offer comfort after a natural disaster, a tragic event or just be read in celebration of America and its diverse people. The words within inspire unity and hope and are very relevant to modern day.
This is a hardcover book with a book jacket and features large, low gloss pages and lovely, engaging illustrations of lifelike children and adults from various backgrounds and abilities.
Note for Parental Consideration: There is one illustration in the book, depicting a man holding a sign stating “One Love”. The word “one” is underlined, implying unity and acceptance for all. I have seen this phrase used as a phrase of inclusion for equality among gender, religion, race, social status and many other standards. For our family, I found that phrase to be questionable. There is a Biblical commandment to “love one another as God has loved us,” (John 13:34), however, we believe it is prudent to be cautious to encourage tolerance or acceptance of religion or ideals that fall outside of what Scripture mandates. I recommend each family take this under consideration for their own purposes and consult God’s Word with their children for a better understanding of God’s principles and His commandments. If you’re looking for a good resource, I recommend you start at FocusontheFamily.com.
Fiona Goes to School and Fiona’s Train Ride
Level 1 | I Can Read!
Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey with Donald Wu
Published by Zonderkidz
Join Fiona the hippo, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, as she and her friends start a zoo school to learn more about their fellow animals and take a train ride at the zoo in these two brand new releases!
Fiona and a few of her animal friends attend zoo school for the very first time and find out just how fun it is to learn new things in the classroom. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
Fiona wants to visit the new baby red panda, but it is so far! What better way to get around the zoo than the fun and fast zoo train. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.
My Thoughts:
We LOVE Fiona’s books! This perky little hippo, based on the real-life hippopotamus at the Cincinnati Zoo, has the most adorable adventures with her little zoo friends.
In Fiona Goes to School, there are elements of teamwork, an excitement to learn new things, including learning from each other, respect, sharing and taking turns.
Fiona’s Train Ride is an adorable story about the zoo animals waiting until the zoo has closed for the evening and taking a train ride over to see the new baby red panda.
In both books, the illustrations are vibrant and engaging. The characterizations of the zoo’s animals are adorable and happy. The words in the stories are large, easy to read for young readers and offer simple words in a repetitive pattern. This is a fun little collection for any child, boy or girl!
Baptized in the Water
Becoming a member of God's family
Illustrated by Glenys Nellist, Anna Kazimi
Published by Zonderkidz
I chose to voluntarily review this book, however, after reading through it, I would like my readers here to know it is sadly not a book I can recommend. Though it has lovely illustrations and is written by an author we have many other books by, we found this book to be contrary to our family’s beliefs.
My Thoughts:
Due to our family’s personal beliefs surrounding the plan of salvation, the steps necessary to enter the family of God and our beliefs surrounding baptism, we felt this book had too broad of a definition and generalization of Christianity, baptism and their meanings.
In addition, many truths were presented in a confusing or vague manner, therefore we did not find this book to have the sound doctrine we desire our daughter to learn.
Baptized in the Water focuses on the act of baptism through infant baptism, immersion or sprinkling (no matter where, when or how) as the means, and all that is needed, to enter the family of God, rather than as act of obedience following salvation. It does not directly reference the plan of salvation or gift of eternal life through a person admitting, confessing, and repenting of sins. There is no mention of seeking forgiveness and atonement through Christ’s death on the cross, or inviting God into their lives as Lord and Savior. Rather, this book states “the water makes us clean and new”, disregarding the fact that baptism is merely symbolic and has no power to cleanse a person from their sins. In doing so, it generalizes all variations of Christianity, denominations and religions.
I do recommend each family take this information under consideration for their own purposes and consult God’s Word with their children for a better understanding of the Gospel, the plan of salvation, atonement of sins, baptism, God’s principles and His commandments.
