I'm excited about sharing my most recent review for a children's picture book titled, "It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change" written by the well-known author, Lysa TerKeurst and illustrated by Natalia Moore. I was thrilled for the opportunity to read her children's book. This hardback picture book is suitable for children ages 4-8.
Book Description (Taken From Faith Gateway's Store)
Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don't have to be afraid?
Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances - and they don't like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them. The whimsical art by Natalia Moore will put a smile on kids' faces and put their minds at ease. Just as Little Seed and Little Fox learn to trust that the Farmer is good and kind, children will also learn to trust God. The book will help kids discover that in the end . . . it really will be okay, because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.
Author Biography
Lysa TerKeurst is the New York Times bestselling author of two popular adult books on the market titled, Made to Crave and Unglued. She's been learning God's lessons while admitting what a mess she can be and sharing it all on her blog (www.LysaTerKeurst.com) and in her books. Lysa is also the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She writes from her farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband, Art, five kids, three dogs, and mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen
What We Thought
I read this book to my 7-year-old daughter. I have to say . . . this 32-page book published by Thomas Nelson was meant for my daughter and I to read. With all the changes occuring in our life right now, I sometimes catch myself not putting all my trust in God. I have many fears about upcoming changes, but I am sure my daughter's fears are much bigger than my own. Alyssa and I snuggled on the bed to read this book the first day it arrived and we've read it many times since that day.
A personal letter from the author dedicated to her readers is found at the beginning of the book. I truly appreciated the memory verses mentioned in the book. I plan on eventually utilizing them in our homeschool. I will most likely create copywork pages to accompany this book in hopes that they will help my daughter memorize the verses better. I feel that these verses are extremely relevant to our circumstances right now and will be relevant to many readers as well. We are going through several big life changes and dealing with our newfound fears and turmoil on a daily basis.
My favorite Bible verse listed in this book is "So do NOT fear, for I am with you: Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10.
Natalia Moore's charming illustrations are sweet and absolutely adorable! You can definitely feel the bond between the two main characters and children will be able to relate to their experiences and feelings making their own connections to the story.
This touching story is about the friendship between a fox and a little seed. The book emphasizes two prominent and central themes. These changes and fears occur in their lives while God is watching over them. The book reminds children that no matter the circumstances you face or changes you face God will always be with you and there for you. The book also encourages children to put their trust in Him, because the Lord will NEVER leave or forsake us.
The Farmer represents God in this story as stated in this quote:
"But the Farmer was good, and the Farmer was kind, and the Farmer was always watching over them. Even when they didn't know it." Notice that the word Farmer is capitalized each time which indicates or signifies that He represents God. The actions of the Farmer described are symbolic of God watching over us.
The book discusses topics such as friendship, meaningful relationships, facing fears and anxieties, adjusting to changes, and the importance of trusting God in the midst of chaotic life challenges.
Alyssa said, "This was the MOST amazing book you've ever read Mommy!" When I asked her what her favorite part was she summarized the message by saying, "That even though we're in a dark place and we're afraid . . . it'll be okay because God's always there."
There's not a thing about this book that I would change. Another aspect of the book that I like is that it features the seasonal changes of a tree. The lifecycle of a seed growing into a tree was depicted throughout several different seasons. As a home educator and certified elementary teacher, I love seeing books that add in science concepts. A science activity could be easily be created and used after reading this book.
Price
You can purchase this book for $9.99 on Amazon or at FaithGateway Store for $14.99.
Note: All prices are subject to change at any time.
Recommendations
I HIGHLY recommend this book for Christian grandparents, parents, and Sunday school teachers! It would be a perfect gift for children dealing with stressful situations, fears, and big changes. It is one of the best children's picture books I've read with a meaningful message that will benefit both children and adults. Younger children may not be able to sit for the longer pages therefore I suggest summarizing the main points on each page with children under age 4. My daughter asks to read this book quite often. The book is a gem that I'm happy to add to our home library.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the BookLook Blogger Review Team Program in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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