Biblical Counseling Books for Children
About the Book:
This colorful, beautifully illustrated children’s book invites children ages three through eight into Buster Bunny’s world to learn alongside him how to bring his worries and stress to Jesus.
Buster loves racing, but the more he thinks about the upcoming competition at the county fair for who will be the fastest animal in Mulberry meadow, the more stressed he gets. No matter how hard he trains, he can’t eat or sleep, and eventually he decides he wants to quit running. Buster’s parents talk with him about quieting the noise in his head so he can listen to Jesus instead of all his worries.
Parents and children will learn concrete, grace-based ways to deal with stress. Based on David Powlison’s minibook Stressed Out and edited by Nan Powlison, Buster Tries to Bail ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching their children to respond with faith when worries take hold in their hearts.
Buster Tries to Bail is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.
By providing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces through vivid illustrations and a story based on a different animal family, even the youngest child will be engaged. Each story offers practical ways to follow Jesus in difficult situations. Instead of a moralistic message, young readers are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who cares for them.
Buster Tries to Bail, along with all of the Good News for Little Hearts books, will become a lifelong gift for parents and children, as well as teachers, biblical counselors, and anyone hoping to provide concrete, grace-based help for young children. Buster Tries to Bail is illustrated by Joe Hox and edited by Nan Powlison.
About the Author:
David A. Powlison (1949–2019) was a teacher, a counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation for many years. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and was also the senior editor of the Journal of Biblical Counseling. He wrote a number of books, including How Does Sanctification Work?; Making All Things New; and God’s Grace in Your Suffering.
Endorsements:
“These books are a uniquely different genre from classic children’s bedtime reading. They are counseling books to help children. They provide a creative avenue for children to consider how their faith is intimately relevant to their struggles. This is what makes this series of books so significant.”
David Powlison
(1949–2019) was Executive Director of CCEF and editor of the Good News for Little Hearts series
“When our children were little, we read to them constantly—and had these books been available, they would have been among the favorites. With the simplicity and engaging charm of the Peter Rabbit stories, yet with the quiet grace of Christian insight, these stories stamp themselves on young minds. Text and pictures support each other tellingly. These books are destined to become favorites for young families.”
D. A. Carson
Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical School, Deerfield, IL; cofounder of The Gospel Coalition
“I love these books. My daughter Kim who struggles with a disability loves these books. She giggles all the way through them—catching all the subtle humor. I read them to my grandkids. We especially love the drawings. I buy copies for all my grandchildren. What more can I say? They are fun!”
Paul E. Miller
Director of seeJesus; author of A Praying Life and J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
“So many Christian parents are looking for engaging, age-appropriate ways to help their young children learn what the Bible teaches about everyday struggles and challenging situations. This new book series edited by David Powlison and Ed Welch fits the bill! In the Good News for Little Hearts series, kids will be enthralled by relatable characters, charming illustrations, and gospel-centered lessons. These volumes would make a valuable addition to any family’s library.”
Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family
“For years I wished there were resources that would help equip children to face the many trials and temptations that come in this life rather than waiting till they are neck-deep in the mire before throwing them the lifeline of biblical truth. The Good News for Little Hearts series is an answer to my longing. These books communicate life-changing biblical truths through beautiful illustrations and stories that connect with young hearts in meaningful ways.”
Curtis Solomon
Executive Director, Biblical Counseling Coalition
“Wow, what a series! Within these books you meet wonderfully relatable characters with feelings and experiences readily identifiable to children of all ages, clever and creative illustrations, excellent questions that will spark meaningful conversations with your child or grandchild, and simple scriptural connections that are easily understood. Can’t wait to recommend them to our kids and read them to our grandkids!”
Dave Harvey
President of Great Commission Collective; founder of RevDaveHarvey.com; author of When Sinners Say I Do and I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger Through Life’s Defining Moment
“There is beauty and often deeply convicting lessons for grownups found in gospel-soaked stories for children. The Good News for Little Hearts series is a shining example of such gospel-centered story telling. With adorable illustrations and true-to-life subject matter, these books will captivate your kids and encourage your own heart.”
Shelby Abbott
speaker; campus minister; and author of DoubtLess: Because Faith is Hard