Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail

As the father of two young children, I am constantly on the lookout for good children’s books to teach the truths of the Gospel, the Bible, theology, and so forth to my children. Though my children are both under 4 and not yet reading, I am continuing to gather excellent resources to use with them now and in the years to come. Time and time again, I have been impressed with and thankful for the books that New Growth Press is putting out, not only for adults, but for children as well. And their newest series — Good News for Little Hearts — is no exception. This new series consists of 3 books, two written by David Powlison and one by Ed Welch. The series is intended for children three to eight years old. Each book centers on an animal family and brings Gospel help and biblical counsel to children and families. Whether the topic is failure, anger, or anxiety, or the animal is a rabbit, a squirrel, or a mouse, each of these books does an incredible job at combining biblical help and hope to issues that every child and family faces with excellent, brightly colored and fun illustrations and engaging prose and story telling. In each story, children are not offered mere moralism and rules to obey, but are offered practical ways to follow Jesus through difficult situations that they face. In this story, we are introduced to a rabbit named Buster who is beaming with excitement for this year’s summer camp where he will have the opportunity to enter the annual race and show everyone how fast he is. “Practice makes perfect,” he constantly reminds himself. He has practiced and trained for the whole last year, and he is sure that he is the fastest one this year and that he and his team will win the race. But when the race day came, something unexpected happens — as he’s racing, he looks back to see how far ahead he is, his ears cover his eyes, and cause him to trip, stumble, and fall, thus losing the race. Buster is embarrassed by what happened and doesn’t know how he will face his friends and other onlookers after losing when he was so sure he’d win. But Buster’s sister, Ivy, comes along with the help of their father and reminds Buster that no matter how many times we fail, God’s love never fails, teaches him the dangers of pride and blessings of humility, and shows him that Jesus chose to love us and extend his grace and mercy to us before we had ever done anything good. Quoting Romans 5:8, Ivy reminds Buster, “Before you did anything right, God loved you. He doesn’t love you because you win a race. He loves you because you belong to him.” After being comforted by his sister and the truths of “The Great Book,” Buster comes to the conclusion, “I guess that practice won’t ever make me perfect. Only Jesus is always perfect.” Every child, no matter how young or old, has or will deal with the frustration and embarrassment of failure. Through this story of Buster’s ears tripping him up, parents are able to help their children deal with the topic of failure and apply Biblical truth and principles to help comfort them, break down pride, and build humility and trust in Jesus even in the midst of failure. In each of these stories, parents are given the opportunity to have meaningful, important Gospel conversations about important issues in their children’s lives through the help of a fun and engaging story about animals. At the end of the each story is a guide for parents to help your child with the topic at hand. While the story is the engaging part for the child, this guide at the end of each book may be the most helpful part about these resources, as they offer short, helpful recommendations and encouragement to assist parents in engaging in biblical counseling with their children. I would wholeheartedly recommend every Christian parent get a copy of each of these three books. There is not a parent out there whose children has not or is not struggling with anger, fear, or failure. These book will be a great help to all parents seeking to help their children deal with these common issues in a Biblical, Christ-centered, Gospel-focused way. In accordance with FTC regulations, I would like to thank New Growth Press for providing me a review copy of these books in exchange for a fair and honest review.

BUSTER'S EARS TRIP HIM UP is an adorable story about a bunny who tripped due to his pride. The theme verse is pride goes before a fall, and it is sure true. It does. For people and rabbits. Buster was bragging all over the place that he was going to win the race -- and he probably would've except he looked back to privately gloat over how far ahead of everyone else he was. And then he tripped. And fell. And didn't get up. Instead, he just gave up. But there are valuable lessons to learn here too. God loves us even before we mess up and He still loves us afterwards. A great book for those who struggle with bragging and failing or who struggle with messing up, or who are afraid to even try. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

I am adding new books to my child’s library. Here’s one your child will enjoy, as well. While I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, it is one I would’ve gladly purchased. Here’s why: The Good News for Little Hearts series is one of my favorite collections on my son’s bookshelves. I currently have the three books in the series: Zoe’s Hiding Place by David Powlison #childrensbook Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up by Edward T. Welch #childrensbook Jax’s Tail Twitches by David Powlison #childrensbook Buster’s story is lengthy, but I kept my son’s attention by taking short breaks. We discussed all he saw in the vivid illustrations and remembered from the story up to that point. Buster’s story is based on a real-life issue: failure. The story will encourage your child (and mine, as well) toward a growing relationship with Jesus as he or she faces his or her failures. My child is currently battling the struggle to be perfect, so he feels like a failure quite often. This book has been a great help in helping him see himself differently. The book provides ways for you, the parent, to have meaning, yet age-appropriate, conversations with your child. Tear out Bible verses about failure are included in the back of the book. The book includes Scripture references of various translations.

Continuing in the series of Good News for Little Hearts, Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up takes a look at pride and our failures. It also explains the difference of being the best as to doing our best. As with the other two books, the artwork is creative, lively, and draws children in yet the message of the text is made in the simplest of terms that even has me looking at these life lessons a little differently. One of the things that really popped out to me was the phrase, ‘practice makes perfect’. How many times have I said that to myself or to my children? My son and I have enjoyed reading this series together and I am happy that even I could come away with a new thought to ponder. This series is definitely a shelf keeper. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

At present, there are three volumes in the "Good News for Little Hearts" series which seeks to help kids and parents face anxiety, failure, and anger in a God-honoring way. While these animal stories don't quite have the enduring charm of classics such as the Beatrix Potter books, Little Bear, or Frog and Toad and some conversations between characters seemed to come off a little unnatural (and maybe even a little "preachy") at times, my little ones enjoyed them nonetheless. The volumes are sturdy and full of creative, vibrantly colored illustrations. Each book concludes with Tips for further helping your child and four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" in the New Living Translation that you can cut out and give to your child. Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail has the clearest Gospel message of the three books, and both it and Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry mention the need for Jesus' forgiveness. I love that these books clearly point our kids to Christ! As far as articulating biblical counseling material, Jax's Tail Twitches seems to have the most content as it models the proper way to handle conflict: going to God in prayer, taking the log out of one's own eye first, asking forgiveness, and being reconciled. Parents will want to make sure to avail themselves of the parent tips at the end for the clearest Gospel presentation in this work. Buster's Ears Trip Him Up came in close but, in addition to confessing sin to God, parents will likely want to follow the example and parent tips in Jax's Tail Twitches and encourage kids to apologize and reconcile with those who have been hurt by their prideful boasting. Altogether, these titles are useful picture books that will serve adults as they seek to minister to children in their lives and help them to better image and glorify their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me complimentary copies! I was not obligated to write a positive review. These words are my honest opinion!