With the help of Gus Loses His Grip, children will discover how to turn to Jesus for help when they are tempted and want something too much.
Gus, a raccoon who loves all things sweet, learns what happens when you want something too much. After eating all his Easter candy, Gus gets caught taking candy from the store. Papa reminds him that temptation might be strong for us, but it’s not too strong for Jesus. Both Gus and Papa can ask Jesus for help when they want something too much.
Edited by counselor David Powlison, Gus Loses His Grip offers concrete, grace-based help for facing temptation and is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, which brings gospel wisdom 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 during challenging circumstances.
"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
"Gus Loses His Grip is a sweet story for children (and their parents!) who struggle with wanting the gift more than the Giver. Best of all, it directs readers back to the forgiveness and grace available through Jesus. A must-read in our home!"
Sarah and Deepak Reju, Authors of God is Better Than Trucks and On Guard
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This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires. The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness. A sweet story and well done.
This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires. The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness.
This story of Gus and his uncontrolled desires or "wants" is illustrated with cute woodsy critters - the raccoons - and lovely scenes as they address the issue of Gus and his insatiable desires. The story is sweet (just like Gus' candy) and the family environment is strong. But soon, Gus resorts to taking what he wants instead of its being given to him or purchasing it. Eventually, his father discovers Gus' problem and handles it with love and teaches the child about repentance and forgiveness.
Gus Loses His Grip is another excellent book to be released by New Growth Press in the “Good News for Little Hearts” series. I have enjoyed every single one of these books, and so have my children. This volume is no different! David Powlison is the editor of the book, with Joe Hox credited as the illustrator. The story is created by Jocelyn Flenders, a homeschooling mom, writer, and editor. I love this book for many reasons, but the biggest reason is the Christ-centeredness of the content. All of these books in this series are based on the CCEF(Christian Counseling and Education Foundation) model of counseling, and it is seen clearly in the children’s story. The book engages children and helps them to understand the nature of temptation, and the hope and help that we have in Christ. After Gus gets caught stealing candy because of the deep desire to have it, his father teaches him a wonderful lesson while fishing: “You know, Gus, there’s nothing wrong with eating candy once in a while...But when we love something too much it gets a grip on us and we lose our grip on what is really important. We want something more than we love Jesus...The Great Book calls that sin.” The father goes on to explain that he too deals with temptation, but praise the Lord, our temptation is never too strong for Jesus! We can be helped by Jesus. The story is excellent. It’s a wonderful way of teaching our little ones about the nature of temptation as well as the hope and help that Christ offers to us. The illustrations by Hox are excellent! Kids will love the pictures. Another excellent addition to this volume is the section in the back called “Helping your Child with the ‘I Wantsies’”. This is another excellent tool for parents in helping their children to honor the Lord with their lives, specifically in regards to temptation. As in all of the other books in this series, back pocket Bible verses are included in the very back of the book for children to hang on to. They can carry them around with them, or commit them to memory. I highly recommend this book! Parents and children will learn much from it. Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This was an excellent story about temptation and how even good things can become too important to us if we want them more than Jesus. I liked how the dad realized he was doing this, too, with his fishing lures just as Gus was with candy, though the dad didn't steal any! This was a good reminder for me and probably for everyone, young and old alike! There were fun illustrations of different animals dressed in clothes, at a market, etc., behaving as humans do. I liked how Gus asked forgiveness for stealing and the shop owner forgave him rather than just glossing over it. The gospel and sin is explained in a relatable way and there's an excellent resource in the back for helping your child with the "I Wantsies" as they call it. I highly recommend it! I received this book from New Growth Press. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
GUS LOSES HIS GRIP is a cute children's story centered around a family of raccoons. Gus loves candy and sweets and he piggies it all down when no one is watching. He even steals candy! Gus is caught and he learns a lesson about moderation that his whole family had to learn. This story seems rather long for a toddler story and I'm not sure what the age recommendation is for it. It is cute, there is a fantastic faith message and parent/teacher guide. Since Easter baskets are mentioned it might make a good Easter gift for your favorite little one.
GUS LOSES HIS GRIP is a cute children's story centered around a family of raccoons. Gus loves candy and sweets and he piggies it all down when no one is watching. He even steals candy! Gus is caught and he learns a lesson about moderation that his whole family had to learn. This story seems rather long for a toddler story and I'm not sure what the age recommendation is for it. It is cute, there is a fantastic faith message and parent/teacher guide. Since Easter baskets are mentioned it might make a good Easter gift for your favorite little one.
Gus Raccoon learns a lesson about the consequences of wanting something so much you'll steal to get it. "Gus Loses His Grip" by Jocelyn Flenders and edited by David Powlison teaches children with the "I wantsies" about greed. As part of the "Good News for Little Hearts" series, "Gus Loses His Grip" applies biblical truth to the struggles and temptations kids often face in a materialistic world. Illustrator Joe Hox provides wonderful pictures to go along with Flenders' story. You will enjoy reading this story to your child and helping him or her grasp a hard truth about wants and needs. You might even learn something, too. The book also includes tear-out Bible verses so kids can start memorizing Scripture. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This is one of the many books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. The books are intended for ages 3-8. All the books are Biblical Worldview and teach kids about Biblical principles. Gus the raccoon has a sweet tooth and loves it way too much. He sneaks it in his bedroom and eventually runs out of his sweets. He then steals some at the store. His parents find out and Gus has to return his sweet loot. Gus apologizes for his actions. His father has a heart to heart with him about stealing. He continues with sin and how we all sin but, with God’s help we can overcome that sin. I love that this series deals with everyday issues that kids face. The book is a good conversation starter for parent to have with their kids. I love that the story is from a Biblical Worldview. The illustrations are adorable and have a lot of detail to keep little ones even more intrigued. In the back of the book are scriptures cards and some tips for sharing with your kids. A Gospel-focused discussion guide is also included. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8 I received a free copy of this product
Honestly I really loved pretty much everything about this book. The first gem that I want to point out is that while the story tells of a little raccoon that has a problem with stealing candy the author chooses go one step further and not just talk about the surface issue of stealing but rather choose to dig deeper and discuss the issue of temptation. They address the fact that we all struggle with temptation but God is with us and He can help us fight that temptation. The second thing I loved about it was the fact that it pointed out how the parents struggle too. Obviously mom and dad do not struggle with stealing from the store but they struggle with the desire for more and discontentment. The third and final thing I love is the really in depth discussion guide in the back. This book helps you discuss fighting temptation, how we are all sinners in need of God's grace, being thankful for what we have, being a good steward of What God has given us and so much more. I plan to read this over and over again with my kids as I have noticed something new each time I have read it.
