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
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 disscuss 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.
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 disscuss 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.
My four-year-old enjoyed Gus Loses His Grip. I’m not sure if it was the love of candy, the naughty behavior, the colorful illustrations, or a combination of the three aspects, but this book was thoroughly entertaining for her. Besides her enjoyment of this book, what I really appreciated about Gus Loses His Grip is its moral messages. There are the direct ones about it being wrong to steal and that we need help from Jesus when we struggle with temptation. But, there’s also an emphasis on honesty. Gus has a confessional conversation with his Papa, but then the Papa shares his own struggles and teaches that everyone, including grownups, needs help from Jesus. Being only four years old, I think my daughter was able to understand the moral messages of the story, but I’m not sure how deeply those messages sunk in. Fortunately, it’s a hardcover book and I expect it will hold up to her revisiting it over time.
I really enjoyed this one! I loved most that even the parents had to learn the lesson as well of not always wanting more. I think this book can resonate with anyone. I liked how they described each family member in a way that it could be their struggle and how you should focus more on being content with the blessings you already have.
My four-year-old enjoyed Gus Loses His Grip. I’m not sure if it was the love of candy, the naughty behavior, the colorful illustrations, or a combination of the three aspects, but this book was thoroughly entertaining for her. Besides her enjoyment of this book, what I really appreciated about Gus Loses His Grip is its moral messages. There are the direct ones about it being wrong to steal and that we need help from Jesus when we struggle with temptation. But, there’s also an emphasis on honesty. Gus has a confessional conversation with his Papa, but then the Papa shares his own struggles and teaches that everyone, including grownups, needs help from Jesus. Being only four years old, I think my daughter was able to understand the moral messages of the story, but I’m not sure how deeply those messages sunk in. Fortunately, it’s a hardcover book and I expect it will hold up to her revisiting it over time.
My four-year-old enjoyed Gus Loses His Grip. I’m not sure if it was the love of candy, the naughty behavior, the colorful illustrations, or a combination of the three aspects, but this book was thoroughly entertaining for her. Besides her enjoyment of this book, what I really appreciated about Gus Loses His Grip is its moral messages. There are the direct ones about it being wrong to steal and that we need help from Jesus when we struggle with temptation. But, there’s also an emphasis on honesty. Gus has a confessional conversation with his Papa, but then the Papa shares his own struggles and teaches that everyone, including grownups, needs help from Jesus. Being only four years old, I think my daughter was able to understand the moral messages of the story, but I’m not sure how deeply those messages sunk in. Fortunately, it’s a hardcover book and I expect it will hold up to her revisiting it over time.
Good News for Little Hearts is a series of children's picture books from CCEF, that offer so much more than simply a moralistic message, but instead each story points to the Gospel and our need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Written to be read aloud to children ages 3-8, these books are great for starting discussion on dealing with life's challenges Scripturally, covering topics such as death, loneliness, and wanting something too much. In Gus Loses His Grip, Gus Raccoon has a deceptively sugary sweet addiction, but what happens when his desire takes over? This book talks about how there are many things that in small amounts are not harmful, and can even be good, but when we let those things have control over us it can crossover very quickly into sin. Good News for Little Hearts books deal with tough life challenges in a way that young children can understand, opening up moments for meaningful discipleship opportunities with the child in your life, with each story pointing to the Gospel. Each book includes perforated cardboard Scripture cards, and a Gospel-focused discussion guide. The illustrations are charming, and fun, with a fun engaging layout. Overall, I was completely blown away by the quality of these books for children, it sets a high standard, and honestly it's hard to find a book that is so well written on difficult topics, with young children in mind and a Christ-centered focus. These books strives for so much more than the moralistic fluff of other books out on the market, and I was very impressed. Great to share with the young people in your life, and designed to read aloud with your child. They would make a great gift for a baby shower, child's birthday, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion, also perfect for church libraries. Highly recommend!
Good News for Little Hearts is a series of children's picture books from CCEF, that offer so much more than simply a moralistic message, but instead each story points to the Gospel and our need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Written to be read aloud to children ages 3-8, these books are great for starting discussion on dealing with life's challenges Scripturally, covering topics such as death, loneliness, and wanting something too much. In Gus Loses His Grip, Gus Raccoon has a deceptively sugary sweet addiction, but what happens when his desire takes over? This book talks about how there are many things that in small amounts are not harmful, and can even be good, but when we let those things have control over us it can crossover very quickly into sin. Good News for Little Hearts books deal with tough life challenges in a way that young children can understand, opening up moments for meaningful discipleship opportunities with the child in your life, with each story pointing to the Gospel. Each book includes perforated cardboard Scripture cards, and a Gospel-focused discussion guide. The illustrations are charming, and fun, with a fun engaging layout. Overall, I was completely blown away by the quality of these books for children, it sets a high standard, and honestly it's hard to find a book that is so well written on difficult topics, with young children in mind and a Christ-centered focus. These books strives for so much more than the moralistic fluff of other books out on the market, and I was very impressed. Great to share with the young people in your life, and designed to read aloud with your child. They would make a great gift for a baby shower, child's birthday, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion, also perfect for church libraries. Highly recommend!
Absolutely loved this book It has great lesson about being content with what God has given you and how to appreciate the wonderful gifts He's given, including the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
One of the things I appreciate most about the children’s books from New Growth Press is the parent guides to further discussions about the topics in the books. The Good News for Little Hearts series teaches three to eight-year-olds about their feelings. In Gus Loses His Grip, Gus becomes greedy about sweets to the point he’s hiding things, lying, and stealing. I liked how Daddy Racoon talks to Gus and acknowledges he could use some work in this area too. Little readers will enjoy the illustrations and meeting more of the woodland creatures from the series. The pace and artwork are comparable to other book series like The Berenstain Bears. Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
