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
With Christmas approaching, I was on the hunt for wholesome and fun books to put under the tree for my daughter. One of the books that I found was Gus Loses His Grip. The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful and colorful illustrations. I also loved that the book started out with a scripture verse, "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" -Psalm 34:8. This adorable book told the story of a little raccoon who loves to eat sweets so much, that he sneaks them into his bedroom. When he runs out of treats, he steals some from the local store. When his parents find out, they make him return to the store to apologize and return the treats. The book goes on to detail a conversation that little Gus has with his father about stealing and sin in general. The father raccoon is forgiving and open with his son about how everyone sins, and explains how God can free us from sin. This would be a great book to read with a child to introduce the topic of how Jesus saves us from our sin. After the story, there is a parent guide on how to help your child with the "I Wantsies". There is also four cards to punch out with Bible verses on them, called "Back Pocket Bible Verses". These cards have Romans 7:24-25, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 1 John 1:8-9, and Luke 11:9-10. This is a great way to introduce scripture to children, and show them how the Bible applies to real life situations. I have a feeling that this is a book that my daughter and I will be able to enjoy together for years to come! I received a copy of this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in return for an honest review.
I am so happy to have some choices for my little niece, something in line with our Christian faith, and this little book sure meet the requirements. While my little one is young, she is smart and loves the brightly colored pages, but she is also absorbing the messages offered, and in a delightful way. With a lesson that has our Gus actually coveting sweets to the point of stealing, and reinforced with Dad coveting fishing gear, we are shown forgiveness, and God’s Love reinforced. There are “back pocket” bible verses in the back of the book, they are perforated for easy tear out and carry.
I am so happy to have some choices for my little niece, something in line with our Christian faith, and this little book sure meet the requirements. While my little one is young, she is smart and loves the brightly colored pages, but she is also absorbing the messages offered, and in a delightful way. With a lesson that has our Gus actually coveting sweets to the point of stealing, and reinforced with Dad coveting fishing gear, we are shown forgiveness, and God’s Love reinforced. There are “back pocket” bible verses in the back of the book, they are perforated for easy tear out and carry.
