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 book is so well written and so relatable for children, as with all of the books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. Every child struggles with the lure of things- not just children!- and this book addresses their sinful desires with an understandable and gentle approach that will resonate in their hearts. The illustrations are warm and inviting and will capture your children’s imagination. There are also bible verses and a parent resource page in the back. I highly recommend this book for your family! Find all my reviews on GoodBookMom.com
Gus Loses His Grip is go-to counsel for parenting and helping young children to think through what has a hold on their hearts. The section in the back entitled “Helping Your Child with the ‘I Wantsies’” equips parents in dealing with the issue, and the Back Pocket Bible Verses will encourage the kids with this particular truth of Scripture. Whether it is a toddler asking for more food or a preschool and elementary child wanting more and more time playing games and watching videos, this book will helps kids see how problems can arise, namely that whatever it is that has a grip on the child rather than the child having a grip on it. If you are a parent who wants your young child to not be controlled by things but compelled by the love of Christ, then Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much edited by David Powlison is a good place to start. I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.
Gus the raccoon finds himself craving sweets so much that he lies to his parents and even steals some candy, even though he doesn’t want to! But his papa eventually sits down with him and they talk about how Jesus can free him from addiction! I’ve got to say, this book is so sweet! I have always had a soft spot for children’s books and I’m so very happy to have come across this series. More than just being honest and on the right level for kiddos in explaining the concept of addiction, it’s also a guide to parenting! At the end of the book, there’s a section that discusses how to handle a situation in grace when your kiddo is experiencing the “I wantsies” and I just really loved what the author had to say. “…helping your children with the ‘I wantsies’ starts by acknowledging that you need help as much as they do.” So this series is great if you don’t have time to read a full-blown parenting book! The nuggets of wisdom that the author includes at the end of these books, in easy step-by-step format, is sure to help! This book has scripture to read and the illustrations are adorable! It tells the Easter story of Jesus rising from the tomb and there are many conversations about grace and strength coming from Jesus. Overall, I give Gus Loses His Grip 5 out of 5 stars and definitely want this whole series in hardback copies! I will mention that there are illustrations of Easter baskets and Easter eggs. I only mention that because I know that some families would rather keep Easter about Jesus and omit the bunny & eggs __
Gus the raccoon finds himself craving sweets so much that he lies to his parents and even steals some candy, even though he doesn’t want to! But his papa eventually sits down with him and they talk about how Jesus can free him from addiction! I’ve got to say, this book is so sweet! I have always had a soft spot for children’s books and I’m so very happy to have come across this series. More than just being honest and on the right level for kiddos in explaining the concept of addiction, it’s also a guide to parenting! At the end of the book, there’s a section that discusses how to handle a situation in grace when your kiddo is experiencing the “I wantsies” and I just really loved what the author had to say. “…helping your children with the ‘I wantsies’ starts by acknowledging that you need help as much as they do.” So this series is great if you don’t have time to read a full-blown parenting book! The nuggets of wisdom that the author includes at the end of these books, in easy step-by-step format, is sure to help! This book has scripture to read and the illustrations are adorable! It tells the Easter story of Jesus rising from the tomb and there are many conversations about grace and strength coming from Jesus. Overall, I give Gus Loses His Grip 5 out of 5 stars and definitely want this whole series in hardback copies! I will mention that there are illustrations of Easter baskets and Easter eggs. I only mention that because I know that some families would rather keep Easter about Jesus and omit the bunny & eggs __
This is another great children's book from New Growth Press that not only entertains but also teaches Godly principles. Gus Loses His Grip is the story of Gus the raccoon and his love for anything sweet. Candy, fruit, you name it..."Gus loved sweets. He loved everything sweet!" Soon, Gus finds himself hiding candy, lying, and eventually stealing to satisfy his sweet tooth. When Papa raccoon talks to Gus about letting his love of sweets cause him to do wrong, he soon realizes that he himself has been guilty of coveting fishing equipment and that this is very wrong also. Children will love the colorful illustrations as they observe the raccoon family involved in the same daily activities as humans, such as fishing, Easter egg hunts, and picking berries. They will also learn that everyone is tempted by sin and that there are many different ways to sin, but forgiveness is always possible because of Jesus Christ. This is a great book for children and adults to read together and there is also an added parent's guide in the back to help in further discussion. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from New Growth Press but I wasn't required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
This children’s book is for those times “when you want something too much.” For Gus, the temptation comes in the form of sweets. Many of us can related to that, right? In this story, Gus struggles with moderation. He hides candy in his room, gobbles up his Easter candy, and steals candy from the local store. Young readers might need help understanding the correlation between Gus’s temptations (candy), Mama’s temptations (sales), and Papa’s temptations (fishing lures). Be sure to read the parent guide at the back of the book to extend the discussion to suit your own family’s needs. For our family, at this point, it’s about video games, YouTube, and shoes! I had a few issues with this story. His parents seemed largely unaware of the way Gus indulged. Young ones might be tempted to tuck candy under a pillow like Gus did, since it was never addressed in the book. Additionally, Gus did not receive a consequence after his parents caught him stealing from the store. He was forced to return the candy and offer an apology, but nothing beyond that. If my children had read this at the book’s marketed age (5-8 years), they would have been punished at home. At the very least, I wondered why the commandment against stealing wasn’t mentioned. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.
This storybook has a wonderful message that I think children as well as adults can relate too. How much is too much and when does it turn into greed? I think the message is a good one all year long, but maybe at Christmastime the most. (Though this book actually takes place right after Easter.) Gus is a little raccoon who has quite a sweet tooth. So much so that it becomes almost like an addiction for him until he starts losing control of himself and does something that he would not normally do. What I liked was how his parents, especially his dad handled it. This was an eye opener for sure and a great lesson in contentment. This is a really nice hardback book with the most adorable and creative illustrations. My son and I have been reading these books together, he is 9 but both he and I have been enjoying this series of little animals learning valuable lessons. I received a copy of this storybook from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
What I love the most about Gus Loses His Grip by David Powlinson is that this is not a book that kids from ages 3-8 will love, but has a gospel-centered lesson that parents, counselors, and teachers can use to teach children. Just like Tori Comes Out of Her Shell, this book features an animal family – a family of raccoons. By the way, this is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series so you might spot Tori the Turtle and her family somewhere in the book! Gus is addicted to candy so much that he finds himself stealing. The story comes alive through a conversation with his father who admits that he too buys too much fishing equipment that he doesn’t need. His father explains to his son that it’s okay to want something every now and then, but when we love something more than we love Jesus, then that is a sin. It was a cute, simple, and fun way to explain to a child that very topic. The book goes even further to talk about a little bit about Jesus and having a relationship with Him. The illustrations will catch your child’s eye, drawing you immediately into the story. A talking guide you can use with your child that can be found at the back of the book. This book is far more than a story as this is one that will stay with your child long after the pages are closed. Just like how Gus and his dad have back pocket Bible verses, the book includes verses that are perforated to be torn out of the book that you can give your child to memorize and look at when they have the urge to want something more than they want Jesus Christ. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
This would make an excellent book for story time, teaching, or counseling kids. This book teaches kids about the "I Wantsies" and how Jesus helps us in the struggle. Highly recommended. Full review coming soon.
This would make an excellent book for story time, teaching, or counseling kids. This book teaches kids about the "I Wantsies" and how Jesus helps us in the struggle. Highly recommended. Full review coming soon.
