Henry Says Good-Bye helps children learn how grief and sadness are our natural response to losing something or someone important to us.
Henry the hedgehog loves his pet ladybug. She keeps him company and entertains him, his family, and his friends with her flying tricks. But one day, he has to say good-bye to his ladybug. Henry and his whole family are sad, but they learn to go to Jesus with their sadness and ask him to comfort them.
Edited by Edward T. Welch, Henry Says Good-Bye offers concrete, grace-based help for dealing with loss 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
"Kids experience sadness, and often, adults don't know how to help kids with their grief. Henry Says Good-bye will be a great help to parents and their kids! It teaches children to grieve, but even better, it helps them know God's comfort and the hope of a tearless heaven."
Deepak Reju, Author of Preparing for Fatherhood and On Guard
Excellent for helping kids process grief.
Excellent for helping kids process grief.
This might be my favorite of the series. It is so well done–both with how relatable Henry’s situation is to young readers and how wise the parents were. If you’re familiar with other books, you’ll recognize plenty of the characters! Each book is a stand-alone, but it’s sweet to see the friendships continue in different scenarios. A definite recommendation from me.
This might be my favorite of the series. It is so well done–both with how relatable Henry’s situation is to young readers and how wise the parents were. If you’re familiar with other books, you’ll recognize plenty of the characters! Each book is a stand-alone, but it’s sweet to see the friendships continue in different scenarios. A definite recommendation from me.
A thoughtful, practical, applicable story that handles deep loss with gentle words and solid truths.
A thoughtful, practical, applicable story that handles deep loss with gentle words and solid truths.
This is an excellent children's book, It processes grief in a child-appropriate way, but it has also helped myself as an adult process grief and sadness. Excellent writing and pictures keep young children entertained. Provides a biblical solution to loss.
This sweet story touches my heart! The illustrations are beautiful, and the story serves as a great springboard for discussing loss, grief and sadness with children. Highly recommend!
This sweet story touches my heart! The illustrations are beautiful, and the story serves as a great springboard for discussing loss, grief and sadness with children. Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed the narrative of this book. It encompasses the 5 parts of a narrative; the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the resolution. Such a cute book. Great pictures and such a good storyline. The story can speak to adults just as much as it can to kids. When I read this story, my Grandma & Grandpa had just passed away. This story spoke to me, even as an adult.
