Sam has figured out a way to get what he wants when he wants it—he whines. In fact, it works so well that he’s started whining more and more to get his way. Not only does Sam’s mother give into his whining very quickly—he learned how to whine from her. But, Sam finds himself in quite the sticky situation when his whining leads him to being covered with cotton candy and stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel!
All parents want their children to whine less, but few notice that they might have a problem with whining too. Best-selling author Ginger Hubbard, along with Al Roland, help families think about whining with a silly story that will not only make them laugh, but will also encourage them to see how whining stems from a heart that wants things more than God. The parent resource page at the end of Sam and the Sticky Situation: A Book about Whining presents a biblical framework and practical suggestions to help children understand why they whine and how to learn a better way of expressing themselves.
Children ages 4-7 will love the story with its bright, fun illustrations, and along the way will learn that there are better ways than whining to communicate.
Sam and the Sticky Situation is part of the new Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series.
AUTHOR
Ginger Hubbard speaks at women’s events, parenting conferences, and homeschool conventions across the country, and cohosts the Parenting with Ginger Hubbard podcast. She is the bestselling author of Don’t Make Me Count to Three, Wise Words for Moms, and I Can’t Believe You Just Said That and the coauthor of the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series. Ginger and her husband have four adult children and live in Opelika, Alabama, where they enjoy working together from home.
Al Roland has worked as a software developer for over thirty-six years. He enjoys spending time with his family, long road trips, mountain biking, adventure, and serving several ministries including RYFO which provides Christian host homes for traveling musicians. He is the coauthor of the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series. Al and his wife live in Opelika, Alabama where they raised and homeschooled their four children.
ILLUSTRATOR
Veronika Kotyk is a Ukrainian illustrator who is passionate about creating quirky characters and bright worlds for children’s books. After receiving a fine art degree, she explored foreign cultures and various forms of art. Her awards include the 2017 stArt Award and a gold medal at Mom’s Choice Awards. She is the illustrator for the Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series.
“Children aren't the only ones who are tempted to whine. In Sam and the Sticky Situation, readers are reminded that whining affects those around us. While parents are responsible to set a good example, sometimes they fail. Through this story, parents can help their kids recognize the problems that come with whining, while at the same time equipping them to address those issues with biblical hope.”
Durenda Wilson, Author of The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart; host of The Durenda Wilson podcast
“There is nothing like a comical story to capture the attention of young children and serve as a vehicle to pass along important truths. Sam and the Sticky Situation is a fun, engaging story that delivers a powerful message—our whining reveals that we love something more than Jesus. I can’t wait to read Sam and the Sticky Situation to my grandkids and watch this fun story help them grow.”
Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of The Ology, Wonder Full, Don’t Blame the Mud, and other gospel-rich books and resources for church and home.
“How do you solve the problem of whining, both for parents and kids? Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland have found a creative and biblical way, through storytelling and Scripture, providing a helpful resource for families. As a pastor and a parent, I'm always looking for books that reinforce the themes we are trying to learn as a family and this one, Sam and the Sticky Situation is just the perfect solution. You'll want to add this to your family's library.”
Daniel Darling, Director of the Land Center for Faith and Culture, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; bestselling author of several books, including, The Characters of Christmas, A Way With Words and The Dignity Revolution
“This short rhyming book teaches children that both adults and children sometimes whine. But the things we think will make us happy often don’t make us happy at all. Instead of whining for what we want, we should trust Jesus to provide what we need and protect us from temptation.”
Wendy Hilton and Trish Corlew, Owners of Hip Homeschool Moms, Only Passionate Curiosity, and Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
“As a longtime fangirl of Ginger Hubbard’s books, I was absolutely delighted to get a hold of this fun, engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully illustrated new book series for children. Ginger has a way with words and, as in all of her writing, she focuses on the most important thing, pointing our children to their need for a Savior! These books are sure to be dearly loved for generations to come.”
Yvette Hampton, Producer and host, Schoolhouse Rocked
“While character training in children cannot regenerate the heart, it does shape it. As a result, good parenting will both speak the gospel and shape the will. I am delighted to see this new series of children’s books by Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland does both. Parents and grandparents will find these a fun and engaging help as they seek to disciple the hearts of their children.”
Chap Bettis, Author of The Disciple-Making Parent and other resources for the family
“As a parent, I need all the help I can get in assisting my children to see the need to control their words and actions. The Teaching Children to Use Their Words Wisely series is a welcomed resource to help children see the benefits of choosing wise behavior.”
Israel Wayne, author and conference speaker. Founder of Family Renewal.
“These fun, rhyming stories captivate children’s attention while shining a light on their sinful speech and its consequences. They convict children—and parents!—of the seriousness of their sin, but these are far more than moral tales. They point to the grace of the gospel and the wonder of forgiveness that come only through Jesus. There is great wisdom and great hope within these pages.”
Melissa Cutrera, ACBC certified counselor; author of God’s Great Plan
“How can you encourage a child to have self-control, especially if they are prone to whining and demanding? This whimsical story captures the essence of how we all can be selfish and demanding. ‘Lord, give me strength to want only your will’ is best learned for both parent and child in this creative, unique, entertaining story!”
Lee Ann Mancini, Author; speaker; executive producer of the animated series Sea Kids; podcast host of Raising Christian Kids
“Sam and the Sticky Situation is a practical guide that parents, grandparents, and caregivers can use to teach children how to honor the Lord by not whining and complaining. In addition, Hubbard and Roland provide thought-probing questions and points to ponder using biblical references to help children learn to speak wisely.”
Connie Albers, Author of Parenting beyond the Rules; host of Equipped To Be; associate producer of Schoolhouse Rocked; speaker
“I wish I had had Sam and the Sticky Situation earlier in my parenting and pastoring. However, it is a good reminder of timeless truths for all of us about whining. Its rhymes, illustrations, and storyline are a delight to read and draw you in. You won't regret adding this book to your library.”
Robert J. Nash, Pastor at Sawyer Highlands Church in southwest Michigan; author of Last Words: Seven Sayings from the Heart of Christ on the Cross
“Perfect for teaching kids that whining is no way to get what you want.”
Kim Sorgius, Author; creator of Not Consumed Ministries
“Thank you to the authors for crafting such a clever story! Children will learn the consequences of negative behavior through the reading of this rhyming, creative journey which ends with the main character rightly positioned before God and other people. The story is captivating and the illustrations are intriguing. It will be a book children ask for again and again!”
Jean Thomason, Singer/songwriter; author; speaker, live performer of the children’s character, Miss Pattycake
“I absolutely love how Sam and the Sticky Situation paints a picture of the mess that we make when we allow our flesh to dictate our actions. Children will be captivated by the wonderful illustrations and dramatic story, and will learn an important lesson along the way. This book also gives parents an opportunity to own their messes and model forgiveness and grace.”
Monica Swanson, Author of Boy Mom; host of The Boy Mom podcast
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Edward T. Welch
David Powlison
Marty Machowski
Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland
This book creates some hilarious situations for Sam as he learns the hard way that whining doesn't help any situation. The book also does a great job with Sam's mom realizing her mistake in letting Sam get away with his bad attitude and apologizing to him. Great book! Would definitely reccommend!
I was very excited about this book, as whining is a real struggle in our home! I enjoy the rhymes, however, it seemed the book focused more on the "problem" of whining, and less on the solution. Still, it's a catchy read that points children back to Jesus, but we prefer Chloe and the Closet of Secrets! We were provided a complimentary copy of this book, however, all opinions are my own.
Sam and the Sticky Situation is a silly story about whining and addresses the fact that there are much better ways to communicate. Bright colorful illustrations bring the story to life. The book includes a parent resource page which provides discussion questions for families. While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.
A colorfully illustrated book that explores the problem with whining. Sam wants his way and decides that the way to get it is to whine until his mother gives in, but he and his mother both learn the hard way that whining is wrong. I liked how the tough topic was presented in an easy to understand way, supplemented by resources and ideas in the back. Written in rhythmic rhyme, the story follows Sam as he follow his mother's example and finds himself in a "sticky situation." I really liked how it shows that whining is something we all can struggle with and tracks the habit to its roots. Overall, another wonderful book from Ginger Hubbard and Al Roland, accompanied by fun, whimsical illustrations. A good book to share with the young ones in your life! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A colourful, brightly illustrated picture book for 4-7 year olds. Sam’s mum is whining about all she has to do. Sam convinces her to to take them to the fair and then whines until he gets all the cotton candy he wants, ending up in a big silly mess. In the end, both the mum and Sam realise their mistakes. I love the concept of a book on whining, but I don’t think this one hits the mark. It’s written in rhyme, which could be great, but here it feels forced to make it work. There are also concepts mentioned that I doubt this age group can generally interpret, e.g.: “Lord give me the strength to want only your will. For the needs of my heart only you can fulfil”.
