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The Moon Is Always Round

  • $16.99
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Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God's goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.

In this beautiful, full-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister's death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life.

A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God's goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God's goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can't always see it.

AUTHOR

Jonathan Gibson (PhD, Cambridge) is ordained in the International Presbyterian Church, UK, and is associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He is coeditor with Mark Earngey of Reformation Worship, contributor to and coeditor with David Gibson of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, and Covenant Continuity and Fidelity: A Study of Inner-Biblical Allusion and Exegesis in Malachi. He is married to Jacqueline, and they have two children: Benjamin and Leila.

ILLUSTRATOR

Joe Hox was raised on a farm in southern Iowa where he doodled whenever he wasn’t spading thistles or feeding pigs. Everyone knew by his crooked hay rows that he would choose art over farming. Joe earned his BA in Art and Education from Dordt College and his MA from the University of Nebraska. Today he lives with his wife and four children in Pella, Iowa, where he illustrates and teaches art. Joe has illustrated all of the Good News for Little Hearts series.

Endorsements

“It is with the greatest pleasure and sense of privilege that I commend this book about Leila, Jonny and Jackie Gibson’s precious, stillborn daughter. As I held Leila’s tiny lifeless body in my arms, I wondered what great things God would do through her brief, mainly hidden, life in this world. May this beautiful and poignant reflection, from a loving and devoted father, bring God’s compassion and comfort to many. She being dead yet speaks—Leila the Evangelist!”
Ian Hamilton, Former minister of Cambridge Presbyterian Church, England

The Moon Is Always Round offers gentle instruction to the hearts of our children when life in this world has broken their hearts.”
Nancy Guthrie, Author of What Every Child Should Know about Prayer

“When our children were growing up, we sought out books to read to them, and a little later, books that they could read themselves. Many of them they wore out, unselfconsciously memorizing prose and poetry alike. The Moon Is Always Round has now been added to the ‘must-read-and-cherish’ list, not only because it is a good story and a true story, but because it is an important story that they will need to think about all their lives.”
D. A. Carson, Author of How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil

“It’s always best to rely on what we know to be true, rather than be guided by feelings. It’s an important lesson, especially for boys and girls, and Jonny Gibson teaches it in his wonderful, new book for children, The Moon Is Always Round. Through a tender, yet tough story—and beautiful illustrations—Jonny provides a heartwarming guide to any parent shepherding their child(ren) through times of loss and grief. I give a hearty thumbs-up to this special book!”
Joni Eareckson Tada, Author of A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty

“This sweet and touching book is wonderfully simple without being at all simplistic. The metaphor of the always-round moon will stick with children and parents alike. The lesson here is a profound one for any family wrestling with grief, but it is also a needed reminder for every Christian who may ever doubt the goodness of God.”
Kevin DeYoung, Author of The Biggest Story

“When we experience a deep loss, it’s easy to doubt God’s goodness. But that is exactly when we need to be reminded that God’s tender, personal love for us never changes. Kids need to know that just as much as anyone else, and this beautiful book will give parents a way to help them understand that truth. But don’t think this book is just for kids. Anyone who has experienced a deep loss will be comforted by this book’s simple reminder that the moon is always round.”
Libbie Groves, Author of Grief Undone and Becoming a Widow

“Most Christian children’s books get too preachy. They say too much and see too little—like a bad sermon. Not this book. Jonny Gibson has given us a modern-day psalm for children that takes us into the depths and points us to faith in God. Thank you, Jonny. Well done!”
Paul Miller, Author of J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life and A Praying Life

Additional Details

SKU:
9781645070276
Category
Sub Category
UPC:
9781645070276
Weight:
0.75 LBS
Width:
8.75 (in)
Height:
8.75 (in)
Depth:
0.32 (in)
Author:
Jonathan Gibson
ISBN-13:
9781645070276
Publication Date:
09/23/2019
Retail Price:
16.99
Format:
Hardback
Page Count:
32
Case Quantity:
42
Age Level:
4-7 Years
Gender:
Unisex
BISAC Category 1:
REL091000 RELIGION / Christian Education / Children & Youth
Read a Sample:
https://newgrowthpress.com/content/Samples/The%20Moon%20is%20Always%20Round_Samples.pdf

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22 Reviews

  • 5

    Compelling Truth

    Published by labornotinvain on 12 21 2019

    A beautiful, bittersweet children's book about God's unending goodness, in the midst of our suffering. The story follows a young boy and his parents, as they eagerly await the birth of a new baby sister. The seasons change as does the shape of the moon, when unexpected events occur, the family holds tight to the promise of God's goodness. A beautiful hardcover picture book, with lovely illustrations that show the striking contrast between light and dark, day and night, highlighting the brilliance of the moon. A well written book that talks about God's goodness, even in the midst of suffering. It includes lesson suggestions, the story behind the book, and a catechism on the moon. Overall, a really well done book all around, very thoughtfully written and paced. A beautiful story about God's unchanging goodness, written for young children, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and would be great for starting deep discussions with the young person in your life. I was very impressed, and highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

  • 4

    The Moon Is Always Round

    Published by Leticia Glidewell on 12 14 2019

    What I loved about this book was how the father gently reassured his son that no matter what happens in life whether tragic or wonderful, God's love never changes, even though circumstances in life does. The moon is a representation of God being ubiquitous and omnipresent. And it brings great comfort and reassurance for his son as well as to the parents as they mourn the loss of their precious little girl. This book brought tears to my eyes because everyone was so happy and excited to be welcoming a precious baby into the family. But loss is a part of life, and to explain this loss to small children can be difficult, this wonderful book helps adults speak to children at their emotional level to cope and hopefully understand that sometimes bad things do happen.

  • 5

    Excellent book to talk about death

    Published by Rebecca Van Daniker on 12 14 2019

    The Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson is a beautiful book that is filled with love as it tackles a tough subject: the death of a sibling. This is a book that pulled at the heartstrings and caused me to cry. This book is incredibly relatable and I wish this existed when it was my turn. This isn't for every kid, but for the kid dealing with death, this would be an excellent book to read together. It gives children hope and reminds children that when they look at the moon, it is always round. Just like the moon is always round, God is always with us. In the fact of the book, you can find the story behind the story. I'd recommend that part for the adults. However, it can make for some great discussion. The author also includes two different ways you can use the book. One revolving around the moon just like in the story and the other lesson revolving around Good Friday. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, counselors, or anyone who works with children. 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.

  • 4

    Good story, deals with loss of unborn

    Published by Vera H Godley on 12 12 2019

    A picture book about a young family, and the father in conversation with his young son sharing that even though you can't always see it, "the moon is always round." This is used to convey the concept of God's love never changing, even when you can't see all of it. The idea is instilled repeatedly by father to child that "the moon is always round" even in the face of loss. In this book's story, the young family is expecting a new addition but there is the sadness of losing that young baby and not being able to bring it home. So the story is a good book for one who has experienced loss, but I don't see this as a book for the typical family. Even for reading to a child who has lost a friend or a grandparent, it might not be appropriate. But for the way it is written it would be appropriate. The overall message is very good. It is that you'll be ok ..... because "the moon is always round" and that conveys the idea that God is also unchanging.

  • 5

    Wonderful Story teaching God's goodness!

    Published by Matthew Cover on 12 10 2019

    Jonathan Gibson has written a children's book entitled The Moon is Always Round. The book is published by New Growth Press and illustrated by Joe Hox. Before reading the book, one may successfully guess what the book is about. Just as the moon is always round (even when you can’t see all or any of the moon), so the Lord is always good (even when it may be hard to “see” that truth). This book is aiming to teach children that God is always good, even in the midst of suffering. Gibson writes a story, a true story, of a father teaching his son about the goodness of the Lord in the midst of suffering. In the back of the book is a page on “The Story behind This Book”, and it retells the story that Gibson and his family experienced. It’s a terribly sad story, but it’s also one that has glorified the Lord Jesus and is able to teach others how to do the same in the midst of adversity and suffering. This book is wonderful for many reasons, but here are just a few to consider: -Joe Hox has done a phenomenal job with the illustrations! They are incredibly well done. -The story is one that will teach a child the truth about suffering, but more importantly, the truth about God in the midst of suffering. -Parents will be encouraged in how to teach their little ones during hard times. -The back of the book contains a section on “Lessons for Children” and even a “Catechism on the Moon.” Seriously. And it’s really good! I highly recommend this book! Adults, learn how to shepherd your children. And children, learn more and more about your God who is always good, no matter what. Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book on behalf of an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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