Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely

Loneliness is a feeling that is often difficult for our children to articulate and yet it’s so common. This Good News For Little Hearts book is relatable and comforting for our kids. Although it may be a more difficult concept, knowing that Jesus is always there for them is such an important lesson to reinforce. The lovely illustrations will draw your children into the story and the understandable text will speak to their hearts. I highly recommend this book for your family!

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell is a relatable story for children who are experiencing loneliness. For parents who are struggling what to say or how to help their kids through such a time, the section in the back of the book entitled “Helping Your Child with Loneliness” will give them great counsel. The Back Pocket Bible Verses in the very back of the book can be cut-out and given to the children who need that reminder from the story. If you know or parent a child dealing with feelings of loneliness, especially facing this issue at school, then offer them the encouragement by reading them Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely. 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.

Who hasn't felt lonely, scared, and left out a time or two in their lives? Especially children who have moved and are going to a new school. Tori's family has moved to a nice new home and everybody else in her family seems like they are fitting in, but Tori. Some of the problem is that she is holding on to old fears and she is also shy. In this story my son and I watched how Tori learns a valuable lesson and comes out of her shell like the title suggests. She sees how sometimes she is viewed very differently- looked up and admired by someone else who is maybe a little bit more timid than she. And of course the adults are always great helps and teachers as they relate similar circumstances from their pasts. Her teacher's story was quite embarrassing! My son and I have been enjoying this line of storybooks. The illustrations are just fun to look at and find the everyday objects and inventive ways the animals use them. I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

The Good News For Little Hearts is a series of children’s books written by members of CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation). Most of you know that I majored in counseling so that was the first thing that caught my eye about this series. I’ve also been teaching Awana at my church so I’ve been looking at different books that I can use in large group lesson time or as a filler activity if we finish verse time early. Today I’m excited to share with you about Tori Comes Out of Her Shell by Jayne V. Clark. Tori is has just moved to a new town and school so she’s felling very lonely. Tori is a character that the children can relate to and makes talking about the topic of loneliness easy. What I loved most is that this isn’t just a fun story with a good moral message. It has a message that teaches children about the Gospel and reminds children that Jesus Christ is always with them. I had the opportunity to use this book in one of my lessons during large group time. The children loved the illustrations and we were able to use the seven pointers for discussion at the back of the book. Their favorite part was how the teacher allowed Tori to keep the treasured verse card. The book includes verse cards that children can keep for their own, but since it was for Awana, I made my own for the kids. I also made banner like the one Tori sees at her church just to add to the fun. This is an excellent book to use as a teacher, parent, or counselor. Highly recommended! 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.

Shyness is hard at anytime and produces anxiety on a variety of levels to those shy individuals coping with it. Tori the turtle was not different from the shy child or introvert adult. Both face their personal fears. Sure enough, going to her new school brought out the shyness and fear of the new people and place. Her teacher came to the rescue an shared how she, too, had overcome a similar problem. The story has a strong Christian message about God being your friend and sticking with you at all times. Terrific illustrations from Joe Hox that bring out the story in vivid scenes of woodland critters as Tori and friends live the story.