This colorful, beautifully illustrated children's book invites children ages three through eight into Halle Hedgehog's world to learn alongside her how Jesus gives her courage to take a stand against meanness.
Halle Hedgehog has a group of school friends she sits with at lunch and plays with at recess. One day, the whole group excludes another girl and decides to be mean to her. This bothers Halle, but she doesn't say anything because she doesn't want to be excluded, too. Halle's teacher Mr. Owl talks to her about who she really needs to fit in with, and how she can speak out against bullying because Jesus is with her.
Parents and children will learn concrete, grace-based ways to deal with the pressures of fitting in. Edited by Paul David Tripp, Halle Takes a Standends with a special section that guides parents in teaching their children to respond with faith when fear or the overwhelming desire to fit in takes hold in their hearts.
Halle Takes a Stand is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help 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 in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.
By providing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces through vivid illustrations and a story based on a different animal family, even the youngest child will be engaged. Each story offers practical ways to follow Jesus in difficult situations. Instead of a moralistic message, young readers are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who cares for them.
Halle Takes a Stand, along with all of the Good News for Little Hearts books, will become a lifelong gift for parents and children, as well as teachers, biblical counselors, and anyone hoping to provide concrete, grace-based help for young children. Halle Takes a Stand is illustrated by Joe Hox and edited by Paul David Tripp.
"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, (1949Ð2019) 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
"I sat on the porch with another Christian mom and our three children and we read aloud Buster Tries to Bail, Caspian Crashes the Party, and Halle takes a Stand. What a balm to our hearts and souls these books were! The children all identified with the heart issues presented: dealing with stress, jealousy, and peer pressure. The characters Ð represented by delightfully illustrated animals Ð revealed how important children are, both to the Lord and to the world around them. A child applying faith to a real-life challenge holds the power and influence to change the world. The adult characters modeled how a parent could handle a difficult, embarrassing, and discouraging situation while applying the Bible as light to all of our steps. Indeed, and this is one of the more brilliant aspects of these books, these books show by example a hermeneutic of Biblical application that is faithful but not wooden, and powerful but not for grown-ups only. And the teaching tools in the back Ð questions and answers for parents and cut-out Bible verses for children Ð make these books hands-on treasures. I love these books and will be buying many copies for the children in my life!"
Rosaria Butterfield is married to Rev. Kent Butterfield, pastor of First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Durham, NC. She is a homeschooling mother and writer.
"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
"There is beauty and often deeply convicting lessons for grownups found in gospel-soaked stories for children. The Good News for Little Hearts series is a shining example of such gospel-centered story telling. With adorable illustrations and true-to-life subject matter, these books will captivate your kids and encourage your own heart."
Shelby Abbott, speaker; campus minister; and author of DoubtLess: Because Faith is Hard
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This series is so thoughtfully written. It effectively uses real-life situations that children could actually encounter and speak the truth through those difficult moments. Wanting to fit in is such a real feeling for our children (and us!) and this beautiful picture book gives scripture and practical advice to help kids think through their actions. This is a bit of a longer picture book, but worth every moment. I highly recommend this book for your family! For all my reviews, go to GoodBookMom.com.
Another great book in the Good News for Little Hearts series. In this book, Halle learns to stand up for her friend, Freya Frog when she is getting made fun of. It's a very accessible way for children to learn from a situation they will most likely face at some point.
As with the previous books in the series, these three each focus on some type of struggle or difficulty that is common and relevant to children (and adults alike!) This book shares the effects that can come from peer pressure and trying to fit in. The character in the story wants to fit in with a friend who is making fun of and bullying another friend. The book shows the pain that each of the characters end up facing because of the poor choices. The parents and teacher again point the character to scripture to help her with her fear of people. The scripture utilised is Proverbs 29:25. The reader is taught that fearing others will cause harm, but safety is found in trusting in Jesus. The book concludes with more tips and scripture for parents to use when trying to help their own child deal with peer pressure and anxiety of trying to fit in. (Oh, and the teacher owl illustrated to look like Paul Tripp was an extra bonus!) I was selected by the publisher to receive an e-book of the title and to share an honest review.
I have read all the previous books in this Good News for Little Hearts series and have loved every single one of them. This one, once again, meets my expectations and standards for the series. The book utilizes the following scripture throughout the story: Proverbs 29:25 “If you are afraid of people, it will trap you. But if you trust in the Lord, he will keep you safe.” The story follows Halle as she learns the truth of this Proverb in a very difficult but real-life situation. What I love about the story is that it’s realistic. There are many children that can easily relate to Halle’s struggle with peer pressure. I also love that Tripp creates a story that makes emotions and struggles real and valid, but teaches healthy ways for children to handle those emotions and struggles. The story is concluded with a section for parents to help dive deeper into the struggle of peer pressure. It provides eight practical ways to assist your child: - Peer pressure starts with putting our trust in the wrong place - Remind your child God is all powerful and full of love for his children - When the opinions of others control what we think, say and do, it’s because we have put them in the place of God in our lives - Share with your child your own struggles in this area and how Jesus has helped you - When your child has been “trapped” by their fear of people, remind him or her that Jesus is always ready to forgive those who ask - Encourage your child to find his or her identity in Christ - Doing the right thing is not easy, but Jesus can help - Pray with and for your child The illustrations throughout the book are absolutely beautiful and engaging. The details are spectacular and really capture the heart of the story. You will find so many little hidden gems in each picture that creates a fun, engaging game! I received an e-copy of this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.