Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely

This is a very sweet story about children's struggles with loneliness and how Jesus is always there to help. Now, I am not a Christian myself, I'm Pagan, but still found the story to have a good message for young readers about making friends when it seems impossible.

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 is something that most kids can relate to.

Another excellent read from this absolutely fantastic children's book series. In this book, kids (and adults) get to see a turtle struggle with the "common to man" issue of loneliness. Tori and her turtle family move to a new area. Tori's siblings strike up friendships easily, but Tori struggles to come out of her shell. As such, she faces the battle of loneliness until...Until her teacher offers her some advice that she got when she was young. The advice is backed up by a statement that Tori sees in church the following Sunday about Jesus always being with us. This encouraged Tori. Soon thereafter, Tori meets another creature who is hiding in a shell, which is actually a handbell. Tori and this creature soon become friends, thus helping Tori and her new found friend both deal with loneliness. The lesson is excellent. The art work is amazing. The story line is perfect to help the reader learn about the presence of Jesus in the midst of our loneliness. Highly recommended book, for sure.

Love this series for kids.

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.

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.

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.

In this book, Tori the Turtle moves to a new pond with her family. She meets her new teacher and a sweet new friend, plus learns that Jesus is always her friend. The illustrations are easy to follow, and I love that there is a variety of animal characters. The Bible is referred to as “the Great Book” in the story, so you may need to clarify that for young readers. Be sure to check out the final page in the book. It contains tear-out verse cards just like the one in the story! This doesn’t have to be a book about moving. It would be perfect for the first day of school or visiting a new church.

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.

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.

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell is an excellent book that is part of New Growth Press’s “Good News for Little Hearts” series. This book is edited by Jayne Clark and illustrated by Joe Hox. The story itself was created by Jocelyn Flenders.

I have loved every book included in this series. They are excellent stories that teach children (and definitely parents as well!) about a specific struggle as well as the help and hope that we have in Christ! This specific book is about loneliness and rejection.

Tori is a shy turtle who is afraid of going to school. It’s the first day of school, and the thought of making new friends is very scary. She’s afraid that nobody will like her. She’s nervous that they’ll make fun of her. Thankfully, Tori has a teacher (Miss Minnick) who teaches her that Jesus is always with her, and He is always her friend and comforter.

The story is a great way of showing children how important it is to keep their eyes on Christ, and remembering that He will never leave us alone. Focusing on Christ’s presence is sure to develop hope and help when we need it.

In addition to the great story, there is a section in the back that assists parents in teaching their children about loneliness. It is truly an excellent tool for the parent, so don’t skip over it! Likewise, as in all other books in this series, there are back pocket bible verses in the back of the book. These are meant to be torn out and given to the little ones to carry around with them, reminding them of the truth of God’s Word!

I highly recommend this book to all those with little ones. I can assure you that both parents and children will benefit from this book. The biblical counsel offered is good for the soul and will assist in living life to the glory of God.

Disclaimer: My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.

TORI COMES OUT OF HER SHELL is for kids who move to a new home or new school and feel a little shy and scared. It reminds children that Jesus will always be your friend. It also encourages kids to be kind and friendly to others. A good lesson.

Another book in the "Good News For Little Hearts" series, "Tori Comes Out of Her Shell", by Jocelyn Flenders and edited by Jayne V. Clark, is a story about loneliness. Tori Turtle learns that Jesus is always with her and she never has to feel alone.

Tori also learns that hiding is never the answer to loneliness. Joe Hox again creates colorful illustrations to go along with Tori's story.  As each of the other books in the series, it includes a help section for parents and tear-out Bible memory verses.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another book in the "Good News For Little Hearts" series, "Tori Comes Out of Her Shell", by Jocelyn Flenders and edited by Jayne V. Clark, is a story about loneliness. Tori Turtle learns that Jesus is always with her and she never has to feel alone. Tori also learns that hiding is never the answer to loneliness. Joe Hox again creates colorful illustrations to go along with Tori's story. As each of the other books in the series, it includes a help section for parents and tear-out Bible memory verses.

This is one of the many books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. The books are intended for ages 3-8. All the books are Biblical Worldview and teach kids about Biblical principles.

Moving and starting a new school is tough and if you’re a shy kid it can be really tough. Torus just moved into a new neighborhood and has to start a new school. She tends to hide. She comes across Gertie the Gecko who is hiding in the bell. Together they form a friendship and overcome their loneliness. They find a even greater friend Jesus and that they are never lonely.

This is a sweet story about finding friends and not hiding because you’re afraid what others may say or think. It stinks being lonely and you don’t have to be lonely. This would be a perfect book for a kid who is shy or has Autism.

I love that this series deals with everyday issues that kids face. The stories are very realistic and told from the animal characters. The book is a good conversation starter for parent to have with their kids. I love that the story is from a Biblical Worldview.

The illustrations are captivating and have a lot of detail to keep little ones even more intrigued.

In the back of the book are scriptures cards and some tips for sharing with your kids. A Gospel-focused discussion guide is also included.

I received a free copy of this product

What I love about this book and this series in general is that they are written by Christian Counselors. Meaning they not only get to the heart of the issue they give you some of the best questions to help you get to your child's heart.

I love the fact that it talks about the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. They explain in the discussion guide how Loneliness is a feeling of being isolated and disconnected from people around us and address the very important topic of fighting the temptation to just withdrawal in moments like this and further isolate yourself. I won't get into all the specifics but they also share how the best cure for loneliness is feeding your relationship with God.

I also love the fact that every one of these books in this series shares how keeping God's word close (through the use of verse cards) in their pocket can be a great reminder when we are tempted to forget the truth. How powerful this concept is if you really think about it. What if you took the lie or struggle that your child wrestles with the most and helped them look up applicable verses that shine truth on the situation. Then encourage your child to not only memorize those verse but to literally carry them around with them as a quick reminder. I just love this idea and I love that in each book they include verse cards that you can pull out and give to your kiddos.

Both of my daughters were eager to read Tori Comes Out of Her Shell. They enjoyed the colorful illustrations and spotting characters from other books in the Good News for Little Hearts series. My seven-year-old seemed to connect with Tori as they share a natural shyness. This book focuses specifically on moving and changing schools and I think it would be an excellent resource for helping a child deal with such a transition. Outside of such situation though, it offers a reassuring message to the shy child (or any child) that Jesus is a friend who will never leave them. 5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tori comes out of her shell was so cute! I loved the idea that even when you feel alone, God is there for you! I think these books do a great job of depicting a real struggle for children and how to work through them. I would definitely suggest them!

It's wonderfully written to help children to cope with shyness, and insecurity. I loved this story, it really touches the heart and moves parents and children to embrace the Lord as a friend who is there no matter what. So, when a child feels alone, or shy, they can always reach back into their minds and hearts and remember, that with Jesus, they are never alone.

If your child is shy or has experienced a change in school or home, Tori can offer some encouragement for them to reach out to new acquaintances who may become new friends.
The even better reminder in this little story is the promise that even when we feel alone, Jesus is there. He is a friend who will go wherever we go and will never leave when change happens.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Little turtle Tori’s family has moved and so Tori is starting a new school. Toni is shy and struggling, she doesn’t want to stick out, and so puts her head into her shell and stays out of the way. A lovely teacher tries to coax her out, sharing her own story of embarrassment when she was a young skunk at school and she got a fright and sprayed everywhere, she encouraged Tori to see that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

When they go to their new church on the weekend, the preacher says the same thing, that Jesus is with us always. Tori begins to believe it and ends up befriending little Gertie Gecko, who also admits to being lonely. When she shares what she has learnt about Jesus, Gertie seems interested and so Tori invites her to church. It’s lovely to see the modelling of sharing Christ with friends in this book.

A great feature of these books is the strong parental figures. They guide their children in the truth, acknowledge their own faults and listen well. They bring their children back to God’s word as they guide and instruct, and are corrected by it themselves.

Aimed at children aged 5-10, the story creation is attributed to Jocelyn Flenders, with Jayne V. Clark T. Welch named as editor. Joe Hox had created engaging illustrations bringing the various animals to life. Each book contains extra notes and biblical guidance for parents and there are tear out bible verses for kids to keep in their pocket to remember God’s truths.