Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious

Great for my 6 year old (although a few words were a bit big for her). It gives an example of anxiety in a non-cheesy way, and shows how prayer and trusting in God can help us conquer our fears.

Interesting and short.

Love this book! Have read it dozens of times with our kids! Very faithful and real application of Scripture to life.

Practical help for my 4 year old who has a lot of fears! Highly recommend!

Things happen that may be scary but God is with us. We just need to talk ti him and ask for help.

This book is awesome and I’m hoping helpful for my 7 year old granddaughter who suffers from anxiety. I love that it is filled with Scripture.,

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 can speak to adults just as much as it can to kids.

In seasons of chaos, fears, anxieties, and uncertainties, our sovereign God is ever-present even if it does not feel so. This is a comfort that all who implicitly trust in Him hold onto.

Zoë’s hiding place is a lovely book and an amazing tool for parents to help children deal with anxieties and fears. I like that the book gives a biblical perspective, and points the reader to Christ. I love books that help open conversations about the gospel and the comfort that God’s word gives to His children. While the author does not directly address this in this book, I was able to talk about the gospel briefly to miss N.
The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to buying the other titles in this series.

With two kids that have been afraid of the dark - this was a great help to the boys. God will always calm our fears with his perfect love. God is love.

I’m striving hard to make my conversations around moral issues gospel-fluent and biblically faithful. Some of these stories, in needing to be simple enough to be grasped by the very young, can come across as “just pray, and you won’t be afraid anymore!” (I think what is intended is “when you are afraid, you should pray!”)

Dealing with worry, fear, and anxiety. Part of a new series of illustrated hardbacks from CCEF.

New Growth Press has recently published a variety of really good options along this line. They are delightfully illustrated, cleverly told, engaging books that my youngest daughter asks for repeatedly, and my second youngest now picks off the shelf to read on her own (she’s a beginning reader.)

These books provide great source material for dealing with hard topics (failure, anger, fear, ethnic diversity, and marveling at God’s creativity!) and provides parents with guides for discussion along these topics. My girls also love the tear-out pocket bible verses included in each.

The best part about these stories, is that they aim at pointing a child to Christ in faith, rather than simple behavior modification and moralism, in accessible ways. Oh, and the messages of the books are good reminders and encouragement for me, the parent, as well. :)

As the father of two young children, I am constantly on the lookout for good children’s books to teach the truths of the Gospel, the Bible, theology, and so forth to my children. Though my children are both under 4 and not yet reading, I am continuing to gather excellent resources to use with them now and in the years to come. Time and time again, I have been impressed with and thankful for the books that New Growth Press is putting out, not only for adults, but for children as well. And their newest series — Good News for Little Hearts — is no exception.

This new series consists of 3 books, two written by David Powlison and one by Ed Welch. The series is intended for children three to eight years old. Each book centers on an animal family and brings Gospel help and biblical counsel to children and families. Whether the topic is failure, anger, or anxiety, or the animal is a rabbit, a squirrel, or a mouse, each of these books does an incredible job at combining biblical help and hope to issues that every child and family faces with excellent, brightly colored and fun illustrations and engaging prose and story telling. In each story, children are not offered mere moralism and rules to obey, but are offered practical ways to follow Jesus through difficult situations that they face.

In this story we are introduced to a mouse named Zoe who’s class is going on a field trip to an Art Museum. While her friend is excited, Zoe is not, because last time they went to this museum Zoe got caught up in some of the exhibits, lost track of time, and was left by the class all alone at the museum. When thinking about going back, she is filled with worry, anxiety, and fear. The night before the class leaves on the field trip, Zoe’s mom listens to her fears and offers her biblical wisdom and encouragement: “Worry wants you to believe that you are all alone and God isn’t with you to protect you. But that’s not true. Jesus is with you. He cares for you. I had lots of fears and worries when I was a young mouse. Your Grandpa used to read to me from the Great Book. There is a verse in that book that says, ‘God is your refuge — a safe place from trouble and fear.'” Zoe was able to take the reminders from her parents and approach the field trip with trust in the Lord rather than the fear of what may go wrong.

Again, every child, no matter the age, deals with fear, anxiety, insecurity, and worry. Through this story of Zoe’s Hiding Place, parents are able to help their children address their own fears and worries and come face to face with the biblical truth that God cares for us and we have every reason to trust in Him.

In each of these stories, parents are given the opportunity to have meaningful, important Gospel conversations about important issues in their children’s lives through the help of a fun and engaging story about animals. At the end of the each story is a guide for parents to help your child with the topic at hand. While the story is the engaging part for the child, this guide at the end of each book may be the most helpful part about these resources, as they offer short, helpful recommendations and encouragement to assist parents in engaging in biblical counseling with their children.

I would wholeheartedly recommend every Christian parent get a copy of each of these three books. There is not a parent out there whose children has not or is not struggling with anger, fear, or failure. These book will be a great help to all parents seeking to help their children deal with these common issues in a Biblical, Christ-centered, Gospel-focused way.

In accordance with FTC regulations, I would like to thank New Growth Press for providing me a review copy of these books in exchange for a fair and honest review.

ZOE'S HIDING PLACE is a great book for children who have trouble paying attention and have anxiety issues. Zoe is lost in a world of fairy tales and tends to daydream instead of paying attention to her teacher and then she gets lost! Her safe place is in her bed under the covers, hiding from the world. Her parents try to encourage her and assure her that even if she gets lost God is still with her and will never leave her. They also encourage her to pay attention to her teacher on the field trip so she doesn't get lost.
Zoe doesn't pay attention and does get lost but then she remembers the entrance and was able to find her class in time for lunch. I did have issues with the teacher's reaction -- but that was the only issue I had with the book.
It had a great message and speaks truth, and will be great for parents or grandchildren or for Christian preschools or daycares.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

While I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, it is one I would’ve gladly purchased. Here’s why:

The Good News for Little Hearts series is one of my favorite collections on my son’s bookshelves. I currently have the three books in the series:

Zoe’s Hiding Place by David Powlison #childrensbook
Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up by Edward T. Welch #childrensbook
Jax’s Tail Twitches by David Powlison #childrensbook

Zoey’s story is lengthy, but I kept my son’s attention by taking short breaks. We discussed all he saw in the vivid illustrations and remembered from the story up to that point. Zoey’s story is based on a real life issue: being anxious. The story will encourage your child (and mine, as well) toward a growing relationship with Jesus as he or she faces his or her anxiety. I love that the book encourages children to seek out Jesus in prayer for help! The book provides ways for you, the parent, to have meaning, yet age appropriate, conversations with your child.

Tear out Bible verses related to anxiety are included in the back of the book. The book includes Scripture references of various translations.

At present, there are three volumes in the "Good News for Little Hearts" series which seeks to help kids and parents face anxiety, failure, and anger in a God-honoring way. While these animal stories don't quite have the enduring charm of classics such as the Beatrix Potter books, Little Bear, or Frog and Toad and some conversations between characters seemed to come off a little unnatural (and maybe even a little "preachy") at times, my little ones enjoyed them. The volumes are sturdy and full of creative, vibrantly-colored illustrations. Each book concludes with tips for further helping your child and four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" in the New Living Translation that you can cut out and give to your child.

Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious begins in a mouse house and contains some of my favorite illustrations. The mouse house contains all kinds of treasures lending itself well to an "I Spy" game. Unfortunately, content-wise, it was my least favorite. It reminded me of the type of moralistic Christian books with which I grew up. While Jesus was mentioned by name, the Gospel wasn't clearly proclaimed. This book makes it seem as if God is with everyone for good all of the time and doesn't make any distinction between those who are His people and those who are not. However, that being said, the book does lend itself well to a Gospel presentation. You'll just want to continue the story by explaining to your kids that the reason why a holy God never leaves or forsakes His children in spite of their sin is because Jesus was forsaken in place of all who would believe and bore the penalty for their sins when He died on the cross and that Jesus didn't remain forsaken but was raised from the dead on the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God the Father making intercession for us and that He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within all who trust in Him. All in all, Zoe's Hiding Place is an okay title but not my favorite of the bundle.

Altogether, the three titles in this series are useful picture books that will serve adults as they seek to minister to children in their lives and help them to better image and glorify their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me complimentary copies! I was not obligated to write a positive review. These words are my honest opinion!

Zoe’s Hiding Place was a very cute and well told children’s story about a little mouse by the name of Zoe who has an issue with being anxious. She is a little mouse with a big imagination, love’s fairy tales, and sometimes just has a hard time keeping focused as she gets lost in said imagination. As a mother I completely understand as I have children who can relate. However, due this lack of focus and attention sometimes Zoe becomes anxious as she has not listened or understood the directions.
I thought this had great lessons at learning to control anxious thoughts and how to handle them when they come. Bringing key verses from the Bible dealing with worry, we have a mouse that is finally beginning to understand that we do not have to be anxious for anything.
This is another book I shared with my eight year old son who again really enjoyed the story and the lessons. Our favorite part was seeing how the book art showed how everyday household objects were being used for the mouse’s home. We both got a chuckle out of those.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Both of my daughters (ages 6 and 3) claim Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious as their favorite book of the Good News for Little Hearts series. They like the character of Zoe and the colorful illustrations hold their attention while I read the narrative. As the title indicates, this book deals with fear and anxiety. I absolutely love two things in this book. First, that Zoe and her mom talk openly about the anxiety she experiences. Second, that Zoe's fear actually happens – because Zoe has to experience the fear, remember what to do, and work her way through it. I want to teach my children to deal with anxiety in a healthy way now so that when they are older, they know how to do it. This book is an excellent teaching tool for that purpose.

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."

There is always a need for biblical counseling in the church. Whether it is a couple trying to save their marriage or parents dealing with their wayward teenager, the ministry of biblical counseling serves as a guide to counsel from God’s Word. Married couples and parents need it. Teenagers ought to heed it. But what about younger kids? Oftentimes, the scope of biblical counseling seems to apply only to adults and teenagers. Yet, as Christians who believe the Bible applies to all of life for all stages of life, doesn’t God’s Word give direction and counsel for children too? The publishers of New Growth Press believe so and have put forth biblical counseling for kids in their new “Good News For Little Hearts” children’s book series.

Zoe the Anxious Mouse

In this volume of the series, Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious, we meet Zoe, an anxious mouse, who is afraid to take a field trip with her class because of what happened before when she was left behind and lost. As the story plays out, Zoe’s parents assure her with a verse from the “Great Book”. When Zoe decides to join her classmates on the field trip, she faces the same fear as before: she has left behind and lost. Yet, she remembers her Papa Mouse giving her a note placed in her back pocket. She pulls it out and her anxiousness turns into peace as she remembers God is her refuge and safe place from trouble and fear.

Creatively Counseling Children on Anxiety

Zoe’s Hiding Place, edited by David Powlison and illustrated by Joe Hox, uses this story about a mouse’s fear and anxiety to creatively counsel children from God’s Word when they are anxious. This tale does not end with a mere moral lesson either. Biblical counselor David Powlison makes sure to highlight the Good News of Jesus in addressing Zoe’s anxiety. The gospel is on display in Zoe's story. This book and series show biblical counseling is not just for big people; it is for little hearts as well. It is biblical counseling for elementary-aged kids. This book is so much more than a book, though. Parents will appreciate the resources found in the back of the book, including a list of how to help their child with anxiety as well as back pocket Bible verses to cut out or copy for their children to use. If you are a parent who desires to counsel your anxious child from God’s Word and are struggling to guide them in a creative and engaging way, then listen to this counsel and get a copy of Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious today!

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.

Zoe's Hiding Place: When You are Anxious is one of three new releases in the Good New For Little Hearts series from New Growth Press and CCEF. As a member of a church that is very committed to Biblical Counseling I was very intrigued by this new series. CCEF has produced many quality resources for adults that have been very beneficial to me and countless others. The idea that these same truths would now be made available to kids in story book form had me very excited for their release.  The series brings gospel truth to children by "focusing on an animal family's real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging circumstances."

Zoe's Hiding Place brings to children a story of Zoe the mouse and her struggles with anxiety. Zoe is faced with the difficulty of going to a place, the Art Museum, that has caused her great anxiety in the past. During a previous trip she got lost when she didn't pay attention to her class leaving. Zoe was very anxious that this would happen again and dreaded going. After telling her parents about her fear and worry, she is directed by them to truths from Scripture. God is a refuge and help and she can go to him in prayer when she starts to fear. Sure enough, on the class trip to the Art Museum Zoe gets lost again, only this time she prays and remembers that God is near (through a note that her dad gave her) and then calmly finds her way back to her class. 

The book closes with a section called Helping Your Child With Anxiety. Here the author gives 10 points from Scripture to further discuss with your children. This is where the biblical counseling influence of CCEF is most clearly seen. This section definitely turns the book into a resource to be used over and over again with your children. There is also a Back Pocket Bible Verse section with Bible verses for kids to carry with them for when they are anxious. This is a very nice addition to the book. The illustrations of the book are also very well done. 

Zoe's Hiding Place is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and churches to connect the truths of Scripture with different struggles that children will face. The writing style is engaging, the illustrations are wonderfully done, and the biblical truths are clearly communicated. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian that regularly interacts with young children. 

I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.

The third book in Good News for Little Hearts talks to kids about how to deal with anxiety. I like how this book not only addresses it, but also helps give kids practical tools on how to face what they are anxious about and help them overcome their fears. These books have been wonderful for my children and I to read through, since they enjoy the stories and illustrations, and they work as great conversation starters on talking about emotions. I highly recommend this series!
I received this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.