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.

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.

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.”

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."