Tori comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely is one of the books in the second “trilogy” of the Good News For Little Hearts series. Simply, the story is about a turtle named Tori. Her family has just moved to a new pond, which means she will be going to a new school, and she is beyond nervous. She does the only thing she can to comfort herself and hides in her shell. Her new teacher realizes she is nervous and opens up to her about an embarrassing situation in school. She felt lonely, but she still made friends. Even better, we’re never alone because Jesus never leaves those who trust him. She quickly finds another student who feels lonely and wants to hide. But the safest place to hide is in Christ. Tori and Gertie Gecko become quick friends, and Gertie even comes to church with Tori.
The book ends with seven ways to help your child with loneliness. Because of sin, even Adam and Eve were lonely even when they were standing right next to each other! When we have a relationship with God, we are no longer lonely. We are safe in Christ. When your children try to hide, you can remind them that God does see them, and he loves them! They are part of God’s huge family and are not alone even in this life. And because showers his love on us, we should treat others the way we have been treated. Encourage your children to find those who are lonely and to think about how they can love them.
Recommended?
This whole series is fantastic. I used to think that I enjoyed being by myself and that I never felt lonely. But there’s a difference between living in a city where you have friends but you enjoy your own time and living in a city where you are a complete stranger and loneliness is your best friend. As I kid I worried about the new school year. Would my friends still be there? Would they still be my friends? Would I like the new kids? Would the new kids like me? Would we be friends? Tori Comes Out of Her Shell will remind your children that they are not the only ones who feel lonely; other children at school feel lonely too. Jesus has promised his people that he is always with them. When your children trust in Jesus, he is there with them! They are not alone. He will care for them, and they can care for others, especially the other kids who are lonely.
Highly recommended.
Lagniappe
The story creator is Jocelyn Flenders who has a background in intercultural studies and counseling. Jayne Clark, the editor, is the acting executive director and Chief of Staff at CCEF, a biblical counseling organization. Joe Hox has illustrated the other books in this series, and you can see his style here.
- Series: Good News for Little Hearts
- Author: Jocelyn Flenders
- Editor: Jayne Clark
- Illustrator: Joe Hox
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Age Range: 5-11 years
- Publisher: New Growth Press (October 7, 2019)
- Read a sample
- Other book reviews on the series:
Find it on Amazon and New Growth Press!
Disclosure: I received this book free from New Growth Press. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
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