Homeschool Happenings: For the Bible Tells Me So Book Series by Kristin Wetherell

For the Bible Tells Me So

Kristen Wetherell has a wonderful series of board books for children coming out soon. It has been an honor to get a sneak peek at three of the board books in the For The Bible Tells Me So series for young children ages 0-4 years old. One of the board books is God Cares For Me.

God Cares For Me

Author Kristen Wetherell in her book God Cares for Me shares with children how the God of the universe loves and provides for all living things. God

cares

for the birds

the

sky, as well as

the creatures of the sea and the animals on the land. He cares

for flowers that spread beauty

wherever they grow. Our God cares for them, and he cares for me. This statement is repeated on every other page. What a great reminder for little ears to hear.

But as much as he loves all that He created. In Luke we read that we (man) are more valuable than the rest of creation. I love that the author's list of names, lol. I love that the illustrator chose to display diversity in her art. Speaking of the illustrator, Grace Habib's has produced incredible artwork that perfectly complements Wetherell's books. Her artwork is colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate.

Upon reaching the final page, little ones will smile at what awaits them. Little ones will also enjoy the author's use of rhyme and rhythm in the text. Babies and young children often find rhythmic patterns such as those found in this book helpful in remembering and repeating what they hear. A Note to Parents is included at the end of the book. The doctrine's of God's creation and providence are covered in God Cares for Me. The author

shares scripture

references on which she based her book. One of those references is Luke 12:22-32:

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples:“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food,

and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap,

they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable

you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin.

Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today,

and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—

you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink;

do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things,

and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom,

and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock,

for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

God Hears Me

Kristin's book God Hears Me illustrates to children that they can always go to God about anything. As well as praising the Lord through song, she teaches children the

importance of prayer

and how to pray.

A wonderful surprise awaits your child at the end of the story too. Wetherell

uses textual rhythm and rhyme

in this book as well. In

A Note to Parents t

he author again shares with parents the scriptures that are the basis for the book.

According to Kristen Wetherell,

God Hears Me

focuses on the doctrine of prayer and expands on it.

By referring to numerous scripture references throughout, she explains to parents that we want to teach our children that they can pray about anything, all the time, with humble hearts full of faith (Luke 18:1-8). A repeating phrase in this book is,

So with a big smile or even though tears, I talk to my God, and I know that he hears.

What an important TRUTH for little one to hear. And then such a simple reminder teaching children at an early age how to pray.

I have enjoyed all of these books very much.

It could be that I am just an emotional person, but I actually teared up as I read them.

In spite of the fact that they are simple board books, these are packed with many important words that little ones need to learn.

God Hears Me always. God Speaks To Me and upon His Word we

are secure.

God Cares for Me. Just look at His Son who died on a tree.

God Speaks To Me

How does God speak to us? Author Kristen Wetherell tells children that God reveals Himself through His creation. But does God speak through these alone? Or are his words more fully known?

The author goes on to inform children that the Bible, God's Word, is true.

A lamp, honey, and a sword are some of the comparisons she makes for God's Word. Kristen explains that Jesus is the Word. And there's so much more. Definitely a book to buy! Children will get a fun surprise at the end of the book. The author uses textual rhythm and rhyme which appeals to young children. Babies and young children often find rhythmic patterns such as those found in this book helpful in remembering and repeating them. A Note to Parents is included at the end of the book.

The author shares with parents the scriptures that are the basis for the book.

God Speaks to Me references the doctrine of Scripture, the amazing reality that the God of the universe speaks to us through a book (John 20:30-31). The author shares ways you can engage with your child by using scripture's many metaphors. Grace Habib's illustrations are colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate.

I've talked a lot about the author and her books. I mentioned the illustrator, Grace Habib a bit earlier. In my opinion, the author could not have chosen a better illustrator for her books. It's remarkable how Grace's illustrations complement Wetherell's writing so perfectly. The books are incomplete without them. Color, imagery, shapes, diversity, and depth of meaning in the artwork appeal to children ages 0-4 years old.