Big Theology for Little Hearts

Crossway’s Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books.

The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit (Big Theology for Little Hearts series) by Devon Provencher, illustrated by Jessica Robyn Provencher. Crossway, 2022, 11 pages each.

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 0-4

Recommended for: Ages 2-4

How would you explain the Holy Spirit to a two-year-old, when many of us adults struggle to understand this Third Person of the Trinity? Not to mention Trinity itself? The latest book in the “Big Theology for Little Hearts” series gets right to it with the word “Triune”: “There are three equal persons in the one eternal God.” The narrative continues with illustrative metaphors to convey the ideas of conviction (a flashlight), indwelling (a house), sanctification (a bathtub), etc. Big theology uses big words that little ones will not understand. But will hear these words in church, so with reiteration at home their ears will gradually become attuned to receive meaning.

Creation skips the seven days and goes right to the gospel, with concepts of God’s image, creation mandate (including marriage, gender roles, and babies), and the fall, but ending with the promise of a new creation. The Church covers the identity of church as God’s adopted family, going on to the items of worship and sacraments (believer’s baptism rather than covenant baptism), evangelism and discipleship. The ideas here may be a little easier for little ones to understand and would be an effective way to acquaint them with what we do in church and why we do it.

Earlier books in the series include God, Jesus, and The Gospel. All are attractively illustrated with simple shape picture and bright, appealing colors. Parents may want to skip the text for the youngest readers, simply pointing out pictures and what they represent. By the age of four, little hearts may be more ready for the big words—give it a try.

Overall Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Read more about our ratings here.                 

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Review: See our reviews of the Baby Believer board book series.
• Reflection: Gladys Hunt’s thoughts In Praise of Board Books.
• Resource: Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids.

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