Recent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God

New Growth Press consistently publishes high quality resources for churches and families. We’ve enjoyed many of their devotionals, picture books, and chapter books. Here’s a round-up of books I’ve received for review recently.

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Recent Picture Books from New Growth Press Round-Up:

My First ABC Book of Bible Verses by Jonathan Gibson and illustrated by Mike Mullan. New Growth Press, 2024. 32 pages.

I grew up learning Bible verses to fun cassettes and records (I can hear “Even a child is known by his doing…” in the same singsongy voice in which I first learned it!). Later, my children learned their ABC Bible verses from books like Susan Hunt’s. She wrote one focused on the Psalms as well (also in ABC format).

The idea of organizing Scripture memory according to the alphabet is obviously not a new one. But Gibson expands this concept to focus on the ideas in each verse. Thus, the verse for “I” is about Immanuel; it doesn’t necessarily start with the letter “I”:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.

~Matthew 1:23

Each verse is followed by a simple sentence explanation. Illustrations are colorful and vibrant stylized pictures that highlight the letter in focus. A variety of ethnicities are presented (when people are present); there are no illustrations of Jesus. My biggest quibble with this cheerful book is that the Bible verses are taken from several different translations. Many families use a particular translation, and it would be easier if the verses in this book all came from the same version.

You can buy the book from amazon. Or, better yet, buy the book from Westminster Kids. You can also buy it directly from New Growth Press.

Something Scary Happened by Darby Strickland and illustrated by Carlotta Notaro. New Growth Press, 2023. 32 pages.

Miles is a fun-loving little sheep, eating grass, playing with his fellow lambs, and sleeping beside the quiet pond. Until one day… when something scary happens. Suddenly, the normal stuff doesn’t feel, well, normal. Miles loses his appetite, has trouble sleeping, and his stomach hurts. The Good Shepherd talks to Miles and reassures him: Miles can tell the Good Shepherd anything. The Good Shepherd will always love him and always be with him.

Unfortunately, many children—like Miles—go through “scary” things. Sometimes, those scary things are mild, childlike fears. But sometimes, those scary things are truly scary, even to adults. The author, Darby Strickland, has written excellent resources for churches about caring for victims of abuse (all different types of abuse). This picture book version is a perfect companion text for caring for children in particular. Strickland weaves shepherd imagery from both John 10 and Psalm 23 into a story just right for children. And the Lord really does care for the least of these.

Whether you know a child struggling in a scary situation or not, this is a good book to have on hand. If you have a church library, consider adding this to the collection. We don’t always know when children are afraid, and it doesn’t hurt to help equip them ahead of time: no matter what happens to us, our Good Shepherd is there. Psalm 23 is for all of us! (Note: this is part of a series titled Comfort for Children in Hard Times.)

Buy it here from amazon; buy it directly from New Growth Press.

Our Great God by Sally Michael and illustrated by Sengsavane Chounramany. New Growth Press, 2023. 28 pages.

Part of the Bible Verses to Remember series, Our Great God zeroes in on Psalm 95:3: “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”

A bouncy text and lively illustrations invite children and parents to meditate on the truths behind Psalm 95:3. There are so many reasons to praise the Lord for his greatness! Creation abounds with reasons. God knows all things. People can praise Him. How can we keep silent?

Back matter includes great tips for parents to help their children memorize Scripture as well as tips for broader discipleship. You can buy the book from amazon; or, buy it from New Growth Press.

Readers: have you read any of these? Do you have other favorite recent Christian picture books? Let us know in the comments!

Related Reading from Redeemed Reader

• A Book Review: Something Better Coming by Megan E. Saben: an independently published Christian book all about Easter!
• A Book Review: Recent Christian picture books, from a variety of publishers
• A Book Review: Three more recent Christian picture books, all from Wolfbane Press