Jesus Moments: Jonah by Alison Mitchell

Jesus Moments: Jonah doesn’t just introduce the story of Jonah to kids, it helps them see how the story also points to Jesus.

Jesus Moments: Jonah: Finding Jesus in the Story of Jonah by Alison Mitchell, illustrated by Noah Warnes. The Good Book Co., 2025. 32 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 6-10

You’re probably familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale. But have you ever thought about how many parts of the story point to Jesus too? Have you shared those with your kids?

The Jesus Moments series retells the stories of familiar Bible characters (like Moses or David … or Jonah) and helps children see where the stories also show Jesus. First, the story of Jonah is recounted in solid text and vivid illustrations. Then, when the story of Jonah is finished, the book continues by asking readers if they noticed all the moments in the story that indicate a “Jesus moment.” In the story of Jonah, fittingly, anchors are the symbols. Readers will want to go back through and look for all the anchors (4 total), but in case they can’t find them, or don’t know what they mean, the remaining pages in the book help explain all the Jesus moments. Each time, the moment in Jonah’s story is compared (or contrasted) with Jesus and His life and work.

The illustrations in this book are terrific (as you might expect given that cover). The big fish illustrations are the strongest, but the scenes of people effectively communicate emotion and action. This is not your toddler version of Jonah and the Whale. Older kids will enjoy this one just as much. Consider using it alongside your Sunday school curriculum if you’re at the story of Jonah, or adding it in to your family devotions.

Bottom Line: Jesus Moments: Jonah is a great resource for both churches and families.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Review: More retellings of Jonah’s story: Jonah’s Whale by Eileen Spinelli takes the whale’s point of view; Jonah and the Very Big Fish is another picture book retelling.
• Review: God’s Little Oceanographer would make a nice complement to this book!
• Review: Do you have a good Bible storybook on hand at home? The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler might be worth a look.

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