Also by this author: God Speaks to Me, God Cares for Me, God Came Near to Me, God Rescues Me
Series: For the Bible Tells Me So #1
Published by Crossway on September 26, 2023
Genres: Children's, Bible Stories
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Interactive Board Book Teaches Children How to Pray in Every Circumstance
Everyone is a theologian--even our little ones. Each board book in the For the Bible Tells Me So series offers kids ages 0-4 an introduction to key facets of the gospel and a glimpse at the joy found when children embrace Christ as their Lord and Savior. In God Hears Me, author Kristen Wetherell teaches children how to talk with God--a heavenly Father who intently listens to his beloved children.
This board book uses repetition, easy-to-understand language, and interactive elements to keep kids engaged and coming back again and again. Formatted for child interaction, the text provides a line for the caregiver to read and a responsive action for the child to perform. Deeply rooted in Scripture, Wetherell teaches children the importance of depending on Christ through prayer and praising him through all of life's circumstances.
Teaches Kids the Importance of Prayer: Little ones learn who God is and the comfort found when they depend on him through prayer
Created for Kids Ages 0-4: Thoughtful language, colorful illustrations, and interactive elements keep kids engaged
For the Bible Tells Me So Series: Each book in this series teaches kids the gospel through an important biblical doctrine
Makes Great Gifts: Perfect for children, grandchildren, loved ones, or a church ministry
This board book is part of a new series that introduces young children to key themes from Christian theology. Each book features simple rhyming text from Kristen Wetherell and soft, colorful illustrations from Grace Habib. God Hears Me shows diverse children talking to God in different settings throughout the day, with both happy and sad emotions. The book teaches kids that God cares about them, and that He is always listening to their prayers, no matter where they are or what they are feeling.
The book introduces prayers that happen on the spur of the moment, prayers that are part of a bedtime or mealtime routine, and prayers that happen at church. One page also refers to praying “between Mom and Dad.” Since that won’t fit every child’s life situation and could stir up difficult feelings, some parents may want to change this line as they read aloud. Although more than one page shows families together, that is the only line that refers to parents, and it would be easy for someone to alter it, as long as they’re anticipating it.
Each book in this series ends with a Christ-centered message, sharing the gospel in a way that fits with that book’s theme. This one talks about how Jesus taught us to pray, and says that because Jesus is “one with the Father and able to save,” we pray in His name. The book also introduces the concept of Jesus praying on our behalf. At the end, there is a flap to lift, revealing a mirror. The mirror paper gives a slightly wonky reflection, which is typical for books with that feature, but it’s a nice touch that personalizes the message for the child reading the book, emphasizing that God hears them. There is also an afterword for parents that explains the teaching in grown-up terms, references Scripture passages, and offers additional ideas for how parents can engage with their kids on this topic.
God Hears Me is a great board book for parents who are looking for simple ways to introduce theology to their kids. Even though there are a couple of lines that don’t flow perfectly, the message is clear and enthusiastic, and the illustrations are cute and engaging. This book introduces biblical concepts and symbolism in a way that kids can understand, and even adults can find this encouraging. I would recommend this whole series to Christian families and for church nursery contexts, because the books are so grounded in truth and convey it with joy.