It is eight twenty five PM and it is a month before Christmas. I’ve just finished reading a bed time story to my daughters who are tucked up in bed awaiting for me to pop my head around the door and check in on them; again. I will do, but before I do that I want to tell you about a book that moved me so deeply at a heart level, that I wanted to share it with you right away.
Occasionally you find a family friendly book that is meaningful and moving to both adult and child alike. That is true for ‘Jesus and the gift of Friendship’ written by Trillia Newbell and illustrated by Kevin & Kirsty Howdeshell.
Put simply, it is a creatively illustrated book about friendship. It follows the story of a boy named Zeke who has to move home and leave behind his best friend. After a year of living in his new home he still has not yet made a neighbourhood friend and is sad about it. His mum supports him on this emotional journey in such a nonchalant and pleasing way. She invited him to remember that Jesus is his friend and he can talk to Jesus about how he is feeling.
I personally love the way Zeke’s mum introduces Jesus and so did my youngest daughter. She cried out, “mum, look, she knows Jesus too!” Which really warmed my heart.
The thing I love about the way Zeke’s mum introduces to Jesus is that it isn’t expected. The book is set in modern day, let’s say it’s the year 2023 (when the book was published) and the story is typical of real life circumstances. A child moving home with their family and facing the genuine struggles we have all faced or will face at some point in our lives.
‘One day when Zeke was feeling extra lonely, his mom told him good news.’ “Zeke,” she said. “You do have a friend. His name is Jesus.”
It got me thinking about my friends and what they need from me, what I get from them and even about the dynamics of my children’s friendship. But just like Zeke, who ‘had never considered Jesus his friend.’ neither had I.
Zeke’s mum reminded me that Jesus is our friend. Of course He is our Lord, Our Saviour, Our Deliverer, Our Rock and Promise. But even more personally than all of that, Jesus is our friend.
As the story continues to unfold. We are told about all of the different sorts of people Jesus made His friend through his lived time on earth. Men, women, children, young, old, rich, poor, healthy and sick. He did not discriminate.
Throughout the book Zeke had a prayer he kept praying to Jesus. To find a friend just like his old best friend. But it wasn’t until the very end when he met someone very unlike his old best friend that he realised that Jesus had answered his prayers, just not in the way he would have expected.
It’s a beautiful bedtime read which delves deep into the heart of the character of Jesus. Through bright and visually detailed illustrations, biblical truths and poignant storytelling it showcases some great ways to deal with our children’s loneliness and prayers, for parents. For children, it reminds them that they are not alone and they have power in the connection to Jesus.
It’s simply put, but deeply impactful and I personally highly recommend Jesus and the Gift of Friendship to be part of your Christian Children’s book collection.
| November 16th 2024
Jesus and the Gift of Friendship will spur hope and comfort in the lives of kids ages 3–6, teaching little ones to embrace friendship as a blessing from God and a reflection of Jesus—our dearest friend and ultimate provider.
- Written for Kids Ages 3–6: Jesus and the Gift of Friendship will encourage little ones to embrace Jesus as their closest friend
- Thoughtful Story with Gospel Truths: Teach kids about the love and comfort found in and through Christ
- Rooted in Scripture: Provides a biblical application for a common Bible passage on friendship—John 15:12–15
Woman of God 