In 2014, Lysa TerKeurst, Christian author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, published her first children's book, It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change. This picture book was illustrated by Natalia Moore and published by Tommy Nelson: Illustrated edition (2014).
Synopsis
The story starts with Little Seed living comfortably in a seed packet in the good, kind Farmer's shed. Little Fox, who is afraid of his own shadow, lives in the nearby woods. One rainy night, Little Fox meets Little Seed when the fox is forced to take refuge in the Farmer's shed. Little Seed and Little Fox become fast friends.
The two friends are separated one morning when the Farmer takes Little Seed out of the packet. While planting it, the Farmer tells Little Seed to trust him because he has a good plan for it. Sitting in the dark, messy underground, Little Seed is lonely and scared. Above ground, Little Fox, also scared and lonely, does his best to encourage his friend and stays by Little Seed day and night. Meanwhile, the good, kind Farmer takes care of them. One spring morning, the two friends are reunited when Little Seed breaks above ground as a new sprout. Over time, Little Seed grows into a large, strong tree and provides shelter for a happier, more confident Little Fox.
Reading Level
Second graders confidently can read this advanced picture book independently. Kindergarteners and first graders can enjoy the book when they read it with an older sibling or adult. Guided Reading Level and Lexile Framework for Reading ratings are not available. This book is available at local public libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.
My Opinion
Have you wondered how to explain to a young child where God is and what He is doing while the child is struggling with a difficult circumstance? Lysa TerKeurst wrote It Will Be Okay to help caregivers tackle this challenge.
This story is an allegory that teaches children that God is good and kind, takes care of them, and has a plan for them during the tough times in life. Little Seed shows children how to trust in God's good, kind character when they are going through scary situations and cannot see Him. Children learn from Little Seed and Little Fox that God uses these situations to nurture them into confident, beautiful adults He created them to be. Little Fox demonstrates to young readers how to support a friend who is going through a hard time.
The author reinforces the Biblical truths in the allegory at the beginning and end of the book. In her introductory letter to caregivers, she lists ten Bible verses children can memorize to build their trust in God. At the end of the allegory, she exhorts young readers to trust in God's goodness and kindness just as Little Seed and Little Fox trust the Farmer.
Moore's colorful illustrations draw children to open the book and start reading, but they may need nudging to continue reading past the first few pages. The first half of the book is slow-moving, with many pages devoted to setup and background. The pace picks up when the problem-solution plot is introduced halfway into the story. This plot holds children's attention to the end.
The next time your children are worried or scared about a situation, read with them It Will Be Okay, along with the ten Bible verses. Their hearts will be filled with peace by the end of the book.
Carissa Excelsis is a storyteller and a mom. She has been telling original stories ever since she captivated her kindergarten classmates with her story about a mama bunny going to the hospital to have a baby bunny. She loves to capture children's imagination through oral and written stories. Prior to being a mom, she created product branding strategies and wrote marketing copy. She hopes one day to have her children's stories and God-stories published.
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