Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much (Good News For Little Hearts; book 4) by David A. Powlison

The Synopsis:

Gus, a raccoon who loves all things sweet, learns what happens when you want something too much. After Gus gets caught taking candy from the store, Papa reminds him that temptation might be strong for us, but it s not too strong for Jesus. Both Gus and Papa can ask Jesus for help when they want something too much.
The last page contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are tempted. Together children and parents will be guided into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will give children a practical way to remember God’s words when they want something too much.
A new series of hardback, illustrated children s books for three-to eight-year-olds each centered on an animal family bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces.

I received this book from New Growth Press for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

Review:

Gus the raccoon finds himself craving sweets so much that he lies to his parents and even steals some candy, even though he doesn’t want to! But his papa eventually sits down with him and they talk about how Jesus can free him from addiction!

I’ve got to say, this book is so sweet! I have always had a soft spot for children’s books and I’m so very happy to have come across this series. More than just being honest and on the right level for kiddos in explaining the concept of addiction, it’s also a guide to parenting! At the end of the book, there’s a section that discusses how to handle a situation in grace when your kiddo is experiencing the “I wantsies” and I just really loved what the author had to say.

“…helping your children with the ‘I wantsies’ starts by acknowledging that you need help as much as they do.”

So this series is great if you don’t have time to read a full-blown parenting book! The nuggets of wisdom that the author includes at the end of these books, in easy step-by-step format, is sure to help! This book has scripture to read and the illustrations are adorable! It tells the Easter story of Jesus rising from the tomb and there are many conversations about grace and strength coming from Jesus.

Overall, I give Gus Loses His Grip 5 out of 5 stars and definitely want this whole series in hardback copies!

I will mention that there are illustrations of Easter baskets and Easter eggs. I only mention that because I know that some families would rather keep Easter about Jesus and omit the bunny & eggs 🙂