Book Review: Good News for Little Hearts
Fidelia Kuek reviews this series that she has found useful to counsel and help children process their emotions and responses in different situations.
I did not know what to expect when I picked up one of the books in the “Good News for Little Hearts” series. I just wanted to find a book that could help me guide my daughter, in processing her emotions in challenging situations. There is no turning back after the first book purchase – we bought more in the series!
What makes “Good News for Little Hearts” book series stand-out is its use of biblical counselling and the hope of the Gospel to help children explore familiar challenges. The books were written by a homeschooling mother with a background in intercultural studies and counselling and edited by the director of CCEF (Christian Counselling and Educational Foundation).
The characters and situations are relatable, the story form is engaging, and specific emotions are clearly brought out. Even as an adult, I find myself connecting with the characters. It helps me see from the child’s perspective, allowing me to better empathise and understand what a child is going through or feeling in those situations.
The parent character in each book models what to say or do in situations – it could be saying a prayer, reading specific Bible verses and/or having God-centred conversations. This serves as a reminder to me that I could consciously do likewise.
Responses by the parent in the book also reminded me not to be too quick to jump into conclusions or provide solutions when my daughter shares with me her struggles. Instead, ask leading questions or use examples to help her process her thoughts and feelings. Also, by sharing my personal struggles, it shows her that even as a parent, I need God’s help too.
I like how the range of topics in this book series show that no emotion is too trivial to address; it also conveys the message to children that it is healthy to recognise and talk about their emotions instead of brushing them aside.
The mirroring in the stories also allow us to go back and forth between the characters and my daughter. This allows me to use the characters to talk about behaviour, emotions etc.without having to address it directly at her. I have observed that she is more receptive to hear what I have to say.
At the end of each book, there are guiding points for parents to further explore the topic – characters and story are used to explain the topic, and biblical truths are incorporated. I find this section helpful in allowing deeper and meaningful conversations. My daughter enjoys cutting out the Bible verses print-outs and placing them where she could refer to anytime.
The beauty of these books are that they are not a one-off read. As my daughter continues to face various situations, we are able to revisit the books.
Check out our GBC Library (in the Fellowship Hall) which has some of the books in the series available for borrowing.