While nighttime might feel lonely, God promises us that we're never alone. In this bedtime story, we hear the true meaning behind the beautiful scripture, Philippians 4:8. When loneliness, fear, and sadness fill our minds- we can replace those feelings with joy, hope, and happiness by thinking about whatever is lovely in this fascinating world God created!
While nighttime might feel lonely, God promises us that we're never alone. In this bedtime story, we hear the true meaning behind the beautiful scripture, Philippians 4:8. When loneliness, fear, and sadness fill our minds- we can replace those feelings with joy, hope, and happiness by thinking about whatever is lovely in this fascinating world God created!
A loving mother teaches her young daughter how to overcome nighttime fear and anxiety in this gently faith-flavored bedtime story book by Jessica Burokas.
Night time can be scary for little ones who are trying to settle down to sleep. Using lilting prose and lustrous illustrations, Whatever Is Lovely shows parents and young readers hot to soothe away fear and replace anxiety with peace in this charming read based on Philippians 4:8.
A pajama-clad little girl sits on her mother’s lap at the end of the day. She remembers that although nighttime may feel lonely or even scary, her Heavenly Father is always near. Mom gently reminds her daughter that God promises us that we're never alone and teaches her to pray and stand firm on God’s promises. Thus, the little girl can sleep in peace and joy.
Vivid and vibrant, the illustrations are first-rate. They complement the text as they illustrate each concept of the New Testament verse from Paul’s epistle to the Church at Philippi. This includes thinking about and focusing on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely and so on. I love the way lady bugs and sunrise are used to convey these concepts. Ditto the illustration of the butterfly and the two girls eating ice cream together. Also the illustration of the lion and the lamb. (Wait. Is that Aslan?) The dove of peace on the final page is a strong but subtle visual reinforcement of the main theme.
Told in lyrical rhyme, Whatever Is Lovely is upbeat and engaging. There's a sweet earnestness about the story that makes it tender without being trite or preachy. The story is structurally sound, moving seamlessly from one concept to the next. Thoughtful and reflective, Whatever is Lovely shows readers why and how to focus on the positive and praiseworthy rather than the negative, critical, or destructive. It’s a delightful read and would make a great bedtime story or a read-aloud.
Finally, one of my favorite children's bedtime stories of yesteryear is Michael Card's classic Sleep Sound in Jesus. I read it to my four kids until it fell apart. Whatever is Lovely is that kind of story. It's an impressive accomplishment, especially for a debut book.
I’d grab a copy now ‘fize you!