Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much (Good News for Little Hearts)
Edited By: David Powlison
Illustrated By: Joe Hox
Publication: October 5, 2019 by New Growth Press
32 pages
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Christian, Manners
Source: Personal Library
*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.
Goodreads description--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.
Gus Loses His Grip is not rated by Accelerated Reader, so I don't know what level it would be considered. I got this as part of my manners lessons for my kids in our homeschool. This is a book that I have read to my kids and not one that they have read independently. Yet anyway.
Gus Loses His Grip starts with Gus's family picking strawberries, and Gus goes a little crazy stuffing strawberries in his mouth. His mom reminds him to leave some for the rest of them. Gus also has a secret stash of candy. And he realizes one night that he's out of candy because he's already eaten it all. The next morning is Easter, and the family rule is no candy before breakfast, and no Easter basket until after Papa shares the Easter message with the family. Gus has a hard time waiting. After Easter, Mama take the kids to the market to take advantage of after Easter sales. They come upon a candy store where the owner is offering a free sample. While the grownups are distracted in conversation, Gus realizes that Lyle is sneaking more than one free sample. Lyle and Gus begin to stuff all the candy into their pockets. Eventually, Gus's parents realize what he's done, and Papa forces Gus to confess to the store owner that he stole from him. The store owner forgives Gus. Papa discusses the weight hiding his sin with Gus, and Gus admits that in the moment he loves the sweets, but after the moment passes, shame and guilt set in. Papa realizes that the whole family has been a little wrapped up in consumerism. But Papa teaches Gus that our sin isn't too strong for Jesus. He shares a Bible verse with Gus and keeps the same one in his own pocket.
I absolutely love this series of books (Good News for Little Hearts). The stories don't always go in the direction that I expect. I love that the sin was both obvious (Gus hiding candy and stealing extra samples) as well as not so obvious (Mama taking advantage of after Easter sales just because, and Papa buying fishing gear he doesn't need). I liked that Papa forced Gus to confess his sin to the store owner. Gus also asks for forgiveness, which is a step that people often leave out when apologizing to someone else. The store owner clearly offers his forgiveness. I appreciated the discussion that Papa had with Gus to make it clear that sin might feel good in the moment, but it doesn't stay that way. And the weight of sin is heavy indeed. I loved Jesus's sacrifice, death, and resurrection in the Easter message being shared clearly and concisely. And I love the idea of carrying a Bible verse in our pocket for something that we're struggling with to be able to pull out and read to remind us of what God says about this topic and to remind us that He fights for us as well. There's also a section at the end of the book that includes tips for helping your child if this is a particular area they struggle with. And there are perforated Bible verses that you could punch out and either carry yourself or give to your child to carry and read.
Good News for Little Hearts is always packed with such good messages. The stories are engaging and relatable. Gus Loses His Grip is no different. The messaging is on point, 100%, and the story is something that all kids can relate to at some point or other. And parents can even take a check-up on themselves to see if they're falling prey to consumerism or thinking that "things" will satisfy them. Gus Loses His Grip gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Gus Loses His Grip? What did you think? Let me know!
