Somewhere Only We Know

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

Caspian Crashes the Party (Good News for Little Hearts)

Edited By: Edward T Welch

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: September 21, 2020 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Christian

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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Goodreads description--This colorful, beautifully illustrated children's book invites children ages three through eight into Caspian Squirrel's world to learn alongside him how to bring his jealousy to Jesus.

Caspian's brother, Jax, is having a birthday party, and Caspian is jealous of all the attention and presents Jax is getting. One thing leads to another until Caspian crashes into the tent his parents set up for Jax's birthday, bringing the whole party down with him. Caspian's parents talk with him about jealousy and its bad effects, and eventually peace is restored.

Parents and children will learn concrete, grace-based ways to deal with jealousy. Edited by Edward T. Welch, Caspian Crashes the Party ends with a special section that guides Christian parents in teaching their children to respond with faith when jealousy takes hold in their hearts.

Caspian Crashes the Party is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF's model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family's real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus Christ in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Christian scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

By providing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces through vivid illustrations and a story based on a different animal family, even the youngest child will be engaged. Each story offers practical ways to follow Jesus in difficult situations. Instead of a moralistic message, young readers are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who cares for them.

Caspian Crashes the Party, along with all of the Good News for Little Hearts books, will become a lifelong gift for parents and children, as well as teachers, biblical counselors, and anyone hoping to provide concrete, grace-based help for young children. Caspian Crashes the Party is illustrated by Joe Hox and edited by Edward T. Welch

Good News for Little Hearts is a series that I absolutely adore. Caspian Crashes the Party is a book about being jealous. Jax is planning his birthday party. Caspian has already had a birthday party but it seems like his parents are doing more for his little brother's birthday party than they did for his. Everything about Jax's party Caspian compares to his. "I don't remember having this much stuff for my party." "I didn't have this many friends at my party." "My cake only had white icing with brown sprinkles." "I didn't get that many gifts..." And on and on he compared his party to his brother's, and in his mind, his party always came up short. Caspian even went so far as to unhook the air hose from the bounce house. Caspian's heart was hard. His father told him that he had no reason to be jealous and that he should apologize to his brother. But Caspian didn't want to apologize. And he didn't want to go to church.

But Caspian's ears perked up when the pastor talked about Paul knowing the secret to being content. Through hearing the message about Jesus's love being better than anything else, Caspian's heart softened, and he prayed to Jesus for help. The pastor went on to talk about how we can fight jealousy by running to God for help, or we can choose to hold tight to our anger and bitterness. "God helps us to love others and to want what's best for them." Caspian realized that he only wanted what was best for himself, not his brother. He asked for forgiveness and prayed for help to apologize to his brother.

Even though this book is only 32 pages, like many other children's books, the content is longer per page and opening. So it does feel like a much longer book when reading it. Of course, I couldn't find these books on AR Book Finder, which is the site I often use as a guide for reading level in my homeschool. So I can't guide you much on when your child might be able to read this book without you. I'd probably give it a Level 3 or Level 4 rating, just comparing it to some of the Berenstain Bears books in content. I love that the book starts with a Scripture where you often find a dedication. And then this book includes a large section for tips on helping your child with jealousy. My copy of the book also includes some "Back Pocket Bible Verses" intended to be torn out and carried around with the child or parent for quick Scriptural help in this topic. I also happen to love the illustration style. So often, I find with children's books that the illustrations aren't really to my liking, but I love these. Plus the hardcover copy with dust jacket that I have just feels like exceptional quality. The paper is thick and smooth. The binding is nice. The hardcover itself is great. And I love the patterned paper that covers the inside of the binding and opening.

I really and truly have zero complaints about Caspian Crashes the Party. I love everything from the story to the illustrations. I love the moral and the Scripture included in the text. And I love that everything in this story and book points back to Jesus. Caspian Crashes the Party gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Caspian Crashes the Party? If so, what did you think? Let me know!