Homeschool Friday - Darcy is Always First

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.

Darcy is Always First (Good News for Little Hearts)

By: Lauren Whitman

Illustrated By: Jo Hox

Publication: September 9, 2024 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--In Darcy Is Always First, children will learn how to show love and patience to their brothers and sisters, even when they annoy each other.

It doesn’t matter that Darcy Duck is only a few seconds older than Delia and Denny—Darcy thinks she should be first at everything. That means that the ducklings always end up fighting to get their turn. Hurt feelings and anger abound until one day when their grandparents fly in for a visit. That’s when Denny’s determination to be first, ahead of Darcy, almost ends in disaster.

Edited by counselor Lauren Whitman, Darcy Is Always First is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series that brings gospel wisdom 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 during challenging circumstances.A special section at the end of the book guides parents in having meaningful conversations with their kids about putting others first and living at peace with one another.Children ages four to seven will be captivated by Joe Hox’s colorful, fun illustrations that bring the animal world to life. Teaches children and parents how to apply God’s Word to the inevitable occurrence of navigating sibling conflict.

I absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Darcy is Always First features Romans 12:5, "In Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts." In my copy, this Scripture was toward the end instead of the beginning of the book. Darcy is Always First is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with three duckling siblings swimming in Mulberry Pond. Darcy has a habit of pushing her way to the front of the line to be first at everything. A couple of examples are shown. Denny is the youngest sibling, and he seems to take Darcy's habit the hardest. That's not to say that Delia is immune to Darcy's behavior. As Denny gets fed up with Darcy's attempts to be first, he begins to fight her on the position, but his attempts only make things worse. Denny eventually takes his attemps to beat Darcy at being first so far that he puts himself and Gram and Gramps in danger. All three end up soaking wet. Mama and Papa finally take time to see what's really going on with Denny. And Mama and Papa have a discussion with all of their ducklings. Papa pulls a piece of paper from his hat that has Romans 12:5 on it. He talks to the ducklings about how important it is to take care of your siblings in the same way that you take care of your own body. If one sibling does well, all of them should be happy. If one sibling is hurting, everyone is supposed to care about that pain. Because we all belong to one another. And then he talks to them about how to make things right.

At the end of the book is a section for parents about helping children with navigating sibling conflict. And then finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when siblings fight. Mark 12:21, Romans 12:5, Psalm 133:1, and Ephesians 5:1-2.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Darcy is Always First gets 5 Stars. (Now if only solving sibling conflict went as smoothly in real life as it is presented in books, all of us parents would have a much easier job.) Have you or your child read Darcy is Always First? What did you think? Let me know!

P.S. As this blog post is publishing on September 11, 2026, I haven't forgotten this day 25 years ago. I honor those lost in my memory, and my prayers are with the family members of those who died as well as the survivors of that day. I recently listened to the audiobook I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis with my kids and had a visceral reaction that I wasn't expecting. I highly recommend that book and will have a full review coming to my blog in the future.

Homeschool Friday - Tori Comes Out of Her Shell

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.

Tori Comes Out of Her Shell (Good News for Little Hearts, # 5)

By: Jayne V. Clark

Illustrated By: Jo Hox

Publication: October 7, 2019 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Tori the turtle feels all alone. She has just moved to a new pond and a new school with her family and it seems like everyone has a friend except her. Her teacher notices she feels alone and helps her remember Jesus is always her friend and then along the way she makes some new friends. The last page contains information for Christian parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are lonely. 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 feel all alone. A new series of hardback, illustrated. Christian children's books for three-to eight-year-olds each centered on an animal family bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families in need of the Christian word. 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 absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Tori Comes Out of Her Shell features Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always," which Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension. Tori Comes Out of Her Shell is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with the Turtle family moving from their home in Woodland Pond to Mulberry Meadow. Tomas and Ted spy new friends to play with, but Tori hides in her shell. School starts the next day, but Tori is worried. What if no one talks to her? What if she has no one to play with at recess? Or what if she's made fun of? Unfortunately, Tori doesn't talk to her mom about her fears. At school, Tori struggles to introduce herself to the class, she sits by herself at recess, and she worries about embarrassing herself. Thankfully, Miss Minnick, the teacher, comes over to encourage her. Miss Minnick shares her own story about being the new kid in school. Miss Minnick gives Tori a piece of paper that her own father once gave her. At church on Sunday, Tori notices a Bible (Great Book as the story calls it) verse behind the preacher. And she thanks God for always being with her and being her friend.

At school on Monday, she notices an old school bell sliding up to her. Tori comes out of her shell to see if someone needs help. Turns out that Gertie Gecko was trying to mimic Tori's shell with the school bell. Gertie explains that she sometimes feels lonely and thought Tori's shell looked like a good hiding place. The two talk and decide to help each other. Tori shares the paper that Miss Minnick gave her. It says, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." And Tori shares Jesus's offer of friendship to Gertie. They decide to be friends. Tori also invites Gertie to church with her.

At the end of the book is a section to parents about helping children with loneliness. And the finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when they are lonely. Matthew 28:20, Genesis 16:13, Proverbs 18:24, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 32:7, and Psalm 139:1.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Tori Comes Out of Her Shell gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Tori Comes Out of Her Shell? What did you think? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Gus Loses His Grip

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.

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

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*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!

Homeschool Friday - Caspian Crashes the Party

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 )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

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!