Lauren Ducommun

Kristen Wetherell, author of Hope When It Hurts, recently released two new fantastic board books in her For the Bible Tells Me So series, which was published by Crossway.

God Came Near to Me

God Came Near to Me begins by reminding us of how God gave us our bodies, and how Jesus, too, had a body! She introduces littles to the doctrine of the incarnation, but without using that big word of course. Wetherell shares how Jesus used his eyes, mouth, hands, and feet during his life on earth. She follows this theme when she shares how Jesus’ body was offered on the cross in our place, and after his resurrection and even now in heaven he still has a physical body. 

One of the most commendable aspects of Wetherell’s board books is her ability to present profound theological concepts in a way little kids can understand them. In this 22 page board book, she briefly touches on doctrines like the hypostatic union, glorification, and eschatology making it a valuable educational resource for older readers (including parents) and young listeners.

God Rescues Me

Released alongside God Came Near to Me is God Rescues Me which seeks to answer the question it begins with, “What is the gospel?” Wetherell tells how gospel means “good news” and what that entails. She follows the theme of Creation, Fall, and Redemption sharing how we were “made for his glory”, “our problem is sin”, and that only “King Jesus alone can give new hearts within”.

While the other board book focused on Jesus’ substitutionary atonement, the facet of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that is highlighted in God Rescues Me is how Jesus came to save us from our sins. Wetherell gives examples of how Jesus is like a lamb, a rescuing hero, a good shepherd, and a high priest to explain the good news of the gospel.

The For the Bible Tells Me So series contains some of my favorite Christian board books out there! Wetherell communicates rich and beautiful truths clearly without being dull, oversimplified, or lacking. If you could only get one series of board books for your church library or family, these are the ones I’d recommend!

I received these books from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

God Came Near to Me
by Kristen Wetherell
Crossway, 2024
22 pages

God Rescues Me
by Kristen Wetherell
Crossway, 2024
22 pages