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An engaging retelling of the Bible story of Zacchaeus for toddlers.
Part of the Little Me, Big God series.
Zacchaeus ran as fast as his little legs could run, and climbed as high as his little arms could reach. Why? Because Jesus was coming! Discover what happened next and how everything changed for Zacchaeus.
In this engaging retelling of the meeting between Jesus and Zacchaeus, young children discover how Jesus came to save people whose hearts are small, and to make a way that they can be friends with God.
Notes for parents at the back help to explain the details of this account from Luke 19:1-10.
The following free downloads are included with your purchase:
• Activity Pack
• PDF images
• PowerPoint slides
Story: The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big
Notes for Parents
| Age range: | 1+ |
|---|---|
| Contributors | Steph Williams |
| ISBN | 9781784986568 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | September 2021 |
| Dimensions | 170mm x 170mm x 3mm |
| Weight | 0.06 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 24 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big by Steph Williams is the story of Zacchaeus from the Bible. This little book, measuring about 6 1/2 inches square, is paperback and a fun retelling of Zacchaeus so young ones can understand and relate to the story. I liked how the word little was in smaller type in the story too. Then at the back of the book, there is a short section for grown-ups to help them help little ones learn and there is the NIV version of the story from Luke to read for the original Bible version. The illustrations are cute and I especially love how the artist captures facial expressions. Both the story and the illustrations work together to make a wonderful retelling of Zacchaeus in The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
This little book for toddlers re-tells the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10. It’s a truth-filled book about how God can (and does!) change even the tiniest hearts.
This story introduces us to Zacchaeus, a man who, "wasn't just little on the outside, he had a little heart too." When he tries to catch a glimpse of Jesus, he's surprised when Jesus tells him he wants to visit his home. Everyone around is appalled. After all, this man is a greedy tax collector who takes more than he ought. No one is a big Zacchaeus fan.
But, when Jesus steps into the picture, we watch as God changes Zacchaeus and his heart grows bigger and bigger. God is willing to forgive anyone--and how we need his forgiveness!
I love the bite-size stories in the Little Me Big God series. They are just right for the 2-4 age. I also appreciate how each story begins with, “A True Story from the Bible”. Additionally, the Scripture and notes for grown-ups are included in the back.
Thanks to The Good Book Company for gifting me a copy for review.
This small, staple-bound paperback tells the story of Jesus meeting Zacchaeus and changing his heart. Steph William's simple, energetic text and colorful pictures convey the core themes of the story in ways that are accessible to young children, emphasizing Zacchaeus's large sacks of money, social rejection in the community, and change of heart after Jesus pursues and accepts him. The story also shows how other people, who thought that they were better than Zacchaeus, resented Jesus acknowledging and spending time with him. The book concludes with the message that Jesus had come to find and save people who were far from God, because anyone could be God's friend.
At the end of this book, there is a note for parents that provides additional context, and the following page reprints the biblical narrative from Luke 19:1-10. However, regardless of adult follow-up and discussion, this book conveys key biblical truths well through the text and illustrations, expressing details and theological truths from the source narrative in ways that young children can relate to and understand. This book can also appeal to older siblings and kids who would think that they are too old for picture books, because the text and illustrations convey the story in such a humorous and engaging way.
"The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big" is another great entry in the Little Me, Big God series. These books convey Bible stories in unusually active, expressive ways, giving a sense of the people involved in these events instead of relaying the story in a traditionally static way. I am impressed with the ways that Steph Williams retells these stories, and would recommend this book and the overall series to Christian families, churches, and church-run preschools.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The simple, delightful retelling of Zacchaeus is a great way to immerse even the youngest preschooler in Biblical stories! My three year old loves the 7x7 inch paperback format of these books and the bright, colorful covers! The stories are easy to understand, express biblical truth and remind children that God is always happy to accept them, no matter their previous choices, and reminds them just how big His love is. The illustrations reminded me of a comic strip or cartoon and are cute, expressive and fun. While I understand this series to be geared towards younger children, I don’t see why any elementary-aged child, especially those who aren’t familiar with Bible stories already, wouldn’t love these books, too!
At the end of each book is a note for grown-ups that reviews the wisdom found in the Scripture with suggestions for sharing the story on a deeper level. In addition, there is an NIV version of the Bible story from Scripture.
A great tool for introducing Bible stories and faith on a level children can grasp! Plus, the stories to this series will be fun to collect!
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all thoughts are my own.
This book tells the true story about the changed life of Zacchaeus, a heartless tax collector that overcharged the people and kept the extra for himself.
This hated man was loved by Jesus, and surprisingly Zacchaeus wanted to see Him.
Zacchaeus' efforts paid off as Jesus went and spent time at Zacchaeus' house.
Zacchaeus ended up loving Jesus very much. Because of his love and willingness to be kind and love others, Zacchaeus paid back the people he stole from, plus gave them extra.
Ms. Williams has done an excellent job of writing simply and the story is very easy to understand.
The illustrations bring the story to life, and there were quite a few places that made me chuckle.
At the end of the book is a note for parents explaining Zacchaeus' changed life and the impact that Jesus had on him.
Also, the NIV Scripture text of Zacchaeus' life is available for reference.
I am so glad that Ms. Williams was able to insert the gospel message into the book as well.
This preschool-level book would be a great addition to any home library, church nursery, or young child's classroom. The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big
A big thank you to The Good Book Company for this complimentary product. This is my honest review.
I love the way the illustrations help children to understand the context of this story - that Zacchaeus really was a scoundrel and people really did not like him. I also really love the way the message of grace comes across. A fantastic little book for little people.
