Children's Book Review: Everyone A Child Should Know- Clare Heath-Whyte (Writer), Jenny Brake (Illustrator)

At my Church, we are currently looking at the 5 Solas of the Reformation. It is my week for Sunday School, where I’ve been needing a summary story of Martin Luther to read to the children (aged 3-6). So, how does one go about finding a story like this? How do we share the wonderful work of God in and through people across the globe, spanning the ages, that connect with children simply, solidly and accurately?

Enter the new release “Everyone A Child Should Know”, written by Clare Heath-Whyte and illustrated by Jenny Brake (2017). The latest in the ‘Everything a Child Should Know’ series by 10Publishing (a division of 10ofthose.com), this book is one for the family library! From Augustine to Joni Erickson Tada, this book covers a broad range of historical and modern figures- men and women, famous and lesser known- all demonstrating the power of Jesus to impact and use ordinary people for his glory.

When I explained to my two eldest children (3 and 5) that I had a new book to read, they were both a little reticent when they saw the book’s thickness. Yet as we opened the cover and started reading of Brother Andrew, they were both mesmerised. “Is this really real?” asked one child, “Did this man actually try to smuggle Bibles?” We couldn’t stop reading and delighting… Next came Augustine- a naughty boy and naughty adult who became a preacher showing the power of Jesus to change lives.

As the ‘Note to Parents’ states,

“Here we meet fifty-two Christian men and women… from all walks of life, who wanted to live for their “friend Jesus”. There are missionaries and martyrs… writers, reformers, politicians, preachers and poets. There are sporty people, arty people, brilliant people and very ordinary people. There are people from hundreds of years ago and people still living today. Some are very well known while some are almost unheard of. Jesus has always had, and always will have, friends in all shapes, sizes and colours, from all different countries and backgrounds.” (p. 9)

For anyone who has read my blog, you would know I am pretty keen for us to be encouraged and impacted by those who form the great cloud of witnesses who surround us. Here is a brilliant yet simple resource, with cute, colourful illustrations to help our children get excited about those who have walked before and those who walk beside.

The illustrations have enough detail to keep the young 3 year-olds interested and listening. My 5-year old has begged to have the book back so that she can continue reading. I also am just a little excited by the quality of printing and the inbuilt ribbon bookmark to help keep one’s place. I would strongly encourage this for any Christian family library, aiming at children 3-7 years yet able to be enjoyed by all.

As for my Sunday School lessons, I’m set- Martin Luther, Katie Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and William Tyndale are all featured! Purchase now from The Wandering Bookseller.

52 Biographies include: