From Jago and Sally Lloyd-Jones, the creators of the bestselling Jesus Storybook Bible, comes this gorgeous and innovative collection of 101 simple-yet- profound thoughts on faith. Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing shares profound spiritual truths from the Bible told in a conversational tone—drawing insights from creation, history, science, the writings of great thinkers and preachers and writers, and more—to turn the reader’s eyes toward the God who loves them with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.
Perfect for family devotions, bedtime, story time, or even as a companion to The Jesus Storybook Bible, this accessible yet theologically rich book reveals biblical truth in word and image-all working together and designed to do one thing: to make the reader’s heart sing.
Faith is like radar that sees through the fog--the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see. ~ Corrie ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord
I first read this book for myself in 2018. Back then I knew that I wanted to share it with my grand when J was older. So, when J was turning six I gifted the family a copy.
Since then, my son and his wife have read it with J.
Now I am staying with them and helping with homeschool while the household adjusts to a new baby. This book came off the shelves for devotions. We had to read several each day to get through, but since this was the second time through for both of us it worked out well. So many great conversations and reminders of how we can pray for our day.
One final note: the quote I chose to highlight from the book is very special to our family. Last August Grammy and Papa took J and family to Holland for a vacation. While we were there we spent a day in Rotterdaam and took time to stop by the ten Boom home.
This book makes a fantastic gift for young families and is also a wonderful way for grandparents to have important conversations with their grands. I heartily recommend it!
From July of 2018 "There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice." --John Calvin
The above quote is this book in a nutshell. Such a treasure trove of biblical wisdom for ages 6-9. Tim Keller's introduction points out the value of this devotional for children. He says it "may be the best, first introduction for children to have their own time with Jesus."
This book is definitely going on my great gifts list along with Sally's "The Jesus Storybook Bible."
This books rating should be more like a 3.5. It contains very short, uplifting thoughts for children. Its positive outlook sometimes seems to overlook important truths, if that’s possible.
Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.Have you read The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name backward and forward but still desire more from the words of Sally Lloyd-Jones and creative illustrations of Jago then I highly recommend Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing . It's beautiful and every single devotion within is worthy to spend time pondering over. This one isn't just for kids. I'm not sure I want to share I like it so much. :)
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing is a beautiful book inside and out. Sally Lloyd-Jones did a fantastic job writing short and sweet daily devotionals for children and pairing them with Scripture. Each devotional was thought-provoking and really set up my heart for the day. And the pictures! The full-page full-color illustrations throughout the book draw the eye and reinforce the devotionals in a gorgeous way.
I checked this book out of my library and renewed it and renewed it and renewed it. I turned it in yesterday only because I plan to buy my own copy. This is a must-read/must-have for anyone from birth to 112 years old.
As Keller says in the forward, it's good to see an emphasis on the lived experience of Christianity so that children know and feel God's presence, not just know about God. Catechesis and other kinds of cerebral instruction are important, but so is our felt experience with God. The first devotional begins with the word dance.
I have now bought 6 copies of this book. It is wonderful. The art work is beautiful. It is suitable for anyone 2 to 102. It brings God to your everyday places.
We read this just about every night. One page/entry a night before bed. The kids loved it and frequently requested it if we forgot. In fact, they want to start over and read again. One could quibble with some theology or exegesis but that is silly in a book like this. It introduces children to the character and nature if God and scripture in an inspirational and devotional way. Add in wonderful illustrations and you have a keeper.
A devotional for children: what a brilliant idea. The great thing is that this collection of reflections and insights into Scripture doubles as a devotional for grown-ups. I will be giving this book away (along with the Jesus StoryBook Bible) often. I cherished literally every page of this book. The artwork is delightful, the thoughts deep, and the result is doxological rejoicing in Jesus. I'm so thankful for Sally Lloyd-Jones. Buy this book.
I picked this up because I enjoy the Jesus Storybook Bible so much. This book has the same beautiful artwork and I found myself reading with the narrator's voice from the audio book in my head! As you read a page or two each day you will have a beautiful Bible truth to think about. I read it alone but think my 7 year old would enjoy it too.
2018 A book by an author who is still living. 2023 Read with my children at lunch
Beautiful and true meditations on scripture and scriptural ideas that are short and appropriate to read together as a family, perhaps over a meal. Would also be good to give an 8-10 year old child who might enjoy a devotional book that is not a guilt-trip, but full of joyful reflections that will guide them towards prayer and worship.
This book is so amazing!!!! The illustrations are breathtaking and the devotionals really will make your heart sing!!! Share this book with your children & grandchildren, but be sure to keep a copy for yourself. This book will stir your heart and truly draw you closer to God. Do you desire to have the faith of a child? This is a great place to start! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Though it's marketed for children, this beautiful book impressed my heart with more truth than most adult devotional books. Not only did it open my eyes to see Scripture and and God and the Christian life in new ways, it actually helped me believe these truths in my heart. Sally Lloyd-Jones has a gift for explaining deep truths in a simple way, a way that is both poetic and clear. And although Jago’s illustrations jarred me slightly with their unique, somewhat unrealistic tinge, the colors and textures sank into my subconscious, molding my heart to accept the words and adding beauty and depth to the message.
I also love Tim Keller's forward at the beginning, about the importance of children learning the “experiential side of a relationship with God,” not just the catechism. I do agree with some comments that it would be wise to talk with kids about some of the devotions, as they could be taken too far in an unbiblical way (i.e., the Rob Bell idea that God is only love and there is no hell or hate toward sin. It's important to note that that could only be misconstrued from individual devotionale, not from the entire message of the book. There are definitely devotions that encourage the reader in the fight against sin and talk about God's justice, etc. I also think it's important to say that in the tradition I’ve grown up in, we are too quick to add “But God hates sin and doesn't want you to sin” after anytime someone mentions that God is loving.).
ANYWAY that was a long parenthetical, but the conclusion is: this book is beautifully crafted in image and word, it drew me closer to Jesus encourage me in my faith, and I highly recommend it to Christians of any age. Or to those who are interested in what a relationship with Jesus looks like.
We read this slowly over a year before nap time. I know there is value in my baby hearing these things, but in reality, this probably fed my soul more than hers. It was such a good reminder to slow down in the midst of the busyness and monotony of motherhood and remember what I was made for—for Him. To know Him, love Him, adore Him. This volume helped me do that a little more every day I picked it up.
Read this beautiful book with the girls at dinner. These are very short devotional readings versus the typical child’s storybook Bible, and a wonderful way to begin to teach personal worship. As with all of Lloyd-Jones’s works the writing is expertly crafted and the Gospel shines everywhere. Just as in The Jesus Storybook Bible, the beauty makes me tearful on nearly every page.
4.5 Stars - while not as good as The Jesus Storybook Bible this follow up devotional book is a joy and it was a privilege to read through with my girls.
The entries are short and sweet, (we would read two or three at a time) but they often packed a good punch. The back of the book even gave some historical background to certain entries.
I read a few pages of this children’s devotional every morning as part of my quiet time, and I think it spoke to me more than any thing I have been doing for the last month. Sometimes you need to the truth as spoken to a child to get through to a busy, chaotic adult heart. This book was full of that kind of special, simple, beautiful truth about God and about us.
beautiful in every sense of the world. It is ostensibly a collection of devotional thoughts for kids and yet like all the best writing for kids it is profound for any age.
Love, love this book! I know it was written for children, but to ingest truths about God and us in an easily understandable way was what I needed now and so healing for my fatigued soul. The title very accurately describes the contents of the book and I love her focus on the goodness and beauty of God.
Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children. She is the author of three bestselling children’s Bibles, including the Gold Book Award-winning Baby’s First Bible and, most recently, the Moonbeam Award Winner and ALA notable, The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. She has written many picture books for children, including the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister. Sally was born and raised in Africa, was schooled in England, and now lives in New York City. She can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.
Jago is an accomplished illustrator with several prestigious awards to his credit, including a Macmillian "Highly Commended" Award for Children’s Illustration in 2003, an AOI Silver Award in 2004, and the National Literacy Association Wow! Award. Jago lives in Cornwall, England, with his wife and daughter.
My Review:
We loved reviewing this book/CD set! My children were beyond fascinated with the illustrations in the book as well as the audio cds that brought the book to life. I use many devotionals on my own as well as with my children. We also read devotions as a family each night. Sometimes I think it would be nice if all books come with an audio CD, it really opens the mind up to so much and you can watch your child's imagination go wild.
The devotional is very meaty but its not dry or it is more involved than what you would expect out of a children's devotional. My boys asked to look at, read and listen to the set many times. I love when a product like this does something in them that they just can't get enough. There are over a 100 daily snippets provided for our young, sweet children. The items provided are geared for ages 6-10, the deluxe set includes a hardcover book, as well as 2 CDs and comes in a handy enclosed boxed case. I think it would be a perfect gift but I'm also thinking of sharing it with my Sunday School class that I teach.
If you would like to learn more, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
The creators of the bestselling “Jesus Storybook Bible” does it again with this delightful book, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing”, filled with 101 collections of thoughts on faith. The truths from the Bible are told in every day conversation making it easy to understand. This is written and illustrated to keep your youngster motivated to make daily devotions a major part of their lives. It teaches them about never giving up and keeping their eyes on the God…the one who loves you. This comes complete with a hard-cover book in a beautiful Velcro-closure gift box with two narrated CD’s. The devotions are a two-page spread, with devotions being one page and an illustration of the devotion on the second page.
Wow, Wow, Wow! I was once again blown away by this beautifully illustrated devotional. Don’t be misled by the word devotional. It is not your typical devotional. It is specifically geared toward the age group 6-10, written in easy to understand language with beautiful illustrations. As I turned the pages, I kept wishing that I would have had this book when my children were growing up. It would have made devotional time much easier. I think if you really want your children rooted in God’s word, as a parent you have to devote time to make that happen. However with our busy lifestyles it is not always easy to find time or devotionals that our children will understand. This book has taken out all the guess-work. I loved the narrated CD’s. I think even a toddler would enjoy and relate to them. These would be wonderful to play at bedtime….just to remind your child, God loves them and He is in control.
I would definitely recommend this book. This would make a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift, or what would be better than to receive this book for Thanksgiving? I think this book will make devotional time exciting!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Sally Lloyd-Jones wrote Thoughts To Make Your Heart Sing with the intention of it being used to guide children into a daily devotional time. Her words combined with the artistic talent of Jago and the life-giving Word of God make for the perfect tool to help your little one begin that life-long habit.
In the Deluxe Edition the daily thoughts have been recorded on two cds by the distinguished British actor David Suchet. I can think of so many wonderful ways to use this valuable set. I know the objective is for a daily reading, but it would be a perfect companion on a long car trip. When my kids were little it was popular to do read-along books with tapes. This book and cd set would work well in that same manner. Your child could follow along in the book while the narration was being played. It would not only help increase their reading skills but they would also be soaking in valuable principles from God's Word.
I do have a small confession to make . . . as an adult I love this for myself. Listening to the cds is like having a blessing being spoken over you by a beloved grandfather. For the past several days I have popped one of the cds in as I've gone about my business around the house. It has been a beautiful time of worshiping and communing with my Savior. As that soothing British voice speaks, I find myself pausing just to soak in the truth that is being put forth. We are loved with an everlasting love by an all encompassing Savior. Hallelujah!
I encourage you to get this for your little ones, but also to take the time to bask in it yourself. Let the Word and truth spread over you and cover you with an assurance of love like no other.
I received a copy of this set to facilitate my review.
One way to help keep the Merry in Christmas is to present gifts that make the heart sing! Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing Deluxe Edition by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago is the perfect gift this year for the whole family to enjoy! It is presented in a beautiful box set that includes devotional stories and two audio CDs. This whimsically illustrated hardcover devotional consists of 101 inspirational thoughts on faith. The audio devotional is read by award-winning actor David Suchet. The devotional stories are taken from the Bible and the scriptures are from various Bible translations like NIV, NLT, NCV, KJV and others.
"We want people to know that God loves them with a never-stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love," says Lloyd-Jones. "Through the text and beautiful art, we want readers to discover that God seeks to know them with an amazing and grace-filled love."
I must say that Jago is an impressive illustrator and artist! The whimsical artwork contribute to making the stories come alive! You will find an astronaut, a rocket, a castle, a ship, a fish riding a penny-farthing and many more. And, for your listening pleasure there are nearly 2 1/2 hours of devotional narration that can make play time, nap time and travel a more enjoyable event!
What a great gift idea for a birthday, baptism, Christmas, Easter or any time! The stories are recommended for children ages 6 to 10. Due to the maturity of many of the stories, I would suggest that parents participate with devotional time.
Loving Heart Designs received a complimentary copy of Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing Deluxe Edition from Zonderkids.
Skutočne, POSTOJ vydal po ideovej, grafickej a hlavne ilustračnej (!) stránke krásnu knižočku plnú radostných zamyslení na každý deň.
Myšlienky sú vskutku hodnotné a pravdivé, aj napriek viditeľnému „obsahovému ekumenizmu”.
Originálne ide o americkú protestantskú publikáciu, ktorá pochopiteľne dostala uznanie od miestnych „pastorov”. Autorka sa zrejme podľa svojich „denominačných” sympatií rozhodla zakomponovať aj zopár zamyslení od istých revolučných „mysliteľov” (či skôr výmyselníkov) ako napríklad Martin Luther či Ján Kalvín.
Pokiaľ som však čítal pozorne a vykonal dobrú reflexiu, laickým „sensus fidelium” som tam nenašiel nič vyslovené problematické či nejakým spôsobom heretické. Práve naopak – zamyslenia sú ozaj veľmi pekné a dokážu naplniť ľudské srdce radosťou. Všetko je to o konštantnom uvedomovaní si skutočnosti, že nás Boh nesmierne miluje.
Knižka je síce nádherne ilustrovaná, no pri nekatolíckych autoroch sa treba mať aj tak vždy na pozore.
Ešte by som spomenul ako sa tu nachádzajú citácie či parafrázy kadejakých biblických prekladov. Aspoň, že tu sem-tam vykukne aj citát katolíckeho prekladu Spolku svätého Vojtecha.
Prečo nebyť v tomto jednotný a jednoducho brať tie veršíky z jedného prekladu?
Aj napriek týmto menším výhradám ma publikácia náramne potešila. Nechajte svoje srdce, po ktorom Boh tak neuveriteľne túži, roztancovať peknými myšlienkami na 101 dní. A potom si ich môžete čítavať odznova.