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Jesus Moments
Samson: Finding Jesus in the Story of Samson
“This series highlights Jesus, the hero of every Bible story, and encourages readers to keep him at the center of their stories too.” -Hunter Beless, Founder and Host of the Journeywomen podcast; Author
This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus.
Moments in Samson's story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Children will see how Samson's story points ahead to Jesus through…
An angelic announcement
A betrayal for money
An incredible rescue of God's people
Written by Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle, and beautifully illustrated, this book makes a great gift for children ages 4+. It can also be used for children’s ministry.
This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus.
Moments in Samson's story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Children will see how Samson's story points ahead to Jesus through…
An angelic announcement
A betrayal for money
An incredible rescue of God's people
Written by Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle, and beautifully illustrated, this book makes a great gift for children ages 4+. It can also be used for children’s ministry.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2026
About the author
Alison Mitchell
77 books22 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Alison Mitchell is the Children's Editor at The Good Book Company, where she has written a range of Bible-reading notes for children and families. Alison is also involved with youth training events around the country, including the Growing Young Disciples training days and Sunday School training mornings.
Alison Mitchell is the Children's Editor at The Good Book Company, where she has written a range of Bible-reading notes for children and families. Alison is also involved with youth training events around the country, including the Growing Young Disciples training days and Sunday School training mornings.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 9, 2026
This was such a beautiful and engaging read!
What I really enjoyed most were the illustrations. They were fantastic and so inviting for young readers. They truly brought the story to life in a way that feels accessible and meaningful.
I also really appreciate Alison Mitchell and the Jesus Moments series she has created. The concept is so powerful: the idea that the whole Bible points to Jesus, even in the Old Testament stories written long before His birth. This book helps children see those connections in a simple, thoughtful way.
In Jesus Moments: Samson, I loved how Samson’s story was explored not just as an Old Testament account, but as one filled with foreshadowing of Jesus. The parallels like an angelic announcement, betrayal for money, and an incredible rescue of God’s people were highlighted in a way that really helps kids understand the bigger picture of Scripture.
It gave me a fresh perspective on Samson and made me appreciate how intentionally the Bible points us to Christ throughout every story.
Highly recommend for families, children’s ministry, or anyone wanting to help kids see Scripture in a deeper, more connected way.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I really enjoyed most were the illustrations. They were fantastic and so inviting for young readers. They truly brought the story to life in a way that feels accessible and meaningful.
I also really appreciate Alison Mitchell and the Jesus Moments series she has created. The concept is so powerful: the idea that the whole Bible points to Jesus, even in the Old Testament stories written long before His birth. This book helps children see those connections in a simple, thoughtful way.
In Jesus Moments: Samson, I loved how Samson’s story was explored not just as an Old Testament account, but as one filled with foreshadowing of Jesus. The parallels like an angelic announcement, betrayal for money, and an incredible rescue of God’s people were highlighted in a way that really helps kids understand the bigger picture of Scripture.
It gave me a fresh perspective on Samson and made me appreciate how intentionally the Bible points us to Christ throughout every story.
Highly recommend for families, children’s ministry, or anyone wanting to help kids see Scripture in a deeper, more connected way.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 8, 2026
This new addition to the Jesus Moments series retells the story of Samson. At the beginning of the book, author Alison Mitchell tells kids that if they look closely, they can spot parallels to Jesus in some Old Testament narratives. She encourages kids to look for the combs that appear in the illustrations throughout this book, because each one means that there is a gospel connection in that part of the story. This seek-and-find element will be very engaging for kids. The answers are all in the back, where Mitchell also explains the significance of each "Jesus moment," such as both Samson and Jesus winning their greatest victories through sacrificial deaths.
The action-packed illustrations convey emotion and help show what is happening in this fast-paced, eventful story. Noah Warnes depicts the violent parts of this Bible story in an honest but age-appropriate way, using punched-up colors to add intensity without showing any gruesome details. I also appreciate Warnes's use of color all throughout the book. The colors set the mood, and darker shadows and bright highlights add depth to each page spread.
Jesus Moments: Samson is another accurate Bible story retelling from a great series. It tells this complicated story in a straightforward and unflinching way, and Mitchell struck a great middle path between Bible storybooks that are overly sanitized, and those that will give kids nightmares. Nonetheless, parents may want to consider their child's sensitivity level before reading this book to them. The story of Samson is intense, and although this is a great, faithful retelling, how well this works for a particular family will depend on what individual kids can handle.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The action-packed illustrations convey emotion and help show what is happening in this fast-paced, eventful story. Noah Warnes depicts the violent parts of this Bible story in an honest but age-appropriate way, using punched-up colors to add intensity without showing any gruesome details. I also appreciate Warnes's use of color all throughout the book. The colors set the mood, and darker shadows and bright highlights add depth to each page spread.
Jesus Moments: Samson is another accurate Bible story retelling from a great series. It tells this complicated story in a straightforward and unflinching way, and Mitchell struck a great middle path between Bible storybooks that are overly sanitized, and those that will give kids nightmares. Nonetheless, parents may want to consider their child's sensitivity level before reading this book to them. The story of Samson is intense, and although this is a great, faithful retelling, how well this works for a particular family will depend on what individual kids can handle.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The story of Samson is a fascinating real-life story. Reading this book together is an amazing way to introduce children to Samson’s story in an age-appropriate way. Even as an adult, this book helped me see similarities between Samson’s story and Jesus’ that I hadn’t noticed before!
Every time I get to read and share one of the books in this beautiful series, I get so excited about it. I truly adore these titles! These books are so well-written and beautifully illustrated.
Finding Jesus in the Story of Samson is every bit as incredible as each of the others which came before it. So far, this series covers biblical stories of Jonah, David, Moses, Esther, Ruth, and now Samson. I can’t wait for more!
If you are unfamiliar with this series, each book tells a Bible story with hidden (think: seek and find) images throughout. These images appear when someone in the story is acting in a way that points us to Christ–when they are being a “type” of Christ, to put it into literary terms. As children find these images, there is an opportunity to discuss together in what ways this character might be reminding us of Jesus with this action. In the end, the book will revisit each hidden image and reveal how this part of the story points forward to something that Christ has done. Each story points readers to the gospel.
My kids LOVE finding the “clues” in these books and looking for the “Jesus moments.” I love that these books teach kids to look for and recognize ways that the Old Testament points us to Christ.
Highly recommend!
The story of Samson is a fascinating real-life story. Reading this book together is an amazing way to introduce children to Samson’s story in an age-appropriate way. Even as an adult, this book helped me see similarities between Samson’s story and Jesus’ that I hadn’t noticed before!
Every time I get to read and share one of the books in this beautiful series, I get so excited about it. I truly adore these titles! These books are so well-written and beautifully illustrated.
Finding Jesus in the Story of Samson is every bit as incredible as each of the others which came before it. So far, this series covers biblical stories of Jonah, David, Moses, Esther, Ruth, and now Samson. I can’t wait for more!
If you are unfamiliar with this series, each book tells a Bible story with hidden (think: seek and find) images throughout. These images appear when someone in the story is acting in a way that points us to Christ–when they are being a “type” of Christ, to put it into literary terms. As children find these images, there is an opportunity to discuss together in what ways this character might be reminding us of Jesus with this action. In the end, the book will revisit each hidden image and reveal how this part of the story points forward to something that Christ has done. Each story points readers to the gospel.
My kids LOVE finding the “clues” in these books and looking for the “Jesus moments.” I love that these books teach kids to look for and recognize ways that the Old Testament points us to Christ.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Jesus rose from the dead and walked on the road to Emmaus, He taught His disciples how the Old Testament Scriptures are about Him: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).
The Old Testament is full of stories that, without this context, can seem disjointed or confusing in how they connect to the New Testament. If we don’t recognize that all of Scripture is meant to point us to Jesus, we can end up trying to place ourselves into stories—like that of Samson—in ways that actually misapply them. But when we understand that these stories ultimately point to Christ, we can then apply them rightly. That’s exactly what this wonderful series does for children, offering little hints throughout that highlight moments which remind us of Jesus.
The newest book in the series tells the story of Samson. Though he wasn’t deeply interested in God’s people and had many personal failings, God used him nonetheless. He was a deliverer of God’s people, but an imperfect one. Jesus, however, is the perfect Deliverer who saves His people once and for all.
Throughout the book, there are hidden combs that children will enjoy searching for. At the end, the “glimpses” of Jesus are explained. For example, the Philistine rulers offered Delilah thousands of silver coins to betray Samson—and she did—just as Judas would later betray Jesus. And when Samson stood in the temple of Dagon with his arms outstretched against the pillars as he was mocked, it points us to how Jesus was also mocked by His enemies while His arms were outstretched on the cross. In his death, Samson brought deliverance to God’s people from their enemies, just as Jesus, through His death, saves His people from sin and death.
I especially loved the illustrations in this one, particularly toward the end. The combs were very well hidden, which made it so fun for my son and me to search for them together. I definitely recommend this book, along with the others in this growing series that I’ve had the joy of reading.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest thoughts.
The Old Testament is full of stories that, without this context, can seem disjointed or confusing in how they connect to the New Testament. If we don’t recognize that all of Scripture is meant to point us to Jesus, we can end up trying to place ourselves into stories—like that of Samson—in ways that actually misapply them. But when we understand that these stories ultimately point to Christ, we can then apply them rightly. That’s exactly what this wonderful series does for children, offering little hints throughout that highlight moments which remind us of Jesus.
The newest book in the series tells the story of Samson. Though he wasn’t deeply interested in God’s people and had many personal failings, God used him nonetheless. He was a deliverer of God’s people, but an imperfect one. Jesus, however, is the perfect Deliverer who saves His people once and for all.
Throughout the book, there are hidden combs that children will enjoy searching for. At the end, the “glimpses” of Jesus are explained. For example, the Philistine rulers offered Delilah thousands of silver coins to betray Samson—and she did—just as Judas would later betray Jesus. And when Samson stood in the temple of Dagon with his arms outstretched against the pillars as he was mocked, it points us to how Jesus was also mocked by His enemies while His arms were outstretched on the cross. In his death, Samson brought deliverance to God’s people from their enemies, just as Jesus, through His death, saves His people from sin and death.
I especially loved the illustrations in this one, particularly toward the end. The combs were very well hidden, which made it so fun for my son and me to search for them together. I definitely recommend this book, along with the others in this growing series that I’ve had the joy of reading.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When you grow up hearing all the Bible stories in isolation, it can be easy to miss the big story. Over the past decade, many good children's books have attempted to show children this "big story" of the Bible.
The Jesus Moments series demonstrates how God's plan has always been one of sin, separation, and redemption.
This book is NOT saying that Samson is Jesus, but that parts of Samson's story point us to Christ. Samson was betrayed by a friend and later saved his people, just as Jesus did.
Children will love the "seek and find" aspect of this book. Hidden combs in the illustrations indicate when part of Samson's life parallels something in Christ's life.
What's Missing :
When I was a child, there were some parts of Samson's story that I didn't understand because most storybooks don't include them or poorly explained them.
We all know that Samson didn't cut his hair, but the Nazarite vow included other limitations as well. Samson broke these other parts of the vow before his hair was cut.
The book unintentionally implies that Samson's strength was in his hair. After his hair is cut, it says, "It looked like the end for Samson. But his hair began to grow...." The book does, however, also say that Samson prayed for strength to push down the pillars of the temple, reinforcing that Samson's strength came from God, not his hair.
Recommendation:
I enjoyed looking at Samson's story from a new angle, and I look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this book for children ages 4-10.
The Jesus Moments series demonstrates how God's plan has always been one of sin, separation, and redemption.
This book is NOT saying that Samson is Jesus, but that parts of Samson's story point us to Christ. Samson was betrayed by a friend and later saved his people, just as Jesus did.
Children will love the "seek and find" aspect of this book. Hidden combs in the illustrations indicate when part of Samson's life parallels something in Christ's life.
What's Missing :
When I was a child, there were some parts of Samson's story that I didn't understand because most storybooks don't include them or poorly explained them.
We all know that Samson didn't cut his hair, but the Nazarite vow included other limitations as well. Samson broke these other parts of the vow before his hair was cut.
The book unintentionally implies that Samson's strength was in his hair. After his hair is cut, it says, "It looked like the end for Samson. But his hair began to grow...." The book does, however, also say that Samson prayed for strength to push down the pillars of the temple, reinforcing that Samson's strength came from God, not his hair.
Recommendation:
I enjoyed looking at Samson's story from a new angle, and I look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this book for children ages 4-10.
June 5, 2026
This review contains affiliate links.
I received Jesus Moments: Samson compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
Jesus Moments: Samson is the latest installment in the Jesus Moments series. This book is a retelling of Samson's life as detailed in Judges. As Samson's strength was in his hair, this book has children look for hidden combs throughout its pages to identify "Jesus Moments," which are moments where Samson's story points to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Samson made some pretty wicked choices, and this book does a great job of truthfully sharing about them in a way that is appropriate for children.
I love that this book, along with the entire series, helps children make whole Bible connections. Rather than viewing Bible stories individually, this series helps children see how all of Scripture points to Jesus. Although this is a children's book, I found that it opened my eyes to connections in Scripture I hadn't previously noticed. My four year old son has asked for this book on repeat, and I'm thrilled that it's caused curiosity about Christ early on. Overall, this is a fantastic Christian picture book and series, and I highly recommend it!
I received Jesus Moments: Samson compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
Jesus Moments: Samson is the latest installment in the Jesus Moments series. This book is a retelling of Samson's life as detailed in Judges. As Samson's strength was in his hair, this book has children look for hidden combs throughout its pages to identify "Jesus Moments," which are moments where Samson's story points to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Samson made some pretty wicked choices, and this book does a great job of truthfully sharing about them in a way that is appropriate for children.
I love that this book, along with the entire series, helps children make whole Bible connections. Rather than viewing Bible stories individually, this series helps children see how all of Scripture points to Jesus. Although this is a children's book, I found that it opened my eyes to connections in Scripture I hadn't previously noticed. My four year old son has asked for this book on repeat, and I'm thrilled that it's caused curiosity about Christ early on. Overall, this is a fantastic Christian picture book and series, and I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you want to move faster in your kids' biblical literacy, remove the idea that the Old Testament is just a list of moral lessons.
The story of Samson is often told as a lesson on "making better choices," but it's actually a beautiful, messy shadow of the Cross. This book helps you make that connection effortless during storytime. 🕊️💪
This book is number 6 in a clever series designed to train children's eyes to see how the Old Testament points to the Gospel. (All others apart from Jonah are pictured in the final slide).
How it Works
💪The Narrative: It tells the story of Samson faithfully, focusing on his role as a "deliverer" chosen by God.
✝️The "Jesus Moment": On specific pages, the book highlights parallels between Samson and Jesus—like how both were betrayed for silver or won their greatest victory through their death.
🪮The Hidden Combs: Each book in the series features a hidden honey comb on the pages where a "Jesus Moment" occurs. Kids love the "search and find" element, which reinforces the idea that we have to look closely to find Jesus in the Old Testament.
Who’s It For?
Aimed at ages 3-7
❤️Why We Love It
✨Gospel-First: It moves past the "be a hero" moralism and focuses on our need for a Savior.
✨Engaging Art: The illustrations are vibrant and keep even high-energy kids focused.
✨Interactive Theology: It makes deep biblical theology (Typology) feel like a fun game, building a foundation for how they will read the Bible for the rest of their lives.
The story of Samson is often told as a lesson on "making better choices," but it's actually a beautiful, messy shadow of the Cross. This book helps you make that connection effortless during storytime. 🕊️💪
This book is number 6 in a clever series designed to train children's eyes to see how the Old Testament points to the Gospel. (All others apart from Jonah are pictured in the final slide).
How it Works
💪The Narrative: It tells the story of Samson faithfully, focusing on his role as a "deliverer" chosen by God.
✝️The "Jesus Moment": On specific pages, the book highlights parallels between Samson and Jesus—like how both were betrayed for silver or won their greatest victory through their death.
🪮The Hidden Combs: Each book in the series features a hidden honey comb on the pages where a "Jesus Moment" occurs. Kids love the "search and find" element, which reinforces the idea that we have to look closely to find Jesus in the Old Testament.
Who’s It For?
Aimed at ages 3-7
❤️Why We Love It
✨Gospel-First: It moves past the "be a hero" moralism and focuses on our need for a Savior.
✨Engaging Art: The illustrations are vibrant and keep even high-energy kids focused.
✨Interactive Theology: It makes deep biblical theology (Typology) feel like a fun game, building a foundation for how they will read the Bible for the rest of their lives.
May 23, 2026
If you aren't familiar with Alison Mitchell's series, she takes readers through Old Testament stories and reveals where Jesus is in the story. These Jesus moments are "when someone or something in the story is a little bit like Jesus." And you know there is a Jesus moment when you spot a hidden comb. The hidden items keep kids engaged and excited!
The stories are faithful to the Bible and connect the Old Testament to the New in a unique and thought provoking way.
While I'm always excited for a new book in this series, I was particularly excited for this one. My daughter watched a cartoon on Samson in school and it terrified her (they showed his eyes bleeding). After that she didn't even want the name Samson mentioned! While she was hesitant to read this story at first, I'm happy to report that she liked the illustrations (particularly the one where Samson has a lion stuffy), and was able to enjoy this storybook. She saw where Jesus is in the story and felt less afraid.
The book covers Samson's life clearly and concisely! My daughter is 7 and she was able to comprehend it all (she was a little confused about the "poor" foxes). It doesn't skip over the hard parts of the story and shows how Samson's life (his rescuing, his betrayal, his death) all pointed to Jesus's life.
The story ends encouraging kids to ask Jesus to rescue them so they can live with Him forever.
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The stories are faithful to the Bible and connect the Old Testament to the New in a unique and thought provoking way.
While I'm always excited for a new book in this series, I was particularly excited for this one. My daughter watched a cartoon on Samson in school and it terrified her (they showed his eyes bleeding). After that she didn't even want the name Samson mentioned! While she was hesitant to read this story at first, I'm happy to report that she liked the illustrations (particularly the one where Samson has a lion stuffy), and was able to enjoy this storybook. She saw where Jesus is in the story and felt less afraid.
The book covers Samson's life clearly and concisely! My daughter is 7 and she was able to comprehend it all (she was a little confused about the "poor" foxes). It doesn't skip over the hard parts of the story and shows how Samson's life (his rescuing, his betrayal, his death) all pointed to Jesus's life.
The story ends encouraging kids to ask Jesus to rescue them so they can live with Him forever.
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2026
This fun, interactive picture book helps children practice their Bible reading skills while discovering how the whole Bible points to Jesus!
In Samson’s story, every time there’s a moment that echoes Jesus, a hidden comb appears for little ones to spot. These clever signposts beautifully connect the Old and New Testaments. At the end of the book, each “Jesus moment” is clearly explained in simple language.
With easy-to-understand text and vibrant, full-page illustrations that bring the story to life, this book is a wonderful way to make Scripture come alive for kids. It’s the first in the series we’ve read, and we greatly enjoyed it! (It's a great story for boys.)We’re already looking forward to the next one.
5/5 ⭐️ I highly recommend this well-done adaptation!
In Samson’s story, every time there’s a moment that echoes Jesus, a hidden comb appears for little ones to spot. These clever signposts beautifully connect the Old and New Testaments. At the end of the book, each “Jesus moment” is clearly explained in simple language.
With easy-to-understand text and vibrant, full-page illustrations that bring the story to life, this book is a wonderful way to make Scripture come alive for kids. It’s the first in the series we’ve read, and we greatly enjoyed it! (It's a great story for boys.)We’re already looking forward to the next one.
5/5 ⭐️ I highly recommend this well-done adaptation!
May 1, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved reading this picture book. I am always looking for books that show the big picture of the Gospel and salvation! Seeing how this book shows how Jesus can be found in the stories I grew up reading is such a wonderful teaching tool for families and children's ministries. I will be adding these books to our home library asap!
I absolutely loved reading this picture book. I am always looking for books that show the big picture of the Gospel and salvation! Seeing how this book shows how Jesus can be found in the stories I grew up reading is such a wonderful teaching tool for families and children's ministries. I will be adding these books to our home library asap!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Samson is not a Bible story we hear very often, and yet there are so many “Jesus Moments” in his life that point to the life of Jesus. A great addition to this Jesus Moments series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews