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GraceFull: Growing a Heart That Cares for Our Neighbors
Hope and Anna love seeing each other at church. When a Sunday grace offering is collected to help lift up Anna’s homeless family, Hope begins to ask questions and has a unique opportunity to learn what grace looks like, both for her and for Anna’s immigrant family. This touching story teaches children that God showers grace that is meant to be shared—allowing us all to be GraceFull!
In this follow up to her first two books, ColorFull and ThoughtFull , Dorena Williamson opens a dialogue on the tough subjects of poverty and homelessness and offers children encouragement to show God’s grace and love to others whose home life or homeland might look very different than their own.
Also
Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us
Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us
In this follow up to her first two books, ColorFull and ThoughtFull , Dorena Williamson opens a dialogue on the tough subjects of poverty and homelessness and offers children encouragement to show God’s grace and love to others whose home life or homeland might look very different than their own.
Also
Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us
Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 18, 2019
I live in a college community in the Midwest. We have a lot of cultures and background represented in our community--and we have a problem with homelessness. I like finding books that help address issues that I can talk to children about. GraceFull by Dorena Williamson is a great book to help children understand the tough subject of homelessness.
Hope and Anna are friends at church. Anna's family is facing some challenges right now as her father lost his job. GraceFull briefly shares their story and talks about how we can help others facing similar struggles. This book also opens the door for more discussions at home or this book could be used in a group setting like a Sunday School class. The Parent Connection page in the page of the book makes sharing the book and learning through the story even easier as there is a correlating Bible verse and a series of questions to ask and think about together.
I enjoyed GraceFull. Williamson's books are so good at helping kids see past differences and helping them look at struggles in a more positive way. This book encourages children to help those who are struggling and I especially love that. The illustrations are also so bright and vibrant that they bring the story to life and make the pages so fun to look at. The suggested age range is four to eight years old. But I would say in family situations, children as old as 12 would enjoy the book with their siblings as they work together to answer questions and to think about how they could make a difference in their own community. I highly recommend GraceFull and all of Williamson's books.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Hope and Anna are friends at church. Anna's family is facing some challenges right now as her father lost his job. GraceFull briefly shares their story and talks about how we can help others facing similar struggles. This book also opens the door for more discussions at home or this book could be used in a group setting like a Sunday School class. The Parent Connection page in the page of the book makes sharing the book and learning through the story even easier as there is a correlating Bible verse and a series of questions to ask and think about together.
I enjoyed GraceFull. Williamson's books are so good at helping kids see past differences and helping them look at struggles in a more positive way. This book encourages children to help those who are struggling and I especially love that. The illustrations are also so bright and vibrant that they bring the story to life and make the pages so fun to look at. The suggested age range is four to eight years old. But I would say in family situations, children as old as 12 would enjoy the book with their siblings as they work together to answer questions and to think about how they could make a difference in their own community. I highly recommend GraceFull and all of Williamson's books.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 14, 2019
Sometimes I wonder about the thought processes of authors and publishers. I mean most adult books are probably not anything that a child would enjoy, or learn from, but the opposite isn’t always true. Some books, marketed for children, should be read by adults because of the important lessons they teach.
GraceFull: Growing a Heart That Cares for Our Neighbors by Ms Dorena Williamson (B&H Kids, 209) is definitely one of those books. Although it’s billed as appropriate for pre-school through 3rd grade, or kids 4-8 years old. I was fascinated by it, and kept thinking how better our world would be if politicians could only learn some of the basic concepts of enjoying the grace that God showers on each of us, and then showering grace on others to the same degree.
This is a story of a church which practices loving others, and a story of a little girl who shares with a friend in need. It’s also a reminder that regardless of ethnic background, or national origin, people are worthy of love. And with the growing number of homeless people in our communities, what a wonderful reminder that although there are some resources available, at times there is still a need for individuals and faith communities to step up and offer a hand up.
And if the story line isn’t compelling enough, the beautiful illustrations by Geneva B make this book one that you’ll want in your child’s library. It will delight the child, and the adult who reads it to their ‘little’. I loved it on a number of levels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of their blogger program, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
5/5 definitely an A+ book
GraceFull: Growing a Heart That Cares for Our Neighbors by Ms Dorena Williamson (B&H Kids, 209) is definitely one of those books. Although it’s billed as appropriate for pre-school through 3rd grade, or kids 4-8 years old. I was fascinated by it, and kept thinking how better our world would be if politicians could only learn some of the basic concepts of enjoying the grace that God showers on each of us, and then showering grace on others to the same degree.
This is a story of a church which practices loving others, and a story of a little girl who shares with a friend in need. It’s also a reminder that regardless of ethnic background, or national origin, people are worthy of love. And with the growing number of homeless people in our communities, what a wonderful reminder that although there are some resources available, at times there is still a need for individuals and faith communities to step up and offer a hand up.
And if the story line isn’t compelling enough, the beautiful illustrations by Geneva B make this book one that you’ll want in your child’s library. It will delight the child, and the adult who reads it to their ‘little’. I loved it on a number of levels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of their blogger program, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
5/5 definitely an A+ book
March 24, 2019
My girls are always excited to receive a new book and GraceFull by Dorena Williamson was no exception. As is the case with most of their books, my daughters were first intrigued by the colorful illustrations, but they also enjoyed the story line. Having previously read ColorFull and ThoughtFull by the same author, they recognized Ahanu (from ThoughtFull) immediately and were delighted to see him again.
I recommend GraceFull: Growing a Heart that Cares for Our Neighbors by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Geneva B to anyone with a child ages 3-8 in their life. My younger daughter asks me to read this book almost every day. She says her favorite thing about the book is Anna and Hope at the Chen House because they are nice to each other. My older daughter asks for it less, but reads it herself.
GraceFull's main theme centers on the effects of God-given grace. The premise is that when we receive this grace, it overflows out of us to others. Supporting themes of generosity, kindness, inclusion, and racial diversity are laced throughout the story. GraceFull reminds the reader, child or adult, to look beyond our own needs and wants so that we can give compassion and grace. As a mother of young ones, I appreciate resources such as GraceFull that help instill the values I hope my daughters will one day embrace for themselves.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I recommend GraceFull: Growing a Heart that Cares for Our Neighbors by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Geneva B to anyone with a child ages 3-8 in their life. My younger daughter asks me to read this book almost every day. She says her favorite thing about the book is Anna and Hope at the Chen House because they are nice to each other. My older daughter asks for it less, but reads it herself.
GraceFull's main theme centers on the effects of God-given grace. The premise is that when we receive this grace, it overflows out of us to others. Supporting themes of generosity, kindness, inclusion, and racial diversity are laced throughout the story. GraceFull reminds the reader, child or adult, to look beyond our own needs and wants so that we can give compassion and grace. As a mother of young ones, I appreciate resources such as GraceFull that help instill the values I hope my daughters will one day embrace for themselves.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
May 2, 2019
In keeping with the first two books in the series by Dorena Williamson, children are led beautifully through issues with which they might be confronted in today's world. I reviewed both previous books and found that they gently handled issues of racial differences and respecting and appreciating the differences in children or individuals who have different abilities - intellectually, socially, and physically. In this the third book, children see the world of homelessness and displaced or immigrant families and their needs.
The story has children and their families involved in their church's outreach to the families in their area who are temporarily housed in the Chen House while awaiting more permanent accommodations. The hands on and family togetherness to support the Chen House project provides an avenue for extending God's Grace to others in a positive and resourceful way.
Nicely told, well illustrated and a "teaching moment" story to read to children. Perhaps it will plant ideas on how to show God's Grace in the parents hearts as well.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
The story has children and their families involved in their church's outreach to the families in their area who are temporarily housed in the Chen House while awaiting more permanent accommodations. The hands on and family togetherness to support the Chen House project provides an avenue for extending God's Grace to others in a positive and resourceful way.
Nicely told, well illustrated and a "teaching moment" story to read to children. Perhaps it will plant ideas on how to show God's Grace in the parents hearts as well.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
March 15, 2019
I was excited to receive this book for review. I love being able to read with my seven-year-old! The colors and illustrations were very pleasing to my child, and she was excited to sit down and read it.
The story line was great and my daughter followed along easily. She came away understanding that we are to be kind to our neighbors and to try and help whenever you can. She also understood that people shouldn’t judge others and that sometimes bad things just happen to people.
However, I am not sure that my daughter understands being full of grace any better than she did before. The analogies used made sense to me and I found them useful, but I’m not sure my seven-year-old comprehended them. Maybe in a year or so, she will grasp the concept better. It is a hard concept after all!
I do recommend this book for those looking to expose children to the idea of homelessness and how to help others. It is very good for this message and the ideas came across very clearly.
*********
Laura is a trusted reviewer for B&H Publishing (Lifeway). In exchange for her unbiased reviews, she is supplied a hard copy for free.
The story line was great and my daughter followed along easily. She came away understanding that we are to be kind to our neighbors and to try and help whenever you can. She also understood that people shouldn’t judge others and that sometimes bad things just happen to people.
However, I am not sure that my daughter understands being full of grace any better than she did before. The analogies used made sense to me and I found them useful, but I’m not sure my seven-year-old comprehended them. Maybe in a year or so, she will grasp the concept better. It is a hard concept after all!
I do recommend this book for those looking to expose children to the idea of homelessness and how to help others. It is very good for this message and the ideas came across very clearly.
*********
Laura is a trusted reviewer for B&H Publishing (Lifeway). In exchange for her unbiased reviews, she is supplied a hard copy for free.
March 20, 2019
I’ve reviewed the other books in this series so I was very excited to see another one release! Teaching kindness and empathy to kids is incredibly vital it it’s to become a part of their character.
I live in an area that’s not quite the middle of nowhere but certainly far from being considered a city. To be honest I have close to no exposure to the homeless. Anytime a family from a church I’ve attended became “homeless” they were able to stay with other family or friends from church until they got back on their feet. But while this may not be relevant in the area I live, it’s still an important message to be shared with kids. It teaches them to not only be grateful for what they have themselves, but to graceful and giving to others. It’s a conversation starter for families, and depending on where you live it could spark a great family volunteer opportunity.
I recommend each of the books in this series and hope that the author continues to produce more. It’s always great when a children’s story is also able to teach them important life lessons.
*I received a copy of this book from B&H Kids Publishing. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I live in an area that’s not quite the middle of nowhere but certainly far from being considered a city. To be honest I have close to no exposure to the homeless. Anytime a family from a church I’ve attended became “homeless” they were able to stay with other family or friends from church until they got back on their feet. But while this may not be relevant in the area I live, it’s still an important message to be shared with kids. It teaches them to not only be grateful for what they have themselves, but to graceful and giving to others. It’s a conversation starter for families, and depending on where you live it could spark a great family volunteer opportunity.
I recommend each of the books in this series and hope that the author continues to produce more. It’s always great when a children’s story is also able to teach them important life lessons.
*I received a copy of this book from B&H Kids Publishing. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 2, 2022
This is a story of Hope and the family of her new friend Anna Habib. Anna's family is homeless as the story begins. It is announced in church that there is an opportunity that week to volunteer in the local homeless shelter where Anna's family is staying. Hope and her mom go to volunteer, work in a garden that helps feed homeless families, and Hope learns that all good gifts are from God. The book weaves together an introductory and thoughtful look at homelessness and how we can be used by God to show His grace to those in need. The last page of the book contains ideas and questions for parents to discuss with kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
This sweet book about new friends, caring hearts, and the grace of giving to help others, weaves a tale of friendship and compassion. The bright pictures provide a wonderful setting as the story teaches the abundance of gracing others as we ourselves have been showered by God's grace.
The end of the book includes a page with a Scripture reading reference and paragraphs about the concept of the Scripture as well as a THINK section with five questions about the story for further in depth examination of the lessons to learn.
I received a copy to review and all opinions are 100% mine.
The end of the book includes a page with a Scripture reading reference and paragraphs about the concept of the Scripture as well as a THINK section with five questions about the story for further in depth examination of the lessons to learn.
I received a copy to review and all opinions are 100% mine.
April 11, 2024
When the church takes a grace offering to help the Habib family "get on their feet," Hope learns about homeless shelters. She gets to align her heart with God and care for her neighbors. We see the Habib family move into a home & Grace develop a friendship with the Habib's daughter.
The book has a devotional in the back. The story explains the definition of grace as Hope & her family help out the Habibs in their need.
I really enjoyed this story & think it's great for developing compassion in kids. It also helps them to better understand the heart of Christ.
The book has a devotional in the back. The story explains the definition of grace as Hope & her family help out the Habibs in their need.
I really enjoyed this story & think it's great for developing compassion in kids. It also helps them to better understand the heart of Christ.
July 11, 2019
3.5 stars
A sweet look at how children and their families can reach out to those around them who are in need of help and encouragement.
A sweet look at how children and their families can reach out to those around them who are in need of help and encouragement.
July 23, 2020
Hope learns that through God's grace, we can show love to others in their time of need.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
Grace — unmerited favor that God showers down on His people. That grace is the foundation of Dorena Williamson’s book Gracefull, a colorful storybook for kids ages 4-8. In the book, Hope gets a glimpse at the very different life her friend’s family faces. Homeless and needing a big help up, Anna and her family are sheltering at Chen House. I loved that the two girls in the story are seen as peers, not one that has more and one who has less. The storyline revolves around helping others as a response to the grace that God has shared with us. The subtitle, Growing A Heart That Cares for Our Neighbors, summarizes what the book is all about. Williamson tells her story in a natural way allowing kids to see that there are others out their who need our help. The illustrations are bright and bold, and include a diverse group of people. The message is simple, but this book will springboard into deeper conversations. To help guide parents, a scripture passage reinforcing the message and discussion questions to make little ones (and their parents 😉 ) think are include. Gracefull makes a great addition to any home library.
Recommended.
Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their family
(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Recommended.
Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their family
(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
March 23, 2021
"GraceFull" is my favorite Dorena Williamson children's book. The story most certainly encourages conversations regarding how to treat those who are different, those we do not agree with or understand. We are to show them grace, a concept so beautifully portrayed in these pages. Grace is like a colorful, lush garden growing between cracking concrete sidewalks and city walls.
Adults, this book will leave you pondering.
Adults, this book will leave you pondering.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews