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Tales That Tell the Truth
Goodbye to Goodbyes: A True Story About Jesus, Lazarus, and an Empty Tomb
Jesus knew how scary it is when someone gets really sick. He knew how sad it is when someone dies. Jesus cried when his friend, Lazarus, died. But he did something at his friend’s tomb that changed everything. He showed that he came to give his friends life in the land that lies after our dying.
In this retelling of the story of Lazarus, Lauren Chandler helps children understand how Jesus makes all the difference to death. Children will see that because Jesus rose from death, he has power over it and all who believe in him will also rise, just as Lazarus did.
In this retelling of the story of Lazarus, Lauren Chandler helps children understand how Jesus makes all the difference to death. Children will see that because Jesus rose from death, he has power over it and all who believe in him will also rise, just as Lazarus did.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Chandler
25 books54 followersLauren Chandler is a wife and mother of three. Her husband, Matt Chandler, serves as the lead teaching pastor at The Village Church in Dallas, Texas. Lauren is passionate about writing, music and leading worship, not only at The Village Church, but also for groups across the country. The Lord has taken Matt and Lauren on a challenging journey, beginning with the November 2009 discovery of a malignant brain tumor in Matt. The Lord has been infinitely merciful to provide peace and comfort in uncertainty, and joy in times of victory and healing. Lauren and her family have been given a deeper trust in clinging to the Lord and his cross during this appointed season of valleys and storms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 4, 2025
Goodbye To Goodbyes is part of my favorite children's series, Christian or not. Every time a new book comes out in this series, I get all excited and for good reason. They hired the best children's illustrator I know and partner with some fantastic writers to bring gospel-centered stories to children. But like Pixar films, these books are great for adults too. These books remind you of truths you may have forgotten. To date, this series has included some of the best summaries of the gospel itself (The Garden, The Curtain, And The Cross) and the gospel's implications (God's Very Good Idea). Each year, these book vie for a place in my "Five Favorite Books of the Year" post, and many times win it!
This year has been good to me because publisher (The Good Book Company) has release TWO new books in this series this year. My review for the first book The Friend Who Forgives can be found here. Goodbye To Goodbyes is the brand new book in the series.
And. It. Is. GLORIOUS.
This time around they partnered with author Lauren Chandler and focused the story around the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Especially for a kids book, Goodbye handles the topic of grief and death in such a deft and caring way. The author's center-point for the story comes from the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept." Chandler mentions that even though Jesus knew what He was about to do (resurrect Lazarus), He wept with and comforted his friends, Mary and Martha. This is not a quick half page drawing. This core of the story lasts 4-6 pages of the book's 32 page count. The ending is equally as long where it reminds us that, in Christ, true goodbyes (death) are not forever. Yet the book isn't trite. It doesn't pursue some "just be happy because of what Christ will someday do" thinking like many believers are wont to thinking. Instead it pushes us to accept grief and find the love, care, and compassion of Christ in the middle of it.
Being reminded of how DEEP Jesus cares for us in our pain and grief broke me. I physically wept. That is how good this book is. Needless to say my wife wept as well and my children adore this book.
My mother died 5 years ago (almost within 2 weeks of this review). My kids still cry in the middle of the night missing and asking for "Gigi" (my mom). This book will drastically help them with their continuing grief, as it also helps my wife and me. With Christ, goodbyes aren't forever.
This book is easily five stars and is probably my second favorite in the series (GGC still #1 for me).
P.S. One of my favorite things about Catalina's illustrations are the small details and fun things she hides in her drawings. Many props for hiding CHARLES SPURGEON HIMSELF in one of the drawings. An extra star just for that.
This year has been good to me because publisher (The Good Book Company) has release TWO new books in this series this year. My review for the first book The Friend Who Forgives can be found here. Goodbye To Goodbyes is the brand new book in the series.
And. It. Is. GLORIOUS.
This time around they partnered with author Lauren Chandler and focused the story around the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Especially for a kids book, Goodbye handles the topic of grief and death in such a deft and caring way. The author's center-point for the story comes from the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept." Chandler mentions that even though Jesus knew what He was about to do (resurrect Lazarus), He wept with and comforted his friends, Mary and Martha. This is not a quick half page drawing. This core of the story lasts 4-6 pages of the book's 32 page count. The ending is equally as long where it reminds us that, in Christ, true goodbyes (death) are not forever. Yet the book isn't trite. It doesn't pursue some "just be happy because of what Christ will someday do" thinking like many believers are wont to thinking. Instead it pushes us to accept grief and find the love, care, and compassion of Christ in the middle of it.
Being reminded of how DEEP Jesus cares for us in our pain and grief broke me. I physically wept. That is how good this book is. Needless to say my wife wept as well and my children adore this book.
My mother died 5 years ago (almost within 2 weeks of this review). My kids still cry in the middle of the night missing and asking for "Gigi" (my mom). This book will drastically help them with their continuing grief, as it also helps my wife and me. With Christ, goodbyes aren't forever.
This book is easily five stars and is probably my second favorite in the series (GGC still #1 for me).
P.S. One of my favorite things about Catalina's illustrations are the small details and fun things she hides in her drawings. Many props for hiding CHARLES SPURGEON HIMSELF in one of the drawings. An extra star just for that.
April 20, 2020
I love this book for introducing kids to the biblical truth of eternal life through Jesus. It was a helpful one to have on hand when my mom was in the end stage of brain cancer. When my own grief was so intense that I couldn’t focus on the books for adults, the simple truth in this story ministered to my heart in a profound way. I even read it to my mom the day she died.
November 12, 2024
I love this series and this one does not disappoint.
5/27/20 Read with Naomi and Julia
6/27/20 Read with Julia
9/7/20 Read with Julia, Savannah, and Sophia
10/10/24 Read with my preschool class
5/27/20 Read with Naomi and Julia
6/27/20 Read with Julia
9/7/20 Read with Julia, Savannah, and Sophia
10/10/24 Read with my preschool class
May 10, 2021
(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
Such good kid's book! I love how it takes such a difficult topic & puts it in a way that kid's can understand. It does this while applying the truth of the Bible as well. I would definitely recommend this book.
Such good kid's book! I love how it takes such a difficult topic & puts it in a way that kid's can understand. It does this while applying the truth of the Bible as well. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 11, 2019
The Good Book Co. does it again—a children’s book that is beautifully illustrated and movingly written about Jesus. What a joy to have books like these to read to our children.
August 24, 2019
Excellently done, this book will be a great tool for helping kids (and anyone actually) understand death & saying goodbye to loved ones.
May 27, 2024
I love this book. A beautiful retelling of the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and us.
April 11, 2020
Children’s books are everywhere.
Children’s retellings of Bible stories are everywhere.
And the quality…well…in my experience, the quality ranges.
How are we supposed to sort through it all?
Early on, with my kids, I developed some guidelines for choosing a children’s Bible storybook.
Is the story biblically accurate?
Is the story relationally applicable?
Does the story’s language/vocabulary fit the intended audience?
Are the illustrations diverse?
And whenever somebody asks me for a practical example of those four guidelines, I inevitably point them toward Tales that Tell the Truth. There are currently ten books in the series (the latest upcoming June 2020) along with a variety of supplemental materials like coloring books that accompany each volume. The series has a variety of authors with illustrator Catalina Echeverri providing a cohesive stylistic design.
Goodbye to Goodbyes | Tales that Tell the Truth
Goodbye to Goodbyes leads readers on a journey through the story of Jesus, Lazarus, and an empty tomb. The first few panels set the context, showing Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as close friends of Jesus. We’re taken through the beginning of Lazarus’s illness, along with the realization that their friend Jesus, the miracle-worker, could help.
We are told of all the miracles Jesus had done. The blind see. The deaf hear. The lame walk. Surely he could heal Lazarus. So they send him a message. Lord Jesus, Our brother Lazarus, the friend that you love, is sick. Come quickly!
But Jesus does not come quickly. The next few panels show what he did not do. If you don’t know the story, and little ones might not, it’s confusing and surprising. Even if you do know the story, if you really think about it, it seems odd. Jesus waits until Lazarus has died. He had healed the sick, but he had never raised the dead.
,
The panel that illustrates Martha running to Jesus is just heart-wrenching. Echeverri captures the pain of Martha—and the pain of Jesus. The theology of Martha’s answer is a little simplified. Chandler captures the meaning of her words without having to navigate the nuances of Jewish eschatology. It shows a delicate and sure balance of communicating Scripture accurately and communicating Scripture understandably.
Lazarus is raised to life and Chandler pivots from that Resurrection to the future resurrection of all believers. We all have to say goodbye sometimes…sometimes, because they die, we have to say goodbye. It feels like a forever goodbye. Jesus knows it is sad to say goodbye. So Jesus came to end goodbyes.
This theology of death is precisely what young ones need. As a pastor, I’ve seen parents struggle with how to talk to their little one about the death of a grandparent or older relative or, more than once, a young friend. Goodbye to Goodbyes both validates the sadness but affirms that there will be reunion. It doesn’t tell us to not mourn, but to mourn as those who have hope. It teaches us that sadness and joy can coexist. This is a masterful work and a must-read.
Children’s retellings of Bible stories are everywhere.
And the quality…well…in my experience, the quality ranges.
How are we supposed to sort through it all?
Early on, with my kids, I developed some guidelines for choosing a children’s Bible storybook.
Is the story biblically accurate?
Is the story relationally applicable?
Does the story’s language/vocabulary fit the intended audience?
Are the illustrations diverse?
And whenever somebody asks me for a practical example of those four guidelines, I inevitably point them toward Tales that Tell the Truth. There are currently ten books in the series (the latest upcoming June 2020) along with a variety of supplemental materials like coloring books that accompany each volume. The series has a variety of authors with illustrator Catalina Echeverri providing a cohesive stylistic design.
Goodbye to Goodbyes | Tales that Tell the Truth
Goodbye to Goodbyes leads readers on a journey through the story of Jesus, Lazarus, and an empty tomb. The first few panels set the context, showing Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as close friends of Jesus. We’re taken through the beginning of Lazarus’s illness, along with the realization that their friend Jesus, the miracle-worker, could help.
We are told of all the miracles Jesus had done. The blind see. The deaf hear. The lame walk. Surely he could heal Lazarus. So they send him a message. Lord Jesus, Our brother Lazarus, the friend that you love, is sick. Come quickly!
But Jesus does not come quickly. The next few panels show what he did not do. If you don’t know the story, and little ones might not, it’s confusing and surprising. Even if you do know the story, if you really think about it, it seems odd. Jesus waits until Lazarus has died. He had healed the sick, but he had never raised the dead.
,
The panel that illustrates Martha running to Jesus is just heart-wrenching. Echeverri captures the pain of Martha—and the pain of Jesus. The theology of Martha’s answer is a little simplified. Chandler captures the meaning of her words without having to navigate the nuances of Jewish eschatology. It shows a delicate and sure balance of communicating Scripture accurately and communicating Scripture understandably.
Lazarus is raised to life and Chandler pivots from that Resurrection to the future resurrection of all believers. We all have to say goodbye sometimes…sometimes, because they die, we have to say goodbye. It feels like a forever goodbye. Jesus knows it is sad to say goodbye. So Jesus came to end goodbyes.
This theology of death is precisely what young ones need. As a pastor, I’ve seen parents struggle with how to talk to their little one about the death of a grandparent or older relative or, more than once, a young friend. Goodbye to Goodbyes both validates the sadness but affirms that there will be reunion. It doesn’t tell us to not mourn, but to mourn as those who have hope. It teaches us that sadness and joy can coexist. This is a masterful work and a must-read.
March 12, 2024
“Jesus knows it is sad to say goodbye. So Jesus came to end goodbyes.” Goodbye to Goodbyes by Lauren Chandler with illustrations by Catalina Echeverri recounts the story of Lazarus and God’s perfect plan.
Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, “and they were all friends with a man named Jesus.” One day, Lazarus got sick, and they knew Jesus could make him well, so they sent Him a message. But when Jesus heard his friend was sick, He did nothing! Jesus said He had a plan, and that they wouldn’t have to say goodbye forever. When Jesus finally arrives, four days after Lazarus died, Mary and Martha are heartbroken. They all cry together, even though they know that “there is a day coming when we will say goodbye to saying goodbyes forever.” Then Jesus commands for the stone to be taken away from Lazarus’s tomb, and says “Lazarus, come out!” And he did.
When the time came for Jesus to say goodbye and die, He also came out of the tomb alive. And upon His ascension, His friends knew they would see Him again, “in the land that lay after their dying, in the land where there are no more goodbyes- not ever.”
This is an absolutely beautiful book from the Tales that Tell the Truth series! The topic of death is difficult for adults to talk about, so having a story like this that explains to children there is hope because Jesus came to end all our goodbyes, is amazing. It takes the fear out of death, but also reassures kids that it’s okay to be sad and to weep. But then it reminds them that the goodbye isn’t forever because of an empty tomb.
I highly recommend this book for ages 4-8, and it would be a wonderful story to read for Easter. The book is perfect length and fast paced to keep kids attention, but also loses nothing from the story found in John chapter 11. As always, Echeverri’s illustrations are so unique, fun, and captivating to all ages!
“One day, Jesus and all His friends will say goodbye to goodbyes- forever!” As followers of Christ we look forward to that day and live with hope until that day comes. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believe in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26)
Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, “and they were all friends with a man named Jesus.” One day, Lazarus got sick, and they knew Jesus could make him well, so they sent Him a message. But when Jesus heard his friend was sick, He did nothing! Jesus said He had a plan, and that they wouldn’t have to say goodbye forever. When Jesus finally arrives, four days after Lazarus died, Mary and Martha are heartbroken. They all cry together, even though they know that “there is a day coming when we will say goodbye to saying goodbyes forever.” Then Jesus commands for the stone to be taken away from Lazarus’s tomb, and says “Lazarus, come out!” And he did.
When the time came for Jesus to say goodbye and die, He also came out of the tomb alive. And upon His ascension, His friends knew they would see Him again, “in the land that lay after their dying, in the land where there are no more goodbyes- not ever.”
This is an absolutely beautiful book from the Tales that Tell the Truth series! The topic of death is difficult for adults to talk about, so having a story like this that explains to children there is hope because Jesus came to end all our goodbyes, is amazing. It takes the fear out of death, but also reassures kids that it’s okay to be sad and to weep. But then it reminds them that the goodbye isn’t forever because of an empty tomb.
I highly recommend this book for ages 4-8, and it would be a wonderful story to read for Easter. The book is perfect length and fast paced to keep kids attention, but also loses nothing from the story found in John chapter 11. As always, Echeverri’s illustrations are so unique, fun, and captivating to all ages!
“One day, Jesus and all His friends will say goodbye to goodbyes- forever!” As followers of Christ we look forward to that day and live with hope until that day comes. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believe in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26)
January 4, 2022
There’s so many books with this illustrator (all published by The Good Book Company, I think) that are so incredible, but I especially wanted to highlight this one. On first opening it, one of the reviews at the beginning said, “made my heart leap and brought me to joyful tears!” I’m a cryer by nature, but I thought, “eh. It’s a children’s book. Sweet, I’m sure, but tears? C’mon.”
About 1/4 of the way through, I lost it. I could barely keep from sobbing as I read it to my daughter. This book handles sorrow and joy so wonderfully together. Death is sad; Alistair Begg says “we don’t moan, we groan.” Sin has ravaged this world, and to know everyone we love will have to die is almost unbearable…and yet, one day, we will say goodbye to goodbyes forevermore. We will rejoice with our King who conquered death once and for all. So we grieve and lament…but
“13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:13-18
What a glorious promise.
About 1/4 of the way through, I lost it. I could barely keep from sobbing as I read it to my daughter. This book handles sorrow and joy so wonderfully together. Death is sad; Alistair Begg says “we don’t moan, we groan.” Sin has ravaged this world, and to know everyone we love will have to die is almost unbearable…and yet, one day, we will say goodbye to goodbyes forevermore. We will rejoice with our King who conquered death once and for all. So we grieve and lament…but
“13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:13-18
What a glorious promise.
May 31, 2021
A picture book retelling of the Bible story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, with an emphasis on the way Jesus' own death and resurrection changed Christians' views of ultimate goodbyes.
These Tales That Tell the Truth from the Good Book Company are fantastic. I love how they retell the Bible stories in ways kids can grasp not only the events but also the big picture point of what those stories are trying to teach us. Also, the illustrations represent 1st century Middle Eastern culture well. Highly recommended for Christian families and schools.
These Tales That Tell the Truth from the Good Book Company are fantastic. I love how they retell the Bible stories in ways kids can grasp not only the events but also the big picture point of what those stories are trying to teach us. Also, the illustrations represent 1st century Middle Eastern culture well. Highly recommended for Christian families and schools.
June 4, 2021
This is a wonderful retelling of the true story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection from John 11:1-44. The pictures are engaging and the message of real hope after death for those that are in Christ is clear and easy to understand for little ones. I would highly recommend this book for all families whether facing grief or not. Even as an adult having faced the death of loved ones several times, even recently, reading this has my heart pumping a little faster. The day when we will say goodbye to goodbyes is indeed coming.
I just love this “Tales that Tell the Truth” series.
I just love this “Tales that Tell the Truth” series.
January 11, 2025
'Goodbye to Goodbyes' is another wonderful book for children. The narrative is simple yet meaningful, making it accessible for younger readers to understand the themes of death, resurrection, and hope.
The illustrations are bright and engaging, helping bring the story to life in a way that's both educational and captivating for kids. The message of God’s power over death and His love for us is beautifully conveyed in a way that’s perfect for teaching children about faith and the promises of Jesus.
The illustrations are bright and engaging, helping bring the story to life in a way that's both educational and captivating for kids. The message of God’s power over death and His love for us is beautifully conveyed in a way that’s perfect for teaching children about faith and the promises of Jesus.
January 1, 2020
Read this to my grandchildren after our daughter had a still birth. It was very helpful to the children in understanding that death is not forever for the believer. I felt the book could have gone a little further in clarifying the consequences of sin and that Jesus' tears were for that as well, but it did serve the purpose I had sought it for. I appreciate the author writing this book as there are few books out there that convey these kinds of truths to children.
June 10, 2019
A creative re-telling of one of the most recognizable stories in the New Testament; Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead; his family had "cried and cried and cried, because they'd had to say a forever goodbye".
"Jesus knows it is sad to say goodbye. So Jesus came to end goodbyes." And He did!
"Jesus knows it is sad to say goodbye. So Jesus came to end goodbyes." And He did!
August 14, 2020
The kids and I really enjoyed this book. The story of Lazarus is a rollercoaster of emotion and I appreciate the fact that the author doesn’t shy away from the topic of death and hope ultimately Christ is the one who conquers death and we will eventually say “goodbye to goodbyes”. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. I think we only need 2-3 of them.
December 8, 2025
This book, which retells the account of Christ raising Lazarus from the dead, uses child-friendly language while staying true to the biblical narrative. It then applies the biblical story to our lives today, reminding us that Christ came to end goodbyes. I highly recommend this book for all Christian families, especially if you are walking through a season of goodbyes.
June 1, 2021
Jesus taught Mary and Martha to say goodbye to goodbyes by bringing their brother back to life. He teaches all his friends to say goodbye to goodbyes by coming back to life himself.
Wonderful storytelling!
Wonderful storytelling!
February 16, 2022
Las ilustraciones son preciosas.
Un libro estilo cuento para contar a los niños sobre la muerte bajo la historia de Lázaro y cómo Jesús algún día nos espera en el cielo para nunca más tener que despedirnos.
(Las 5 🌟 son por las ilustraciones que son realmente espectaculares)
Un libro estilo cuento para contar a los niños sobre la muerte bajo la historia de Lázaro y cómo Jesús algún día nos espera en el cielo para nunca más tener que despedirnos.
(Las 5 🌟 son por las ilustraciones que son realmente espectaculares)
February 23, 2025
I loved this book! It tells the story of Lazarus in a way that is funny, appealing, and emotionally stirring, then ties it to the death and resurrection of Christ and His promise that goodbyes are not forever. Destined to be an Easter favorite for sure!
January 8, 2019
I love this! Great Memorial Book for kids and parents who know the lord and have a relationship with Christ. It is Goodbye but not Forever!!
June 28, 2019
Excellent Series
June 22, 2020
More like 3.5. The writing feels a little clunky to me at times, but there's no denying the end almost made me tear up the first time I read it.
January 26, 2021
Beautiful retelling of the Bible story of Lazarus with the conclusion that Jesus came to end goodbyes forever! Love both the illustrations and message of this book so much!!!
July 7, 2021
Love this book. Basically crying 😭🥰
May 18, 2022
Shopping for our toddlers' program bookshelf today and ran into this gem 😭😭😭
December 27, 2022
I love this book!
January 4, 2023
So touching a true
January 16, 2023
On the first time reading this book, one of my 3-year-olds spontaneously responded with "yay!" when we turned the page to where Lazarus came out of the tomb; priceless.
May 25, 2023
The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and connects it to his later death and resurrection. We loved it. Great for preschool and up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews