Gift Books for Children A Review of Big Theology for Little Heart’s Theological Primer Series
A Review of Big Theology for Little Heart’s Theological Primer Series:
Who is God? Who is Jesus? And What is the Gospel? Written by Devon Provencher and Illustrated by Jessica Robyn Provencher
Don’t let these hand-size indestructible board books fool you. The theology within this three-book primer series is profound and rich. The simple artwork speaks as loudly and beautifully as the words. In education, a primer prepares children for reading or other basic tasks. But the names and acts of God within these books are deep and wide. Deity, Incarnation, and Trinity are truths we believe, yet we all need reminders of their meaning and implications. I like that these books call to young children. But they also work for elementary students. And while you wouldn’t call them coffee table books, perhaps they ought to find their place an arm’s length from your sofa because they have gems inside for all of us.
Similar to the Baby Believer books in concept and design, these lean into the theology of God, Jesus, and The Gospel. (Baby Believer books often reflect the narrative of Scripture such as Creation, or Jesus’ miracles and are tied to a toddler skill such as colors or the alphabet.) The Big Theology for Little Hearts series is introductory systematic theology delivered in simple, yet powerful ways. Some examples: “God is sinless. There is no sin found in Jesus” pictured with beautifully-painted white calla lilies. Or “God is eternal,” illustrated by a thick red line running row upon row and to the very edge of the page showing that God has no beginning and no end. The author uses big words and concepts. For example sacrifice, resurrection, deity, incarnation, atonement, priest, trinity, just, and glory. There is much fodder for conversation and for mystery. You will read these pages many times for the truths to sink deep within you.
One concern: On the page “Perfect Man: Jesus is the perfect man who obeyed God fully his whole life,” the artwork is one white sheep surrounded by black sheep. For some, this page carries other connotations and I wish that the illustrator had thought of an alternative.
These make wonderful gifts for families. While I wouldn’t wrap them up for elementary students, I’d certainly buy them and leave them hanging around the house for curious eyes. Big things do come in small packages. And the truths of God never change no matter how old you are.
