Book Review of Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings
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The Children’s Book Review
Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings
Written by Sharon Garlough Brown
Illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans
Ages 5+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: IVP Kids (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781514007952
What to Expect: Christian Fiction, Emotional Development, Prayer, and Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship.
In Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings, bestselling Christian novelist Sharon Garlough Brown delivers a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that explores the power of expressing emotions through art and prayer.
With eye-catching watercolor illustrations by Jessica Linn Evans, this original story follows young Wren as she learns to navigate life’s joys and challenges in the comforting presence of her grandmother and God. Brown’s narrative beautifully captures the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, as Wren and her grandmother, Gran, spend time together in Gran’s art studio. This sacred space becomes a sanctuary where Wren can freely express her feelings, both good and bad, through painting.
The author expertly conveys that it is okay to be honest about our emotions, even when communicating with God. The text, which includes scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version (updated edition), moves across the pages in a way that reflects the energy of the descriptive words. This unique layout enhances the reading experience and engages the reader on a deeper level. The author’s note in the end pages provides valuable guidance for processing the story. Brown’s wise words encourage further conversation about the book’s themes, allowing families and educators to explore the importance of emotional expression, prayer, and the role of grandparents in a child’s life.
Evans’ watercolor illustrations in Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings are not just beautiful; they are powerful tools that bring Wren’s emotions to life. The delicate and expressive artwork creates a visual connection that resonates with readers of all ages, making the story more relatable and the reading experience more immersive.
Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings is a book that speaks directly to families and educators who are committed to fostering open communication, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth in their children. This beautiful and meaningful addition to a child’s collection of spiritual books is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Sharon Garlough Brown and Jessica Linn Evans, who have created a timeless story that will help young readers understand the value of sharing their feelings with loved ones and with God.
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About the Author
Sharon Garlough Brown is a spiritual director, speaker, and cofounder of Abiding Way Ministries, which provides spiritual formation retreats and resources. She is also the author of the bestselling Sensible Shoes Series, which includes the spiritual fiction novels Sensible Shoes, Two Steps Forward, Barefoot, and An Extra Mile and their study guides.
For more information, visit https://www.sharongarloughbrown.com/.
About the Illustrator
Jessica Linn Evans is an author-illustrator whose books reinforce wonder for creation, inspire adventure and invention, and encourage loyalty and friendship with the lovely. She is the author and illustrator of Penguin Sets Sail, Little Mouse Finds A Friend, Waiting Through Winter, and Solar the Polar. Jessica lives in the beautiful state of Idaho with her husband and three of her four wonderful children.
For more information, visit https://jessicalinnevans.com/.
You can also visit Ivpkids.com and https://www.instagram.com/ivpkids/.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings. Learn more about getting a book review …
