In a world overflowing with distractions, children need more than just rules; they need meaning. They are shaped by what they hear, see, and experience daily. That’s why what truths we place in their hearts early on matters. The Gospel, the good news of Jesus, isn’t just a message for adults; it’s a message children can understand, relate to, and live by. Terry Phillips Griffin’s God’s Wonderful Plan! makes this message come alive in a way that speaks directly to children between the ages of six and twelve. 

This beautifully illustrated story begins with a profound truth: the Bible is not just a book—it is God’s true Word. It tells the greatest story ever told, one filled with love, hope, and a plan that began before the world was even created. This plan, crafted by God Himself, stretches across all of time and finds its way into the heart of every child who reads it. From the very first pages, young readers are drawn into the wonder of God’s creation, the sadness of the fall, and the breathtaking beauty of redemption. 

Children are gently introduced to the concept of sin—not through harshness or fear, but through compassion and clarity. They learn how Adam and Eve made a choice that led to separation from God, helping young minds understand why the world is often broken or unfair. Yet, the book never dwells in despair. Instead, it shows that even when people make mistakes, God’s love remains. Children are invited to see themselves not as failures, but as part of a greater story—a story of people who are loved by a faithful and forgiving God. 

As the narrative unfolds, it leads to the heart of the Gospel. The story of Jesus is presented in a way that is both simple and powerful. Children learn that Jesus came to fix what was broken, to bring people back to God. He lived a perfect life and chose to give Himself for others. These foundational truths are conveyed with warmth and clarity, planting seeds of faith and understanding in the hearts of young readers. The book closes not with an ending, but with an invitation—a call to believe, to belong, and to know the God who has loved them all along. 

And this Gospel doesn’t just sit on a shelf in their minds; it comes alive in their lives in meaningful and practical ways. Children begin to reflect on their actions and decisions through a new lens. They start to understand that choices like being kind to others, telling the truth even when it’s hard, helping someone in need, or asking for forgiveness when they make mistakes are all ways to actively live out their faith. They begin to grasp that being a Christian isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about trusting in a perfect and loving God who walks with them through every high and low. 

When children learn about Jesus through a story like this, it becomes more than just a religious lesson. They are being invited into a living, personal relationship with God. They realize that He is not distant or unreachable. Instead, He is near, always listening to their prayers, understanding their fears, and offering them comfort and guidance. This kind of relationship becomes a secure foundation they can rely on as they grow up and face life’s many challenges. 

Even more powerful is that this book is not only for children. It extends its invitation to parents, grandparents, and Sunday school teachers to walk alongside the little ones they care about. It offers simple, clear language to explain deep spiritual truths and helps open conversations that truly matter. It becomes a tool for discipleship, not just for the child, but for the adult as well. It reminds caregivers that children are watching—not just listening—and that the way they live out their own faith in daily life will leave a lasting impact. Their love, their forgiveness, and their trust in God become living examples that shape young hearts in powerful and lasting ways. 

The Gospel can make a lifelong difference in a child’s life. When children believe they are loved by God, when they know they were made with purpose, and when they understand grace, they begin to walk through life with a kind of lightness. Challenges don’t break them as easily, mistakes don’t define them, and they begin to look at others with compassion instead of competition. 

Terry Phillips Griffin’s message in God’s Wonderful Plan! is more than a story; it’s an emotional conversation. And in that conversation, children discover they are part of something bigger than themselves. They are part of God’s family. They are part of His plan. And with Jesus in their hearts, they are never alone.