Children's biography of Joni Eareckson Tada: an inspirational example of trusting God and loving others even when life brings great challenges.
Part of the Do Great Things For God series.
In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Kristyn Getty recounts Joni Eareckson Tada’s lively childhood, life-changing accident and challenging adjustment to a very different way of life, and shares how God has used her in amazing ways to bless others.
Children will hear how, when a terrible diving accident left her severely disabled, Joni was left with a lot of questions about God. It was easy to trust him when she was healthy and happy, but did she want to follow him now that life was so hard?
As young ones discover how God cared for Joni and how Joni held on to her faith and used her circumstances to love others, they'll be inspired about the great things they can do for God. And they’ll be encouraged to be a friend to those with disabilities or in hard situations.
As well as being an award-winning hymn writer and a mother of four, Kristyn writes as a good friend of Joni, bringing a personal touch to the story.
These stories can be read to young children or enjoyed independently by early readers. The free extras make these stories useful for Sunday school, missions events and more.
Joni Eareckson Tada: Illustrated biography
Questions, Timeline, and Map
Age range: | 4+ |
---|---|
Contributors | Kristyn Getty, Hsulynn Pang |
ISBN | 9781802540673 |
Format | Hardback |
First published | August 2024 |
Dimensions | 195mm x 240mm x 11mm |
Weight | 0.35 kg |
Language | English |
Pages | 32 |
Publisher | The Good Book Company |
Joni’s story is amazing, and Kristyn tells it beautifully, without shying away from the painful parts. But even more amazing is the way Joni’s story so joyfully points us to Jesus.
Joni Eareckson Tada shows us by her example that the path to our destiny, or the path of a loved one to theirs, may lead through suffering. In this simple children’s book, Kristyn Getty has underscored faith in and friendship with Jesus as essential if we want to come through the worst of times with blessings for ourselves – and for others.
I absolutely love the Do Great Things For God book series, and this one is no exception!
Joni’s story is incredibly inspiring, beautifully told, and encouraging for readers of all ages.
I found her faith in Jesus to be uplifting, and an incredible testimony. Highly recommend this book for you girls to read- what an incredible role model!
Joni’s story is a powerful testimony to the goodness of God and the beauty of His promise in Romans 8:28. Her story reminds us of the truth found in God’s Word and how when we stand on His Word—His promises—and seek to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we can love others well and do great things for the kingdom of God!
I also loved that in this story we see Joni sharing her story, faith, and our need for a savior with others, and how Getty encourages her young readers to do the same.
Thank you, The Good Book Company, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. As with every book from the Do Great Things for God series, we loved it!
We have loved the Do Great Things for God series and has been a huge blessing to share the stories of amazing people who dedicated their lives to the Lord with our kids.
These stories are inspiring, captivating, and beautiful in some many ways. Joni’s story is especially profound as her journey through physical hardship led to her deep faith in Christ. These are things we never fully understand this side of heaven but know that God is completely sovereign and orchestrates exactly what is required to captured our heart to His.
The book concludes with several different resources that add depth to the main story.
A Prayer You Could Pray: specifically written for those who want Jesus to be a part of their lives
Questions To Think About: questions for kids and parents to ponder for further reflection on our own journeys with Christ
Life Timeline: highlights notable events within her life
World Map: reveals the location of her life
Interact: website information that provides additional free resources to join Joni in her ongoing adventures
I pray The Good Book Company continues to make more of these books as they are a wonderful addition to our bookshelves!
I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.
We love the Do Great Things for God series. This biographical children’s series, geared towards ages 5 and up, explores the lives of inspiring Christian women. Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty with illustrations by Hsulynn Pang is a beautiful story about finding joy in the midst of suffering.
As a child, Joni loved to ride horses, play lacrosse, and swim. One day, when Joni was 17, she dived into a shallow bay and hit her head on the bottom, breaking her neck. Joni would never walk again. “In a moment, all her life had changed. Why had God let this happen?” Joni needed to decide if she would follow God now that life was hard. But as she read her Bible, Joni realized that God loved her and would use her accident for good. She started Joni and Friends to be a friend to those with disabilities. Joni would love it if you were a friend to those with disabilities, “but what she would love most is for you to know her greatest friend as your friend too- the Lord Jesus.”
Joni’s story has always inspired me, and so, I am thrilled that young children will have this book to learn about trusting in Christ even in the most difficult circumstances. This story is beautifully written and does not shy away from Joni’s pain. It shows the hope we have in Jesus, and that one-day Joni will walk in heaven, and she says the first thing she is going to do with her new legs “is kneel down to worship Him.” Wow! What a wonderful woman for young girls to look up to! The illustrations are gorgeous, there is a prayer, questions to think about, a timeline, a link to download free resources, and more at the end of the book.
This is going to be a must-have for your home library!
*We were sent a copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.
This book tells the story of Joni’s diving accident which left her disabled and in a desperate place of questioning God.
📖 But through diving into Scripture, Joni was able to draw close to the Lord even in the midst of such a difficult trial and learn how God could use her story for His glory.
🙏🏻Toward the end of the book, it talks about how Joni’s greatest friend is Jesus and how she would love for every child to know Him as their own friend too. This then leads to a prayer a child can pray to invite Jesus into their heart.
➕ The book also includes discussion questions and a timeline of Joni’s life and ministry, a map of where she lives in the world, and a QR code for further resources you can download and interact with.
An inspiring read for any child with a big lesson in trusting the Lord even through difficulty and suffering.
Do Great Things for God: Joni Earekson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty
Joni has such an incredible testimony. I love that this series has included her and her story! There is so much in this little picture book for young children to learn from. Kristyn Getty shares with children how God can use really hard and sad things in our lives and that He is working out all things for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28). This picture book is great for having conversations with your children on God’s Soverignty through trials, how friendship with Jesus is essential to withstand trials, and how no matter our physical state we all need Jesus to fix our hearts. Such a beautiful story. I love how Joni depends on God for her all on all. Children and adults alike can learn from her example to depend upon God and give Him all the glory. Another great thing about these books is that there are free printables you can download that go along with each book and have your children do!
This is a wonderful picture book that is sure to inspire and encourage children to look to Jesus for their help.
"But her blue eyes still sparkle because she can sing, 'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.'
When Joni sings about God, she remembers that he is big and strong and wise enough to trust."
Thank you @thegoodbookcompanyusa for a copy for my honest review!
We absolutely love this book! It has truths that our children and learn from when we face very difficult times. What will be our reaction? Will we give up? or Do we trust the Lord to use our circumstances for His glory. Such a great book and highly recommended!
I thought this biography was so inspiring. Joni was just 17 when she was paralyzed. Joni teaches people that God can work through everyone's life. I also enjoyed seeing the timeline and discussion questions at the end.
Growing up I knew the story of sweet Joni Eareckson Tada. She was a bold woman of faith with a not so easy life. Joni shows that no matter what happens in our lives we can choose to praise the Lord. All His plans are wonderful.
I love reading these books with my kids. Not only does it show them a true hero of faith but it also works in my heart as well. I can’t imagine the struggles Joni has faced but her faith is magnificent and points to Christ!
I highly recommend this book and series!
I read this book today with my 8-year-old daughter. It was easy for her to read and understand while at the same time providing rich application and biblical concepts.
We've read multiple books in this study, and each person they choose to highlight walks through someone who experienced suffering, a trial, or difficulty in their faith, along with how they persevered and, through it all, praised God.
From my daughter, " I liked it! Even if you have something wrong with you, there's always an opportunity to praise God and do things for Him."
These would make a great addition to a nursery, a birthday gift, or to have in your collection!