Goodbye to Goodbyes: A true Story about Jesus, Lazarus, and an Empty TombWritten by Lauren Chandler and Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

This article was first published in French at TPSG.

This week, I asked my 9-year-old daughter Evangeline to read me the book “Goodbye to Goodbyes.” She loves being my guinea pig as I review these kids books and give you a child’s feedback, so she jumped at the idea. 

The “What” and the “So What” of the Raising of Lazarus

In this illustrated book designed for children ages 3-6, Lauren Chandler retells the story of the raising of Lazarus in a vivid and exciting way. And beyond telling us the “what” of the biblical account, she leads us to the “so what.” For this beautiful narrative of the earthly ministry of our Lord isn’t just a cool story. It contains a message that every child and, in fact, every Christian, needs to hear. We all go through seasons in our lives when we must say goodbye to those we care about when we or they travel or relocate to a new city. And eventually, we must eventually face the reality of the passing of a loved one. The promise of the raising of Lazarus, the takeaway for our kids, is that for those of us who are friends of Jesus, a day is coming when there will be no more goodbyes. And that’s a message that believers young and old need to hear.

Through the Eyes of a Child

I asked Evangeline the following questions:

What did you like about the book?

I like how it connects the two stories – the resurrection of Lazarus and that of Jesus. 

I like that the family will be brought back together. Even if they’re dead, we’ll see them again.

I thought it was funny how it tells us that Jesus didn’t run or jump on a donkey but stayed where he was two whole days ministering to the people.

I like the drawings showing Jesus and the people he healed: “I can see!” 

Why do you think Jesus’ miracle was significant?

Because Jesus did that miracle, and every miracle he did gave people faith in God.

Would you recommend this book?
Yes! Both the author and the artist!

A Final Question 

Evangeline then stumped me with a question of her own:

Did Lazarus go to heaven? If so, didn’t he wish he could have just stayed there?

That’s a great question, my budding theologian, and one the Scripture doesn’t provide the answer to. We’ll have to ask him some day!

Conclusion

Like the rest of the children’s books in this series, Goodbye to Goodbyes recounts a well-known story in a simple yet powerful way. May it teach and comfort your children and your own heart as you face the homegoing of loved ones who belong to Jesus.