God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re SickBy Scott James Illustrated by Trish Mahoney

This article was first published in French at TPSG.

Written for children ages 4-8, God Cares for Me gives parents of young children an age-appropriate tool to help little ones learn to trust God when they are sick.

 

Don’t Skip the Intro

I almost skipped the author’s introductory remarks at the beginning of the book. I’m so glad I didn’t. They helped me understand that Scott James speaks from years of experience as a pediatrician. Who better to advice moms, dads, and children themselves than someone whose vocation brings him in regular contact with sick kids? To help him with this task, James introduces his readers to Lucas and his own sickness. 

 

Lucas’ Lousy Monday Morning

One chilly Monday morning, Lucas wakes up with a sore throat and a fever. Upon discovering this, his parents decide to take him to the doctor. “I don’t like doctors!” (I’m guessing the author has heard this on more than one occasion himself!). His father reassures him that Dr. Helen just wants to help him feel better, recites a memory verse with him, and prays with him.

4 Lessons for Sick Kids

Next, we walk with Lucas through his doctor’s visit, in which she examines his throat, ears, tummy, and breathing, and decides to run some tests. She then sends him home with four pieces of advice for sick kids, young and old: wash your hands, stay home till you feel better, wear a mask, and keep your distance from others. She grounds her advice on one simple biblical principle: Our love for our neighbour. “God loves taking care of you,” Dr. Helen reminds the boy, “And you, too, can take care of others.” With his parents help, Lucas goes home and does just what the doctor ordered, and through it all, his parents encourage him from God’s Word to find his strength in the Lord.

 

3 Suggestions for Parents

James concludes with a word to parents about how to speak to their kids when they’re sick: acknowledge that sickness is tough, ground them on the sure foundation of Christ, and show them that they’re part of a larger community, the church of Jesus Christ. 

 

Conclusion

With simplicity and tenderness, Scott James gives young readers a rich resource to help them walk through sickness with a biblical worldview. Trish Mahoney’s illustrations lend character to the book and make it a pleasure to read. Find God Cares for Me: Helping Children Trust God When They’re Sick here.