The Friend Who Forgives Written by Dan DeWitt and Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

This article was first published in French at TPSG.

This book designed for children ages 3-6 retells in simple, relatable terms, the story of Peter’s friendship with Jesus. Dan DeWitt, professor of Apologetics at Cedarville University, opens with Peter’s calling to make fishers of men and takes us all the way to his post-resurrection, fish-on-the-beach breakfast with Jesus. But the primary account he focuses on is the well-known story of Peter denying three times that he knows Jesus. This powerful lesson of grace, forgiveness, and restoration is something every disciple, young and old, will benefit from meditating upon.

To offer you a child’s perspective, here are some thoughts on the book from Evangeline, my 10 year-old daughter:

How would you summarize the story in your own words?

Peter was a sinner like us. He denied that he knew Jesus, his friend. He wondered if Jesus would forgive him. When Jesus forgave him, Peter went out into the world to preach the gospel.

What did you like most about the story?

There are two things: 

1. I liked that every time Peter was asked if he knew Jesus, the author asks us, “Do you know what he said?” I like that because it’s asking a question that we should reflect on and ask ourselves.

2. I like when it says in the story “Peter didn’t stay sad very long because Jesus didn’t stay dead very long.” I like that because it reflects us. We’re like Peter. We are going to be happy when Jesus returns.

What one lesson does this story teach you?

That we are like Peter, and some of us are shy to say that we know Jesus. But Jesus will always forgive us no matter what we do.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, because it’s very encouraging to know that there’s someone out there who knows you and that cares for you.

Find The Friend Who Forgives here.