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Good News for Little Hearts
Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry
Everyone gets frustrated when something important to them goes wrong. In Jax’s Tail Twitches, the whole Squirrel family ends up out of sorts when acorn gathering doesn’t go according to plan. Although Papa, Mama, Jax, and Caspian Squirrel all get angry, they also learn about the power of saying sorry, seeking forgiveness, remembering God’s words, and praying together. Edited by David Powlison, Jax’s Tail Twitches ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching children how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes how we respond when life goes wrong. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will help children and adults remember to turn to God for help when they are angry.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2018
About the author
David A. Powlison
159 books184 followersDavid Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 27, 2018
This book creatively gives biblical counsel to children for when they are angry. If you are a parent who has a child that struggles with anger and you are unsure how to confront this problem, begin the conversation by taking them through Jax’s Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry today!
October 30, 2018
Everybody has been angry at some time or other and I really liked how this book showed that both adults and children can struggle. This is a story about a squirrel family and their neighbors. The pictures are nice and colorful and they went well with the story. My favorite part of the story was its “meat”. At the end there are some helpful notes in discussing anger with children. Some of the things that really stood out and made an impression on me were:
-Anger shows that something in our world that matters is not right
-We are made in God’s image and like God we experience anger- except when He is angry He doesn’t sin
These and other points are clear and introduce great topics to discuss with your children. I read this book with my eight year old son and he really liked it. He liked how the topic was addressed, how God’s anger is different from ours, the different ways people were angry, the storyline was enjoyable, and the pictures were interesting. He also said it was a good book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
-Anger shows that something in our world that matters is not right
-We are made in God’s image and like God we experience anger- except when He is angry He doesn’t sin
These and other points are clear and introduce great topics to discuss with your children. I read this book with my eight year old son and he really liked it. He liked how the topic was addressed, how God’s anger is different from ours, the different ways people were angry, the storyline was enjoyable, and the pictures were interesting. He also said it was a good book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
December 13, 2018
Most everyone has issues at some point in their life with anger and managing it. Jax's dead giveaway is his twitching tail. The story is how Jax gets angry and how he learns to manage the anger with God's help.
This a delightfully cute and sweetly illustrated series and children and parents will certainly love the illustrations by Joe Hox. The critters that populate the pages of the stories are charming and beautifully drawn with a pallet of colors that delight the senses.
The text or story line is sweet and deeply infused with Biblical teaching that guides the critters through emotional mindfields helping them to understand reliance on God for help and control. The books are intentionally Scriptural and centered around Christian counseling.
The books are all a bit preachy but that is o.k. since the story line is intentionally designed to use children's story picture book venue to provide Christian Counseling. I think the books would be ideal for Christian school libraries, preschools, and Church libraries. Personally, I would take care about introducing these stories to children who do not exhibit these emotions or traits - anger, failing, and anxiety.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies from New Growth Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
This a delightfully cute and sweetly illustrated series and children and parents will certainly love the illustrations by Joe Hox. The critters that populate the pages of the stories are charming and beautifully drawn with a pallet of colors that delight the senses.
The text or story line is sweet and deeply infused with Biblical teaching that guides the critters through emotional mindfields helping them to understand reliance on God for help and control. The books are intentionally Scriptural and centered around Christian counseling.
The books are all a bit preachy but that is o.k. since the story line is intentionally designed to use children's story picture book venue to provide Christian Counseling. I think the books would be ideal for Christian school libraries, preschools, and Church libraries. Personally, I would take care about introducing these stories to children who do not exhibit these emotions or traits - anger, failing, and anxiety.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided complimentary copies from New Growth Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
November 11, 2018
One of three in an excellent series of books for 5-10 years olds that deal with the heart issues that affect us all: anger, pride and fear. They are beautifully illustrated by Joe Hox, who brings animals engagingly to life with captivating touches.
Buster learns literally that pride goes before a fall, when he trips in the big running race he was sure he would win. Zoe’s worries keep her from trusting that God cares for her and will take care of her. Jax’s family learn how anger can affect them all, and that they need to turn to God, apologise and forgive. One great feature of these books is the strong parental figures. They guide their children in the truth, acknowledge their own faults and listen well (Zoe’s mama “had good listening ears”). They bring their children back to God’s word as they guide and instruct, and are corrected by it themselves.
Each book contains notes and guidance to help parents as they teach children about managing fear, failure and anger, which many parents will appreciate and hopefully realise to apply to themselves as well. There are also tear out bible verses for kids to keep in their pocket to remember God’s truths.
Buster learns literally that pride goes before a fall, when he trips in the big running race he was sure he would win. Zoe’s worries keep her from trusting that God cares for her and will take care of her. Jax’s family learn how anger can affect them all, and that they need to turn to God, apologise and forgive. One great feature of these books is the strong parental figures. They guide their children in the truth, acknowledge their own faults and listen well (Zoe’s mama “had good listening ears”). They bring their children back to God’s word as they guide and instruct, and are corrected by it themselves.
Each book contains notes and guidance to help parents as they teach children about managing fear, failure and anger, which many parents will appreciate and hopefully realise to apply to themselves as well. There are also tear out bible verses for kids to keep in their pocket to remember God’s truths.
November 8, 2018
At present, there are three volumes in the "Good News for Little Hearts" series which seeks to help kids and parents face anxiety, failure, and anger in a God-honoring way. While these animal stories don't quite have the enduring charm of classics such as the Beatrix Potter books, Little Bear, or Frog and Toad and some conversations between characters seemed to come off a little unnatural (and maybe even a little "preachy") at times, my little ones enjoyed them nonetheless. The volumes are sturdy and full of creative, vibrantly colored illustrations. Each book concludes with Tips for further helping your child and four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" in the New Living Translation that you can cut out and give to your child.
Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail has the clearest Gospel message of the three books, and both it and Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry mention the need for Jesus' forgiveness. I love that these books clearly point our kids to Christ! As far as articulating biblical counseling material, Jax's Tail Twitches seems to have the most content as it models the proper way to handle conflict: going to God in prayer, taking the log out of one's own eye first, asking forgiveness, and being reconciled. Parents will want to make sure to avail themselves of the parent tips at the end for the clearest Gospel presentation in this work. Buster's Ears Trip Him Up came in close but, in addition to confessing sin to God, parents will likely want to follow the example and parent tips in Jax's Tail Twitches and encourage kids to apologize and reconcile with those who have been hurt by their prideful boasting.
Altogether, these titles are useful picture books that will serve adults as they seek to minister to children in their lives and help them to better image and glorify their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me complimentary copies! I was not obligated to write a positive review. These words are my honest opinion!
Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail has the clearest Gospel message of the three books, and both it and Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry mention the need for Jesus' forgiveness. I love that these books clearly point our kids to Christ! As far as articulating biblical counseling material, Jax's Tail Twitches seems to have the most content as it models the proper way to handle conflict: going to God in prayer, taking the log out of one's own eye first, asking forgiveness, and being reconciled. Parents will want to make sure to avail themselves of the parent tips at the end for the clearest Gospel presentation in this work. Buster's Ears Trip Him Up came in close but, in addition to confessing sin to God, parents will likely want to follow the example and parent tips in Jax's Tail Twitches and encourage kids to apologize and reconcile with those who have been hurt by their prideful boasting.
Altogether, these titles are useful picture books that will serve adults as they seek to minister to children in their lives and help them to better image and glorify their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me complimentary copies! I was not obligated to write a positive review. These words are my honest opinion!
October 28, 2018
When I asked my daughter (age 6) what she thought of Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry, she said she liked it when the two squirrel siblings got angry with each other. That happens in our house, so she could relate to that part. I thought it was good that the book also addressed adults being angry. The characters dealt with their anger in a healthy way: reflection, verbalization, prayer, and conflict resolution with their squirrel neighbors. It ends with character lessons learned and reconciliation. I recommend this book to all families as we all experience anger at some point and this is a great resource for teaching your child to deal with it in a healthy way.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It not only talks about children getting angry, but adults as well. We let little things grow into big problems that make us angry. Papa squirrel was angry because he felt that his neighbors weren’t following the rules. Jax was angry because Caspian seemed to always win at everything.
It made me think of how we let something get hold of us and our anger comes out. Poor Mr. McNuffle was just trying to feed his family, but Papa squirrel didn’t want to share. He was too busy being angry because rules were not being followed. I loved how the book reminds us that there are times we don’t follow God’s word but he doesn’t get angry at us. The book is very well written with gorgeous illustrations. It will be a great book to read to children to teach them about anger.
I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program.
It made me think of how we let something get hold of us and our anger comes out. Poor Mr. McNuffle was just trying to feed his family, but Papa squirrel didn’t want to share. He was too busy being angry because rules were not being followed. I loved how the book reminds us that there are times we don’t follow God’s word but he doesn’t get angry at us. The book is very well written with gorgeous illustrations. It will be a great book to read to children to teach them about anger.
I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program.
January 11, 2019
This book was a great writing and compelling to read with that also come with a creating a great story of Squirrel family that had got mad and angry when something got wrong but with a kindness and forgiveness of God, then said “sorry”. This boo will be helping you and your child finding a way to respond with you are angry and irritated. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from I read with Audra Bloggers for this review ”.
January 4, 2022
(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
Such a cute book. Great pictures and such a good storyline. I love how this book takes situations that kids might actually encounter and point them to Jesus. But furthermore, I liked how this book shows that parents aren't perfect and can struggle with the same things that their kids do. I liked how the parents showed an example of repentance for their children.
Such a cute book. Great pictures and such a good storyline. I love how this book takes situations that kids might actually encounter and point them to Jesus. But furthermore, I liked how this book shows that parents aren't perfect and can struggle with the same things that their kids do. I liked how the parents showed an example of repentance for their children.
June 16, 2022
This book was the perfect follow-up to an episode of anger in our household. My 5 year old was able to answer the some of the questions in the back of the book intelligently and we had an honest discussion about her outburst and how to handle future anger issues. Those parenting moments can leave you paralyzed about what to do next, but a story like this is a great way to introduce a teaching moment that they will actually listen to, instead of a lecture from me.
December 16, 2023
"We all get angry when things go wrong. And it's easy to judge those who make us angry. . . . . . But God is kind to those who don't follow the rules."
A great reminder about how easy it is to get angry (no matter how old or young you are) and how God promises to help us manage our anger towards others with kindness and forgiveness.
A great reminder about how easy it is to get angry (no matter how old or young you are) and how God promises to help us manage our anger towards others with kindness and forgiveness.
March 4, 2023
This book has been helpful for the whole family to better understand what happens when we feel angry. The illustrations are captivating and my two year old up to my six year old love and follow the story.
October 22, 2018
Must read with your littles. Should be on every Christian parent’s shelf.
February 17, 2024
slow to get angry
God is slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. This is the beautiful lesson for us in this book. We should be like our God.
God is slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. This is the beautiful lesson for us in this book. We should be like our God.
January 10, 2024
This book has some horrendous punctuation and lackluster grammar. However, this one of the series regarding anger is quite good: I love that it shows both a child dealing with anger as well as a parent. Rarely is anger one-sided in a family.
October 10, 2018
JAX'S TAIL TWITCHES is a cute story about a squirrel family with greed and anger issues. Everyone in the family except the baby squirrel gets angry at someone and needs to apologize. The father preaches why it is wrong to lose your temper, but he's pretty much the worse of all of them, refusing to share with his neighbors but yet quick to accept when they want to share with him.
The illustrations are well down (except the angry squirrel is rather scary looking and may frighten sensitive children). The message is important and the squirrels do discuss truths and why they were wrong to react as they did.
A great fall book for your favorite younger -- for Halloween treats or for a Thanksgiving gift or a just because your special to me gift. Would be great for children's libraries at churches, Christian schools, preschools, etc.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own
The illustrations are well down (except the angry squirrel is rather scary looking and may frighten sensitive children). The message is important and the squirrels do discuss truths and why they were wrong to react as they did.
A great fall book for your favorite younger -- for Halloween treats or for a Thanksgiving gift or a just because your special to me gift. Would be great for children's libraries at churches, Christian schools, preschools, etc.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own
October 26, 2018
Beautiful illustrations are sure to attract the little ones in your life! A great series, Jax’s Tail Twitches deals with anger and frustration. Jax’s family will teach your child about apologizing, forgiving, and praying together as a family.
A cute story with a wonderful message, I highly recommend it for your family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review
A cute story with a wonderful message, I highly recommend it for your family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews