OK, so I really love my wife’s new book. I know that may seem predictable since I am her husband, but this new kids book really captures some wonderful biblical truths in a winsome, fun, and entertaining way.
Melissa just released Lucy and the Saturday Surprise (Crossway, 2023), which is the latest installment in the TGC Kids series. It tells the story of a little girl named Lucy who gets to pick out a treat at the local candy story along with her brother. Soon, she regrets here choice and grows envious of the treat her brother got. As a result she engages in the well-worn pattern that coveting takes in the Bible: she sees, covets, takes, and hides.
At the end of the book, Lucy learns how grace, and the good news of the gospel, leads us toward a contented heart.
And credit also goes to the illustrator, Samara Hardy, who’s drawings are bright, engaging, and fun. The book also brings in other characters from the prior installments in the series, who show up occasionally in the background.
Some of you may know that Melissa has written and spoken extensively on the topic of contentment/envy to adult audiences. For more on this, check out her book The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World (Christian Focus, 2012).
Here are the endorsements:
“With beautiful writing and robust theology, Melissa Kruger offers parents a resource that will help them explain to their children the struggles of temptation and desire. This book helps children see, in language they can understand, how resisting sin is possible only through the work of Christ and the power of the Spirit. You’ll want this book in your home, in your children’s ministry, and in your school.”
―Daniel Darling, Director, The Land Center for Cultural Engagement; Columnist, WORLD; author, The Dignity Revolution; The Characters of Christmas; and Agents of Grace
“We’ve all been in Lucy’s shoes: seeing something that someone has and wanting it too. Melissa Kruger helps us put words to that temptation so we can help our children grow and change. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise is a wonderful story and provides a lesson that will help kids for the rest of their lives.”
―Trillia Newbell, author, Jesus and the Gift of Friendship; The Big Wide Welcome; and God’s Very Good Idea
“As my daughter and I gushed over the delightful illustrations and engaging story in Lucy and the Saturday Surprise, it didn’t take us long to realize that we deeply relate to Lucy and her struggle with envy. Through Lucy’s story, author Melissa Kruger clearly and engagingly presents envy’s pattern and offers biblical help. Kids and parents alike will find that Lucy’s plight offers a kind invitation for difficult conversations about the danger of envy.”
―Caroline Saunders, author, The Story of Home and The Story of Water
“Lucy and the Saturday Surprise is not just a story for children; it’s a teaching opportunity and powerful reminder for parents that the sweetest treat isn’t a lollipop―it’s the grace of God in Christ Jesus.”
―Gretchen Saffles, author, The Well-Watered Woman; Founder, Well-Watered Women Co.
“Christian parents may wonder, How do I have a gospel conversation with my child about envy and covetousness? Melissa Kruger brings clarity to this question in the engaging storyline of Lucy and the Saturday Surprise. Along with Lucy, kids from very young to early readers will see how good desires can turn covetous―even more, how contentment yields greater joy!”
―Barbara Reaoch, Former Director of the Children’s Division, Bible Study Fellowship International; author, A Jesus Easter
As Christmas approaches, this might be a great gift for someone with young kids. You can purchase a copy here!