He Always Hears

A big “Thank You!’ to Crossway Books for providing a review copy of their book: He Always Hears, by writer Alyson Punzi and illustrator Tyler Charlton.

Before I begin my review I want to throw in my two-cents worth when it comes to writing and illustrating a book for youngsters.

As an illustrator, graphic designer and writer I can testify that both writing and drawing a kids’ book is not easy.

Some may say, “Oh, it’s a book for children so the writing is simple as are the illustrations.” That’s true to some extent.

However, writing simple prose and creating simple drawings is not easy. In fact, in my experience it is harder to tone down writing and drawing than it is to over complicate and detail things.

Here’s why. Trimming back on writing and illustration takes skill. You have to know how much to trim back and still tell a convincing story using words and art.

I’ve found, with my own writing and art, that telling a story with words and art for kids forces me to cut back to the bare essentials. It takes a solid knowledge of proper story structure and drawing techniques to pull it off.

I’ve written and drawn a couple of kids books myself-it was a bear! My inner ‘too much detail’ instincts had to be curtailed and stream-lined. 

My congratulations to both the writer and artist of He Aalways Hears. I especially like the simple prose and subtle and softly blended backrgrounds and figure drawings.

Everyone experiences disappointments, hurts and losses.

In He Always Hears: A Story Of Loss And The Hope Of Things Made New, little Jane learns to trust God when three bad things happen. First her stuffed dinosaur toy gets all dirty and no matter how much scrubbing and washing it can’t get completely clean.

Then her best friend moves away and Jane experiences missing her friend.

Later her daddy gets sick and has to go to the hospital. He might not get better.

Jane’s mom and grandma remind Jane that God loves her and hears her cries and worries. 

Despite what life may throw at us God always listens and promises that he will always be with us. He gives us hope.

He Always Hears is a gentle reminder to both kids and adults that God is our loving father. When we hurt, he hurts and longs to comfort us and be our heavenly Father.

Be sure to check out Crossway’s other books on their website at: https://www.crossway.org/.

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.