I love the Training Young Hearts series for kids. These are concrete, practical, gospel-centered books that will help young children make meaningful connections.
-David Thomas
Therapist and best-selling author of Raising Emotionally Strong Boys and Are My Kids on Track?
Training Young Hearts
The Story Behind the Series
I love using what I like to call βTraining Refrainsβ with my kids. These are repeated words and rituals that we employ consistently to help me to be proactive instead of reactive, and help them to remember what is right. his series was born out of the refrain we use in response to hitting and biting.
I wanted to not only teach my kids the right and wrong way to use their hands (although that is important), but also to show them that in Christ, they have not only a perfect example, they have a perfect Saviorβsomeone to run to for forgiveness when they do wrong and for help when they want to be better. I wanted my kids to understand that Jesus was a child just like themβthat he lived the life they couldnβt, died so they could be forgiven, and was raised in order that they could become like him. As parents and caregivers read these books outside of discipline moments, theyβll establish a framework to reference during moments of discipline. I hope these books will serve your families, communities, and followers well.
The Board Books
The lift-the-flap board books in the Training Young Hearts series serve as engaging training tools that not only hold out examples of how our bodies should and shouldnβt be used, but also offer a framework for introducing the concepts of repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness, and sanctification.
Parents and caregivers can refer back to these resources when specific behaviors like biting, hitting, snatching need correcting. Children will be encouraged not only to follow Jesus as their example, but also to look to him for forgiveness when they fail and help when they long to be better. Theyβll be reassured of his love for us even when we fail and be comforted by the Holy Spiritβs power to help us.
The Storybooks
These helpful and engaging training tools help kids ages 3+ to understand the gospel and apply it to their lives in a way that suits their age and stage.
Each of these exciting, rhyming storybooks encourages children towards gospel-centered, grace-fueled obedience. Kids are empowered to connect the gospel to their own actions, attitudes, and perspectives.
From creation and fall to redemption, sanctification, and glorification, each colorful storybook captures the beauty of the gospel message through simple, practical rhyming language and illustrations that children will love to engage with.
Not only will children be encouraged to follow Jesusβ example, but theyβll also be reassured that he loves us no matter what we do. He can forgive us when we fail and help us to change. Kids will be inspired and equipped to follow Jesus in word and deed.

