The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is a powerful resource that helps children understand spiritual warfare and conquer overwhelming feelings
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, children are experiencing an increase of anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. The challenges they encounter and feelings they experience can be overwhelming, leaving their hearts in need of comfort, and parents searching for resources to help their children cope and heal.
David C Cook, a leading publisher of Christian books and resources, announces the release of The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole by Beth Guckenberger. This poignant tale offers solace and strength to children in times of distress and anxiety and introduces young readers, ages 4 to 8, to the concept of spiritual warfare in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable.
“I wrote this book for the son of a good friend who struggles with overwhelming and hard feelings about his story,” explains Guckenberger. “I wanted him to understand no matter how attacked his heart might feel, or how loud the voices are, God is more. He’s more big, more strong, more present, more powerful.”
Guckenberger’s book addresses the reality of evil in the world in a way that is approachable and empowering for children. Beautiful illustrations and Bible verses weave a story of how God’s words of truth have the power to mend our hearts, no matter how overwhelming our emotions might feel.
The book is part of the StrongHeart Stories series, which focuses on teaching children how to use Scripture to engage in spiritual battles when their hearts are hurting.
The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is published by David C Cook, releases September 5, 2023, and is available for preorder now.
About the Author and Illustrator:
Beth Guckenberger is a recognized expert in children’s ministry, having served for thirty years in education and child welfare. As the co-founder and co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries, she has extended her reach to create transformative change in orphan care globally. With a rich background as an author of 12 books and a mother to 11 children, including biological, foster, and adopted, Beth’s profound insights have guided her impactful work. Beth’s engaging presence as a speaker at conferences, youth gatherings, and churches further solidifies her deep and diverse influence in children’s ministry.
Illustrator Irina Mileo was born in Tuscany and lives there with her family, including her strange cat Sir Boo and her beautiful baby girl. Trained as an engineer, Irina now constructs imaginative, colorful worlds for children, just like the worlds that so inspired her as a child.
David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.
Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011
Beth Guckenberger is available for interviews. To schedule, please contact Cathy Herholdt at cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org.
