Arlo Takes Off

By Betsy Childs Howard, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

... Show All

TGC Picture Book Helps Kids Embrace the Way God Made Them

When Arlo’s favorite TV show tells him he can be anything he wants to be, he decides he wants to be like a bird and fly! When both he and his high hopes hit the ground, Arlo learns a painful lesson. His parents help him understand that, no matter what others may tell us, we can only be who God made us to be. In a world that promises endless possibilities, it’s easy for little ones to feel discouraged when things don’t go as they imagined. But by learning how God uniquely created each of us—with our bodies, abilities, and limitations—we discover a more joyful way to live. 

Written for children ages 3–7, this engaging picture book helps kids resist the message of expressive individualism that their feelings define who they are. At the end of the book, a special section for parents provides advice for helping kids navigate disappointments and embrace the joy of God’s perfect plan. 

  • Written for Kids Ages 3–7: Accessible story accompanied by colorful illustrations to keep kids engaged 
  • Teaches Kids an Important Life Lesson: Without directly addressing gender, this story addresses bodily limitations and teaches kids that stepping outside of God’s design only leads to harm
  • Practical Approach for Parents and Guardians: A “Note to Grownups” provides advice for helping kids embrace who God made them to be, handle disappointment, and live within the boundaries of his design 
  • TGC Kids Series: Teaches kids biblical truths while engaging their hearts and imaginations

Author:

Betsy Childs Howard

Betsy Childs Howard (MA, Beeson Divinity School) is an editor for the Gospel Coalition. She is the author of Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up and Polly and the Screen Time Overload. Betsy and her husband, Bernard, live with their two little boys in Birmingham, Alabama.

Illustrator:

Samara Hardy

Samara Hardy is a freelance illustrator and designer who creates artwork for greeting cards, stationery, housewares, children’s books, and more. She has worked with clients across the globe, such as Hallmark, Trader Joe’s, Oxford University Press, and American Greetings.

Product Details

Category: Children & Youth
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 40 + self ends
Size: 8.5 in x 8.5 in
Weight: 11.0 ounces
ISBN-13: 979-8-8749-0686-3
ISBN-UPC: 9798874906863
Published: May 05, 2026

Endorsements

“The Gospel Coalition’s illustrated storybooks provide ready-made conversation starters for families to use on important issues that kids struggle with. They answer these challenges with biblical truths that offer gospel solutions to their problems. Parents and grandparents should add these picture books to their family libraries.”
Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series

“With charming illustrations, relatable characters, and kind-hearted wisdom, the TGC Kids series is a wonderful way for children to imagine what it looks like to grow in godliness in their everyday lives. Kids will love reading these titles with their parents, and parents will be delighted to see how the stories offer a loving launchpad for biblical application within their own homes. I genuinely adore these books.”
Caroline Saunders, author, The Story of Home and Kids in the Bible

“The TGC Kids series is a wonderful addition to any library. Each title brings an opportunity to share a fun and engaging story with our children while also helping them see gospel truths unfolding in relatable, real-life situations. I’m grateful for these books, the way they model biblical wisdom, and the many spiritual conversations they have sparked in my home.”
Scott James, author, The Sower; The Littlest Watchman; Mission Accomplished; The Expected One; and Where Is Wisdom?

“Few things are more important than catechizing the next generation with the precious, sacred gospel truths. This beautifully illustrated series combines creativity and orthodoxy in a way that children can understand and remember. If you are a parent interested in effective, solid resources for your family, you’ll want to get the entire series. If you are in children’s ministry, you will want to put these books in your library.”
Daniel Darling, Director, The Land Center for Cultural Engagement; author, The Biggest, Best Light and Jesus and the Characters of Christmas