Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up

By Betsy Childs Howard, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

... Show All

Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up

By Betsy Childs Howard, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

... Show All

With easy-to-understand language and engaging images, this book shows children ages 3–7 the freedom that comes through confessing sin rather than trying to cover it up. During naptime, Arlo colors on his bedroom wall and then tries desperately to hide his disobedience from his mother. His efforts fail, but he discovers relief that comes when he finally confesses his sin. In the end, children will learn along with Arlo that although we cannot hide sin from God, confession opens the door to mercy and reconciliation.


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 Seasons of Waiting. Betsy lives with her family in Birmingham, Alabama, where her husband pastors Grace Church.

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

Title: Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up
Published: June 02, 2020
ISBN-10: 1-4335-6852-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-6852-7
Category: Children & Youth
Retail Price: $14.99
Binding: Hardcover
Trim: 8.5 in x 8.5 in
Page Count: 40

Endorsements

“What happens when you’ve made a mess that you can’t clean up? This is Arlo’s problem, and, as the story unfolds, we realize that it’s the fundamental problem of every human heart. But thankfully, Arlo is not left on his own. A wise mother points Arlo—and his readers—to the source of true cleansing. With its captivating illustrations, accessible language, and engaging plot, Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up will delight young readers and warm the hearts of parents. This book is also fun to read aloud, which is a very good thing because its lesson of repentance and grace is one that we all need to hear again and again.”
Megan Hill, pastor’s wife; author, A Place to Belong; Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition

“Real. Relatable. Restorative. I look forward to reading this book to my kids and savoring the conversations that follow. What a wonderful opportunity to talk to kids about God’s amazing grace!”
Emily Jensen, coauthor, Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments; Cofounder and Content Director, Risen Motherhood

“We’ve all experienced times when we tried so very hard to cover up our sins rather than confess them. In our pride, we believed that we could mask our sin, when all we really did was make a bigger spiritual mess of our hearts and our lives. Arlo’s mom reflects the heart of God toward our sin, both in the way she allows Arlo to experience the consequences of his actions, and in how she lovingly restores him when he repents. This may be a kid’s book, but the lessons it contains are for us all.”
Kristie Anyabwile, wife and mom; editor, His Testimonies, My Heritage

“My six-year-old son loves this story, told simply and with beautiful artwork. As a dad, I’m happy for stories that help my kids know how much better it is to have our sin cleaned up than covered up!”
Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development, North American Mission Board; Visiting Professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy; Rethink Your Self; and This Is Our Time

"As a dad, I’m happy for stories that help my kids know how much better it is to have our sin cleaned up than covered up!”

Trevin Wax

author, This Is Our Time