Clark, Jane V. (ed). Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely. New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC. 2019. 32 pages.
Have you ever been to an event where you did not really know anyone? Did you just dive into conversation with those people or did you stand there, feeling awkward and lonely in the midst of a crowd of people? I know for me, it usually has been the latter. As a youth pastor, I have seen and heard this is sometimes the same case for youth. Whether it is moving to a new house and school or being around a bunch of people you do not know or are not friends with, the feeling of loneliness can set in for youth, both younger and older. What counsel can one give to a child who is faced with such a circumstance? The sought-after words of wisdom may be contained in the story Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely, another addition in the “Good News for Little Hearts” series.
An Inviting and Relatable Story
Edited by Jayne V. Clark and illustrated by Joe Hox, Tori Comes Out of Her Shell invites the child to relate to the experience of Tori Turtle. As the turtle family moves from one meadow to the next, Tori finds herself at a new school with no friends. Although her brothers have already made friends, she has not. Spending much of the day by herself, Tori decides to hide inside her shell. That only lasts until her teacher, Miss Minnick, comes over to encourage her to not feel so lonely and to let her know Jesus is with her, giving her a verse card from the Great Book. Knowing the fear of embarrassment before others, Miss Minnick relates to Tori and shares how when she was a student in school, she had an embarrassing moment herself. Later on, Tori Turtle meets Gertie Gecko who struggles with some of the same things and they quickly become friends, both finding out God is with them when they are lonely and becoming friends in the process.
Encouraging Counsel
Tori Comes Out of Her Shell is a relatable story for children who are experiencing loneliness. For parents who are struggling what to say or how to help their kids through such a time, the section in the back of the book entitled “Helping Your Child with Loneliness” will give them great counsel. The Back Pocket Bible Verses in the very back of the book can be cut-out and given to the children who need that reminder from the story. If you know or parent a child dealing with feelings of loneliness, especially facing this issue at school, then offer them the encouragement by reading them Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely.
I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.
Entrusted By GOD Ministries 