Little Jesus and the Lonely Puppy by Kimberley Gordon and her grandchildren Viviana Camille and Olivia Francine is a heartwarming story that blends cultural education with engaging storytelling for young readers. Set in the vibrant streets of Nazareth, the story offers a fictionalized glimpse into the daily life of young Jesus, his family, and his interactions with the community. The book paints a sweet picture of childhood curiosity and compassion through charming dialogue and colorful imagery. The narrative follows Little Jesus as he accompanies his family to the marketplace, where he encounters neighbors and animals and discovers a lost puppy. Each moment is an opportunity to teach values like kindness, responsibility, and love for all living creatures. For instance, when Little Jesus befriends a lamb and later persuades his parents to adopt the stray puppy, readers are introduced to lessons about care and stewardship in an inspiring way.

Kimberley Gordon and her grandchildren stay true to cultural authenticity by incorporating Hebrew and Aramaic terms such as “Abba,” “Imma,” and “Shalom,” which are thoughtfully explained in a glossary. These linguistic touches, along with a map of the Roman Empire and a family tree, add educational value, encouraging young readers to explore history and geography. The included activities add to the story’s engagement, creating opportunities for children to connect with the themes. Little Jesus and the Lonely Puppy is a remarkable story filled with endearing historical and moral lessons that children will enjoy. This story is a delightful addition to a family library, and I highly recommend it.

Have you ever put Jesus into His historical perspective and thought about what He might have done as a child? Kimberly Gordon, Viviana Camille, and Olivia Francine have. Together, they have written a wonderful book, Little Jesus and the Lonely Puppy, about an event that might have happened in the life of the young Jesus. They write about Jesus’ trip to the market using their imaginations. Your child will enjoy the sights and sounds of the market. These are so realistic that your child might even smell the bread being baked. Little Jesus meets two girls who have a lamb. The lamb runs away, and the girls chase it. The lamb comes to Jesus when He calls it. The girls are amazed; however, this is just an example of the sheep hearing the Good Shepherd’s voice. Another important figure in this book is a lonely puppy that Jesus found. What will He do with it? Will His mom and dad allow Him to keep the puppy?

Kimberley Gordon, Viviana Camille, and Olivia Francine's beautiful children’s books talk about the typical life of children when Jesus walked on Earth. Little Jesus and the Lonely Puppy teaches your child several life lessons that will help guide them into making wise choices as they grow up. Your child will learn to be friendly, even to those who are different from them. They will understand that the Creator of the universe expects us to be kind to all His creation. What should your child do if they see a lonely puppy? How does adopting a pet illustrate our relationship with Jesus? At the end of the book, the authors include a glossary, a map of the Roman Empire, and Jesus’ family tree. FolksnFables provides rich illustrations for this book.