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A Big Change Happened: Helping Children through Upheaval
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2025
The story of Wallace the whale who is nervous about the upcoming move to the North. His mom reassures him that God is always with him and that God is never surprised. Lots of information about whales and migration, and role play dialogue between the mom and child.
I didn’t not find the story as engaging or helpful as “Something Scary Happened”. Though I do appreciate the practical notes for parents in the back.
Maybe because it ended on too positive of a note? Sometimes big changes happens and life is harder than it was before.
I didn’t not find the story as engaging or helpful as “Something Scary Happened”. Though I do appreciate the practical notes for parents in the back.
Maybe because it ended on too positive of a note? Sometimes big changes happens and life is harder than it was before.
August 16, 2025
Book Review: A Big Change Happened: Helping Children through Upheaval by Darby A. Strickland
Darby A. Strickland’s A Big Change Happened is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that gently guides children through life’s difficult transitions. With calming artwork that perfectly complements the story, this book offers a comforting and biblically grounded message for young hearts navigating change.
Through the curious and heartfelt questions of Wallace, the young main character, Strickland captures the way children often wrestle with the unknown. As a parent, I saw my own 4-year-old reflected in Wallace—full of deep, thoughtful questions about God and life that often leave me both challenged and inspired.
One of the book’s most powerful and reassuring refrains, “God's love follows you wherever you go and whatever you do,” is likely to become a repeated phrase in our home—something we can all hold onto in seasons of uncertainty. It's simple, memorable, and rooted in truth.
Quality, biblically-based picture books like this one are a gift to families and churches alike. I’m looking forward to adding a physical copy to our church library when it releases in September. A Big Change Happened is a gentle, gospel-centered resource that brings hope, stability, and faith into the hands of children—and the adults who love them.
Thank you to New Growth Press for an early digital copy of this title to review.
Darby A. Strickland’s A Big Change Happened is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that gently guides children through life’s difficult transitions. With calming artwork that perfectly complements the story, this book offers a comforting and biblically grounded message for young hearts navigating change.
Through the curious and heartfelt questions of Wallace, the young main character, Strickland captures the way children often wrestle with the unknown. As a parent, I saw my own 4-year-old reflected in Wallace—full of deep, thoughtful questions about God and life that often leave me both challenged and inspired.
One of the book’s most powerful and reassuring refrains, “God's love follows you wherever you go and whatever you do,” is likely to become a repeated phrase in our home—something we can all hold onto in seasons of uncertainty. It's simple, memorable, and rooted in truth.
Quality, biblically-based picture books like this one are a gift to families and churches alike. I’m looking forward to adding a physical copy to our church library when it releases in September. A Big Change Happened is a gentle, gospel-centered resource that brings hope, stability, and faith into the hands of children—and the adults who love them.
Thank you to New Growth Press for an early digital copy of this title to review.
October 9, 2025
When my little one recently faced some big change, I wanted words that could hold their heart — and mine.
Darby Strickland’s A Big Change Happened is that kind of book.
It whispers truth when life feels upside down:
God never changes, even when everything else does. 💛
📚
✍️ Synopsis
Wallace the whale discovers that a big change is happening in his ocean world and he feels confused and scared. As Wallace talks with his mom, she helps him understand that even though his surroundings have changed, God’s love and care have not., Wallace learns that he can trust God through every change — because God never changes.
🫶🏿 Why we love it
🐋 It uses a gentle ocean setting that helps big emotions feel safe and relatable for kids.
🐋 The story beautifully shows how God stays the same even when life doesn’t.
🐋 The illustrations are calming and full of subtle detail and vibrant colored
🐋 It gives parents language to talk about change, loss, or transition with grace and hope.
🐋 It ends with comfort — reminding children that God’s love is steady like the sea.
🐋 It includes a helpful parent guide to help children understand the emotions & behaviour experienced by change and provides biblical and practical tips
✨ A gentle story for little hearts learning to process change with gospel-centered comfort & to trust a never-changing God.
Darby Strickland’s A Big Change Happened is that kind of book.
It whispers truth when life feels upside down:
God never changes, even when everything else does. 💛
📚
✍️ Synopsis
Wallace the whale discovers that a big change is happening in his ocean world and he feels confused and scared. As Wallace talks with his mom, she helps him understand that even though his surroundings have changed, God’s love and care have not., Wallace learns that he can trust God through every change — because God never changes.
🫶🏿 Why we love it
🐋 It uses a gentle ocean setting that helps big emotions feel safe and relatable for kids.
🐋 The story beautifully shows how God stays the same even when life doesn’t.
🐋 The illustrations are calming and full of subtle detail and vibrant colored
🐋 It gives parents language to talk about change, loss, or transition with grace and hope.
🐋 It ends with comfort — reminding children that God’s love is steady like the sea.
🐋 It includes a helpful parent guide to help children understand the emotions & behaviour experienced by change and provides biblical and practical tips
✨ A gentle story for little hearts learning to process change with gospel-centered comfort & to trust a never-changing God.
February 20, 2026
This review contains affiliate links.
I received A Big Change Happened , compliments of New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.
A Big Change Happened is the latest title in the Comfort for Children in Hard Times series by biblical counselor Darby Strickland. This book contains lovely illustrations and helps children understand how God is unchanging and ever-present, even when life's circumstances are often changing. The story features Wallace, a young whale who has many questions as his mother informs him that they will soon be moving.
Drawing from Psalm 139, A Big Change Happened helps children understand that God is always near. The book's conclusion features the text of Psalm 139:5-16, and contains a section for adults to help children navigate change. This book is an incredibly helpful resource, and I eagerly anticipate reading what's next in this series!
I received A Big Change Happened , compliments of New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.
A Big Change Happened is the latest title in the Comfort for Children in Hard Times series by biblical counselor Darby Strickland. This book contains lovely illustrations and helps children understand how God is unchanging and ever-present, even when life's circumstances are often changing. The story features Wallace, a young whale who has many questions as his mother informs him that they will soon be moving.
Drawing from Psalm 139, A Big Change Happened helps children understand that God is always near. The book's conclusion features the text of Psalm 139:5-16, and contains a section for adults to help children navigate change. This book is an incredibly helpful resource, and I eagerly anticipate reading what's next in this series!
November 14, 2025
A Big Change Happened is such a tender story about trusting God through life’s big changes. The book follows Wallace, a young whale, and his mama as they leave their warm blue sea near a green island to journey to a colder home far away. Wallace has so many questions and worries about swimming into the unknown, but his mom gently reminds him that wherever we go, God’s love always follows us. 💙
Psalm 139:5–16 is beautifully woven throughout the story, and the watercolor-style illustrations make each page come alive. While the artwork feels playful and inviting for little ones, I’d say the story is best suited for ages 5–8 because of its longer sentences and rich vocabulary.
At the back, there’s even a thoughtful parent guide with practical ways to help children process change through the truth of Scripture — which I love.
This book is a wonderful resource for homeschool families, children’s ministry, or simply reading together at home. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter what changes come, God’s love never leaves us. 🌿
✨ Highly recommend for ages 5 and up!
Psalm 139:5–16 is beautifully woven throughout the story, and the watercolor-style illustrations make each page come alive. While the artwork feels playful and inviting for little ones, I’d say the story is best suited for ages 5–8 because of its longer sentences and rich vocabulary.
At the back, there’s even a thoughtful parent guide with practical ways to help children process change through the truth of Scripture — which I love.
This book is a wonderful resource for homeschool families, children’s ministry, or simply reading together at home. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter what changes come, God’s love never leaves us. 🌿
✨ Highly recommend for ages 5 and up!
October 16, 2025
“God’s love follows you, wherever you go and whatever you do,” Mama whale sings to her son in the children’s book, A Big Change Happened. Wallace feels anxious as he and Mama encounter significant changes in their lives, and he has many questions.
I appreciate how Mama whale gently assures Wallace that, no matter what happens, they are always under God’s care. The warm and loving bond between Mama and her son is beautifully portrayed, as she comforts him and reminds him that God’s love remains constant.
Filled with vibrant and engaging illustrations, this story encourages readers to remember that everyone handles change in their own way, but God’s love and guidance are always present for us.
First Line: Wallace was a little whale.
Genre: Children
Author: Darby Strickland
Page Count: 32
Reading Age: 4-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
I appreciate how Mama whale gently assures Wallace that, no matter what happens, they are always under God’s care. The warm and loving bond between Mama and her son is beautifully portrayed, as she comforts him and reminds him that God’s love remains constant.
Filled with vibrant and engaging illustrations, this story encourages readers to remember that everyone handles change in their own way, but God’s love and guidance are always present for us.
First Line: Wallace was a little whale.
Genre: Children
Author: Darby Strickland
Page Count: 32
Reading Age: 4-8
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
November 6, 2025
"Wallace was happy living in the warm clear water next to the green island...Then one day, Mama sang a new song to Wallace."
"It was all about a BIG CHANGE!"
Here are the BIG TRUTHs shared in this delightful picture book:
1. "God's love won't change. God's love follows you, wherever you go and whatever you do."
2. "You can't surprise God. He planned every day for you. He saw you before you were born! He made you."
I recommend this book for families about to experience a big change. For us (and Wallace), the big change was a big move. Like little Wallace, my little ones had and continue to have so many questions.
Throughout the book, Wallace's mama continues to point him back to Truth rooted in Scripture. (Psalm 139:5-16)
Mamas don't miss the author's note in the back with help to guide your children through big changes.
____________
Thank you New Growth Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"It was all about a BIG CHANGE!"
Here are the BIG TRUTHs shared in this delightful picture book:
1. "God's love won't change. God's love follows you, wherever you go and whatever you do."
2. "You can't surprise God. He planned every day for you. He saw you before you were born! He made you."
I recommend this book for families about to experience a big change. For us (and Wallace), the big change was a big move. Like little Wallace, my little ones had and continue to have so many questions.
Throughout the book, Wallace's mama continues to point him back to Truth rooted in Scripture. (Psalm 139:5-16)
Mamas don't miss the author's note in the back with help to guide your children through big changes.
____________
Thank you New Growth Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2025
Most people I know are not a big fan of change. Strickland has written a cute story to help children accept changes in their lives.
Wallace is a young whale who is migrating for the first time. This means big change for Wallace, his mom, and his friends. It is a great story about God being with us no matter where we are.
Strickland closes the book with a guide to help parents guide their children through big changes in their lives.
The Howdeshells created realistic but cartoon-like characters that complement the text well and help children visualize the text.
A Big Change Happened would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for preschoolers and primary-aged children.
I received a complimentary copy of A Big Change Happened. This is my honest review.
Wallace is a young whale who is migrating for the first time. This means big change for Wallace, his mom, and his friends. It is a great story about God being with us no matter where we are.
Strickland closes the book with a guide to help parents guide their children through big changes in their lives.
The Howdeshells created realistic but cartoon-like characters that complement the text well and help children visualize the text.
A Big Change Happened would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for preschoolers and primary-aged children.
I received a complimentary copy of A Big Change Happened. This is my honest review.
October 2, 2025
This is a new release from @newgrowthpress and we are enjoying it so much. The illustrations are wonderful beautiful and engaging and the storyline is sweet.
In this story, Wallace has to leave the warm water of his birth to journey to the cold water of the north as part of his migration patterns. And it’s scary. He doesn’t want anything to change. Wallace has questions about what his new home will look like and doesn’t always understand, but “he knew one thing for sure - he wasn’t alone.” Because God was with him. As his mom reassures him, “He goes before you and behind you, and He is right beside you too!”
This is an especially perfect book for a child going through a move or big life changes. And it gives all of us the reminders of God’s presence and faithfulness.
In this story, Wallace has to leave the warm water of his birth to journey to the cold water of the north as part of his migration patterns. And it’s scary. He doesn’t want anything to change. Wallace has questions about what his new home will look like and doesn’t always understand, but “he knew one thing for sure - he wasn’t alone.” Because God was with him. As his mom reassures him, “He goes before you and behind you, and He is right beside you too!”
This is an especially perfect book for a child going through a move or big life changes. And it gives all of us the reminders of God’s presence and faithfulness.
September 10, 2025
A wonderful application of Scripture in story form, surrounding a topic that every child faces in one form or another; change.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews