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May You Be Blessed with Failure
Why would parents want their children to fail? No matter how much we try, we can't protect our children from every negative experience. So instead of shielding them from difficulties, we should be instilling in our children the wisdom to turn to God whenever they experience life's trials. This children's book, written by youth minister, Mark Restaino, contains a lineup of backward blessings paired with cute illustrations that show how God works in our suffering. Read this book while simultaneously praying these blessings over your children. May this story put a smile on your face and be a blessing to you, your family, and your church community.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published December 6, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 17, 2020
This is the third book of Marks that I have read and again it's BEAUTIFUL and beautifully written. I wish these books were around when my 2 boys were younger.. I love to call these books, teaching books. Reason as to why I call them teaching books is because, they teach children morals and truth. Also acceptance of who you are, inside and out. Accept others no matter what. Love these books that Mark has written!!
February 1, 2019
I really liked the written portion of this book. It’s a wonderful way to teach biblical responses to trials and failures. Each page contains a ‘backward blessing’. That is followed by a ‘because’ section that turns our eyes back to God.
I didn’t really like the illustrations. Usually, I don’t comment on illustrations because they are such a matter of taste. In this book, however, they carry half of the message. They are cute, very eye-catching and colorful. As illustrations, they are some of the best I have seen. What made me uncomfortable was the use of a little boy to represent Jesus. I didn’t immediately pick up that the boy symbolizes Jesus. For the first few pages, I just thought they are good illustrations of God working through friends to comfort, encourage, and help us. Then they started getting a little strange. The boy seems to have the ability to do only what God can do, that’s when I started guessing they had a double meaning. It also seems that while the illustration characters are children, they also represent adults building a family. Maybe the problem is that the illustrator is attempting too many layers of symbolism at the same time. In the end, it just sent very mixed messages. For example, I think the illustration that bothered me most was the one where the children are playing doctor, the girl is the doctor and the boy is ‘giving birth’. Then in the next one, she is obviously the mother. It would work as an illustration of children playing but is really weird with the following ones of a traditional family growing. I’m not sure how it fits with the boy is Jesus symbolism.
Once I reached the back of the book there is a list of other symbols. Obviously, I picked up on the main one, but I missed some of the others.
I did not know when I picked this book up that it was by a Catholic author.
I didn’t really like the illustrations. Usually, I don’t comment on illustrations because they are such a matter of taste. In this book, however, they carry half of the message. They are cute, very eye-catching and colorful. As illustrations, they are some of the best I have seen. What made me uncomfortable was the use of a little boy to represent Jesus. I didn’t immediately pick up that the boy symbolizes Jesus. For the first few pages, I just thought they are good illustrations of God working through friends to comfort, encourage, and help us. Then they started getting a little strange. The boy seems to have the ability to do only what God can do, that’s when I started guessing they had a double meaning. It also seems that while the illustration characters are children, they also represent adults building a family. Maybe the problem is that the illustrator is attempting too many layers of symbolism at the same time. In the end, it just sent very mixed messages. For example, I think the illustration that bothered me most was the one where the children are playing doctor, the girl is the doctor and the boy is ‘giving birth’. Then in the next one, she is obviously the mother. It would work as an illustration of children playing but is really weird with the following ones of a traditional family growing. I’m not sure how it fits with the boy is Jesus symbolism.
Once I reached the back of the book there is a list of other symbols. Obviously, I picked up on the main one, but I missed some of the others.
I did not know when I picked this book up that it was by a Catholic author.
July 22, 2019
I am not a denominational Christian and when I discovered that this book is catholic based, I had no issues at all. As long as the material does not contradict the bible we are good.
This book is of 35 pages. There was no specification within the book that spoke of the age range this book is meant for. All I know is that this material is intended for children.
I had my expectations high and I truly wanted to like this material but there was numerous question that grew in my mind as I read this book.
Overall, I don't like this material and you are about to learn why.
THE BOOK TITLE
I feel terrible discussing this! Thinking of it, I know it isn't in my place to tell the Authors, what to call their material but I feel the need to discuss this.
With that being said, I believe the title choice for this material wasn't the best. This book's title is likely to convert better with a Christian self-help book for mature minds.
When I got the chance to pick from various books by these writers, I picked this one out of curiosity and expectations. The book title is something that called me as an Adult.
On the other hand, this book is less likely to convert sales if a child is given the opportunity to make a choice. From experience, no kid wants to be a failure and no kid is patient enough to think through those words.
As a mother, this book title might get my attention on a bookshelf but I will find it difficult trusting it is a material that I can hand over to my youngster.
This is just me, you might think differently and that is cool.
THE MESSAGE
Learning of the message inside this material was something I was excited to do, however, things turned sour rapidly.
Many questions sprouted in my head as I went through this material.
1. Is this book really for kids?
2. By what means can a kid comprehend the messages?
3. How will a child perceive God after reading this material?
4. Does the word of God concur with this message?
There is nothing wrong with educating or setting up your kids on the best way to deal with troublesome circumstances when they emerge, however, when you make them feel like terrible things transpire in light of the fact that God needs to teach them a lesson; I feel there is an issue.
How about we do not overlook the fact that the minds of kids are sponges and they soak up every one thing we show and teach them.
Telling a child that; hunger, pain, hopelessness, or fear is a blessing because God wants to teach them is something that is unacceptable by me.
Maybe if you know what it means to be hungry, you wouldn't think of it as a gift. Let's not forget that; "the God we serve is fit for providing every one of our needs as per his wealth in glory"- Philippians 4:19
God has not sent Jesus to make us embrace hunger or any sort of pain.
I have been in pain and I disclose to you it ain't no blessing. Jesus isn't in charge of blessing individuals with agony, his idea for us is of good and not of evil!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. And fear is not of God." -Jeremiah 29:11
In the same scripture Jeremiah 29:11 God clarified that he has come to give us hope and the last sentence expresses that "And fear isn't of God"
Can someone explain how a good God will bless his children with things He does not stand for? I am confused!
The Illustration
I adored the illustrations within this material. I felt they were cute and very well done.
Yet! an issue came up toward the end of the book when we were introduced to what the illustrations represented.
Jesus was a boy! How do you expect a child to understand this without messing with their head?
I do not want to go in-depth on the illustrations because I have a lot to say about them. I am leaving it as I don't like this material and I can't recommend it.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Publication Date: December 6, 2018
Length: 35 pages
Genre: Children's Christian Learning Concepts Fiction
Book cover: Very clean and attractive
Book cover Rating: 5 Stars.
This book is of 35 pages. There was no specification within the book that spoke of the age range this book is meant for. All I know is that this material is intended for children.
I had my expectations high and I truly wanted to like this material but there was numerous question that grew in my mind as I read this book.
Overall, I don't like this material and you are about to learn why.
THE BOOK TITLE
I feel terrible discussing this! Thinking of it, I know it isn't in my place to tell the Authors, what to call their material but I feel the need to discuss this.
With that being said, I believe the title choice for this material wasn't the best. This book's title is likely to convert better with a Christian self-help book for mature minds.
When I got the chance to pick from various books by these writers, I picked this one out of curiosity and expectations. The book title is something that called me as an Adult.
On the other hand, this book is less likely to convert sales if a child is given the opportunity to make a choice. From experience, no kid wants to be a failure and no kid is patient enough to think through those words.
As a mother, this book title might get my attention on a bookshelf but I will find it difficult trusting it is a material that I can hand over to my youngster.
This is just me, you might think differently and that is cool.
THE MESSAGE
Learning of the message inside this material was something I was excited to do, however, things turned sour rapidly.
Many questions sprouted in my head as I went through this material.
1. Is this book really for kids?
2. By what means can a kid comprehend the messages?
3. How will a child perceive God after reading this material?
4. Does the word of God concur with this message?
There is nothing wrong with educating or setting up your kids on the best way to deal with troublesome circumstances when they emerge, however, when you make them feel like terrible things transpire in light of the fact that God needs to teach them a lesson; I feel there is an issue.
How about we do not overlook the fact that the minds of kids are sponges and they soak up every one thing we show and teach them.
Telling a child that; hunger, pain, hopelessness, or fear is a blessing because God wants to teach them is something that is unacceptable by me.
Maybe if you know what it means to be hungry, you wouldn't think of it as a gift. Let's not forget that; "the God we serve is fit for providing every one of our needs as per his wealth in glory"- Philippians 4:19
God has not sent Jesus to make us embrace hunger or any sort of pain.
I have been in pain and I disclose to you it ain't no blessing. Jesus isn't in charge of blessing individuals with agony, his idea for us is of good and not of evil!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. And fear is not of God." -Jeremiah 29:11
In the same scripture Jeremiah 29:11 God clarified that he has come to give us hope and the last sentence expresses that "And fear isn't of God"
Can someone explain how a good God will bless his children with things He does not stand for? I am confused!
The Illustration
I adored the illustrations within this material. I felt they were cute and very well done.
Yet! an issue came up toward the end of the book when we were introduced to what the illustrations represented.
Jesus was a boy! How do you expect a child to understand this without messing with their head?
I do not want to go in-depth on the illustrations because I have a lot to say about them. I am leaving it as I don't like this material and I can't recommend it.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Publication Date: December 6, 2018
Length: 35 pages
Genre: Children's Christian Learning Concepts Fiction
Book cover: Very clean and attractive
Book cover Rating: 5 Stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2020
Talk with your children! The writing in this book is simple... One line per page, each set of two pages describing a "backwards blessing". The focus is on ways that God can bless you, and the illustrations show that God can work through other people to do so. What you make of the book comes down to how you interact with your children. You can choose what to discuss at any given time. I think the book would appeal as inspirational reading to some adults, and I do think children would enjoy the illustrations. After reading the book and before writing this review, I read the reviews of several others. The Kindle edition I read did not contain the list of symbolism (which you can find in at least one reader's review in its entirety), but as someone else mentioned, you can choose to elaborate on the symbolism with your children or not. Some objections and criticisms I noted from other readers can be righted in the way a reader talks to a child, in my opinion. As for me, I liked the illustrations overall, but I might have changed some of the details if it were up to me. Enjoy the book, and use it to teach your children!
May 4, 2020
This was a fun quick read for me (grandma) but when reading to children, can take time to explain what can happen but God & family are there to pick you up and show what can happen withe right choice. I think this is really good for pre-school through 5th grade, just to solidify what their parents have taught them. Nothing or no one is perfect since the devil can still lead your child down the wrong path and to show if they follow God’s plan, that even if something bad happened that God can and will still help the child as long as God is shown with the same love that if they messed up God will forgive them and show them they are loved unconditionally. The pictures in this book and someone who works with children could do a better job that someone like me has really not been able to teach or talk to children consistently for a long time. This book could be read over and over and different things pointed out in the picture and can talk about what went wrong and how the next time it should work out fine and if not God is still there to pick them up.
May 9, 2019
I love how the author would use failures (struggles) throughout the story and follow up with positives (blessings). Life is full of valleys and mountains, I like to call them, smiles and tribulations. This author did a wonderful job showing us that throughout life's failures there will be successes and God will see you through. It also shows that if you experience something not so great in life, that it helps you to appreciate the things that are, that much more. I think, regardless of your faith, that you can appreciate this book. For those who are Catholic, it would make for a wonderful First Holy Communion gift. I love that the author added the descriptions in the back of what each character and such represented as well. It taught those of the faith or those that would like to know more about the faith what it was in reference too. I would definitely recommend this book and hope to see many more from this author.
December 9, 2020
Blessings in all things
This is a wonderful story teaching kids to see God's grace and mercy through the different trials of our lives. The beautiful illustrations help tie in the message that the author is trying to convey. As a parent, we want the best for our kids but if we only tell them about the good fluffy stuff how are they to learn? This book helps parents talk about God's love for us even when they mess up. That no matter what, God is still there. In our hurts, our pain, our tears and our failures. This book will definitely help in teaching kids to trust in God and believe in His promises. It also reinforces children to depend on God no matter what they're going through. A great teaching book!
This is a wonderful story teaching kids to see God's grace and mercy through the different trials of our lives. The beautiful illustrations help tie in the message that the author is trying to convey. As a parent, we want the best for our kids but if we only tell them about the good fluffy stuff how are they to learn? This book helps parents talk about God's love for us even when they mess up. That no matter what, God is still there. In our hurts, our pain, our tears and our failures. This book will definitely help in teaching kids to trust in God and believe in His promises. It also reinforces children to depend on God no matter what they're going through. A great teaching book!
January 6, 2021
First, I want to thank Mark Restaino and Sandra’s Book Club for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
May You Be Blessed With Failure by Mark Restaino is a refreshing book that's faith based while sharing a lot of life lessons in the book. This is set for the younger crowd but the young at heart like myself got a kick out of it too.
JP Alacomendas made me smile with his fun cartoonish graphics that went along with what Mark was writing. Kudos to JP for creating a female character that is a ginger. I too am a ginger and we are a rare breed in the graphic design world. So thank you!
Mark and JP collaborated well together on this book. I would love to read more of their stuff in the future.
May You Be Blessed With Failure by Mark Restaino is a refreshing book that's faith based while sharing a lot of life lessons in the book. This is set for the younger crowd but the young at heart like myself got a kick out of it too.
JP Alacomendas made me smile with his fun cartoonish graphics that went along with what Mark was writing. Kudos to JP for creating a female character that is a ginger. I too am a ginger and we are a rare breed in the graphic design world. So thank you!
Mark and JP collaborated well together on this book. I would love to read more of their stuff in the future.
February 4, 2019
This is to be a children's story but left me with mixed emotions. It is definitely not something for me to share with children or grandchildren. Even with the symbols explained at the end of the story, I am deleting it, rather than sharing.
The story is Catholic based.
At the end of the book, it defines the symbols in the story as:
The boy = Jesus Christ
the girl = you
the apple = original sin and the empty promises of sin
the jelly sandwich = Holy Communion
the olive colored scarf and hat = oil of the sick
the cardboard box = a confessional
the swimming pool = a baptismal font
The story is Catholic based.
At the end of the book, it defines the symbols in the story as:
The boy = Jesus Christ
the girl = you
the apple = original sin and the empty promises of sin
the jelly sandwich = Holy Communion
the olive colored scarf and hat = oil of the sick
the cardboard box = a confessional
the swimming pool = a baptismal font
April 4, 2019
"May You Be Blessed With Failure" is an inspiring picture book that teaches kids about the struggles and blessings of life, using fun pictures as brief parables. While this book primarily appears to be targeted at Christian readers, the overall message is clear: "without the tough parts of life, we wouldn't appreciate the amazing things that we're given". I think there's something for everyone to learn from this book. There's even a little humor for adults reading in the pictures depicting the boy and girl playing wedding and the boy delivering a baby. Looking forward to reading more from this author soon!
March 25, 2019
I’m not a Christian but I do LOVE the message of the book. Who would love failure? No one! But if we pay close attention, we will see that failure is actually a blessing in disguise. It teaches us many valuable lessons; helps us get stronger and even gives us some new opportunities that we may not hope for. I highly recommend sharing this book with your kids. They surely will enjoy the book and learn something great from it!
May 11, 2019
A Wonderful Message of Hope, Comfort, and Humility
This was a wonderful and inspiring book to read. I highly recommend it for all Christian children to read. I love the adorable and humorous illustrations (as humor is one of God's many gifts for us!), and how at the end of the book you find out that each illustration represents someone or an event in the bible. A very creative and talented author!
This was a wonderful and inspiring book to read. I highly recommend it for all Christian children to read. I love the adorable and humorous illustrations (as humor is one of God's many gifts for us!), and how at the end of the book you find out that each illustration represents someone or an event in the bible. A very creative and talented author!
June 2, 2019
Do you keep your faith in a Christian God front and centre in your family life, bringing him into everything that you do? For those that do, author Mark Restaino’s simple children’s book highlights how God helps children work through challenges they face in their daily life. Obviously not the book for everyone, but a great teaching and resource aid for Christian families with that mode of faith.
Well done Mark for keeping your message simple, easy to follow and tied well to your faith.
Well done Mark for keeping your message simple, easy to follow and tied well to your faith.
May 10, 2020
A different way to teach children the many aspects of God's love.
These "backward blessings" are an unusual way to teach about God's love and the wonderful things He wants for our lives. For me, as I read each backward blessing, it surprised me enough that I paid closer attention to what each blessing can teach. This is a novel way to open the talks with children about God. The pages are short but to the point.
These "backward blessings" are an unusual way to teach about God's love and the wonderful things He wants for our lives. For me, as I read each backward blessing, it surprised me enough that I paid closer attention to what each blessing can teach. This is a novel way to open the talks with children about God. The pages are short but to the point.
December 6, 2020
This book is all about the beauty of failure.
Nice, colorful, and funny illustrations. I liked the caricature style of the renditions. I didn’t always get the testaments. “May you be blessed with longing, so God can make you fruitful.” Not sure what this meant, but the drawing of it was cute and funny. Not really a God person, but the acceptance of our flaws and the error of our ways certainly are things to learn.
Nice, colorful, and funny illustrations. I liked the caricature style of the renditions. I didn’t always get the testaments. “May you be blessed with longing, so God can make you fruitful.” Not sure what this meant, but the drawing of it was cute and funny. Not really a God person, but the acceptance of our flaws and the error of our ways certainly are things to learn.
April 18, 2023
Some books you read and they don't find a place to set a spell inside you. This is not one of those books. May You Be Blessed with Failure is a wonderful book filled with cute but simple pictures with no more than 7 words on each page. However the simple messages in words are powerful and though written as a kids book it is a great and useful reminder for any generation. I was blessed with a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. May you be blessed with a copy as well.
November 6, 2023
Be blesses with failure... interesting but may be confusing for a child.
The book has a very deep message how something not so good may be a blessing and turn into a great experience. I find it that for an adult believing in God this book has a clear message, easy to understand. But not sure if a child will take it the way it is intended to be understood.
The illustrations ar lovely and colorful.
The book has a very deep message how something not so good may be a blessing and turn into a great experience. I find it that for an adult believing in God this book has a clear message, easy to understand. But not sure if a child will take it the way it is intended to be understood.
The illustrations ar lovely and colorful.
February 13, 2024
I like the idea of this book, but it got a bit weird somewhere in production. The pregnant boy, the other Catholic symbolism- kids are going to have lots of questions. Also, some of the other ideas, like "longing" leading to "fruitfulness" are a little strange to explain to the 5 and under crowd. The idea of backward blessings is still a good one, but I think this book has a few kinks that need to be worked out.
May 9, 2020
Cute, sweet, like a hug!
I found the artwork delightful. I agreed with most of the conclusions. Definitely a good way to talk about “failures” or disappointments. Though overwhelmed —I find causes me to turn to the Lord as my source of strength and improves my trust which perhaps be discussed as leading to humility.
I found the artwork delightful. I agreed with most of the conclusions. Definitely a good way to talk about “failures” or disappointments. Though overwhelmed —I find causes me to turn to the Lord as my source of strength and improves my trust which perhaps be discussed as leading to humility.
June 17, 2020
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that reminds us we are blessed even when things may not be going our way. I each to read to your kids and the lesson are simple for the little ones to understand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2020
A great book to explain to children that we are never alone, there is always someone taking us by the hand through life and that someone is God. It doesn’t matter how many times we fail to do or achieve something; He is there for us. Making mistakes helps us to learn and grow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2023
It is a very good idea to write a children's book about failure.
Children must learn early that failures are the learning curves of life.
In this particular book, the author/illustrator team did not collaborate well - I see the publication as a small failure.
I received a free copy of MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH FAILURE from the author.
Children must learn early that failures are the learning curves of life.
In this particular book, the author/illustrator team did not collaborate well - I see the publication as a small failure.
I received a free copy of MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH FAILURE from the author.
May 31, 2024
May You Be Blessed with Failure is a beautifully written book with a great message for young readers and adults. Sometimes, we feel discouraged and disappointed when we fail but this book reminds us that there's a reason for everything even failure. Blessings come with failures and disappointments sometimes, Believe and have Faith.
August 24, 2024
I love this book! The illustrations are simple but on point. The message is well-delivered and the writing makes it easy to explain to my toddler. I was kind of hesitant to read it at first, but the title is quite intriguing for a children's book so I tried it. It's really beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's books.
May 7, 2019
Symbolically beautiful
Marks has truly written an inspiring tale about how Faithfulness can guide you throughout life. With every failure there follows an experience and with every hurt there comes a healing. This is such a great story!!!
Marks has truly written an inspiring tale about how Faithfulness can guide you throughout life. With every failure there follows an experience and with every hurt there comes a healing. This is such a great story!!!
June 8, 2020
Blessings for everyone!
Wow! What a blessed little book! It made me thankful for all the situations I have gone through, and have looked to the Lord for guidance! Keep on writing and blessing us.
Wow! What a blessed little book! It made me thankful for all the situations I have gone through, and have looked to the Lord for guidance! Keep on writing and blessing us.
July 14, 2021
Interesting
The illustrations are magnificent.
An interesting take on failure.
I personally don't believe that God blesses someone with failure.
However I do believe that God steps in and allows failure to be turned into victory.
The illustrations are magnificent.
An interesting take on failure.
I personally don't believe that God blesses someone with failure.
However I do believe that God steps in and allows failure to be turned into victory.
May 10, 2023
A great book in which the author makes biblical teachings relatable to little readers. This book would be great for a children's bible study group. It is an excellent reminder that during challenging times that a blessing may be born.
March 27, 2019
This book has a lovely message to turn negatives into a positive by being grateful for the lessons that life teaches us along the way. Cute illustrations.
April 2, 2019
Learning that failure is an important part of life and can be a great teaching tool is crucial for today's children!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews