Brown, Sharon Garlough. Not Finished Yet: Trusting God with All My Feelings. Illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Kids, 2024.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

Sometimes, you see, Wren and Gran didn’t paint flowers or clouds or birds or trees.
Sometimes they painted their feelings.
She and Gran called it “painting prayers.”

Gran’s art studio is one of Wren’s favorite places in the world. Not only is it where Wren and Gran paint, but it’s also where they talk about all the good and hard stuff of life―to each other, and to God. Join young Wren as she explores her feelings and discovers that God welcomes our honest prayers.

This gentle story by bestselling Christian novelist Sharon Garlough Brown, paired with exquisite illustrations from Jessica Linn Evans, will be enjoyed by children as well as the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.

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My Kid Review

Not Finished Yet is a beautiful story about a relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. It is also about honestly sharing feelings with God. Sharon Brown seems to understand young children and their uncertainties. 

Gran and Wren share a connection to art. They don’t just paint things, they also paint feelings. Wren paints her prayers. When one turns out not as beautiful as Wren wants, Gran guides her to acknowledge the disappointment and helps her understand that God can handle our tough feelings.

Jessica Evans crafted beautiful illustrations that are very realistic. They complement the text well.

Not Finished Yet would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for lower elementary students. 

I received a complimentary copy of Not Finished Yet. This is my honest review.