Kid Review

Kid Review – A Big Change Happened – picture book

Posted on by mouttet.menagerie

Strickland, Darby A. A Big Change Happened. Illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2025.

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

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A Big Change Happened helps children who are facing a move, starting a new school, or adjusting to a new family dynamic process their feelings through the story of Wallace the whale.

Wallace Whale loves his home in the warm blue sea near the green island where he and Mama sing, eat, sleep, and play. But one day, Mama tells him about a big change—they’re leaving for a long journey North! Wallace is worried and has so many questions: What will the North be like? Will he be okay? As they swim into the unknown, Mama gently reminds Wallace: Wherever you go, whatever you do, God’s love follows you.

Counselor Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Wallace along with Psalm 139 to help parents and caregivers walk with children through big changes and the questions that come with those changes. A special section at the end of the book helps parents and caregivers guide their children through accepting their new situation and uses biblical truths to reassure children that God’s love never changes.

  • The third book in the Comfort for Children in Hard Times series, addressing difficult experiences that children commonly face and offering gospel hope and help.
  • Children ages four to seven will be drawn to the bright and beautiful underwater world created Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell.
  • The companion minibook, Helping Children with Change: Holding Fast to God During Upheaval by Darby A. Strickland is available to give parents and caregivers more detailed help.  
  • Also available, a plush Wallace toy whale that gives kids something soft and comforting to snuggle when they’re anxious and serves as a reminder that wherever they go, God will be with them. 

Purchase A Big Change Happened on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4qvXimp

My Kid Review

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.

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