Fine print: We are an independent review organization; we do not use generative AI for any textual content, nor do we accept compensation for book reviews. We are participants in the Westminster Books, Christian Book, Bookshop, and Amazon LLC affiliate programs; purchases you make through these affiliate links may earn us a commission. Read more here.
A big change happened for Wallace, the whale, and his mama. It’s scary, but God is with them.
*A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland, illustrated by Kevin and Kristen Howdeshell. New Growth Press, 2025. 32 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
- Recommended For: Ages 4-10
Wallace loves playing and swimming near his Mama and with his friends: William, Wanda, Wesley, and Winnie. Wallace is a whale, so he’s much bigger than a human… but he’s small for a whale. Mama loves him and teaches him all about God.
One day, a big change happened: Wallace and Mama had to go on a big journey. Mama told Wallace that it’s what whales do! But Wallace is not sure about this. What is it like up North? What if he can’t see anything in the dark? What about his friends? So many questions!
Mama reassures Wallace over and over that God sees them and is with them. Echoing Psalm 139, she reassures her son that he need not fear and he will never be apart from God.
Strickland is an expert at navigating feelings (or, rather, helping others navigate feelings!). A Big Change Happened is an outstanding resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone else working with children. Sometimes, a big change is like Wallace’s: a move. Sometimes, a big change might look a little lesser to an adult, but it’s still a big change for a child (new teacher, new sibling, new next door neighbors, new classroom, etc.). This book provides a comforting and biblical tool to read with your children. Bonus: The Howdeshells’ art is stunning.
*indicates a Redeemed Reader starred review, an outstanding example in its field.
Bottom Line: Highly recommended! This would make a great resource for a church library or Christian school library in addition to a solid resource for families.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Reviews: We’ve reviewed the others in this series by Strickland: Something Sad Happened and Something Scary Happened.
- Book Reviews: Love the Howdeshells’ art as much as we do? Check out The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins.
- Book Reviews: More picture books that are both well-illustrated and helpful: The Watcher by Nikki Grimes (bullying), If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney (being kind to others), Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood (moving).
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.