The Book That Changed Everything

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke and her children enjoyed a new picture book that invites children to discover their faith through reading the Bible.

The Book That Changed Everything written by Allison Regina Gliot, FSP and illustrated by Santiago Maria Lopez Piuma is a children’s book that follows the journey of Sophia, who discovers the Bible and encounters Jesus for the first time in her special library filled with books. Her life is forever changed as she experiences faith & friendship through the Bible’s pages and Jesus’ powerful words. This heartfelt story focuses on how the Bible is the living Word of God through imaginative illustrations and an easy-to-follow storyline.

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I sat down with three of my children and excitedly opened this eye-catching book that caters to children ages three to seven. We were immediately captivated by the pictures, presented in a fun manner with movie-like illustrations. The main character, Sophia, begins her journey of discovery in her library, where she loves to read more than anything in the world. Even though Sophia is vastly surrounded by books in the library, she still feels lonely and longs for something more. She soon stumbles upon a book unlike any other she has ever seen in the library, and it appears that the book is truly alive!

Sophia continues encountering Jesus’ gentle voice, where he communicates, “That Book is my voice. Whenever you read it, we are together.” Sophia soon realizes how special this Book truly is and holds the Book closely because it is so precious to her. Learning about his love, Jesus teaches Sophia about the people who lived in the Book a long time ago and how they too followed His voice.

Through Sofia’s eyes, children discover why the Bible is a special book; how they can encounter Jesus in Scripture and the Church; and that they, too, have a special place in God’s story. (Pauline Books & Media)

I specifically appreciated how this children’s storybook focused on the love Jesus shares with the entire world and the example it gives of how children can seek and build their own connections through prayer, the Gospel, and reading the Bible. Most noticeable is the book's flow, which entices the reader to follow along with Sophia’s exciting adventure as she invites Jesus in and opens her heart.

As a mother to four young children, I feel this is the ideal book to help encourage our little ones to seek their own relationship with Jesus, as it demonstrates how to look outside yourself when you are lonely or in need, just as Sophia did. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is in the process of teaching God’s Word to children, and most of all, spreading the powerful message of His unconditional love.

When Sofia woke up, she hugged the Book close. There were millions of books in the library, but this one was the most precious. It meant that she was not alone. It meant that she had the best friend of all: Jesus. (The Book That Changed Everything)

Ask for The Book That Changed Everything at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Pauline Books & Media.

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